Cosmic Faery's Journal of Wisdom and Wonder

A New Perspective

2011-08-17T12:01:00.006+01:00

"Sometimes it is necessary to let go only to see if there was anything worth holding on to."

The Hanged Man is one of the less popular images of the Tarot; the first impression many people get is that of an execution, even a slow death. Indeed, when the first Tarot cards were created, public hangings were an everyday occurrence, so we tend to associate the term "Hanged Man" with something ghastly.

But thankfully there is more to the Hanged Man than meets the eye; look closely at his face, and you notice a rather calm and peaceful expression. There is also a halo around his head suggesting a sense of enlightenment or illuminating thoughts. Because he is hanging upside down, he is gaining a different perspective of his surroundings.

The figure's hands are behind his back; we don't know but we can assume they're not bound, which means he has chosen this position in order to make sense of a situation. He is also hanging from just one leg giving him the somewhat restricted freedom to form the number "4" inverted.

Interestingly, there seems to be a connection between the Hanged Man and the fourth card in each suit:

4/Wands - pause, celebration

4/Cups - boredom, apathy

4/Swords - rest, recuperation

4/Pentacles - sitting tight, inflexible

The traditional meanings of the Hanged Man seem to be somehow reflected in these 4 Minor Arcana cards: lack of movement, contemplation, stasis but also literal meanings such as " in limbo", "hanging in there" and "suspension". In order to progress or move forward, the Hanged Man is searching for knowledge or understanding by turning his view of the world upside down. This process usually involves "letting go" of something, which can be hard but necessary in order to change the current position into a more comfortable one. It can feel like making a sacrifice, but it may be more helpful to regard it as finding a new perspective or "thinking outside the box" in order to gain long-term:

"It is easy to create new things, change places or do something different. To keep that sense of newness that creates enthusiasm is more difficult. The secret of newness in life is not to do new things constantly, but to see everything you do with new eyes, new insights and a new perspective." - thoughtfortoday.org.uk

What does the Hanged Man mean to you and how do you interpret this card in your readings? You are welcome to comment on my blog, and you can now share your thoughts and ideas on my Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/CosmicTarot

All we need is Love

2011-04-22T09:46:00.028+01:00

Money makes the world go round is a well-known saying, and many people may agree, but there is something else that is equally sending the whole world in a spin. Yes, it's love.

Love came before money. It was here first and will always exist as long as there are humans on this planet. Love makes people happy, it makes them sad. It makes some people angry and jealous and can even lead to murder. Other people reach new emotional and spiritual heights when they fall in love. Many great poems, music and paintings have been created borne out of love and passion.

Shakespeare was in love. His famous quotes Love is madness - Love is blind - The course of true love never did run smooth - To be wise and love exceeds man's might are proof that he knew what he was talking about.

Love gives pleasure, love gives pain. Affection, desire, devotion, ecstasy, heartache, desolation. All these emotions can be explained biologically; when we fall in love, it causes an increase of the hormone dopamine, which creates intense energy and exhilaration. This can cause the hormone serotonin to drop at times, which can lead to bipolar mood swings. Falling in love leads to hormonal imbalance. Quite literally, when we fall in love, we are mentally ill. Thankfully, in long-term relationships this topsy-turvy phase of romantic love is gradually replaced with a more sedate phase of attachment and bonding caused by the hormone oxytocin, which is released whilst holding hands, hugging and during love-making.

When it comes to issues surrounding love and relationships, most often it involves the ability to carefully balance your emotions with logic and reason. This is perfectly reflected in the Tarot trump card The Lovers. When this card comes up in a reading, an important choice may affect and influence a relationship; a decision has to be made between your heart's desire and what your head is advising you to do.

The image of the Rider Waite card depicts a scene from the Garden of Eden: Eve is offering Adam the apple from the Tree of Knowledge, but he knows that God has not given him permission to eat it. Should Adam be sensible and obey God, or should he give in to temptation? When Adam and Eve were cast out of paradise after they had eaten the forbidden fruit, they had to take responsibility for their action. Despite hardship they stayed together and had many children, thus creating the human race. The story of Adam and Eve tells us about the ups and downs of relationships and the strong bond between two people, who accept each others strengths and weaknesses and stick together in good as well as bad times.

Here are some inspirational messages that in my opinion reflect the meaning of The Lovers very well:

Love me without fear.

Trust me without questioning.

Need me without demanding.

Want me without restricting.

Accept me without change.

Desire me without inhibitions.

For a love so free...will never fly away.

Dick Sutphen, American psychic researcher and author of New Age books

Love and Anger, by Kate Bush:

Love me or Leave me, by Nina Simone:

"Live in balance between the head and the heart by filling your feelings with wisdom and your decisions with love." Brahma Kumaris

Like a Star

2011-01-07T12:18:00.008Z

Many people regard The Star as one their favourite cards of the Tarot deck. It is an image of peace, tranquility, hope, rebirth and optimism. After a time of upheaval, the Star indicates better times ahead and the need to stay positive and persevere to fulfil your aspirations.

The message of the Star is simple:

"At the end of the day, on the wings of your thoughts, go beyond the cares and troubles of the world. Remove your mind from everything and everyone, and become blissfully detached, like a star.

Like a star, be free to radiate light, for your essence is light and peace. Enjoy the simplicity of the night sky, the peace. And then, when you want to, you can shoot down to earth." - Brahma Kumaris

The Star is also inviting you to dream about possible futures. Do this by taking a moment out of your daily schedule, close your eyes, be still and dream about all those wonderful possibilities ahead. Where do you want to be? Who do you want to be with? What would you like to do? Put the stars into your dream and then reach for them. Keep nurturing your dream, sustain the vision and over time watch it come true.

Tarot 2012

2010-06-23T15:15:00.023+01:00

The 21^st December 2012 is a significant date in the Mayan calendar; on this day the 13^th baktun (cycle) is coming to an end after more than 5000 years. The Mayans were excellent astrologers; their calendar is based on the solar system and the movements of the stars. We know that there is an astrological reason, why the Mayans determined 21/12/2012 as the last day of the current cycle. On that particular day, all planets in our solar system will align with the black hole situated at the centre of our galaxy, the milky way. But don’t worry! It’s unlikely that we all get sucked into it, yet if you are familiar with astrological occurrences and how they can affect our lives on Earth, then you might wonder, what the 21^st December 2012 will have in store for us.

The Mayans already knew about this date centuries ago, and so did Medieval alchemists and occult scholars in our Western civilisation. The most prominent one, Nostradamus, has also mentioned this date in his Lost Manuscript together with images of a wheel, sun, moon, and angels, which are all symbols found in the Tarot images.

Now that I’ve mentioned the Middle Ages, I can start to explore the connection between the date 21/12/2012 and the Tarot, which first appeared in Europe in the 15^th century. Does the Tarot tell us anything about what to expect on that special day?

From a numerology point of view, we can assign the following trump cards to this date:

21 – The World
12 – The Hanged Man
20 – Judgement
11 – Justice; you get this number when you add up the numbers of the date.

In addition, you can also include The Fool (no. 0), The Magician (no.1) and the High Priestess (no.2).

All these cards seem to make sense; there's a completion of a cycle (The World), a need for sacrifice (Hanged Man) after evaluation (Judgement) and adjustment (Justice).

Perhaps this is a sign to get back to basics and make a new start (The Fool). The High Priestess and the Magician (trump 1 & 2) suggest opposites to be integrated into a new World order (no. 21 the World = combining trump 1 + 2 numerically).

Personally I don’t believe in doom and gloom predictions. Instead, I feel that major changes are coming our way, a shift or transition, which may well be uncomfortable at times but eventually will lead to a more sustainable development and evolution of humankind and our planet. Number 12 features twice in the date - the Hanged Man - which could emphasise the necessity to make a sacrifice, or indeed the ability to progress will be put on hold for a while.

Nothing special globally is likely to happen on 21/12/2012; it’s more likely to be a phase of change that has already started and perhaps will reach its climax in 2013, when the solar storms are going to hit the earth causing massive disruption with long-term consequences. For more info on this event and it will affect the world, check out the NASA website or read the article in the Daily Telegraph.

In the meantime, feel free to comment and share your thoughts on this topic....And don't panic!

Christiane

http://cosmictarot.co.uk/

Tarot card images: http://aquatictarot.de/

The Year of The Empress

2010-01-24T11:28:00.015Z

After a period of uncertain and difficult times, the year 2010 is promising to be a calmer and more enjoyable year. This year's number is 3 (2 + 0 + 1 + 0 = 3), which corresponds with Tarot trump no. 3, The Empress. Take a moment to look at the image; how does it make you feel? Hopefully more relaxed and optimistic.

In numerology, 3 stands for harmony and completion (e.g. mind - body - spirit). It is also a magical (e.g. three wishes) and holy number (the holy trinity in various religions).

The Empress is associated with the planet Venus, named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty. It's the archetypal image of a matriarch, a mother and even symbolises Mother Earth.

The elemental correspondence of the Empress is Earth, which relates to money, finances, home, family, nature and health.

So what does this all mean for us in 2010? A Tarot year card doesn't make any predictions, but it can highlight opportunities and areas in our lives we should pay attention to. Here are my suggestions for what to focus on this year:

Working on, creating and enhancing a stable and comfortable home, where you feel happy and secure.
Organise and be in control of your finances.
Build and develop strong and nurturing relationships with friends and your family. Take more care of people in your care and who you care about. Make them feel they can rely on you.
Be more creative; cook meals from scratch at home rather than buying ready-meals. Enjoy the process of creating something new; learn a new practical skill.
You don't need to be rich or possess a lot of things to make you feel wealthy or privileged.
Spend more time with nature. Walks on beaches, in forests, visit gardens or look after your own; have more flowers and plants in your home; opt for a more natural lifestyle.
Look after your well-being. Consider, whether you have neglected your health recently. Balance stressful situations with quality me-time and enjoyable get-togethers with loved ones and friends. Drink less alcohol and give up smoking.
When you buy new clothes, make sure they will enhance your confidence and sensuality. It's easy to get stuck in a rut wearing 'functional' clothes, but don't forget to make yourself look fabulous at the same time.
Love yourself regardless of your body shape or any other imperfections you keep noticing. Deep down you know that nobody's perfect, even those people, who conform with our current beauty image. No use getting all miserable. Enjoy life.

In general, I feel the Empress reminds us to slow down a little and be more in control of our lives. Consider the impact your lifestyle has on the environment; less is more without compromising on comfort and fun. By making just a few changes this year and sticking to them, may well lead to long-lasting benefits beyond 2010.

Would you like a personal email reading? Then please visit my website: http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/TarotbyEmail.htm

Christiane

The Affirmative Tarot Reading

2009-10-20T15:19:00.008+01:00

In one of my earlier posts I wrote about how each card of the Tarot can offer positive messages relevant to you in the form of affirmations. Quite simply, you can pull just one card from your deck, explore its meanings and formulate a positive, empowering statement, which will help you achieve a goal, change a habit, make a fresh start etc. You can also expand this one-card Tarot affirmation into a multi-card reading. The idea is to keep the message of each card as short but as empowering and meaningful as possible. Many Tarot readers fall into the trap of talking/writing too much about a card. Instead, why not offer a short but powerful reading? Less is more. And with this reading for myself, I show you how I do it:

My question is: What do I need to pay attention to at this moment in time?

You can pick as many cards as you like, but on this occasion I choose five cards:

1. Eight of Pentacles – I can easily get overwhelmed by work and get stuck in a rut. I will allow myself sufficient time to relax and have some fun.

2. Two of Cups – In relationships I strive towards harmony. I enjoy building new and powerful friendships.

3. Four of Cups – I appreciate what I have, but I also need to motivate myself to be more pro-active. I find new activities and projects to bring back the spark into my daily life.

4. Three of Swords – I am resilient and can overcome obstacles with a positive mindset.

5. Ten of Cups – I enjoy life and have everything I need.

At this point it’s worthwhile to validate the reading by creating a summary in answer to my question.

What do I need to pay attention to at this moment in time? Well, from the affirmation of each card I feel that I need to get out of my daily routine, implement some positive changes to fuel my creativity and enthusiasm in order to achieve my objectives. I need to cut down on my working hours! I need to focus on building valuable friendships. I should avoid getting trapped by gloomy thoughts and instead be more optimistic about my ambitions and life in general. All is coming together nicely.

Overall I feel that this reading represents an accurate snapshot of part of my life and it encourages me to explore new and innovative ideas to move forward. I also feel that in some areas I’m already on the right track.

If you’re trying out this type of reading, please do let me know how you get on.

And if you find you’re struggling to formulate affirmations for each card, you can check out my ebook for ideas: Empowering Messages from the Tarot

Warmest wishes,

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Tarot card images Copyright: www.aquatictarot.de - Reproduced with permission

Giving up the Habit of Worrying

2009-09-16T14:26:00.010+01:00

Those of you who know me won't be surprised to read that I prefer to use Tarot in a practical and down-to-earth way. I'm not a 'ritual' person; I actually really dislike all the woo-woo stuff like chanting and talking to some 'inner voices' or 'spirit guides'. I'm just not psychic. There! I've finally come clean ;-)

Instead, I connect Tarot cards with affirmations, words of wisdom and inspirational quotes, which guide the person using the cards for self-exploration and development along the right path.

The Nine of Swords is all about worrying, anxieties, fears. It's obvious when looking at the image: the woman seems to have just woken up from a nightmare, the background is so dark, no glimmer of light as if all hope and optimism has been lost.

The motivational message I want to attach to this card is as follows:

Worrying serves no purpose other than to make us feel tense and miserable. When I stop fretting about things that are beyond my control and focus instead on generating optimistic and kind thoughts, my life can begin to flow in ever more positive directions. Such a light and easy approach to life enables me to take everything in my stride.

It is true that most worries and fears are blown out of proportion. Many people worry too much; they think too much:

The biggest disease of the mind is over-thinking, especially too much thinking about others.Thinking too much is like eating too much. The heaviness makes it impossible to remain light and flexible.

When people have negative thoughts regularly, they become attached to them. Negative thoughts become a habit.

What is the solution? Learning to detach yourself from those thoughts:

The root of suffering is attachment. You have created a space in your mind that holds a person or object as part of you. When that person or object is criticized, neglected or not with you, you feel pain in your mind and you experience a sense of loss. If you want to be happy, you must learn to love and appreciate while remaining independent.

Nurture a desire to be free from negative thoughts:

Detachment is being close to what you most want to be free from and using it to make you grow.

Acknowledge your worries and fears, and then let them go. Life isn't always a smooth ride - there's great pleasure to experience but also grief. C'est la vie!

Let go and know that all will be well. Trust that life will take care of you.

Image: www.aquatictarot.de

For more inspirational and spiritual wisdom, visit http://www.relax7.com/relax.htm and http://www.bkwsu.org/

Walk on the Bright Side

2009-09-08T13:57:00.005+01:00

The other day I received the following message from relax7.com in my inbox:

Radiate Happiness

Have you ever noticed that happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision? You don't actually need anything to be happy. It's not something that comes from outside, it comes from inside, and when you radiate a happy energy you'll be amazed what it attracts into your life. Don't worry, be happy...sound familiar? Decide now, be happy, and watch magic begin to enter your life.

I think this empowering message sums up The Sun quite nicely. Happiness does indeed come from within; it’s about having a positive attitude to life regardless of what you own, how successful you are or what life throws at you.

I often find that when the Sun turns up in a reading, life isn't all hunky-dory but it's a reminder that all isn't as bad as it seems. And if it does appear in your darkest hour, then perhaps it acts as reassurance that there will be light again and a new sense of purpose. The Sun is life, and it's asking you to choose life regardless of your circumstances. In return, life will choose you with all its magical experiences.

The Sun image: http://www.aquatictarot.de/, used with permission

Eastenders - Tarot Reading for Garry

2009-09-02T15:42:00.004+01:00

The Tarot reading from hell - very amusing:

Poor old Garry! LOL!

Tarot Numerology - Five

2009-09-02T15:09:00.006+01:00

The number Five in Tarot spells trouble, especially the ones in the Minor Arcana. The number Five is associated with the planet Mars, "God of War", and indicates a challenge of some sort. The Five of Wands depicts a confrontation, the Five of Cups emotional upheaval, the Five of Swords a hollow victory (or a defeat), and the Five of Pentacles financial hardship.

But what about Arcanum number 5, The Hierophant? This character seems benevolent on his throne, advising or preaching to his disciples, but the Hierophant is associated with ethics, morality, education, humanity and conscience, all of which can cause struggle, tension, upset and many heated discussions in addition to narrow-mindedness, intolerance, prejudice and radicalisation. If the Hierophant stands for religion, does the number Five indicate its inherent tendency to create havoc?

However, all is not lost. The number Five is asking for mediation, a middle way, re-instating the equilibrium, which is perfectly represented by Temperance, Arcanum number 14 (1 + 4 = 5). Temperance is a healing card, the angel a religious symbol, which suggests the need for compassion, mercy, forgiveness and moderation in times of strife.

Conflict and tension may also be apparent, when the following card combinations appear:

1. The Magician (1) + The Emperor (4) - two strong characters struggling to combine independence with responsibility

2. The High Priestess (2) + The Empress (3) - the need to combine opposites (night/day, unconscious/conscious, reflection/creativity) in order to create harmony

The Fives may indicate a tough situation, but at the same time they offer an eye-opening experience and eventually progress ahead.

For more information on the significance of numbers in tarot, click here:

www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/TarotNumbers.htm

Tarot in Music - "The Wheel" by Rosanne Cash

2009-07-22T14:52:00.005+01:00

How many living RWS Tarot images can you spot in this video?

Rosanne Cash - The Wheel (Official Music Video)

Tarot Affirmations

2009-05-10T11:02:00.006+01:00

Although Tarot is best known as a fortune-telling tool, on a psychological level it can also be used for self-exploration and as a guide helping you to reach your goals, aspirations and fulfil your potential.

Each image depicts an event, a phase in your life or state of being. It contains numerous hidden messages, which can be discovered by immersing yourself into the pictures of the Tarot.

One type of message the Tarot can offer is an affirmation. This is a positive statement, which encourages the practice of positive thinking. An affirmation should not include any negations, e.g. can’t, don’t, won’t, haven’t etc. The sentence is kept as simple but as empowering as possible.

An affirmation can be created for each Tarot card. You can do this yourself by looking at the image and explore its meanings. What is this card advising you to do? What is it trying to teach you?

Please find below sample affirmations for the Major Arcana cards, but bear in mind that the possibilities for each card are virtually endless depending on your feelings, intuition and perspective.

The Fool – I look forward to new beginnings and enjoy the journey ahead.
The Magician – I use my all my resources and willpower to achieve my goals.
The High Priestess – I trust my intuition to make the right decision when the time is right.
The Empress – I love and protect the people in my care. My love will dissolve tension and fears.
The Emperor – I take control of my life to achieve my ambitions.
The Hierophant – I am open-minded and always enjoy being a student of life.
The Lovers – In matters of the heart I also use my head when I face an important choice.
The Chariot – I harness all my forces to meet my challenges.

The full article can be found here:
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/TarotAffirmations.htm

Mysterious Realms - Tarot Tales 1

2009-05-08T12:44:00.004+01:00

Story telling with Tarot cards and photos - the possibilities are endless.

Tarot images: The Aquatic Tarot, http://www.aquatictarot.de/

Tarot Explorations - Hidden Paths and Symbols 1

2009-03-30T13:12:00.002+01:00

The 22 cards of the Major Arcana depict the journey of the Fool. A lot of thought went into the creation of each card, and the more you study the images, the more you notice hidden symbolism, meaning and connections between cards.

So, what do the following cards (The Fool, Death and The Sun) have in common?

1. The red feather. The Fool must descent into the underworld (Death) in order to return into the light (Sun). The feather indicates spirit, power, high aspirations. What else could the red feather symbolise? What does it mean to you?

2. The changing colour of the sun.The white sun in the Fool card symbolises innocence; in the Death card it's blackening due to the transformational (alchemical) process, and the golden colour in the Sun card suggests wisdom and enlightenment. Again, explore your own ideas.

Next time: The Fool and the Hermit

What Tarot Card Are You?

2009-02-13T09:28:00.004Z

I took the test and discovered that I am the Moon - well, it's my zodiac card after all (the Moon is associated with Pisces), one of the many personality cards you can calculate with your date of birth.

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Have fun discovering your special Tarot card! If you would like me to work out all your Tarot personality cards, then click on the following link to request your Tarot Personality Profile:

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/SpecialityReadingsGifts.htm

Best wishes,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Are you fed up with all the doom and gloom?

2009-02-12T13:50:00.004Z

If yes, then change your perpective by contemplating the following uplifting story I recently came across, which has been attributed to the Native American Cherokee Indians.

The story is about a boy who tells his grandfather that he is feeling very angry and upset. The grandfather explains to the boy that he too sometimes feels angry but also he often feels very happy. The grandfather says it is as if there are two wolves battling inside him. One is very angry, aggressive and acts out of fear. This wolf wants to fight all the time. The other wolf is happy, playful, and only wants to make friends and live in peace. But the two wolves are constantly battling inside. The little boy asks: which wolf wins?And the grandfather replies: 'the one I feed'.

This story reflects our times so perfectly. The media tends to focus on stories that make us feel scared, sad or angry, only because it sells and has a bigger impact than anything positive. Of course we can't deny that there's a lot of bad stuff going on in the world, but what if we started to feed the right wolf?

Until next time,

Christiane

Magickal Retail Therapy

How to calculate your Tarot Year Card

2009-01-17T13:58:00.012Z

Happy New Year!

2009 will be an exciting year; it adds up to '11', a master number, which is very significant for mental and spiritual development.

Remember 2008? This one added up to '10', and the number 10 card in a standard RWS type Tarot deck is The Wheel of Fortune. We all know what happened last year; our fortunes have turned, and we are still coming to terms with the consequences.

Changes are necessary, and our change in fortune will this year lead to Justice, card no. 11 in most tarot decks. This year we will adapt and change our perception and values hopefully for the better. We will focus more on leadership, personal power and responsibility as well as spiritual truths. Our material needs will have to be balanced with sustainability; Earth needs to be reconnected to our hearts.

The year cards above relate to our planet and the general direction humankind is likely to take. But what about your personal year card? What do you need to pay attention to this year? Which lessons and experiences do you need to focus on?

To calculate your personal year card, you need to add your birthday with the current year, e.g., if you birthday is on the 14th November, you add up 14 + 11 + 2009 = 2034.

2 + 0 + 3 + 4 = 9; your yearcard for 2009 is The Hermit.

Once you have calculated your personal yearcard, you can visit the following page to find out more about what it could mean to you this year:

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/YearCard.htm

Happy taroting!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Pure Natural Beeswax Candles – the Healthy Alternative

2008-10-16T14:24:00.004+01:00

Did you know that the candles you are burning in your home can actually make you ill? Most likely they are made of paraffin, a chemical derived from mineral oil, which produces tiny particles into the air when burned causing asthma and allergies. “Not another scare story!” you may say, but at least there is something you can do about it straight away: stop buying paraffin candles and switch over to beeswax. Not only are beeswax candles proven to actually clean the air in your home, they also emit a natural yummy honey scent, are fully sustainable and eco-friendly, and their flames are much brighter. Although a bit more expensive than standard paraffin candles, they do last much longer. Make this Christmas a natural and healthy one by using only pure beeswax candles. Available in the UK online here:

http://www.cosmicstore.co.uk/catalog/beeswax-candles.aspx?cid=13965

The Empress (Laughing all the Way to the World, Part 4)

2008-09-11T14:43:00.005+01:00

The Fool moves on and comes across his mum, who's enjoying a rest in the garden.

“The Empress sits before the door
Of a garden in full bloom.
At once a chaste wife and a whore,
All life within her womb.”
Lon Milo DuQuette

Pick this card and you know you’re sitting pretty. Comfort, abundance, creativity is all around and within you. Nurture the seeds you have sown with patience. The Empress is Mother/Mother Earth/Mother Nature – caring, giving, protecting – but watch out when she’s in a bad mood: her anger can be quite destructive, her yelling is feared by her children, and her husband has to pull some serious weight in her household. Treat her badly and she will wither or withdraw.

Motto: You can’t have everything…where would you put it?

Favourite Movie: Chocolat, in which a young woman (Vianne) and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a French village and seduce its repressed occupants with the delights of her secret recipes. The village slowly transforms from a barren place into one of love and emotional contentment.

Song: Lady Madonna, The Beatles

Book: The Yummy Mummy Manifesto: Baby, Beauty, Balance and Bliss, by Anna Johnson. Who says you need to leave your sense of style on the maternity ward?

Passion for: Food – natural and organic.

Celebrity Empress: Nigella Lawson, famous British TV cook, who deliciously demonstrates her indulgent recipes by taking big, sensuous bites from her toasted Mars bars and licking her fingers afterwards in front of the camera.

Famous Empress in History: Maria Theresa, Empress of Austria (born 1740 – died 1780) gave birth to 16 children and ruled Austria, Hungary and Croatia. She also became the Holy Roman empress by marriage. She ensured that all her offspring (the ones that survived childhood) would be married off well and thought she did a good job, when she sent her daughter Maria Antonia (Marie Antoinette) to France for her marriage with Louie XVI – Mothers can make mistakes sometimes, though they don’t prove fatal all the time….

Next time: The Emperor

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Good News: Tarot Readings are cheaper and often better than Therapy

2008-06-10T12:20:00.005+01:00

A recently published article on the American NPR (National Public Radio) network by journalist Alyssa Wagner comes to the conclusion that “Psychics are the new Psychologists”.

In the article, Alyssa describes the experience of a friend, who found it hard to come to terms with the break-up of her relationship and was sent for therapy sessions by her parents, which sadly did not help her move forward. It was her visit to a tarot card reader that finally changed her outlook on life and offered her new hope and a reason to be optimistic.

Don’t get me wrong: if someone has to deal with serious issues in their life, it is best to visit a psychologist or professional counsellor. But for many people, the situation they find themselves in is not that severe, yet it can still cause stagnation and depression if not dealt with swiftly.

Waiting to see a psychologist on the NHS can take more than 9 months in some areas of the UK, and seeing one privately is very expensive. So, Alyssa’s friend decided to see a local tarot reader despite her scepticism, and it really made a difference.

At this point I need to stress that a tarot reading is not a miracle cure; just like cognitive behaviour therapy provided by therapists, the client still needs to put in effort and take action to overcome their issues. But unlike therapy sessions, which run over months, one or two visits to a tarot reader usually help many people focus on a new direction or provide reassurance that they are on the right path.

Even celebrities acknowledge the value of psychic readings; Kristin Scott Thomas declared in an interview published in the May 2008 edition of Spirit & Destiny magazine that “Astrology is as good as therapy – and cheaper”. She felt that an astrology reading she once had was “the best thing ever”.

To read Alyssa Wagner’s full article, click on the following link:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=91166053

If you would like a tarot reading with me – by e-mail, phone, Skype or in person, please visit my website:
www.cosmictarot.co.uk/index_files/Services.htm

Meet me at the PFNE Spring Convention 2008 in Leeds

2008-04-14T09:22:00.003+01:00

I'm really looking forward to the Pagan Federation North East Spring convention in Leeds this year. Apart from the usual stalls, where people can indulge in some retail therapy, there will be some great speakers including Emma Restall-Orr (aka Bobcat, a high profile druid), a Molly Dancing Troupe called the 'Rhubarb Tarts' as well as interesting workshops on candle magic, wand making, tarot and more.

Also, I will be the resident tarot reader, and if you live around Leeds, why not come along for a reading? The price for a 20-minute consultation is only £10 - no appointments necessary, just come along on the day.

Date: Saturday, 10th May 2008
Time: 9.45 am - 5.00 pm
Venue: Swarthmore Education Centre (opposite Park Lane College, City Centre)
Tickets: £10 (non-PF members)
(all workshops and talks included)
For concessions and further info visit www.paganfedne.org

This promises to be a great day out, just like the previous conventions I attended - highly recommended!

Hope to see you there,

Christiane
www.cosmictarot.co.uk

How to Develop Your Intuition

2008-04-08T13:37:00.004+01:00

Intuition is all about basic instincts, gut feelings and hunches. They usually don't rely on any facts or proof; it's just how you 'feel' about a matter that counts, when you use your intuition.

When I do tarot readings for clients, I always let my intuition guide me. After all, I have very little facts or solid information to consider.

If you are learning to read tarot cards, then you will need to get used to relying on your intuition again on a much larger scale, something you did as a child, but society conditioned you over the years to base your actions, thoughts and feelings on evidence and logic.

However, don't under-estimate the importance and power of intuition, not only regarding tarot but everday life choices; when you have to make split-second decisions, you will most likely follow your instinct rather than logic and reason.

How intuitive are you?

There are some key rules to identify your current level of intuition:

1. You recognise an object with very little time to see it properly, usually less than a second.
Try flicking through magazines and recall afterwards the images you noticed (without looking - what's on the image at the beginning of this artcile?). You can also look quickly at group photos of friends and family and identify afterwards specific people you noticed.

2. When you look at clouds, many images come to your mind.
Making creative associations through this kind of openness help you to generate new ideas and insights.

3. You can take in a scene quickly and recall details.
Look at a crowd scene and then look away. Ask yourself questions about details, perhaps individual actions, clothing, weather, surrrounding area, buildings etc. If your intuition works well, then you are not aware that you take in all this information. It all works 'automatically'.

How can you improve your intuition?

There are a few universal principles to help you develop this skill:

1. Become an expert
The more you know about a subject matter, the sharper your intuitive sense will be. So, the more you practise and read about tarot and absorb the information, the better your readings and accuracy will become over time.

2. Pay attention to your feelings
Don't ignore that inner voice telling you that something is not quite right with the person or situation you are dealing with. Let go of trying to find 'evidence'. Instead just act according to how you feel.

3. Trust your intuition
Relax; it's not easy to reduce the input of a conscious mind, but regular exercise will help you achieve improvement. Try pulling a tarot card at random and without hesitation come up with an instant message from the universe for yourself. Avoid censoring your thoughts; in that moment you stop using your intuition. If nothing comes up, pull the next card. Keep going until something 'clicks' in your head and ideas start trickling.

Have fun developing your intuition - and don't forget that when making some important decisions, a touch of logic in addition will not go amiss!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Join me at TABI's Annual Tarot Conference 2008!

2008-03-05T14:33:00.003Z

Would you like to learn more about tarot and psychology, numerology, astrology and other esoteric topics? Would you like to meet like-minded people from all over the world and make new friends? Would you like to be taught new skills by some of the best teachers, including tarot authors and deck creators? Then why not join me for a fantastic weekend in July in Bristol:

The Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI) is holding its 4th annual conference this year from the 11th - 13th July. As part of the organising team, I'm very excited about this, because just like in previous years, we are going to have a high calibre of speakers, who will inspire us with their knowledge and expertise.

What's more, the conference will be held at a lovely hotel complete with swimming pool, sauna and gym.

Despite what's on offer, the price for the weekend (including all meals) is very reasonable.

Please click on the following link to find out more:

http://www.tabi.org.uk/page.php?page=conference-2008

Hope to see you there!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Can't be bothered learning Tarot?

2008-02-03T12:21:00.005Z

I know what you mean. After all, not many people can devote a lot of time to studying the intricacies of tarot symbolism. But there is still a way for you to make use of tarot without spending your cash on some dubious 'psychics'.

You'll be pleased to know that I have written a brand new eBook, that can help you perform short and meaningful DIY readings without having to learn Tarot at all!

It is called "Empowering Messages from the Tarot - Part I, The Major Arcana". In this eBook you will find accurate and no-nonsense meanings for each of the 22 trump cards, so you can find your own answers to your life's questions, specific messages for relationship, career and lifestyle issues. There are also simple instructions on how to calculate your personal year card and zodiac card.

This eBook is packed with positive messages, affirmations and inspirational quotes all relevant to the individual cards. Best of all, you can start reading tarot cards straight away with this guide.

In my follow-up eBook 'Part II- The Minor Arcana', you will even learn some tricks that 'psychics' don't want you know, because you will discover how to answer yes/no questions and determine timings of events.

Empowering Messages of the Tarot Part I is very reasonably priced, and if you purchase it on my website by the end of February 2008, you will get Part II absolutely free, when it is published in March 2008.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit my eBook page on my website and buy with confidence.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

The High Priestess - (Laughing all the Way to the World, Part III)

2008-01-17T17:51:00.005Z

The Fool meets a mysterious lady on his travels.

"Twixt dark and light a maid serene
Weaves spells of fascinations.
Spinning moonlight veils from strands of dream
To conceal your initiation."
Lon Milo duQuette

If you are a loud and extrovert person, then this card is telling you to shut up. If you are generally a shy person, then this card may well sum up your personality. Silence is golden and offers you the opportunity to explore your inner realm of intuition, hidden mysteries and feelings. Quiet contemplation will finally reveal answers to your questions and new perspectives.

Occupation: Psychologist; Lifestyle Consultant

Favourite Movie Character: Solitaire in the Bond movie Live and Let Die, who is employed as a seer by the bad guy Dr Kananga and famously pulls four Tarot cards during the film: the Lovers, the High Priestess (representing herself), the Moon and Death. Poor Solitaire loses her psychic powers after having been seduced by James Bond. Those were the days....

High Priestess of Pop: Kate Bush – this singer/ songwriter avoids the limelight, but when she emerges from the darkness once in a blue moon (even less than that!), she shines like a star with her mesmerising offerings of mysterious and magickal songs. Watch her video 'Lily' below.

Famous High Priestess in History: Pope Joan - the lady, who the Catholic church would rather forget. According to legend, an English woman disguised herself as a man and became Pope 'John' in the 9th century. Joan was an educated and wise woman - a good basis for making a success of her job. But at one point her intuition let her down and emotions took over - she fell in love and was exposed when she collapsed at a papal procession through Rome whilst giving birth to a child.

Favourite Song: Black Magic Woman by Santana

Favourite Book: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. The story is about a mysterious woman, who moves into a big house close to a village, where people begin to gossip about her. After a long period of hiding, keeping silent and doing nothing, she finally reveals all her secrets to the man she loves. People stop gossiping and peace is restored. Happy ending.

Favourite Quote: "Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot. "
Groucho Marx

Watch Kate Bush's magickal Lily video:

Next time: The Empress

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Words of Wisdom for the New Year

2008-01-08T14:09:00.002Z

Staying Peaceful

Desires cause peace to disappear. You think that acquiring things will make you feel secure, but the reality is that the more you have, the more fear there usually is of losing it, and the further you are from peace. Desires are the cause of all conflicts. Once you have satisfied one, you are aiming for the next and want more. When you want something and cannot get it, you become frustrated. Learning to be free from desires is learning how to stay peaceful.

Brahma Kumaris

Special Offer just before Christmas: Tarot Homestudy Course now £20 off!

2007-11-28T16:39:00.001Z

If you have been thinking about enrolling on my Tarot Correspondence course, now is an excellent opportunity for you to go for it! You will be saving £20 off the regular fee, which is a great saving - you can treat yourself with a special present and make a saving, so you can spend even more on yourself.

Click on the following link to find out more and purchase the course:

Tarot HomeStudy Course - Special Offer

Don't delay! This offer won't last forever, but the course will inspire you for a long time!

Happy Taroting!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

YES! You CAN learn to read Tarot cards!

2007-11-09T14:55:00.001Z

Some psychics enjoy intimidating the 'normal' folk by claiming to 'possess psychic abilities since childhood' or ' my grandma was a witch, and her grandma too, so I've inherited this special gift...' blah, blah, blah.

Don't believe the hype - you possess this special gift, too! Perhaps you don't know it yet, but so-called psychic abilities can be developed as long as you just nurture and practice them.

So maybe you are thinking about learning Tarot now, but there is your busy lifestyle that's holding you back.....

The solution for you would be an online Tarot HomeStudy course with expert 1-2-1 mentoring and guidance. You can learn in the comfort of your own home at times to suit you.

There are more benefits with my Tarot Online HomeStudy Course, including an online forum, where you can meet fellow students and Tarot enthusiasts. Please check them out here:

Tarot HomeStudy

Don't let these people intimidate you. You CAN learn to read Tarot cards and start on an amazing journey.

Best Regards,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Learn Tarot - Experience the Magick!

The Magician (The Fool's Journey - Laughing all the Way to the World Part II)

2007-11-03T13:50:00.004Z

The Fool keeps walking and meets the

I - Magician

"The Magician is a crafty boy,
He'll cause your mind to boggle.
He can't create, he can't destroy,
But boy! Can that guy juggle!"
Lon Milo DuQuette

The Magician offers choices and indicates power and pontential. With craftiness and using all his skills, he seizes as many opportunities as he possibly can.

Occupation: Car Salesman - you shake his hand believing you have just negotiated a good deal, but deep down you know: as if by magick he got the better of you!
Favourite Song: It's a kind of Magic, by Queen ("One man, one goal, one prize, one hope...")
Celebrity Magician: Derren Brown - he even admits that he is tricking you and reveals some of his secrets - or is he? A great entertainer and illusionist, he makes you feel you're in control - but are you?
Magicians in Literature: Merlin, Gandalf...Harry Potter (yes, read the Deathly Hallows and you'll know why)
Magician in Film: Homer Simpson. Let's face it: Homer always manages sort out his problems despite his apparent laziness and overindulgence of fatty foods. Somehow Marge still loves him and he keeps holding on to his job, his income, his comfy house, his kids...I think that's magick!
Magician's Motto: I make the most of what I've got and will succeed.

Next time: The High Priestess

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

How to Overcome Readers' Block

2007-10-05T14:32:00.001+01:00

Even the best tarot reader can have a bad day and draw a blank from a set of cards lying in a neat spread on the table. Aleister Crowley, infamous occultist and creator of the Thoth Tarot, described the tarot as a ‘wicked pack of cards’ not without reason. Tarot can be uncannily accurate and enlightening on one hand, on the other it can drive tarot readers mad when trying to interpret them in a meaningful way for the client.

If you are learning tarot or you are already an accomplished reader, chances are, you’ll come across reader’s block at one point during your tarot life. Here are my tips on how to master it:

1. Don’t Panic
This may be easier said than done, especially when you read for someone else in exchange for money, but it really makes sense when you think about it rationally. Panic or excessive worrying only makes your heart race due to the increased level of adrenaline in your body. As a result you find it hard to think straight. So, step one: keep calm.

2. Give yourself time to look at the cards
If you are reading in a busy environment like a psychic fair or corporate event, you may feel pressured to read quickly. The ability to do this comes with years of experience, so if you are just starting out, allow yourself a little more time with each client, who will also appreciate the extra time you are spending with them.

3. Go back to basics
When you are looking at a card combination that somehow doesn’t make sense to you, describe each card to the client and talk about individual meanings. Get the client involved and acknowledge that there is something not quite making sense to you. Most often the client will be happy to confirm certain meanings of the cards and even see the connections themselves. This way your readers’ block is gradually removed and you can make sense again of the whole spread.

4. Be honest
Don’t try and guess or make something up during a reading you have difficulties with. You will just end up waffling and start getting flustered. After having considered and implemented the first 3 tips above and still have problems with the reading, let your client know. Have a chat with your client and see, how you can solve the situation amicably.

5. Don’t beat yourself up about it
It’s ok to have a bad day. It’s also perfectly normal that you cannot read for everybody. Nobody is perfect! Sometimes it’s impossible, for whatever reason, to connect with your client and provide a proficient reading. Put it down to experience and think about what you can learn from it. In the worst case scenario, you can offer the client their money back – no harm done, and you can move on with a clear conscience.

6. Relax
Don’t worry about your next reading. You can get easily uptight about future readings after an unsuccessful one. Don’t let insecurities get the better of you. It is extremely unlikely that you will have a similar negative experience with your next reading. Instead, enjoy meeting your new clients and have fun. Remember your true abilities and how much you have to offer. Don’t give up and you will succeed.

7. Meditate before a reading
If you are worried, meditate on a suitable tarot card to increase positive energies around you. To increase your psychic abilities, the Queen of Cups would be a good card. Temperance would help to balance any conflicting feelings such as anxiety or nervousness. The Ace of Wands helps to remember that necessary spark of creativity, passion and enthusiasm. Choose any card from your deck you feel is right for you.

Some more Words of Wisdom

2007-08-15T20:16:00.002+01:00

Worrying about how everything will get done or whether you are capable of doing it limits your ability to respond to challenges considerably. The less you think about doing something and the faster you just get on with it, the fewer problems you cause yourself. Good planning is always helpful, but time spent fretting and procrastinating is a major drain on your energy. The more willing you are to respond positively to opportunities, the more your capacity will grow.

thoughtfortoday.org.uk

The Fool’s Journey – Laughing all the Way to the World, Part I

2007-08-13T15:18:00.004+01:00

When learning Tarot and getting to know the cards, it’s important to have fun along the way, so you avoid dying of boredom. Look at the Fool’s journey from a different perspective and have a giggle – it helps to remember!

0 – The Fool

“A pure buffoon skips toward his doom,
An abyss of profound uncertainties.
It takes a Fool to seed that womb
With all possible possibilities.”
Lon Milo duQuette

The Fool sets off and doesn’t know where it all ends; he doesn’t care either. If he knew what awaits him along his way, he’d probably stay at home – or he’d do it anyway!

Favourite Books: The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy’s journey to the Emerald City along the yellow brick road. The Lord of the Rings – Frodo’s journey to Mordor to destroy the ring.
Hobby: Travelling – never to the same place twice.
Famous Fool in history: Anne Boleyn – her urge to become Queen by marrying Henry the VIII sent her head first into a dead end.
Movie: Happy Feet – Mumble, the tone-deaf penguin, embarks on a journey to save his fellow penguins from starvation and discovers that his tap-dancing skills are a blessing in disguise.
Song: Is this the way to Amarillo? Last sung by Peter Kaye for Comic Relief in 2006. In the video he is running along towards his desired destination but doesn’t seem to reach it – a Fool forever.
Celebrity Fool: Jade Goody – she ventured into the Big Brother house to seek fame and fortune briefly achieving her goal. With her second visit to the house, she met her nemesis Shilpa Shetty, and now Jade is shuffling along the road to nowhere.

Next time: The Magician

Bye for now,

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Update March 2009: I am sad to learn about the premature death of Jade Goody. Although she'd never been my favourite celebrity personality, she managed to do some good as a result of her illness. Her campaign for cervical cancer screening will have saved the lives of some women, who would have otherwise not bothered with the test. And dying at the age of 27, leaving two children behind, is very cruel. So, I wish her a peaceful rest and healing to her family.

My Psychic Encounter with a Pink String and Boiled Sweet

2007-07-13T11:59:00.001+01:00

I want to share with you something I've learned at the TABI conference, well, not learned but confirmed: you can use anything for a pendulum! Yes, that's right: no expensive or unethically sourced crystals required!

Try this for yourself:

1. Take a piece of thin, flexible string like wool etc. (approx. 50cm).

2. Attach a boiled sweet; you can leave it in the wrapper; doesn't matter.

3. Hold the string and let the sweetie hang still. After a while it starts moving. This confirms that it works.

4. Next 'charge' your pendulum by asking it a yes/no question you know the answer to. The pendulum begins to move - clockwise or counterclockwise?

5. A clockwise rotation usually means 'yes', counterclockwise 'no'. Depending on your energy flow, this can be the other way round; that's why it's important to try out your pendulum on a couple of simple questions before you use it to explore unknown issues.

I would certainly never use this method for my clients; it would be inappropriate and unprofessional. It just proves that using a pendulum for your own private use is so easy to learn; anyone can do it, so just have fun with this one!

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

TABI Conference 6th - 8th July 2007

2007-07-09T13:44:00.000+01:00

Last night I returned from yet another inspirational TABI weekend conference. As usual, the people there were open and welcoming; it felt like being with old friends. Everyone shared the same enthusiasm for Tarot and the esoteric world, which created new and powerful friendships. I was privileged to be taught by Tarot masters such as Rachel Pollack and Lon Milo Duquette, and I will put my new knowledge into practice over the coming months. I also enjoyed Mick Frankel's workshop on the I-Ching and Anya Marco's session on Runes. Whether you are a Tarot apprentice or adept, you will learn something new and wonderful each time you attend a conference run by TABI.

Time flew so quickly, and now I'm back in the Land of Routine.

To finish this entry, let me share with you an inspirational quote from relax7.com:

Create Continuously
Every day is an opportunity to be creative - the canvas is your mind, the brushes and colours are your thoughts and feelings, the panorama is your story, the complete picture is a work of art called, 'my life'. Be careful what you put on the canvas of your mind today - it matters.

The Bulls*** Detective, Part 2

2007-05-11T13:21:00.001+01:00

Did you watch the last episode shown on BBC3 last week? The Detective investigated Tarot; unfortunately he did a bad job.

In case you missed it, let me recap for you what was said:

Three readers were invited to do a reading for the Detective; they all got it wrong, were 'fishing' or generalised. One even charged £200.
You can become a Tarot reader overnight. All you need to do is memorising some basic scripts and meanings.
You can easily set up a Tarot phone line and earn thousands of pound in a week. (I wish!!!)
Tarot readers are con artists, only interested in making as much money as possible.
Tarot is a load of bulls***t.

*sigh*

The whole thing was so terribly one-sided. Clearly, they did not bother to investigate Tarot on a more objective, open-minded level.

Let me offer you some counter arguments, in case the program made you doubt the benefits of Tarot:

There will always be less able readers out there. If you want to get in touch with a decent and ethical reader, visit TABI online (Tarot Association of the British Isles). I'm listed there, too. One of the readers on the program, Paul Hughes Barlow, is also a TABI member and published author. Strangely, his reading was never shown, nor did he get sufficient time on the program (he wrote to TABI in an e-mail that he was filmed for about an hour and a half; this time was cut down to 3 minutes. I wonder if he wasn't 'bad' enough for them...). Instead the program makers concentrated on the female reader, who did some poor fortune-telling, which was a complete disaster (if she was a member of TABI, I'd expect her to be expelled).
If you learn a script and do a reading, then you don't use the cards. In that case, you're not a Tarot reader. If you do that sort of thing, you intentionally deceive people. It takes many years of study to reach a professional level.
Setting up a Tarot phone line with a premium rate number costs a lot of money. This money needs to be invested before anyone even thinks about calling you. This also requires a good amount of Marketing investment. The programme complained about the £1.50 price tag per minute. This is the price I charge for my phone readings; 50% of that is taken by the company that maintains and markets my listing. The net pay I earn covers for the time I'm on the phone to my client as well as additional time I spend either preparing the reading (in case of appointments made in advance) or recapping the phone reading in an e-mail message afterwards, so my clients will not forget the important bits that were said. (You can find out more about my phone reading service here)
In the program, all Tarot readers were placed into one box with the label 'con-artists' - hypocritical for a presenter, who complained about the readers coming out with 'general statements'. You will find bad apples in any profession - remember the hairdressers, who weren't qualified yet still opened up salons and ruined some people's hair and scalp, scarring them for life? Remember racist policemen, corrupt politicians etc. I'm sure you can think of many more examples.
If you feel that Tarot is a load of rubbish, then you are welcome to your opinion. However, it doesn't mean that you are right. Is religion a load of rubbish? Spirituality? Meditation? Aromatherapy? Crystal healing? In pursuit of happiness and contentment, one thing works for one person but not for the other. In order to form an opinion and perhaps dismiss something completely, you need to explore the subject in question from all angles. And it will always be difficult to write something off that can never be scientifically proven. Why not include some people on the program, who had Tarot readings, which transformed their lives in a positive way? If you have watched the program, you may doubt that these people exist, but they do!

Overall, shoddy journalism as shown in the Tarot feature on the Bulls***t Detective can be damaging for honest and competent readers, who are trying to take Tarot from a dubious fortune-telling device to the next level - that of personal development, self discovery and life guidance.

However, one positive aspect has emerged from the program: the necessity to regulate the industry. A start has already been made when TABI was created in 2001, an organisation, which is highly regarded in the Tarot community, not only by Tarot readers and students but also by clients, who are looking for insightful and empowering readings. TABI is going from strength to strength, but there is still a long way to go in terms of publicity and wider recognition.

Apart from that, on this occasion the Bulls***t Detective sadly can only be viewed 'for entertainment purposes only'!

Why not let me know what you think and post a comment? Do you agree or disagree? I'm looking forward to reading and publishing your views.

Best wishes,

Christiane

www.cosmictarot.co.uk

Relax....

2007-05-08T14:11:00.001+01:00

I've got so many writing projects on the go at the moment, I feel like I'm forever running out of time! Thanks to synchronicity, I've received a very suitable Thought of the Day in my inbox today:

Introversion
The ability to enjoy one's own company is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. Learning to turn my thoughts away from all my responsibilities at the day's end and take my mind into a state of peace and benevolence enables me to carry greater and greater loads without feeling the burden. When my inner landscape is full of beautiful thoughts, everything I do is a pleasure. Gently, I calm down chaotic situations and offer solace to troubled minds.

For more words of wisdom visit Cosmic Spirit or subscribe to my newsletter to receive them straight into your inbox.

The Bulls*** Detective

2007-04-28T11:00:00.000+01:00

Do you believe in 'psychic' and 'spiritual' mediums? 95% of these people, who claim they can talk to the dead, are frauds.

I watched a great program on BBC3 a couple of days ago about three 'psychics', who were invited to investigate an old building in London, which used to be a chocolate factory but is now used as a theatre. They were told that strange going-ons occured in various spots of the building, frightening people in the vicinity. They were asked to find out what could cause these disturbances.

They didn't know, however, that fake history about the building had been placed on its website - a story about a nasty factory director called George Bull, who got his come-uppance in a terrible accident with a horse-drawn cart, in which he lost both his legs (ouch!).

When these psychics walked around the building, they could sense immediately that 'something terrible happened here a long time ago'. They were 'picking up energies' and names (two of them said George, one said Fred - nearly!). While walking around they came up with this really interesting story strangely similar to the website information. One of them even ended up in a semi-trance - wow!

It made hilarious viewing, especially when they were told that the whole thing was made up. They even admitted in the end that they did get that information before they attended.

The reason why I'm telling you this story?

Don't believe the hype! Most of these people are excellent entertainers with years of experience conning vulnerable people. They use tactics like phishing, where they ask for clues like 'I'm getting a name beginning with P.....Paul....Pete.....' John Edwards on Living TV is very good at that.

It is even worse, when these people start offering 'psychic readings' with Tarot cards; it just gives genuine and ethical readers like myself bad press. When you visit my homepage, you will find out all about me, my Tarot work and how I use the cards. I don't throw any bullsh*t at you about dubious heritage or abilities. I have studied the Tarot for many years. It's a wonderful tool for self-discovery and life guidance. My aim is to empower you to use Tarot in a pro-active and positive way, either by requesting a reading or learning to read the cards yourself. Yes, you can do it! You don't need to be psychic! Read more about learning Tarot the easy way, visit my tuition page.

So next time, when you read about outragous claims like 'let me tell you what your future holds', open up your nostrils and smell the bulls***.

Best wishes,

Christiane

The Bulls*** Detective on BBC3, Mondays and Wednesdays 8.00 pm.

PS: Why not spend your money wisely and visit my shop for Cosmic Faery's exclusive goodies? The image below is available as a mouse mat - lots more to choose from: t-shirts, jackets, caps, shopping bags....all with Cosmic Faery's own designs.

What does being 'psychic' really mean?

2007-04-09T20:28:00.001+01:00

Chances are, you’ve come across a number of sites that offer ‘psychic’ readings by ‘gifted’ clairvoyants and mediums. Many of these people claim they are ‘third generation psychics’ (sometimes even ‘fourth-generation’ psychics, with a great-great-great-great granny burnt at the stake etc. etc.). It is not my place or intention in this article to dismiss these people as frauds or question their inherited ‘gifts’. Instead, I’m going to attempt to give a down-to-earth realistic explanation of all these terms used and how it all really works.

Personally, I don’t like to call myself a ‘psychic’, a term which gives the impression that I can read people’s minds and predict the future in a fortune-telling style reading. I also don’t claim to have a ‘spirit guide’ or angel telling me about my clients’ life. People, who call themselves psychic also give the impression somehow that they are superior to the remaining ‘normal’ human beings.

Let me explain to you the most common terms used in the ‘psychic’ industry: clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience and spirit guides, and what is actually involved when using these skills.

Clairvoyance – the ability to ‘see clearly’:
This term gives the impression that the psychic has a vision about an aspect of a person’s life or what is about to happen. Personally, I use Tarot cards to identify certain aspects of my client’s life depending on the question asked and issues raised. I can see in the cards opportunities or possibilities about future occurrences. I do this by being objective in the matter. I am not the client’s friend with a hidden agenda; that’s why I can see what they can’t in that moment in time. In order to see 'clearly', you cannot afford to be emotionally charged or opinionated about a situation.

Clairsentience – the ability to ‘feel what the other person is feeling':
A more down-to-earth term to describe this skill is ‘empathy’, perhaps even ‘compassion’. You encounter a person’s feelings and emotions by putting yourself into their place without taking on the problems or issues yourself. You need to stay objective in order to be of help and offer new perspectives. Imagine the person’s situation – experience of loss, disappointment, hopelessness. Rather than bursting out in tears yourself, you can still feel the pain but are also able to offer a constructive way forward.

Clairaudience – the ability to ‘hear clearly’:
From what I’ve learned in my counselling course, I would call this ‘active listening’, whereby you listen very carefully to the person’s story, what they have to say and how they say it – reading between the lines so-to-speak. I do this all the time, otherwise my readings wouldn’t work. I also listen to my ‘inner voice’, which perhaps is a spirit guide in disguise! Listening to the person, listening to your own intuition, inner guidance and gut feeling (some more clairsentience here!),

Spirit Guides – a being from the spirit world guiding us with advice, encouragement and sometimes warnings:
I’ve just briefly mentioned spirit guides as your ‘inner voice’, which occasionally (or often) pops up in your head and gets you to do the right sort of thing. Sometimes you have dreams about people talking to you; perhaps these are your spirit guides. Whether you suddenly get the message ‘don’t go further’ in your head while walking along a lonely woodland path, or see an unknown person speak to you in a dream, these can be valid messages from your unconscious but, of course, you cannot rule out the possibility of the existence of spirit guides.

Overall, I am not here to discredit any belief. I’m just trying to put these terms into perspective, especially for all of you, who wish to learn Tarot and think they need to be especially ‘gifted’. The skills I have described above can be learned, trained and refined. You need to be aware though that this takes years to accomplish, and even then, you will never stop learning.

Perhaps one day I’ll move myself into new realms and claim to be a ‘psychic’ using my ‘clairvoyance, clairsentience and clairaudience, guided by spirits’! And if I do, you’ll know what these words really mean.

Until next time!

Christiane

PS: If you have an opinion on my post, you're welcome to comment!

Tarot Correspondence Course - now available!

2007-04-03T16:18:00.002+01:00

My homestudy Tarot course is now available for purchase, which offers you a dedicated 1-2-1 learning experience. If you are thinking about learning Tarot and would like to benefit from personal online support and guidance, this comprehensive course will be perfect for you. You can study in your own time, and I am just an e-mail or MSN live call away. Click here to find out more and request your free trial. There is absolutely no obligation, so you can find out, if this course is for you or not without having to fork out any money or commit yourself to anything.

For more information about the Tarot tuition I offer, visit my website.

It's been a while...

2007-03-16T19:07:00.000Z

...but now I'm back and I'm planning to post on a more regular basis.

Today I want to share with you some of the wisdom of Brahma Kumaris, the World Spiritual University.

Patience is a virtue and a power too. Patience tells us that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step and that we get over there one step at a time. Patience teaches us not to rush. Knowing that there is a reason and a season for everything it enables us to smile at the challenges, realizing that there is an answer to every problem. And, even though we cannot see it, yet there is awareness that within every crisis lies an opportunity.

You can find more words of wisdom on Cosmic Spirit or click on my banner:

Hello!

2006-08-20T17:24:00.000+01:00

Just arrived in Blogland. It's all a bit dark and empty here. Nobody around. Must go and get some nice accessories to make this place look pretty. Will be back soon!