Newsletter of The Tarot School
http://TarotSchool.com
ISSN: 1529-0565 
Vol. 5 #6 / July 1, 2013

                                                                  
 In this Issue:
- Welcome
- Tarot Tip: A Spread for Deep Exploration
- What's Gnu?
- Tarot Card Showcase: 4 of Swords
- Best Practices: Who Shouldn't Get a Reading? 
- Featured Tarot Blog:  Fool Stop - Official Blog of U.S. Games
- Upcoming Events

Welcome to a new issue of Tarot Tips!
And a special welcome to our new readers.
 
Tarot is a superb instrument that allows us to wade deep
into the subconscious level of our existence. Your readings
may well run the gamut from the purely practical to deeper
spiritual exploration.  We often are able to reveal what is
normally unconscious in us through readings, since this is
one of the many ways tarot is used. In this issue we have a
wonderful spread for exploring levels of consciousness.
 
When you think of consciousness, perhaps you equate it 
with psychological states of awareness. But the term
consciousness has many levels of meaning. The 4 of Swords
is the showcase card and will speak to this issue. What
would you say about the figure lying supine on this card? 
Is he sleeping or meditating? Is he dead? Is he unconscious? 
We will take a closer look.
 
The Best Practices column has something that could help 
you say "no" to a potential querent who shouldn't be coming 
for a reading. You'll also enjoy the delightful new blog we 
are spotlighting.
  

And one more thing...
 
 The 2014 Readers Studio website is live!! 
This is definitely a personal best of efficiency. :)
You can take advantage of an 8-month payment
plan by registering by July 31st.

Find all the juicy details at http://ReadersStudio.com 

 
Yours truly on the tarot path,
Ruth Ann, Wald & Gina


Tarot Tips is here to help you with the practical side
of your Tarot journey. In order to take the greatest
advantage of this newsletter, please send us your
questions regarding any aspect of your tarot study
or practice and we'll do our best to answer them
in an upcoming issue.

Spread the experience of tarot - share this newsletter
with other Tarot Enthusiasts!


 
Tarot Tip
A SPREAD FOR DEEP EXPLORATION
 
This is a reflective exercise. It is best used for meditation 
or deep path work and could take quite a bit of time to do, 
so make sure you allow yourself about an hour. Record 
your findings or impressions in a notebook or tarot journal.
 
Do this:
 
Begin by drawing several deep breaths or using other
relaxation/centering rituals of your choice.
 
Shuffle, and ask the question "Who am I?" Then draw 
10 cards and place them in a pyramid formation with 
one card at the first level, two cards on the second level, 
three cards on the next level and four cards on the bottom 
level. The cards read from top to bottom and from left to 
right. 
 
Here are the positions:
 
TOP LEVEL
Card 1: Who am I as the divine?
 
SECOND LEVEL
Card 2: Who am I as an individual?
Card 3: What is my spirit?
 
THIRD LEVEL
Card 4: What is my reality?
Card 5: What is calling from my subconscious?
Card 6: What is my truth?
 
BOTTOM LEVEL
Card 7: What is the ongoing theme in my life?
Card 8: What beliefs do I need to acknowledge?
Card 9: What moves my soul?
Card 10: What is my awakening?
 
 
The answer to each of these questions requires contemplation
of the card in each position. Take your time and enjoy the
process. Your effort will be well-rewarded.
 
 
 

 
 
#1: 1+1=TAROT
This popular telecourse series continues 
with an exploration of Strength - Justice.
Perfect for students at all levels, you're
bound to discover something new about
these cards.
 

#2: TAROT & PAST LIVES
The last time we offered this intensive
seems like a lifetime ago! But since our
students have been asking for it, we'll
once again be letting the cards guide us 
back -- or forwards, or even sideways --
sometime later this month. 
 
Tarot & Past Lives is a deeply experiential, two-day intensive held at
our home in New York. The technique is entirely tarot-based, and there
is no hypnotic induction involved. It is not merely a reading, but a very
detailed experience that will give you fascinating insights into the life
you're living now, whether or not you believe in reincarnation.
 
We're limiting attendance to 6 to allow for maximum involvement.
If you're seriously intrigued, give us a call at 800-804-2184 and we'll
discuss the details. 
 


Tarot Card Showcase

In this section we will feature tidbits on a specific tarot card. 
While there are many systems and decks to choose from in 
the world of tarot, here we use the Universal Waite Tarot 
images and symbols.
Copyright 1992 U.S Games.
 

 

4 OF SWORDS
 
Astrological Attribution: Jupiter in Libra
Qabalistic Attribution: Chesed in Yetzirah
(Mercy in the World of Formation)
Esoteric Title: Lord of Rest from Strife
 
A knightly figure lies in solemn repose
beneath three swords, while a fourth
sword is placed on the structure under
the figure. In the upper left corner of
the card there is a stained glass window
with what may be a religious scene.
 
 
 
While it is possible that a knight would seek a little rest
and relaxation in the sanctity of a church, this scene seems
to depict a "gisant" or recumbent effigy commonly placed
in medieval churches. These monuments were constructed for
prominent figures of the time or area and were part of the
church's funerary art. They were often realistically
painted reflecting the vibrant life of the person.
 
Monumental effigies were carved in low relief on tombs or
coffin lids as early as the 12th century, and later morphed
into full delicately carved structures in high relief
depicting the deceased practically life sized with hands
folded in prayer. Source:
 
This card suggests retreat or withdrawal from discord and
conflicts. The image also suggests meditation, dreaming,
needing time to mull things over, and sometimes recovering
from illness or even hovering unconscious between life and
death.
 
While the image of an effigy on a sarcophagus has been
associated with funerals and coffins,  in tarot it is not
typically representative of a physical death. It could,
however, signify a symbolic or ritual death or a connection
to Higher Consciousness.
 
 
Positive Keywords: Recovery, wellness, rest, relaxation, 
peace, stillness, ease, freedom from worry.
 

Negative Keywords:  Impasse, dormancy, retreat from reality; 
trance, coma, hanging in the balance between life and death.
 

Tarot Affirmation: My natural state is one of peace and wholeness.
 
        
 

 
1+1=Tarot


Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune and Justice are the focus of 
this series of tele classes. Strength, The Hermit and Justice draw the 
boundaries of the terrain of the Spirit on the Tree of Life and in tarot. 
The Wheel of Fortune is the first path to cross the Void of the 
Unconscious on the Journey of Emergence.
 
These are potent words and they describe a potent group of cards. 
Join us and add a crucial link in the chain of knowledge that 
connects the beginning to the end of the Major Arcana.
 

Strength, The Hermit, Wheel of Fortune, Justice
4 Thursdays,  July 25, August 1, 8 and 22 

9-11pm Eastern Time
Tuition: $95 for the series -- includes .mp3 recordings! 
Earns 8 Degree credits for live participation 
You'll receive the mp3 recordings even if you can't attend the classes.
 


 
Best Practices for Professional Readers
WHO SHOULDN'T GET A READING?
 
By Gina Thies
 
 
If you are like me, you love what you do as a reader and
love to help whoever comes to you. The imagery of tarot has
many layers of uses and meanings to help almost anyone, but
who would best benefit from a reading? Before you answer
"Everyone," you may want to give it some thought.
 
Often, people come to you seeking a way to resolve a painful
or truly difficult issue through a reading. What the reading
says may reveal illusions about their situation. In a
situation like this, you may need to pass on doing the
reading.
 
Your first goal as a reader is to bring about some sort of
satisfaction for your client. But if you suspect or discover
that you can't, you might be well advised to pass.
 
An alternative is to show concern and explain that your
services or methods are limited. You may be able to offer
them some help, but not be able to give them everything they
need. With that caveat, you can still proceed with the
reading. It is not always easy convincing persistent people
that they need more help than you can give them. These are
rare occurrences, but they do happen.
 
If they are contacting you just to play "test the psychic,"
then yep, they don't need to get a reading.
 
 
 
Questions arise when developing or transitioning
to professional Tarot Reading status to earn
income. These can range from "How can I make
money with Tarot?" and "How do I get started?"
to more complex technical and business questions.
You may already be up and running and have
questions about how to enhance or ramp up your
business. We would love to hear from you. Send any
questions, or interest in a future class on the
Business of Tarot, to tarot@tarotschool.com.
 
 
 


Featured Tarot Blog
FOOL STOP TAROT BLOG

Stop. Breathe. Relax. Play.
 
Our pals over at U.S. Games Systems have an awesome 
tarot blog. A very prolific team brings you all your 
favorite decks. Super!
 
 
 
 
 Upcoming Events:
 

  • July 28, 2013
  • Readers Studio Teleconference -- Free!
     
    Come hang out with us on the phone
    at our monthly informal get-together.
    It's a great chance to catch up with each
    other and brainstorm new ideas.
     
     
     
     
  • August 17-18, 2013
  • San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS)
    DoubleTree Hotel
    San Jose, California
     
    Established by Thalassa in 1991, SF BATS is the
    oldest continuously produced Tarot event in the
    world. This beloved gathering of Tarot enthusiasts
    has showcased some of the best and brightest
    readers, authors, artists and teachers in the field.
     
     
     
     
       
     
     

     

     
     
       Find us on Facebook
     
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    Do you have a question or comment on anything tarot?
    Suggestions for future topics?
    Contact tarot@tarotschool.com
     
    For information on tarot classes, courses,
    events and more, go to http://www.TarotSchool.com

     
    © Copyright 2013 The Tarot School - All Rights Reserved
    Directors: Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone