 Newsletter of The Tarot School
http://TarotSchool.com ISSN: 1529-0565 Vol. 15 #3 March 1, 2023
In this Issue: - Welcome
- Tarot Tip: Combatting Stress with Tarot - Wald's Words of Wisdom - Diviner's Corner: Papyromancy - Meet the Reader: Amy Zerner & Monte Farber - Best Practices: Tax Deductions and Credits 2023 - Upcoming Events Welcome to a new issue of Tarot Tips!
And a special welcome to our new subscribers.
 This month you came from:Canada, China, Croatia, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam. We're glad you're here!  Last week was a decade-ending birthday for me. And this week is the start of a new decade for my daughter! That got me thinking about milestones. There are any number of milestones we might reach on our tarot journey. Once I started to think about mine, I came up with quite a few. It could be fun to make a list of your own tarot milestones to see how far you've come and/or how much there's still to explore. Here are some examples: • Getting your first reading • Receiving or buying your first deck • Building a tarot library • Finding a tarot teacher or teachers • Giving readings to friends and family • Giving readings to others • Getting paid for readings • Taking your tarot education to the next level • Attending your first tarot conference • Designing a tarot deck • Writing a tarot book • Teaching tarot to others Let's celebrate our milestones as we share the adventure of tarot together! Wishing you joy along the tarot path, Ruth Ann, Wald, Gina and Sharonah
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Spread the experience of tarot - share this newsletter with other Tarot Enthusiasts! Tarot Tip
COMBATTING STRESS WITH TAROT
Stress can arise in your daily experiences and situations, as it is a natural response to the various challenges life presents. It can be caused by a range of factors, such as work, family dynamics, starting new ventures, confronting unfamiliar circumstances, or experiencing traumatic events or threats. The human body has an inherent ability to manage short-term stress, which can aid in coping and serve as a protective mechanism. In response to stress, hormones are released that elevate blood pressure and heart rate. However, if this response persists beyond what is necessary for survival, it can lead to various health issues. Although some signs of stress may be apparent, others may not be as noticeable. To identify these symptoms, the American Institute of Stress has compiled a list of 50 indicators, which can be found at https://www.stress.org/stress-effects#50. People often turn to Tarot guidance seeking relief from stressors of varying degrees of severity. The following exercise is a way to incorporate Tarot “mindfulness” using your favorite deck and a journal. It can be helpful to start with a few moments of centering and grounding. One effective technique is to focus on the breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly and intentionally. To enhance this practice, you can also incorporate a boxed breathing method. This involves inhaling deeply through the nose for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, exhaling slowly through the mouth for a count of four, and then holding the breath for another count of four before repeating the cycle. Intentionally regulating your breath and focusing your attention on the present moment can help to calm the mind and body, and promote a greater sense of relaxation and centeredness. Separate the deck into 5 separate stacks of Major Arcana, Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles cards. Then put the Major Arcana (0-21) aside as you won't be using them. Shuffle each stack with the intention of examining a particular stress. Then draw one card from each stack of the four suits and place them in a horizontal row. This 4-card spread will offer insights on how you can address the stress. Example: Position 1 – (Swords) Abstain / Avoid Sample question: “What-How-Who can help me distance myself from this stressor?” Position 2 – (Wands) Intentionally Set Boundaries Sample question: How can I better communicate my needs? Position 3 – (Cups) Address Feelings / Self Care Sample questions: • What feelings or emotions am I experiencing? • Are others aware of my stress and have I addressed it?” Position 4 – (Pentacles) Affirm / Realistic Expectations Sample questions: • What can I reasonably do at this time? • What is one thing I can change today? Make notes in your journal of any insights you gain from the spread, or one like it. This will help you track your progress in managing stress. Wald's Words of Wisdom  Diviner's Corner PAPYROMANCY
 Papyromancy is a form of divination that involves the interpretation of the shapes, patterns, and other features found in burnt paper or parchment. This practice is also sometimes known as pyromancy or burnt paper divination. In traditional papyromancy, a question or issue is written on a piece of paper or parchment, which is then set on fire. The diviner then interprets the shapes, colors, and patterns left behind by the ashes and any remaining unburnt portions of the paper. The interpretation of these patterns and shapes is believed to reveal insights into the question or issue at hand. Let's say you have a specific question in mind that you'd like to explore through papyromancy, such as "What is the best path for me to take in my career?" You might write this question on a piece of paper and then burn it, focusing on your intention and desire for guidance as the paper turns to ashes. As you examine the ashes left behind, you might notice patterns and shapes that catch your attention, such as a particular symbol or a concentration of ashes in a certain area. You might interpret these patterns as signs or messages that offer guidance for your career path. For example, you might see a symbol that represents creativity or innovation, indicating that pursuing a more creative field could be the right choice for you. Alternatively, you might see a pattern that suggests networking or making connections with others could be important for your success. While burning the paper is the most commonly known method of papyromancy, there are other ways to use paper or parchment in divination. Some of these alternative methods include: Crumpling: Crumpling up a piece of paper or parchment and then flattening it out again can create unique shapes and patterns that can be interpreted. Folding: Folding a piece of paper or parchment in a specific way and then unfolding it can reveal hidden messages or symbols that can be interpreted. Tearing: Tearing a piece of paper or parchment into pieces and then reassembling them in a specific way can reveal messages or symbols. Writing and drawing: Writing or drawing on a piece of paper or parchment and then interpreting the shapes and patterns created by the ink can also be used in divination. Soaking: Soaking a piece of paper or parchment in water and then interpreting the way the paper or ink reacts to the water can also reveal messages or symbols. Here's an example of a papyromancy reading using crumpled paper: 1. Take a piece of paper and write a question or intention on it, such as "What is the next step I should take in my relationship?" 2. Crumple the paper into a ball, and then smooth it out again. 3. Examine the paper and the patterns that have been created by the crumpling. Look for any shapes or symbols that catch your attention, or any areas of the paper that seem particularly prominent. 4. Interpret the symbols and patterns that you see in the paper. For example, you might see a heart shape that suggests that your relationship is a major focus, or a spiral that indicates that you are in a period of transition or growth. You might also see areas of the paper that are torn or creased, which could suggest challenges or obstacles that you will need to navigate in your relationship. 5. Use your interpretation to gain insight and guidance on your question or intention. For example, if you saw a heart shape, you might interpret this as a sign to focus on deepening your connection with your partner. If you saw a spiral, you might interpret this as a sign to embrace change and take a new approach to your relationship. Papyromancy can be a highly personal practice, and it may take time and experimentation to develop a style and method that works best for you. It can be helpful to practice with different types of paper and methods of creating patterns and symbols to find what resonates most strongly. Remember that the interpretation of the patterns and symbols in papyromancy is highly subjective and can vary depending on the individual and their personal experiences and beliefs. The most important thing is to approach the practice with an open mind and a willingness to explore different interpretations and meanings. We’d love your suggestion or submissions for this column! If you have an idea or would like to contribute, please contact us at tarot@tarotschool.com. Meet The Reader AMY ZERNER AND MONTE FARBER By Sharonah Rapseik, Ph.D., CMAP  Amy Zerner and Monte Farber are a bestselling husband and wife team whose expertise and inspiring approach to oracular wisdom is highly sought after. Since 1988, they have shared their distinctive brand of life mastery and artistic excellence through their unique, award-winning works, which have sold nearly three million copies and have been published in eighteen different languages. Based on intuition-building techniques and their original interpretations of Astrology, Tarot, Alchemy, Metaphysics, and creativity, their useful and beautifully designed systems are accessible to a mainstream audience. Zerner and Farber have been featured in such media outlets as Forbes, The Observer, The New York Times, Oprah, Well+Good, Vogue, News 12 Long Island, MindBodyGreen, FabFitFun, Bustle, and Refinery29, as well as on many TV, radio and podcast shows. Amy Zerner is a renowned collage artist and fashion designer, and has been selling her unique "Spiritual Couture" one-of-a-kind jackets, coats and caftans exclusively through Bergdorf Goodman for 20 years. She uses an appliquéd palette of luxurious materials, hand-painted and dyed fabrics, vintage textiles, trimmings, antique beads and embellishments to make her "Spiritual Couture" rich with layers of meaning and imagination. Monte Farber is an author, life coach, astrological consultant, and a psychic reader. His experiences with reading energy help him read extremely clearly. He is no stranger to being honest. If you're committed to changing your energy surrounding a particular area of your life, he can tell you exactly how you're approaching it from an outside perspective with a communication line from our guiding spirits. Together Zerner and Farber's best-selling works include: The Enchanted Tarot, Karma Cards, The Psychic Circle, The Enchanted Spell Board, Little Reminders: Law of Attraction, Astrology for Wellness, Mindful Astrology, The Creativity Oracle, The Wild Goddess Oracle, and their newest work, Enchanted Worlds. Sharonah Rapseik: Amy and Monte, what makes your tarot practice unique and how do you express it? Amy and Monte: We feel so lucky to have been a part of the lives of so many Tarot enthusiasts, professional readers, and their clients who have benefited from our Enchanted Tarot, Instant Tarot, Enchanted Love Tarot and the Zerner/Farber Deck. It is somewhat unique that, as a married couple, we have created these "spiritual power tools" together –– Amy as the artist, and me as the author –– over the course of 30 years, so they really are our children, born of our love and creativity. Checking in with the cards (our kids!) is part of our everyday metaphysical practice. When we read our cards, our attitudes, desires and strategies for the best course of action can be reflected upon. Tarot is psychology and all the archetypes are about people so if you're not interested in people, you may as well not be interested in that and we learn so much every time we do it. Sharonah Rapseik: Thank you Amy and Monte, it’s been a pleasure to meet you! Follow Amy and Monte on social media:  Sharonah Rapseik is an Artist / Designer, Author, Tarot Reader, Radio Host and Producer for Psychic Talk Radio. Visit her at: https://psychictalk.net/sharonah/ Best Practices for Professional Readers TAX DEDUCTIONS AND TAX CREDITS 2023 By Gina Thies www.tarotadvisor.com / www.facebook.com/tarotreaders www.tarotcoupling.com / www.oraclesoup.org It's important to consider tax deductions and tax credits when filing your taxes in 2023. Tax deductions can help reduce your taxable income and, as a result, lower the amount you owe. Tax credits, offered by federal and state governments, encourage beneficial behaviors such as those that benefit the economy or environment. Tax credits provide a dollar-for-dollar break but often have earning caps. Small business owners and sole proprietors can use tax deductions to write off business expenses. Consult your tax professional or CPA to find out which expenses are currently allowed for tax deductions. Here is a list of common expenses related to running your business that can serve as a guideline when consulting with your tax professional: 1. Business-related meals 2. Business-related travel 3. Business-related car use 4. Business loan interest 5. Business banking fees 6. Professional service fees 7. Professional membership fees 8. Charitable donations 9. Gifts to clients 10. Self-paid medical premiums 11. Supplies such as books, decks, decor, and props that are business-related. And here's a big one... Training and Educational Materials! Most, if not all, your tarot lessons (in all formats), conference fees and related travel may be tax deductible, too. It is easier to track your expenses if you use one account or payment method for all your business-related expenses. Here's to your prosperity! Resource: Small Business Taxes: What to Expect in 2023 https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/7720-small-business-taxes.html Upcoming Events:  Tarot Salon on Zoom! 7:00 - 9:00 pm EST Our popular Monday night classes are now online so you can attend no matter where you live. Classes are recorded and all levels of experience are welcome! March 2023: 6 - The Tower 13 - The Star 20 - Birth Cards: Judgement-Priestess 27 - TBD Get on the notification list to see what we'll be teaching each week. Find the form and register here: https://tarot.salon  Readings with Ruth Ann Running The Tarot School with Wald keeps me pretty busy, but I still love giving readings! My specialty is using your Birth Cards and Elemental Array (techniques Wald and I have developed) in conjunction with random draws to give you an extremely personalized and powerful reading. I excel at giving Readings for Readers so if you're always giving readings to others, let me help you with some self-care for a change! Click Here to book your private reading with me over Zoom.      Do you have a question or comment on anything tarot?
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Directors: Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone
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