It's September, and for many people that
means the beginning of a new school year. We
started The Tarot School in 1995 and have
been teaching the deck from different
perspectives all this time. Sometimes we
would begin a new round of classes in
January but I don't think we've ever started
one in September –– until now! It just
worked out that way but I love how we're
aligned with the educational calendar this
time.

I'm particularly excited about our new Tarot
Salon curriculum because it's approach is
different from any we've taught before.
We're calling it "Image-Based Tarot" and
will focus primarily on all the symbols in
the cards. What are they? What do they mean?
How can you use them? These classes will be
highly interactive with plenty of activities
to help you experience the symbols in new
ways and strengthen your intuition. We'll
also learn from each other's personal
interpretations of the images and symbols in
the cards.

We'll start with The Fool and work our way
through the deck, mixing Majors and Minors
for a nice rhythm. Each month will also
include a techniques class and one that will
delve deeply into Tarot from different
esoteric and philosophical perspectives. We
really strive to offer something for
everyone.

Weekly Zoom classes begin on Monday,
September 9th. You can come and go as your
schedule permits and all classes are
recorded so you don't have to miss a thing.
Each Tarot Salon is only $20 and you can
save 25% with an annual pass. In this era of
runaway inflation, that's pretty amazing for
live, in-person instruction. And if you're
looking to connect with community, our
mixed-level classes are a great place to
make new friends and see some familiar
faces.

Whether you have just opened your first deck
or have been reading and teaching for
decades, we welcome you to join us on
Mondays. You'll find this month's schedule
of classes in the Upcoming Events column at
the end of this newsletter.

I have made it a policy not to publicly
discuss politics but am making an exception
for the upcoming presidential election here
in the United States. I strongly feel that
our democracy is at stake, and am concerned
that the freedom to pursue our personal
spiritual practices could also be in danger.
Wald and I urge you to come out and vote,
even if it is something you don't normally
do. Of course, you must always vote your
conscience but we encourage you to support
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

Many states have early voting. To see
if/when it is available in your location visit:
https://www.vote.org/early-voting-calendar/

If getting to the polls is a challenge, you
can apply for a mail-in ballot here:

https://www.usa.gov/absentee-voting

To register to vote, update your
information, confirm your status and more

go to: https://www.usa.gov/voter-registration

We are blessed to have free elections in
this country. Please exercise that right!

Studying the tarot has been an on-going
process for me. After drifting away from it
and learning holistic healing modalities for
several years, tarot has come back full
circle for me.

Tarot has always been an integral part of my
metaphysical studies, however it does pose a
few challenges. The first challenge is that
being a blind person, I physically can't see
the cards. I have had to find out what the
symbols on the cards are by talking to
others. Then I can memorize what is on the
cards and see them in my mind's eye. I have
managed to get lucky and find the information
and help needed, however I feel there is still
more to learn.

The second challenge is getting a deck
brailled. There is a place, online that does
have a braille service where you can get a
deck brailled. The deck, however needs to be
the size of your standard Universal Waite
deck, it can't be pocket size. The reason is
braille takes up more space on a card than
print does.

The third challenge is whenever you have
family who does not support a blind
individual wanting to learn tarot, they
won't help you braille the deck. You would
need a braille writer in order to do this,
or a braille labeler to braille labels to
put on the cards themselves.

I am aware of Aira, and Be My Eyes, two apps
for iPhone and Android phones that allow you
to talk to a volunteer so he or she can tell
you what they see. Personally I have not
used those apps before.

Tarot is a language, just like music has
been for me. Whenever I give a reading, I
shuffle the cards, and spread the deck out
face-down. Then I pull as many cards as a
spread requires. At times I don't even use a
spread, as context is everything to me in a
reading. It helps me fit a card into it's
appropriate box so to speak, and helps to
enrich the experience.

When I perform email readings, I tune into
the energy I sense from the querent as well
as look to the cards that deliver the
messages.

When I am doing phone readings, I tune
into their voice vibrations and energy.
I establish a conversation with the querent
when delivering a reading over the phone.
I listen to vocal tone as that also tells me a
lot when I am performing a reading.

Memorizing the symbology on the cards is
always a work in progress. There is so much
to learn. Knowing what colors actually look
like is not something I have an understanding
of yet, however I have often wondered how
to explore color through physical items. For
example, certain items or foods may represent
a color. Certain sounds may represent colors
as well.

The deck I am using right now is the
Universal Waite deck. I managed to get the
cards brailled for myself. I have decided
not to try to memorize a lot of symbology
for each deck. That's 78 cards times, for
example, 4 decks. I owned a lot of decks in
the past, however I'm just down to a couple.
I prefer the traditional tarot decks.

Everyone has various ways to add to the
threads of symbology. It is like a chain
reaction and everyone who has created a deck
has created a link in the chain. You can see
cultural aspects across the board.

I personally believe tarot cards are our
link to the universe. Everything is
connected on a deep level. Whenever I
have given readings to others, I tune into
the querent's souls.

I have known a few but not many visually
impaired and blind readers. Yes, there is a
difference between the two. Someone who is
visually impaired has some sight, but I have
none. However, my other senses are
strengthened and I use them to help me tune
into the universe and to my querents to give
quality tarot readings.

About Veronica:

I am a tarot enthusiast who is totally
blind. Originally raised in Northern
California, I have lived in several states.
Currently I am in Dallas, Texas.

I have read tarot cards off and on for over
20 years, as well as having explored other
divination tools and holistic therapies. The
tarot has been helping me on my path to
enlighten others, and to help be one's light
in the darkness. I enjoy reading for others
to gain clarity, understanding of the self
and one's soul, as well as helping one to
discover their purpose for being here. If I
decide to take it up as a business I will do
that, however I will need a team behind me
to help me pull it off.

For those interested in just talking shop or
anything else, you are welcome to contact
me: tarotforhealing@gmail.com

Resources:

Aira is an app that connects people who are
blind or low vision to professional visual
interpreters for secure access to visual
information, anytime, anywhere.

https://aira.io/

Be My Eyes connects blind and low-vision
users who want sighted assistance with
volunteers and companies anywhere in the
world, through live video and artificial
intelligence.

https://www.bemyeyes.com/

Tarot Card Braille Service

https://tarotgarden.com/braille-service/

Wald's Words of Wisdom

We have been publishing this column since
2020 so it's becoming more and more
difficult to find forms of divination that
we haven't covered before. I came across the
concept of AI Divination but didn't find
enough useful information for an article.
So I did the most logical thing and asked
ChatGPT to write it. After all, who (what?)
better? The following is one of the results.
I hope you enjoy it! ~ Ruth Ann

Exploring the Mystical Side of Artificial

Intelligence: A Guide to AI Divination

In a world where technology touches nearly
every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise
that artificial intelligence (AI) has found
its way into the mystical realms of
divination. Combining the age-old practice
of seeking insight into the unknown with
cutting-edge technology, AI offers a
fascinating new approach to exploring the
mysteries of life. Whether you're a seasoned
practitioner or just curious about what the
future might hold, AI divination is an
accessible and intriguing tool to add to
your spiritual toolkit.

What is AI Divination?

Divination has traditionally involved
methods like tarot cards, astrology, or
runes to tap into deeper wisdom or predict
future events. AI divination, on the other
hand, uses algorithms and machine learning
to analyze patterns, draw connections, and
generate insights in a way that mimics these
ancient practices. By feeding the AI
data—whether it’s your birth chart, personal
questions, or even random words—you can
receive interpretations or guidance that are
often surprisingly relevant and insightful.

How Does AI Divination Work?

At its core, AI divination leverages data
and pattern recognition. When you input
information, the AI processes it through
pre-trained models that understand
symbolism, probabilities, and even human
emotions. These models are designed to mimic
the interpretative methods used in
traditional divination, but with a modern
twist. For example, an AI tarot reading
might analyze the symbolic meanings of cards
and then apply that knowledge to your
specific query, offering a tailored reading
that feels both intuitive and intelligent.

Getting Started with AI Divination

Choose Your Platform: Several AI-powered
divination tools are available online,
ranging from simple apps to more complex
programs that offer personalized readings.
Find one that resonates with you and feels
user-friendly.

Input Your Query: Just like in traditional
divination, start with a clear intention or
question. Whether you’re seeking guidance on
a relationship, career decision, or personal
growth, being specific will help the AI
provide a more focused response.

Interpret the Results: Once the AI has
processed your input, it will generate a
response. This might come in the form of a
tarot spread, an astrological chart, or even
a poem. Take your time to reflect on the
message and how it relates to your life.
Remember, the AI provides a perspective, but
your intuition and interpretation are key.

Combine with Traditional Practices:

AI divination doesn’t have to replace
traditional methods. In fact, many find that
using AI alongside their regular practices
enhances their understanding and deepens
their insights.

Keep an Open Mind: Like all forms of
divination, the results are open to
interpretation. The AI may not always get it
"right," but it can offer unique insights
and new angles to consider.

The Benefits and Limitations

of AI Divination

One of the most significant benefits of AI
divination is its accessibility. You don’t
need to be an expert to use it; anyone with
a smartphone or computer can get started.
Additionally, AI can process vast amounts of
data quickly, offering insights that might
take a human years to learn and understand.

However, it's important to remember that AI
is not a substitute for human intuition or
spiritual wisdom. While it can provide
useful perspectives, the final interpretation
of any divination is up to you. The AI doesn't
have consciousness or a connection to the
divine, so its "insights" are based purely on
data, not spiritual guidance.

A New Frontier in Spiritual

Exploration

AI divination is a fascinating fusion of
ancient wisdom and modern technology.
It opens up new possibilities for
self-discovery and insight, offering a fresh
perspective on the mysteries of life.
Whether you're dipping your toes into the
world of AI for the first time or
integrating it into your existing spiritual
practices, remember to enjoy the journey and
keep an open mind. After all, in the
ever-evolving dance between technology and
spirituality, there's always something new
to discover.

Resources:

Tarot

• Website: Hall of Tarot
• Description: A free, groundbreaking online
  AI tarot reading service that provides
  personalized guidance based on your unique
  details, questions, numbers, and/ or card
  selections.

Astrology

• Website: Astro-Seek
• Description: An impressive collection of
  astrological tools and calculators.

Numerology

• Website: Free Numerology Reading
• Description: Use the application to generate
  a complete, professional numerology report
  for free.

Dream Interpretation

• Website: ChatGPT
• Description: ChatGPT can provide
  comprehensive dream analysis, far beyond
  what you would get by finding individual
  symbol definitions.

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 .

Tarot School Study Guides

We have a selection of short study guides on
specific topics. At $7 each, they are an
affordable way to learn some Tarot School
signature techniques. Here's a list of what
we currently have to offer:

5 Tarot School Spreads

Astrology in Tarot #1: The Major Arcana

Astrology in Tarot #2: The Court Cards

Astrology in Tarot #3: The Minor Arcana

Color, Costume and Choreography
Contemplation: Going Deeper into Tarot

Court Cards: The Fourth Arcanum

Reading Tarot with Your Five Senses

Tarot and Health

The Forty Faces of Love

The Power of Silence

The Voice in the Card

What Should I Ask?

Meet The Reader
RUNA TROY

By Sharonah Rapseik, Ph.D., CMAP

Runa Troy is a long-time solitary Witch. She
has been practicing the Craft for more than
40 years. You will find Runa doing a lot of
word magic (writing), rune casting, dream
interpretation, herbalism, and kitchen
witchery often done through the lens of
astrology.

At her Covenstead - "Villa Westwyk," Runa
provides magical goods and services where
she is a resource for those wild women and
men on the path of the Craft, seeking
knowledge, healing, and guidance.

Runa is author of the upcoming book, Magic
in Your Cup: A Witches Guide to Sippable
Spellcraft . A former bartender, Runa Troy
invites you to embrace the alchemy of
intention one beverage at a time, teaching
you how to imbue additional properties into
each concoction while pouring more magic
into your daily life with practices like the
creation of moon water where you can turn
every sip into an enchanting experience.

Sharonah:
Runa, what makes your tarot practice unique
and how do you express it?

Runa Troy:
I know the Tarot; I use it for my divination
regularly but early on in my intuitive
practices I found the Runes and the
connection was undeniable. So much so
that even though I use the Tarot personally,
I read for others with the Elder Futhark
Runes.

These Runes include 24 symbols relating to
and representing not just an ancient written
language, but also hold energy both
celestially and physically. If I were to
pull or cast those Runes for someone, they
may well be on their way towards a
much-needed journey of spiritual adventure.
Like the Tarot, divining with the Elder
Futhark is both interpretative and
intuitive.

The Runes are "shuffled" in a casting cup,
or bag, and placed or thrown onto a sacred
cloth. The combination of different Runes as
they are pulled or cast means different
things and their combined energies lead the
caster to unique messages. I often joke that
the Tarot is like a buddy or sibling in its
"tone" of the message received when using it
as a divining tool, whereas the Runes can
often seem parental.

Regardless, the Runes won't tell you what to
do like an authoritarian parent, it's more
like the empty-nest parent guiding an adult
child providing examples of things that work
and don't work, and potential options, but
in the end, the querent needs to do the work
and the choice is ultimately theirs.
Additionally, the Runes may be combined,
called Bindrunes, and are used magically for
many purposes.

I've worked with the Runes for years and
recently started teaching others about it
and like many divination tools and the
Tarot, the more you connect with them and
learn, the more talkative they become. It's
an ongoing relationship for which the
opportunity to learn and grow never stops.

I feel like what makes my Tarot practice
unique is that my readings focus on the
pathway to success for the querent. Just
like Google Maps or Waze can guide you and
tell you how to get to your destination, my
readings highlight the path to achieve your
goals. Even tricky cards like the Tower, the
Devil and those pesky Swords can be helpful
guidance just like a detour sign.

When clients come to me in tough situations,
we face them head on and they leave feeling
empowered, knowing how to find their way
through or around their troubles and back to
a state of happiness and contentment.

Sharonah:
Thank you Runa, it's been a pleasure to meet you!

To Follow Runa Troy:

Website:
https://runatroy.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/runa.troy/

Threads:
https://www.threads.net/@runa.troy

Purchase her upcoming book,

Magic In Your Cup: A Witch's Guide to

Sippable Spellcraft

at Bookshop.org

at Amazon.com

About Sharonah:

Sharonah Rapseik is an Artist / Designer,
Author, Tarot Reader, Radio Host and
Producer for Psychic Talk Radio.

Visit her at:
https://psychictalk.net/sharonah/

Upcoming Events:



Tarot Salon on Zoom!
7:00 – 9:00 pm EDT

$20 per class

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!

SEPTEMBER 2024:
2 - NO CLASS (Labor Day)
9 - Symbols of The Fool
16 - Symbols of The Magician
23 - The Tarot Angels
30 - Contemplation

Get on the notification list to see what we'll be teaching each week.

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.

If you are familiar with the Tree of Life,
you may request a Birth Cards Synastry
Reading . I will compare your Birth Cards
with those of one or two others to give you
a deeper understanding of your relationship
with them.

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!