Welcome to the adventure of 2025!

That may be an odd way of saying Happy
New Year but it seems appropriate for the
uncertain year ahead.

Wald and I like to think of challenges
as adventures. One definition of
adventure is "an exciting experience or
undertaking that is typically bold and
sometimes risky." There's no map to
what lies ahead.

But we also think of the study of tarot
in that context. In fact, we often
write "Enjoy the adventure!" when
signing our books. I recently asked
Wald how he personally experiences the
adventure of tarot and this is what he
told me:

"The adventure of tarot for me has been
the opening of doors, one after another.
All the things I discovered on the other
side of those doors made me a different
person. I am not the person I was when
I started, and I will not be the same
person I am now when I'm done."

Although life may not always give us
choices as to the adventures we
experience, tarot can be like a "Write
Your Own Adventure" book. You can
choose how exciting, bold and risky you
want your experience to be. You can
enjoy the transformation and celebrate
the risks. Tarot is a wonderful guide
and companion, and we love teaching it!

So welcome to 2025. We look forward to
sharing the adventure of tarot with you!

Sharonah Rapseik and Gina Thies, two of
our regular columnists, are taking a break
while dealing with their own adventures.
Their Meet the Reader and Best Practices
for Professional Readers columns have
been wonderful contributions to this
newsletter and we recommend you read
them in the many back issues we have at
https://tarotschool.com/Newsletter.html

Wald and I will do our best to continue
to bring you interesting and informative
content but we would love to feature
your contributions as well. Specifically,
we're interested in articles for these
columns:

Tarot Tip: Usually a practical technique
or useful bit of information, specifically
about tarot.

Diviner's Corner: An introduction to

a divinatory method other than tarot.
Follow-up resources are a welcome
addition.

Best Practices for Professional
Readers: The focus here is on the
business end of running a tarot
practice.

Suggest a Column: If you have an
idea for another column or topic,
we'd be happy to consider it.

Include a headshot and short bio,
along with your website, socials,
and contact info so we can share
your work with the world!

Take a look at our back isssues to
get a sense of length and type of topics
we've covered.

Deadline: 20th of the month for the
following month's issue.

Email your submissions to us at:
tarot@tarotschool.com .

QUESTION:

Is there some way, to clean the tarot
after we do a reading (at a party, etc.)?

~ Citra
Jakarta, Indonesia

ANSWER:

This type of question comes up from
time to time but I felt it was a great
one with which to begin the new year.
Before I answer it, however, I want to
say that although your cards should be
considered a sacred tool and treated
with respect, the "magic" is always
within you. Performing a cleaning is
really a way to re-establish your own
intuitive link with your deck.

There are actually two types of
"cleaning" — Clearing and Cleansing.
Clearing your deck is appropriate to do
between readings. Cleansing is a more
involved ritual which should only be
done if warranted.

Clearing your deck is simple and quick.
Here a few ways you can do it:

1) Place your cards face-down in a
stack. Hold your hands several inches
above the deck, palms down and crossed
at the wrists. Form the intent of
clearing your deck of any residual
energy then separate your hands with a
quick, forceful motion.

2) Hold the deck in your dominant hand
and sharply rap one side of the deck 3
times on the table.

3) Lift the deck to your mouth and blow
on it.

Cleansing your deck is more complex.
You may wish to cleanse your deck if
you have bought it used, if it has been
damaged, if you feel it has been
exposed to negative energy, or if you
feel that it has gotten "tired" and
could use some re-charging.

The main ingredient in any cleansing
ritual (besides your deck) is a
"purifier." Here are a few examples
with suggestions for their use:

Salt (natural sea salt is best) -
After wrapping your cards in silk or
cotton, sprinkle salt on top of and
around the deck. Leave the salt there
overnight then sweep it up and flush it
down the toilet.

Sage -
In a well-ventilated area, light a
bundle of sage and pass your cards
through the smoke until you're
comfortable. Repeat if desired.

Candles -
Place your deck within a circle of
white votive candles or tea lights.
Leave it there until the candles have
burned down. (Do not leave burning
candles unattended.)

Incense -
Pass your deck through the smoke of
sandalwood or frankincense and myrrh.
If using stick incense, wave the smoke
over and around the cards in a circular
motion.

Crystal or a talisman of your faith -

Place the talisman or crystal on top of
your unwrapped deck and leave it on
your altar or on your windowsill in the
light of a full moon. When you've
finished, hold the crystal or talisman
under warm running water to clean it.

As we step into the New Year, it's the
perfect time to honor and refresh the
sacred tools that guide our journeys

– like your tarot deck. Whether you

choose a quick clearing between
readings or a deeper cleansing ritual
for special circumstances, the most
important element is your intention.

Remember, the true magic resides within
you. By nurturing your connection with
your cards and the energy you bring to
them, you create a powerful, renewed
space for intuition and insight. Here's
to fresh starts and meaningful readings
in the year ahead!

To submit a question to be answered in

a future issue of Tarot Tips, send us an

email at tarot@tarotschool.com

Wald's Words of Wisdom

Cats have long been considered mystical
creatures. From ancient Egypt, where
they were revered as sacred beings, to
modern-day internet culture, where
their quirky behaviors are celebrated,
cats have always captured human
imagination. Felidomancy—the art of
divination through cats—is a practice
that embraces this mystical connection,
using the behaviors, movements, and
even the mere presence of cats as a
medium for interpreting messages from
the unseen world.

How Felidomancy Works

Felidomancy involves observing a cat's
behavior, movements, and even
vocalizations to interpret messages.
Here are some of the common methods and
examples:

Direction of Movement

If a cat crosses your path from left to
right, it's often interpreted as a
positive omen, indicating that good
fortune or new opportunities are on the
horizon.

Conversely, if a cat crosses from right
to left, it might be seen as a warning
to proceed with caution.

Sitting and Staring

If your cat sits and stares at a
specific corner or empty space, it
might be sensing an energy or presence
unseen by humans. Some interpret this
as a sign that you should pay attention
to your surroundings or reflect on
recent events.

Dreaming Cats

If you observe your cat twitching or
making small noises in its sleep, some
believe this is a sign that the cat is
"dreaming" of events that may unfold in
your life. For instance, if the cat
seems to be chasing something, it could
symbolize that you'll soon be pursuing
a new goal or opportunity.

Unexpected Visits

In many cultures, an unfamiliar cat
entering your home or property is
considered a significant sign. A
friendly cat might bring good luck and
prosperity, while a skittish or
agitated one could indicate that you
need to address unresolved issues.

Vocalizations

The pitch, frequency, and intensity of
a cat's meows can also be interpreted.
A sudden, loud meow might be a warning,
while soft, repetitive purring can
signal reassurance and comfort.

Weather Prediction and Cats

Cats have also been associated with
predicting changes in the weather, a
practice rooted in old folk traditions.
Observing a cat's behavior can
sometimes provide clues about impending
weather conditions:

Excessive Grooming

If a cat spends an unusual amount of
time grooming its ears, some believe
this is a sign of approaching rain.
This behavior may stem from their
sensitivity to changes in atmospheric
pressure.

Seeking Warmth

When a cat curls up tightly or seeks
out warm, enclosed spaces, it's often
interpreted as a sign that colder
weather is on its way. Cats are highly
attuned to subtle temperature changes.

Restlessness

A sudden increase in a cat's
restlessness or erratic behavior might
indicate that a storm is approaching.
Cats can sense vibrations and changes
in the air that humans cannot detect.

Unusual Vocalizations

Some cats may become more vocal before
a significant weather event, such as
heavy rain or a thunderstorm. This
heightened vocalization could be their
response to the changes they sense in
the environment.

These behaviors not only reflect the
cat's natural instincts but also offer
an opportunity for humans to connect
more deeply with the rhythms of nature.

Practicing Felidomancy Yourself

If you're intrigued by the idea of
felidomancy, here's how you can start:

Observe Without Judgment

Spend time watching your cat's
behavior. Note any patterns, changes,
or unusual actions.

Journal Your Findings

Keep a journal of your observations.
Write down what your cat does and any
events that occur afterward. Over time,
you may notice correlations.

Trust Your Intuition

Like all forms of divination,
felidomancy relies on your intuition.
Trust your instincts when interpreting
your cat's behavior.

Respect Your Cat

Always remember that your cat is a
living being with its own needs and
feelings. Felidomancy should never
involve forcing your cat into
situations or causing it distress.

Whether you view felidomancy as a fun
way to deepen your bond with your
feline friend or as a genuine tool for
divination, it's a practice that invites
curiosity and mindfulness. Cats have
been our companions for thousands of
years, and their enigmatic nature
continues to inspire awe. Perhaps the
next time your cat does something
unusual, you'll take a moment to
wonder: What message might it be trying
to convey?

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 .

The Supernal Triad:
First Steps on the Tree of Life

As an experienced student of Tarot, you
know that the Rider-Waite-Smith deck's
foundations lie in Hermetic Qabalah, a
discipline known for its rich rewards
as well as its depth and complexity.
But who can be bothered to learn it
when all there usually is to go on is
lists of attributions with boring
explanations or no explanations at all?

In this 6-class audio series, Wald pulls
back the Qabalist's curtain and, step by
step, starts you on your journey to
true understanding of this fascinating
subject. By focusing on the first of
the "threes" of Tarot and Qabalah,
Wald begins to give you the core
knowledge from which everything else
in Tarot springs.

You'll learn:

Why an abstract discipline like Qabalah
does matter to you – and why the mere
understanding and acceptance of this
principle alone will instantly make you
a better reader.

The reasons behind the esoteric
attributions for The Fool, The Magician,
The Empress, the numbers 1-3 and each
of the first 3 Minor Arcana cards of
every suit: what the attributions mean,
why they are important and how to use
them in readings. You'll also see how
deeply they are connected and how
powerfully they work together.

Specific and detailed meanings for
these cards that you can use in
readings right away

Tricks on how you can instantly call
upon this material in a reading without
needing years of study

How to create your personal storehouse
of Qabalistic knowledge – and how to
access it on autopilot

Of course, phenomenal reading skills
are only a byproduct of the Qabalah's
much larger purpose. You'll discover how
these principles form a set of tools for
your personal growth that work –
regardless of your spiritual path.

You won't find this clear, step-by-step
guide to the mysteries of the top of
the Tree of Life in any book, or
anywhere else! With these secrets, your
understanding of Tarot will grow to
brilliant new heights.

Includes 12 mp3 files

Listen to a sample clip

Esoteric Insights
THE MAGICAL STRUCTURE

OF TAROT

By Wald Amberstone

For me, tarot is a piece of magic, a
very large piece of magic, that is
usually taught and learned in little
bits and pieces. I think of it as one
giant multi-dimensional jigsaw puzzle,
with the final picture being a magical
palace or temple or mansion made of
symbols.

Another analogy is tarot as a whole
magical university, with dozens of
majors and post-grad studies leading

to all kinds of careers.

Every piece of the tarot jigsaw puzzle
is a whole study in itself, and the
list of pieces is longer than you might
think.

The pieces of this puzzle include but
aren't limited to:

• Qabalah, alchemy, astrology, and numerology
• Jewish, Christian, Greek and Egyptian esoteric lore
• Ceremonial Magick and secret order practices
• Western art history, mythology and archetypal psychology
• Personal spiritual and magical practices The immense canvas of tarot imagery ...and all this in a framework of tarot's historical evolution

Impressive, isn't it? No one knows it
all or even very much of it. Everyone
who studies, or even plays with tarot,
picks one of the bits to specialize in,
usually because of a personal
predilection.

My chosen area is esoteric qabalah and
the Tree of Life, with as many of its
parts as I can hold in my head, along
with Tarot Psychology as a way to
understand human nature. What about
you? Do you have a piece of the puzzle
that you particularly like or that
appeals to you?

Upcoming Events:



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

$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!

NOTE: The Empress class is rescheduled from last month when we both had (the adventure of) Covid. If you registered for that class, you're already on the roster. If you didn't, you've got a second chance!

JANUARY 2025:
6 - The Year-Long Spread
13 - Symbols of The Empress
20 - Symbols of the 6 of Wands
27 - Symbols of the 7 of Wands

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!