Welcome New Subscribers!
I'd like to take a moment to send out a warm welcome to the 148 new subscribers
that have joined us since the June issue went out. Wow! Thank you so
much for signing up. Please feel free to invite your friends, or
forward a copy of WINGS to them! The more, the merrier!
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To Know Or Not To Know -
That Really Is A Question!
As you may remember from my series on how to get the most out of a
Tarot consultation, the question sometimes comes up regarding whether
you should tell your reader your question(s) before or even during your
session.
It came up again recently in a discussion with some of my Tarot reader
friends. It is definitely a controversial subject in Tarot land! And my
Libra ascendant can always see both sides of the argument.
Still, I feel rather strongly about it, and I thought you might be
interested in my response. Your mileage may vary, of course!
First, I must assure you that the person who posed the question is a
completely honest, sincere, and quite talented reader. However, as I
told them, if my reply seemed a bit cranky, it was only because I have
seen far too many readers (not them!!) who ego trip on
astonishing their querents with their amazing "accuracy" (whatever THAT
is supposed to be!), like pulling rabbits out of a hat.
Personally, I believe not knowing the question is relevant only if someone is doing a purely intuitive
reading. If the reader is downloading channeled messages from the
spirit world, Akashic records, angels, the Gods, etc., than I guess it
is fine. As long as they make it clear that's what they're doing. But that is NOT Tarot.
In a Tarot reading, an insistence on not knowing the question seems
like a waste of time. It strikes me as being as silly as going to a
doctor who would attempt a diagnosis without discussing your symptoms.
But the real problem is that it shuts down the querent's
participation. This is fine if you want to be seen as a mind-reader with
superpowers, or if the emphasis is on entertainment.
But it's a poor choice if your intention is to establish open, clear communication. And let’s be honest, there are a lot of readers who, in their heart of hearts, and for all kinds of reasons, would really rather not create a meaningful dialogue with their client, or grant them equal or even superior control of the session.
In my experience, if a reader's desire is to be helpful, inspiring, or
offer a path for transformation and/or healing, the seeker needs to be actively involved in their own process. Not focused on the dramatic tension of whether or not the reader will discover their secret issue.
Telling the querent not to share their concern (even if only at the
start) sets the tone for one-way communication, and a passive experience
from the seeker's point of view. The reading becomes more about the reader (accurate? not? astonishing? not? worth the fee?), instead of the seeker's issue and working with them to create their own strategies and solutions.
And when people need their psychic hits to be somehow "pure," well,
this seems really antithetical to what Tarot is about, and how psychic
ability and intuition function in the first place.
I think that the Tarot welcomes the conscious mind to be completely
present, collaborating fully with our sixth-sensory awareness. It is a
holistic system that, in my view, works best when there is harmony
between left and right brain, if you want to put it in such terms.
And one of the most fantastic, unique qualities of the Tarot is that it is the only form of the divination arts I know of that invites the querent's collaboration and participation.
When there is trust and open communication, the reader can offer gentle
guidance while allowing the Tarot to become a co-creative tool for the seeker. In this way, the querent can personally, in real time, discover and engage with their own power.
As I have written in past articles, and as most of today's leading
Tarot experts would agree, knowing the seeker's questions and concerns
up front is not only acceptable, it is crucial to offering the most
coherent, significant experience for the client. |
 Green Living
What You Can Do about the Gulf Disaster, Part 2
As I write this, the threat of tropical storm Bonnie has abated, the BP
ships are sailing back into position, and the gusher a mile deep seems
to have been successfully capped, at least for now.
But as anyone can understand, the real disaster is still
unfolding. What will become of the Gulf shores, the complex biosphere of
this life-giving ocean, and the wider webs of life it feeds? No one
really knows.
But we do know that we, you and I, are the ones who drive the markets that make BP, and Exxon, and all of them, wealthy. So we have a lot of power to demand with our dollars that there must be a shift to a more sustainable future.
Last month, I shared some ways that Sheryl Eisenberg at the Natural Resources Defense Council suggests we
can be personally involved in creating a cleaner, more healthy future
for our beloved Gaia. Here are three more important ones. I'll have her
final, easy but powerful recommendations next time!
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Get energy-efficient equipment.
The difference between conventional products and energy-efficient ones
can be quite staggering. For instance, an incandescent bulb uses four
times as much energy to produce a given quantity of light as a compact
fluorescent bulb—and 10 times as much as an LED.
Yes, the energy-efficient alternatives cost more to buy, but they also
cost less to operate. Besides, becoming the change you want to see in
the world includes paying more for a cleaner, safer future. So, shop for
Energy Star appliances and factor fuel economy into your choice of car.
-
Go local—and not just with
food. It's simple: goods need to be transported to market. The shorter
the distance, the less energy required. Therefore, look for products
made close to home. Support your local merchants, artisans, and
products.
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Buy less stuff. It takes energy
to produce and deliver goods. Think twice before you throw things away
or purchase items you do not need. If possible, repair before you
replace!
Remember -
Every little bit makes a world of difference.
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Do You Believe in Magic?
According to many wisdom traditions, Summer is the time that relates to
the element of Fire. Fire is about passion, creativity, the
life-force, energy, transformation and magic.
What does magic mean to you?
Authors Dion Fortune and Starhawk describe magic as being “the art of changing consciousness at will.” In his classic book, Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner,
Scott Cunningham defines it as, “The projection of natural energies to
produce needed results.” On the other hand, psychiatry has a dim view
of “magical thinking,” calling it the opposite of critical analysis,
and therefore undesirable.
Yet even the most linear thinker must certainly have
moments when the inexplicable and sublime intrude on his assumptions:
falling in love, miraculous healing, being swept away by great music, a
life-altering premonition -- there are so many possibilities.
Magic is certainly about change. Changing water into wine, pulling rabbits out of hats. Abracadabra! Presto! Shazam!
But then, is magic only what is extraordinary? Sometimes, the
small, everyday things --the tiny fist of a newborn, the roar of the
ocean, the smell of the air before it rains -- are what can be the most magical.
In fact, in my experience, magic most often comes when we simply pay
extraordinary attention, with great care. When we open ourselves to the
profound appreciation and joy of living, we are centered in the place
where magic can happen.
Changing our busy, distracted, superficial experience of the world around us to a slow, full opening of all
our senses, we can shape reality in new ways. In a world where we are
constantly bombarded with messages that are calculated to either seduce
us with imagined neediness, or overcome us with a sense of helplessness,
we all need a little more magic.
I hope that this Summer, you are finding powerful new ways to
connect to the magic that flows around and through us, would we but open
our hearts to receive it.
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July on my Blog
On my blog in the month of July, I have been offering
a sampling of Tarot analyses, poetry, "Wordless Wednesdays," and
tributes to the Summer Moon, the Solar Eclipse, the Dalai Lama, and
America the Beautiful, just to mention a few!
In August, I'll be celebrating the first harvests of late Summer in a
variety of ways, including sharing some ideas for cultivating a
gratitude practice. I hope you'll stop by and visit, where you can
always find a "little bit of magic" every day! |
The first orders have been
pouring in, and the excitement is growing! In case you missed it, I am
delighted to announce the first ever ..
Tarot Soul Card Kit
Did you know? There is a Tarot card that illuminates your deep identity. This is your Soul Card, and, like your Sun sign in astrology, it's based on your birth date.
Drawing on my extensive knowledge of the Tarot as well as the
energetics, lore and magic of the Plant Allies, I have formulated nine
unique herbal mixtures; one for each the Soul Cards of the Major Arcana.
The result is a hand-blended kit that will help you --
* discover and deepen your personal relationship with your Soul Card.
* enhance your connection with your Soul Card through the wisdom and gentle guidance of the Plant Allies.
* go deeper into your experience of the Tarot.
Each kit includes a brief overview of your Soul Card, a bundle of the
finest, hand-blended herbs and botanicals whose energies specifically
resonate with your Soul Card, and a charged candle with suggested
meditations and uses.
The Deluxe version also includes a stone or crystal chosen for its
ability to even further enhance your connection with your card’s energy.
For all the details, including how to learn what your Soul Card is, go here!
Hint: They make terrific gifts! All you need to know is your recipient's month, day and year of birth. |
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My Upcoming Schedule
Tarot Readings at Dancing Moon Books,
1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
Friday, August 6
Saturday, August 14
Hour or half-hour appointments begin at 11:30 am, ending by 6:30pm. Walk-ins are welcome but why risk disappointment? Call (919) 833-8081 to schedule your visit!
* * * * *
I mentioned in June's newsletter that I would be announcing my Fall
Tarot class schedule. I have not firmed the dates up just yet, so please
check my online schedule for the latest news!
However - I have begun a program of private classes, called Tools for Transition.
Each class targets specific skills that can help participants develop
their abilities to step up and fully, joyfully participate in the Great Turning, as Joanna Macy describes our transitional times.
These workshops are intimate, highly experiential, and many require
ample space for quiet reflection, being in Nature and so forth.
Therefore, I am offering them exclusively from the privacy of my home in
northern Durham county. Space is extremely limited and they will not be on my public website schedule. They are by invitation only.
As a subscriber to my newsletter, you can be included in these offerings. If you would like more information, or want to be added to my list, please visit here. |
In
June, we started a brief "Summer break" from our formal programs of
working through the numbers of the Tarot. Our final "recess" will be in
August as we have an encore Tarot art session.
We'll
be making pendants and all sorts of other Tarot art goodies. So if you
missed out on the fun in July, and you're ready for lots more creativity with the cards, please join us Aug. 18. Very friendly and free! For time and location details, go here. |
Now Taking Reservations
Dancing Moon Books Presents...
Sonia Choquette
Saturday, October 9, 2010
10am - 5pm
At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Ave.
Only $125 (before Sept. 3)
$150 after Sept. 3 or at the door.
Group rates available, too!
If you have ever taken my classes, you know that Sonia is one of my
heroes, a living example of the power of Love and our Six-Sensory
awareness in action.
Brilliant, funny, and deeply empowering, this all-day workshop is an
extremely rare chance to meet and learn from the best of the best!
Trust me -- you will NOT want to take a chance on getting your tickets at the door. I am sure this will sell out ahead of time.
For additional information, please call the good folks at Dancing Moon who are presenting this once-in-a-lifetime gift to our community!
(919) 833-8081. |
Dear Beth:
Thank
you for your articles in the "Green Living" section. My heart has been
so heavy in light of the Gulf oil disaster - I feel like I can actually
hear the cries of the birds, fish, and other creatures who are dying.
It
is helpful to know that there are daily choices we can make that
contribute to a long-term solution, even if they are only baby-steps for
now. I look forward to learning more tips every month!
-- H. D., via email
You are so welcome, H. I don't want to sugarcoat any of the serious issues we are now facing, but focusing on solutions is the way forward, I believe. I also feel that proactive choices not only empower us, but truly do make a difference.
Thanks so much for sharing your feelings with us. I know you are not alone!
If you’d like
to write, comment, ask me a question or make an observation, I’d love
to hear from you. Naturally, before I print your comments here, I
reserve the right to edit. Thanks!
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 Astrological Tidbits: The Climax of the Cardinal Drama
As I write this, we are in the final throes of the Saturn/Uranus
opposition, a two-year showdown between the power of the new, innovation
and rebelliousness, vs. old, conservative, tried and true methodology.
"Saturn opposing Uranus," as Robert Wilkinson
writes, "is a cosmic clash between titans of authority. This is the
final spin of the centrifuge that has been flinging us away from some
people and circumstances, and flinging us toward other people and
circumstances.
"This," he writes, "is leaving us in a purified state so we can move
cleanly and clearly into the new archetype of Being, symbolized by
Saturn.
"Stay focused on your individuality as it has been shaped by your
experience, and do not yield your autonomy to another's coercions,
challenges, or bullying. For some it may be necessary to retreat or go
into an introverted state. At times it's the height of wisdom to
withdraw so as not to waste energy with intransigent or argumentative
people."
But that's not all. It's just the beginning!
Astrologer Lara Owen warns that on July 29/30, "Mars moves into Libra and immediately opposes Uranus and conjuncts Saturn,
setting off [more of] the energies of the opposition. This is an
indicator of frustration with attendant possibilities of violence and
aggression.
"People around you may be on a short fuse so allow for this. If you
feel short-tempered yourself remember to breathe... Talk about what is
bothering you without descending into victimhood and making it all other
people’s fault. Set your own limits before they get imposed from outside."
Then, renowned astrologer Dan Furst notes that we are headed into "a T-Cross on July 30, in the fiery dog days, of six planets -- the Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto -- all forming a very "difficult" and "stressful" set of 90° squares and 180° oppositions in the cardinal signs of Aries, Libra and Capricorn."
Following hot on the heels of this momentous event, we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of a Grand Cross on August 6.
This involves seven planets as Venus joins the T-cross alignment, and the Moon moves into Cancer. Dan cautions us not
to respond with fear and paranoia, even if that is what is being shoved
into our faces. Look carefully behind attempts to frighten you or
coerce you in the name of security. Or, very likely, distract you from
the real stories.
It doesn't let up in August, though. Lance Ferguson adds, "Serious complications as Saturn squares Pluto again in the third week of August. And caution lights stay on for the rest of the month because Mercury again turns Retrograde on Aug 20 to Sept 12. Delays, misunderstandings, powerful winds and weather are all more likely during Mercury Rx. Keep that in mind when you make plans for the Labor Day weekend—keep it simple, and keep an eye on the weather."
Lest this all sound too grim, Robert Wilkinson reminds us,
"We've found our heart expression and trained for over two years. We
have been purified by a Divine Centrifuge each time Saturn opposed
Uranus. We have been freed of dense gross aggregates, and are now
glimpsing a new way to freedom and true individuality.
"Get ready for one last season of finishing up what needs to be ended.
Use compassion, forgiveness, and closure rituals that enable you to move
on.
"Get ready, as the wild ride has just begun, and 'new worlds are a-borning, as the old one dies...' "
Dan Furst sums it up beautifully. "How best to play this priceless
opportunity.. by remembering that Sunday August 1 is the great feast of Lughnasad, -- below the equator, it's Imbolc
-- when we consume away in fire ceremonies the old opinions and
assumptions that burn slowly because they are as dense and heavy as they
are false.
"We feast on Earth's abundance, and the new bread and wine. We sing and
remember that our glass, our tankard, or stein, or soul, is more than
half full if we will only see it so. Keep Holding That Frequency."
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Let’s stay in touch!
I specialize in helping leaders, visionaries and innovators thrive
while integrating career, creativity and spirituality. If you seek
inspiration as well as practical wisdom, I will show you how to predict your future by creating it.
Please phone me at (919) 620-7525 to make an appointment (in person, or by phone). Or visit my website to set up your appointment time.
Thank you again for making me a part of your day. May Summer's sweet ripening bring deep delight to you, body and soul!
-- Beth |
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Happy Second Anniversary to WINGS 
Have you missed any previous issues? I am now archiving them in the 
