Welcome New Subscribers!
I'd like to take a moment to send out a warm welcome to the 48 new subscribers (wow!) that have joined us since the end of August. Thank you so much
for signing up and for verifying your email. I hope you will be
inspired to invite your friends, or forward a copy of WINGS to them,
too! The more, the merrier!
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What I Wish I Had Known
When I Was Starting Out, Pt. 2
In past issues of my newsletter, I wrote a series of articles about how
a client can get the most out of their reading. (My back issues are
archived here).
Last month, I was inspired to write from the other point of view -- to share a few tidbits for folks who are (or aspire to be) readers. I got quite a few reactions to that August article, some of which I'll share later in the Owl Mail section.
Meantime, here are a few more items I wish I had known when I was first starting out as a reader. I hope you (or someone you might know) will find them helpful.
When I first decided to go public with my readings (after decades of
reading for friends, friends of friends, friends' parties, etc.), I was
pretty intimidated by the semi-famous local readers I'd been hearing
about for so long.
Not everyone will be as self-conscious as I was, of course, but I am
here to admit that it was a silly waste of my energy. Most of them, it
turns out, are incredibly gracious, not a bit competitive or hostile
about newcomers. I could have learned a lot, much sooner, by not being
so shy.
Most, but not all. Just like in all jobs, there are
always a few bad apples who can be unfriendly or even antagonistic. And
just like other professions, there is often an invisible pecking order,
or lots of old history, since these are often very sensitive people who
have been traveling in the same circles for a long time.
My advice for new folks who are not always getting a warm reception
from their seasoned colleagues is that sometimes, those folks are insecure. Or maybe, other than their professional role, they are just not that outgoing.
Do reach out to them (I'll have another good reason for doing
so later in this article). But if it doesn't work out right away, try
not to take it too personally and give it a little time.
Because another reason for a luke-warm response is that they may be taking a wait-and-see attitude.
People flame out in this occupation for all kinds of reasons. As I
increasingly find myself in the role of the old-timer (yikes! I did not just say that!!!), I can tell you I've seen some very bright talent quickly burn out.
And I have watched a lot of so-so people who became readers because
they thought it would be a quick, easy way to make money, without
"working."
Sustainability as a reader takes dedication, discipline and a commitment to grow and improve all the time.
It takes time to earn respect from our peers. Be patient, be friendly, and focus on offering excellent service. As one of my teachers has often said, "Quality outs itself." This is very true, but it can take a while.
Another tidbit that I learned the hard way was regarding email readings. Hoo boy!
Now some folks reading this might love giving readings by
email. After all, you have all the time in the world (more or less),
you don't get interrupted, you can edit and polish what you want to say,
and you can do it all in your bunny slippers and PJs if you want!
But! Are you charging by the hour? Well, how valuable is
your time? Even if you are not an obsessive editor like I am (why do you
think it always takes me forever to get this newsletter out?), it takes
SO much longer to write down in more or less complete and grammatical
sentences what you could say in 25 seconds. Like this paragraph. I
timed it - I can read it in twenty five seconds. But it took me about
three and a half minutes to type (I am a pretty fast touch-typist, and I gave it only a little editing).
But it wasn't just the time; the thing that eventually drove me up a wall about email readings was that there was minimal interaction with the querent!
Those of you who know me well, know that Mary K. Greer is my
inspiration - and I model my readings by her philosophy of R.I.T.E.:
Readings that are interactive, transformational, and empowering.
It's very tough to dialogue with a seeker who's not there. Instead, you
have to write up a card-by-card interpretation of a layout to mail to
them. Unless, of course, after spending hours writing up their answer,
you also want to email back and forth indefinitely -- explaining,
answering, and following up.
Bottom line, email readings are very inefficient. They are mostly a one-way essay, and they can take hours and hours of your time. Vastly better communication and interaction can happen between you and your seeker, and in less time.
One other tip this month (more to come next month, if this is something
you're interested in), is that I wish I had started out with a solid
file of referrals. This circles back to the first subject of this
article, about knowing and feeling comfortable with other readers and
practitioners, especially local resources.
For instance,I may find that besides (or instead of) a Tarot reading,
the client may benefit from, say, a shamanic healing; or having their
transits charted. Knowing other professionals that I can unhesitatingly
recommend is critically important.
And every ethical code for readers I've ever seen includes a
disclaimer that we don't give medical diagnoses, or financial or legal
advice unless we are licensed to do so. So if that's what your client
needs, wouldn't it be nice to be able to confidently refer them to a
professional that can help?
Similarly, having your files handy so that you can steer someone to service agencies or other help is one of the greatest services you can provide.
Sooner or later, battered women, runaway kids, people dealing with
addictions, job loss, mental illness, or alcoholic family members are
going to find their way to you. Read for them if you feel it is ethical to do so.
But it is vital that you also be able to offer them real-world help if you can. After all, you may be the only person they have ever felt safe disclosing their situation to.
Shall we continue next month with more? Or are you ready for another topic? Let me know!
And for a chance to discuss this topic in depth, you might consider signing up for my class, "Reading for Others," that I'll be teaching locally in November. Details are in my Schedule section on the right.
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 Green Living
Save the Planet, Save Your Skin
Summer is winding down, but there are still plenty of days ahead when we'll be busy with outdoor activities.
Of course, we've all been told to wear sunscreen, but did you know that not all sunscreens are created equal?
Unfortunately, many can damage our skin and the environment
with chemicals that are useless in terms of skin protection, that take
ages to break down, and which end up bleaching coral reefs.
After purchasing over 60 million bottles, the Environmental Working Group,
a nonprofit environmental research organization based in Washington
D.C., has put together a special report scoring sunscreens on a scale
from zero (no hazard) to 10 (high hazard).
An analysis of 785 sunscreen products with an SPF rating of 15 or higher found that 84 percent offer inadequate protection from the sun’s harmful rays or contain ingredients with safety concerns.
Some sunscreen chemicals break down when exposed to sunlight and must
be formulated with stabilizing chemicals. Others penetrate the skin and
present significant health concerns, according to these studies.
And current guidelines, which are almost 30 years old, also don't regulate manufacturer claims.
Their list of sunscreens, including the ones that received their highest ratings, can be found here.
Still, the risks of no protection are far greater, according
to Dr. Linda Franks, director of Gramercy Park Dermatology and clinical
assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine.
She advises consumers to continue following the guidelines of using a
tablespoon for the face and a full shot glass of sunscreen for the
entire body for optimal protection.
But as is so often the case in our complex world, it pays to do a little homework, so you can make an informed choice.
Remember -
Every little bit makes a world of difference.
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 September on my Blog
On my blog this month, we've gotten underway with our harvest season gratitude practice in the form of prayer beads - using my own "Blessed Beads."
And of course, there has been lots to celebrate this month, including the birthday of Ganesha, Pagan Pride, Autumn Equinox, and the "Super" Harvest Moon.
There are also many other diversions that defy categorization. Like the poignant, beautiful video "The Plastic Bag" and my occasional "Wordless Wednesdays."
I hope you'll stop by and visit, or subscribe by RSS or email - it's
where you can always find a "little bit of magic" every day!
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 Astrological Tidbits
will be back next month.
For the highlights of the remainder of September, visit here, here, or here.
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My Upcoming Schedule
Tarot Readings at Dancing Moon Books,
1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
Friday, Oct. 1
Saturday, Oct. 16
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!
* * * * *
There is still room for YOU -
 Fall Tarot Classes
The Wisdom Journey - Developing Your Tarot Skills
Saturday, Oct. 2, 11:30am - 6pm
$80
This all-day immersion in Tarot will have you reading with confidence and without being dependent on books and memorizing!
Reading for Others - Intermediate Tarot Practice
Saturday, Nov. 20, 1-6pm
$65
This class, only offered every year or two, is
open ONLY to those who have taken one or both of the prior classes.
We'll discuss how to safely, wisely and ethically read the Tarot for
friends and family, as well as things to consider if you are thinking
of becoming a paid reader.
Both classes are at Dancing
Moon Books in Raleigh. Space is limited and pre-registration is
required. Don't miss out! Call Dancing Moon today to save your seat:
(919) 833-8081
For more details, including specific topics we'll cover, please visit my website.
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One is already SOLD OUT!
Don't miss the other one!
Joanna Powell Colbert, famed artist for SageWoman Magazine, Circle Sanctuary and PanGaia Magazine and creator of the Gaian Tarot is coming to Raleigh and Durham, in an exclusive East Coast appearance!
 The Gaian Tarot: Healing the Earth, Healing OurselvesWith Joanna Powell Colbert and
Beth Owl’s DaughterSaturday, October 23rd
11 AM – 5:30 PM
Dancing Moon Books and Gifts
1840 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27608 Sign up now for only $117
(price goes up to $127 after Oct. 2)
To practice a Gaian or Earth-centered spirituality means to both give and receive spiritual sustenance from Mama Gaia — the natural world.
In this workshop, we'll learn about the inspiration behind the Gaian
Tarot and how it differs from other decks. We will learn spreads and
practice readings for our own personal healing and transformation.
And we’ll learn to do “wisdom readings” that will guide us into healing the earth.
No previous Tarot experience necessary. Bring any Tarot deck with you, or a pre-release collector's edition of the Gaian Tarot, if you have one.
Sunday's workshop, an intimate Gaian Circle exploration at Laurel Hill, my home in northern Durham County, has already sold out! However, you can be put on a waiting list by going here.
Don't miss this amazing opportunity to study with Joanna (and yours
truly!) as we deepen our understanding and love for our Mama Gaia and
the Tarot.
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In October, we have a very special evening planned. We're giving a hearty Southern welcome to Raleigh-Durham Tarot Meetup friend, Joanna Powell Colbert!
She will be answering your questions about her art, her Gaian Tarot, and the exciting new directions she will be announcing in the days ahead.
Bring your decks (Gaian or not!) and enjoy this exclusive opportunity to talk with Joanna!
Our group is very fun, friendly and free, but space for this is LIMITED to members plus one guest, and by RSVP only! For time and location details, go here.
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 Oh,
what fun!! I got so many wonderful emails from people responding to my
little essay about "Back to School" time, and what they want to study
and dedicate themselves to this Fall. Let's hear it for a lifelong
eagerness to learn and grow!
In
addition, my article about things to watch out for when you are first
starting out got a big response, especially the pros and cons of barter,
trade and giving one's services away.
But here was an interesting twist from someone who lives in an intentional community:
Hi Beth,I
love getting your newsletters!! I find them entertaining and
informative. I especially enjoyed your piece about the dangers of
barter. If you came to our community, you could see how many strings
could be attached to barter!
The whole place runs on an alternative economy, and we don't use money internally. We have to, of course, externally -- we still honor Caesar.
But
there's about a hundred or so of us, working together and sharing a
well-regulated system, backed up by a bureaucracy... It's a different
kettle of fish than barter or gift or money.
- K.D., via email
Thanks, K.D.
While I am sure y'all have had quite a learning curve over the years, I love knowing that you are finding viable alternatives to the money culture as we currently know it. With the ongoing challenges of Pluto in Capricorn, big transformation is underway, and we're going to need nothing short of a new paradigm! Keep up the good work!
Dear Beth,
Great newsletter, Beth... I see that Sonia Choquette is coming your way on October 9th. I hope you get a chance to see her. If you do, tell her hello from me!
Blessings,
Paul Quinn
Teacher, Intuitive consultant
Author, Tarot for Life: Reading the Cards for Everyday Guidance and Growth
Hi, Paul! What a treat to hear from you! Yes, that's right, she will be in Raleigh, and you bet I'm going. I wouldn't miss her for anything!
I
had forgotten that she was one of the folks who endorsed your book. Not
surprising, because it really is a gem! In fact, it has become one of
my favorites, both as an occasional reference, and just to read for fun!
If I can make my way through the crowds, and don't become too shy and tongue-tied, I will certainly attempt to say hello for you.
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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Speaking of Sonia...Don't forget:
Dancing Moon Books Presents...
Sonia Choquette
Saturday, October 9, 2010
10am - 5pm
At the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Ave.
$150. 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.
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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.
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Thank
you again for making me a part of your day. May the beautiful balance
of this time bring you harmony, peace, and fruitful abundance.
Have you missed any previous issues? I am now archiving them in the 
