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Welcome New Subscribers!
I'd like to take a moment to send out a warm welcome to the 22 new subscribers that have joined us since the end of September. Thank you so much
for signing up. 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. 3
Thank you to all the folks who wrote to me saying that you are enjoying this series and are eager for more!
When I picked up my first Tarot deck in 1972, there was very little
guidance for us newbies. While times have changed and we are truly in a
Renaissance of Tarot resources, I thought I would share a few practical
tips I wish I had known when I was first starting out as a reader.
Although for decades I had been doing readings for friends, and then friends of friends (and then friends of friends of friends!!), it was not until 2001 that I felt certain I was being called to become a public, professional, full-time reader.
Having spent all those years pursuing more mainstream career goals
turned out to be incredibly helpful. Thanks to my business background, I
fell completely in love with the idea of using all my "real world"
skills to launch my own business. (With The Magician as my soul card, I am a born entrepreneur who does not like to take orders from a boss!)
So I jumped into every possible opportunity with both feet! Psychic
fairs, charity events, parties, driving to peoples' homes or meeting
them in restaurants and coffeehouses, ("Have cards, will travel!"), you
name it!
This was great experience, and I would not change much about those
early days. But I don't operate quite the same way anymore. And if I was
just starting out, there are a couple of things I would do differently.
For instance, with only one or two very special exceptions, it didn't take long before I stopped offering Tarot home delivery.
I never had any kind of dangerous or unsavory encounters (thanks to my
Guides), but trying to give a serious Tarot reading on someone's sticky,
cluttered kitchen table while the phone is ringing and the dog is
barking and the kids are coming home from school in 10 minutes is just
crazy. It is not the way to tune in to Tarot wisdom.
And by the time I drive the 40-80 minutes it takes me to get to many of
the neighborhoods in our area, it just isn't worth it -- even if I
charge a premium for my drive time.
The same has held true for parties, by and large. Not only does it
seem that location is unfailingly at least an hour away, there have
been only a handful of parties that I felt were in harmony with who I am
as a reader. Truth is, I am just not cut out to be a spooky fortune-teller or the Halloween entertainment.
So, I have learned that you need to carefully interview your potential client, just as seriously as they should interview you before hiring you.
By the way, if they don't ask you a lot of questions, be
cautious - they may be very disorganized, or not taking your services
seriously, which means there is a risk of a last-minute cancellation.
This goes for both the folks who want to hire you for their soirée, and
the ones that want you to make house calls.
If you're thinking about reading for parties, private clients at home,
or special events, be organized and ready with your rates and policies.
Think carefully about the prep time you'll need, the drive time, how
many meaningful readings you can do in an hour, how many breaks you'll
need, and what conditions you absolutely must have in terms of privacy,
noise level, atmosphere, table size, lighting and so forth.
This is the time of year, too, when readers get a lot requests to
donate their services for fund-raisers and charity events. I personally
care a lot about giving back to the causes and community I care about and I am thrilled to be able to contribute when I can.
But I have also learned there are limits. Just like we can't send off donations to every single charitable request, we can easily get swamped with requests to donate our services.
So I recommend creating an annual "budget" for how much pro bono and
donated work you are willing to offer. Of course one of the beautiful
things about being your own boss is that you can be flexible under
certain circumstances.
However, having set a limit will help you prioritize and protects you
from over-giving. Plus it can give you an honest reason to say no, and
may even encourage people to ask for you earlier next time.
As you can see, a lot of this advice really centers on having clear,
strong boundaries. Next month, I'll talk about another, very important
boundary issue that I wish I hadn't learned the hard way.
And remember - if you have ever taken any of my introductory Tarot classes, you are eligible to sign up for my November class, Reading for Others. It covers many of these issues in much more depth. Details are in my Schedule section on the right.
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 Green Living
Hair Today, But What About Tomorrow?
Last month's article about safe sunscreens got a lot of interest. So
this month, we'll take a look at another product we slather on regularly
- shampoo.
In a recent article, author and Green Living Tips website owner Michael Bloch got to wondering what might be in his favorite " Professional Performance Formula, Vitamin E Moisture Rich Shampoo."
"After all," he writes, "this is the stuff we pour onto our heads and
are drenched with, day in and day out, for decades. And it all goes
into our water systems and the environment."
Here were some of the ingredients and what he discovered about them: . Sodium Laureth Sulfate - used in clinical testing as a primary skin irritant. Tests on lab animals indicate material may cause mutagenic effects. . Cocamidopropyl Betaine - potential irritant and potentially contaminated with or breaking down into chemicals linked to cancer. . Ammonium Chloride - Harmful if swallowed. May be harmful by inhalation. Skin, eye and respiratory irritant . Propylene Glycol
- allows other chemicals to penetrate into the skin, has been linked to
some respiratory, skin or sense organ, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity
hazards . Polyquaternium-10 - a mildly irritating toxic polymer . Tetrasodium EDTA - allows other chemicals to penetrate into the skin .Hexylene Glycol - neurotoxin, sensitizer and irritant .Triethanolomine - may contain residual levels of nitrosamines, a carcinogen . Methylchloroisothiazolinone -immune system toxin, lung sensitizer. . Limonene
- a hydrocarbon that poses potential risks to wildlife and the
environment through water contamination. Carcinogen to some animals.
Yikes!
It wasn't all bad, though. Some of the ingredients might
be okay, depending on their extraction process. They included Citric
Acid, Camellia Sensis Leaf Extract, Fennel, Fruit Extract, Epilobium
Angustifolium Extract, Sunflower Extract, Hazel Leaf Extract, and Sweet
Almond Fruit Extract.
However, some of the ingredients had never even been assessed
for safety by the Cosmetics Ingredient Review Board, including Geraniol,
Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Butylene Glycol, Linalool, and Hexyl
Cinnamal.
Then, there was an ingredient simply called, “Fragrance,” that could be just about anything.
And remember, although products or ingredients are labeled "natural," they can be just about anything! In fact, everything in the natural
world is comprised of chemical compounds. So while "natural" sounds
innocuous and safe, it has no real meaning for the consumer.
Michael also reminds us that all manufacturing in bulk "requires huge energy inputs and poses risks for the environment…
“And here’s a real kicker - like so many other products in our modern
lives, many chemicals used in shampoos [are] derivatives of crude oil."
So, like him, you may be wondering if you really need that dubious chemical cocktail to wash your hair.
The answer is - no. He suggests trying vegetable-based soap, including
bar soaps. After experimenting for a while, he has decided that he
prefers old-fashioned, liquid castile soap.
"I can't comment on 'body and bounce,'" he writes, "as my hair is short these days, but I haven’t lost
any hair and it feels soft and looks clean. And the wonderful thing
about liquid castile soap is that it has far more uses than just a hair
and body wash!"
So what's in your shampoo?
Remember -
Every little bit makes a world of difference.
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 Thank
you SO much to all of you who "voted" to continue my series on "What I
Wish I'd Known." This email in particular went into a little more
detail.
Hi Beth,I
LOVED September's column in your newsletter. It so resonated with me
and starting my own biz. The discussion about the "invisible old guard"
was just like a lightbulb moment for me. You articulated things I felt, but couldn't but makes sense of. Awesome!
- Julie S., Raleigh
Thanks, Julie!
I
hadn't really thought about how it might apply to other entrepreneurs,
but now that you mention it, I can see it! I am sure that there is a lot of commonality for business owners from all backgrounds.
I so passionately support and admire people who start their own businesses, so I am especially happy it was helpful to 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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 On my Blog
will be back next month!
But meantime, 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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Coming next month..
Some exciting holiday suggestions and a very special offer.. stay tuned!
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My Upcoming Schedule
Tarot Readings at Dancing Moon Books,
1840 N. Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh
Saturday, Oct. 16
Saturday, Nov. 13
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!
* * * * *
Reading for Others - Intermediate Tarot Practice
Are you really ready to read the Tarot with friends or family? Have you been following my series of articles on "What I Wish I'd Known When I Was Starting Out" and wishing you could ask me lots of questions? Are you considering going to the next level as a reader--maybe even going "pro?"
Then this is the class for you!
Saturday, Nov. 20, 1-6pm
Dancing Moon Books & Gifts
Raleigh, NC $65
Reading For Others, which is only offered every year or two, is open ONLY to those who have taken one or both of my prior introductory 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.
Don't miss out! Call Dancing Moon today to save your seat:
(919) 833-8081
For more details, including the specific topics we'll cover, please visit my website.
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Last Chance! Don't miss this once in a Blue Moon opportunity!
There are still seats available to meet and learn with Joanna Powell Colbert, Priestess, teacher, creator of the Gaian Tarot and famed artist for SageWoman Magazine, Circle Sanctuary and PanGaia.
 The Gaian Tarot: Healing the Earth, Healing OurselvesWith Joanna Powell Colbert and
What healing are you called to bring forth for your own life, as well as for the interconnected web of life? How might your presence on the Earth be a blessing that touches all living beings?
Using the Tarot and other guidance, you will have the opportunity to
look deeply into your spirit's connection to our Mother Earth.
You will learn to do "wisdom readings" that will help you discover your
unique place in the interconnectedness of All, and thus move into a
more abundant, flourishing, right relationship with our sacred Mama
Gaia, the Earth.
Learn the background of how and why the Gaian Tarot is so fundamentally
different from other Tarot decks, and discover how it may be a powerful
step forward in the evolution of the Tarot.
No previous Tarot experience is necessary. However, if you have one, bring any Tarot deck with you. Or if possible, bring your pre-release collector's edition of the Gaian Tarot.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to study with Joanna (and yours
truly!) so that you can deepen your own wisdom 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.
At this time, enrollment is full, but you can be added to our waiting list by going here.
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 Networking Spotlight On..
Bailey and Willow Tea
With cooler weather here at last, it's time to savor Beth Budd's wonderful variety of beautiful teas. On Saturday, Oct. 16, from 2-5pm, she'll be hosting a tea tasting at Dancing Moon Books that will feature a variety of apple teas, including
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City Harvest - Organic Jasmine, apple and green tea
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Genesis - Organic Apple, mango and green tea
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Monk's Mead - Apple Mango and chamomile (organic / no caffeine)
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Apple Apricot Medley - (fruit tea, no caffeine)
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Ambrosia - Apple, chocolate, vanilla, mango, organic rooibos (no caffeine and only trace amounts of dairy and sugar)
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Chaucer's Cup - Apple and Spices (organic)
She has also gotten a huge new stock of Wellness teas to make sure you
sail through the cool days ahead in serenity and vibrant health! Stop
by or visit her website today! |
 Astrological Tidbits
October 2010
Intensity more or less...
After all the drama of the Cardinal Climax this summer, astrologer Lynn Hayes reassures us that, "October brings a welcome relief from the planetary intensity of the summer."
This is great news, but things are not altogether dull in the cosmos! For instance, Venus turned retrograde back on Oct. 8 and will be that way until mid-November.
Astrologer Lara Owen
notes that this will be "highlighting old relationships and
friendships, bringing people from the past back into focus, and also
sometimes reactivating old creative projects.
"It’s a good time for inner
work on relating but perhaps not so hot for confrontation and
decisions. Obviously, you must do what you gotta do, but if there’s a
question about now or later, I’d wait."
While the week of Oct. 10 is rather quiet, on the 16th the Sun conjoins Mercury. Lynn explains that "This is a wonderful day or two for writing or anything relating to business ventures."
Things get more lively, though the following week, when Mercury leaves Libra for Scorpio on October 20th and communication becomes more emotional and more powerful.
Compounding this, on the 22nd, we experience a rare second Aries Full Moon. Rhea Wolf explains, "We get another chance to check in with the sources of our power, passion and instincts.
"The days before and after a Full Moon are very emotionally charged, and with Aries
we can expect intense passion and power to fuel our actions and
encounters with others during this time. What this Full Moon wants is
for us to honor the impulse without burning bridges, burning out or burning up in anger...
"It's
a good time to examine the inner-warrior - that part of us that wants
to take action on behalf of a cause, idea or person we care about."
The very next day, the Sun moves into the sign of Scorpio. Jeff Jawer
in StarIQ writes, "Scorpio is the mid-fall sign (mid-spring in Sydney)
that concentrates and intensifies emotions. It is the consummation phase
of relationships that follows airy Libra with the fusion of fixed water that joins two together more deeply or squeezes the life out of their union."
And last but not least, Jeff notes that on Oct. 27th, "Rambunctious Mars moves into the sign of Sagittarius, and "fires arrows of joyous enthusiasm or self-righteous proselytizing that can inspire adventure or incite debate...
"Moving
bodies with sports, outdoor activities and travel are desirable ways to
release the exuberant energy of this active planet in a highly mobile
mutable fire sign."
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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 visit my website to make an appointment (in person, or by phone). Or email me. |
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Thank
you again for making me a part of your day. May this hallowed time
offer you the magical gifts of truest love, deepest wisdom and eternal
wonder.
Have you missed any previous issues? I am now archiving them in the 
