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Potter posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoElisabeth and I discussed this a ways back, but are folks interested in sharing their journaling process? I don’t journal every time I run a spread, but I try to do it for most of them. Beth had some great journal ideas in her last article!
It is in a physical notebook, or computer, or online? What is your journaling process? How do you record…[Read more]
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Adrian Fox joined the group
Lesbian Sex 9 years, 4 months ago -
Mea joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago -
Gill posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoHey all, I’d like to post an image of my most recent reading to discuss with you all, but I have no idea how to post pictures on here! Any pointers?
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Instructions for doing all sorts of neat stuff in comments (like posting photos) can be found in Ali’s ‘Learn HTML and Build A Better Internet Comment: Part 2′.
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Excellent, thanks :)
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Rachel posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoThis isn’t a serious tarot question or observation, but I was referencing Greer’s Complete Book of Tarot Reversals for a reading for myself, and she mentions that an old/traditional reading of the Knight of Cups Rx was that it referenced/represented homosexuality. The more you know!
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Elisabeth posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoI just got Mary Greer’s 21 ways to read a tarot card and it is amazing! The process is a bit time consuming but it is helping me to see an incredible amount in one card and to make it really make sense to current circumstances. I started doing this 21 step process for one card in a three card reading and so far I have about three pages written…[Read more]
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Oh this sounds amazing! I really want more books, but I’ve put myself on bookbuying hiatus until I find a job. Sadness!
How are you enjoying the book and journaling process?
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I’m really amazed at the stuff that is coming up. That first card (The Lovers), when I drew it I had this one really simplistic interpretation, and then after doing the excercises in the Greer book I literally started to cry once when I was journaling about it. It brought up some deep emotional issues. It was really amazing. I haven’t even…[Read more]
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I am also on a book-buying hiatus right now, and man, it is hard to find tarot books at the library. Any library. So, therealpotter, I feel your pain.
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I’m so tempted to drop the $10 for the kindle version since someone has the library’s copy, but I’m standing strong…! Ha. I grabbed another book to tide me over and they put me on the waitlist for 21 Ways.
I just really like having physical books for things like this.
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It’s fantastic that you’re getting so much out of this book. I think you’ve got me convinced!
My library card desperately needs to be renewed (and I’m sure there are some *fines* to pay, lol). But I looked at the online catalog, and a pretty close branch has a copy! And I can make it over there before it closes for the day!
I hope the ongoing…[Read more]
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I’m glad you can get a copy. I’ve been really spoiled with my college’s library. It’s really small but I can get ILL for free which is awesome! My local library really resents doing ILL and they ask for “donations” if you request them. They even called me once to “ask” before they would do any ILL for me.
I really enjoy journaling, scribbles…[Read more] -
Ugh, that’s annoying re: ILL. I live in a pretty big city with libraries all over the place, so that makes me happy. And my school’s ILL programs have been so helpful…though I am glad that I don’t need them anymore, lol.
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I’ve been reading more of this book and I feel like this is a book I could spend the next year studying. It is packed with info. and exercises! I’m curious if you will find it as helpful as I do.
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I don’t know if this is kosher or not, but I thought I’d post screen shots of the Appendix where Greer lists a reminder worksheet of all the steps.



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This is awesome. :-)
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If you have question about any of the steps let me know. Some of them are more self explanatory than others. I know what you mean about having the physical book!
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This book has been on my reading list for a while, but never got around to it. Will definitely have to pick up a copy now!
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The repeated as an I statement parts is what really got me.
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I’m not sure I understand that part. Does she give an example?
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So, for #2 you would give a literal description of the card and what is being done, etc. Then you would repeat that saying it as if it was you in the card. It’s just like what I did in my response to the two of swords. Same with #3, you name the emotions, feeling, etc. present in the card and then repeat that as if you were experiencing it. I…[Read more]
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Scout joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago -
Jane posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoTarot Schoolers, I could use some help with a card. I drew the Page of Pentacles as my card of the day, today. The Anna K tarot emphasizes patience with this card; other descriptions emphasize going out and seizing opportunity. I feel like I can’t get a coherent sense of what the darn thing is supposed to be about. Comparing images from…[Read more]
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I find the Collective Tarot to be pretty helpful for interpretation “If you pull this card in a reading it is an indication of a quest, a search for something, a need that may just be coming into your consciousness, or something you have always known you wanted. You are in the process of embarking on that quest. Enjoy the thrill of the search!”.…[Read more]
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It makes sense with the patience interpretation – getting what you want takes time, and the process is just as important (and magical) as the outcome.
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I struggle with this card a bit, too, but here’s how I try to think about it: In general, pages are students, people who are just starting to dig into a new skill, relationship, or project. So the Page of Pents is starting out on a new endeavor that’s related to their material life – home, work, physical needs. This theme for the card runs…[Read more]
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Thanks so much, guys! That definitely helped. I’m so glad you referenced the Collective Tarot, Corinna; I don’t have a copy, but I’ve been comparing card images from it online for all of my cards lately because it’s so gorgeous. Even without the text, it helps a lot with interpretation sometimes – for instance, yesterday I drew the 9 of Swords…[Read more]
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How many times can I say “guys” in one short comment? Sigh. You can take the girl out of NJ, but…
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hooray! amazing. I don’t actually own the Collective Tarot – a good friend of mine does, but I sent them an e-mail asking if they’d be willing to send me a pdf of the interpretation booklet (which comes with images of the cards in it) and they said yes! So I have this nice little booklet to supplement my Rider-Waite deck. You can also e-mail them…[Read more]
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I’m hoping they do a reprint too! I emailed them to ask if there was another kickstarter coming but didn’t hear back. I really want this deck!
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They posted on their Facebook page a little while ago saying that the Collective itself was having some trouble, so they weren’t able to reprint presently. I’m crossing my fingers that things work out for them!
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Lauren joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago -
Elisabeth posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoI just saw an awesome post on littleredtarot.com about getting yourself out of a rut and finding your mojo. It looks awesome! Thought I’d share.
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LB joined the group
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Droplet joined the group
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Alison posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoHi everyone! I’m really excited so see how quickly this group is growing. As some of you know, I’d like to use this space to pool our collective feelings/intuitions/observations/experiences to analyze each card, one at a time.
I know that it will help me a lot, in understanding individual cards, especially numbers and court cards, and think that…[Read more]
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I like this plan. It would be really nice to see this group stay active and grow! Just read Beth’s article and loved her insights. Swords represent the element air and are often associated with the mind and with intellect. Personally, they call up imagery of weather. The swords can be so tempestuous, I think of wind and storms, and the ace would…[Read more]
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Great addition about the tempestuous nature of swords. I think some decks depict clouds on this card in the distance as dark and kind of looming as well as casting shadows on the mountains in the background. I think that speaks to what you wrote.
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I love the idea of a jolt or a wake-up call for this card!
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Thanks for getting this rolling Alison. I hope we can keep it going!
To add to my reply to Hazel, swords do represent something new, new beginnings and with swords there seems to be a danger more than any other suit of negative aspects of the suit manifesting themselves. Hence, the double edge of the swords, which is really a very clever play on…[Read more]-
From left to right: Dreaming Way Tarot, Tarot of The Magical Forest, and Tarot of The Master.

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I would guess that “gift” is similar to “opportunity” in that a start at something is being offered to the querent. Maybe?
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Oops, that should have read “aces represent something new” not swords.
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Alison, what deck is the middle card? “The Breath of Life”, that is interesting and something to think about!
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The middle deck is the Wildwood Tarot. I still have not read the explanation for this card in the book that comes with this deck… but I thought it was very interesting that the smoke in this deck, unlike in the others sees to be coming from a fire / campfire/ signal on the ground.
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Love this idea too! Elisabeth, my interpretation of aces is that they are the suit in their purest form – they represent the potential of the suit (and perhaps in that way they are a gift)- the aces are some of my favourite cards. I usually think of them in a positive light, but it’s interesting to think about the dark side of that potential. The…[Read more]
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Corinna, yes, the suit in it’s purest form…in the Dreaming Way Tarot so many of the sword cards have people dressed in white which the creator says in the booklet refers to purity of intention. In this deck there seems to be a purity of intention even when things get a bit difficult.
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This is pretty awesome:
“ready to cut through bullshit, resolve conflict and seek the truth. This is the ‘take no shit’ card, I love it.” littleredtarot.com
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I love the Collective Tarot’s depiction and interpretation as well: http://tarotparlor.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/img_20131120_084710.jpg
“the ace of swords is the gift of communication- it contains all the potential of clear thinking and truth telling. It’s reaching into yourself and finding what you want to get across, pinching it index finger…[Read more]-
Corinna, that’s really awesome and helps me understand this card a lot. You can’t communicate clearly if you don’t understand clearly.
Instructions for doing all sorts of neat stuff in comments (like posting photos) can be found in Ali’s ‘Learn HTML and Build A Better Internet Comment: Part 2’.
I upload them to imgur. From all ‘images’…[Read more]
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I can’t get it to accept what I write in for the code. Best to check Ali’s article I guess.
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Oooh, HTML! Of course. THANK YOU :)
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This is really interesting, and brings up the question of it being positive or negative again for me. While this card / clear communication might be a gift, saying what you want to clearly is not always productive, depending on what you say. I like that ambiguity.
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Alison, really nice connection!
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Elisabeth posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoQuestioning Changing My Major
Dr. Apollo’s All Purpose Spread from Rachel Pollack
Dreaming Way Tarot
This reading has me slightly stumped. The program I’m in is what I would like to be studying but it is extremely androcentric and the professors act like fascists. I’ve been considering changing Majors. Not a problem you’d think but my…[Read more]
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It might be me, but the 10 of pentacles card really looks like it’s got a lot of academics/professors on it! I kind of see this as the danger of getting too embroiled in the struggle for security that goes on with or between your professors. Based on what you are saying and this card, it seems like the situation around your professors is something…[Read more]
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Yes, I do see what you mean with the 10 pent. That is a really interesting take and think we can extend that to the administration as well because they are the ones deciding to not offer classes the people need to complete graduation requirements.
Also, I think you’re spot on about the page of pent!
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Also, for me, the outcome of this reading really depends on the question, i.e., whether you’re asking “Should I stay in the major I have now?” OR “Should I change to the major I don’t think I like?” In this case, I’m assuming that the danger of card 3 is related to staying in your current major, but it could be a danger of changing majors instead.…[Read more]
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I guess my question was pretty vague but if anything it ran more to “should I change my major to this one I don’t really like”.
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Elisabeth, I like your interpretations and I think you’re really onto something. I’d love to add my 2 cents. As another struggling artist (and former art student – blarg) your problem strikes a chord. Just know I’m still a tarot student, so please stick to your own gut. If anything someone says here doesn’t resonate with you, don’t act on it.…[Read more]
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Wow! You gave me so much to think about! Thank you!!!
Some initial thoughts:
With the 8 of swords, “maybe just doesn’t know how to go about it.” This is really how I feel. I’m confused and my analytical mind keeps endlessly going over the issue and I feel like I’m getting nowhere with it. Very swordy.
Your decription of the Queen of cups w…[Read more]-
I’m so glad that was relevant! So sorry to hear you’re that stuck, though. One image it calls up to mind, and something I’ve thought of a lot in my own situations, (warning: this is dorky) is that part in the first Harry Potter book when they all get caught up in Devil’s Snare – this big, chokey plant monster that crushes you faster the more you…[Read more]
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Both of those metaphors are really good! I have gone through periods where I’m like “ok, I just need to float for a while and things will work out”. But I’ve been kind of doing that for a few semesters now and when faced with registration I get really anxious and just don’t know which way to go. My daily reading today was totally related to…[Read more]
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By the way, I think this reading is saying what you said. The Ten of Swords is like ‘whoa! you are way overthinking’ and The Star and The Wheel of Fortune are saying just let things happen and the solution will come to you.
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Hazel Blue posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoSo I have a question for you all. I’m a super slow tarot learner – I’ve been using tarot cards for over ten years, and still only read for myself. I’ll occasionally do a reading for a friend, but I always feel a bit silly about, so the readings get a bit punchy, too. Does anyone here do professional readings and/or read a lot for others? I’m not…[Read more]
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I do not do professional readings, or even read a lot for others, but it sounds to be like you need to trust your intuition more. Maybe easier said than done, I know. I’d make sure that the friend you practice on isn’t too skeptical as well, to help you feel more confident.
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That’s good advice, Alison! I have a history of letting my skepticism block my intuition, and many of my friends are skeptical folk. I need to practice more, too.
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You did an amazing job helping me with my reading!!! I think you have every reason to feel confident in your abilities! I agree with Alison. It seems that a skeptic attitude from another person could really interfere with the process!
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I second this. You owned that reading!
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This may not appeal to you, but there are a few online tarot associations that offer free readings over the internet. It’s an opportunity for readers as well, a way to learn how to read for other people without the pressure of putting yourself out there as a “pro,” or constantly pestering skeptical friends. The sites have various criteria for how…[Read more]
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Thank you guys! Elisabeth, thank you for the opportunity to practice. And Mary L, I’ll definitely check that out.
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Gill joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago -
Mia Fitzroy joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago -
Corinna posted an update in the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months agoHi All! I’ve been doing Tarot for about a year now, mostly for myself. I think I’ve picked up a good understanding of the cards (although I still need to refer to the book for many cards), and am at ease doing readings for myself. I find readings for others to be much trickier- I haven’t explored much beyond the celtic cross, or three card…[Read more]
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I haven’t given readings to anyone else yet but I really like Dr. Apollo’s all purpose spread (see my previous post from a ways back. Wish I could link to it here but I don’t know how to do that since they don’t seem to have their own URL. If anyone knows btw please tell me). I’ve read that many readers will choose one that feels right based on…[Read more]
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Celtic not centric.
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I agree with the all-purpose spread. I’ve also found a lot of interesting and tailored spreads on tumblr, for lots of different situations.
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I haven’t tried any of these out yet, but they all looked really good to me:
Personal stuff-
And for romantic readings -…[Read more]-
Ooh, looking forward to taking a peek at these! thank you!
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splitfeet joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago -
Corinna joined the group
Tarot School 9 years, 4 months ago - Load More
cool idea! I currently have two physical old school paper type journals – one I started about a year ago. I have a page for each card, and I write down what I learn about that card each time I do a reading (if there’s something new to add of course). The second journal I just started a couple of days ago for readings themselves. In an ideal world…[Read more]
I had every intention of starting a new journal that was totally devoted to Tarot but then it quickly became totally enmeshed with my regular life stuff. I can be organized enough to write the date on top of the page, the name of the spread, the deck used, and the question. Sometimes I do a rough drawing of the spread. After that any rules, if…[Read more]
Alright, so I’ve got some time to respond to my own post, lol.
As I was taking pictures for this and reading your responses, Corinna & Elisabeth, I realized that I don’t really do a couple of things: write down the question itself or the relevance of the notes I do write. If I’m writing up a reading to post here, I go more into that, but…[Read more]
Also, I might add that this is an old journal I made back in college from draft copies of my senior thesis and my friend’s thesis, lol. (I made one for her too!) I’ve had this thing for 5 or 6 years, and it’s served a number of purposes, which is why I have no qualms about taping and adding things. I’ve beat it up enough during disaster response…[Read more]
I love it! I like to glue, tape, and scrap over my journals, too. They’re more fun when they feel more fluid.
Wow, this is awesome in so many ways! I really like seeing other people’s journals. I wanted to post a pic of mine but I felt a wee bit embarassed.
The retreat sounds really fantastic! I would love to go to something like that! I see that you got two of the same cards that came up in your spread about the job issue, the 4 of pentacles and…[Read more]
Just wanted to say, don’t be embarrassed about your journal, no matter what it looks like. Everyone organizes their thoughts differently, so as long as it makes sense to you, then I’m sure it’s amazing! Also, seeing your thought process may help others understand how to read the cards better! Just a thought!
I agree with Allison – don’t be embarrassed! This is why I love Maggie’s column about journaling here on AS; she’s all about encouraging a “whatever works,” creative attitude towards it.
Also, re: King of Cups and 4 of Pentacles… yes, lol. I’m pretty sure the last time I got the 4 of pentacles, I wrote “I’m starting to you,” especially since…[Read more]
Ok. :) Here’s two of my journals. You can see how anything goes. The funnest part of getting new pens for me is drawing them.
And I can be neat at times (on the right):
I love these! I especially love the drawings! Looks like you’ve done a lot of work as well!
Thanks! I pretty much have a lot of time on my hands right now.
I really like the highlighting as well – and the sticky notes, which I think are an artist/writer’s best friend! Or, for that matter, the best friend of any one working with multiple ideas at once! I have one online journal that basically everything goes onto because I am addicted to pictures and basically, my computer. I’m also really visual, so…[Read more]
Just wanted to say, I’ve been reading your entries while feeling like a total lurker since I don’t use tumblr and can’t comment there… but it’s been cool seeing your thoughts evolve so far!
Thanks, Mary. No worries on lurking at all. If I minded lurkers, I’d have made it private. I’ve been lurking on your blog as well! And really enjoying all of your explanations of court cards. I need all the help with those that I can get!
Awesome Alison! I missed a lot! And I have no idea how to use tumblr but created an account to follow your blog. Totally as an aside – I was basically born into a Handmaiden’s Tale kind of cult. Luckily my parents decided to leave when I was a toddler. Now I’m a raging feminist. Well…feminist anyway.
Tumblr is a bit weird to use. I think just to read everything you don’t need an account, but since you have one, you should be able to comment! Which I’d love! I think you have to follow for two weeks before it allows you to reply (not sure yet how to override this), but eventually it should work.
About the cult – that is a pretty unique (though…[Read more]
Yes, I do have memories of the cult. Bad ones. It was a Christian cult thing. Are you out to your parents? I can’t imagine what they would think of that if you were like a baby-eater as a feminist.
In hindsight I’m pretty sure that I came out to my parents in a sort of spiteful way because I knew deep down that I would never hear from them…[Read more]
Yes, I am out to my parents. I came out as a feminist first, which I think was more shocking in part because they had this preconceived idea of who I was that got shattered.
Also my dad was really understanding about my sexuality because he understands that it’s not a choice. (Whereas… I guess being a feminist, however illogical it may seem n…[Read more]
Lately I’ve been doing both a paper journal and an online one, and the blog has been a really useful addition for me… basically I do free-write style entries in the notebook for most readings I do, and sometimes I draw out the full spread in there. When I think to, I take a pic of my spreads as well in case I want to document them on le blog.…[Read more]
I really enjoy your blog posts! They always make me think about the cards from a very different and usually much lighter position that I had been. I think reposting is good because of the scrolling issue and lack of organization.
Right now I’m keeping two books, one paper and one online. I’ve been using the online one for readings, so I can put a picture of the spread (and any other relevant pictures, like if I worked from a template for the spread) and then type as much as I want. I’ve noticed that I write more and do more analysis if I’m typing, because my hand doesn’t…[Read more]
I want to do this too, have a page for each card, instead of the random jumble that is my journal.
Love this idea!