tippytarot

My Zen Room

2007-04-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have a small room in my house (8' x 10') whose only purpose was storage. I couldn't think of a single thing to do with it. It was supposed to be a bedroom, although I can't think of who could have used it as such.

I had been using it for my Wiccan rituals but then it became cluttered with Wild Mountain Organics, exercise equipment and other random crap. It also had this horrible half-paint job and carpet. I hate carpet and don't know why people would ever want carpet in their houses. Give me hardwood or ceramic tile. Keep your damn carpet. Also, why would you paint two walls blue and leave the other two white? Not even two walls blue. One wall was blue, the other was half blue and half white. I don't get it.

I had been wanting to rip the carpet out and organize the room for some time. I finally did it one weekend when I couldn't take the clutter and chaos any longer. I moved everything to the hallway (another great place for storage), ripped the carpet up and decided the room should be a zen room.

No one knew what the hell that meant. What is a zen room? In my mind, a zen room is a place of solitude. A neat/clean place to mediate, perform rituals, read, think, and write.

I bought bamboo flooring - absolutely beautiful and easy to work with (according to my brother who actually put it in the room) - and the paint. Everyone thought I had lost my mind when they saw this orange room. I love the color orange and found it the perfect color for a zen room. Later I found out that orange spurs creativity and contemplation. Hoorah! And a perfect choice. I think I must be intuitive.

Actually, when I told my brother that I was going to be reading in the room, he asked "Does orange make you want to read?"

Yes.

I bought curtains. This is the first room in my house I purchased curtains for. Who the hell knows why. I also bought throw pillows. I have a couple of windchimes hanging in the windows and a shelf on the wall. I also moved all of my new age books and my tarot cards to the room.

I retreat here every day. I read the paper in the morning and catch up on my magazines. I also relish reading non-academic books. It is a wonderful retreat. I should have done this when I first moved into my house. Better late than never.

My fiance does not like the zen room. He thinks it is taking away from time with him. I enjoy reading. I would rather do that than watch TV. It does not mean I love him any less. In fact, a retreat like this will only make things better. I feel better and relax. That is always good.

I continue to amaze myself

2006-06-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

I often tell people that I approach tarot card reading with a certain degree of skepticism. And I do. I never know what the cards are going to "say" nor do I know what I am going to say. People remark when I read cards that I don't often look at the person for whom I am reading. This is odd considering that I spend my life speaking publically and have a knack of making eye contact and interacting in that regard. I find it unnerving to look directly at the person. And I don't know why.

I also find myself saying things that seem to come from another place. I can't explain it. It's not as if I hear voices or smell things or see things from another realm, I just say things that come to me. It's kind of cool, actually.

I recently did some readings for my graduate students. That was a about 3 weeks ago. And for 2 of the students, things I have said would happen have happened. I have also had requests from students to have tarot parties. I truly enjoy tarot parties. I get to interact with different people and tell them things that help or not. Most of the time they help. I also get to hone my skills which is always something I look for.

Sometimes not having an explanation is explanation enough.

Freaking out the Students

2006-03-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

I was in St. Bernard Parish recently on my hurricane relief trip with school/work. While there I thought it appropriate to bring my tarot cards. I bought my first tarot deck when I was a student at this very university and when I was on a spring break trip to New Orleans. I also thought it appropriate since I hadn't done a reading in months and this would get me back into it. I used my Tarot of the Trance deck which is very colorful and voodoo-like. Again, quite fitting for New Orleans.

And I freaked out damn near every student I read. In fact, I had follow up offers to read after we returned or later that week. It was exciting to share one of my talents and perhaps guide and/or help students in the process. Who knows what will come of this. Perhaps more people will register for my classes?

I also noted in my blog - tippykayak - in my recap of the trip that I am Wiccan. I think I was waiting to hear comments about it or answer questions people may have but that didn't happen. That's fine. At least I didn't get any negative comments at my Catholic University!

Reading

2006-02-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

I have been doing quite a bit of reading lately. I am trying to figure out where I am. What I need to do. Where I've been. Why I am here.

I always think it is a bit strange that I am learning about Wicca by reading books. It almost seems sacrilegious. But where else will I learn? I have no interest in a Coven since Solitary is what I prefer. Religion is one of those things that is intensely personal for me. To practice with others would be to embrace any of the other religions that practice in a group that landed me in this very position to begin with. Nothing against Covens, they just aren't for me.

The reason Wicca is appealing is its love of nature, its respect of all things, its emphasis on allowing me to be me. There is no sacrifice. I don't have to denouce sex, for example, in order to find enlightenment. Thank god because I would rather run about unenlightened than give up carnal pleasures.

But, as I discover, these pleasures help bring you to 'god'. They are not shunned but rather embraced. Thank you modern religion for making sex and nakedness dirty. For making us ashamed of our bodies and feelings (and urges). I suppose I shouldn't blame something as far-reaching as Christianity. The fault also lies in culture among other things.

So here I am having practiced for a couple years and finally deciding that I should bring about a bit more focus. Let's hope it helps. The timing seems right to rid myself of past trappings (with Imbolc and full moon energy upon up).

Find the Time and Energy

2006-02-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest. I haven't read a single card or performed a single ritual/spell in months. I am missing it. I almost feel afraid to jump back into it.

I haven't read a single tarot card - not even my usual New Year's reading for myself - since I foresaw the death of someone. That bothered me because I wasn't quite sure how to relay that message. How do you tell someone that's what you see? Because, guess what, as much as I think I am right all the time, sometimes I'm not. What if this is one of those times?

I haven't done spells or rituals because I don't have time. That is the most horrible excuse ever because you find time for things you enjoy. I think I also have trouble with not knowing exactly what I want to do. I find myself falling into the rigidity trap. I feel that in order to do something, I have to have a grand plan. Half the reason I embraced this is because the plan is entirely my own. My old habits die hard.

Perhaps I will try something this weekend. Who knows? I will certainly do a reading this weekend - perhaps even tonight.

Replace One With Another

2006-01-25T13:43:00.000-08:00

I started my job at St. Bonaventure University which many of my friends find ironic since I am about as Catholic as the Pope is female. What I find most interesting is that the gentleman I replaced was Pagan. Did SBU know that one left and another slipped right into his place? Probably not - however I think they may suspect something since they saw my website and noted that I read Tarot cards and wear much cystal/gemstone jewelry. Not that it's a big deal, of course. I just find it funny.

So I am back in the saddle, updating my blogs. With any luck, they will be updated regularly. Check back!

Flower Spirit Cards

2005-08-27T07:53:00.000-07:00

I found some Flower Spirit Cards that are supposed to act as Tarot Cards. They help you to solve problems in your life by reconnecting you with the natural world. Damn cool concept and the photography is wonderful. If nothing else, the cards are cool and relaxing.

I also read my tarot cards recently. I have a great deal of turmoil in my life right now - all leading to much better things - but it doesn't make it any easier right now. I confirmed what I already knew - which happens quite often when I do my own readings. That just tells me to trust my instincts more. Something I am sure I will eventually learn.

Just wanted to touch base with anyone reading this. I have been out of touch, and may be for some time.

Hey - check out some new products at Wild Mountain Organics - Enjoy!

Lily Dale Assembly - Part II (Critique)

2005-07-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

I realize that part of this blog is going to sound hypocritical. Let me explain.

I read tarot cards and often charge for readings. My price is generally $25 per reading. $10 from each reading goes to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team In Training program as I am running the Marine Corp Marathon on October 30 with the organization. Part of me feels a bit opportunistic and naughty charging people for this. Yes, I am good at it and I have helped people but there is a little part of me that thinks I should somehow do this for free. I could probably make a nice living doing it if I had enough people, but I enjoy doing it very part-time.

Cut to Lily Dale Assembly. This is a nice quaint little community of spiritualists located just south of Buffalo on Casadaga Lake. It is relaxing, meditative, quiet (most of the time) and damn cute. I can imagine living here except for one thing - the tourists.

Granted, I was a tourist myself this past Friday. A friend of mine (I will call her P) and I went to Lily Dale for the day to play hooky from our day jobs. Her hooky involved taking a vacation day from work. My hooky involved putting on underwear and matching clothes.

We arrive at the gate, thrilled for our day of psychic and spiritual adventure. We were charged $10.

Did we want a program of the events and things to see and do in Lily Dale? Of course we did. Well, that's another $2.

So, $22 for the two of us to just get in the place.

I didn't arrange to have a reading but thought if I walked past a house and saw that there were 'vacancies' for readings, I would partake. Well, readings range from $40 to $100. That's what were were told. We were hard pressed to find anyone offering readings for under $60. In fact, some were as high as $80. That's for 30 minutes. 30 MINUTES! I know some attorneys and doctors (traditionally high priced rip offs) that don't get that an hour! Are you kidding me?

Everywhere we looked we saw capitalism at its ugly worst. We both well understand the power of making money and the importance of it. We both do what we have to to put food on the table and underwear on our bottoms, but this seemed a bit extreme.

We found this wonderful restaurant that served lunch on a patio overlooking Casadaga Lake. Monica's Delights. Just near the library. The food was amazing and the service outstanding. But to get to it you would have to pay a $10 admission fee. Granted, we did not check at the gate to see if you could visit the restaurant without the "cover charge" but we thought not.

We went to the fancy pants gift shop. I have a weakness for tarot cards. And not one deck struck me as interesting. I suspect it was less the decks themselves and more the atmosphere or general attitude that disuaded me. In fact, I walked in with a 20 oz. soft drink with the cap clearly on and the clerk asked that she keep it behind the counter. I thought, you have got to be kidding me. I can understand that you don't want kids wandering about with ice cream, but an adult with a capped Pepsi? No problem. I'll just leave. The place was entirely too small for its wares and its visitors to make it a comfortable shopping experience.

Then there was the bookstore. I never leave a bookstore empty handed. I was a bit disappointed. Again, I think it was my worsening attitude at this point. When I saw a 3-panel brochure photocopied on regular 20# paper outlining the surrounding woods selling for $1, I think that was the last straw. I told my friend and we laughed.

We had both been here in previous years. In fact, I was there last year. It was not nearly as expensive or ridiculous. I felt as though instead of going back in time, Lily Dale caught up with everyone else. What set Lily Dale apart from other quaint small towns (aside from the fact that they talk to the dead) was its charm, its quaintness, its laid back attitude, its lack of commercialism. That is long gone - probably never to return.

I had had a discussion with some friends about organized religion. We are all incredibly tolerant of other religions but we are disturbed by the fact that so many seem to be based on the almightly dollar. I find religion an avenue that should be immune someone to society's ills. When I see spiritualism falling prey to the same disease, I am disheartened, disappointed, and pretty pissed off.

I returned and thought about the hypocrisy. I went to Lily Dale. We spent the money to get in. We bought into the stump readings and the atmosphere. I charge people for readings. I somehow felt that what I had come to know and love - and defend to those who don't understand - had somehow let me down.

I am not sure how I will console myself with this one. I don't know if I will return, to be honest. That is something I truly have to think about. Would I recommend it? I don't even know. I don't want this to be people's experience with something that should be so pure.

I have to ponder this now - while I clean my house. Don't ask me the connection - there likely isn't one.

Lily Dale Assembly

2005-06-27T06:09:00.000-07:00

I am going to Lily Dale Assembly with a friend of mine next week. Funny - another friend is going with some friends the day before. Lily Dale is this wonderful little town of spiritualists in New York near Fredonia, just south of Buffalo. Perhaps it's southeast or southwest - I don't know. Get on Route 90 and get off in Fredonia/Dunkirk. You can't really miss it.

It's an interesting little place that seems almost lost in time. Knowing that I am going to Lily Dale makes me think about all the things I had wanted to do this winter/spring related to my our spiritualism. I have to admit that I didn't get my labyrinth together as I wanted. That's ok. Now I have more time to plan it properly and convince J that it would be a great idea and he could benefit also!

I haven't read any tarot cards in months - including my own. I wonder if I will even remember how? I am sure it's like riding a bike. I hope.

I haven't performed spells and rituals as I had hoped. I did one for the Solstice but I felt horribly out of practice and as a bit of an intruder.

I haven't read and researched as I wanted. That will come.

I am certainly enjoying my life. I am getting out there and appreciating everything in my life - good and bad - but mostly good.

I am trying to break bad habits in favor of good with some success.

When I go to Lily Dale I will have to decide which healer/medium I would like to meet with. It's almost a crap shoot. I don't really know. I don't think I want to return to the woman I saw last year because I wasn't as impressed when I saw her although I have to admit I get more impressed as I continue to live and things seems to happen. Then I wonder if I need to see anyone at all. I can just enjoy the atmosphere, shop, try to peddle my wares in their gift shop, hang out, walk their labyrinth. I don't know.

Whatever I choose to do, I am sure I will enjoy myself. I am going with a friend I always have fun with and someone I don't see as often as I am sure we would both like.

I suppose I should add that to my list. I am seeing my friends more. Friends that I didn't normally make time for. That is something I can commend myself for because they certainly enrich my life.

Slacker Tarot Lady

2005-06-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

I have been quite remiss in writing for this blog. I have been busy trying to get some businesses off the ground and that takes quite a bit of time, but that's still no excuse.

I was at the Downtown Country Market in Buffalo yesterday when a young girl approached me behind my booth (Wild Mountain Organics) in a secretive manner. I thought something was wrong. She said, we were wondering (it's at this point that I saw her friend) if you'd be interested in being one of our vendors at Pagan Pride Day this year? I was thrilled and hope I expressed such. I said, absolutely. Then she said she would take my card/brochure and have their vendor person contact me. I asked if she had a card or anything and she said that she doesn't carry them to work for obvious reasons and we both laughed.

I think I was upset afterward because we both laughed. Why is that funny? That we have to keep any kind of pride in our beliefs secret? How then does it look if the media is at the event and we appear on TV? Just curious, boss?

I don't necessarily mind that people know. At the same time, I don't often run off screaming it, but neither do many of my friends who are Christian, et.al. I like that it is private as it should be - take a lesson, G.W. I don't like that it's private because we feel it has to be - take another lesson, G.W.

I did have fun at the market and I was thrilled to be approached by the Pagan Pride committee. It made my day, actually. If you happen to be in Buffalo on Tuesday/Thursday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. stop at my booth on the corner of Lafayette and Main Street. I'm the one with the sassy blue bottles and portable sink for you to try Wild Mountain Organics.

Tarot Party for a Cause

2005-06-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am training with the Leukemia and Lyphoma Society's Team In Training program for the Marine Corp Marathon in DC in October. I trained last year for the century ride in Lake Tahoe. It was an amazing experience that I hope to repeat.

As I did last year, I am once again offering Tarot parties in your home for your family and friends. The price for a reading is $25, $10 of which will go to my fundraising efforts (tax-deductible tarot readings - what could be better). If you are interested, contact me via phone, email, or comment to this blog.

For more information about the program, visit my blog TippyTraining. To donate immediately, please visit my online donation site.

I hope to be able to entertain your friends. Please let me know!

My First Tarot Deck

2005-06-06T13:15:00.000-07:00

My very first Tarot Deck had been missing for about 5 years. In that time, I couldn't imagine what on earth I had done with it. Since I lost it, I have collected about 6 or 7 others so I can certainly read cards. But something about losing the first deck was a bit upsetting.

My first deck was purchased in New Orleans in 1991 while I was on Spring Break. It was from a cute little shop in the French Quarter. I had just had a reading and enjoyed it so much I wanted my own deck. The proprietor told me that he had a good feeling about me and the tarot cards. He told me that in the future, people would search me out to read their cards.

I thought nothing of it and purchased the recommended Rider-Waite Tarot deck. I think this is the first deck for many people. It is a great starter deck with straightforward representations and wonderful artwork.

I was searching for a short story I had written several years ago (a common theme in my life seems to be misplacing important things). I am sure I can rewrite the stories, but why? If I can track them down, that would be ideal.

I was looking through a box I had left at my mother's house after I moved this past summer. Staring up at me from the bottom of the box was my Rider-Waite Tarot deck. I was elated! In addition, I found my reference book on Runes that had also gone missing - strangely, at the same time I lost my tarot cards.

I took that box home with me and found all kinds of treasures - reference books on writing, reference books on mystery writing, ghost stories I was going to use to help with my writing. It was almost as if it was a sign from somewhere. All the things I needed to continue on my journey - or to really jump start my journey to a higher spiritual plane and a successful writing career.

When I got home, I took the cards out of their box and shuffled through them. What a great feeling to see them once again. I am now going to have my friend craft a bag for them as she has for my other decks. They will take their place with my other cards on my tarot shelf in my room.

And they won't get lost again.

Common Questions and Answers

2005-05-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

Since I started reading Tarot cards, I have been asked many of the same questions. Most people have the same concerns when it comes to Tarot Cards and Tarot readings. I have listed some of the most common questions and my responses to them:

How many decks are there?
There are hundreds and hundreds of Tarot decks. Each culture defines its own. Even different artists create decks that express their unique style. I would create my own deck, but I can’t draw. I could make the Stick Figure Tarot, I guess. I presently have eight decks. I am drawn to the artwork in each deck. For a large sampling of the different decks available, click on Isis Books and Gifts. Search their Tarot Card section. You will be amazed and surprised.

What are other ways to read fortunes or divine?
Many different divination methods exist. Again, it may depend on culture or religion. Tarot is common. You also have palm reading, tea leaves, Runes, iridology, auras, crystal ball gazing, psychics/mediums, to name a few.

Can you tell me my future?
You will sit in front of me and absorb every word I have to say! You will be amazed and thrilled and want to tell all of your friends about Madame Pauline!

Is this Black Magic? Are we conjuring the Devil?
I have studied Tarot for several years and have found it to be entertaining, thought provoking and beautiful. Take a look at the cards - the artwork is quite stunning. I often explain that many cultures try to find answers to those questions that don’t seem to have answers. While I have been moved by readings, my own and others, I don’t recommend taking the process too seriously. Of course, I don’t recommend taking life too seriously either.

Will you tell me anything bad?
While Tarot was, and still is in many circles, used to divine the future, I prefer to think of it as a means to help you answer questions or sort through problems and issues. When I ask that you have a particular question in mind, I prefer something a bit soul-searching, if you will. "Will I win the lottery," won’t be answered, but "What steps should I take in improving my money situation?" may offer a better reading. I am not psychic and cannot tell if you are going to die tomorrow or ever. I merely read and relate what the cards say to me. Even cards that sound bad don’t necessarily bode poorly for you.

How many readings can you get at any one time?
I don’t know of a rule about simultaneous readings; however, in my experience, only one. More than one reading doesn’t generate anything accurate. In fact, it often confuses the situation.

Can you read your own cards?
Absolutely, and I often do. That’s one of the perks I enjoy.

Are you a witch?
Take my glass of wine away and ask the question again.

Will I go to hell if I get a reading?
Feeling guilty? If you go to hell, it will likely have nothing to do with me.

Am I going against Christianity and God if I get a reading?
As with most things in life, a Tarot card will only have as much power and meaning as you allow it to have. I use the cards to help sort through problems I subconsciously have the solution for. Often, the reading reinforces what I already know but am afraid to admit.

How accurate are you?
It depends on whom you ask. I have been accurate for me and others, as well. Tarot card client confidentiality prevents me from discussing this further. I will say that people often discuss the readings the day after because they are amazed and thrilled.

Why do you use crystals?
Crystals seem to keep me grounded. They also seem to make people less nervous about the reading. Each crystal has a particular significance. Most of mine deal with psychic and healing energies.

Are you psychic? Can you tell that I have just peed my pants because I’m nervous?
I am not psychic. If you’ve wet yourself, it won’t take a psychic to tell.

What’s up with the dragonfly?
I like them. They represent good luck, among other things. If you don’t like them, you can kiss my behind. You’ll find one there too.

Can you do a reading over the phone?
I have done readings, rather successfully, over the phone. I prefer face-to-face, but sometimes that isn't possible. Feel free to email to arrange a reading - either in person or over the phone.

Do you ever donate the proceeds from readings to worthy causes?
All the time. In fact, right now I am donating a portion of the proceeds to any readings from now until October 14, 2005 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program of which I am a participant. Please click for my Training Blog and more information.

Feelings in the Garden

2005-05-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

I was in my backyard the other day and was tickled. I just felt so at peace and ease. I had a sense of history. My home is old - built in 1836 - so I can imagine there would be a great deal of nostalgia and history involved with the home and land it currently sits on. My house is a bit odd. It is nestled between two larger homes that were built about 50-70 years later. They are old in their own right, but not as old as mine. My house is like the shrinking old lady who refuses to lay down and take a break. That's ok. I like that she won't.

My yard is riddled with these bizarre little gardens that the owners before me made. Raised beds that resemble freshly dug graves. In fact, my mother thought they were graves. She wanted my brother to come over with his backho and dig up my yard to remove the bodies. What a site that would have been in my tiny little village.

I was sitting in my backyard listening. To nothing in particular. I just liked the sound of the bees, the breeze blowing the trees, the dogs rolling around the grass. I thought there were other sounds also. Something a bit soothing. Not a voice per se. But rather a period. I heard happiness without laughter. I heard contentment. A peacefulness revisited and welcomed.

I love my backyard and plan to sit it in all summer long. And enjoy my sanctuary.

Spiritual Healing and Teaching

2005-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

I recently met with a woman who calls herself a spiritual healer. She reminded me of several psychics I had met with. She connects to the spirit world and passes messages along from beyond. She was referred by a friend who met with her and shared some of my products with her (Wild Mountain Organics). She fell in love with the products (who doesn't) and wanted to trade her service for my products.

Our first meeting was wonderful. She gave me messages that made perfect sense to me and some that left me scratching my head. I generally approach things with a healthy skepticism but with an open mind. Rose colored bifocal glasses.

Her first comment once she was in her spirit trance, for lack of a better way of describing it, was from her mentor who had passed on. This Reverend wanted to share that I should be doing this. That I had a gift and should pursue it. She wasn't the first spiritualist to tell me this. And, in more recent years, I had begun to trust my instincts and intuition a bit more.

When asked if I had questions, I said no. Normally I have a bazillion questions (a bazillion is more than one but less than a trillion). I didn't that day. She said that never happens. She didn't know what to do without questions. I thought, I just have a wonderful, happy, glowing feeling. I don't have questions to ask because I ask them all the time as they crop up. Sometimes I get answers and sometimes I don't. I don't sweat it. I accept it. And continue to explore.

She left me with a wonderful image. Several people on the other side were smiling and happy that I came to see them. They were in a wonderful garden full of flowers and plants. They presented me with a colorful bouquet to take with me. I often find myself thinking of this colorful bouquet. Sometimes I change the flowers, sometimes I change the arrangement, sometimes they are in a vase, you get the idea.

She called a week or so later and told me that she loved my products and wanted to continue to barter. I thought that was a great idea but didn't think I needed to be spiritually healed very often so I suggested that she serve as my mentor. You would have thought I handed her a winning lottery ticket! She was thrilled with the idea! I was thrilled with the idea. She then told me she would help me learn to connect more and understand the power to communicate with the other side. She would also teach me to heal with light and energy and hands.

Again, I approach things skeptically. But I am more open minded now than I have ever been. And the thought of learning and embracing the other side - and of somehow contributing to the knowledge we have of it - intriques me. And makes me quite happy.

Look for me to share more of my adventures as they unfold!

Tarot Journey

2005-04-28T06:22:00.000-07:00

People often have several questions when I tell them I read Tarot Cards. First, however, I get the look. The look initially says to me, 'Can she read my mind? Can she tell that I wasn't really paying attention to her?'. The answers are No and Yes.

My interest in Tarot Cards really kicked in while I was on Spring Break in 1991 - an appropriate beginning, if you know me. I was in New Orleans - a fitting place to leap into the unknown - and had just had my palms read. A friend and I went into a mystical shop to have our Tarot Cards read. I was fascinated. The proprietor sold me my first deck and told me that I would be famous for this one day; people would seek me out. I thought 'blah, blah, blah, whatever.'

Here I am!

It wasn't until about ten years later that I realized I could enjoy this and provide entertainment for others. I studied the cards, acquired several other decks, tried different divination methods including Runes, and started reading cards for my friends.

This blog will serve to answer questions about Tarot, spirituality, spiritual healing, metaphysics, the beyond, and anything else that qualifies as unexplained and damn interesting.