Gilded Tarot: A Review

The Gilded Tarot, for the price (currently around $17 on Amazon.com), is on the surface, a pretty good deal.  The set comes with a 78 card deck, a companion book filled with card explanations, and a tulle drawstring bag to hold the cards.  Unfortunately the price alone wasn't enough to sway me into becoming a fan of this deck or the set.  On the pro side, the images on the deck are a bright contrast to the black background.  However, the computer generated, cut and paste feel of each card left me feeling cold.  There is nothing to connect with....perhaps it sounds strange, but the images (though medieval in theme) were a bit too modern for me.  The book, while detailed enough, is a little on the convoluted side in the meanings it gives for each card.  This definitely wouldn't be the book to start with for the beginner.  The drawstring bag, while a nice freebie, is not the appropriate storage method for a deck a reader plans on using on a regular basis, nor does it provide much protection for the deck.  What it ultimately comes down to is personal preference. If the images appeal to you (go here to see several images of the deck) then this might be a great addition to your collection.  This however isn't the deck or set for a newbie, nor does it provide the "connection" I felt needed to exist between the reader and the card images.

Two Awesome Craft Tutorials

The other day while looking into magnets for my Etsy shop, I stumbled across some awesome tutorials from a fellow blogger, Celtic Mommy.  The first is for oval cabochon necklaces, and I think you'll be impressed.....her results are beautiful and every bit as professional as I've seen for sale on many websites:

Handmade Oval Necklaces by Celtic Mommy

In addition to the broach tutorial, she has an awesome glass magnet tutorial:

 

Handmade Glass Magnets by Celtic Mommy

In addition to lots of photos and clear directions, Celtic Mommy provides links to vendors so you can hunt down supplies fairly easily.  Have a great Saturday!

Tarot Philosophy

Before I gave into my curiosity about the Tarot, I can remember being slightly afraid of it, if that makes any sense.  I knew nothing of the people who studied it, and assumed that all Tarot readers were mysterious women casting spells and curses.  In realty of course, I now know that Tarot practitioners come from all walks of life.  But I think that image is pervasive, keeping people who might otherwise benefit from seeking out the guidance of the Tarot.

I like to tell people that the Tarot is one of the first self help books, only in card form.  The Tarot is less of a fortune telling device and more of a guidance tool.  Most of us know the answers to the questions we have, but other things......fear, false security, laziness......all get in the way, leaving us in confusion when we come encounter conflict and change.  The Tarot helps clarify our thoughts and desires.  There is nothing new under the sun in the way we relate to one another, thus the Tarot is able to help provide a forecast.  Forecasts take into account all conditions and then provide a probable outcome.  This outcome, much like the weather forecasts, isn't set in stone, thus it may not always be right, but it can definitely give you a good idea of where you are going if you continue down the path you're on.

Ultimately, it's important to remember that there is nothing to fear from the Tarot....in the right hands, it will provide you with a powerful tool to improve your life.

New Deck!

Lisa Chow's Oracle Deck

Shadow and Light Tarot--A Review

In a world full of Tarot decks that look like a cross between Harry Potter fan fiction and LARPing fantasy, The Light and Shadow Tarot is a breath of fresh air.  It's black and white, block cut style images are beautiful and provide the intuiative reader with lots to work with in terms of imagery and symbolism.  The cards are on the larger side and a little bit thinner than I'd like, making it a little more difficult to shuffle and requiring a larger space for spreads (so those with small hands, beware).  However, if you're just looking to add to your collection, this is a unique deck that any Tarot addict would enjoy owning.  That said, I believe this will sit in with my collection and not my reading cards......I am at heart an old woman and stuck in my ways.  While this deck does a good job of remaining true to the meanings (as I understand them) of each card through its extensive imagery, I feel like the change in the minor arcana from Knights and Pages to Prince and Princesses is slightly frustrating.  Perhaps it's a bit limiting of me to expect all decks to keep to the same general format, but I am stuck in my ways and the change makes reading quickly and easily very difficult.  Anyone else feel the same way, or am I being a crotchety old Tarot snob?

10 Things to Make with Your Kid That Won't Look Like Crap: Mother's/Father's/Grandparent's Day Crafts for the Craft Challenged

Okay, so maybe it is the thought that counts....especially when it comes to kids and crafts.  I personally love seeing the things that my son creates.  But when we start moving from the things that we stick on the fridge to the things we wrap up and give, I want more.  I want a craft that will last for years....something the recipient will love and use, or at the very least keep for years.  So when macaroni necklaces and egg carton jewelry boxes just won't cut it, here are 10 adult assisted kid crafts family will love and cherish for years:


1) Photo Books
I am wretched at scrap booking....most of what I create ends up looking like the cat made it.  Fortunately that all changed with companies like Shuttefly and Snapfish.  I created my son's baby book this way (my handwriting is wretched as well).  I've also found this is a great way to create "handmade" family gifts from kids.  Currently my six year old is writing a "book."  He dictates stories to me, which I type up.  He then draws pictures to accompany the stories and I photograph him telling me the stories or drawing. Not only do the grandparents get a mini photo album of him, they get a little time capsule of sorts in his stories and drawings.

Exclusive artwork from the man child's latest book.

2) Painted picture frames.
This time of year, millions of mothers are going to find themselves the recipient of picture frames made of all kinds of materials....Popsicle sticks, round plastic lids, construction paper.....pretty much anything but real picture frames.  I know it's crazy but cheap, plain picture frames abound and can be found everywhere from IKEA to your local dollar store.  I found these at IKEA and had my son paint them:

The man child goes for coverage above all else....

I took one to Iraq with me and gave him the second with the same picture in it of the two of us.

3) Iron On Tote Bags
From the mistress of perfection comes an idea that is both practical, inexpensive, and will immortalize a few of those million drawings papering the fridge...Iron On Tote Bag

4) Hand Prints
What better way to remember just how little your little ones were than with hand prints.  There are numerous ways to use hand prints in pretty, useful crafts.  Two cute, useful gifts:  Hand Print Mug& Hand Print Apron

5)  Casts
With a little help from Mom or Dad, kids can make this cool and useful paperweight/catch all perfect for that special someone's desk:  Casts

6) Shrinky Dink Pendants
Silly name, but lots of fun, Shrinky Dinks provide another cool way to use a child's art work.  Pictures can be shrunk down into pendants, rings or charms for an easy jewelry project that won't attract the bugs:  Shrinky Dink Pendants

7) Magnets
Always useful and appropriate for both male and female relatives, kids can create magnets and recycle all at the same time:  Magnets

8) Coasters
This craft requires a little more help from mom or dad, but produces great results.  Use kid's drawings in place of napkins for a personal touch:  Coasters

9) Bath Fizzies
Perfect for mom, grandma or aunts, these bath fizzies from Martha Stewart are colorful and fun.  Have kids help combining ingredients and decorating containers for the special ladies in their life:  Bath Fizzies

10)  Cookie Mix in a Jar
And finally......what could be easier and more appreciated than food?  Cookie Mix in a Jar

Asking the Tarot

For a lot of people, Tarot Card Readings are rare....sometimes even once-in-a-lifetime events.  So it's a pretty safe bet that when someone sits down with me, they have never sought guidance from the Tarot..  I find that a lot of people want to "test" their reader by being vague, leaving details out or outright lying.  In the end it is my client's reading, and what they choose to disclose or keep to themselves is up to them, but a lot of these things are counter-productive to a good Tarot reading.  Now don't get me wrong, readers don't always have the time for the reader's life story, and if your reading has to fit in a short period of time, then disclosure of a great amount of personal info may be unnecessary and wasteful.  Here is what I like to tell my clients:

1.  Keep your question or issue in your mind during the entire reading.  Focusing on the issue at hand can be difficult, but keeping it in the front of your mind during the reading keeps the reading from rambling off in different directions and can give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.


2.  Keep follow up questions directly related to your original question.  Maintaining the original energy of the reading builds on the momentum already built by the original reading.


3.  Not sure what to ask or how to ask it?  Ask your reader for help. It's their job to help you get the most out of the reading.

4.  Avoid "yes" or "no" questions--ask questions instead that give the "big picture."  Yes/no questions are very limited and leave little for exploration or discussion.


All this said....Tarot readings aren't just limited to those with problems or drama in their lives.....sometimes half the fun is just seeing what your cards have to say.  Simply sitting down with a clear and empty mind and asking for an open reading may be your best bet and just may offer the best insight into your life.