Welcome to my personal blog.
Here you will find my musings, thoughts and observations, all inspired by my experiences as a full-time professional tarot reader.
A Vision Realized: A Review of Oracle of Visions
Oracle of Visions, oracle deck reviewed May, 2014, on my personal blog. A video review is included.
Ciro Marchetti’s “Oracle of Visions” has been in my personal vision since before his completion of the original project.
I have been a Ciro Marchetti fan since Gilded Tarot was first released. I met Ciro first when he graciously invited me to his home to interview him about his then-forthcoming “Legacy of the Divine Tarot.”
I invited Ciro to speak to my Tarot Meetup in West Palm Beach. At the time, we were a group of rabid tarotists who wanted to hear about his work as a tarot artist. Ciro complied, but was most excited to share some images from his new project, an oracle deck.
At the time, I had no interest in non-tarot oracles. I like the structure of tarot, its history, its correspondences, its archetypes. A tarot deck feels to me like a complete guide to human existence. Most oracle decks feel like an incomplete and random subset of possibilities. Most tarot images make sense to me. Many oracles seem contrived. Why is this angel the symbol of hope, or that unicorn the symbol of power? For me, the operation of an oracular device is random, the design of it should be anything but.
I was prepared to politely admire Ciro’s oracle images, and then turn the discussion back to my favorite topic; tarot. What happened surprised me.
Ciro’s oracle images spoke to me. I mean, they really spoke to me. They made me feel things more deeply than I would have imagined. There was one image in particular that gave me a visceral response. I began to anticipate “Oracle of Visions” as a new and unique device, rather than just another deck of pretty pictures
As Ciro worked on the accompanying book for his oracle, he invited Mary Ellen Collins, Garnet Schaeffer and me to the lovely home he shares with his talented wife, Maria, to play with his prototype deck and help him organize his thoughts for his book.
I know Mary Ellen and Garnet were just as thrilled as I to be some of the first people on the planet to work with the “Oracle of Visions.”
Ciro Marchetti first released “Oracle of Visions” as a self-published collector’s deck. I am happy to have a copy of that edition. I was curious to see how the newly published U.S. Games edition of “Oracle of Visions” would compare with the premium self-published edition.
I’m happy to report that the US. Games version of “Oracle of Visions” is delicious. It’s a smaller package than the collector’s edition. The deck and book come in a lovely, premium-quality box with a lift-off cover. The 140-page booklet fits snuggly in the box. The 52-card oracle is essentially the same as the first edition, except that the card edges aren’t gold.
To those folks who have already purchases the collector’s edition, here is my advice. Pack your collector’s edition away for safe-keeping. Get a copy of the U.S. Games edition and let yourself play with these fabulous images, without having to worry about keeping them in pristine condition. The fact is, “Oracle of Visions” contains some of the most evocative images you will ever have the pleasure to explore.
“Oracle of Visions” separates itself from most original oracles in a number of ways. First, of course, it contains the inimitable artwork of Ciro Marchetti. Second, there is nothing preachy, religious or dogmatic about “Oracle of Visions”.
In the design and production of three tarot decks, Ciro Marchetti learned a great deal about tarot tradition and the structure of tarot. He also learned that we tarotists can sometimes cling to our own understanding of a card, unwilling to stretch to see someone else’s vision.
“Oracle of Visions” is a remedy to that, just as it will be a remedy to any situation where we allow ourselves to be limited by dogma, expectation and self-imposed barriers. “Oracle of Visions” is aptly named in that one of its major functions is to allow each seeker to find their own vision within the intricate images.
The cards are large, with a black and gold border. Each card is numbered at the top, and has a stylized “OV” for “Oracle of Visions” at the bottom. These are the only writing on the cards. Each image is symbolically and graphically rich, with many opportunities for interpretation and introspection.
The book offers key phrases, descriptions and possible interpretations for each card, along with a quotation that seems to match the energy of the card. I like the scope of the quotation sources; they include everything from Charles Darwin to Cat Stevens.
The book includes some ideas of ways to work with the “Oracle of Visions”, as well as some of Marchetti’s thoughts about his journey to create this oracle.
In the card interpretations themselves, as well as the ways we can use the cards, Marchetti’s goal for us is that we be flexible, intuitive, open and exploratory There is no history, there are no traditions, and there are no sacred mysteries in the “Oracle of Visions,” except the ones we find for ourselves.
As I look through my new “Oracle of Visions”, I come to the card that first spoke to me. It’s card 24. The Key phrases for this card are “Letting Go” and “Offering a Way Out.” When I look at this card now, it is as if I were looking at a younger picture of myself, taken during a difficult time. I have grown, healed and changed since this card first spoke to me. I think some of that healing came from my connection with this image.
Now, I am still grateful for this image, but it no longer pulls at me. I look through the deck again, to find a card that speaks to me today – a card that can help me heal and grow today. I know that random draws with “Oracle of Visions” can be very insightful, but today I want to choose a card visually, rather than at random.
The image that pulls at me today is card 3. The key phrases are “Dreams,” “Meditation” and “Spiritual Escape.” As I read further, I see that the rich imagery in the card – the frog, the fish, the bird, and many other symbols, are not there on a whim. Each is a symbol of dreams. Marchetti draws on a variety of cultures to include symbols, archetypes and sacred images. I am sure these images impact us on a metaphysical level, as well as simply visually.
“Oracle of Visions” will be a great addition to any collection. It separates itself from many oracles in that this deck could be a gift for anyone who appreciates art – regardless of spiritual or metaphysical inclination.
The uses for “Oracle of Visions” are limited only by your imagination. When chosen either randomly or cognitively, these cards can provide spiritual guidance in divination and introspection. They work equally well as creative prompts. I can imagine using them in meditation as well.
Now that “Oracle of Visions” is available through U.S. Games I will be very excited to see the ways intuitive, spiritual and creative people find to weave this tool into their practices.
Check out my video review to see this wonderful deck in action!
Video of Christiana Gaudet Reviews Oracle of Visions
A Hardcore Tarotist's First Lenormand: Under the Roses Lenormand
Under the Roses, Lenormand deck reviewed May, 2014, on my personal blog. A video review is included.
I’ve been a tarotist for nearly thirty years. I am holding my very first Lenormand deck in my hands today. Well, that’s not quite right. What started my journey into card-reading originally was the Lenormand-based “Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Cards” that Santa brought me as a curiosity when I was eight years old. It was those cards that first showed me the truth inherent in oracular divination.
My first Lenormand is “Under the Roses Lenormand” by Kendra Hurteau and Katrina Hill, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
The ‘”Sub Rosa” theme speaks to me. We can use the cards to create a sacred space where secrets are revealed. The rose theme plays into the lovely artwork of the deck.
The deck is the size of a small playing deck. There are thirty-nine cards and a Little White Book (LWB).
The LWB is clear, concise and informative. Within just a few minutes I was able to do some basic self-readings.
The thirty-nine cards include the thirty-six card deck, along with an alternate Gentleman, Lady and Child. The second set of characters offers a choice in the characters’ ethnicity.
It’s no secret that European cartomancy, both tarot and Lenormand, can be rather classist, racist and sexist. Modern tarot artists and authors have made a real effort to allow tarot images to reflect all people and to depict relatable culture. It’s nice to see this happening in the Lenormand world as well.
One of the first things we are instructed to do in the LWB is to choose which of the Ladies, Gentlemen and Children we will use. At first choosing between the black people and the white people felt a little forced, and even a little smarmy to me. It reminded me of the Lovers card choices, one lesbian and one sort of androgynous couple, in the ground-breaking “Daughter of the Moon Tarot.” Certainly anything that makes an effort to make cartomancy images more inclusive is a great thing. Some attempts just seem a wee bit clumsy to me.
Then I decided I was overthinking things. I looked at the two Child cards. Based purely on aesthetics and vibes, I chose the child with the yellow dress. Then I looked at the two Lady cards. I choose the Lady who was holding a rose. One of the two Gentlemen looked a little emo to me. I chose the other guy. Suddenly the cards looked very much like my own family – a hodge-podge of cultures and ethnicities. Then I saw the wisdom in offering the alternative card choices. The deck already felt more personally attuned to me.
An early lesson I learned from “Under the Roses Lenormand,” then, is this.
Not everything has to have grand socio-political implications. Sometimes you just have to look at the pictures.
Lenormand decks are typically visually different from tarot. The Lenormand structure is based on a subset of a playing deck. In many cases, Lenormand cards feature the suit icons in the appropriate number, as well as the card name and some image associated with the name. In “Under the Roses Lenormand,” the number and suit icon appear in a small box in the lower right hand corner of each card. Card numbers one through thirty-six appear in a circle in the upper left hand corner of each card.
“Under the Roses” is beautifully illustrated. Lenormand images are traditionally simpler than tarot images. The “Under the Roses” images are lovely and evocative. As the LWB tells us, Lenormand is typically read analytically, rather than intuitively. However, the images of “Under the Roses Lenormand” have enough depth and texture to stimulate the intuition.
The cards are colored in brown and beige tones. This makes them look deliciously old-fashioned. The art has a Victorian feel. Some of the cards are significantly more colorful than others. The Dog is adorable, looking cuddly with a rose in its mouth. The Whip is a sexy redhead in a corset.
The card backs feature a red rose, stylized with curly-cue vines.
I had already done several practice readings, following the directions in the LWB, when I noticed that in the background of each card, in very light scroll, are key words. This is brilliant. The key words are not visible enough to be distracting, or to limit the deck’s usefulness. But, for a Lenormand beginner like me, they are certainly helpful.
The LWB offers small two-and three card spreads as a way of teaching card-combining, which is a cornerstone of Lenormand interpretation technique. The LWB also includes instructions for more complex spreads, such as the traditional Grand Tableau.
I can already see ways in which Lenormand cards could fit into my divinatory practices, both personally and professionally.
It’s evident that Lenormand is here to stay. I’m looking forward to a lot of great new Lenormand offerings over the next few years. No matter how many wonderful Lenormand decks are published, I believe that “Under the Roses Lenormand” is destined to become a well-loved classic, and one of my favorite divinatory tools.
Christiana Gaudet Reviews Under the Roses Lenormand
Video of Christiana Gaudet Reviews Under the Roses Lenormand
Holiday Open House 2011 a Success!
Christiana’s Holiday Open House 2011, local tarot event, recapped December, 2011, on my personal blog.
Christiana’s Holiday Open House 2011, held on Sunday, December 18, was a huge success. Monday morning we delivered 600 lbs of food, some cash, and a few bags of toys to Feeding South Florida. Through our efforts, 396 hungry people will receive a meal.
The Holiday Open House is about more than feeding the hungry. It is about sharing our skills, building community, and giving of ourselves whole-heartedly.
It takes a lot of people to put an event like this together, and I am grateful for each and every person who contributed.
We served many guests throughout the course of the day. The amazing job we did promoting this event was a true community effort. To each of you who told a friend, made a Facebook post, sent email invitations or created a Meetup, thank you. Your efforts worked beautifully.
I am grateful to my landlords, The David Associates, for donating the beautiful suite of rooms on the third floor for the occasion.
I am also grateful to Paris Bakery Café, Palm Beach Café and many individuals of our community for donating trays of delicious food for our snack table.
When guests first arrived to the Harvey Building, they were greeted by our hosts, Galen, Michael, Brenda, Katrina and James. Our hosts worked to make sure that lines ran smoothly and readers had what they needed. James and Katrina also took photos to document our event. I am looking forward to seeing and posting those photos, although no one picture can capture the joy of true openhearted giving as we experienced on Sunday.
We were lucky to have a roster of many gifted healers and readers. I was also thrilled and surprised to be joined by two practitioners not on the official roster. Each saw a need and selflessly stepped up to fill it without hesitation.
Elana and her beautiful young daughter filled the Reiki room with love and light, offering healing treatments throughout the afternoon.
Reverend Frank Rambow spent much of his afternoon in the waiting area on the third floor offering in-depth numerology readings to those waiting for services. Frank is an internationally known numerologist – we were honored to have him with us.
Our roster of practitioners who donated their time and skill, starting with those in the second floor conference room and working their way up, are as follows.
Palmist Blue Evans, with us for the third year in a row, made the following comment as he left. “I got to read for forty-eight people today!” Blue truly understands service to others as a privilege in a way that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Garnet Starr is a well-known and well-loved tarot reader in South Florida. We were honored to have her with us both last year and this. Garnet constantly gives of herself in charity and service, as well as giving amazing readings!
Marisol Zax is a tarot reader, teacher and community leader. She joined us for the first time this year. We hope to see her amazing skills often in the future, and expect to have her teach some classes in the Harvey Building in 2012.
Lauren Bressler is an energy reader. She has volunteered with us every year we have held this event in West Palm Beach. Her gifts are unique, and her willingness to share them is always appreciated by those who sit with her.
On the third floor, we had well-known tarotist Jo Ann Curry. Of all the many times I have asked for volunteer readers over the past few years, Jo Ann has never refused to share her gifts.
Lee Efthyvoulou spent the day giving astrology readings. She had intended to give readings only part of the day. When she saw how many people wanted her services, she willingly obliged.
Reverend Ruby Hands offered Crystal Healing sessions. This was Ruby’s first time working with us. Each person who walked out of her room was in awe of the healing power she shared with them.
Janet Meredith is a yoga instructor, wellness counselor and acupuncturist. She was with us for the first time. Guests were pleased and impressed with the healing acupuncture treatment she offered.
Adrienne Percival is a well-known reader in the area, and a veteran of our events. She is also a regular organizer of charity events throughout Palm Beach County. Her Daughters of the Moon Tarot readings are empowering, uplifting and enlightening.
Raquel Revuelta is a Reiki practitioner who shared her skills with us for the first time. She worked many more hours than she had originally intended. People raved about the flow of healing energy with which she worked.
Lori Tudor did double duty for us. Last year she volunteered as a host. This year she worked both a Reiki room and made her debut as an amazing tarot reader. Her healing skills and her tarot skills were equally appreciated by our guests.
Jamie Day is an emerging talent in South Florida. She offers tarot readings, crystal healing and wellness counseling. Her energy, focus and intuition were much appreciated by our guests.
On the sixth floor, in my office, we had oracle readings with Love. Love is new to our area, and is a gifted reader of a variety of oracle decks. Those who were able to spend some time with her understood that her name says it all.
Rhoda, Adohr Spirit, offered numerology readings. She is a regular and willing volunteer with us. When asked how she was feeling after a reading with Rhoda, one guest replied, “changed.”
Hattie Parker is a numerologist, tarotist and healer. She brought her aura imaging machine and produced and interpreted aura pictures. Guests found this service insightful and healing.
Paulette is a Reiki practitioner who offered healing sessions. Guests remarked at how relaxed and at peace they felt after their time with her.
On the eleventh floor we had Reverend Louise Link, who is a clairvoyant medium and channel. She has recently returned to the area after some time away. We are pleased and honored that she was able to share some time with us.
Saxz Stevens has become a well-known reader in the area. Last year he offered Integrated Divination. This year he focused on his amazing skills as a runecaster. Working with the sacred runic alphabet he offered insightful readings to many of our guests.
Joseph divines at many locations in Palm Beach County. We are often lucky to have his skill and energy at our events. On Sunday he shared his intuitive divination skills with many of our guests.
Of course, the Holiday Open House could not be a success without the hundreds of guests who took time out of their busy schedules, brought generous gifts of food and spent the afternoon with us, sharing in the energy of selfless giving.
I hold everyone who participated in my heart this holiday season. Your light shows the world what community is all about. May you receive all the blessings you so richly deserve in the New Year.
Our Seventeenth Annual Holiday Open House is set for December 16, 2012. Mark your calendar now!
With love and holiday blessings,
Christiana Gaudet
561-655-1160
866-99TAROT