The Power of a Question
This week I learned two new words. I love adding to my vocabulary. The most usual way for me to learn a new word is to say, “I don’t know that word! What does it mean?”
Asking questions when we do not understand something is vital to our growth. Sadly, many of us are embarrassed to admit we don’t know something. It seems easier to smile and nod and pretend we understand. I’ve done this more times than I care to say. My commitment is to never do it again.
The courage to ask a question gives us the power to learn.
Questions hold power in other ways, too. Sometimes, in a tarot reading, the cards reveal something to consider, to wonder, or to ponder. It is true that we look to tarot for answers. There are times, though, that the best guidance for us is to know what questions we need to ask of ourselves.
Asking the right questions of others is important, too. Sometimes we do not seek the right information because we understand so little about the topic that we do not even know what we don’t know.
There are many sources for information. We can ask questions of divination tools, books of knowledge such as dictionaries and encyclopedias, and trusted experts.
Knowing the right source for the right question is an important skill. For example, if you need to diagnose a physical issue, begin with your doctor. If you need help with the emotional and spiritual implications of your diagnosis, a good tarot reading can help.
Questions can be a powerful weapon when dealing with an adversary. The right question can help you win an argument or help someone see your point of view.
Never be afraid to ask a question. There are religious leaders who discourage questions as a lack of faith. Any religion, doctrine, or spiritual practice should be strong enough to know that faith and spiritual experience is deepened by our curiosity.
To be curious is to be engaged in life. To ask questions is to seek the power of knowledge.
The StaarCorner
Whether you attend StaarCon 2023 in person or online, you will have access to the thirty-day AfterGlow online. This is like having a three-day conference turn into a thirty-day conference.
During the AfterGlow you can watch recordings of presentations. You can also shop in the online exhibition hall, and text chat or video chat with your StaarCon friends. You can hang out in the StaarCon lounges with friends at any time.
One of the most exciting things about the AfterGlow is the scheduled lounge events, where members of our StaarCon community give live workshops.
We are planning to have more scheduled lounge events than ever before. Mitchell Osborn will teach animal communication. Gita Rash will teach dream interpretation. Christiana Gaudet will share techniques for working with the Celtic Cross. You can expect a lounge event with Maria Alviz Hernando, and other StaarCon luminaries as well.
The AfterGlow is a unique feature of StaarCon. Get your ticket now so you can enjoy the conference, and the AfterGlow!
Let the Cards Ask a Question
Sometimes the best answer a tarot reading can give you is a question. Sometimes a tarot reading give you a homework assignment. That is, something to do, or something to figure out.
We can use tarot this way as well.
A great question to ask tarot is: “What should I be asking myself right now?”
You can pull a single card, or a few cards.
You can also let tarot frame your question for a reading. Before a reading, simply ask the cards “What should the focus of this reading be?” Or, think of a question, then ask the cards if that is the right question for today.
When you are using this technique, pulling a single card in answer may be best. Once you have your question set, perform the reading on that question.
Allow tarot to help you ask the right questions, so you can find the right answers.
The Week in Review
This week we had an exciting livestream free tarot class on YouTube. If you missed it, or want to watch it again, check out Finding Yourself in the Cards.
Tomorrow, Thursday, we have another great livestream free tarot class, related to the topic of this newsletter! Join us for Tarot Questions and Answers.
From Around the Web
There are many different opinions on the efficacy and ethics of the questions we ask tarot. As with most things tarot, I believe that we each need to find the practice that works best and feels best for us.
I’ve written a few blog posts over the years about tarot and questions. Check out When the Answer is a Question and this piece about asking tarot if you should do something.
Tarot by Hilary’s take on how to frame questions seems helpful and wise.
Maddy Elruna has some great ideas about techniques and interpretations.
Even Cosmopolitan Magazine has shared thoughts about how to ask questions of tarot.
Guidance on the Journey
With so many different readers, authors, and teachers giving advice on what sorts of questions to ask tarot, or how to phrase questions, how can you know what techniques are right for you?
Each person’s tarot practice is unique. It is great to try different techniques and see what works best for you, and what feels best.
Beware any teacher that tells you that tarot cannot do something, or that there is an overarching ethical framework surrounding the way we use tarot. The only rules that matter are the ones that matter to you.
That said, much like doctors who take an oath to do no harm, we must consider the possibility of the ways we can do harm with tarot. Dire predictions, gossipy information, or questions or interpretations that encourage risky behavior may not offer helpful, healing experiences.
Whether you are reading for yourself or for others, the focus of our readings should be to help rather than to harm. Beyond that, the question you ask, and the way you ask, is up to you.
The only way to decide what will work best for you is to try many techniques, and see what feels best, and what offers the best results. Over time, your practices may change. You may develop new techniques on your own, or learn new techniques from classes, books, videos, and conferences.
A tarot reading practice is never a static thing. Allow your practice to grow and change, just as you grow and change.
Upcoming Events
Consider a Zoom.com party where you can practice Social Distancing and still meet with your friends for a virtual tarot party!
Alternatives to meeting in person are available.
Office appointments and house or office parties are again available by appointment.
Please call to discuss the options.
Card and Craft Academy
Classes presented by Christiana are available right now at Card and Craft Academy!
Christiana’s Eleven-Card Celtic Cross
Finding Meaning in the Minor Arcana
The Major Arcana, Magical and Mundane
Personal Tarot: Reading for Yourself
Sharing Wisdom: Reading for Others
The Meaning and Magic of Tarot Reversals
Journey Through the Major Arcana
Your Journey Through the Minor Arcana: Numbers, Elements and Truth
Your Journey Through the Tarot Court
Tarot Stories, Trends, and Blends
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Fearless Wisdom Tarot Workshop
Tarot Keywords and Interpretations Workshop
Tarot Spreads Tools and Techniques Workshop
Tarot for Magic and Mediumship
Tarot Communication for Clarity and Depth
Weaving the Tarot Reading Story
Minor Arcana Numbers, Elements, and Truth
Create and Interpret Custom Tarot Spreads
What the Court Cards Want You to Know
How Spirit Speaks Through Tarot
Catch up on your missed Zoom webinars and more!
cardandcraftacademy.com
About Christiana Gaudet
Card and Craft, Inc.
Southeastern Tarot Artists and Readers, LLC.
Christiana Gaudet
3559 SW Corporate Parkway
Palm City, Florida 34990-8152
Email cgaudet@cardandcraft.com
On the web www.christianagaudet.com
Online classeswww.cardandcraftacademy.com
StaarCon information www.staarcon.com
Private telephone, Skype, FaceTime, Zoom and in person readings and instruction are available by appointment.
Tarot parties at your home or office are available throughout Florida.
Call toll free 866-99TAROT (866-998-2768)
Palm City 772-301-0232 x102
or call or text 561-655-1160
for more information or to schedule your event.
Schedule online at cardandcraft.10to8.com.
Agent inquiries are welcome.
Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 5 Issue 46
November 16, 2022