Is Silence Golden?
We often talk about talking. What do I mean by that? Whether verbal, digital, or on paper, communication is vital to every aspect of life. Yet, communication tends to be misunderstood frequently. That means we often have conversations about how to better communicate with each other. Books, classes, and podcasts offer tips and tricks to teach us to become better communicators.
Writers face the further challenge of presenting information that is not only informative but also engaging and easy to comprehend.
There are a multitude of reasons communication is difficult. We all come from different cultures, generations, and perspectives. That means we do not always agree on a word's meaning, and certain words evoke different feelings in us.
Our training to be nice and to refrain from discussing certain topics can hinder good communication. Many families have secrets that cause damage. Yet, honest communication is sometimes considered hurtful.
Words can be weaponized and used to hurt rather than to build understanding. Yet, withholding the truth can be just as damaging.
The flip side is that a good conversation with a friend, family member, or trusted advisor can be a truly healing experience. Easy chatter between friends is a delight, made much easier by technological advances. I can remember a time when my long-distance telephone bill was my most worrisome monthly expense!
Another essential communication skill is knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. Growing up, we were often told that ‘silence is golden.’ I thought that was adults simply wanting us to play more quietly. It turns out that our adults were quoting an Arabic proverb from the 9th century, which says, in full, ‘Speech is silver, silence is golden.’
I believe in this timeless wisdom of listening more than speaking and thinking deeply about what crosses our lips so that we might always try to speak truthfully and kindly.
At the same time, the societal desire for politeness can sometimes silence us at the wrong times and in the wrong ways. Sometimes, we must bravely raise our voices to call for justice, and fair treatment and to right wrongs. Sometimes, we must speak our truth, even if that is unpleasant.
My wise mother used to caution me, ‘Don’t throw your pearls before swine.’ This is an adaptation of a bit of Biblical wisdom. It is thought that Jesus said this to teach his disciples to preach only to those ready to hear the wisdom.
There can be a lot of confusion about what to say, how to say it, and where, when, and if we should speak our truth.
I have come to believe that silence is golden when it protects us from unnecessary vexation and when our silence is required by grace, honor, and compassion.
Yet, when truth is maliciously withheld or suppressed, silence becomes another sort of weapon.
The StaarCon Fairy for 2024 by Ciro Marchetti.
The StaarCorner
The energy and laughter we share when we gather with like-minded people is powerful. The learning, growth, and networking opportunities that come from participating in an international conference can be life-changing.
StaarCon is a unique conference, mainly because we are fully hybrid. Whether you join us in person or online, you will have excellent opportunities for fun and fellowship.
The 365-day AfterGlow on Accelevents offers every ticketholder the opportunity to continue the exploration and personal development for an entire year.
Tickets to StaarCon range in price from $10 to $500. Find the ticket that works best for you and make your plan to join us January 19 through 21 and in the AfterGlow.
Ethics at the Tarot Table
There are so many tarot cards that have ‘communication’ as a keyword. Tarot itself is a tool of communication.
But when we read cards for ourselves, how do we communicate the message of the cards in a helpful way?
When we read for others, how do we know the right way to say what we see?
Every reader has their own philosophy on this, although most would agree that much like the oath doctors take, we should strive to do no harm.
When reading for self, we must be sure that our interpretations are not skewed by fear or desire.
When reading for others, we must each have a personal code of ethics. This will include our system of belief about our tarot practice. Our code of ethics governs many things about our practice. This may influence what we ask the cards, how we phrase our questions, and how we communicate the information of the reading to the person for whom we are reading.
We all have a different set of ethics. There are no tarot police, and there is no standard rulebook.
Yet, we all need to be aware that the words we speak at the tarot table have the power to give great help but also the power to hurt. It can take a great deal of time and thought to determine our feelings and beliefs and decide how we can best communicate ethically at the tarot table.
The Week in Review
Thank you to everyone who came to tarot class at Mandel Public Library on Saturday. I will return to teach another free tarot class on October 28 at noon. Please join us if you can!
Please watch the replay if you could not join us for our Equinox Gathering on YouTube last Thursday.
This Sunday, October 1, at 4 pm, join us at Panera Bread in Palm City for our monthly tarot meetup.
September 28 is your last chance to vote in the World Divination Association Awards. I am nominated in three categories. Please vote!
From Around the Web
Reckon News has a wonderful article from Danielle Buckingham on changing the narrative through tarot. I genuinely support this wise approach.
Aerik Arkadian shares some ideas for the Autumn Equinox. While the date has passed, the concepts and practices are helpful throughout the fall season.
Here is a seasonal tarot spread to help you focus on your harvest.
Creation and Divination
The High Priestess is a card that can speak of silence and secrecy. We associate the High Priestess with the myth of Persephone. Every six months at the autumnal equinox, Persephone is bound to descend to the Underworld, which, according to the myth, causes winter to begin.
I wrote this poem a few years ago as I considered Persephone, the High Priestess, making her annual sojourn.
Persephone As the High Priestess
Balancing mercy and severity
Dark and light, night and day
Holding secrets in silence
And serenity.
Seasons change
As she changes all she touches
And yet remains herself
Essentially the same.
The price women pay for wisdom
Can be counted
In her six sweet seeds.
Upcoming Events
Card and Craft Academy
Classes presented by Christiana are available right now at Card and Craft Academy!
Christiana’s Candle Magick
Christiana’s Eleven-Card Celtic Cross
Finding Meaning in the Minor Arcana
The Major Arcana, Magical and Mundane
Practical Tarot Techniques
Psychic Tarot
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
Tarot Beyond the Veil
Your Journey Through the Tarot Court
Tarot Stories, Trends, and Blends
Tarot Readings for Personalities and Relationships
Clarity in Every Tarot Card
Tarot Flow Workshop
Making Magick with Tarot
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
The Elemental Major Arcana
Minor Arcana Numbers, Elements, and Truth
Personal Healing with Tarot
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!
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 classes www.cardandcraftacademy.com
StaarCon information www.staarcon.com
YouTube @YourTarotFairyGodmother
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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.
Zoom parties and group instruction available almost everywhere!
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 6 Issue 39
September 27, 2023
