The days and weeks after a momentous event can feel surreal as you process all the amazing things that happened within a few short hours. I think a lot of us are feeling that way after StaarCon.

We go through a similar yet much less pleasant experience after a shocking or traumatic event. It can take a while for the pieces of reality to reassemble themselves.

I often think about the expression “coming up for air” to describe those moments of processing something unusual on the way back to normalcy. It turns out that I have been overthinking this idiom, which is generally used to describe a pause, just like the pause a swimmer must take to breathe.

In metaphysics, magic, tarot, and astrology, the element of Air has meaning beyond life-sustaining oxygen. We associate Air with the powers of the mind, such as intelligence, communication, curiosity, and integrity. Interestingly, the Minor Arcana of tarot typically contains brutal imagery to express its connection with the element of Air. That upsetting imagery is appropriate because unkind thoughts and words are painful. We often imprison ourselves with our limited thoughts and beliefs.

Sometimes, it is essential to take a conscious breath and remember what is true or welcome a change of perspective. That moment of conscious breathing may open us to a new belief or a recognition that we have been limiting ourselves.

In times of change, enlightenment, shock, or growth, the element of Air becomes our north star, guiding us toward what is real and appropriate and away from what is false and limited.

The StaarCorner

We have so much to share about wonderful things that happened at StaarCon 2024, and the plans we are making for next January. The most important thing right now is to thank everyone who worked to make StaarCon 2024 a success.

The AfterGlow is happening now. John is repairing and editing recordings that aren’t perfect, so check back often for the ones you missed. New lounges are opening daily, with schedules for gatherings, classes, and workshops.

María Alviz Hernando has published her schedule of AfterGlow events. Find her scheduled events in her lounge and below.

February 3rd, 5 PM EST - Introduction to the Oracle Belline

March 2nd, 5 PM EST - Interpretation of Classic Belline Spreads

April 6th, 5 PM EDT - Tableau Reading with the Oracle Belline

May 5th, 5 PM EDT - Court Cards for Dummies

June 1st, 5 PM EDT - Keys to Make Sense of Oracle Cards in Practical Ways

July 6th, 5 PM EDT - Bling with Intent - Enchant Your Jewelry

August 3rd, 5 PM EDT - The Master Method with Tarot - a 36-Card Reading

September 7th, 5 PM EDT - The Story of My Life: How I Became a Full-time Tarot Professional (In Case it Helps)

October 5th, 5 PM EDT - Reviewing Real Life Spreads

November 2nd, 5 PM EDT - Relationship Dynamics in Tarot

December 7th, 5 PM EST - Open Q&A Session

Focus on the Six of Swords

One of my favorite Air cards in the Suit of Swords is the Six of Swords. In the famous Waite depiction, we see a small boat being guided by a standing figure. A child and an adult are huddled together on the boat. We can see that the water ahead is smoother than behind. Six swords stand upright, point down, in the boat.

In the Crowley Harris Thoth tradition, the Six of Swords is the “Lord of Earned Success.” Both traditional depictions of this card indicate success after struggle.

Both traditions offer a clue to how we earn this success after struggle.

In the Crowley deck, Minor Arcana cards have a single keyword printed upon them. The keyword for the Six of Swords is ‘Science.’

In the Waite image, we see that the Swords, representing thought, are held above the water, representing emotion.

Science prizes rational thought above emotional attachment. The word "Science" in the Crowley Six of Swords and the image in the Waite deck work perfectly together. They tell us that we find success by focusing on the gift of Air energy, which allows us to see what is true, logical, and correct.

The Week in Review

I am very grateful to everyone who helped make StaarCon a success. One of the things that was so much fun was meeting our YouTube channel members in person and being able to put faces to names.
Now that we are back in the Palm City office, we are creating a brand-new broadcast studio. You will find me on my YouTube channel for regular weekly tarot reading live streams, monthly classes, and some special new content.

This coming Sunday, February 4th, join us in person at 4 pm for our Cards and Conversation Tarot Meetup at Panera Bread in Palm City.

From Around the Web

StaarCon presenter Mary Ellen Collins has some thoughts on artificial intelligence to share.

This past October, the Smithsonian Center for Folklife shared this article about Slavic witches reclaiming their native culture and religion.

Those who follow the Waite tradition of tarot claim Major Arcana 8, Strength, as our card of the year. Here is an article from the LA Times about what this means.

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!

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 classes www.cardandcraftacademy.com
StaarCon information www.staarcon.com

YouTube @YourTarotFairyGodmother
Instagram @christianatarot @staarcon

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.

New! Schedule Appointments Online at acuity:scheduling!

Schedule online at https://christiana-gaudet.as.me.

Agent inquiries are welcome.

Tarot Topics Newsletter
Volume 7 Issue 5
January 31, 2024