TarotCraft

A Star Chart is a snapshot in time.

It’s a shorthand drawing, a two-dimensional representation of a four-dimensional subject. It has to take into account the location of the person on Earth, the location around the Ecliptic of each of the planets and the signs of the Zodiac, the “arc” or height above or below the horizon of each of the planets, and the time all of this occurred. It can be a very complex drawing.

The Chart has several different elements. First, the spoked circles, looking like a bicycle wheel, represent the Zodiac and the Houses.

The Zodiac are the constellations in the sky at the time the person was born. The Chart is an attempt to locate the position of the Zodiac in the sky. This is the backdrop against which the rest of the chart is mapped.

The Houses are a separate, concentric circle, like a wheel within a wheel. The Houses are based on the Zodiac, but separate. Think of the circle of houses as a second backdrop.

Next, each of the planets, the Sun, and the Moon, are all charted and their positions marked. This, finally, is our foreground.

The first “planet” to be charted isn’t a planet at all, it’s the Sun. The reason it comes first is because the location of the Sun determines the Sun Sign, or the overall sign of the Zodiac for this person.

Each planet (including Sun and Moon) will fall within a House. That planet is then said to rule that house. Each of the twelve Houses controls a different aspect of a person’s life. If a planet falls within a house, it’s a sure bet that that planet is going to have a major influence over that aspect—above and beyond whatever the general tendencies of the person born under that sign might be.

A letter in a US newspaper regarding the legalities of tarot readings. In many states of the US and under some Australian laws, pyschic readings are illegal.

I agree that there are a lot of charlatans and frauds, but there are many genuine mediums and psychics too. At different times through history, those a sixth sense have been revered or reviled. Hopefully one day we will all realise that it’s something we all have and that it’s nothing to be frightened of.

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The Livingston Parish ban on “fortune-telling” has to go.

While Christians may see the reading of Tarot cards, palms etc. as folly, the fact is that for pagans, these activities are religious practices.

For a pagan to pay to have his/her cards read is no different than for a Christian to pay a counselor of his/her own faith for advice.

I can go to someone who advertises as a Christian counselor, pay him a mutually agreed-upon sum of my money in exchange for a mutually agreed-upon interval of his time, voice my concerns/questions and ask for guidance. He can then say a prayer asking for divine guidance, close his eyes, open his Bible to a random page and point to a random verse. When he opens his eyes, the verse to which he is pointing can be used as the basis for his advice.

I have witnessed this. And that’s perfectly legal.

But if I pay someone for a reading, she shuffles a deck of Tarot cards (analogous to the aforementioned counselor opening his Bible to a random page) and then selects a card or cards from the deck (analogous to pointing to a verse), or looks into a scrying tool, she has committed a crime.

That makes no sense.

I know that many people consider card readings etc, (what they derisively refer to as “fortune-telling”) to be bogus, and they are entitled to their opinion. But pagans still have as much right as any other religious denomination to make a living based on the practices of our faith.

I promise we won’t try to make you believe what we believe, and no one will ever force you to have a reading done.

The Constitution of the United States guarantees individuals the freedom of religion. It does not guarantee freedom of religion only to the majority faith, nor does it grant the majority faith any legal authority over the practices of minority faiths.

Counties in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, California, Colorado, Florida and Ohio have already had similar ordinances struck down by federal courts.

Livingston Parish is about to spend what will likely run into tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, defending just such a federal suit. The parish will lose, and taxpayers will be footing the bill.

Livingston Parish has tried to skirt the fact that it is a religious issue by regulating it under the same ordinance as fairs and amusement parks.

If a Wiccan reading Tarot cards is a sideshow attraction and is going to be regulated as such, then a megachurch service is a three-ring circus and needs to be regulated as such.

Christina Normand
mineral production analyst
Baton Roug

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Here is a link to this new item.

March 13, 2008

A playful dolphin used to swimming round humans has amazed conservation workers by guiding two distressed whales back to sea away from likely death on a beach.

The dolphin led the two pygmy sperm whales 200 metres along the beach and through a channel to the open sea, New Zealand Department of Conservation worker Malcolm Smith said today.

The two whales, a mother and her young calf, were found stranded on Mahia Beach, on North Island’s east coast on Monday morning, Smith said.

“We worked for over an hour to try to get them back out to sea … but they kept getting disorientated and stranding again [after swimming into a large sandbar just off the shore],” he said.

“They obviously couldn’t find their way back past it to the sea,” Smith said.

Four attempts by volunteers to refloat the pair failed and it was becoming highly likely they would have to be euthanised, he said.

Then the dolphin, named Moko by residents, swam up.

“It was looking like it was going to be a bad outcome for the whales which was very disappointing and then Moko just came along and fixed it.”

Smith said it was quite possible Moko had heard the whales calling.

“The whales were … quite distressed. They had arched their backs and were calling to one another, but as soon as the dolphin turned up they submerged into the water and followed her,” he said.

“She obviously gave them enough guidance to leave the area because we haven’t seen them since,” Smith said.

“The things that happen in nature never cease to amaze me.”

Moko returned to the beach shortly afterward.

The playful dolphin swam straight back close to shore and joined in water games with residents, he added.

AP

It is common knowledge that Feng Shui works a lot through colors. Feng Shui as you might have realized, is based a lot on the effect that the most usual practices have on our lives, such that we do not give a second thought to them in our day-to-day lives too. All of us are aware of the fact that the combination of colors around us can make a lot of difference to the way we feel. It can affect the efficiency of our work and soothe our minds when required. Feng Shui works at the depth of all kinds of effect that colors have on people and their environment. This ancient Chinese art uses colors to create balance and harmony thus affecting a certain amount of positivity.

Colors and the Powers of Yin and Yang

Feng Shui believes that Yin and Yang are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other. If the two are balanced then the presence of harmony is inevitable. Yin is associated with matter while Yang is associated with energy. All colors can be seen as falling into either of these two categories. They are either grounding colors or colors that induce spirit and energy. Educating yourself about these colors and using them for your benefit can be greatly advantageous for you. To get a start you ought to begin by knowing which color falls under which category. The following list could prove to be of some help:

• Colors That Fall Under The Yin Category
According to Feng Shui, the colors that come under Yin category have an extremely soothing effect. If you are choosing the colors for a room where you want to forget about everything that is going wrong with your life, a suitable combination of the following colors will certainly help:
? Blue
? Black
? Purple
? White

• Colors That Fall Under The Yang Category
The colors that fall under the Yang category, according to Feng Shui are auspicious and induce a lot of energy and warmth. These colors must be used in abundance in your workplace and your study. These colors are sure to help you focus better.
? Yellow
? Orange
? Red
? Brown
? Tan
? Beige
? Mauve
? Maroon
? Lavender
? Gold

So now that you have some sort of an idea about how Feng Shui manipulates colors to channelize energy you must get set to find out more about Feng Shui and colors. Improve you life by changing the colors around you according to Feng Shui principles and experience the difference.

The Sun doesn’t rise in exactly the same place every day. From our viewpoint here on Earth, it drifts over the course of a year. It’s path through the sky is called the Ecliptic.
In ancient Babylon, the Ecliptic was divided into twelve equal pieces. Each piece was named after a major constellation, and the mythology of the Babylonians, and later the Greeks, defined the traits of those born under that constellation. This is the Zodiac, and is the center of astrology.

Carefully tracing the position of the sun will show that it moves through each of the twelve Zodiac signs over the course of the year. This is where the concept of astrological signs, or “Sun Signs,” has it’s start. A person’s Sun Sign is tied to the constellation the Sun was traveling through at the moment of his birth.

The Sun is traditionally associated with will and individuality, so the Sun Sign covers the overall tendencies and direction a person has in their life. It covers such things as focus, determination, integrity, and ego. It describes general tendencies in an individual, like “Capricorns are gloomy” or Virgo is very orderly,” as well as general predictions, like “Sagittarius should learn tact” and “Pisces should avoid alcohol and drug abuse”. This is also the element that shows how other people will treat this person, almost like a prediction of their “first impression.”

This is only the starting point of Western Astrology, of course. The Sun Sign is only a very general description, and an astrological reading–a horoscope, or natal chart–takes the planets and Moon into account as well. For example, traditionally, Capricorns are very gloomy and depressed. This is a general trait ascribed to Capricorn, based on the position of the Sun. However, the positions of the other planets can counter–or sometimes enhance–this tendency. Complete horoscopes have to account for all of these elements, using the position of the sun as a starting point.

Aries is the first symbol of the Zodiac, the Ram. This sign covers the Equinox, March 21st, and the beginning of Spring. And Spring–with it’s energy of rebirth, as winter ends and flowers bloom–is the perfect example of energetic and freedom-loving Aries.
Aries people are just like Aries the Ram, and on fire like their planet, Mars. They go after what they want. With their confidence and spirit, they make natural pioneers, and unstoppable enemies in a fight against tyranny.
People born under Aries are confident, intelligent, and enthusiastic. They are driven to excel and achieve, and like nothing better than to gather and inspire a team to follow them on their quest. They look forward, and don’t dwell on the past. They are also one of the most extroverted of all the signs.
On the negative side, Aries must be careful of their weaknesses–selfishness, impatience, impulsiveness. Aries will fight for what he believes in, but he will also fight to be “the alpha male,” the leader of the pack. They also tend to get caught up in starting projects without finishing them. Never expect patience, tact, or diplomacy from an Aries, and be careful of their quick temper. They can get so caught up in the quest that they don’t realize the foolhardy mistakes they’re about to make.
Aries make excellent entrepreneurs; it’s a natural talent for someone with such a strong focus on initiative and leadership. They thrive on challenges and love to excel and win. They don’t react well when forced to wait, and can have trouble accepting advice.
Aries is the first sign, the one that leads the Zodiac, and like their sign, those born Aries like to lead as well. They would never be content leaving their adventurous quest for a quiet and dull desk job.

Aquarius, the water-bearer, is ruled by both Saturn and Uranus, and the two planets give Aquarians a unique disposition. Thanks to Saturn, those born under this sign have a knack for being cool and level-headed. Uranus, on the other hand, directs them to be unconventional and unique.

Aquarius is a humanitarian, there’s no doubt about that. The Aquarian likes to make a difference, or even just spend lots of time discussing it, since they are also idealists and dreamers. They also have a flair for logical thinking, which greatly helps to support their arguments.

Aquarius hates hierarchies, and refuses to be placed on a pedestal. Their logical, analytical minds are perfect for logic and computer work. The areas they won’t do well in are “fuzzy” areas, like brokering deals or making sales. They much prefer the hard and solid world of the computer, or the much more satisfying world of social work. Nothing annoys them more than the idea of choosing a career solely for the money it offers.

Sagittarius and Aquarius have one thing in common: a disregard for social manners. While Sagittarius feels manners are pesky little details he has little patience for, Aquarians think manners are elitist, or perhaps even hypocritical, and deserve to be ignored. They speak what’s on their mind.

Aquarius has a reputation for being emotionally unstable. They tend towards sensitivity, with a thin skin and touchy attitude, especially when criticized. Also, they have a deep-seated fear of rejection. Many Aquarians find it easier to write their feelings rather than talk about them, and on paper, the sensitive and passionate nature of Aquarius can shine past the cool and calm fa?ade.

Aquarians are the most attractive sign of the Zodiac. They also like bizarre colors, weird accents, or provocative style. This is Uranus’ influence, driving them to be unique.

There are many variants of the mythology of Scorpio, but nearly all of them also include the constellation of Orion, the Hunter. In some versions, Scorpio was an assassin sent by Artemis to kill Orion. The reasons vary. Sometimes, it’s out of rage at her defeat at his hands. In another, it’s to protect the bull of Taurus, and in another, it’s for his bragging of his skills and glory in hunting (Artemis believed in hunting only for food). And in yet another version, the scorpion was a punishment for Orion’s pursuit of the goddesses of the Pleiades.

Regardless of the version you like to believe, the assassination of Orion plays out again and again every night in the stars. Orion is opposite Scorpius in the sky, so as the scorpion arrives on the scene, Orion “dies” by dropping below the horizon.

Leo and Cancer both owe their existence–and their deaths, unfortunately–to the great Olympian hero, Hercules. Hercules was charged with killing the vicious and giant Nemean Lion. None of his weapons could cut through the lion’s skin, so he was finally forced to wrestle it to the ground and strangle it with his bare hands.

Hercules kept the lion’s skin, and it came in very handy. His next task was the Lernean Hydra, a dragon with seven heads. And, as if multiple heads weren’t enough of a problem, when any head was cut off, two more would grow in it’s place! The Lion’s skin helped protect Hercules from the heads while he set about to find a way to kill it.

Hera, Zeus’s wife, wanted Hercules dead. She sent a crab to distract Hercules from his fight with the Hydra. Unfortunately, Hercules was only distracted long enough to crush the crab under his foot. Hera placed the crab in the sky to remember it’s sacrifice.

Ravi left a comment asking what happens in a reading or a healing session.  Good question! 

There are many things we can do in a session, such as: 

- Look at any specific questions you might have about your life, relationships, love interests, work, career, money, travel, health etc.

- We can assess the challenges and opportunities facing you at the moment and how you can use them to generate success in all areas of your life.

- I can look at the energy around you and in your life and see what you are drawing to yourself.  We can look at the life you are creating through your thoughts, words and actions and see if that’s the life you want to live.  If it’s not, I will show you how to make the necessary changes and avoid the pitfalls and setbacks that can occur when you decide to make changes in your life.

- We can develop a personalised meditation and spiritual practice for you to help you with your spiritual growth and psychic development.  This is particularly useful for people who can’t make it to a regular class.  I have many clients who book in one a month or every six weeks to discuss their progress, ask questions, review their dream diaries and homework tasks.  I can mentor and coach you in spiritual development as well as provide counselling and support as you go through changes while working towards your goals.

- You can have a ‘Laws of Attraction’ session.  We will determine specific goals (ie, relationship, health, money etc), how you are blocking them and how you can bring them to fruition.

- You can have a healing session which will involve Reiki, chakra clearing and balancing, sealing and repairing the aura, removal of negative cords, entities and attachments.

Additionally, I can come to your home or business and perform a clearing on the home, yourself and the family (They don’t need to be present, or even know about it.  A photo will suffice.)

As you can see, there are many avenues of growth and information available to you.  My aim is to help you reach your potential, fulfill your dreams and find paths to happiness and peace of mind. 

Please call me on 0425 206489 for appointment times and locations.  Half hour is $45 and one hour is $90.  Home visits attract a higher charge due to travel time etc. 

To those who have been waiting for a reading, I will be doing readings at Hunt’s Psychic Fair at Liverpool on Saturday 15 March.  You will need to book at the fair, so I suggest you get there early to register and take a look around while you wait. Please note that there is a $10 charge to enter the Expo.  

Mind, Body and Soul Expo
Friday 14–Sunday 16 March 2008, Friday 12-7pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm
Hunts Motel, Corner York Street and Hume Highway, Casula
Stimulate your mind, body and soul at this annual expo featuring natural therapies, psychic readers, seminars and much more.  Expo entry is $10.

When I go to those things, I like to have a couple of readings from different people using different psychic modalities.  Two of my favourite readers are Cimone-Louise and Lorye Woodhill.  Try them out if they are there.  Lorye often reads at the big Mind, Body, Spirit festival in Sydney in May and November.