Blog Hop With Willows East

I thought it would be fun to participate in a blog hop hosted by Gretchen at Willows East.

The first question I've already answered in detail on my own blog, but my answer is a fun answer so I don't mind repeating it.

Q1) What brought you to tarot?
A1) The 1960s gothic soap opera Dark Shadows! In fact, it was the first time tarot was portrayed on American television. The deck was the 1JJ Swiss tarot deck, which was simply called, 'Tarot Deck'. And yeah, I bought it. It was my very first tarot deck. I was (and remain) an artist and always into the metaphysical, so the art work and it's dangerous edge is probably the primary reason I was sucked in. You can read about my first exposure to tarot here.

Q2) What deck is my favorite?
A2) That is a much more difficult question to answer. I will say that I tend to prefer TdM styled tarot decks because I swoon over the art work and I love the link to history. I respond to the old school tarot decks because that is what attracted me to them in the first place. The art and the mystery.

Q3) Link to your tarot business page, shop and/or explain the purpose of your blog.
A3) The purpose of my blog is to reach other readers or people drawn to tarot. There is already so much information out there that it can be intimidating to a beginner. I was a teacher for twenty years (Elementary Ed and also Art Education) and so it's natural for me to want to share what I know. It might also be the Leo in me. ;) In either case, I love writing and talking about tarot. It feels silly to provide a link to my website since you're already here, but as it was requested, here is a link to my tarot website, TarotClarity

Q4) What makes your journey or business unique?
A4) Lol, I do. There's only one of me! I cannot speak for anyone else so I don't know what makes me so unique or special. I can only say this about myself: I'm genuine, love tarot and have devoted forty plus years of my life to learning, reading, and teaching it.

As for my tarot journey, it's been an organic one. Tarot appeared in my life naturally and fit into my life as naturally as breathing. It's been a part of my life since almost forever. 

I bring a strong skill set to the table. I  have a genuine and deep appreciation for what tarot can do for someone. I've been told that my approach is calming and reassuring no matter what the message.

Part of that might be because I have an actual tarot parlor within my home where all my readings are done. Whether for remote clients or in-person clients I do all my readings in my tarot parlor. It's not a partitioned section of another room, not merely a desk against the wall in a bedroom, but a real, bonafide tarot parlor. I offer a really cool, somewhat bohemian experience for my clients. When they are here they really feel they are experiencing something special because they are. It's an elevated experience. I go through the same process for all of my clients, including my remote clients. I smudge the area, sometimes play low flute music because it centers me. It's always special when I read the cards. It's never a casual event. Sure, I will occasionally read elsewhere if I am visiting or traveling, or if I am hired to do a special event or for charity. Heck, I even do tarot pulls as part of wedding ceremonies as I am a professional wedding officiant licensed to marry people! But my day-to-day readings are all done in my tarot parlor which is truly a very cool room with a very positive vibe and energy. All my favorite crystal balls and stones, plants, crystal lighting and my entire tarot collection and books all in one place. Only items related to the practice of tarot are in that room. Nothing else. Its my favorite room in my house and it keeps me focused and in tune. The process is the same when I do a remote reading as when I do an in-person reading, in fact, I no longer have strangers come into my home. Remote readings (mostly mp3 readings) are becoming the norm for me. The only in-house readings I do are for people I've known for years.

As for my life's journey, it's been a pretty good ride so far. I've reared three terrific and well-adjusted humans into adulthood and now have an empty nest with lots of personal freedom. My husband and I travel a lot and sometimes I just can't believe my wonderful reality which I never take for granted. I just do the best I can to be a solid citizen and try to give more than I take. I aspire to do the right thing in every instance. I'm an imperfect person but I try to be my best self. I definitely try to live without regrets, people ALWAYS before things.

Q5) Ask your deck a question to share with visitors to this blog. Draw one card and share your response.
A5) I posed a question to the beautiful Ancient Italian Tarot deck and asked, 'What might it surprise my blog followers to know about me?' I pulled the Six of Cups. Before I comment on the meaning, gosh, just look at this card, isn't it gorgeous? How can anybody not love TdM? Just exquisite!

In a nutshell, The Six of Cups reveals me to be a nurturer with a sentimental nature. 

Thank you WillowsEast for including me in this blog hop and I encourage visitors to my page to visit the bloghop there!