Episode 236. How can creativity be a form of self-care? Can the Tarot play a role? Authors Cassandra Snow and Siri Vincent Plouff join me to answer those questions. We also talk about their new book Lessons From the Empress: A Tarot Workbook for Self-Care and Creative Growth (my absolute fave new Tarot book!). 

Also: I like to say that I save the best for last. This will be my final Tarot Bytes podcast. 

Episode 236. Did you know meditation can help your tarot practice? It's true. Many tarot readers are meditators. But it can be hard to know how to begin. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Keziah Gibbons joins me to talk about the benefits of meditation for tarot readers. You'll also learn how you can use the tarot as a tool for meditation.

Episode 227. What is Cardology and how does it differ from Tarot? In this episode, Laura Haehl talks about Cardology, an ancient divination system using playing cards and astrology. You can learn about yourself, your loved ones, and so much more from a simple card!

Episode 136. The Body, Mind, Spirit Spread is the one I use to check in with myself. It's especially effective when my life seems to be in a tough spot. Checking in allows me to see what I need in terms of self-care. For example, if the card in the Body position is challenging, it might be a sign that I need to reflect on my daily habits while a card like the Three of Swords in the Mind position may alert me to manage my mental stress. It's too easy to put our self-care to the side, especially when life isn't going the way we want. The Body, Mind, Spirit Spread helps me to see exactly what I need.

I recommend this as a daily spread too. Because you don't need to be struggling to come to tarot. It's always your ally.

This spread is featured in Tarot For Troubled Times, a book I co-wrote with Shaheen Miro.

Episode 135. In the next few episodes, I'm covering some simple, basic tarot spreads. I'm starting out with an oldie but a goodie: the Past, Present, Future Spread. This is a common layout that many tarot readers use. It gives you the ability to assess where you're coming from, where you are, and where you may be heading next.

The Past, Present, Future spread is ultimately about clarity. It's a chance to understand what choices led you to the present moment and how things are shaping up. Keep in mind that if you do not like the way the outcome looks, you can make different decisions going forward. Getting a glimpse of what may happen doesn't mean it is set in stone. 

Another tip: pull an additional card for guidance and you add a layer of empowerment to this layout.

Episode 134. Tarot for Liberation with Erin Aquarian. Tarot isn't just for divination. It can be a tool for healing, empowerment, and liberation. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Erin Aquarian to discuss tarot for liberation. Whether you're looking to transform yourself, or the world, tarot can be your trusted ally. I LOVE the way Erin works with the cards - I learned a lot and so will you.

Episode 133. Queering the Tarot with Cassandra Snow. Back in the day, tarot decks and books were centered around the white, cisgender, heteronormative perspective. That's changing. Now folks can find tarot books and decks that are truly inclusive. It's about time!

Today, I am talking with Cassandra Snow, author of Queering the Tarot, about LGBTQQIP2SA+ representation in tarot. We're chatting about what it was like to read tarot when there were no cards or books that showed an LGBTQQIP2SA+ perspective and how modern decks and books are evolving to be more inclusive. Our conversation also included discussing interpretations for marginalized folk, gender, pronouns, advice for straight tarot readers who read for an LGBTQQIP2SA+ client, and more. Cassandra is a bright light blazing trails in tarot. You are going to learn a lot in this episode and I think her book belongs on every tarot reader's shelf!

Episode 132. Tarot and Astrology with Liz Worth. How did astrology and tarot get linked? Do you need to know astrology if you're tarot reader? How might you incorporate astrology into your tarot readings? Liz Worth and I discuss all of this and more in the latest Tarot Bytes.

When I thought of this topic, Liz was the first person I thought of. She's fluent in both tarot and astrology - and smart as a whip. Listen in and you'll learn how she brings these two mystical arts together in her sessions.

Episode 131. Tarot and Crystals with Naha Armády. Looking to add crystals to your tarot practice but not sure where to begin or what stones to use? Naha Armády, author of Everyday Crystal Rituals: Healing Practices for Love, Wealth, Career, and Home, joins me to talk about the best practices for bringing crystals and tarot together. I'm a huge fan of Naha's book so I couldn't wait to get her input. I was really intrigued by her suggestion on the best stone for tarot. Listen in and find out which one that is and why.

Episode 130. Tarot and Justice with Carolyn Cushing. Carolyn Cushing is a contributor to Tarot for Troubled Times, my new book with co-author Shaheen Miro. She wrote about using the Knights for social justice so today, she's joining me to talk about that plus so much more! We discuss the Justice card, doing good in the world, being a force for compassion, and more. Join us for this soulful talk - and learn how you can work with tarot for justice for all!

Episode 129. The Devil and The Tower with Joanna DeVoe. No one likes to see the Devil or the Tower. After all, these are scary looking cards. Joanna DeVoe of KICKASS WITCH joins me to talk about this dynamic duo. Joanna has some great thoughts to share about the good 'n bad parts of these cards - and what you need to know when they show up at the tarot table. 

This is the episode of Hippie Witch mentioned during our discussion: Dark Goddess Kali As The Feminine Face Of Saturn: http://www.joannadevoe.com/2018/07/hippie-witch-335-dark-goddess-kali-as.html

Episode 128. Face Up Tarot with Mary Greer.  I was first introduced to the concept of consciously choosing cards from Mary Greer's groundbreaking book, Tarot For Yourself. At the time, the whole notion of this blew my mind. After all, weren't we supposed to just shuffle and let the fates decide which cards showed up?

Mary's methods gave me a whole new way to work with the cards - and I've been using face-up tarot in a variety of ways. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Mary shares different scenarios for choosing cards consciously. You'll learn about how to use this technique to sort out feelings, plan your day, manifest goals, and more. If you're looking for a new way to work with your cards, don't miss this episode!

Episode 127. Tarot and Timing with Al Juarez. Timing is tricky. Many readers fear being wrong. Which is why they tend to shy away from it. Tarot reader Al Juarez of Al's Tarot is known for his accuracy. He joins me today to share his unique techniques and thoughts on how to get the timing right - and what you can learn when you miss the mark. This is an essential episode for every tarot reader!

Episode 226. If you work in the coaching industry, you might find the tarot to be a useful tool for your clients. But it can also serve you well. For example, you can sort out what a client needs from you - or you can reflect on what you need to show up as the best coach for your community. In this episode of Tarot Bytes life coach and author of Holy Heathen: A Spiritual Memoir Katherine North joins me to talk about how she uses tarot in her personal practice.

Episode 126. Inclusivity in the Tarot Community. The tarot community is diverse - and becoming more so day by day. But how can we make sure that everyone has a seat at the tarot table? What can we do in our community to make sure everyone is welcomed? In this episode, I've invited Gabriela Herstik, Angela Mary Magick, Jordan Rayne and V of Redlight Readings - four people I respect from the tarot and magick community to talk about how we can create a welcoming, positive environment for every tarot person.

Episode 125. Tarot Spells with Madame Pamita. Got some old tarot cards laying around and not sure what to do with them? How about use them to make some magic? In this episode of Tarot Bytes Madame Pamita, author of Madame Pamita's Magical Tarot teaches how you can use tarot for spellwork. Even if you've never played around with magic or tarot, her genius ideas will make you want to hang on to those old cards!

Episode 124. Tarot and Talismans with Lori Lytle. Do you love jewelry and symbols? If so, you're going to dig this episode! Lori Lytle of Inner Goddess Tarot shares how she's combining tarot with talismans in the most magical way. This is a fun way to connect to your tarot!

Episode 123. Tarot and Shadow Work with Shaheen Miro. The shadow is the side of ourselves that we don't like to share with the world. But when we face the shadow, we can heal it. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Shaheen Miro, the creator of The Lunar Nomad Oracle, for a discussion on what shadow work is - and how tarot can be a helpful ally in healing work.

Episode 122. Tarot for Writers with Caroline Donahue. When most of us think of tarot, divination automatically comes to mind. Did you know that the cards can also be a remarkable tool for creativity? In fact, many authors are discovering tarot is an ideal writing partner for those times when the words just don't want to flow.

In this episode of Tarot Bytes, writer Caroline Donahue joins me to talk about how she uses tarot for writing. She also discusses her new book, Story Arcana: Tarot for Writers. This wise book helps the writer break through creative blocks to find the story within. It's a must-have for any writer who is looking for a fun, ingenious method for tapping into their writing groove.

Episode 121. Boundaries for Tarot Readers with Sarah Barry. If you're going to read tarot for the public, it's not enough to have a trusty deck and great tarot skills. You also need boundaries. Boundaries will protect your energy - and your business. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I'm joined by Sarah Barry aka Psychic Sarah for a frank chat about boundaries for tarot readers. Sarah shares tips on how to handle aggressive clients, freebie seekers, and all sorts of other challenging situations. This is an essential lesson for tarot professionals or for anyone who works in a metaphysical or healing industry.

Episode 120. Tarot Games with Cardsy B. Learning tarot doesn't have to be a snore! In this episode, I'm joined by Cardsy B, the creatrix of The Badass Bitches Tarot, as she shares some fun tarot games. This playful episode will have you learning - and enjoying - your tarot cards in a whole new way! 

Episode 119. Tarot Patterns with Seth Vermilyea. Like detectives, tarot readers string together the cards to find the clues that the cards are trying to tell. This requires not only an understanding of the cards themselves but also how they go together. In this episode, I'm talking all about tarot patterns with Seth Vermilya of Coming Out Tarot. Seth shares some great tips - including a pattern that you may want to check out.

This was a favorite conversation - he's totally brilliant and I learned new things. Listen in and you might look at the cards a whole new way!

Episode 118: Gate Cards with Rachel Pollack. In this episode, Rachel Pollack teaches about the mysterious Gate Cards and their role in tarot. (Plus we discuss Dr. Who!) Rachel's 78 Degrees of Wisdom has just been reprinted - you'll definitely want to get a copy. There's more info about the Gate Cards in her book. Yay!

Episode 117: Experimenting with Tarot with Jaymi Elford. Ever wonder if you can work with tarot in different ways outside the divination table? Jaymi Elford, author of Tarot Inspired Life thinks you can. In this episode, we chat about various, playful experiments from journaling, channeling, and using tarot as a muse for writing.

Jaymi shares some of her favorite ways to experiment with the cards - you'll leave feeling inspired to play with your cards in a whole new way.

Episode 225. Over the years, there have been some common tarot reading problems I've experienced...and others have as well. Some of the most typical: drawing a blank, skeptics, vague questions, relying on the little white book too much, being ungrounded, and more. I'm sharing some quick tips on how to avoid these tarot reading problems so you can keep reading with confidence! 

Episode 116: The Wisdom of Oracle Cards with Lynn Andrews. I have worked with Lynn Andrews' Power Deck for years. It's the only oracle deck that I use on a consistent basis. Imagine my delight to learn that the Power Deck was updated and reissued! My new copy is happily replacing the dog-eared one that has been my faithful companion for over twenty years.

Lynn joins me today to talk about oracle cards and the wisdom of the daily draw. Learn how she connects with oracles - and how you can too. 

Episode 115: Choosing Significators for Situations. The last few episodes have been about choosing signficators to represent people. Did you know that you can also use a significator to symbolize a situation? For example, you might choose the Eight of Wands if you're asking about travel. In this wee lesson, I'll talk about picking a card for a particular event - and I'll share a quick spread.

Episode 114: Choosing the Major Arcana for Significators. We've been focusing on significators in the past two episodes. To recap: a significator is a card consciously chosen to represent a person. The cards that I usually choose for significators are Court Cards. But what about the Major Arcana? Can you choose them as a significator? Sure you can!

In this lesson, we're looking at various ways you can choose a Major Arcana card for a significator. I'll teach you three easy methods. Explore all three and see which one you like the best.

The book mentioned in this episode is Who Are You in the Tarot?: Discover Your Birth and Year Cards and Uncover Your Destiny by Mary K. Greer.

Episode 113: Choosing Significators by Element and Astrology Sign. In our last episode, we answered the question: "What are significators?" Signficators are tarot cards that are consciously chosen to represent the questioner or other people involved in the reading.

In this lesson, I'm covering how to pick a Court Card significator by element and astrology sign. It's my favorite method!

Episode 112: Significators. If you've been around tarot long enough, soon you might come across "significators." What are significators? Cards that are consciously chosen to represent the questioner or other people involved in the reading.

In this lesson, we begin exploring significators. The next few episodes that follow will cover different methods for choosing them - and more!

Episode 111: All Day Divination with V of Red Light Readings. Want to work with tarot but don't have a ton of time? Wishing you could learn how to read those cards - but you've got ADHD and can't seem to sit still? You might want to try All Day Divination, a process created by V of Red Light Readings. In this episode, V breaks her technique down. You'll learn how to pull a card for the day, determine your royalty, take a tarot break, incorporate tarot into making dinner - and put it all together. Sounds cool? It is!

Episode 110: Tarot and Yoga with Sasha Graham. How might tarot and yoga go together? Can you weave yoga philosophy into the tarot - and vice versa? In this episode, author Sasha Graham joins me again to discuss how to bring tarot into your yoga practice - and how to find a yogic approach to tarot.

Episode 109: Finding Your Spirituality in Tarot with Tatianna Tarot. Tarot isn't just for divination. It's also a tool for spirituality and liberation. The Archetypes in tarot are universal - and no matter what your religious background may be, you can find a relationship to divinity with tarot as your guide. 

In this episode, Tatianna Tarot of My Urban Illumination joins me to talk about tarot and the spiritual path - and how to make a sacred connection to tarot. 

Episode 108: Tarot can be a marvelous tool for inner work. The Archetypes speak to the soul - and help us to find those hidden parts of ourselves we usually try to ignore. In this episode, I'm joined by Kate Fisher of Daily Tarot Girl, to talk about tarot's role in self-exploration. We're chatting about inner work, intuition, shadow work, aligning with our higher purpose and so much more. Pull up a chair, turn up the volume and listen in - it's about to get deep in here.

Episode 107: Tarot and Mediumship with George Koury. Curious about mediumship? Wondering if Tarot can be a way to tap into the other side? Medium and Tarot Reader George Koury shares his tips for using tarot as a tool to connect with the dearly departed.

Episode 224. So you decided you want to start reading tarot. But before you start shuffling, there may be a few things to keep in mind. Such as picking the right deck for you (nope, doesn't need to be the RWS), cleansing, calibrating your cards to you, protecting your energy...and more. Lucky for you, Brittany Kennedy of Nefertiti Rising Apothecary is sharing her best tips in this episode of Tarot Bytes. Listen in and learn how you can get started on the right foot!

Episode 106: Using Tarot in a Therapeutic Setting with Jessica Dore. Tarot isn't just for divination any longer. Many readers are using tarot in new and surprising ways - such as mental health professional Jessica Dore. She has worked with clients living with depression, eating disorders, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, trauma, and more, using tarot as a tool to help them find self-compassion and coping skills.

In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Jessica shares her story on how she began using tarot in a therapeutic setting. You'll learn how tarot can be a helpful ally for healing work and how you may want to incorporate tarot into your clinical practice.

Episode 105: Round Tarot Decks with Angela Mary Magick. There are a few round tarot decks on the market. But for those of us who are used to working with the standard rectangular shaped cards, the round ones may seem bewildering. How do you shuffle them? What happens if they turn up sideways instead of up or down? Can you use them like a compass? These are the questions I had - and my favorite witch, Angela Mary Magick had the answers.

In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Angela Mary shares how she works with round cards - and what every reader needs to know if they're thinking of giving them a whirl.

Episode 104: Do you find yourself longing to connect to something greater than yourself? Wondering how to discover a deeper relationship to spirit? Many people who come to the tarot table are seeking something other than the standard "will I meet someone?" questions. They want to feel aligned with their spiritual life. 

In this episode of Tarot Bytes, I am talking with Tosha Silver, author of The Wild Offering Oracle about what it means to link with the divine - and how to make that connection. We also discuss prayer, non-believers, tarot, and surrender as well as Tosha's new deck. 

Episode 103: Tarot Birth Cards with Mary Greer. The tarot birth cards give clues about your personality and destiny. In this episode, Mary Greer teaches how to discover your birth card, as well as your name card, year card, and hidden challenges. Mary wrote  Who Are You in the Tarot?: Discover Your Birth and Year Cards and Uncover Your Destiny, the most comprehensive book on the subject. 

Episode 102: Stage Cards with Sasha Graham. If you look closely at some of the cards in the Rider Waite Smith tarot deck, you'll see that some of the scenes on various tarot cards seem to have a stage backdrop. What's that all about? Tarot expert Sasha Graham, author of Llewellyn's Complete Book of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot has answers. In this fascinating discussion, Sasha talks about how artist's Pamela Colman Smith's theater background might have influenced these images. She also teaches how to interpret these cards. If all the world is truly a stage, then Smith certainly brought that element into the Rider Waite Smith Tarot!

Episode 101: Are you curious about magick? Wondering if there is a magickal component to tarot? In this fascinating episode Damien Echols, author of High Magick: A Guide to the Spiritual Practices That Saved My Life on Death Row, talks about the role of magick in tarot. Listen in and learn about what magick is, the Golden Dawn, and how to use tarot as a magickal tool. Damien also talks about the Guardian Angel of the tarot deck. This is one of my favorite tarot conversations and one that I think you'll find to be quite interesting as well.

The book we mentioned in this episode was Tarot Magic: Ceremonial Magic Using Golden Dawn Correspondences by Donald Tyson.

Episode 100: Thinking about reading tarot for groups? Mary K Greer says it can be a "rite of passage" for tarot readers who want to go pro. But when you first start out? It can be scary. I spoke with Queen of Wands Jenna Matlin, author of Have Tarot Will Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to Reading at Festivals as a Tarot, about the ins and outs of reading tarot for groups. We cover everything from gaining experience and what you need to bring to dealing with unruly folks. Jenna has been reading tarot for festivals and parties for some time so I knew she'd be the right person to talk about this. If you ever wanted to learn how to nail group readings, you'll appreciate Jenna's wisdom.

Episode 99: Tarot and Prediction with Lisa Boswell. There are some tarot folks who are proclaiming prediction and fortune-telling are "out." In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Lisa Boswell of Divination and Fortune-Telling busts that myth. Lisa specializes in predictive tarot and has a lot to say on the subject. We chat about skeptics, accuracy, why some tarot readers shy away from prediction, plus how to improve your predictive skills. Prediction is alive and well - and thriving.

Episode 98: Tarot and Kabbalah with Rachel Pollack. The Rider Waite Smith deck is steeped in mysticism. Did you know that the Kabbalah is part of the rich symbolism in this popular deck? In this episode of Tarot Bytes, the legendary Rachel Pollack joins me to talk about the Kabbalah and its role in tarot. Soon you'll see the Tree of Life not only in the Ten of Pentacles but also in the Three of Cups and Five of Pentacles.

Get ready to go deep and get inspired by Rachel!

Books mentioned in this episode:

The New Tarot Handbook: Master the Meanings of the Cards

78 Degrees of Wisdom

Bonus Episode: Each animal in tarot carries special symbolism. From the howling wolves to the posture of the horses in the Knights, these creatures are archetypes, every bit as essential to interpretation as the human figures. But what do they mean? What is the meaning behind the wolves or that lobster creature in the Moon? What's going on with the dogs in the Ten of Pentacles? How might they be different than the little one in the Fool? And what's the deal with that snail in the Nine of Pentacles?

If you've ever wondered about these animals might mean, you don't want to miss this special bonus episode of Tarot Bytes! I'm talking all about animal symbolism in the tarot with Lola and Tigre Pickett, creators of the upcoming Wild Messengers Alchemical Tarot, a magical deck featuring the wisdom and medicine of creatures both large and small.

Episode 223. If you want to feature guests on your tarot podcast or live stream, you need to know how to conduct a great interview. Onareo has a knack for getting people to open up and talk. In this special episode of Tarot Bytes you'll learn how he prepares for an interview, selects guests, and shines the spotlight on them. We also talk about originality and kindness - two things to keep in mind when you're hosting anything featuring authors, artists, and tarot folks. 

Episode 97: Have you ever thought about producing your own tarot deck? If so, you probably have a ton of questions. Benebell Wen, the author of the upcoming Spirit Keeper Tarot, has answers! Benebell has also written Holistic Tarot and The Tao of Craft. 

Episode 96: Tarot Keywords with Angie Green. Tarot can be daunting for beginners. Keywords are a fantastic way to grasp the meanings. In this episode, Angie Green, author of The Simple Tarot, talks about how keywords help with interpretations and how to develop your own.

Episode 95: How to ask a good tarot question. The answers you receive from tarot are only as good as the questions you ask. Learn which sort of questions are the least helpful and how to form good, solid ones that lead to clear answers.