The Hierophant represents my guest on The Tarot Table Podcast today. This card represents wisdom, spiritual guidance, and the pursuit of knowledge in healing.

It symbolizes a mentor or teacher who offers sacred wisdom and guidance, especially in matters of health and well-being.

Often depicted in ceremonial robes, the Hierophant embodies authority in traditional practices and alternative healing modalities.

For a medical intuitive dietitian, this card highlights their ability to integrate conventional medical principles with energy healing. The Hierophant represents Tammy Russel. 

Who Is Tammy Russel?

Tammy Russell, an integrative dietitian trained in functional medicine, has expanded her practice to include energy healing since 2009.

Specializing in gut health, autoimmune, and chronic conditions, she incorporates Pranic healing, BodyTalk, Accunect, and Reiki into her work.

During the pandemic, Tammy refined her skills in medical intuition, connecting deeply with her guides to reveal ancestral energies, emotional conflicts, and patterns affecting clients' well-being.

As a Reiki Master, Tammy helps clients break the cycles of illness through personalized healing, guiding them toward lasting health.

You can connect with Tammy on Instagram: @modern_intuitive_healing; her website, https://www.modernintuitivehealing.com; and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernIntuitiveHealing/.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with a guest represented by Temperance. This guest is a feng shui master who shares fantastic tips to help you bring the most balance and abundance into your life. More about that next week. 

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. I am also back on TikTok, miriamracheltarot, And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Today, my guest on The Tarot Table is represented by The Hierophant. The Hierophant Tarot card represents tradition, spirituality, and the pursuit of wisdom.

Often depicted as a spiritual figure, it symbolizes established belief systems, rituals, and societal values that provide structure. The Hierophant encourages spiritual growth and the exploration of personal beliefs, urging us to seek meaning through connection with something greater.

This card also highlights the role of a mentor or teacher who guides our intellectual and spiritual journeys.  My guest is DeeAnna Merz Nagel.  

Who Is DeeAnna Merz Nagel?

DeeAnna Merz Nagel is a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified coach. She teaches the ethical integration of alternative, metaphysical, and psychospiritual approaches for coaches and therapists.

DeeAnna holds several certifications in the healing arts, including Reiki and aromatherapy. Her doctoral studies focused on multifaith spiritual direction.

You can connect with DeeAnna on IG, @DeeAnnaNagel, and X at her website, https://deeannamerznagel.com.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with a guest who is also represented by the Hierophant. This guest as a mission to uncover the patterns that keep clients trapped in cycles of illness and provide healing energy to guide them onto the path of true recovery.

More about that next week. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. I am also back on TikTok, miriamracheltarot, and follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Death Tarot card represents today's guest on The Tarot Table Podcast. While this card may sound ominous, it signifies the ending of one phase of life and the beginning of another in tarot.

It represents profound transformation, growth, and personal evolution. A transformational coach helps individuals navigate significant changes, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal growth.

They guide their clients through shedding old patterns and beliefs, similar to the transformative energy depicted in the Death card.

This card symbolizes the coach's ability to facilitate deep and meaningful transformations in their clients' lives. And this coach is Tina C. Hines. 

Who Is Tina C. Hines?

Tina C. Hines is a fifth-generation empath, intuitive clairvoyant, medium, and healer. She holds certification as a life and international transformation coach.

She dedicates her life to guiding emotionally wounded women on a transformative journey toward self-love, self-care, and self-worth.
With a wealth of experience, Tina has graced numerous podcasts and been featured on esteemed media platforms, including Good Morning America, The New York Times, The Tamron Hall Show, and Trenton Now.

Her influence extends across continents as she traverses the United States, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean, hosting healing retreats that empower women to rediscover their happiness.
Tina's distinctive approach has established her as an authority in transformational coaching. Her vision is clear and profound: to encourage women to embrace unapologetic abundance, allowing them to craft the lives they truly desire.
Before embarking on her journey as a certified life coach, Tina spent an impressive three decades as an executive assistant in corporate America.

This extensive background enriches her coaching with a unique depth of insight and practical wisdom. Tina resides in the vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco, alongside her cherished son.

Connect with Tina via her website, https://www.tinachines.com, and on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/TinaCHines. Also, connect with Tina on IG, @tinachines50, and on TikTok, @tinachines.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with a guest represented by Judgement. This guest is a hand analyst, past-life astrologer, and life purpose guide who has helped her clients heal past-life patterns and awaken to divine purpose.

More about that next week. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Pexels: Yan Krukov

The Empress card of the Major Arcana in the tarot has been assigned to be the card that represents feminine energy and anything maternal. This card can also mean creating art and even establishing a new business. In addition, this card represents nurturing because creating anything needs to be nurtured to be sustained.

The Empress Represents Creativity

Nurturing a family and a new business must be done. This card can be relevant to starting a new art-related project such as painting.

Therefore, if you want to start a new creative venture and this card comes up, that shows a good chance it will happen. You have to nurture whatever you create to sustain it.

This card will also come up if you are thinking of starting a family as it is the card that represents motherhood, after all.

She represents the fertility and the abundance of Mother Earth and how it's transferred to you when you use your inner resources properly. She gives you nurturing, comfort, warmth, and security when you choose to utilize these powers in your own life.

The Empress tarot card shows you that your intuition is strong enough to make wise decisions by trusting your knowledge.

It teaches you that quieting overactive minds can be accomplished with meditation or relaxation techniques - or even taking a break from trying to figure everything out all at once!

When this card appears in readings, it's almost always about your home life, family, love relationships, and other nurturing situations.

The Empress Tells You That You Do Not Need Mystical Guidance

The Empress card reminds you that Mother Nature is the best source of wisdom because she has been in existence since before humanity could even record history.

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She teaches you to listen to your inner voice rather than rely on things like fortunetellers or psychics who might not have your best interests at heart (or maybe trying to rip us off). Finally, the Empress card lets you know that you don't need any mystical guidance; you only need yourself!

Therefore, when the Empress tarot card shows up in a reading, it's a perfect time just to be yourself. You don't need to put on airs or appear as something you're not. Instead, the Empress lets us know that we are on the right path and doing fine with our decisions!

The Empress Does Not Want You To Worry About What Others Think

The Empress card reminds you how important it is to do what feels suitable for yourself without worrying about others' thoughts.

Your inner wisdom will guide you towards true happiness while also giving you many opportunities for growth and new experiences along the way.

If you've been feeling a little off-track lately, this card may be trying to tell you that you should reevaluate where your focus has been going because it's not showing you the best path.

When this card is in a reading, it's time to slow down and take a break if needed - but also look deep within yourself for guidance!

The Empress card reminds you that you have all the power within yourself to succeed or fail. Therefore, you need to listen carefully to what your inner voices are saying to manifest the right actions at opportune times.

The Empress Wants You To Be True To Yourself

The Empress card can show up when asking about love life readings because she always encourages people to stay true to themselves when balancing work and play in their love lives.

If your empress tarot cards ask whether it's a good time for you to socialize more, go out on more dates, and so on - the Empress is telling you that your self-esteem will be at its highest when you're enjoying yourself in your private time away from work.

The Empress card has a lot of different meanings when she shows up in readings, but one thing is for sure: she always provides the motivation you need to search deep within yourself for guidance!

How does the Empress play a role in Risa's life? Unfortunately, like the other cards, the Empress in reverse fits Risa's situation.

I'll go over that in a bit. However, Risa does not know how to apply the Empress in her life. She never had a lot of love and nurturing. Risa did not grow up in a nurturing environment at home and school.

And sure, she had some maternal instincts even though she never received loved and nurturing herself because not only did she have a child, but she tries to take care of him even though it is a struggle for her to do so because of her child's complex needs.

However, does Risa really care for him out of love, or is it an obligation? Does she care for her parents out of love, or is it due to feeling obliged to do so?

Does she really nurture her neighbor by helping her out, or is it because she does not have it in her to not say "no," and that is what she believes anyway. If she is scared to say "no" and feels obliged to care for her family, that is not the Empress.

I also want to add that Risa does not relate to the Empress because she lacks creativity. It does not mean she does not have it. For all we know, Risa could be brilliantly creative.

However, Risa knows nothing about tapping into it unless she brings the Magician into her life. Therefore, Risa once again does not relate to the Empress upright. Let's now go over what the Empress in reverse means.

The Empress In Reverse

When the Empress comes up in reverse, this is a sign that there are domestic problems, a lack of nurture, stagnation, infertility, or the opposite. It could represent a pregnancy that is not wanted. Financial troubles are another representation. In reverse, you can see how the Empress relates more to Risa's situation.

She never knew what it was like to be nurtured, and she doesn't really nurture anyone. She does not have kind thoughts about her family and anyone. When it comes to the Empress upright, you care for others with love. Risa cares for others because she feels she has to do so, not love.

Financially, Risa and Ron struggle. They struggle to pay for her son's therapies, and they cannot afford to have any more kids because neither of them makes much money. So you can say that the Empress in reverse applies to that situation.

Domestic problems are also present in Risa's life, and they always have been. She was devalued, belittled, and abused emotionally and mentally. She has also been dishonest with her husband, and there is no love in her home.

You can also say that Risa is burned out and going through the motions as a result. So how can Risa begin to relate to the Empress upright? And how can you bring the Empress into your life? Let's go over that now.

How You Can Allow The Empress To Help You

In a nutshell, the way you can bring the Empress into your life is through self-care. If you are taking care of yourself, you can better care for others with love and not an obligation. That means delegating responsibilities if you must, and finances are an issue.

You can always check with your local place of worship or ask for support in different Facebook groups related to a problem you face. You will need to bring the Magician into your life and become more resourceful by tapping into other sources.

It is essential to care for yourself when you are stressed, especially in a caregiving situation, whether you have young kids or care for aging parents. That is more of a challenge if you struggle with mental illnesses. You need outside help, and you need your struggles validated. You need care!

Also, get into a creative hobby which can help as well, as that is also very nurturing. Also, get into nature, unless it is a rainstorm, or a blizzard, getting in touch with Mother Nature can be very helpful.

And if you get into a habit of spending a good ten minutes outside, as long as the weather allows you to do so, then do it. If it is freezing, bundle up. If it's too hot, drink extra water and put on sunscreen.

You get the idea. Now you know what the Empress is about, and the next card I will go over is the Emperor!

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Pexels: RODNAE Productions

The High Priestess of the Major Arcana of the tarot is the second card of the deck, and this is the one that represents secrets, digging up secrets mysteries, unraveling those mysteries, and your intuition.

When this card comes up, it shows that you need to pick apart some mysteries and use your intuition to solve some problems. You have to do this on your own.

Another thing that the High Priestess can indicate is that there is a time of being still and to retreat so you can reflect upon any situation.

Reflect upon anything necessary and always trust your instincts to help you get through it.

The High Priestess Is All About Trusting Your Intuition

In other words, if you see this card, it means that something around you is not how it appears. You will find that something does not add up.

That means that the High Priestess tells you to trust your intuition to get to the bottom of what is presented to you.

Here are some other interesting things about this card. The High Priestess is second only to the Empress in her ability to project femininity.

Her association with virginity suggests many things about women that men do not know or cannot know, and that sounds sexist, and that is not how it is intended to come across.

However, this is her story, and back in the day, things were that much different. Remember how this reflects a much earlier time.

Unsurprisingly, an image of the woman who represents this type reflects this power. Her veil represents both wisdom and mystery.

Many people will tell you she is merely hiding "secrets still the nature of secrets also involves withholding information that could change your life for better or worse - knowledge can be dangerous!

Even when one wants to share something intelligent, it is easy to reveal more than intended by being too blunt accidentally.

The High Priestess's silence is necessary for discretion means she doesn't have many conversations about social niceties, so you can say that she cuts out the middle man.

Who Is The High Priestess?

She is the daughter of high priests in a spiritual tradition called The Brotherhood, but her immense power makes her too valuable to be groomed for service in the temple.

So at a young age, she was given to an order known as The Sisterhood. Here she learned how to tap into the Otherworlds where magic naturally arises from powerful emotions and transformative acts of will.

This knowledge enabled her to enter these worlds and summoned them here when necessary.

Nowhere does any lore suggest that she has lost these abilities once leaving the Sisterhood -

quite to the contrary, it would seem that because she can disappear at will anymore, she took on high political positions so that nothing else could stop her from doing what she believes is right.

You may be wondering if this means high priestesses are born or made, but like magicians in general, high priests are just people with high potential, not chosen representatives of Higher Power.

So high priestesses are simply women who have the skills they need to rise through the ranks of whatever order it is that is lucky enough to claim them.

That said, high priestesses do tend to draw other high-powered individuals to them, so keep an eye out for who seeks you out. Probably someone familiar.

She's also very good at knowing when something needs her attention, even if it isn't pronounced what that might be yet.

So if she gets a hunch out of you, be grateful for the good fortune that you have caught her attention - it is not every day high priestesses take an interest in people!

But, on the other hand, she can't help but notice when someone has potential, and high potential often involves high risk. So if she thinks you should know something about high magic, pay attention.

The High Priestess Is All About Being Truthful To Yourself

She is also very straightforward with truths - whether or not one wants to hear them isn't really up to her.

This is why many high priestesses tend to spend time alone they don't put up with patience for ignorance around themselves!

Don't get involved with things where your life is at stake if you can avoid it.

How does the High Priestess relate to Risa's situation?

Let's see, Risa feels broken, and anyone dealing with mental illnesses and trauma-related disorders will feel that way. She is very disconnected from her intuition, but at the same time, it does not mean it isn't working.

Remember how I talked about how so many of those who struggle with trauma-related disorders and mental illnesses have strong intuition.

That is because they have had to rely on it to navigate their lives and make sense of their struggles, and many of them go into fields to help provide intuitive insights to others.

However, Risa is very disconnected from anything that the High Priestess represents. Risa is allowing others to keep walking on her, such as her parents, who do not have the best intentions for her.

She lets the neighbor take advantage of her without showing any gratitude.

Risa keeps allowing others to keep hurting her because she fears speaking up. But at the same time, she has some awful feelings of rage, jealousy, and resentment.

Anyone who has struggled with complex trauma will feel those feelings, but there comes a time when there is a catalyst, and you begin to say enough is enough and start speaking up, so you have your needs and wants to be met.

I deal with anger myself, and I am not suppressing it; I do the contrary. I am advocating and creating awareness about mental illnesses and the effects of trauma. That is a result of anger.

Sometimes having a good session with the punching bag helps release it. There will be a lot of anger, but it is healthy if you use it constructively. If you remove it in situations that are not destructive or violent, it is incredibly beneficial never to suppress it.

Risa suppresses her anger, and it only comes out when she explodes and terrifies her child and husband. But immediately stops and hides the rest.

Perhaps her anger that she refuses to express comes from her intuition screaming at her by telling her that she has it within her to make her life better. So she can go back to the Magician and tap into her resources.

Her intuition is telling her that if she stopped helping her ungrateful parents and neighbor, got her son into a therapeutic setting instead of taking care of him when she isn't able to do so effectively, and started finding out once and for all what she wanted in life, she would be at a better place.

However, there is a lot of fear within her because she has been bullied and abused so much she is afraid to listen to what the High Priestess is telling her. But what if she did so one step at a time, by starting to tell her neighbor that she could not help anymore.

Then eventually, she may work up the courage to say to her parents that she is no longer there to help. There is potential for the High Priestess to get through to her, but it will be up to Risa to allow that to happen. Too much fear consumes her, which is why it is not occurring.

What About The High Priestess In Reverse?

Unfortunately, Risa represents the High Priestess reversed. When the High Priestess card is reversed, it indicates that secrets and information are purposely being withheld, and there is no harmony on a personal level.

And it is not hard to see how Risa has no harmony within, and there is no harmony with her relationships.

For example, she is not honest with her husband, as she did not even want him to know that she was prescribed medication for her depression, and that was part of the reason she tossed away her antidepressants.

It is not hard to see that all of her chakras are severely out of balance and blocked. She never speaks up. She never asserts her needs and wants. And until she is at a place where she can start doing that, the High Priestess will keep representing Risa in reverse.

How Can The High Priestess Help You?

How can you connect with the High Priestess in the upright position? First, you have to trust your intuition which means finding a way to keep your emotions separate from your intuition. That means to go with what you intuitively sense instead of how you feel.

That does not only imply separating it from hopeful feelings. It also means to find a way to separate it from feelings of worry or pessimism. And that is a struggle if you deal with depression.

For instance, you tend to think that the glass is half-empty often, but you applied for a job, and you deep down have a good feeling about it. However, you are scared to go there.

You have struggled with a false sense of hope before. You may acknowledge that you feel there is a good chance of getting a job, but your default way of thinking would be that you are just hopeful about it and will be let down once again.

You cannot get excited about the possibility until you are contacted and told the company that you are hired!

Therefore, your intuition gave you some good news, but your emotions got in the way and made you believe that you were only hopeful about it momentarily, only to be let down.

On the flip side, you don't want to be overly optimistic about something your intuition tells you otherwise. Let's say that you are the type that may be unrealistically optimistic at times and will ignore anything that your intuition tells you.

For example, let's say you applied for that job, and you deep down know that it did not work out, but your emotions will not allow you to acknowledge what you intuitively feel.

Therefore, you will tell yourself that you know that you got that job. You will convince yourself of it because the alternative is not acceptable until you find out that the position you applied for at that company was taken by someone else.

You will be upset, and at the same time, kick yourself for not going with what your intuition was telling you, which was that the job you applied for was not meant for you.

Intuition is an intuition when you have a sense of knowing something deep down and have an emotional detachment. And it is best to practice that so you can see the difference between your emotions and your intuition.

So that is how you can apply the High Priestess in your life. The next card will be the Empress!

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Pixabay: qimono

The Magician is the first card of the tarot's Major Arcana. It represents manifestation, the skills, capabilities, and resources and reminds the querent that they can do anything they choose. But, they need to learn to tap into it. Here is the thing.

Let’s Talk About The Magician

The Magician tarot card is a symbol of power and creativity. Magician symbols often represent the ability to manifest one's desires and goals in life. The tarot card indicates that it is time for you to take action and actively move toward the life you want. It can also signify that it is time to pursue a goal or dream, nagging at you lately.

The Magician tarot card often represents a power that one holds within themselves and indicates the ability to manifest your power. It is also a sign of change, transformation, and new beginnings.

When you see the Magician in tarot readings, it often represents the highest point you have reached so far on your spiritual path. When the card comes up, it is an indication that you have complete control over your life's direction.

The Magician Does Not Want You To Waste Energy

Additionally, the card can warn you not to waste energy pursuing fantasies or illusions that will not come true. It may also signify reaching a critical crossroads in your life, where you must decide what direction to take.

Finally, you can see it is a message from the divine that certain things have been completed now and are the time for new beginnings.

That is because the Magician also represents balance, wisdom, and knowledge. Know that you have what it takes to accomplish your goals and dreams.

Another thing that the Magician can indicate is that you are working on a new project or purpose in your life now.

Additionally, it often represents a balance between the physical and spiritual worlds. Finally, the card brings a message to encourage you to seek guidance from those who have been on a similar path as you for some time now.

You may be neglecting your spiritual side, which needs to be more balanced in your life.

The Magician exists in your daily life as people who motivate you, inspire you and instill a passion for life within you. You can see it as the symbols can be seen as messages from the divine encouraging you to take chances on something new, test limits, and reach for the stars.

They are messages of encouragement to take action in your life now as they can signify that you are being called upon to try something new in your life, even if it is uncomfortable at first.

Magician symbols indicate that balance between the different parts of your life is necessary.

Here is the thing with Risa and the Magician. She did not take a hint from any of the divine messages that she had gotten that the Magician represented.

She has no self-esteem and is also entirely burned out based on all her responsibilities. She is more than burned out by the extra responsibilities she puts on herself because she cannot say "no."

There is no reason she has to help her parents, who treat her horribly as they have money to spend on outside help. She has no reason to help her ungrateful neighbor.

How can Risa put the energies from what the Magician has to offer if she has no idea to tap into any of her resources and has many that she does not know exists? That is because she never believed in herself, aside from being burned out.

But like anyone else, she has the talents to make better changes for her situation and herself.

Everyone has it within them to find their inner Magician to create something that can improve their lives or even improve the lives of others.

But until Risa can start saying "no" and putting her needs first, she will not be able to find her inner Magician. The first step to getting there is to believe in herself, even just a little. What about the Magician in reverse? Let's go over that.

The Magician In Reverse

The Magician in reverse can indicate deceit, poor planning, manipulation, no energy, and ill intentions. In other words, if you want to create something new and go through the dishonest and manipulative route, this represents the Magician in reverse.

You can say that Risa's last energy matches the Magician in reverse. However, almost everyone Risa encountered had very ill intentions for her.

Let's go over her parents, her sister, and those bullies who made her life hell. They caused Risa to turn into someone who was not meant to be how she turned out. Risa had the potential to find success in her life and turn into someone who had more confidence.

These people were the cause for Risa not turning out that way.

However, even though these individuals did her a lot of harm, Risa has it within to use the Magician to improve her life. She can pull the Magician upright, learn to manage her trauma mental illnesses, and find creative ways to look into services that can help her with her son and other stressful situations.

So now that we are onto that, let's talk about how the Magician can help you. How can you bring the Magician into your life?

How You Can Work With The Magician

The Magician can help you with your goal-setting ambitions. It does not matter what you want to attain, as it may be a better job, better health, whether it is mental or physical, learning how to set boundaries better, or even a pair of new shoes.

The thing is, you want to be crystal clear on what you want, and keep the Magician card with you to meditate with it, and you can develop clarity as far as what you want to attain and what actions to take to go after it.

You may want to do this for a few minutes each day so your vision becomes more precise.

Remember that the Magician wants you to take action, and you will want to create an action plan and how you will go after what you need. If you have a therapist and are doing some goal-setting with them, this is also a great thing to discuss.

Your therapist does not have to be open to the tarot if they are not open to that.

You don't even have to talk about what you are doing with them. You will want to tell them. Instead, you are looking for ways to go after your goals and become clear on what you want, and you can even get input on other action plan ideas.

The Magician is all about manifestation, creation, tapping into your resources, and utilizing your skills.

However, the Magician also reminds you that you can do anything where you put your focus! The next card to talk about is the High Priestess, which I will cover next time.

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Pixabay: Sorbyphoto

The Fool is the first tarot card of the Major Arcana deck. However, even though the Fool is the first tarot card in the deck, the number assigned to this card is 0.

That is because the Fool has unlimited potential, and he represents a young and innocent individual who is ready to learn what there is to learn and to experience new things.

Let's Talk About The Fool

The Fool can also be placed at the end of the Major Arcana, after The World card, because that is when a new journey begins. However, the Fool's journey represents someone's experience from start to finish.

The Fool is all about having an open mind that is curious and ready to take in the unexpected. There is a desire to take in some brand new experiences and enjoy the adventure.

Get ready to experience many surprises as there is innocence associated with this card. The Fool is all about being carefree, sharing new beginnings, curiosity, innocence, and having a free spirit.

The best way to describe the Fool is that you do not know where you are going or what you will experience, but it is all about taking a leap of faith. The message from the Fool is that you should have an open and curious mind and have a sense of enthusiasm as well.

You cannot worry about what will or won't happen. You just have to have a leap of faith and do what you need to do whether you feel it is time to go after it or not.

You do not have to have everything figured out before going after what you want.

Additionally, it is a time to be carefree and live your life to the fullest.

Who Takes On The Traits Of The Fool?

Those who would take on the traits of the Fool are those who are confident and more daring. Therefore, someone like Risa Green would not have much in common with this card.

Because of her mental conditions, she is not the type that would be daring and want to experience new adventures. I want to make it clear that you do not have to have any mental illness not to be explorative.

But this is about Risa. Not only is she not daring and explorative, but she cannot think for herself and does not even know what she wants for herself.

However, if that were 100 percent true, Risa would have stayed at home with her abusive parents. She didn't, so the Fool did apply to her when she got a job, got married, and had her child.

When you get married, unless you have been married before, whether you live with your partner beforehand or not, that is a perfect example of the Fool. Marriage is brand new territory, and so is having kids.

You enter a life-changing situation that you know nothing about and go in on it blindly. How you handle the hardships that come with those things depends on your nature and mental and physical health.

Risa is not in good physical and mental health, as you know. She seems to be okay with her job for the most part but never advanced herself at all. When she got that job at the furniture store, the Fool matched that situation since she had never worked before.

But it certainly does not now. Regarding her marriage, there are problems there since she has not been honest with her husband about some things.

For example, she did not want Ron to find out that she was prescribed antidepressants because she was embarrassed. She also could not cope with being a mother, especially to a child with significant special needs like her son has.

So, for the most part, the Fool does not represent Risa too much because other than her getting one job, getting married, and having one child, she relates more to the Fool in reverse. A lot more!

When The Fool Is In Reverse

When the Fool shows up in reverse, that can represent a few things, such as having the fear that is holding you back from trying something new. You do want to do things you have something in mind to do, but you are terrified that no one will take you seriously if you go ahead with it.

So there is a lot of fear and self-doubt regarding the Fool in reverse. But, on the flip side, it can also mean that you are reckless and taking unnecessary risks.

There is a time and place to act with an open mind and a carefree attitude, but if you are irresponsible, such as daring a friend to race you on a neighborhood road, that can represent the Fool in reverse.

As you see, Risa fits a lot more with the Fool in reverse. She holds herself back and does not dare to push forward. At this point, Risa may be too run-down and exhausted to try.

Risa never traveled, she never moved away to a new city, she never broke contact with her abusive mother and enabling father. And when you have mental illnesses such as depression or any trauma-related disorders, you will be more likely to allow these conditions to hold you back because they take a hit on your self-esteem, which is why Risa is the way she is.

She is full of self-doubt and fears so much that no one will take her seriously, allowing herself to be a doormat. It is not a surprise since she has been abused and bullied. It would cause that type of reaction. Risa also never got proper therapy to help her manage and cope with her trauma.

However, does Risa ever take on the opposite traits of the Fool in reverse, which is showing any reckless behavior? Well, Risa is a stress eater, but that does not mean she is a binge eater, and Risa has at times spent a lot of money on things she never uses but has not gone into severe debt.

So I would have to say, not really. When you think of that type of behavior, you may think of the mania aspect of bipolar disorder. I mean, again, I am not a mental health professional, and I don't have bipolar disorder, but that is what comes to my mind.

And I happen to watch General Hospital, and the character of Sonny Corinthos has bipolar disorder and has been in many manic episodes. The actor who plays that character, Maurice Benard, also has the condition, and I commend him for also doing a significant part in helping to increase awareness about mental illness. Anyway, I am going off on a tangent here, so let me get back to the Fool.

How Can You Bring Some Aspects Of The Fool Upright Into Your Life More?

Here is the thing, if you want to be more of a well-rounded individual, you need to find a way to bring some adventure into your life. You don't have to do anything too far out of your comfort zone.

But you do need to inch out of it. If you feel so much dread and self-doubt, but you know you need to attempt something new because you will feel worse otherwise, such as traveling somewhere new or even trying a brand new restaurant that you have never tried before, here is something to try.

Take the Fool tarot card out of your favorite deck, and meditate while holding it. Then, imagine the Fool encouraging you to go out and do that new thing and imagine the Fool telling you what you will gain from it when you do.

Either you will discover a new food or restaurant that you will love and try again, or the worst that can happen is that you will not like it and add it to the lists of restaurants never to visit again.

That is an example. The Fool will remind you that you only live once, and you may regret it if you don't take the chance on experiencing the thing you wanted to experience because fear held you back.

Now, everyone has big dreams, and there may be things that you may want to do that you are not in a position to do at the time, such as moving to a new city if you have too many tied where you currently are moment. But that does not mean there won't come a time when it will be right.

Even though the Fool is innocent, a free spirit, and very childlike, he will not expect you to do anything that is not sensible either. That is what the Fool in reversed will tell you to do, and you don't want to listen to him. The Fool in reverse either holds you back more or tells you to do something completely careless.

You want to expand your horizons and inch out of your comfort zone. And you may have to crawl out of it even slower if you struggle with mental illness, and as long as you keep making progress, every baby step counts.

If this practice does not work for you, it's okay, but it is something to keep in mind. The next card I will go over will be the Magician!

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

From Pixabay: johnhain

Trigger warning: Mentions of bullying and scapegoating at home

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of the cards' meanings, let's talk about an individual I will refer to each time I point out an example.

Here is a story about a woman named Risa Green, who is in her mid-40s, and she suffers from major depressive disorder and complex PTSD, which bring her a lot of anxiety and severe low self-esteem. 

Risa never left her hometown because she felt too guilty to leave her family. She also never had any real aspirations.

However, she did get married and had one son with moderate autism. She also has caregiving duties for her parents.

When she is not caring for her son or her parents, she works at a low-paying job as a clerk at a furniture store. Risa has worked there for years. 

She also has a non-verbal learning disability which caused her not to read social cues properly, struggle with social skills, and have problems with motor and visual-spatial skills.

She struggled with a lot of that when she was younger, but it improved as Risa got older.

But that did not help her choose to do something meaningful with her life. Her self-esteem is extremely low for that to happen. 

To make things worse, Risa has the polycystic ovarian syndrome, also known as PCOS, the main reason for her weight and acne struggles.

She used food as a coping mechanism behind her weight struggles to make things worse. It is like one thing feeding another, so to speak. 

Now that you have the general introduction of Risa, let's talk more about what contributed to her trauma and why she has such low self-esteem with mental illnesses. 

The Story Of Risa Green

Risa Green was born in Manhattan, New York, to semi-wealthy Jewish parents, as she was the first one.

However, her father, who used to be a business lawyer, got an opportunity to work in Syracuse, and when Risa was a toddler, her family moved there.

The birth happened not long after moving there, Risa's sister, Tamara. 

Over the years, it was apparent that the parents favored Tamara over Risa. Her mother especially was incredibly hard on Risa, and Risa was becoming overweight as a child, whereas Tamara was always slender. 

Her mother constantly criticized Risa's weight and monitored everything she ate. She also called her "stupid" numerous times because she struggled to follow instructions and struggled in school.

She also earned the name "stupid klutz" because Risa kept falling. Her mother told Risa to be more like her sister and encouraged Tamara to bully Risa to make matters worse. 

When Risa was hitting puberty, her weight ballooned, resulting in acne. Both the mother and sister called Risa a slob, and the father was never around since he worked all of the time. 

To make matters worse, Risa had to move to a new school because her school at the time did not include junior high.

However, her classmates ignored her, but what she faced throughout junior high and the early part of high school was worse. 

Risa endured horrid bullying at home and at school, where she was called horrific names and experienced trash being thrown at her.

All Risa did was dissociate because that was the only way she could cope. Risa endured bullying at home and then at school, where she was not treated well. 

Eventually, the tormenting ended, but the mocking did not. Risa struggled with severe depression, and her mother told her to get over it.

Risa tried but couldn't. All she did was cope by eating and dissociating.

Risa never had friends, and she went to a community college to take basic business courses. 

Her sister, Tamara, followed in her father's footsteps, went to law school in Seattle, Washington, and became a business lawyer.

Tamara settled there. It was no surprise that Risa stayed in Syracuse. However, she did meet her first boyfriend, Ron, who, like her, had no self-esteem. 

Another thing in college that happened was that based on Risa's apparent low moods, one of the counselors encouraged her to see a psychiatrist.

She did, and after an assessment, she was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and was put on antidepressants.

However, Risa did not continue taking them. She did not think she needed it. 

Risa was also embarrassed as she did not want Ron or her parents to know. So one day, Risa tossed the rest of her antidepressants in the trash for that reason. 

Ron and Risa got married. Risa got a low-paying job as a clerk at a furniture store, and Ron worked as a bank teller. Neither made a significant income.

They wanted to have kids but faced that one child was all they would have. 

After being married for several years, Risa and Ron had a son named Justin, who was not developing typically and was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.

Unfortunately, neither of them could afford a lot of therapy for Justin, and he only used a handful of words, was never potty trained, and put the parents under a lot of strain at home. 

To make matters worse, Risa's mother continued to be a nightmare for her. She not only blamed Risa and Ron for Justin's lack of proper development but compared him to Risa's niece and nephews, who do not have special needs.

In addition, she told her that Tamara was a more competent mother than her and made it clear once again that Risa was a complete embarrassment to her mother. 

As Justin was growing, he was still very much like a kindergartener as the most he could do was stay on his tablet.

Ron was offered a better-paying position at the bank, but he had to decline because he had to be home to help Risa as Justin was becoming more challenging to handle. 

Ron and Risa knew that Justin would be in their care for life, and then Risa's parents were becoming frailer as they were aging.

So even though Risa had her hands full with Justin, she was desperate to get love from her parents, and she committed herself to care for them.

But unfortunately, even though Risa has been their parents' caregiver, they still did not treat her better. 

Risa had no choice but to start seeing a therapist again because of having to fight so many demons.

She was referred to a psychiatrist who said she had signs of not only depression but CPTSD. Is it a surprise after what she has endured in her life?

Let's now go over something that has not been mentioned in detail. How Risa really feels and how she struggles with her mental illnesses. 

Risa's Struggle With Mental Illnesses

As you know, Risa has C-PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. In addition, you know that she dissociated a lot during her youth when bullied at school and home. Risa was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder when she was in college.

Then after struggling with her autistic son and with her parents, she was also diagnosed with C-PSTD.What happens in Risa's mind day after day?

Risa has so many demons to fight. Risa struggles with flashbacks and intrusive thoughts of being bullied by her family and classmates.

Some of those thoughts result from situations that she faced with Justin retraumatize her.

Risa gets those intrusive thoughts at work and does other things suddenly. Risa checks out a lot, which means she still dissociates.Risa also thinks that she is pure garbage, and she is amazed that she got married at all even though Ron has no self-esteem.

She cannot help but look at her child and wonder what went wrong.

She constantly mourns over not having the family who loved her; she mourns over never having friends and mourns having a child that will never hit milestones.

She knows that she will never be a grandmother and experience the joys that her sister and many peers will share with their kids.

Risa is insanely jealous of her sister, peers, and others who appear to have it easier than her.

All she thinks about is how she keeps ending up with the short end of the stick. That makes her so jealous and resentful.   However, here is the thing. Risa appears to be exceptionally kind and very friendly.

She will always be the type to give money to a homeless person even though she is struggling financially.

Likewise, she will continuously allow others to cut in line in front of her while waiting to check out at the grocery store.Also, if a neighbor asks her for a favor, she will drop everything she is doing to do it even if she has other commitments.

That means she will do a pile of Justin's soiled laundry or do her parents' grocery shopping very late at night. That is because Risa cannot say "no."

She is terrified to do that because she is desperate for people to like her. Here is the kicker.

Risa's neighbor asks her to do favors makes fun of Risa by gossiping about her to friends. The neighbor never once thanked Risa for sacrificing herself.As you see, Risa is one of those too nice and has no boundaries, as she is an echoist. You may think she is a forgiving angel underneath.

But that is contrary to the truth. Risa is full of intense anger, rage, and resentment.

She dislikes her parents, everyone, and even dislikes her husband and son. But, most of all, she hates herself.

Risa feels she is undeserving of good things because she is forever damaged.

She will never talk about her trauma to anyone except for her therapist because she knows they will not take her seriously unless they do.

Risa feels she is very different from others and not in a good way either. She goes through the motions and is feeling hopeless.All Risa does to cope is eat, and she is close to 300 lbs now. She does not even go to the doctor, but she drinks a lot and always has to head to the bathroom, which may signify having diabetes.

And when Risa loses her temper, all hell breaks loose.

That lovely girl appears to disappear and has scared her husband and son many times.

Oh yes, she has lost her temper with her parents, and the mother slaps her hard with a wooden spoon which stops her.

So you see how she struggles to regulate her emotions and feelings.What will it take for Risa to start saying "no" and develop boundaries?

That is how she will begin to gain some self-confidence which can help her cope in better ways, and that may help her feel better about herself.I will use the story about Risa Green throughout the card meanings and interpretations series.

The definitions of each card will pertain to examples of her story to help you visualize and understand the meanings better. 

Photo by KoolShooters from Pexels

Photo by KoolShooters from Pexels

Tarot is the rage because more and more people are using it for many reasons beyond predicting the future. Plenty of people use it for insight into situations and self-reflection. Some people use tarot to spark their own creativity.

Tarot is a great tool to help clear out writer’s blocks, but that topic is up for discussion in the future. What else can tarot cards be good for beyond doing predictive readings?

Tarot cards can be an excellent tool for mental health. So what? What does that even mean, and how can that really work?

Here is the thing. When it comes to mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and so on, you need to be medically treated. You need to get the proper treatment prescribed by your doctor or psychiatrist.

And you need to seek therapy. That is the only way you can be treated effectively for mental illness of any kind. However, what about using tools in addition to that? Those are the tools you need to use to keep working on your mental health between therapy sessions.

Some people rely on meditation, others rely on meditation and journaling, and you can also use tarot cards. Tarot cards can be an excellent tool for mental health.

How Can Tarot Cards Be Helpful When It Comes To Mental Health?

Think about this. When you pull a card, you will not just look at the card itself, but you are going to look at the imagery and the symbols around it. Those are what stimulate your intuitive and emotional side.

And the cards you pull will act as a prompt for getting in touch with your emotions and feelings. So you will explore it even more and process it as well.

In fact, using tarot for psychological purposes is not a new thing as the well-known psychoanalyst Carl Jung saw tarot cards as the perfect tool for tapping into the subconscious part of the mind.

You don’t even have to have ever taken a course in psychology or even know the tarot too well to benefit from this way of practice. Tarot can still be quite beneficial to you when it comes to helping keep your mental health in check.

Tarot can help you understand your feelings and not look at your feelings from a place of judgment which leads to acceptance.

It will help you figure out what you want and understand your values and what is important to you. You can find out through tarot what is really holding you back from achieving what you want.

For instance, if the card you pull is the Eight Of Swords, that is the card representing seeing yourself as trapped and not seeing a way out. But the reality is you only believe you are trapped when it comes to this card.

Being trapped is all in your mind. You really are not trapped. So when this card comes up, the first thing you will see is the imagery of someone being barricaded by swords sticking through the ground if you are using Ryder-Waite-Smith-styled tarot decks.

There is a good chance that you relate to this card. Then you will start to explore what you feel is trapping you.

Then you will realize that this card represents the feeling of entrapment that is all in mind. You see that it does not have to be that way, and then it will stimulate some ideas on how you can begin to feel unstuck.

Chances are, you won’t be able to come up with this on your own if you are really struggling with a mental illness. This is something to take to your therapist. And if your therapist is not open to tarot cards, you will want to question the therapist you are using for the sake of having a lack of open-mindedness.

With that said, your therapist does not have to believe in tarot cards, but a good therapist will understand they help you and will work with you regardless.

The tarot can really help uncover a lot within your psyche, so you can go and explore it even further. The tarot can really help you understand your motivations, behaviors, and experiences in a non-confrontational way.

There is no judgment which is why it is also quite helpful. It enables you to understand why you do the things you do and can lead you to solutions to better your habits in the long run.

I’ll provide another example. You pull the Nine of Swords. This is known as the ‘nightmare card.’ This is the card that is indicative of excessive worries and fears as well as intrusive thoughts.

And these thoughts can cause a lot of anxiety within. You want to resist these thoughts, but you know the saying, what resists persists. So perhaps it is time to examine the thoughts and find out why you have them.

Talk about these intuitive thoughts with a therapist as they can help you understand them better and give you tips on how to work with them.

You already know that tarot cards are beneficial for your mental health because they help you understand what is happening within. In addition to that, there is no judgment by utilizing this method whatsoever.

That is only one benefit of using tarot cards for your mental health. Another excellent advantage of using this method is developing a ritual.

Tarot Cards Are Beneficial For The Development Of A Ritual

When caring for your mental health, developing a healthy daily ritual is essential to keep it strong. The idea is to start your morning off by pulling a card and looking at the message it brings.

If you end up with a challenging card such as the 10 of Swords or the Tower, there is work you need to do to reframe your perspective on them. Instead of assuming you will have nothing but losses, upheavals, and challenges for the day – perhaps there is another reason you are pulling any of those cards.

It does not mean you will have a bad day.

Maybe those cards tell you it is a good day to prepare yourself for any unforeseen challenges that could emerge. For instance, this could be a good day to head over to the bank and create a savings account for emergencies.

Then, if a considerable unforeseen expense runs your way, such as an expensive medical bill that cannot be insured or a huge home repair, at least you will have savings to cover at least some of it.

Therefore, if you develop the ritual of pulling a card each morning, you can reframe your day based on the message your card brings to you.

You may be wondering what you need to do before you begin to read your cards. Let's delve deeper into this.

Let's Delve Deeper Into How You Read Your Tarot Cards

The way you read your cards and do your ritual is entirely up to you. However, there is a rule of thumb, and that is to clear your mind.

Once you do, lay out the spread of your choice facing down. If you have decided to do one-card readings, pull that card and lay it face down. Take a deep breath and open up your mind so you can absorb what the cards say to you. This is the message that the Universe has to deliver.

Once you get the message from the cards or the card that you pulled, sit with it. Pay attention to your initial response to it, and begin to reflect on the message the cards or card brought to you.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind? Is it uncomfortable, and if so, why? And does it reflect on any critical situation you are facing right now? If it does, what is the message? Then, write it in your journal to reflect on it later in the day or at another time.

For instance, you are eager to start your business right now, but you are struggling with different obstacles that are not making it easy for you to get it off the ground. This is causing nothing but frustration for you.

Finally, however, you do the one-card reading, and the card you pull is The Hanged Man.

The Hanged Man is the card that represents surrender and putting things on hold. The message would explain why you cannot get your business off the ground, let alone established.

It is a time to wait to do that, and perhaps you need to work on something within before you do. If your mental health is not being in a good place, you need to focus on that before starting anything new.

You won’t like being told to wait and to put things on hold, but there is an important reason you are guided to do so.

And these obstacles that are coming your way are sending you that message as well. Maybe your mental health is under control, but you might be setting up the business for the wrong reasons.

Only you have the answers within, and you need to use that time to discover what they are before going ahead with getting your business off the ground.

If the message is not relevant to a situation you are facing right now, then it may be relevant to a problem that you could be facing soon.

Therefore, write the message down in your journal. Because the situation does arise where the spread or the card meaning is relevant, you can look back at your journal and remind yourself of the cards that came up.

You can then reflect on that and find a way to best deal with the issue you are facing. You may also be wondering if any particular decks can work best.

What Type Of Tarot Decks Should You Use?

The tarot deck you want to use for mental health purposes is entirely up to you. You want to go with a deck that speaks to you and that you relate to and that has imagery you appreciate.

There is no rule for this. If the tarot deck is not appealing to you, it will not work well with you, and you may throw in the towel and believe that this method does not help your mental health. Instead, go onto Amazon or Etsy or your local metaphysical shop, and browse the different decks for sale.

If you like penguins, I have my own penguin deck if that interests you, but no pressure! You have to choose the deck that calls to you!

If you like a particular deck that you see from one of those outlets, go to Google Images, and type the deck's name. Then you will see samples of the cards in the deck, and you can judge from there if it is right for you.

If it jumps out at you and resonates, then it is an excellent deck to try out.

The great thing about this practice is that it is entirely up to you on how you want to use it. If you prefer to pull a card at the end of the day before you go to bed to see what message it brings for the next day, then do that.

There is no rule with this. Just use it to help yourself, give you the guidance you need, and it is an excellent tool for your mental health. In the next episode, I will tell you the story of a woman named Risa Green, who has experienced plenty of trauma and struggles with CPTSD and Major Depressive Disorder.

Her story will be referenced when I go over the card's meanings.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev from Pexels

If you have gone to a tarot reader or a psychic, did you know a thing about their past? Maybe you do, or you think you do, and you haven’t heard the entire story. Or, perhaps you don’t.

Perhaps they kept it a secret and have not told anyone. However, there is a good chance that the psychic or tarot reader you visited experienced a lot of childhood trauma, in addition to grief and sadness in their adult years.

Perhaps not every psychic or tarot reader in the world has experienced sorrow and tragedy. However, I can bet you that a large majority have a few heartbreaking stories to tell about their childhoods and lives.

Intuitive And Tarot Readers And Psychics Often Had A Traumatic Past

I know of so many psychics and tarot readers who have endured bullying and abuse, as well as child loss and other types of tragedies. And my story falls into that category as well.

I talked about this in my intro. But I will repeat it. I was the black sheep of my family, which was challenging to handle. I was also bullied throughout middle school and during my first year of high school.

Even after the bullying ended, my reputation was still laughable. That was because I was always overweight and had a bad case of acne, as I later was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS.

I also had awkward social skills, which meant I struggled socially and had some learning differences. Therefore, I was an easy target, and when you are the black sheep of the family and being bullied, well, that messes you up. I did not know how to stand up for myself, so I took the abuse.

However, the trauma did not end there.

I ended up birthing a child with complex special needs, and I was not equipped to care for him. I tried, I took him to a variety of therapy, and no matter what I did, I was chastised for not doing any more than I could.

And when it comes to special needs parents, it’s like their needs suddenly become irrelevant. That is what happened to me. It did not matter that I struggled with my mental health and physical health and did not get enough sleep.

Never mind that I wasn’t able to be fully attentive to my other typical child. My weight shot up to over 100 lbs overweight, I was angry all of the time, severely depressed, and I was on the brink of losing it.

Let’s talk about the fact that I had been mourning for the typical son I longed for, and I am not ashamed to say this. These things need to be said anyway. So, I had no choice but to transfer him to a residential school and group home.

Moving him away from home was the best move I made for my husband, myself, my daughter, and my son. My son could not stay at home, and he is doing so much better where he is.

In addition to that, I went against society’s expectations of being his caregiver for life and did the best and safest thing for him. That was the catalyst for me to begin standing up for myself.

I have been vilified for doing this, but those who don’t get it will judge, and I have accepted it. There are plenty of non-empathetic people who will judge you without knowing what it is like to walk even a meter in your shoes.

However, even though I have shed the stress that I was under for all of those years and so much of that extra weight, I am still traumatized. I will permanently be traumatized from all of my painful and heart-wrenching experiences.

Is complete healing possible? I have to say, I highly doubt it is.

I can heal on some level, but it is not realistic to believe that you can completely heal. You will always face triggers and painful reminders that can take you back to painful thoughts.

The practical goal is to be at peace with your past and accept that it happened. I am trying to get there, but I really have a long way to go. A very long way to go.

Was it past life karma? I believe on a significant level, it was. I also know that I am a mature soul sandwiched between a young soul and an old soul, which can cause a lot of inner turmoil.

Old souls can get past trauma much easier than younger souls. Now that you know my story, you probably wonder why so many intuitive healers, tarot readers, and psychics have had sad and traumatic pasts. I will talk about that.

Why Do Intuitives Have Traumatic Pasts?

What is the purpose of becoming an intuitive reader or healer in the first place? That is because of being forced to gain insight into your suffering.

When you are moved to self-reflect and look into why you had to suffer in the first place, you strengthen your intuition, and at the same time, you then want to help others understand why they experience their suffering. When that happens, you open yourself up to the world of metaphysics.

Then you begin to use the tools you relate to the most, whether it is tarot, astrology, mediumship, runes, or I Ching. Simultaneously, your psychic abilities such as clairvoyance, clairsentience, clairaudience, and precognitive abilities strengthen.

In my case, I am a clairvoyant clairsentient, and I have solid precognitive abilities. Astrology and tarot are tools that I use to bring more vivid pictures and insight into what I look at, whether for myself, a friend, or a client. However, it is easier to read for a client than for yourself or a friend.

Emotions can get in the way, but you can train yourself to become more objective. It depends on the issue you want to look at. However, you may be wondering now if some intuitive readers have coasted in life.

Are you sure you want my opinion on that? I will share it.

Are There Some Readers Who Have Had Easy Lives?

I am going to ask you a question. Imagine being born and blessed with a beautiful figure, beautiful hair, and perfect skin. You also attract people because you have the best social skills.

Therefore, you were popular in school and work, grew up with love and acceptance in your family, and you got exceptional grades without even trying hard. You also make plenty of money and never have to struggle financially at all in your life.

You also have an easy marriage and intelligent and healthy kids. Whenever you did have a difficult time, you got all of the support in the world. I mean, I realize that no one has a perfect life.

But many others have had fewer challenges, traumatic events, and heartbreak than others. However, that said, if you can relate to this type of life, you coast along.

If you coast along in life, why would you even reason to be self-reflective and look for answers? Why would you even care about looking for different types of insight?

That is why I really have a hard time believing that those who had an easy life would be a legitimate reader or healer. Sure, they may still be drawn to metaphysics, but often, not for the right reasons.

For example, those who have had easy lives interested in tarot may dabble into it because they are fascinated with it. However, I don’t believe they would have a genuine motivation to provide readings for the sake of helping others gain insight into their struggles.

That is because they possibly cannot relate to those who have struggled on a profound level.

Unfortunately, some have coasted along become charlatans if they decide to become a ‘psychic reader.’ These people will exploit you, take your money, take advantage of your desperation, and feed you b******t.

An intuitive reader who has really suffered in life will not do that because they understand what it is like to struggle and seek answers for why you were dealt a difficult hand.

That is why I have difficulty believing that those who coasted along in life could be empathetic, compassionate, and insightful intuitive readers. It does not mean they are not capable of being kind people.

But if you have not been through that much trauma in your life, it isn't straightforward to be empathetic and put yourself into the shoes of others. It is a matter of not building that perspective due to a lack of experience. That is the truth.

And I will also say that there may be the token person who had an easy life but is gifted with strong psychic abilities, strong empathy, and compassion. However, that is the exception and not the rule.

Therefore, if you know of a legitimate and caring intuitive reader, the odds are incredibly high that they entered that field because they went through hell. Here is another thing you will see among intuitives, psychics, and tarot readers.

Many struggle with mental illness, which does not always include Major Depressive Disorder and CPSTD. That is what I deal with, but there are plenty of them who struggle with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, among others as well.

Even if some did not have any severe traumatic events happen to them, battling any mental illness that they were genetically predisposed to be exhausting. Remember that not all people with conditions like Major Depressive Disorder experience any severe trauma.

Genetic causes alone can result in chemical imbalances. But from my experience, when you have that issue along with significant trauma from the past, it creates a special kind of hell.

But what helps me? I have to say I have struggled to find the right therapist because the best ones are a difficult fit. I have had therapists that worked for a while but no longer did. I am medication resistant but open to trying new alternative approaches.

But for me, tarot does help. And I am not at all saying that tarot is ever a replacement for medical prescriptions for mental illness. But it can be a great tool to use in conjunction with it. In the next episode, I will talk about that.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to the first episode of Swords of Depression, hosted by yours truly, Miriam Slozberg. I want to first start by saying that when it comes to mental illness, there may be more acceptance towards it than there used to be.

However, the stigma is still incredibly thick. It does not matter what type of mental illness you have; whether it is Major Depressive Disorder, like what I have, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, which I also have, there is a lot of ignorance surrounding it.

So what can be done about that? Well, it is obvious. Keep spreading the awareness. That is what I am doing because I am called to do. It will take a very long time to soften the stigma against mental illness, but you have to start somewhere.

There are plenty of podcasts about mental illness, which is very helpful for spreading awareness. However, mine is different.

I am going super niche with this because my focus is to intrigue and help those who struggle with mental illness who love tarot and metaphysics or spirituality in general.

If you struggle with mental illness and tarot does not interest you, you may not get much value from Swords of Depression; however, if you want to stick around.

You want to feel validated and feel that you are not alone because you are not, then I would love for you to stick around because that is what you will get.However, for those who love tarot, you will find a lot of value in this podcast because I will talk about the cards' meanings and how they can relate to any struggle with mental health.

There will, of course, be tips on how to use the cards to make the best of your days. There will be a lot of storytelling with this. Very soon, before I start delving into the card meanings, I will share a story about someone who struggles with mental health, which resulted from a lot of trauma that the individual experienced.

Then, the story will continue as I begin to share the card's meanings. This will help you feel less alone in your struggles and validate what you go through, which is super important, but it will help you look at the tarot in a much different way. 

You know what you can expect from this podcast regarding content and value. Now let's talk about how often you can expect a show to happen. Of course, this will be subject to change, but for now, I will launch two times a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays.

If there is a change, however, I will announce it in an episode. However, that is my goal for now. So, I deliver you some goods twice a week so that you can look forward to that, and you can listen to it at any time as well.However, if there is an essential week regarding mental health awareness, such as in September, it may become more frequent. When the focus is on mental health, it is ideal for getting a lot more content out to intensify the stress. But you do not need to worry.

You can expect two episodes a week during an average time, and if there are any changes, you will know about them beforehand. Episodes will also run about 10 to 20 minutes long each time. Some may be shorter, and others may be longer. That all depends on the content that I am delivering that day.

Now, let me introduce you and tell you about my history to know more about why I am creating Swords of Depression. 

I was the black sheep of my family, which was challenging to handle. I was also bullied throughout middle school and during my first year of high school. Even after the bullying ended, my reputation was still laughable.

That was because I was always overweight and had a bad case of acne, as I later was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. I also had awkward social skills, which meant I struggled socially and had some learning differences.

Therefore, I was an easy target, and when you are the black sheep of the family and being bullied, well, that messes you up. I did not know how to stand up for myself, so I took the abuse. However, the trauma did not end there.I ended up birthing a child with complex special needs, and I was not equipped to care for him. I tried, I took him to a variety of therapy, and no matter what I did, I was chastised for not doing any more than I could.

And when it comes to special needs parents, it’s like their needs suddenly become irrelevant. That is what happened to me. It did not matter that I struggled with my mental health and physical health and did not get enough sleep.

Never mind that I wasn’t able to be fully attentive to my other typical child. My weight shot up to over 100 lbs overweight, I was angry all of the time, severely depressed, and I was on the brink of losing it.

Let’s talk about the fact that I had been mourning for the typical son I longed for, and I am not ashamed to say this. These things need to be said anyway. So, I had no choice but to transfer him to a residential school and group home.Moving him away from home was the best move I made for my husband, myself, my daughter, and my son. My son could not stay at home, and he is doing so much better where he is.

In addition to that, I went against society’s expectations of being his caregiver for life and did the best and safest thing for him. That was the catalyst for me to begin standing up for myself.

I have been vilified for doing this, but those who don’t get it will judge, and I have accepted it. Unfortunately, there are plenty of non-empathetic people who will judge you without knowing what it is like to walk even a meter in your shoes.Anyway, I have Major Depressive Disorder and C-PTSD, and unfortunately, I am medication resistant, but I am always looking for alternative therapies. Tarot cards for me have been beneficial, but I am going to stress that they do not replace a prescribed treatment for mental illness.

Instead, they are tools that can help you get through each day. You may also notice that many intuitive people, psychic readers, and tarot readers have had a story about trauma.

In the next episode, I will delve more into that before I tell you the story of this particular individual who struggles with mental illnesses, which will be the story used in the episodes about each card meaning. I am glad you are here, and I am looking forward to connecting with you!

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The tarot card that represents my guest on The Tarot Table Podcast today is Death. It is about releasing old stuck energies and sources of pain, which is the Death card. Although the name may sound ominous, the Death card symbolizes transformation, letting go, and rebirth.

It signifies the end of a cycle or phase, allowing room for new beginnings. This card represents the release of old patterns, attachments, and sources of pain that no longer serve us. It encourages us to embrace change, surrender what no longer serves us, and make space for growth and transformation.

The Death card reminds us that releasing old energies can pave the way for healing, renewal, and a fresh start. It represents my guest today, Courtney Moore. 

Who is Courtney Moore?
  Courtney Moore is an intuitive healer with over 20 years of experience working with bodies in pain. Her practice has evolved from bodywork to acupuncture to psychic readings.

She maintains a clinic in San Francisco, California, and works with people remotely worldwide. Her passion is finding the emotional underpinnings of chronic pain and helping people finally release old, stuck energies to feel freedom and ease in their bodies. 

You can connect with Courtney via her website, https://www.courtneymoorewellness.com, Instagram, @courtneymoorewellness, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/courtneymoorewellness, and YouTube. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with another one that the Death card represents. Twice in a row!

This guest dedicates her life to guiding emotionally wounded women on a transformative journey toward self-love, self-care, and self-worth, and she explains how she does that. More about that next week.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Page of Cups represents my guest today on The Tarot Table. This card signifies a person who combines emotional sensitivity, intuition, and practicality in their approach to healing and guidance.

The Page of Cups represents someone empathetic, compassionate, and deeply understanding of emotions. They can provide practical advice and solutions while tapping into their intuitive insights to offer healing and support.

This card embodies the qualities of a coach who can help others navigate their emotional landscape and find practical, intuitive paths toward healing and growth. The Page of Cups is Margie Breault.

Who Is Margie Breault?

Margie Breault is an illuminator of paths, a mentor of transformation, and a guide to inner empowerment. With a deep-rooted passion for holistic well-being and personal growth, Margie has dedicated her life to helping individuals break free from limiting beliefs and step into their authentic selves.
As a medium, energy healer, flow coach, oral transmitter, and community leader, Margie brings her work a unique blend of spiritual wisdom and practical insights. Her journey has been one of profound self-discovery, marked by exploring natural law, embodiment practices, bio-scalar energy, and the transformative power of sound.
Through her work, she empowers others to trust their inner knowing, manifest their desires, and create a harmonious connection with themselves and the world around them.

Connect with Margie on IG @prismofbrilliance and her Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/Prismofbrilliance. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with the person the Death card represents. My guest next week will explore the emotional underpinnings of chronic pain and help people finally release old, stuck energies to feel freedom and ease in their bodies. 

I'll talk more about that next week. In the meantime, you can follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can also join my list to receive a week-ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Magician represents my guest today on The Tarot Table, which focuses on numerology. This card symbolizes manifestation, power, and the ability to create one's reality.

The Magician is associated with the number 1 in numerology, representing individuality, leadership, and new beginnings.

This card represents someone who understands the power of numbers and their significance in shaping one's life.

The Magician is skilled in utilizing the energies of the different numbers to manifest their desires and align with their life purpose.

This card signifies someone who deeply understands numerology and uses it as a tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and manifestation. The Magician today is Jessica Cerato. 

Who Is Jessica Cerato?

Former corporate executive turned intuitive mentor Jessica Cerato has been immersed in numbers for decades.

As a Professional Numerologist and Energy Strategist, she translates the energy of dates, numbers, and patterns into everyday language to help you feel more confidence and joy.

Jessica offers personal readings, numerology courses, and energy strategy to clients worldwide. When she’s not playing with numbers, you can find her with her family in the forest, by the ocean, or dancing in her kitchen in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  

Connect with Jessica through her site, www.jessicacerato.com. Also on IG    @jessica.cerato. You can join her Facebook group, Numbers Don't Lie and follow her Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/jessicaceratonumerology.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with the one the Page of Cups. This guest's work uniquely blends spiritual wisdom and practical insights. More about that next week.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

The Seven of Swords represents my guest today on The Tarot Table. And you may be thinking, "Why would you have a guest that is cunning and sneaky?" You need to understand this card better if that is what you think.

Yes, the Seven of Swords represents cunning, but it also symbolizes mental agility and strategy. It suggests a mindset focused on finding innovative solutions, thinking outside the box, and being resourceful.

It represents a person constantly analyzing situations, adapting to challenges, and using their intellect to navigate various circumstances.

This card reminds us to be mindful of our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes as they shape our mindset and influence our actions.

That is why this is the ideal representation of my guest today, Mama T.

Who Is Mama T?  
Tiara, aka Mama T, is a Mindset Mastery, Spiritual Coach, and podcaster of the Coming Home With Mama T Podcast. Her work helps you define and align with a fulfilling life.

Mama T’s holistic approach to mentorship and holding space supports you in embodying the version of yourself you want to live out your best life.
Connect with Mama T on Instagram at @mamatenergy and on TikTok, @mamatenergy. Mama T is on YouTube as well, She is also on Facebook, and her page is https://www.facebook.com/mamatenergy.   Don't forget to connect with her on her website: https://www.mamatenergy.com. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with the one the Magician represents. She is a numerologist, and you will learn how numerology significantly impacts everything in your life. 

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Fool represents today's guest on The Tarot Table, and today's topic is narratology. It is the first card in the Major Arcana and symbolizes new beginnings, spontaneity, and the journey of self-discovery.

In narratology, storytelling explores characters, their experiences, and their personal growth throughout a narrative.

The Fool represents a story's protagonist or main character who embarks on a transformative journey, often with a sense of innocence and naivety.

This card signifies the beginning of a narrative, where the protagonist sets off on an adventure, stepping into the unknown with an open mind and heart.

Similarly, narratology analyzes how narratives are constructed, the different narrative techniques employed, and their impact on the reader or audience.

As a representation of storytelling, the Fool reminds us that narratives are about the result and the process of growth, learning, and self-discovery.

Furthermore, The Fool card encourages taking risks, embracing new experiences, and being open to unexpected twists and turns.

These elements align with the idea that narratology involves exploring various narrative possibilities, experimenting with different narrative techniques, and challenging traditional storytelling conventions.

Overall, The Fool tarot card represents the essence of narratology by embodying the spirit of storytelling, new beginnings, and the transformative journey that narratives take us on.

It signifies exploring characters, their development, and the narrative techniques shaping a story. Let's now introduce you to Isaac Phoenix.

Who Is Isaac Phoenix?

Today's guest is Isaac Phoenix, a transmedia director who created his own narrative structure and became a narratologist to study how he can apply this to mental health and many other fields.

He also spoke about studying tarot in his narrative studies, so we will discuss that. You can connect with Isaac on Facebook. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with the one the Seven of Swords represents. Yes, the Seven of Swords represents cunning but symbolizes mental agility and strategy.

It suggests a mindset focused on finding innovative solutions, thinking outside the box, and being resourceful. I will interview a spiritual coach who helps her clients with that and discuss her fascinating method.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

The Chariot represents today's guest on The Tarot Table, and the main topic will be the SAF (Situation, Action, Feelings) method.

This powerful and dynamic card symbolizes taking control, making decisions, and moving forward with determination.

The SAF method is a problem-solving technique that involves analyzing a situation, identifying the desired actions, and acknowledging the associated feelings.

The Chariot reflects this process by embodying the qualities of assertiveness, drive, and focused action.

In the SAF method, the Situation stage involves assessing and understanding the current circumstances or issue.

The Chariot represents the need to take control of the situation, clearly understand the factors involved, and assert oneself to address the problem effectively.

The Action stage of the SAF method focuses on determining the appropriate actions to take.

The Chariot encourages decisiveness, determination, and the willingness to overcome obstacles to achieve the desired outcome. It signifies the need to move forward purposefully and take charge of the situation.

The Feelings stage of the SAF method involves acknowledging and understanding the emotions associated with the situation.

The Chariot reminds us of the importance of emotional control and discipline.

It encourages focusing on positive emotions such as confidence, motivation, and inner strength while recognizing and managing potential negative emotions.

Today's guest represented by the Chariot is Nic Scogna.

Who Is Nic Scogna? 

Nic Scogna is the President of Life Energy Publications and founder of the Institute for Modern Holistic Alchemy, where he advances holistic wellness and stress processing through the SAF method.

He is passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their full potential and preserving the research and writing of Kathy and Joseph R. Scogna Jr.

He is dedicated to sharing insights on self-empowerment, holistic wellness, and overcoming trauma to foster connections and provide resources for those seeking a holistic approach to life.

Connect with Nic here:

https://facebook.com/lifeenergypublications https://facebook.com/holisticmonitor

https://instagram.com/lifeenergyresearch

https://instagram.com/holisticmonitor

https://YouTube.com/@holisticmonitor

https://YouTube.com/@SAFtraining

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with the one the Fool represents.

My guest will cover narratology as the main topic, as he is a transmedia director who created his narrative structure.

He became a narratologist to study how to apply this to mental health and many other fields.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Empress represents today's guest on The Tarot Table. The Empress is a powerful feminine energy, creativity, nurturing, and abundance archetype.

The Empress represents the strength and beauty of women, symbolizing their innate power and ability to create and nurture life. She embodies fertility, sensuality, and the nurturing qualities that empower women to embrace their true essence.

The Empress card encourages women to connect with their intuition, embrace their feminine energy, and honor their creative abilities. It represents self-care, self-love, and setting boundaries to protect one's energy.

This card also signifies the ability to manifest abundance and success through creative expression and nurturing endeavors. It reminds women of their natural ability to bring forth new ideas, projects, and life.

Moreover, The Empress encourages women to celebrate their bodies, embrace their sensuality, and honor their unique beauty. It signifies the importance of self-acceptance, self-confidence, and embracing one's authentic self.

The Empress tarot card embodies the power, strength, and divine feminine energy that empowers women to embrace their true selves, express their creativity, nurture their well-being, and manifest abundance in all areas of their lives. The Empress represents Kassandra Rietema, my guest today. 

Who Is Kassandra Rietema? Kassandra is a Holistic Wellness Coach with expertise in Reiki and the Akashic Records. Over the last six years, Kassandra has been helping women step out of all the “should do’s” the holistic and modern wellness industry has been pushing at them.

Over the last year, she has been running an EmpowerHER program that guides women toward profoundly impacting their wellness and supporting them deep down to their core! 

Connect with Kassandra on Instagram at @kassandra.intuitivewellness, and check out her blog. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with the person the Chariot represents. My guest will cover the SAF (Situation, Action, Feelings) method.

I'm looking forward to that. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

The Hierophant represents my guest today on The Tarot Table. This card embodies dedication to learning, studying, and preserving the knowledge and traditions of the past.

It represents the importance of education, mentorship, and the passing down of wisdom from one generation to another.

The Hierophant card often depicts a figure in a position of authority, such as a teacher or spiritual leader, holding a book or scroll.

This symbolizes the accumulation of knowledge and the role of the scholar in disseminating information and preserving cultural heritage.

As a scholar of folklore or history, The Hierophant reflects your commitment to understanding and uncovering the stories, beliefs, and traditions of the past.

It signifies your role in interpreting and sharing this knowledge with others, providing insights into these narratives' historical and cultural significance.

The Hierophant also represents the importance of structure and established systems of learning. It suggests that you approach your studies with discipline, respect for academic traditions, and a willingness to delve deep into the subject matter.

Furthermore, The Hierophant encourages you to seek guidance from mentors or teachers who can impart their wisdom and experience.

It emphasizes the value of learning from those who have dedicated their lives to studying folklore or history, allowing you to gain valuable insights and perspectives.

The Hierophant represents my guest today, Ben Stimpson. 

Who Is Ben Stimpson?

Ben Stimpson, BA (Hons), MBACP (He/They/Them) is an integrative therapist, spiritual director, author, podcaster, and independent scholar of folklore and history. 

A member of the modern NeoPagan and queer communities, Ben’s personal life helps to inform his professional and research work. 

Ben holds a BA in Medieval, Classical, and Religious Studies from the University of Waterloo and a post-graduate Diploma in Spiritual Psychotherapy. 

As a therapist, he excels in working with members of the queer community and other marginalized populations and ascribes to transpersonal, systemic, and narrative approaches to therapy. 

He hosts the Essence podcast, a weekly show interviewing fellow authors and practitioners in alternative spirituality and therapy. 

His debut title, Ancestral Whispers: A Guide to Developing Ancestral Veneration Practices, was released by Llewellyn Worldwide in 2023, and he is currently developing other projects for Crossed Crow Books.  

You can connect with Ben on his site, https://www.benstimpson.com. He is also on Instagram, @benstimpsonauthor, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BenStimpsonAuthor, and YouTube.

Also, check out Ben's podcast, Essence with Ben Stimpson. Check his publications here!

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with the one the Empress represents.

My guest has been helping women step out of all the “should do’s” the holistic and modern wellness industry has been pushing at them.

And we will talk about how she does that. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Eight of Swords represents my guest today on The Tarot Table. It typically depicts a woman blindfolded and bound, surrounded by eight swords forming a cage or barrier around her. The scene suggests a feeling of being trapped, restricted, or limited.
The blindfold represents a lack of clarity or insight, indicating that the woman may be unaware of her options or the potential solutions to her predicament.

The bound hands suggest a sense of powerlessness or feeling stuck. The swords surrounding her symbolize the mental and emotional barriers or challenges she perceives as obstacles to her freedom.
The Eight of Swords often represents a state of self-imposed limitations, fear, or feeling trapped by one's thoughts or circumstances.

It suggests a situation where one may feel helpless, overburdened, or unable to see a way forward. It can also signify a need to break free from self-imposed restrictions or negative thinking patterns.
 The card highlights the importance of examining one's beliefs, perceptions, and thoughts. It encourages the individual to consider whether the perceived limitations are genuine or simply a product of one's mindset.

Shifting perspectives and challenging self-imposed restrictions can lead to liberation and empowerment.
The Eight of Swords reminds us that true freedom and empowerment come from within. It encourages self-reflection, self-awareness, and the recognition of personal agency.

By acknowledging the power to change one's thoughts and beliefs, individuals can find the strength to overcome obstacles and break free from self-imposed limitations. This card represents my guest today, Teresa Trieb.

Who Is Teresa Trieb?  

Teresa Trieb is a trauma-informed somatic breathwork practitioner from Munich, Germany. Through transformational breathwork, she helps others access their subconscious mind, release trapped emotions, and rewire their brains.

She is a student of life who explores the connection between breathwork, emotion, somatics, and psychosomatics.

 You can connect with Teresa at https://shebreath.com, and she is also on Instagram at @shebreath_official.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with the one the Hierophant represents.

My guest next week is an integrative therapist, spiritual director, author, podcaster, and independent scholar of folklore and history who has a lot of interesting things to share.

There's something to look forward to. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

My guest today on The Tarot Table Podcast is represented by the Six of Swords. The Six of Swords often illustrates a person in a boat, leaving turbulent waters for calmer shores, symbolizing a transition toward peace and balance.

This card suggests moving away from stressful situations and releasing burdens in healing and stress relief. It highlights the importance of letting go of old patterns or environments that no longer serve your well-being and seeking tranquility.
The card also emphasizes the need for guidance in healing. It encourages you to seek support from trusted individuals who can help you navigate challenges and restore balance. The Six of Swords represents my guest today, Sandie Gascon. 

Who Is Sandie Gascon?
Sandie Gascon, an Integrative Healing Practitioner and author of Heal Yourself, understands this journey firsthand. After battling chronic migraines and being diagnosed with lupus, she shifted to natural healing.

Sandie developed a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, supported by functional lab work to identify individual needs. She healed herself of multiple conditions and now educates others on rebuilding and rebalancing the body to heal naturally.
Through her Integrative Healing Academy, she teaches others to heal themselves and build their own practices. Sandie lives in Florida, enjoying life on her farm with her family, horses, and dogs, while helping others achieve holistic well-being.

You can connect with Sandie on IG @sandie.gascon, on her websites, www.sgintegrativehealing.com and www.integrativehealingacademy.com, and her Facebook group, Motivated 2 Heal Naturally.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with a guest represented by the Hierophant. This guest teaches the ethical integration of alternative, metaphysical, and psychospiritual approaches for coaches and therapists.

More about that next week. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. I am also back on TikTok, miriamracheltarot, And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Today, the Devil tarot card represents my guest on The Tarot Table.

The Devil tarot card is a powerful and complex symbol representing various aspects of human nature and the darker forces in our lives.

Depicted as a horned figure, often resembling the traditional image of Satan, the Devil card embodies themes of temptation, bondage, and the shadow self.

At its core, the Devil card speaks to the human desires and attachments that can lead us astray. It symbolizes the temptations and vices that can ensnare us, trapping us in unhealthy patterns or addictions.

It serves as a reminder to examine our fears, desires, and beliefs that may hold us back. The Devil card also represents the shadow self, the hidden aspects of our psyche that we may be reluctant to confront.

It invites us to confront our inner demons, fears, and insecurities. We can gain insight, understanding, and liberation by facing these darker parts of ourselves.

However, it's important to note that the Devil card is not purely negative. It reminds us that we have the power to break free from our self-imposed limitations and the chains that bind us.

It calls for self-awareness, self-discipline, and a willingness to confront our inner conflicts. The Devil tarot card serves as a mirror, reflecting our struggles and choices.

It urges us to examine our attachments, habits, and beliefs and question whether they serve our highest good. Doing so can help us overcome our limitations, transcend our shadow selves, and reclaim our power. My guest today is Gina Kunadian.

Who Is Gina Kunadian?

Gina Kunadian is a devoted wife, loving mother, certified massage therapist, and dedicated women’s alcohol-free sobriety coach.

Her life's mission revolves around guiding women to break free from the shackles of alcohol dependency, enabling them to realize and live their fullest potential. As the host of the podcast Shine Within, Gina shares inspiration and transformative insights that cultivate unwavering confidence, clarity, and vitality in her listeners. Having personally triumphed over alcoholism,

Gina is deeply passionate about championing others on their journey towards sobriety. Her unique Transformation SHINE Process provides steadfast support, illuminating the path of recovery and self-rediscovery for many.

Connect with Gina through her website, https://www.ginakunadian.com/.
Gina is also on Instagram at @shine_ginakunadian, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with the one who the Eight of Swords represents. My guest next week is a trauma-informed somatic breathwork practitioner from Munich, Germany. 

She helps others access their subconscious mind through transformational breathwork and release trapped emotions. There's something I can look forward to. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you face at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

The Magician represents my guest today on The Tarot Table. The Magician tarot card depicts a figure standing at a table adorned with various tools and symbols.

With one hand pointing upwards and the other downwards, the Magician represents the connection between the spiritual and physical realms. 

The number one at the top signifies new beginnings and potential. At the same time, the four elements defined by the tools (wand, cup, sword, and pentacle) symbolize creativity, emotions, intellect, and material resources.

The Magician's confident posture and focused gaze convey mastery and skill. 

This card suggests harnessing one's creative abilities, utilizing resources, and manifesting ideas into reality through impeccable craftsmanship and ingenuity. The Magician today is Chris Lilly. 

Who Is Chris Lilly?

Meet Chris Lilly, a Los Angeles-based Certified Tarot Advisor trained through the Biddy Tarot program.

At 'Flow Your MoJo,' Chris mentors screenwriters and authors, empowering them to tap into their intuition, boost self-confidence, increase writing speed, and achieve their creative aspirations. 

With over 65 tarot decks, he facilitates a deeper connection with creativity, aiming for writers to remain in a flow state rather than experiencing the whiplash of sporadic inspirational bursts.

While his primary focus is assisting writers, Chris also offers personal readings, recognizing the transformative power they hold.

A decade ago, he created and wrote the YouTube web series Just Us Guys, which spotlighted the dynamic between a gay father and his straight son.

Chris is gearing up to self-publish new LGBTQ-led stories and projects slated for release in 2025.
You can connect with Chris through his website, https://www.chrislilly.tv/ as well as on Instagram, @chrislillytv, TikTok @chrislilly.tv, X, chrislillytv, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with the one who the Devil represents.

My guest then is a dedicated women’s alcohol-free sobriety coach who struggled with alcohol and substance abuse for years until she had a tower moment to break out of it.

Now, her life's mission revolves around guiding women to break free from the shackles of alcohol dependency, enabling them to realize and live their fullest potential. There's something I can look forward to.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The High Priestess represents my guest on The Tarot Table today.

The High Priestess is the second card in the Major Arcana of the tarot deck, typically numbered as II. She represents intuition, mystery, and the unconscious mind.

The imagery on the card often includes a seated woman between two pillars: one black and one white, symbolizing duality and balance.

She usually holds a scroll or book, indicating hidden knowledge or wisdom, and wears a crown or headpiece that signifies her connection to the divine or the spiritual realm.
The High Priestess symbolizes inner knowledge and the power of the subconscious. She urges trusting instincts and listening to the inner voice.

This card often symbolizes hidden or unrevealed elements, indicating unknown factors or secrets that need to be uncovered.
The High Priestess is strongly connected to spiritual and esoteric knowledge, signifying a period of spiritual growth and exploration of more profound truths.

Often associated with the feminine aspect of the divine, she embodies qualities such as patience, receptivity, and reflection rather than action. She represents my guest today, Lauren Kester. 

Lauren Kester is a mindset coach and astrologer. After working on high-profile television shows like 30 Rock, The Good Wife, & Saturday Night Live, she left the entertainment business to help driven women break free from fear and anxiety to create the lives they want using mindset work and astrology.

Connect with Lauren by going to her site, https://www.laurenkester.com/ and her Instagram @hello.its.lauren and don't forget to download her freebie, Change Your Thoughts. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one who the Magician represents.

My guest then is a certified tarot advisor who mentors screenwriters and authors, empowering them to tap into their intuition, boost self-confidence, increase writing speed, and achieve their creative aspirations. There's something I can look forward to.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week-ahead tarot reading each Sunday, so you know what energies you face at miriamreadstarot.substack.com. Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Page of Swords is associated with intellect, communication, and the power of words. This card often signifies the beginning stages of a new project or creative endeavor, including writing.

It encourages expression, clear communication, and the effective use of one's mental abilities to convey thoughts and ideas.

The Page of Swords can also symbolize curiosity, learning, and the exploration of new perspectives, all essential elements of the writing process. It represents my guest today, Elizabeth Wilson.

Who Is Elizabeth Wilson?

Elizabeth Wilson is co-founder of an online writing community, the Inspired Writer Collective, and host of its associated writing-focused podcast by the same name.

She is also editing her debut novel, a memoir about her struggles with loneliness and journey to cultivate self-love and true belonging.

When she is not working on her writing project, Elizabeth plays with her daughter, takes yoga classes, hikes in the mountains of Colorado, and helps other writers start writing their memoirs.

Check out Elizabeth's online writing community and podcast, Inspired Writing Collective, Instagram, @inspiredwritercollective/, TikTok @inspiredwriterllc, and YouTube.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one who the High Priestess represents. My guest then is a coach astrologer.

She left the entertainment industry after working on shows like 30 Rock, The Good Wife, and Saturday Night Live. Now, she uses mindset work and astrology to help women overcome fear and anxiety and create the lives they want. That's something I can look forward to.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can join my list at miriamreadstarot.substack.com to get a week ahead of the tarot reading each Sunday, so you know what energies you face. Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Hierophant is the tarot card representing a spiritual leader and an entrepreneur, as it represents my guest today. The Hierophant card is often associated with religious or spiritual authority, tradition, and guidance. 

However, the Hierophant card represents the qualities of both a spiritual leader and an entrepreneur. It symbolizes spiritual authority, tradition, teaching, and mentorship while embodying an entrepreneurial mindset, business ethics, and the ability to build a community. 

The Hierophant demonstrates the harmonious integration of spiritual wisdom and material success. The Hierophant today is Sonya Lee. 

Who Is Sonya Lee?

Sonya Lee is a psychic medium, spiritual mentor, and entrepreneur with a unique blend of expertise in the tech corporate industry and spiritual practice.

With a background enriched by Buddhist teachings and extensive experience in product development, Sonya specializes in guiding successful leaders toward greater fulfillment and happiness by helping them tap into their highest frequency. 

Her approach combines intuitive wisdom with practical strategies, focusing on energy healing, clairvoyance, and personal growth.

Sonya is passionate about empowering powerful beings to unlock their potential and manifest abundance in all areas of life.

When you enter her vortex, powerful miracles begin to manifest. You can find her

at:http://www.sonyalee.io

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/missmowie

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sonyaleeofficial

TikTok: http://www.TikTok.com/@sonyaleeofficial

Or, join her thriving Facebook group for free mini-readings and spiritual lessons: http://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualwoman

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one who represents the Page of Swords.

This conversation is about how tarot and writing are intertwined as this writing coach helps clients write memoirs, and tarot is a part of it.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can also join my list to get a week-ahead tarot reading each Sunday, so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Queen of Cups represents today's The Tarot Table guest. She is about emotional intelligence, intuition, and compassion. She is depicted as a regal figure sitting on a throne by the water, symbolizing her deep emotional connection and understanding. 

The Queen of Cups is empathetic. She is often described as a nurturing and caring mother figure. She embodies love, kindness, and understanding and is always there to support others emotionally. 

However, it is essential to note that the Queen of Cups also emphasizes self-care. She reminds us that to be a source of love and support for others, we must first take care of ourselves.

This card encourages setting healthy boundaries, practicing self-care, and listening to our emotional needs. The Queen of Cups represents my guest today, Katie Farinas.

Who Is Katie Farinas?

Katie Farinas is a mom, seasoned nurse, yoga teacher, and host of the Mom On The Verge podcast. Katie has been passionate about health and wellness from a young age.

However, after battling postpartum depression after the birth of her first child, becoming a chronic migraine sufferer in her mid 30’s, and parenting a teenager with significant mental and physical health struggles, she was forced to examine the impact our mental health has on our physical health and how intimately those two things are connected. Taking a deep dive into the mind-body connection.

Katie became a certified yoga teacher, a regular meditator, and a warrior for improving mental health.

She believes in the power of authentically sharing our truth to help heal ourselves and others, the importance of community, and how love and compassion can spread outward like ripples in a pond to create a kinder, safer, and more equitable world.

In her free time, Katie enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, traveling, doing everything spiritual, and hanging out with her kids and husband.

You can connect with Katie on Facebook and her site, Mom on the Verge, and access her podcast there. She is also on YouTube.

You can also join her Facebook group. Here is her LinkTree.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one who represents the Hierophant.

This guest specializes in guiding successful leaders towards greater fulfillment and happiness by helping them fascinatingly tap into their highest frequency.

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can join my list at miriamreadstarot.substack.com to get a week ahead of the tarot reading each Sunday, so you know what energies you face.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The tarot card that represents my guest today on The Tarot Table is the Four of Swords. The Four of Swords typically depicts a figure lying down and in a state of rest or meditation as my guest, and I discuss the importance of sleep.

This card symbolizes the need for rest, rejuvenation, and healing. It suggests finding a peaceful and quiet space to recharge your energy and restore balance in your life.

The Four of Swords reminds us of the importance of taking breaks, finding solace in stillness, and allowing ourselves to experience deep and restful sleep.

It is a gentle reminder to prioritize self-care and ensure we get the rest we need to maintain our overall well-being. As I said, the Four of Swords represents my guest, Heather Gray.

Who Is Heather Gray?

Heather Gray is a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist and Bioenergetic Practitioner who supports clients with chronic and complex illnesses such as Lyme disease, Mold Toxicity, and Autoimmune diseases.

With over 32 years of personal experience, she understands the struggles of living with these conditions and is dedicated to helping others find relief.

Her personalized approach as a practitioner, podcast host, and author has helped countless clients reduce inflammation in the body and brain, improve gut health, and achieve optimal wellness.

She helps her clients address the root cause of their symptoms and take control of their health journey. Heather's approach is not only practical but also empowering.

Don't let chronic illness control your life. You can achieve the health and vitality you deserve. Our conversation focuses much on sleep!

You will be surprised to learn that you likely are not doing what you need to do to get the best sleep each night, as I was! You will want to catch this episode.

If you want to connect with Heather, visit her website: https://thelymeboss.com/. She is also on Instagram, @the_lyme_boss, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/TheLymeBoss, YouTube, and listen to her podcast, The Lyme Boss: Surviving to Thriving.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one who represents the Queen of Cups as this guest speaks about the power of authentically sharing your truth and being vulnerable to help yourself and others.

So that’s something to look forward to. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at @miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast. You can join my list for a week-ahead collective reading every Sunday.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

The Magician tarot card represents manifestation, resourcefulness, and power. It symbolizes bringing ideas and desires into reality through focused intention and using one's skills and talents. The Magician card indicates a time of transformation and the potential to create positive change in one's life. It encourages individuals to tap into their inner strengths and take action to achieve their goals. And the Magician represents my guest today, Tash Lancaster.

After years of hating her corporate jobs, she finally left the PAYE world in 2017 and became self-employed. She set up a VA business and happily worked with some cool clients. But as much as she loved the clients, she didn’t love the work, and it all began to unravel. She tried to reinvent herself so many times that she lost count until she discovered Tarot.

It became her morning ritual – throwing three cards every morning. In April 2023, she started consistently throwing the Tower card, which she knew was telling her some significant change was coming. HUGE!

In July of that year, her biggest VA’ing client gave her a notice. As much as she was scared, she didn’t want to replace them or know what to do. In August, she signed up for a tarot course to help her understand the cards more deeply—just for fun.

Suddenly, all the stars aligned, and she knew that was what she wanted to do. Now, she is living her best life doing what she truly loves. Her days consist of reading tarot cards for business owners while her dog peacefully snores in her reading chair.

You can connect with Tash Lancaster via LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/natashalancaster Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one of the Four of Swords representates. This guest discusses why you need to get your sleep and rejuvenate yourself. You know that you hear that getting seven to eight hours of sleep is ideal, but this guest elaborates on so much more than that.

So that’s something to look forward to. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Today's guest on The Tarot Table is associated with the Queen of Pentacles. The Queen of Pentacles embodies stability, abundance, and a nurturing nature.

She is depicted as a woman surrounded by nature and material wealth, representing a grounded and practical approach to self-worth and body image.

The Queen of Pentacles encourages you to prioritize self-care and nourishment by valuing yourself and your body. She reminds you to honor your physical well-being, engage in healthy habits, and create a harmonious relationship with your body.

This card emphasizes the importance of self-worth, which is not solely dependent on external validation or material possessions.

The Queen of Pentacles encourages us to recognize our inherent worthiness and cultivate a sense of self-value that comes from within.

When the Queen of Pentacles appears in a tarot reading related to self-worth and body image, it reminds you to embrace your self-worth by nurturing and caring for your body.

It encourages you to find balance, appreciate physicality, and establish healthy life boundaries.

This card invites you to embody the qualities of the Queen of Pentacles, such as practicality, self-sufficiency, and self-love, to enhance your self-worth and cultivate a positive body image. The Queen of Pentacles represents my guest today, Andrea Troughton.

Andrea Troughton Represents the Queen of Pentacles

Andrea is an anti-diet coach who helps women build unshakeable self-worth by improving their relationships with food, movement, and bodies.

The Work of A.R.T. was created by Andrea Ruth Troughton in 2015 to help women feel better about themselves. Much has changed, but that mission remains more vital than ever.

Andrea struggled with her body image, self-confidence, and self-worth for most of her life. After working in the bar and restaurant industry for many years, she developed several poor coping mechanisms. Her lifestyle was not conducive to her physical or mental well-being.

After hiring a personal trainer and making some positive changes to her lifestyle, she noticed considerable improvements in how she felt. She was inspired to change careers and help other women like herself!

Andrea received diplomas with honors in personal fitness training and holistic nutrition and is a CSEP-certified personal trainer, NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, and a CSNN-certified holistic nutrition consultant.

After six years of working with clients in the fitness and wellness industry and six years of personal and professional development, Andrea realized that an enormous gap exists between the tools of exercise and nutrition and lifelong healthy habits and body satisfaction. That gap lies with your self-worth.

You can get in touch with Andrea through her site, https://www.workofartcoaching.ca/ and she is also on Instagram, @workofartyeg and Facebook.

I apologize for the sound, as it was less than ideal today but I published it because it was an important topic to discuss.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one that the Magician represents once again, but different from the previous one.

This guest talks about how she reinvented herself regarding her business; it is fascinating. So that’s something to look forward to.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Today's guest on The Tarot Table is closely related to the Magician card, which is associated with intellect, knowledge, creativity, and the power of manifestation.

It symbolizes the ability to harness the elements of the natural world and use them to create and transform.

This card has scientific elements to it, and it represents the power of the human mind and its ability to understand and manipulate the world through scientific inquiry.

Sabrina Scott is a magician, a no-BS spiritual teacher, and a tarot reader with a worldwide clientele.

She teaches magic, witchcraft, energy work, mediumship, and personal transformation.

She knows a thing or two about manifestation, and what makes Sabrina unique is that she does all of this while doing a Ph.D. in science.

Given that fact, she is the perfect one to help remove any woo-woo stigma that comes with her work.

The Truth About Manifestation, Spirituality, and Science

Sabrina and I discuss manifestation, witchcraft, tarot, and fraud in the New Age community.

We also elaborate on Sabrina's experiences as a witch while pursuing a Ph.D. in science and her frustrations with how many in the New Age community reject science and show their true colors during the pandemic.

I noticed the same at the time, angering me as their so-called "love and light" rhetoric didn't match their condemning comments towards those who took the pandemic seriously.

They also followed the typical conspiracy theories at that time, which was frustrating as Sabrina and I discussed them.

That is something that you do see often in the New Age community. After looking further into why the New Age community frequently rejects science, here are some factors.

The Rejection of the Mainstream

Some of those in the New Age movement reject mainstream institutions and beliefs, including science.

They may view science as a part of the established system they are trying to break away from.

This rejection can lead to distrusting scientific consensus and a willingness to entertain alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories.

Misunderstanding of Scientific Concepts

New Age beliefs often involve metaphysical and spiritual ideas that may not align with scientific principles.

This can lead to a misunderstanding of scientific concepts and a perception that science cannot explain or validate their experiences and beliefs.

As a result, they may reject science in favor of alternative explanations.

Confirmation Bias

Conspiracy theories often provide a sense of empowerment and certainty in an uncertain world.

Some individuals in the New Age community may be drawn to conspiracy theories that align with their beliefs or confirm their suspicions about hidden truths.

This confirmation bias can reinforce their rejection of scientific explanations and make them more susceptible to conspiracy thinking.

Alternative Sources of Knowledge

The New Age movement emphasizes personal experiences, intuition, and esoteric teachings as sources of knowledge.

This can lead to a preference for alternative sources of information, such as spiritual gurus or self-proclaimed experts, over scientific research and evidence.

Conspiracy theories provide hidden knowledge or secret truths that challenge mainstream scientific understanding.

If you want to contact Sabrina, she is on Substack . You can also get in contact with her on her website, https://www.sabrinamscott.com/, Instagram @sabrinamscott, and her podcast, The Claim Your Magic Podcast.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week and chat with one represented by the Queen of Pentacles.

We will explore aspects of nourishment, diet culture, and self-care. So that’s something to look forward to.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The World card represents my guest today on The Tarot Table Podcast, as it s about wholeness, completion, and a deep connection with the body, mind, and nature.

It symbolizes an individual dedicated to raising awareness about reconnecting with nature and physical well-being. This person would be multi-talented, using their skills in creative endeavors to inspire others to embrace a holistic lifestyle.

They promote unity, harmony, and sustainable living while encouraging mindful practices that honor both the body and the environment. The World represents my guest today, Monica Canducci. 

Who Is Monica Canducci?
Monica Canducci embodies this symbolism as a multi-talented author, teacher, and coach. Combining science and spirituality, she has explored mindfulness, movement, and healing practices for decades.

Known for her Move-In Mind™ method, Monica integrates her knowledge in neuroscience, psychophysiology, and embodiment. As a certified coach, Astrologer, and HeartMath Practitioner, she helps others find balance in life through her courses and workshops.
Originally from Italy, Monica moved to Canada in 2012 and later to California, where she enjoys dancing among the redwoods. Her work leaves people feeling enlightened and transformed, earning her the affectionate titles of "Guiding Star" and "Dancing Fairy" by her followers.

Connect with Monica on her website: https://www.monica-canducci.com/You can connect with Monica on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monica.canducci/.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with a guest represented by the Six of Swords. This guest is an Integrative Healing Practitioner who found a way to transition herself out of chronic migraines, acne, and lupus, among other ailments. More about that next week. 

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Today's guest on The Tarot Table is associated with two reversed tarot cards. Not all tarot readers subscribe to reversals, but this guest represents both the Empress and Queen of Swords reversed.

When these cards appear in a reading, they can indicate a controlling, manipulative, or emotionally distant mother. She may use sharp words and criticism to assert dominance and lacks compassion and nurturing qualities.

This card suggests a negative or unhealthy relationship with the mother figure and represents my guest, Geraldine Crane.

Geraldine Crane is a Serene Spiritual Empowerment Guide. She works with women who have had a problematic, harmful, or toxic relationship with their mothers to realize their worth, find peace, and develop a loving relationship with themselves.

In doing so, she helps them create happier, healthier relationships in all areas of their lives. Geraldine uses Serene Spiritual Coaching and Hypnotherapy to help them reconnect with their true selves, inner divinity, inner resilience, and the love of their Spirit Guides.

More About Geraldine

Geraldine embarked on her spiritual journey two decades ago, sparked by a lifelong interest in spirituality.

However, when she wasn't in a spiritual development group at 19, she unearthed her innate ability to commune with spirit guides.

While engaged in this group, Geraldine encountered extraordinary spiritual phenomena, yet her connection deepened significantly at 39 when she pursued hypnotherapy training.

At this juncture, her professional trajectory as a probation officer, substance misuse worker, and, later, a domestic abuse recovery worker intertwined with her narrative of navigating a profoundly challenging relationship with her mother, from whom she distanced herself five years ago.

This convergence of professional expertise, personal growth, and spiritual insight led to her Serene Spiritual approach.

Through the fusion of hypnotherapy, coaching, and mentoring, Geraldine endeavors to aid women in healing their "mother wounds" by harnessing" the boundless" love of the Universe.

Her mission is to facilitate their connection with their inner divinity and spiritual guides, angels, and departed loved ones, empowering them to recognize their inherent worth and embark on a journey of self-love and acceptance.

Passionately dedicated to her work, Geraldine has amassed a wealth of extraordinary spiritual experiences along her path, which she eagerly shares with others.

Her profound commitment to guiding individuals toward healing and self-discovery underscores her unwavering devotion to the Serene Spiritual methodology. However, let's discuss the hallmarks of a toxic mother, as today's episode covers this topic.

What Are the Signs of a Toxic Mother?

The signs of a toxic mother do vary. I talk about my issues as well, though; luckily, things are better on that front as I talk about it with Geraldine in the podcast episode. I will now list the common signs of a toxic mother.

* Lack of Empathy: A toxic mother may struggle to understand or show empathy towards her children's feelings and experiences. She may dismiss or minimize their emotions, making them feel invalidated or unheard.

* Manipulative Behavior: Toxic mothers may use manipulation tactics to control their children. This can include guilt-tripping, emotional blackmail, or gaslighting, where they distort reality to make their children doubt their perceptions or memories.

* Constant Criticism: Toxic mothers may engage in frequent criticism and put-downs, often focusing on their children's flaws or mistakes rather than offering support or encouragement. This can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy in their children.

* Emotional Instability: A toxic mother may have unpredictable mood swings or intense emotional reactions. This can create an unstable and chaotic environment, leaving children anxious and uncertain about how their mother will react.

* Boundary Violations: Boundaries are essential for healthy relationships, but a toxic mother may have difficulty respecting her children's boundaries. She may intrude on their personal space, invade their privacy, or fail to respect their autonomy and individuality.

* Favoritism or Scapegoating: Some toxic mothers may show favoritism towards one child while scapegoating another. This can create a dynamic where one child is consistently praised and supported while the other is constantly criticized or blamed for family issues.

* Emotional or Physical Abuse: In extreme cases, a toxic mother may engage in emotional or physical abuse towards her children. This can include verbal insults, physical violence, or neglecting their basic needs.

Again, if you think you have a mother like this, she does not necessarily have to have all these signs. But a few are red flags. Geraldine can be of great help if you are struggling with its effects.

If you want to connect, visit her site at https://geraldinecrane.com/ or email her at hello [at] geraldine dot com. Connect with her on Instagram, @geraldinecrane_serene, Facebook, and on LinkedIn.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week, where I will chat with one represented by the Magician!

A witch pursuing her Ph.D. in science talks about the magic of creation and manifestation through a spiritual and scientific lens.

So that’s something to look forward to. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. I am also on Instagram @miriamreadstarot.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Judgment card represents my guest today on The Tarot Table. It is a powerful and transformative card representing rebirth, awakening, and spiritual growth.

The Judgment card often depicts an angel or figure blowing a trumpet, symbolizing a call to awaken and rise to a higher level of consciousness.

Getting the Judgment card in a tarot reading often indicates a significant turning point or a moment of awakening.

It suggests that you are being called to embrace change, let go of the past, and step into a new phase of personal growth and spiritual evolution.

It encourages you to trust the transformation process and trust your inner guidance.

Today's guest is what the Judgement card represents.

Genevieve (Gen) Edwards is my guest today. She is a psychic healer based in Leeds and helps people worldwide with remote psychic energy healing.

She uses her own lived experience of release from trauma and limiting beliefs to help you release old, emotional baggage that never served you and that may be contributing to your emotional, mental, and physical symptoms.

More About Gen Edwards

Gen uses simple energy tools to overcome emotional blocks that were holding her back as she was adopted at birth into a wonderful family who loved her unconditionally.

However, she struggled to believe she was good enough until she was in her mid-50s as she wondered why her birth mother gave her up. She thought she was unlovable.

And that manifested as her playing up and mixing with the "wrong crowd" in her teens.

She struggled with low self-esteem all of her life and could not reach out for what she wanted in life. She struggled to attract money and abundance.

However, in her mid-50s, she met a kinesiologist whom a financial advisor referred.

She did incredible work, so she wanted to begin doing it herself. Now, at 66, she is as happy entering year four as the full-time owner of a global energy healing business, where she helps women with physical, mental, and emotional illnesses.

You can connect with Gen Edwards through her site, https://www.genedwards.com/. She is also on Instagram at genergyheal, Facebook at GenEdwardsBodyCode, and YouTube.

I will talk to you again next Friday and next week, where I will chat with one represented by two reversed tarot cards, one being the Empress and the other Queen of Swords, as it will be a heavy one about having a toxic relationship with their mother, which so many can relate to.

So that’s something to look forward to. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com and Instagram, miriamreadstarot.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The High Priestess represents today's guest on The Tarot Table.

This card represents intuition, inner wisdom, and deep understanding.

The High Priestess encourages us to trust our instincts and listen to our inner voice.

She reminds us to be present and aware of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings.

The High Priestess teaches us the importance of quiet reflection and inner stillness to cultivate mindful awareness. Today's guest is Dr. Rita Louise.

Who Is Dr. Rita Louise?

Dr. Rita Louise founded the Institute of Applied Energetics and is the former host of Just Energy Radio.

She is a Naturopathic Physician and a 20-year veteran in the Human Potential Field.

Her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant illuminates and enlivens her work.

She is the author of many books, including one that just came out, Dang! It Was Me All Along?

We chatted throughout the podcast about finding out why you may be attracted to toxic people, and there were plenty of conversations about narcissism. It was about mindful awareness in a nutshell.

Dr. Rita talked about what she went through to find herself, which led her to where she is today, and her new book highlights her experiences that so many others share.

Why You May Want to Check Out Dang! It Was Me All Along

Dang! It Was Me All Along slices through complex psychological theories to demonstrate how one can uncover inner tranquility and satisfaction.

Dr. Rita elucidates the art of introspection to revolutionize yourself from within.

This book blends scientific findings with engaging anecdotes and candid reflections from Dr. Rita's quest for happiness, offering moments of humor, contemplation, and personal growth.

While you can't alter your past, the principles outlined in this book empower you to shape a brighter future and transform your life.

From the first sentence, you'll be engrossed. Each chapter offers practical steps to guide you along your path. By the end of the journey, you might not even recognize your former self.

Are you prepared to take up the challenge and declare, "I am determined to find happiness!" and indeed mean it?

If you want to connect with Dr. Rita Louise, visit https://soulhealer.com/, https://medical-intuitives.com/, or https://appliedenergeticsinstitute.com/.

And grab your copy of Dang! It Was Me All Along.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week when I chat with one represented by Judgment.

You will be amazed at her story of transformation. So that’s something to look forward to.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on IG, miriamreadstarot, Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Eight of Swords best represents today's guest on The Tarot Table. This card in the Tarot deck represents feelings of being trapped or restricted.

In the traditional Rider-Waite deck, the card depicts a woman blindfolded and bound, surrounded by eight swords.

The swords form a barrier around her, symbolizing her limitations and obstacles.

The Eight of Swords often signifies a situation where one feels trapped by one's thoughts, fears, or circumstances.

It suggests a state of mental or emotional paralysis, where one feels powerless to make decisions or take action.

The blindfold represents a lack of clarity or understanding, while the bound hands symbolize a sense of helplessness.

However, it's important to note that the Eight of Swords also carries a message of hope.

The woman in the card is not physically restrained, and the swords do not form a complete enclosure.

This suggests that the limitations are self-imposed and can be overcome with a change in perspective or mindset.

And my guest today, Stepanka Kuralova is fitting with this card.

Who Is Stepanka Kuralova?

Stepanka Kuralova, a clinical hypnotherapist, coach, certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner, writer, and host of the Inner Glow Podcast, dedicates herself to empowering ambitious women, creatives, and entrepreneurs globally.

Her mission is to help them break through self-sabotage, unlock their true potential, and demolish the glass ceiling hindering their growth in life, business, and career.

As a mindset and energy alchemist, Stepanka skillfully guides her clients through transforming challenges into exciting opportunities.

Her approach involves replacing self-doubt with unshakeable confidence and faith while imparting lessons on emotional intelligence and assisting clients in manifesting their deepest desires.

Stepanka's journey into the realm of hypnosis commenced at 19, sparking a profound exploration of self-discovery and passion.

Having triumphed over her mysterious health issues, she embarked on an unwavering quest to unveil the immense power of the human mind.

Although originally from the Czech Republic, Stepanka proudly calls Devon, England, her home, drawing inspiration from the serene coastal surroundings.

Connect with Stepanka on her website, Instagram, newearthwoman, join her Facebook group, New Earth Women, and Pinterest.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and next week, where I will chat with one represented by the High Priestess.

This woman channeled her clairvoyant gifts and became a medical intuitive, so it will be fascinating to delve into that conversation. So that’s something to look forward to.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Today's guest on The Tarot Table is represented Empress. The Empress is often associated with abundance, fertility, and creativity.

She symbolizes femininity's nurturing and creative aspects and represents the power of artistic expression and creation.

This card signifies a deep connection to one's artistic abilities and the ability to bring beauty and harmony into the world through artistic endeavors.

The Empress encourages you to tap into your creative energy and embrace your artistic talents. Today's Empress is Jennifer Faye Colombo.

Jennifer Faye Colombo As the Empress

Jennifer Faye Colombo is an artist and creative guide who loves supporting others in creating part of their legacy with card decks and journals.

She co-creates with her clients to pair their wisdom and intentions with her art to develop personal growth tools aligned with their businesses.

In this podcast, we discuss all the things someone needs to know: WHY one would create one, setting intentions, the process Jennifer uses for herself and with her clients to create a deck.

She goes over some simple tips to get started if you want to create one, how to use card decks, the difference between tarot and other types of decks.

It is a fascinating process that Jennifer does for her clients.

You can connect with Jennifer through her site,

jencolombo.com as well as on Instagram, jenfayeart or oilaffirmationguide. You can also connect with her on Facebook, jenniferfayecolomboart or oilaffirmationguide.

Now you have it!

I will talk to you again next Friday and next week, where I dig deep as the Eight of Swords represent my guest, so you already know this will be a heavy discussion.

Spoiler alert as we will delve into aspects of tarot journaling.

So that’s something to look forward to.

So that’s something to look forward to.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack!

Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, my Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Today's guest on The Tarot Table is represented not only by the Queen of Wands but she is also by the Queen of Wands.

The Queen of Wands is depicted as a confident, charismatic woman sitting on a throne. She holds a wand in one hand, symbolizing her power and authority.

She is surrounded by sunflowers, which represent abundance and vitality.

The Queen of Wands embodies the qualities of a natural leader. She is passionate, courageous, and determined.

She is not afraid to take risks and pursue her goals with enthusiasm. She is also highly creative and has a strong sense of self-expression.

Today's guest, Denise Petry, is The Tarot Bridge's chief tarot officer or CTO. She has been a psychic tarot card reader for over 40 years and was inspired to build the tarot bridge using the expertise and experience that she developed over that time.

She discusses why The Tarot Bridge platform is one of the most innovative psychic platforms. It launched in April 2023, and very slowly, it is growing.

What Is The Tarot Bridge?

The Tarot Bridge is a video-based tarot platform for readers to make extra income, and astrologers, mediums, and other psychics can also do readings there.

The one thing about these psychic hotlines that are so bad is that they utilize the pay-by-the-minute model.

That may sound like it could be a big money-maker for the reader, but make sure to let that fool you.

It might be the case if the reader was on the hotline from morning until late at night because most of these hotlines, at best, pay you 50 percent of what they charge the customer per minute.

This model is cruel to the customer (sure, they like it that way because it makes these companies rich) as it is easy for them to lose track of their spending and end up with huge credit card bills.

Therefore, The Tarot Bridge does not utilize this pay-by-the-minute model because they understand that customers who want readings don't have endless amounts of cash and do not want to be the reason they end up in debt.

That alone shows that they care about their readers and the customers!

Readers Can Set Their Fees on the Tarot Bridge

Another great thing about The Tarot Bridge is that readers can set their fees for 15-minute, half-hour, 45-minute, and one-hour-long live video readings.

The only things that The Tarot Bridge sets are a fee of $10 for a three-minute quick video reading and $24 for a ten-minute video reading.

Those readings are not live; they are video readings the reader creates to deliver to the customer within 24 hours.

However, the reader can also charge what they choose for their live video readings, within reason!

Most of these psychic hotlines do not allow readers to set their fees, as they have their crappy prices set from which the reader receives a pittance.

The Tarot Bridge Charges The Lowest Fees

Most of these hotlines charge the reader at least half of what they make (per minute).

However, The Tarot Bridge only takes 30 percent of what the reader makes, which means the reader keeps 70 percent of their earnings.

That is more than fair. The Tarot Bridge also needs to cut the work because they are marketing and maintaining the platform, which can be tiresome.

However, you can go right with that, as you can do very well on this platform as a reader and keep most of what you earn.

They Have a Great Circle Community

Some of these hotlines may have private Facebook groups, but that is the exception, not the rule.

Most of these psychic hotlines are not interested in creating a community; they are only interested in taking advantage of their readers and making money.

However, The Tarot Bridge has a lovely circle community where you can do daily readings. You can also find other gems, such as coupons, as Denise creates coupons and deals often.

There are also places to chat and share personal things and your pets. You can also find some excellent resources.

I also have an area where I blog, but I have yet to have a chance to get to it! I will do that more once I have some time.

Most of these hotlines could not give a crap about their readers and even their customers. However, that is not the case regarding The Tarot Bridge.

Denise is always around when you have a question or need to address a problem. The Tarot Bridge tech guy, Jason, is also quite helpful and responsive if you have an issue with the site.

Knowing you will be safe and dry if you encounter a problem comforts readers and customers.

I was so down on all psychic platforms as they are notorious for taking advantage of readers and their customers, as they do not have your best interest at heart.

However, my views changed when I discovered The Tarot Bridge. If you are a reader looking for another way to monetize your services, you can apply to The Tarot Bridge.

If you would like to hire me for reading there, you can do so here!

If you want to follow and connect with Denise, head over to Link Tree here.

https://linktr.ee/Queenofwands20

Follow The Tarot Bridge on Instagram.

Follow Denise on TikTok.

Now you have it!

I will talk to you again next Friday, and next week, I have another one who the Empress represents as she is an artist and creative guide who loves supporting others in creating part of their legacy with card decks and journals which will be a fascinating talk. 

So that’s something to look forward to.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, my Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to another episode of The Tarot Table. My guest today, Shauna Gourley, represents the Death Tarot card.

The Death card in tarot does not represent literal physical death. Instead, it symbolizes transformation, endings, and new beginnings.

It signifies the end of a phase or a situation in your life and the start of something new.

The Death card encourages you to let go of the old and embrace change. It can also represent the need for personal growth and the shedding of old beliefs or patterns that no longer serve you.

This card is often associated with transformation, rebirth, and the opportunity for positive change.

It reminds you that sometimes endings are necessary for new and better things to come into your life.

Let's talk about Shauna Gourley, who represents the Death card on many levels.

Shauna’s Transformative Journey

Shauna's journey into the healing arts is not uncommon. After having her second child at 39, she never fully recovered.

By the time she was 41, she was navigating through what she can only describe as "hormone hell," alongside the trauma of being gaslit by physicians who made her feel as if the symptoms were all in her head.

Sleepless nights and anxiety-filled days had her searching for answers, which, under the current system, were limited to prescriptions of antidepressant meds, sleep meds, and a host of misdiagnoses like IBS, fibromyalgia, and "PMS B***h."

Frustrated, she took her health into her own hands and returned to school.

Over the last 13 years, she has been certified in holistic nutrition, functional diagnostic nutrition, clinical methylation, and nutrigenomics, as well as human potential coaching.

She eventually got to the bottom of her physical health challenges, which turned out to be a very sick thyroid and the sex hormone profile of a 90-year-old woman.

It was also during this time that her 16-year marriage dissolved, and she was thrust into her new identity as an unsupported, single mother.

After much self-reflection and research, Shauna also discovered she was an empath and tended to attract narcissistic personality types.

During that time, she went through the Dark Night of the Soul.

This series of adversities, however, led her on a profound spiritual journey and, ultimately, to the healing power of plant medicine.

In 2018, she flew to Costa Rica, where she legally and safely participated in four shaman-led plant medicine ceremonies.

While she could speak about this transformative experience for hours, the short story is that this master of plant medicine confirmed to her that she was more than her physical body.

"She" also showed her from where she came to where she would return, purging past traumas and healing her broken heart.

Alongside her ongoing healing with functional medicine, she tried other plant medicines, and in 2022, she was guided to complete her training in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.

This advanced training has given her the profound privilege of providing a safe space for people to experience their inner healing and assist them in integrating the deep work with these medicines into their daily lives.

Wellness, and ultimately wholeness, is a journey, and it is her heartfelt intention to provide the opportunity for people to find their medicine.

Whether you're looking for functional lab testing and personalized protocols and coaching to start healing your physical body, or you're ready to take a deep dive into the inner workings of your subconscious mind, or maybe a combination of both (magical), it is her honor to be your guide.

You can reach Shauna Gourley at https://shaunagourley.com.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

My guest today on The Tarot Table represents The Empress tarot card. The Empress is a tarot card representing femininity, fertility, and abundance.

It symbolizes the nurturing and creative aspects of life.

The Empress is often associated with motherhood, nature, and the power of creation. It signifies a time of growth, abundance, and nurturing relationships.

In a reading, the Empress card suggests that you are in a period of abundance and creativity and can manifest your desires.

It encourages you to embrace your feminine energy and tap into your nurturing and creative abilities.

That is why the Empress is an excellent representation of my guest today, Jillian Ribbons, as she has a very nurturing role as she helps those manifest their desires.

Spiritual Nurture with Jillian Ribbons

Jillian is a lightworker and Akashic records practitioner who blends her unique perspective of emotional alchemy through sound with acupuncture and osteopathic principles to help spiritual entrepreneurs connect with their highest timeline so they can manifest an abundant flow of bliss.

We discuss her unique ways of helping to nurture others so they can reach their potential spiritually, and some of the things discussed during the podcast are quite fascinating.

Be sure to connect with Jillian through her website, joypointclinic.com.

You will definitely want to square in some time to have a listen.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and bring on an awesome guest who aligns with the Death card.

So you know this is intense

and has an enlightening story, which is why this is the best card fitting for her. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

I am so excited to interview my first guest on The Tarot Table. But before I get into it, I want to talk about the Justice card as there is relevance to it regarding my guest.

Justice represents karma, cause and effect, balance, and fairness. 

It symbolizes the consequences of your actions and the need to take responsibility for your choices.

In karma, the Justice card reminds you that your actions have repercussions and that you will experience the effects of your deeds, whether positive or negative. 

It encourages you to make ethical decisions and consider our long-term consequences.

The Justice card also reminds you to seek balance and fairness and treat others with integrity and respect. And this is why Justice best represents my guest today, Laura Ordile. 

Laura Ordile and Karmic Astrology

Laura Ordile, from Montana, is a Master Hypnotist specializing in Anxiety and Confidence as well as trauma, including PTSD and CPTSD, in her programs.

She is certified in several areas, including hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming, color coaching, life coaching, and more. She is also a professional astrologer.

Today's focus will be on how astrology is indicative of karma that you are facing today from past lives, which is why you have sure gifts and lessons and are on the path you are on. I will be digging into that.

Laura talks about what led her to her career path and interest in astrology today.

She talks about the karmic indicators in your natal chart. Many people familiar with karmic indicators think about the north and south nodes.

However, there are more karmic indicators in your natal chart, which can explain why you have the experiences you do, as they can result from your previous lives, positive or negative.

It was an enjoyable interview, and if you want to connect with Laura Ordile, go to:

https://lauraordile.com/

Laura's podcast, The Change Gang Podcast https://changegang.libsyn.com/

Laura's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauraordile/

Laura's Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LauraOrdile777

Laura's Facebook group, The Change Gang http://changeganggroup.com

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday, and I will be bringing on an awesome guest who aligns with the Empress as she is an Akashic records practitioner.

She will enlighten you with so many fascinating topics.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Here is a question for you. What questions do you ask if you have gone for a tarot reading?

Chances are you ask questions involving money, career, relationships, or family. That is all good. 

Conversely, how many memorable questions have you gotten if you are a tarot reader? I bet there are too many to count, right? Yeah, well, me too. 

First, I want to say that there are never dumb questions because you have a legitimate reason for asking any question you may have, no matter how strange it may be to someone else.

However, if you are trolling or being silly, then that is another story. 

Many people who reach out to tarot readers need intuitive and psychic insight.

Sometimes, they will ask these readers questions that may be off-limits or may sound strange because answers to those questions are what they need.

But here is the problem. There are some questions you cannot ask the tarot if you want to get an accurate or meaningful answer.

Reputable tarot readers need to be upfront about that fact because not many people will know that, and there needs to be more education.

If you are looking for the best type of questions to ask, the tarot, I wrote a piece on my Tarot Talk publication on Medium and will link it to where this episode is here. It is "What Are The Best Questions To Ask The Tarot Cards?"

The truth is, the tarot cannot answer every question you have. And you are better off doing a Google search on them to get the answer you need from a reputable source.

Some questions are off-limits to ask the tarot, as I previously wrote, "What Are The 10 Questions To Not Ask The Tarot?" from my Tarot Talk publication. 

There was an old Business Insider article going over some of the funniest questions that people had asked tarot readers, as well as some shared on the Tarot Forum, and I will go over five of them so I can add my commentary.

1. How Will the Weather Be?

The tarot is not a weather reporter or a meteorologist. Check your local news, or download some weather apps to know the weather forecast the next day.

You will get a much more accurate answer through those than you would from the tarot (though sometimes meteorologists get it completely wrong, you are still much better off with that source).

However, if you want to ask the tarot a weather-related question, check the weather first and then ask, “What can I do to make the most of this sunny/cloudy/cold/snowy/rainy day?” You may get some good insight there.

2. Will I be Physically Satisfied?

Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?

Are you looking to have a fun, intimate time with someone, or are you looking to indulge in some chocolates or fried foods? Either way, the tarot cannot help you.

It is up to you if you want to be physically satisfied, depending on your wants.

You can always go on Bumble or Tinder to enjoy a one-night stand or go to the best buffet in town.

There is too much free will on your part for the tarot to give you any proper guidance or answer.

If you want insight into why you have such an intense need to be physically satisfied, whether you want sex, food, or whatever, then the tarot can help.

Therefore, you can ask, “Why do I have this intense need for physical pleasures from food/fun time in bed/booze?” (or whatever it may be) This could be a good opportunity for some shadow work.

3. Will I be Able to Lose Weight or Not?

Once again, that is not a question the tarot can answer. The first thing you need to do is if you want to lose weight, talk to your doctor, not the tarot.

Secondly, look for reputable sources such as a free calorie calculator by the Mayo Clinic.

Look for articles from medical sources about the best foods to eat to help support your weight loss and keep you full.

If you want to involve the tarot in this, you can ask What I should do to maximize my weight loss efforts.

Again, only the doctor can give you the best answer, but gaining some insight in non-medical terms does not hurt, such as doing some activities you may have yet to think of, which can help.

4. Is My Mother-In-Law Docile?

That is another question the tarot cannot answer.

And you are also going into third-party reading territory there, where you are asking the cards about someone else that has nothing to do with you.

You cannot tap into someone's energy without gaining their permission.

However, I understand the need to ask this question as someone with a Monster-in-Law, now deceased.

If the MIL is unreasonable and challenging, a better question to ask the tarot is, “What can I do not allow my MIL to get to me so much?” Then, you may get some good insight.

5. Will My Husband Become a Millionaire in a Year?

Another third-party reading, and secondly, that is not an appropriate question to ask the tarot, especially if the partner is not aiming to become wealthy. That is a money-grubbing question.

However, if you and your partner are on board to increasing your wealth, that is a different story.

You can always ask the tarot: What steps should my partner and I take to increase our wealth?

You may get better insight and use it to explore options you may not even know exist to help you get there.

There are so many more silly questions that people have asked tarot readers, but I would have to write a long novel to get through more of them.

Either way, I hope your face does not hurt from all the face-palming you have done from listening to this.

The gist is that people must learn the proper etiquette when asking tarot questions and understand how to frame questions to get the necessary answers. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday, as this is my last solo podcast.

My first guest next week is great, as the Justice Tarot card represents her. I am looking forward to you meeting her as we delve into the karmic aspects of astrology.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The High Priestess represents my guest on The Tarot Table Podcast. She symbolizes inner wisdom, intuition, and spiritual insight. She serves as a guide, helping individuals tap into their intuition and trust their inner voice.

The High Priestess is often depicted as a serene and mystical figure sitting between two pillars, representing the boundaries between the conscious and unconscious mind.

She holds a scroll of ancient wisdom and wears a veil that symbolizes hidden knowledge and secrets.

When this card appears in a tarot reading, it suggests that individuals should pay attention to their intuition and trust their inner guidance. The High Priestess encourages them to look beyond the surface and delve deeper into their subconscious mind to find the answers they seek.

In relationships, the High Priestess may represent a mentor, counselor, or spiritual guide encouraging others to listen to their inner voice and follow their instincts. This person may have a deep understanding of the mysteries of life and can offer support and guidance on a profound level.

The High Priestess emphasizes the importance of inner knowing and encourages individuals to trust their instincts, even when logic or external factors suggest otherwise.

She reminds us that there is wisdom within ourselves that can guide us in making decisions and navigating life's complexities. The High Priestess is Donna Wallace.

Who Is Donna Wallace?

Donna Wallace is a healer residing in Australia. She helps people heal emotionally so they overflow with love, become happier and happier, their light switches on, and they can follow their intuition.

She is also known for her second business, The House Of Orion, where she creates ‘custom made for the soul’ jewelry. Check out The House of Orion
Follow Donna through her Website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday and then chat with a guest represented by the World tarot card. This guest is a multi-talented individual committed to raising awareness about reconnecting with the body and nature. 

More about that next week. Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, Instagram at miriamreadstarot, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com. And, of course, follow The Tarot Table Podcast.

You can also join my list to get a week ahead tarot reading each Sunday so you know what energies you are facing at miriamreadstarot.substack.com.
Next week. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Here is a question for you. Do you think there are other purposes for tarot other than divination?

I am here to tell you that you can use tarot to promote your creativity, especially if you are a writer.

That is good news for you. If you don’t feel comfortable with divination, that is okay.

You can still use tarot cards for creativity. Here is the thing: if you use tarot cards for creative writing, it can be fun and inspiring to spark your imagination and explore new ideas.

Are you ready to learn more about how you can incorporate tarot cards into your creative writing process? Okay, let’s go!

Set the Intention

Before you begin, set the intention to use the tarot cards as a creative tool. Clarify that you’re seeking inspiration and guidance for your writing project.

You are not using these cards for divination, only for creativity.

Therefore, if you are not open to divination and feel nervous about having a deck of tarot cards in your hands, remind yourself why you are using them.

You are doing it to stimulate your creative side so you can begin to do some creative writing.

Select a Tarot Card

Shuffle the tarot deck and select a card randomly.

Trust your intuition or use a specific spread, such as a single-card draw or a three-card spread, for past, present, and future influences.

It is up to you how you want to use it, as there are no rules for tarot, especially when using it for creative writing.

Some may find enough inspiration from drawing one card, and others may want to do a ten-card spread. You do what feels right to you.

Study Each Card

Briefly study the card’s imagery, colors, symbols, and overall mood. As you observe the card, pay attention to any emotions or thoughts.

And if you decide to pull a few cards to inspire you, study each card individually.

Take a pad of paper and pen, and write down all your thoughts and emotions when you look at each card. And there are no right or wrong answers to this.

Reflect on the Card’s Meaning

Consider the traditional meanings associated with the card, but also trust your interpretation and intuition.

Reflect on how the card’s themes, symbols, or energy resonate with your writing project or the specific aspect you’re focusing on.

For instance, the Six of Pentacles is a card that represents giving and receiving something physical, whether it has to do with money or materials.

But my interpretation of that card is giving and receiving energy and time.

Energy and time are physical anyway, but you never hear traditional tarot resources say that about the Six of Pentacles.

Start Writing

Start writing freely, allowing the card’s energy and symbolism to guide your words.

Write without judgment or self-editing, letting your thoughts flow naturally.

You can write a scene, a character description, a dialogue, or even a poem inspired by the card. It does not matter.

For example, if you pull the Three of Swords, Two of Cups, and Fool, you can write a sob-worthy story of how a couple who loved one another ended up breaking up and going their separate ways.

Once they went their different ways, they began to explore aspects of themselves that they never knew they had, which meant they went on exciting travel adventures or did some experimenting in other ways.

Explore Themes and Symbolism

Delve deeper into the card’s themes and symbolism. Consider how they can be incorporated into your writing project.

Explore how the card’s energy can influence your characters, plot, or setting.

By the way, here is what I do. I use the court cards and the Major Arcana cards to create characters and their personalities.

The Fool can represent someone who enjoys going on one adventure after another and is not afraid to push their comfort zone.

The Queen of Cups can be someone in the story which is always there for everyone else, supporting them emotionally but tends to forget about her needs.

The Minor Arcana cards can reflect on aspects of their personalities or experiences.

They can also serve as events that take place in the story.

For example, if you pull the Three of Cups, you can include a part of the story about friends going out and having fun, or you can write about a couple having a baby.

That all depends on what you want for your story. The Minor Arcana cards are also suitable for setting the plot.

You can repeat the process with additional cards to explore different aspects of your writing project or gain further inspiration.

You can draw multiple cards and weave their meanings together in your writing.

After your writing session, take some time to reflect on what you’ve written and how the tarot cards have influenced your creative process. Look for connections, insights, or new ideas from this exercise.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday.

Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week, let's laugh as I will go over some of the silliest questions that were asked of tarot readers.

There are no dumb questions, but these are definitely silly.

This will be my last solo show, and as of February, I will be beginning to host guests.

That will be exciting, as I have some lined up already. And stay tuned for that announcement. Until then, see you next time. Ciao for now.

Miriam Reads Tarot is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Here is a question for you. When you pull a card for yourself each morning or evening, or if you have a reading done and you get the Sun, do you always get excited since the Sun is supposedly the brightest card in the deck?

And, of course, you would get excited since the Sun is known for representing success, warmth, fun, positivity, and vitality, especially if it is the outcome card for a reading.

But I will ask this as well. Do you ever look beyond the excitement and ask yourself what message this card could have for you?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Sun is not always the best card to get. You already know there are no "good or bad cards."

The Sun has many dark aspects, but no one likes to discuss them. And that is what I am doing right now.

I will reveal so much about the Sun that will make you rethink the excitement you get when you do a daily pull, and that card comes up.

Before delving right into that, here is something else to consider. When the Sun tarot card falls into a position in a spread that represents obstacles or challenges, what are your thoughts then?

Or, what happens if it happens to be your shadow card, which is the card at the bottom of the deck? That is when you will begin to learn about the shadow side of the Sun tarot card.

There are several meanings behind the Sun's shadow side, and let's begin to delve into them.

Toxic Positivity

The Sun can also represent toxic positivity, and it does not always have to be in the reversed position if you read reversals.

For example, if you are doing a reading about someone and the Sun comes up as their negative trait, that can represent that they are likely the type that would toss toxic positivity at you.

Other cards in the spread would have to support that, especially if the Moon and the Seven of Swords, which both represent dishonesty and hiding things, are in that spread. Toxic positivity is highly invalidating.

Unrealistic Optimism

The Sun can also represent unrealistic optimism or magical thinking. If you are going for a tarot reading about love, and the Sun is in a position where a challenge or an obstacle can come up, that could mean some idealism and magical thinking involved.

That is when you would believe that a prince or princess charming would unexpectedly appear at your door.

But let's be honest; there is no such thing, and what are the odds of that happening?

If the Knight of Cups, upright or reversed, is in the same spread, which is the idealistic romantic, then that supports that magical thinking issue.

What happens to you when you look directly at the Sun? It will blind you, as magical thinking does from reality.

The solution to the challenge is a card from the Pentacles suit tied to the earth element, hence highly practical, such as the Two or Queen of Pentacles, which would bring you back to Earth.

Too Much Ego

The Sun could come up in a reading about an individual's negative personality aspect, and aside from tossing toxic positivity, the Sun could represent having too much ego.

But, of course, that would be upright or reversed, depending on the spread. Again, think about the solar system, as the Sun is in the center as the planets orbit around it.

Also, think of the dark side of Leo, which the Sun rules, and that is being egotistical. Hence, it is unsurprising that the Sun would also represent someone with an entitlement complex.

Exhaustion And Burnout

You would not think of the Sun representing burnout and exhaustion, as that is a card represented by the Nine and Ten of Wands.

However, it can, because when you think of how being out in the Sun too much as you exert yourself would burn you out and leave you exhausted.

For example, if you were to have a reading about why you cannot complete a task you want to do and the Sun shows up in a challenging position, it can mean that you are exhausted and burned out — which also depends on the surrounding cards if the Nine of Ten of Wands is in that spread somewhere, that supports that reason.

Getting Burned

Consider what happens when overexposed to the Sun, even if you have applied sunscreen with a 60 SPF. First, you will get sunburn because even the best sunscreen will not prevent it.

Therefore, you could get burned if you are overexposed to something better for you, especially if you put too much trust in something or someone who severely lets you down.

Solar Storm

What happens when there is a solar storm? Once a solar flare reaches the area around Earth, it can heat the ionosphere where the Earth's atmosphere ends — hence the reason for the gorgeous auroras that are usually seen in the polar regions or areas with higher latitudes.

However, if the solar storm is out of control, it can hit the Earth's power grids and cause widespread power outages and communication-device issues. Therefore, in this case, the Sun tarot card can represent anything out of control in your life.

If there is chaos in your life, and you find a tarot spread that includes a position representing the cause for chaos, and the Sun shows up, that is what is happening.

There is a "solar storm" that has gotten out of control happening around you. It is time to firm up some boundaries.

Drought

The Sun without rain causes drought. The specific meaning behind the Sun tarot card is vitality, but it can represent the opposite of that.

For example, suppose you feel unmotivated and stuck, and the Sun tarot card comes up as the position in a reading representing the cause.

In that case, you are facing a drought of your own, which can highlight the area shown by the surrounding cards where you are not getting enough "water" in your life to nurture it.

Therefore, you must add something to your life to help you thrive.

Now you see how the Sun tarot card is only sometimes the most positive in the deck.

But remember, even the "worst" tarot cards have some upsides. There are times when it is exciting to see the Sun tarot card come up in a reading, but there are other times when it reveals that you must address a significant obstacle or challenge.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday. Remember to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week, I want to discuss using tarot cards to stimulate your creativity. This episode may be helpful if you are a writer because tarot can be a fantastic tool for stimulating creativity.

I will also be hosting guests in February, as I have a few lined up already, so stay tuned for that announcement. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Here is a question for you. When the Death card comes up in a reading, how do you feel? Before I ask that, what do you know about the Death tarot card?

Suppose you knew a little tarot before you knew the true meaning behind the Death card. In that case, you may have feared it because, understandably, you would have associated it with physical death (and if you don't know much about tarot, you are learning something new and essential now).

However, it is rare for the Death tarot card to represent a visit from the Reaper, except if it pertains to someone terminally ill and about to cross over.

I have written many articles about this topic before, but I want to touch on another aspect of the Death Tarot card that people fear.

The Death Tarot Card Represents Change.. Which Is What Scares Everyone Sh*tless

Everyone has a fear of change, even those who are adventurous. That may be hard to believe, but there would be no comfort zone if fear of change did not exist. Some may embrace change more than others, but even those who do struggle to some degree with a fear of change.

Others fear change so much that they have a phobia of it, known as metathesiophobia. 

However, life is full of changes, and unexpected changes occur. Something as simple as the changing of the seasons also represents change.

Think about when winter finally ends, and then spring takes its place. And there are many seasonal changes even in a warm climate.

For example, you may get a lot of rain instead of snow during the winter. And with the seasons changing, you may suddenly get drier and hotter periods.

Every time you have a birthday, you have to face another change. But the impact of it may not be significant if you are not hitting a milestone birthday.

If you hit the big 4–0 or even more so, the big 5–0, that scares you because it reminds you that you are getting older and there is nothing you can do about it. Middle age is a scary stage for this reason.

You are forced to deal with the inevitable change, which is aging. You get the idea. Now, let's talk about why change is something that people fear.

What Is So Scary About Change?

There are several reasons that so many people fear change. First, after researching this, I found that there is a similar feeling to the unknown of failure, and everyone also fears failure. You are no exception.

Think about it. If you are challenged to try something new, you will have a lot of fear washing over you. The fear of failure is a component of that fear, in addition to the unknown.

There is also that fear of losing control. When you approach the unknown, you will feel vulnerable, and no one wants to feel that way. Everyone wants to be in control, no matter what.

I'll be vulnerable and tell you that I am emetophobic, as I am phobic of vomiting, as it has been years since I did it. But when I look into what is behind the phobia, there is a significant aspect of control. When you get sick, you lose control. That scares me.

Aside from that, unfortunately, there are many times when you have no choice but to make a sudden change, such as unexpectedly being laid off from your job or finding out you have a medical condition that will force you to change your lifestyle.

What do you do when you cannot ease yourself out of your comfort zone? First, you must go through the fearful emotions and some grief and talk to yourself to know that you need to take that plunge to make that change since delaying the inevitable would be worse.

In other words, you know that the sooner you brush up on your resume and start job hunting, the better you will be.

Or, the sooner you learn more about your condition and make an appointment with a specialist to talk about changing your lifestyle, the better you will be.

Oh, and the pandemic was when the change was forced upon you! I don't need to elaborate on that. But, for one reason or another, 2020 was one of the most brutal years for people, even if they did not experience loss by losing loved ones, friends, or their jobs or businesses.

You get the idea of how the average individual reacts to change. Lots of fear. Some embrace it more.

Others struggle with metathesiophobia, which will require a lot of therapy because, as I said, you cannot avoid change.

How Do You Handle The Reality of Change Upon You?

Whatever change you are facing, you know you cannot escape it. Aside from being emetophobic, I am one of those people who genuinely dislike change, but I embrace it more than my husband does. So, unfortunately, I have had to be the one to force him to make changes.

So, this is what has helped me cope.

Deal With The Change Bit By Bit

Even though I said you might be forced with some change, like suddenly losing your job overnight, it is never a good idea to plunge into it.

You need time to process it, so if you don't immediately start brushing up your resume, for example, that is fine. But you know you have to face it, so that is when you need to ease out of your comfort zone and deal with it bit by bit.

Hope For The Best, But Plan For The Worst

The truth is if you are always catastrophizing the worst-case scenario, that can cause you a lot of anxiety and harm your mental health.

However, at the same time, you cannot be mindlessly optimistic that everything will stay the same. Being delusional will only make matters so much worse.

You must prepare for the worst, such as losing your job or ending up with a crime problem in your neighborhood that will cause you to move, even if that is not what you envision yourself doing.

That way, you can mentally prepare yourself for any potential change, good or bad.

If You Know You Need To Make A Change, Determine Your Why

Sometimes, you may be forced to change even if outside forces are not doing it for you.

For example, you are being mistreated at work and growing tired of it to an intense desire to quit and find another job.

Or, your clothes no longer fit you properly, and you are constantly out of breath. You know you need to lose some pounds to feel better, but changing your lifestyle scares you.

Those are situations where you are facing negative consequences from the sameness, and the only way to break it is if you are the one to make that change. That is scary, even though you are in control this time.

In that situation, you must determine why you are making a change. Then, when you do, you can start making the change slowly and keep building upon it.

Reward Yourself When You Get Through The Change

Rewarding yourself can mean anything attainable, such as buying a new pair of shoes, a trip to the spa, or something else that does not involve money.

However, each time you get through a change that scares you, the best thing you can do is reward yourself for getting through it.

You will also have something to look forward to as you go through the change, which will motivate you to push through your fears.

Get Support

The best thing you can do is get support. Whether it is from online support groups or if you have a friend you can talk to about what you are facing, get emotional support.

If you can talk to someone about how this change affects you mentally and your fears about it, it will make it easier to face.

Changing is hard enough, but it is hell if you have to go through it alone.

The next time you go for a tarot reading and the Death card shows up, yes, there is some change you will face, but at least you will have the time to prepare for it ahead of time, making it easier for you to face when it does happen.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week, I want to discuss another card many love: the Sun. Do you get excited every time that card emerges?

Maybe you will want to hold in your excitement the next time you pull the Sun during your morning tarot card pull routine; if that is what you do, find out the dark aspects of this seemingly extremely positive tarot card.

I will shed some light on that! Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Here is a question for you. What is your first thought when you think about the Tower tarot card?

Do you shake yourself crapless when you get the card in a reading, or if you pull a card during your morning ritual and you get the Tower?

Here is a spoiler alert. If you get the Tower in a reading, it can be the best card you can get.

The Tower is associated with sudden destruction, cataclysm, and immediate shock.

You have to remember that the purpose of the Tower is to destroy what is no longer helpful to you so you can make room for the new, but that is never pleasant.

Sometimes, it can mean pure shock and destruction, like how the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly appeared to wreak havoc on people's lives.

However, other meanings behind the Tower go beyond that. Let's go over seven of them now.

A Big Eureka Moment

The worst thing is when you think you have an idea for something, and you cannot break through the barrier of the thought behind it, which means it won't be fruitful.

For example, you develop an idea for a blogging strategy, but suddenly, there are blocks around it that only frustrate you.

But suddenly, you end up with an ah-ha moment around it, the big eureka moment that helps you work with your original idea.

That means you now have a robust strategy because of that eureka moment. The Tower can represent something as simple as that.

Shaking Up Your Routine

You need a routine that can help you stay organized and secure. It is also essential for parents of young kids to keep their kids on routines.

However, the issue with routines is that there is a risk that they can turn into boredom and apathy. Get up for work, wash up, have breakfast, fight traffic for your 9 to 5, fight traffic heading back home, have dinner, watch TV, get ready for bed, rinse, and repeat the next day.

There is no excitement there at all, which is risky for you to develop an 'I don't give a crap" attitude because it is so dull.

That is why you will want to shake up your routine. Think of getting a pet or breaking up your day if that is not an option for you in some way.

During your lunch break, do something different, such as a short workout or something you have not done before once you return home from work. Again, the Tower can mean that your routine needs a shake-up.

Freedom After Going Through Pain Or Discomfort

Yes, the Tower represents the destruction of something that no longer works. And ouch, that hurts.

You will want to focus on the other side of pain: freedom. Think about how the Tower is a welcome card if you are in a situation where you feel trapped, such as being in a bad marriage or in a lousy job that you did not think you could escape from.

Still, the Tower can lead you to freedom on the other side of whatever it is that is trapping you.

However, remember that to get to that freedom on the other side, you must go through a grueling process, such as leaving a bad marriage.

The Tower can signify that you will finally get out of hell.

Being Proactive To Prevent A Problem

You will see the Tower card come up as a warning that a problem could happen if you are not proactive in preventing it.

For example, if the weather forecast appears that there will be a storm so bad that it will cause power outages, you will want to stock up on non-perishables before the storm so you are not stuck without having food to eat when and if it happens.

In my case, I will talk about my Tower moment in this regard. I have yo-yo'ed my life with dieting, and I have gotten tired of it, but because of heart disease and diabetes in my genetics, I knew it was time to end this lunacy and get some help.

So, I heard a lot about Ozempic and went to my doctor in January to inquire about it. The doctor checked my sugars, and as it turned out, they were high.

Yikes! So, since then, I have been on Ozempic to help me lose weight and control my sugars, and I am being monitored. It could have ended up badly if I did not make this inquiry.

I am 40 lbs down now but still have more to go.

Cleansing And Purging

The Tower can mean you must cleanse and purge what is no longer working for you, such as a cluttered home causing distractions.

Therefore, if the Tower comes up, it does not always mean something bad or a shock is on the horizon.

It can be a message to cleanse and purge your office, home, and mind. It is an excellent time to do that spring or fall cleaning.

A Breakthrough

You already know that the Tower can represent a eureka moment. It can also present breakthroughs in other ways.

Think about a teacher trying to work with a student struggling to grasp a math problem they are working on.

However, the teacher presents the students with a method that can help them figure out the math problem, and that method helps them solve it.

That is a breakthrough, and the Tower can represent that.

Developing A Thick Skin

The Tower can signify that if someone has been taking advantage of you, being unkind, and gaslighting you, it is time to end it and stand up for yourself.

The Tower moment would be to the one abusing you, seeing that you are no longer taking their crap.

That is shocking to them. I will say that the Tower got me out of echoism. You will know what I am talking about if you have read my book.

Now, you can see that whenever the Tower pops up for you, it does not necessarily mean that something unexpected will ruin you!

The context of the tarot reading means everything, which is what you must look at when the Tower shows.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week, I want to discuss another card many fear: Death. I think enough people who know some things about tarot realize that Death does not usually mean physical death, but there is one aspect of the card that they fear, which has nothing to do with physical death.

I will shed some light on that! Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. I have a question for you. How often do you cleanse your tarot cards? If you never do, and you find that your readings are crappy, then it is time to listen up because you need to cleanse your cards.

When you consider that tarot cards are only 78 pieces of beautiful cardboard, you may wonder why it is necessary to cleanse them.

Nevertheless, if you are truly getting into the craft, you will see that these cards have more meaning than just being 78 pieces of cardboard.

It is essential to do that when it comes to cleansing these cards; it is a great self-help tool for divination and spurring creativity.

Cleansing Tarot Cards: Why Should You Do It?

Everything is energy, and everything you touch is where your energy is transferred.

You want to ensure that your frequency is high when reading tarot, whether for a client, a friend, or yourself, so you get a precise reading.

A stagnant or polluted energy will taint the cards and affect the reading negatively. You want to practice your best spiritual hygiene, so cleansing your cards is essential.

The Effects of Not Cleansing Them

Would you want to wear a shirt every day that is full of sweat, dead skin cells, and food crumbs that you have eaten even if you can’t see them?

You are practicing poor physical hygiene unless you cleanse your cards every time.

I hate to say this, but it is not really any different from not washing your hands after using the toilet. And yes, I am making that comparison.

Your cards may not smell bad if you don’t cleanse them, but you might feel stagnant energy and pull up either readings with bad outcomes or readings that don’t make sense if you don’t cleanse them. I mean, It makes sense to clean your tarot cards.

Consistently cleaning your cards is similar to regularly doing laundry or showering. The things you do cannot be imagined without them. Because otherwise, ewww gross.

You may wonder how often or when to cleanse your cards. Let’s discuss that.

How Often Should Tarot Cards Be Cleansed

You don’t have to cleanse your cards at any particular time or frequency. When cleaning your cards, you should use your intuition.

If you feel stagnant or unhealthy energy around them and don’t remember when you cleaned them last, it is overdue and time to cleanse them.

You don’t have to cleanse a deck of cards if you don’t use them too often and feel their energy is fresh each time you use them.

You decide how often and when to cleanse them. When you start a new deck, you must first cleanse it to know what energies surround it.

You must know the energies surrounding the manufacturer's printer if you purchase a brand-new tarot deck from Amazon, Etsy, or a shop.

Negativity could rub off onto your new deck if negativity existed around the printer.

You don't want to read a deck that has the energies of someone that has been having a crappy day, right? You should cleanse the new deck as soon as you receive it or before you use it.

Also, cleaning your cards is a good idea if you have done plenty of emotional readings for friends or clients.

No matter how many positive readings you have done, your cards must be cleansed.

You should keep cleansing your cards as long as you are using them. You are entirely responsible for determining how often to cleanse your cards. You may now be wondering how to cleanse your cards.

Are you washing them? You can do that if the cards are laminated, or you could ruin them. I mean, that is not rocket science.

How Can Tarot Cards Be Cleansed?

There are several ways to cleanse your tarot cards. Choosing a way that resonates with you is essential.

Put A Crystal On The Deck

You can cleanse your deck by absorbing its energies, such as clear quartz, selenite, or black tourmaline, by placing a crystal on the deck.

To absorb negativity and stagnant energies from the deck, place the cleansing and protective crystal on it overnight.

The crystal can be placed on the deck for an hour if you want to do a light cleanse due to reading for several clients in one day.

Cleanse with Sacred Smoke

Use sage, lavender, palo santo, cedar, or dried rosemary to cleanse your deck. During the burning of the herbs, you will place the deck near the smoke with the other hand so that the smoke will surround the cards and remove negativity or stagnant energy.

Ensure that all corners and sides of the deck of cards are in contact with the smoke so you are effectively cleaning it.

The cards can be purified by placing them in a bowl of sea salt. Salt is known to be very cleansing, so you can cleanse your cards effectively by placing the cards in the bowl and allowing them to absorb their energies.

Obviously, you should ensure that humidity levels are manageable when cleansing them this way. Having clumped salt stuck on your cards will ruin them and your mood.

Allow Sunlight To Cleanse The Cards

The cards can always be placed on the window sill during the day to be cleaned by the sunlight. Keep your cards away from the sun for too long, or they may warp.

Negative and stagnant energies can be washed away by sunlight, however. If kept too long in the sun, the art can be damaged, so you should keep them there for only a few hours at most during the day.

To soak up the moonlight, place the cards on the window sill overnight: If you are concerned that sunlight could warp your cards, you can always put them overnight so they can soak up the moonlight even if you don’t want to place them on the window sill during the day.

Cards can be cleansed at any time, not just during full moons. Nevertheless, you would not achieve anything with a New Moon, as there would be no moonlight. Some may argue with that, but I have found that the New Moon energy does not cleanse the cards.

The cleansing process may be interfered with if the cards are placed during a lunar eclipse.

Shuffle Chaotically

Arrange the cards chaotically on the floor. You can also use that method to purge the cards of stagnant or negative energies. It may be an excellent way to get rid of it quickly if you read for clients.

These are the main methods of cleansing cards; however, you choose to cleanse them is up to you! Don’t hesitate to follow your instincts.

How To Clean Tarot Cards The Right Way

When cleaning your tarot cards, there is no right or wrong way. However, you should be responsible for how you do it. What I mean is to use common sense.

If you put your cards on the window sill, they could warp and ruin the cards, and, at the very least, the artwork may be destroyed if they are left there for over five hours.

Cards should be cleansed using alternative methods if humidity levels are high instead of salt, as I already discussed.

To avoid readings with old energies tainted by your cards, you must cleanse them in the ways mentioned. Whether you received the cards directly from the manufacturer, were given them as a gift, or used them for some time, it doesn’t matter.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week, I want to talk about one of the cards that scare people, the Tower, and explain why it may be one of the best cards to get in a reading. Until then, see you next time, ciao for now.

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Today, I will discuss why specific tarot cards keep appearing repeatedly. 

Whenever you do a tarot reading, it can happen when one card keeps appearing… like a bad penny.

Tarot readings can be done for anyone, whether for yourself or someone else. But that particular tarot card will always follow you. In your tarot community, you might have asked questions about it.

They may tell you to journal or meditate to figure it out. Maybe they give you other suggestions. Yet, despite everything you try to make sense of, the card doesn’t let go of you. This type of card is called a stalker card.

Why Is The Stalker Card Relevant? 

Whether you read for yourself or others, it can happen when a tarot card shows up in your readings, taunting you with its message.

As the stalker card has a message for the querent, it may not be relevant for you when reading for others. Nevertheless, the card still appears for you as the reader.

Stalker cards usually stop appearing once you understand what they are trying to say. It took me almost two years to realize how traumatized I was during one of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

My mind was a wild mess after that. I was stalked by the Tower, of course. As a result, I only thought about how the crap would keep hitting the fan in my presence. And it did.

As a result, I assumed I was doomed. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, to put it lightly.

Nevertheless, the message was clear, and I received it in a calmer state. Without the right help for my issues, I would continue to face destructive situations without even realizing I was the cause.

Once I returned to therapy (reluctantly, I will admit, yes, I was pretty feral), The Tower stopped stalking me.

I’ve Been Stalked By A Tarot Card For Other Reasons Lately

I’ve been getting a stalker recently. The Emperor keeps appearing; sometimes, it is upright, and sometimes reversed. As a result of my trauma, I became an echoist due to a perpetual fawn response.

Having done the unthinkable (to society, at least), I began saying “no” more often, redefining my boundaries, and speaking up for myself.

My room is a mess, but I’m developing self-discipline by slowly organizing it, so I don’t want the Emperor breathing down my neck about how to set boundaries and create order.

The thing is, however. Someone recently mentioned that they kept coming across stalker cards because they were relevant to their past lives.

It’s interesting, that’s for sure. I had several past life regressions, and based on what I learned, it does resonate, especially with how the Emperor sometimes goes the other way.

Tarot Card Stalker Reflects Past Lives

Here’s the thing. Over the past while, I have wondered how such an old soul (well, I am an older mature soul, but it is up to my soul, not my ego) was thrust into an environment with so many new baby souls.

New souls pick up on your sensitivities and differences and will prey on them. Of course, it is also true that older souls have more complicated lives and deal with traumatic experiences, but you cannot plan your traumas before birth!

I believe you are born with lessons to learn; some lessons are big ones, and trauma is a risk, but you don’t plan for it! Others misusing their free will and you being caught in the crossfire is what often happens, which can become very traumatic.

Victims and survivors of bullying and abuse are usually told that they planned it by many mediums that perpetrate victim-shaming. People seem to eat it up, and it’s sad!

Nevertheless, I know I was highly narcissistic during Victorian times, and I looked down on less fortunate others. Shaming people was something I did. As a wealthy woman in England, I abused my power to order maids around the mansion or estate.

Guess what? With many social stigmas attached, I was the ultimate outcast, the bullied one. Having abused others, I had to feel what they felt. That makes sense to me.

When I consider that I did not receive a lot of kindness during my life, it is sad that so many people say I am amazing for being kind to others.

I’ve said many times that everyone is responsible for their behavior and actions, regardless of their trauma. I’m trying to balance my karma here, so I’m not so “amazing.”

Apparently, the Emperor stalks me (in reverse at times) to remind me of my previous life when I was in a position of power in an abusive way. As a helpless echoist in this life, I also lacked power for a long time.

However, now that I have regained my power and using it better, that’s where it sits. Hopefully, I have figured this out; I won’t see the Emperor as much! I will now ask you.

Are you finding that you have a tarot card that stalks you? And if you have any awareness of your previous lives, do you feel it may have to do with a lesson you need to learn from any of those lives? There is something to think about for the time being. 

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com and my Instagram.

Next week, I will cover the importance of cleansing your tarot cards, how to do them, and how often, as this is a question that many tarot readers have. Let's answer this next time! See you next time, ciao for now. 

Welcome to The Tarot Table, the podcast where we explore the mystical world of tarot, delve into the secrets of the cards, and talk about all things spiritual with a no-nonsense, no-BS lens.

I'm your host, Miriam Rachel, psychic medium and tarot reader, author of Overcoming Echoism with Tarot: Using Tarot for Boundary Setting and Stopping People-Pleasing, and freelance writer.

I am so glad you are here. Today, I will discuss some of the tarot cards that mean something similar yet have subtle differences with one another.

I wanted to cover this because there are plenty of discussions about that among tarot readers and those studying the tarot. 

There are 78 cards in the tarot deck, and you will find several cards with similar meanings, whether part of the Major or Minor Arcana.

But, again, the cards’ appearance is different; they are of other suits and may be part of the Major or Minor Arcana, but they have similar meanings with subtle differences.

The cards’ differences will impact the tarot reading and interpretation of that card. Now, let’s go over some tarot cards that have similar meanings but are also different.

Devil And Eight of Swords

The Devil and the Eight of Swords both represent entrapment. However, the Devil means you have physical desires trapping you, which can also represent addictions or a need for decadence.

The Eight of Swords represents your negative mind, keeping you trapped, which can sometimes mean literal entrapment.

That depends on the reading. Let’s go over an example. You have a mother who cannot stop eating, as she is addicted to food. She keeps ordering takeout and runs to the store to get junk food.

The Devil represents her addiction to food, but the Eight of Swords represents her belief that she cannot get out of the addiction, so she keeps herself trapped even though help is out there.

She may also feel trapped by caring for her kids while having no life. There are other cards with similar yet different meanings.

Death And Tower

Death and Tower both represent transformations and endings that are life-changing and shocking.

The Death card represents an ending and transformation while you are emotionally going through it, whereas the Tower represents sudden endings or transformations without any emotional preparation.

I will go over another example. Being a first-time mom means both. Death represents the woman becoming a mom for the first time, and there is a lot of emotional preparation during the pregnancy or adoption process.

However, the Tower represents the unprepared upheavals of being a first-time mom, as suddenly, the needs are no longer about the woman! That is a shock.

Lovers And Two of Cups

Lovers and Two of Cups can represent a union or a marriage. The Lovers is about the spiritual connection and commitment from making a choice, and The Two of Cups is about the emotional relationship between two people.

The Two of Cups indicates marriage is happening because two people are in love.

Still, the Lovers is not about emotional attachment but about making a spiritual commitment after choosing to be together.

Think about an arranged marriage that lacks the Two of Cups aspect but is all about the Lovers. If the couple falls in love with one another, that would fit the Two of Cups. 

Four of Swords And Hermit

Four of Swords and Hermit are about seclusion but have different meanings. The Four of Swords means resting and recovering after being hurt, or it can mean sleeping, which you need to do since your body goes through a “beating” each day that comes from simply being alive.

The Hermit represents pulling back from society to understand life better. Talking to a coach, psychic, or therapist counts. You usually go into hermit mode after dealing with a blow from life.

However, if you go through a blast from life, you must rest to process and recover from it, which is the Four of Swords. Then, you will examine what happened, which the Hermit represents.

Four of Wands And Three of Cups

You may think the Four of Wands and Three of Cups are interchangeable because both mean having a good time with friends.

However, the Four of Wands is a passionate celebration or gathering with friends, whereas the Three of Cups is an emotional gathering.

For example, you may have a party to celebrate a milestone, as passion would drive you to have the party and to have some fun at it.

However, the Three of Cups represents connecting with friends on an emotional level, such as enjoying the company of your friends while going out for dinner or having a get-together.

Ten of Cups And Ten of Pentacles

Many people get confused with these cards. The Ten of Cups represents an emotional connection to a family (or it could be friends that you consider family as family is not always blood).

The Ten of Pentacles is strictly wealth and material abundance. The Ten of Pentacles has no emotional tie, as it can represent inheritances.

Still, there is no material wealth with the Ten of Cups, which means an entire and supportive family.

Ace of Pentacles And Six of Pentacles

The Ace of Pentacles and Six of Pentacles can represent getting money. However, the Ace of Pentacles is a small amount of money that is coming to you that you earned or through a bonus.

The Six of Pentacles can represent money you are getting as a gift, donation, lottery, money someone owed you, or through other means that had nothing to do with you earning it.

For instance, if you successfully raise a GoFundMe cause, the Six of Pentacles represents that. If you end up with a work bonus, the Ace of Pentacles means that.

Six of Swords And Eight of Cups

Six of Swords and Eight of Cups represent walking away from a triggering, stressful, or harmful source to get a fresh start.

However, the Six of Swords represents moving forward with your emotional baggage and grief, whereas the Eight of Cups can sometimes mean escaping something stressing you.

Both cards can, for example, represent a residential move. However, with the Eight of Cups, you are moving because your neighborhood has become more of a jungle, and crime rates are higher, or others are gossiping about you because of some misunderstanding, and they are cruel, so you need to escape that.

When it comes to the Six of Swords and making a residential move, you are moving because you lost a loved one who lived with you or in your neighborhood, and the grief is too much for you to bear to stay where you are. So even though you make the physical move, the grief and emotional baggage follow.

Justice And Two of Swords

Justice and Two of Swords are cards that represent decision-making. Justice means making a conscious decision while undertaking cause and effect.

The Two of Swords goes deeper than that, as yes, you have to decide based on weighing the pros and cons, but there is an intuitive factor with the Two of Swords where it is more of a subconscious decision you make.

There may be other sets of cards with similarities and subtle differences that I have not covered. With that said, if you know of a set of cards that are like that, please let me know.

Now you have it! I will talk to you again next Friday. Don't forget to subscribe to my Substack! Follow me on Medium at msmir.medium.com, and check out my site at miriamreadstarot.com.

Next week, I will cover stalker cards. Why do some tarot cards stalk you? Maybe it is a past-life issue? Who knows, but that is something I will cover next week! See you next time, ciao for now.