Tarot Bytes

Episode 136. The Body, Mind, Spirit Spread is the one I use to check in with myself. It's especially effective when my life seems to be in a tough spot. Checking in allows me to see what I need in terms of self-care. For example, if the card in the Body position is challenging, it might be a sign that I need to reflect on my daily habits while a card like the Three of Swords in the Mind position may alert me to manage my mental stress. It's too easy to put our self-care to the side, especially when life isn't going the way we want. The Body, Mind, Spirit Spread helps me to see exactly what I need. I recommend this as a daily spread too. Because you don't need to be struggling to come to tarot. It's always your ally. This spread is featured in Tarot For Troubled Times, a book I co-wrote with Shaheen Miro.

Episode 135. In the next few episodes, I'm covering some simple, basic tarot spreads. I'm starting out with an oldie but a goodie: the Past, Present, Future Spread. This is a common layout that many tarot readers use. It gives you the ability to assess where you're coming from, where you are, and where you may be heading next. The Past, Present, Future spread is ultimately about clarity. It's a chance to understand what choices led you to the present moment and how things are shaping up. Keep in mind that if you do not like the way the outcome looks, you can make different decisions going forward. Getting a glimpse of what may happen doesn't mean it is set in stone.  Another tip: pull an additional card for guidance and you add a layer of empowerment to this layout.

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

Episode 133. Queering the Tarot with Cassandra Snow. Back in the day, tarot decks and books were centered around the white, cisgender, heteronormative perspective. That's changing. Now folks can find tarot books and decks that are truly inclusive. It's about time! Today, I am talking with Cassandra Snow, author of Queering the Tarot, about LGBTQQIP2SA+ representation in tarot. We're chatting about what it was like to read tarot when there were no cards or books that showed an LGBTQQIP2SA+ perspective and how modern decks and books are evolving to be more inclusive. Our conversation also included discussing interpretations for marginalized folk, gender, pronouns, advice for straight tarot readers who read for an LGBTQQIP2SA+ client, and more. Cassandra is a bright light blazing trails in tarot. You are going to learn a lot in this episode and I think her book belongs on every tarot reader's shelf!  

Episode 132. Tarot and Astrology with Liz Worth. How did astrology and tarot get linked? Do you need to know astrology if you're tarot reader? How might you incorporate astrology into your tarot readings? Liz Worth and I discuss all of this and more in the latest Tarot Bytes. When I thought of this topic, Liz was the first person I thought of. She's fluent in both tarot and astrology - and smart as a whip. Listen in and you'll learn how she brings these two mystical arts together in her sessions.

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

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

Episode 129. The Devil and The Tower with Joanna DeVoe. No one likes to see the Devil or the Tower. After all, these are scary looking cards. Joanna DeVoe of KICKASS WITCH joins me to talk about this dynamic duo. Joanna has some great thoughts to share about the good 'n bad parts of these cards - and what you need to know when they show up at the tarot table.  This is the episode of Hippie Witch mentioned during our discussion: Dark Goddess Kali As The Feminine Face Of Saturn: http://www.joannadevoe.com/2018/07/hippie-witch-335-dark-goddess-kali-as.html

Episode 128. Face Up Tarot with Mary Greer.  I was first introduced to the concept of consciously choosing cards from Mary Greer's groundbreaking book, Tarot For Yourself. At the time, the whole notion of this blew my mind. After all, weren't we supposed to just shuffle and let the fates decide which cards showed up? Mary's methods gave me a whole new way to work with the cards - and I've been using face-up tarot in a variety of ways. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, Mary shares different scenarios for choosing cards consciously. You'll learn about how to use this technique to sort out feelings, plan your day, manifest goals, and more. If you're looking for a new way to work with your cards, don't miss this episode!

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

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

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

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

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

Episode 122. Tarot for Writers with Caroline Donahue. When most of us think of tarot, divination automatically comes to mind. Did you know that the cards can also be a remarkable tool for creativity? In fact, many authors are discovering tarot is an ideal writing partner for those times when the words just don't want to flow. In this episode of Tarot Bytes, writer Caroline Donahue joins me to talk about how she uses tarot for writing. She also discusses her new book, Story Arcana: Tarot for Writers. This wise book helps the writer break through creative blocks to find the story within. It's a must-have for any writer who is looking for a fun, ingenious method for tapping into their writing groove.

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

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

Episode 119. Tarot Patterns with Seth Vermilyea. Like detectives, tarot readers string together the cards to find the clues that the cards are trying to tell. This requires not only an understanding of the cards themselves but also how they go together. In this episode, I'm talking all about tarot patterns with Seth Vermilya of Coming Out Tarot. Seth shares some great tips - including a pattern that you may want to check out. This was a favorite conversation - he's totally brilliant and I learned new things. Listen in and you might look at the cards a whole new way!

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

Episode 117: Experimenting with Tarot with Jaymi Elford. Ever wonder if you can work with tarot in different ways outside the divination table? Jaymi Elford, author of Tarot Inspired Life thinks you can. In this episode, we chat about various, playful experiments from journaling, channeling, and using tarot as a muse for writing. Jaymi shares some of her favorite ways to experiment with the cards - you'll leave feeling inspired to play with your cards in a whole new way.