Meet me at the PFNE Spring Convention 2008 in Leeds

I'm really looking forward to the Pagan Federation North East Spring convention in Leeds this year. Apart from the usual stalls, where people can indulge in some retail therapy, there will be some great speakers including Emma Restall-Orr (aka Bobcat, a high profile druid), a Molly Dancing Troupe called the 'Rhubarb Tarts' as well as interesting workshops on candle magic, wand making, tarot and more.

Also, I will be the resident tarot reader, and if you live around Leeds, why not come along for a reading? The price for a 20-minute consultation is only £10 - no appointments necessary, just come along on the day.

Date: Saturday, 10th May 2008
Time: 9.45 am - 5.00 pm
Venue: Swarthmore Education Centre (opposite Park Lane College, City Centre)
Tickets: £10 (non-PF members)
(all workshops and talks included)
For concessions and further info visit www.paganfedne.org

This promises to be a great day out, just like the previous conventions I attended - highly recommended!

Hope to see you there,

Christiane
www.cosmictarot.co.uk

How to Develop Your Intuition

Intuition is all about basic instincts, gut feelings and hunches. They usually don't rely on any facts or proof; it's just how you 'feel' about a matter that counts, when you use your intuition.

When I do tarot readings for clients, I always let my intuition guide me. After all, I have very little facts or solid information to consider.

If you are learning to read tarot cards, then you will need to get used to relying on your intuition again on a much larger scale, something you did as a child, but society conditioned you over the years to base your actions, thoughts and feelings on evidence and logic.

However, don't under-estimate the importance and power of intuition, not only regarding tarot but everday life choices; when you have to make split-second decisions, you will most likely follow your instinct rather than logic and reason.

How intuitive are you?

There are some key rules to identify your current level of intuition:

1. You recognise an object with very little time to see it properly, usually less than a second.
Try flicking through magazines and recall afterwards the images you noticed (without looking - what's on the image at the beginning of this artcile?). You can also look quickly at group photos of friends and family and identify afterwards specific people you noticed.

2. When you look at clouds, many images come to your mind.
Making creative associations through this kind of openness help you to generate new ideas and insights.

3. You can take in a scene quickly and recall details.
Look at a crowd scene and then look away. Ask yourself questions about details, perhaps individual actions, clothing, weather, surrrounding area, buildings etc. If your intuition works well, then you are not aware that you take in all this information. It all works 'automatically'.

How can you improve your intuition?

There are a few universal principles to help you develop this skill:

1. Become an expert
The more you know about a subject matter, the sharper your intuitive sense will be. So, the more you practise and read about tarot and absorb the information, the better your readings and accuracy will become over time.

2. Pay attention to your feelings
Don't ignore that inner voice telling you that something is not quite right with the person or situation you are dealing with. Let go of trying to find 'evidence'. Instead just act according to how you feel.

3. Trust your intuition
Relax; it's not easy to reduce the input of a conscious mind, but regular exercise will help you achieve improvement. Try pulling a tarot card at random and without hesitation come up with an instant message from the universe for yourself. Avoid censoring your thoughts; in that moment you stop using your intuition. If nothing comes up, pull the next card. Keep going until something 'clicks' in your head and ideas start trickling.

Have fun developing your intuition - and don't forget that when making some important decisions, a touch of logic in addition will not go amiss!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Join me at TABI's Annual Tarot Conference 2008!

Would you like to learn more about tarot and psychology, numerology, astrology and other esoteric topics? Would you like to meet like-minded people from all over the world and make new friends? Would you like to be taught new skills by some of the best teachers, including tarot authors and deck creators? Then why not join me for a fantastic weekend in July in Bristol:

The Tarot Association of the British Isles (TABI) is holding its 4th annual conference this year from the 11th - 13th July. As part of the organising team, I'm very excited about this, because just like in previous years, we are going to have a high calibre of speakers, who will inspire us with their knowledge and expertise.

What's more, the conference will be held at a lovely hotel complete with swimming pool, sauna and gym.

Despite what's on offer, the price for the weekend (including all meals) is very reasonable.

Please click on the following link to find out more:

http://www.tabi.org.uk/page.php?page=conference-2008

Hope to see you there!

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

Can't be bothered learning Tarot?

I know what you mean. After all, not many people can devote a lot of time to studying the intricacies of tarot symbolism. But there is still a way for you to make use of tarot without spending your cash on some dubious 'psychics'.

You'll be pleased to know that I have written a brand new eBook, that can help you perform short and meaningful DIY readings without having to learn Tarot at all!

It is called "Empowering Messages from the Tarot - Part I, The Major Arcana". In this eBook you will find accurate and no-nonsense meanings for each of the 22 trump cards, so you can find your own answers to your life's questions, specific messages for relationship, career and lifestyle issues. There are also simple instructions on how to calculate your personal year card and zodiac card.

This eBook is packed with positive messages, affirmations and inspirational quotes all relevant to the individual cards. Best of all, you can start reading tarot cards straight away with this guide.

In my follow-up eBook 'Part II- The Minor Arcana', you will even learn some tricks that 'psychics' don't want you know, because you will discover how to answer yes/no questions and determine timings of events.

Empowering Messages of the Tarot Part I is very reasonably priced, and if you purchase it on my website by the end of February 2008, you will get Part II absolutely free, when it is published in March 2008.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit my eBook page on my website and buy with confidence.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane
http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/

The High Priestess - (Laughing all the Way to the World, Part III)

"Twixt dark and light a maid serene
Weaves spells of fascinations.
Spinning moonlight veils from strands of dream
To conceal your initiation."

Lon Milo duQuette

If you are a loud and extrovert person, then this card is telling you to shut up. If you are generally a shy person, then this card may well sum up your personality. Silence is golden and offers you the opportunity to explore your inner realm of intuition, hidden mysteries and feelings. Quiet contemplation will finally reveal answers to your questions and new perspectives.

Occupation: Psychologist; Lifestyle Consultant

Favourite Movie Character: Solitaire in the Bond movie Live and Let Die, who is employed as a seer by the bad guy Dr Kananga and famously pulls four Tarot cards during the film: the Lovers, the High Priestess (representing herself), the Moon and Death. Poor Solitaire loses her psychic powers after having been seduced by James Bond. Those were the days....

High Priestess of Pop: Kate Bush – this singer/ songwriter avoids the limelight, but when she emerges from the darkness once in a blue moon (even less than that!), she shines like a star with her mesmerising offerings of mysterious and magickal songs. Watch her video 'Lily' below.

Famous High Priestess in History: Pope Joan - the lady, who the Catholic church would rather forget. According to legend, an English woman disguised herself as a man and became Pope 'John' in the 9th century. Joan was an educated and wise woman - a good basis for making a success of her job. But at one point her intuition let her down and emotions took over - she fell in love and was exposed when she collapsed at a papal procession through Rome whilst giving birth to a child.

Favourite Song: Black Magic Woman by Santana

Favourite Book: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. The story is about a mysterious woman, who moves into a big house close to a village, where people begin to gossip about her. After a long period of hiding, keeping silent and doing nothing, she finally reveals all her secrets to the man she loves. People stop gossiping and peace is restored. Happy ending.

Favourite Quote: "Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot. "
Groucho Marx

Watch Kate Bush's magickal Lily video:

Next time: The Empress

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

http://www.cosmictarot.co.uk/