Back from the Omega Centre

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 14 Jul 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

lawguy51	14 Jul 2003
Hello all: I posted on my previous thread that I was back and had a great time but now I want to share with you in more detail my 3 day experience at the Omega Center. First of all, Rachel Pollack and Mary Greer are just wonderful people to be around. They are very, very different from each other. Rachel is the more assertive and outgoing of the two, Mary a little bit more reserved and quiet. With Rachel you feel you are dealing with a career professional and with Mary you get the sense that you are around a college professor. The course started out at the most basic level and I thought, oh boy, this is not going to be terribly informative but I was wrong. My wife Trish asked me what I got out of the course and I said that firstly, I learned from Mary Greer how to give a more interactive reading. She made no bones about the fact that she's not psychic, she's not an oracle, she's just a reader who asks a lot of questions during a reading and doesn't try to guess at anything. She really involves the querent, asking them what they see in the card, and if for instance, it's the 5 of wands, she might ask which character is 'you'. It made me think that what we do on the Reading Exchange is extraordinarily difficult and it also made me feel more comfortable with the thought that I don't have to feel so much pressure to get things 'right'. Mary just asks. It was also really helpful to hear an entire overview of the deck from these two, because I was able to make more connections between suits and numbers in the processs. And I must say that it brought me back to the RWS deck which I have pretty much abandoned since working with the Thoth deck. But it was the one we used other than Shining Tribe and I guess the respect these two experts have for it rubbed off on me. I asked Mary if she could do interactive readings with the Thoth deck and she said no, it just wouldn't be the same. She said she liked the Thoth deck but would use it only for personal readings. We also got into a discussion about reversals and Mary really didn't have a problem with those of us who see the whole spectrum of a card in a reading and choose whether to relay its positive or negative aspects. In fact, like me, she has difficulty looking at even the crossing card of a mini-cross and turns it right side up during a reading. The truth is, neither of these women have a dogmatic bone in their body. There is no right or wrong way of doing anything, in their opinion. For those of you who have read Rachel Pollack's Forest of Souls will be familiar with her Wisdom readings. We did one of those yesterday and it was quite fascinating. Now to make you jealous. I got 78 Degrees of Wisdom signed by Rachel, Tarot For Your Self signed by Mary; I purchased from Rachel an archival lithograph of the World card from her Shining Tribe deck, and, I got a picture with the both of them which I have attached and is hopefully small enough to make it through the filter. Now for a funny Tarot story. Remember when I bent my Universal Waite Queen of Swords card last year. I was freaking over it and someone told me to contact US Games which I did and they sent me a new one for free. Well, yesterday, Mary was demonstrating a 6 card spread she uses at psychic fairs because it only takes her 20 mins. to do the reading (it's the Celtic Cross basically, without the last 4 cards) and I asked her "What do you do when someone is shuffling your cards and hurting them?". She said, that when her cards wear out she replaces them. I then related how you could contact US Games and get a ruined card replaced for free, which was news to everyone, Rachel and Mary included. As soon as I said that, the women sitting next to me spilled over her water bottle and got my Universal Waite deck wet. I quickly started rubbing the wet edges against my jeans and they looked ok. But I hadn't noticed a couple of drops on the top card. When I looked again, I had two water bubbles on the card. How weird was that!!!? Hello US Games, I need a new 5 of Wands. Anyway, I'll stop here. I highly recommend the course and the Omega Institute is an awesome place. My wife took a course with Sue Bender who has written the book Stretching. Rachel and Mary eat at the same table every meal and we were able to sit around and chew the fat. It was just great. I felt like such a groupie!! That's it for now Lawguy51

lawguy51	14 Jul 2003
hope it attaches!!

lawguy51	14 Jul 2003
Oh, and one more thing....I was a walking, talking billboard for Aeclectic. It was the first website posted on a long list of websites. Mary and Rachel of course are very familiar with our community.

Major Tom	14 Jul 2003
What can I say? I'm jealous. :laugh: If only Rachel and Mary could be persuaded to join us here. }) I'm glad to hear you have such a great time! :D

oceanpoetry	14 Jul 2003
It is great to read your first-hand experience at the Omega Institute and meeting Rachel and Mary, I have both of their books and enjoy their writing. They both seem like very down-to-earth people. Thanks for sharing!

Cerulean	14 Jul 2003
...and hope you feel refreshed. Rachel Pollack's writing is amazingly imaginative and yet intriguing, so I can imagine her presentation was very energizing. By the way, I didn't know Mary Greer was considered the quieter of the two, since I've seen her as a presenter. You are right, she is very interactive and looks at people in a very perceptive way. I think she is a fantastic people person and a GREAT teacher. I'd love to have a reading with her to see how teaches what she writes. In one lecture this past March Ms. Greer said she normally uses crowd participation and she felt a little different about doing a historical presentation. She was very good at both that I've seen in October and March...I'm glad you had a great time. Mari H.

Astraea	14 Jul 2003
Lawguy, what a wonderful experience. I love hearing about the reading styles and approaches of tarot authors, and it's refreshing to learn from you that Rachel and Mary are so down-to-earth and non-dogmatic. And they know about Aeclectic! That is a wonderful picture of the three of you, also.

Ruby Red Slippers	14 Jul 2003
Lawguy: Thank you for sharing all the great information...AND...your enthusiasm! It just came across, I could almost see your smile….great picture! I almost got to see these ladies in OR, but L, it didn’t work out. :(So I am jealous, too! Maybe next time. Beautiful time of the year to be in NY! Blessings, Ruby Red Slippers

Logiatrix	14 Jul 2003
Thank you, Lawguy... What a wonderful experience to share with you! I felt like we were all there with you, your enthusiasm is so infectious! Thanks also for promoting AT so well--you deserved a good time on your retreat for the PR time you must've put in! Peace, Tauni :)

Mimers	14 Jul 2003
Wow, Lawguy, I am so glad you had such a great experience there. Thanks so much for sharing all of that with us. You had some great weather in NY too! Mimers

Little Baron	14 Jul 2003
Really enjoyed your post Lawguy, and also the photo. Thanks for sharing with us all. Best wishes Yaboot **One last thing - just saw Mimers last post - Happy Birthday! - saw your name at the bottom of the main thread list - hope it was a good one.

Mimers	14 Jul 2003
But my birthday is tomorrow. The 15th. Maybe it is tomorrow where you are. Thanks Yaboot! The big "37" whuu whoo! Mimers

Little Baron	14 Jul 2003
You are right, in London, your birthday is already being celebrated!!! It is 01:50 here right now ... I think its time I went to bed! Enjoy yourself! Best wishes Yaboot

truthsayer	14 Jul 2003
i would love to go to omega institute one day. i've been hearing wonderful things about it for nearly 20 years. i think meeting rachel pollack and mary greer, the queens of tarot, would be so interesting. i'm really glad to hear they are nice people. i always hate meeting a celebrity who ends up being a snob. thanks for the inspiring report!

amyel	14 Jul 2003
Hey, Lawguy, I am really happy to hear that you got so much out of the seminar! And how cool that they know about our "little" community! Maybe they are lurking here....... :)

Umbrae	14 Jul 2003
Did I mention that I’m real jealous?

lawguy51	14 Jul 2003
this is absolutely going to infuriate you!! So the first night Rachel and Mary announce that they are teaching a more in depth course through the week (right now) but that another teacher Nina Lee will take over on Friday because they have to both go to....TORONTO!! They tell me that there is a symposium in Toronto they are going to. Now, I don't know anyone in the Tarot world in Toronto except my clairvoyant friend Colette. I'm given the name of the guy who is running the symposium. I email him. Turns out Colette knows him really well so she calls him and gets the lowdown on the symposium. Check this out: * Mary Greer. Do's & Don'ts of An Interactive Tarot Consultation * Norma Cowie. Tarot and Past Lives * James Wells. Walking the Arcana: Tarot & the Labyrinth * Bev Haskins. The Path With Heart: The Major Arcana and You * Paul Hughes-Barlow. Secrets of the Tarot & Your Holy Guardian Angel * Amy Lee-Rosenberg. Tarot and Numerology * Tom Tadfor Little. The Creation of a Wiccan Tarot Deck * Marcia Masino. Tarot Image Therapy * Rachel Pollack. A Walk In the Forest of Souls So I'm thinking, I just have to go to this, but it's $400 and its Friday night, Saturday and Sunday...away from the kids again, yada yada, but I email this guy James Wells anyway to find out about the symposium. Then,..I get a call from the Law Society of Upper Canada this morning. Now lawyers don't like getting calls from the LSUC. That's the governing body for lawyers in Ontario. But it's this woman Amy who I had spoken to a month ago about changing my office address for their files. She asks if I'm getting my weekly reports. I say yes. She says we have a friend in common. I say who. She says James Wells. I say he's not exactly a friend, I emailed him last night for the first time. She says that he emailed me back and copied her. Turns out she's the symposium manager and can make all of the arrangements so that I can attend. She sounds very excited to share her little Tarot secret with me, esp. since I'm a lawyer, I suppose. Now, how weird is that? How can I not go. Please, no hate mail :) Lawguy51

Umbrae	14 Jul 2003
I believe there is a software issue that prevents me from addressing you as I feel I should. I feel like insulting your parentage, you pet’s habits… I’m no just jealous… I’m rabid…frothing… Now I’m crying…how come they never come to Seattle…Wahhhhhhh

truthsayer	14 Jul 2003
ooooohhhh noooooooo! i was nice in the first post but i'm not sure how much more i can stand of this tarot torture! law guy, you are the grand inquisitor of tarot torture! i wanna go! i wanno go! (truth goes into a corner to pout and count her tarot decks) LOL you, of course, will post every juicy morsel you can about this experience? :D

Mimers	14 Jul 2003
You go Lawguy! Whu who! What a wonderful opportunity for you! You know I remember a couple of weeks ago a certain someone singing the Tarot blues......wonder how he's doing now? Hehehe soaring I'd say in good luck..... or should we say synchronicity?

lawguy51	14 Jul 2003
Oh yes Mimers, those dark clouds have certainly lifted!! And Umbrae, please feel free to spew invective in a PM if it will make you feel better!! :D LG51

Umbrae	14 Jul 2003
I have decided you need a valet. You need to be assured you are dressed in proper attire, and that your shoes are properly cared for. If you are thinking about how you are dressed, and your image, you will not be able to concentrate on the learning process. Also, it would be a pity to have to leave a lecture early to get a refreshment. And a bodyguard…you of course need a bodyguard who can take care of the odd assortment of needs. Therefore, you need to send me a ticket. Failure to do so, my golly I hate to think what kind of a miserable time you might have… :smoker:

lawguy51	14 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae I have decided you need a valet. And a bodyguard…you of course need a bodyguard who can take care of the odd assortment of needs. :smoker: ...but you forgot chauffeur! I can't be having my mind on the road when it needs to be in the clouds. And that way I won't have to pay for parking all day. Of course, you'll have to stay with the car......:D

firemaiden	15 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Umbrae Now I’m crying…how come they never come to Seattle…Wahhhhhhh (((Umbrae))) for heavens sakes, you are your own tarot conference!

isthmus nekoi	15 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by lawguy51 because they have to both go to....TORONTO!! What what what???? Come again, Lawguy - is there a website about this? Whereabouts in TO?......

jog1118	15 Jul 2003
isthmus your lucky i came across the site: http://www.tarotsociety.org/toronto.htm :smoker:

Trogon	15 Jul 2003
Lawguy... First off, thank you so much for sharing your experiences at the Omega Center. It just sounds like ever so much fun... However, I'm afraid I'm going to have to jump on the jealousy bandwagon... :D LOL... It is just amazing the way all of this has fallen into place for you! Way to go!!! Hopefully Mary or Rachel will start posting on A.T. soon... ;)

Kazz	15 Jul 2003
Lawguy, Thankyou for sharing this with us all...:D As I was reading your post, I kept saying to myself.."Oh how awesome is this", "I am SOOOOOOO jealous!! Lawguy I just have to tell you that I am extremely thrilled for you, but......I think that from now on my blue eyes will be shining 'green' every time I see you in here..;) }) Cheers Kazz :TQC

Kiama	15 Jul 2003
It's wonderful to know that Mary and Rachel are as nice in real life as they come across in their books... Alot of people I know who meet authors often find that they are totally different people to how they come across in their writing... And usually the difference is not for the better. It's great to hear Rachel and Mary are genuinely cool people. :D (And also that they know of Aeclectic... })) Now, how do we lure them over to the UK for a conference over here... }) Glad you enjoyed it Lawguy! Kiama

isthmus nekoi	15 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jog1118 isthmus your lucky i came across the site: Thanks! *sniffles* I was hoping that they would have offered single presentations as I can't afford the whole thing, plus I work Sundays :( And it's in my school!!!!! I'm now official joining the Jealous of Lawguy club!! No seriously, Lawguy, you must tell us what it's like, sounds awesome :)

Alissa	15 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by isthmus nekoi I'm now official joining the Jealous of Lawguy club!! No seriously, Lawguy, you must tell us what it's like, sounds awesome :) I wanna be a member too ... where do I sign up??? Sounds amazing, Lawguy, all of it ... and here at AT, we all get to benefit from your willingness to share with us, so thank you!

Astraea	15 Jul 2003
Lawguy, talk about something being meant to happen -- bon voyage, enjoy your Toronto experience to the max! I'll be eager to hear your report.

lawguy51	15 Jul 2003
Lest anyone think that the sun only shines in Toronto and for those of you who need, for the sake of your lower selves, a salve for your jealous thoughts....my laptop crashed today! On the other hand, my daily 3 card draw today was: 3 Cups 3 Wands Hermit. So I'm being a stoic on the computer front and just giggling with joy at the prospect of this weekend. I promise, a comprehensive report on Monday. Cheers, LG51

Sulis	15 Jul 2003
Well it sounds as though you had a really good time and I`m really pleased for you (honest I am). I think that even though I`m dead chuffed for you that I may have to jump on that jealous of Lawguy bandwagon too so move up you lot, there should be some space left, I`m not very big. }) }) }) :D :D :D }) }) }) Love and light Crystalmynx xx

Cerulean	15 Jul 2003
...when you wrote, "and by the way I contacted this James Well guy..." I was in stitches. I wondered if it was someone that I had read about. I only have read his funny posts on another list...and it is true, I don't regularly run in tarot-circles, but it sounds like you will be soon. And how fun that you might have found a friendly colleague, as well. I hope you can share notes and refreshing ideas. I think it's splendid when people take art pictures that might have been for meditative design, games, allegories, teaching tools or however and use them. If people draw metaphors, ideas and inspiration in a thinking, reflective way or generate related art and stories--gee, there are other people who like to do this! That is wonderful. What I like also is the real inspired and kind teachers spread their good attitudes and sharing...thank you for sharing the news. Please write a little when you come back!

Ruby Red Slippers	15 Jul 2003
Well Lawguy.......IT'S GREAT TO BE YOU!!!! It's great to be in the flow of synchronicity......When you got it you got it...so go ahead and flaunt it!!!!:eek: It's a good thing you are such a sharing kind of guy! :) Have a fabulous time and we'll look forward to your "classes" when you return. :D May the tarot guides be with you... Ruby Red Slippers

Logiatrix	19 Jul 2003
Hey, everyone... lawguy's gone--he's over at that THING, you know. We can talk about him now! })

lawguy51	28 Jul 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Tauni Hey, everyone... lawguy's gone--he's over at that THING, you know. We can talk about him now! }) I heard that!!

The Back from the Omega Centre thread was originally posted on 14 Jul 2003 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.