A card a week... until the Conference

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 08 Dec 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	08 Dec 2003
I mentioned last Saturday (at Tarot Café) that if one was to meditate or work on one card per week beginning on the week beginning with the next Solstice, then the seventy-eight would be completed just in time for the 2005 Melbourne International Tarot Conference... Now this may seem like I'm just adding a thread to advertise the Conference... I'm hoping, however, that it is seen more as an enthusiastic encouragement for those who want the take the opportunity to do the same as many others will be doing (including myself): revisiting the cards systematically for a mere 78 weeks (exactly a year - 52 weeks, and a half - 26 weeks). I'll begin sequentially with I the Magician, after the Majors I'll personally work on each of the suits, from Ace through to King, in the sequence Baston (Wands), Cups, Deniers (Coins), and Espées (Swords)... What I post on these may of course take various forms :) Table of Contents edited to add the link to the table of contents

Diana	08 Dec 2003
One card a week, huh? Sounds good. My dear friend Le Bateleur - will you accompany me for the next seven days? Yes? Oh goodie. :)

jmd	08 Dec 2003
...don't have to start quite yet... following the Solstice... gives everyone a chance to decide if they wish to participate (in each's wondrous varied ways) :) _____ I have started a thread in the General Study Section... General: 78 Weeks of Study: Overview

Mimers	08 Dec 2003
This sounds great! A wonderful way for comparitive studies of different decks and to gain much insight into the meanings of the cards and how they appear in our lives. I did this in my journal when I first began learning the cards. It will be wonderful to see, after a year how my take on the cards might have changed or been enriched over the past 2 years. I also never did look at the minors in this way. What a great and encouraging idea jmd. Perhaps a compilation of the results of this could be the Aeclectic Tarot book that had been suggested in the past. We have 2 community decks, why not a community book as well? Either way, I will definitely be participating. Mimi

Sulis	08 Dec 2003
A wonderful idea JMD. i'll be participating too. Love and light Sulis xx

Belladonna	08 Dec 2003
I would feel very fortunate to be able to participate in such an exercise with such intelligent, insightful and encouraging people! Count me in.

Mimers	08 Dec 2003
May I suggest to some who may not have a particular format in mind, one that worked very well for me when I was learning? It came from this website: http://www.nodntap.net/tarot/ Here is what I did for each card that I meditated on: Write about each of the following aspects of a card: 1. Mental - How it relates to your thoughts and concepts 2. Spirit - How it relates to your drive, enthusiasm, willpower 3. Emotional - How it stirs your emotions and feelings 4. Physical - How it talks of your material/financial well being or your health. 5. Soulful - How it relates to my Soul's journey, my spiritual quest 6. Business - How it relates to business/ career 7. Relationship - How it depicts relating to another person Problamatic - What are the weaknessess of hte card - what is it telling you you need to work on. 8. Beneficial - the most beautiful aspect of this card. What you would most want to emulate. There are other great ideas about journaling at this site including meditating and entering the card. Or you can use your own method!

spoonbender	08 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Belladonna I would feel very fortunate to be able to participate in such an exercise with such intelligent, insightful and encouraging people! Count me in. Same with me! It sounds like an excellent idea! Spoonbender

Belladonna	08 Dec 2003
Mimers, that format is entering my own tarot journal today!

Myrrha	08 Dec 2003
What a great idea for a study group! To stick with it for 78 weeks could be difficult but hey, I'll try it! --Myrrha

firestorm	08 Dec 2003
I wonderful idea. I'll participate with pleasure.

Jewel-ry	08 Dec 2003
Sounds like a great idea! Will definately give it a try. Is it advisable to use the same deck for this? J :)

Moonbow*	08 Dec 2003
I'm in jmd Moonbow* :)

TemperanceAngel	08 Dec 2003
AAHHH YESS...a new Tarot Journal, it has been so long..... What a grand idea, to coincide with my beginnings on Aeclectic!!:D So what is the EXACT date we start this?? Excuse my ignorance folks, it's mighty hot today.....*phew*... XTAX

jmd	09 Dec 2003
Wonderful to see so many who will also participate :) For those interested, you may want to read the thread '78 Weeks of Study: Overview' I recently posted in the Study Forums. Jewel-ry, some may use the same deck as others, some may use a variety of decks themselves (I personally will look at various decks - though not many - through each week)... TemperanceAngel, the *EXACT* date of start depends on you... I will be beginning following next Solstice (so will begin on Monday the 22nd of December in the evening). Personally, I will be beginning with I the Magician - but presume that many will begin with either a suit or with the Fool. The importance is to consider, over the next two weeks, how one will proceed... You are welcome to choose the same cards I do, or you may decide, individually or as a small 'group', to develop a different order. I'm pleased so many wish to participate - it will help us all in those moments of greater difficulty. Perseverence will certainly be an esoteric quality which we shall each develop a little more as we engage in the task :)

Nevada	09 Dec 2003
I'm in. Thanks JMD. Oh, a new journal. I love journals. Maybe I'll set one aside especially for this! Nevada

TemperanceAngel	09 Dec 2003
I am so looking forward to this, I have never studied with a group as such :laugh: XTAX

mooncat2	10 Dec 2003
This sounds very exciting - a great way to get in touch with my new deck - IF it arrives in time. I'm in!

Major Tom	11 Dec 2003
Jmd - This is an absolutely inspired idea. :D I've read your thread in General Study Groups and would just like to make these observations: The appropriate board for your posts is this one - the Using Tarot Cards board. :) Other people can and will choose to follow a different sequence through the deck but that takes nothing away from the format you wish to follow. May I respectfully suggest that if you wish to follow a particular format that you originate the threads? Others will, naturally do as they please. Speaking strictly for myself I would like to take part in the sequence you've outlined in the other thread. I'm thinking I might try drawing a card a week and would encourage anyone else thinking of taking part to do so. ;)

firemaiden	11 Dec 2003
I confess to not quite understanding the plot. Is everyone going to pick a card and initiate their own thread each week (chaos). Or is jmd going to pick a card and initiate a thread each week, which we are all free to add to according to our whim?

Diana	11 Dec 2003
firemaiden: Your thoughts of chaos make me shudder. *Diana shudders*. jmd: Will you be our leader? We'll give you a badge that says "leader" and maybe also a little flag in case you get lost in the crowd - that way we will always know where you are. What kind of flag would you like?

jmd	11 Dec 2003
I see I may have confluscated (was that the word?) some... Let me re-iterate the idea in different words... Over the 78 weeks following the Solstice (Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, Summer in the Southern), one card per week will be worked with (this doesn't preclude also working with numerous other cards - but this one card per week will be given special attention). The sequence of cards is left up to each individual. I would suggest being systematic - but true to yourself. For myself, I will proceed by first beginning with the Major Arcana in sequence. This means, for me, beginning with I the Magician, and finishing those first twenty-two weeks with the Fool. Following this, I will begin with the four suits, Ace through ten and then Page through to King, in order Wands, Cups, Coins and Swords. As some who participate may have a different order, I suggested that this means that a post may need to be made about a card not yet 'threaded'. For example, in the eighth week, I shall be posting on Justice. Others, who may have began with a different card, or proceeded in a different sequence, may need a different thread... hence my suggested guidelines for naming new threads in a common format... but I do take Major Tom's point. If others wish for me to begin the threads, I am willing to do so. Just PM me your order of cards two or three weeks in advance, and I'll name threads accordingly. Again, the importance is to develop an order or sequence with which you feel comfortable. This may even be generated by the grace of the draw... although, again, I personally will be more proactive in its systematisation :) As to the badge which says 'dealer', I'll only deal my cards... those who wish to walk the same path, I shall be honoured by the company... and my flag shall be guided by the image of the Conference!!! ...a week and a half to go to begin ;)

firemaiden	11 Dec 2003
hmmm.... sorry. It still doesn't make any sense to me. (not mathematically anyway) If we are to focus on one card a week, and everyone chooses their own card, that will be several cards a week... I think you need to be the leader, and pick the card, (also choose it) and begin the threads). Diana and I can start sewing little flags and name tags. *Firemaiden thinks rugged individualism is sometimes overrated...*

jmd	11 Dec 2003
ahhh! I see how you have understood the 'we'... I meant that each chooses a card (could be the same as mine), so that each, in their own way, focusses on that card which they have chosen... 78 weeks later, the Conference will be here, and planes full of Aeclecticians will be landing in Melbourne for the Conference :) Each week, it may be that more than one card is focussed on - but only collectively. Individually, each will focus on whatever card he or she is up to... but if you wish to select the same order of cards as I, again I would be delighted :)

raeanne	11 Dec 2003
Hi all, I think I understand both jmd and firemaiden. If jmd starts this discussion with the Magician, he would start a thread with the proper name to identify this. If, during the same week, I wanted to start with the Fool card, I would start a separate thread with the proper name for this card. The second week jmd would post a thread on the High Priestess and I would be ready for the Magician. Now, since jmd had already started the thread on the Magician, I would NOT start a new thread but just add on to the thread started by jmd the previous week. The only problem with this is that, after awhile, it would be too easy to miss a thread that was already started by someone else and people would be starting duplicate threads. This could very easily lead to the chaos with everyone starting their own Magician thread when they get ready to study that card. Personally, I think it would be much easier if jmd would post the ‘card of the week’ and everyone would more or less stick together. Everyone could always post additional comments to threads already started by jmd, but if everyone starts their own threads I am afraid we would end up with a cat in a yarn basket.

firemaiden	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by raeanne ...if everyone starts their own threads I am afraid we would end up with a cat in a yarn basket. ROFL, raeanne, a cat in a yarn basket! That cat would have one helluva good time! (But the yarn would all be sacrificed in the end.)

Moonbow*	11 Dec 2003
I vote we all follow the 'Leader' Moonbow* :)

Jewel-ry	11 Dec 2003
I'm thinking that since we start on 22nd, I could wait until xmas day when I get my Hadar and follow the same format as jmd. That way I get to study my new deck, and be part of the conference card a week!! (plus I will always know where I am supposed to be :laugh: ) J :)

Diana	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jewel-ry (plus I will always know where I am supposed to be :laugh: ) J :) Yup! Just follow the flag! It's the one with the Sheep painted on on it.

raeanne	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Yup! Just follow the flag! It's the one with the Sheep painted on on it. He, he, he. Yes, us sheep like to stick together. Remember, it is the sheep that wanders off alone that is a prime target for the wolves!

Jewel-ry	11 Dec 2003
Baa, Baa !!! :joke: J :)

Moongold	11 Dec 2003
JMD ~ I just can't think of you as a sheep but I'd love to be a part of this anyway. Perhaps I haven't read enough of the party threads to see whether folk have imbued sheep with a new mythology. There are currently 120 million sheep in Australia but they not part of our natural fauna - although the country's economy developed on primary industries for many years. I will have come to Tarot Cafe just to assure myself that you are not a cat, a koala or a sheep - the various animi (!) people have attributed to you here. This is a great idea. Thank you for coming up with it. Moongold

Moonbow*	11 Dec 2003
Another picture of jmd (didn't I say he was cute!!) http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ansci/facilities/images/sheep.jpg Moonbow* :)

Diana	11 Dec 2003
Nope. You've got it all wrong. jmd is not the sheep. The sheep you have to follow is here: http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/project/2/16_tower_jmd.html Note the two stones on the ground. Very nice stones.

jmd	11 Dec 2003
...alright (said sheepishly)... I'll begin the threads. For the sake of those who may wish to begin with the Fool, I'll begin two threads in a week's time, and keep those and subsequent ones 'tabled' (& linked) in this and the thread in the General Study Forum. Let me know if this causes problems :)

Diana	11 Dec 2003
I think you should start with just one card, i.e. the Magician. We're just kids learning how to count in Tarot. I think when one learns to count, one starts with 1, then 2, then 3....... (methinks I am very stubborn. Stubborn as a sheep.)

TemperanceAngel	11 Dec 2003
Oh dear, what a muddle. How? Why? Poor jmd, thanks goodness you are fit to be the 'leader'. Baa baa, Temperance will follow sheepishly but her individual streak inside may make her choose a DIFFRERENT (shock horror) card to begin with......:laugh: It's only because I feel like beginning a Fool's Journey, if you get my point...la la la...:laugh:....but then again I may begin with my name.....:laugh:

firemaiden	11 Dec 2003
Ah, well, we can't please everybody, (meaning Diana). HAHAHAHAHAH

jmd	11 Dec 2003
Settled, then! Those of us who are yearning to count can join me... 1 ram + 2 sheep = 3 lambs (etc) Those who have mastered the art of counting will creatively mix them all up, and even begin (shock & horror!) with the un-numbered card completing the Journey at the beginning ;) Now, if TemperanceAngel wants to start with her Temperance Angel to begin mixing her cards... how wonderful... A week and a bit to go... how will you proceed!?!

Diana	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jmd A week and a bit to go... how will you proceed!?! When I was little, my mum used to sing me a hymn when I was feeling sad: "Shepherd, show me how to go, o'er the hillside steep; how to gather, how to sow, how to feed thy sheep. I will listen for thy voice, lest my footsteps stray; I will follow and rejoice, all the rugged way." So I will follow whoever looks vaguely like a shepherd.

Jewel-ry	11 Dec 2003
Thats great Diana, I now have a vision of jmd (not that I know what he looks like) in shepherd garb, complete with crook. Who will be the black sheep though?? I'll bet jmd has a few ideas of suitable candidates :joke: J :)

Nevada	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moonbow* I vote we all follow the 'Leader' I agree. Although, for purposes of pure entertainment, it might be fun to watch the cats in the yarn basket (I think it would be like a litter of kittens, not just one cat), I agree that if we want to get anywhere with this there must be some semblance of order. I have no problem with starting at I Magician. My journal will be open and my pen poised, immediately after the Solstice. Merry Litha and Yule to all (in a week and a half)! Edited to add: Spending a full week on each card will help me to catch up with the two study groups that I'm [supposed to be] already participating in. I can mull over the same card in Old Path and Goddess, as well as all my other decks, and catch up with those as well (not necessarily in the order those study groups intended, but better late than never). I won't likely attend the conference, though I'm reluctant to say this out loud, because you never know what may happen in the next 79-1/2 weeks. Anything is possible. Nevada

Moonbow*	11 Dec 2003
Could be jmd then? http://web.mit.edu/romania/www/Romania/Photogallery/People/shepherd-and-flock1.jpg M*

TemperanceAngel	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jmd Now, if TemperanceAngel wants to start with her Temperance Angel to begin mixing her cards... how wonderful... It's funny, 'cos I was just being a smarty pants, but ever since I chose my nickname for Aeclectic, it has come up everywhere in my life and there is a definate message there for me which I need to look into! So, jmd, I will in fact begin with this, it's a superb idea and I do so like being 'different', Teen Rebellion only left me 95%...:joke: I think it will be grand to do a new study in a new way....heeheehee....thanks XTAX Edited to note that at the Conference I will be back to Temperance, how exciting, it's all coming together now.

Mimers	11 Dec 2003
I am really excited about this! Not only because I will be writing my journal all over again, but also to see all the many interpretations, and observations, of the cards that surface. This will be grand. Let me just make sure I have it right now. jmd, you have decided that you are going to set up the 78 threads ahead of time? and we will all post on the card in the appropriate thread? We will focus on one card per week. It can be the same deck all week, or multiple decks if we so choose. I think it is great that others will do it in any order they choose, but I think it would be grander if we all went along on this journey together. Think of the vibes if we were all meditating on the same card each week. Should be very interesting indeed. This is an excellent idea! I personally will follow the shepard and count sheep. ;) Mimi

Moongold	11 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Mimers I think it is great that others will do it in any order they choose, but I think it would be grander if we all went along on this journey together. Think of the vibes if we were all meditating on the same card each week. Should be very interesting indeed. This is an excellent idea! Mimi [/b] I think this is a great idea too - there is nothing like collective energy. Have you ever done a group meditation? JMD. I'm not really a mob person but I'll follow you because you've not yet shown much evidence of woolly thinking.....Hmmm.......I may change my mind (I always do this)! Moongold

Diana	12 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Moonbow* Could be jmd then? http://web.mit.edu/romania/www/Romania/Photogallery/People/shepherd-and-flock1.jpg Yes!!! And look, we're all there on the photo too! I didn't know someone had taken a picture of us all. How exciting. You look beautiful, Moonbow* - very photogenic indeed.

Moonbow*	12 Dec 2003
Thankyou Diana, I like to make sure I'm the centre of attention as you know.. I am a little concerned that I'm the only one going the wrong way though!! Don't you think jmd looks a little sheepish too? Moonbow* :confused: :D

Moongold	12 Dec 2003
Deleted by Moongold - I decided the fable wasn't really funny or appropriate but still can't picture JMD as a sheep :) Moderator if you want to delete please do.

Major Tom	12 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jmd but I do take Major Tom's point. Thank you. :) Quote: Originally posted by jmd For the sake of those who may wish to begin with the Fool, I'll begin two threads in a week's time, and keep those and subsequent ones 'tabled' (& linked) in this and the thread in the General Study Forum. I think you can do the thread on the Fool when you think it's appropriate. Do we really need the cross-post with the General Study Group? Quote: Originally posted by jmd Those who have mastered the art of counting will creatively mix them all up, and even begin (shock & horror!) with the un-numbered card completing the Journey at the beginning. I think we can leave these people to their own devices. ;) Quote: Originally posted by jmd As to the badge which says 'dealer', I'll only deal my cards... those who wish to walk the same path, I shall be honoured by the company... and my flag shall be guided by the image of the Conference !!! I've decided I've got to be there. :D Quote: Originally posted by jmd ...a week and a half to go to begin ;) I really am looking forward to it. Is anyone else out there planning on creating cards? })

TemperanceAngel	12 Dec 2003
To be part of a 'collective consciousness' you don't need to be studying the same card, I think that a card a week, beginning from where ever you wish, until the Tarot Conference is the same as beginning with The Magician or The Fool. I like to do my own thing, but I don't like to feel left out! XTAX

Moongold	12 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel To be part of a 'collective consciousness' you don't need to be studying the same card, I think that a card a week, beginning from where ever you wish, until the Tarot Conference is the same as beginning with The Magician or The Fool. I like to do my own thing, but I don't like to feel left out! XTAX Hi Temperance, I guess you don't really but if you are all meditating on the same thing (as on the day of the Great Invocation) then the energy towards that aim is very powerful. When I was learning TM many years ago I would often meditate with others, not necessarily having the same experience at all. None the less, the energy in the room was very powerful. I haven't quite made up my mind what to do yet. Moongold

TemperanceAngel	12 Dec 2003
Hmmm...yeah, understand, but we will all be using different decks and symbols can appear on more than one card, ie: RWS-Fool and Death and Sun, red feather. I suppose my point being that we will all begin our one card a week study in the same week, initiated by jmd, we all have the same intention as regarding what I just said. Everyone's study will be different though, as in decks, times, approach etc. So, to me, the study intiated by jmd, that we are all doing is all part of the same collective consciousness = intention. XTAX

TemperanceAngel	12 Dec 2003
P.S. I have always studied RWS, but have 2 new decks and thought for something different I may study the 3 decks to open my mind and allow new insights to enter. Something very new for me! :) XTAX

skytwig	12 Dec 2003
OK... so, um, trying to understand this..... We each post in the thread that jmd will start each week? We study our version of the card he selects?

TemperanceAngel	12 Dec 2003
Poor jmd, it has all gotten so chaotic. jmd, maybe you better start 78 threads all in the beginning and let everyone post from there, depending on where they are beginning from? Gosh, can you put up 78 threads, that's a lot of work :confused: Maybe you better start a new forum??? *clapping my hands with glee at how it has become the Tower in this thread......* XTAX

Cerulean	12 Dec 2003
Would I ever be only able to settle on one deck? Especially since the one(s) that I think maybe my 'one and only" haven't been published yet? Sighsighsigh Mari H...

mooncat2	12 Dec 2003
Wow, the phone lines go down and it's all been happening. Lots of sheep way down here too and I'm a good one - following the leader comes naturally! Holding my breath and hoping my new decks arrive before we start.

Moonbow*	13 Dec 2003
I think I will follow 'my leader' but may use more than one deck, I'm thinking a Marseilles and one other. Moonbow*

Myrrha	13 Dec 2003
I would like to look at the cards in sequence along with JMD (Baa-ahh...) :). I am planning to use my Marseilles deck as it has so many details that I only notice from really looking closely, and it seems like a substantial deck that will repay a long term study. By January I will have more Marseilles decks to choose from as the Heron is on order and am hoping to get the Hader for Christmas. So I am not sure yet if I will choose one for the study or switch around. I have been doing some dream work with the Marseilles and find the soft woodblock prints work very well for that. --Myrrha

jmd	15 Dec 2003
Moonbow*, thanks for that photo of us all... Major Tom, with that background of yours, I wonder if you'd investigate what that human in our midst is... the one wearing what seems to be our fleece. One thing I note as well is that all but one are facing kind-of the same way... but who amongst us is that vain face looking into the camera? I must admit that it reminds me a little of the Life of Brian (never mind who is in the shutters flung open), with a lone voice crying 'I'm not!'. Again, from my perspective, I tend to agree with the analogies presented by both Moongold and TemperanceAngel: the common work adds to our individual but collective striving, which is to work upon the whole deck sequentially; upon which card of this common work any of us is engaged in at any particular instance in temporality only adds rays of individual light to our communal Sun. Knowing that others are engaging in the same task as I only adds to my sense of participation... so of course it is so wonderful to have others working on the same card. Those working on other cards I personally sense will be in the same temple building, working in other chambers... nonetheless, in the same temple, and on the same tasks... My 'reasons' for beginning with the Major Arcana in the Marseilles order are manifold. Others may prefer to have other sequences - if someone else had suggested this, I would have welcomed the whole communal notion, and would have wanted to work in the sequence I am suggesting. I therefore, as nominal sheep-herd, suggest that we flock as any flock, with some black sheep doing what others are not. I see the sense in Major Tom suggesting that the threads be in this section rather than the study section, as it is not 'studying' any deck, but rather engaging communally at working on Using Tarot Cards :) TemperanceAngel, I will not at this stage begin the whole 78 threads - but am willing to begin as many threads as are required for each of us to participate. Maybe that is the part which will assist in each of us sensing we are working together: I'll begin the threads for the 78 cards, rather than many of us beginning them (please let me know if someone really wishes to begin a thread... I am only trying to respond to the various feelings expressed within this thread :))

Jewel-ry	15 Dec 2003
Cant wait jmd, I for one, think this will be quite an experience. I will be working on the same card as you. My aim - to gain a better understanding of the Marseille. J :)

firemaiden	15 Dec 2003
Remember it is the sheep who make the shepherd...

TemperanceAngel	15 Dec 2003
Phew, jmd, glad you are back and things feel calmer :) As you (and everyone knows) I will be starting with Temperance. At this stage, I am unsure if I want you to start a thread for it though. When I first said I wanted to be a part of this study, it was because I really felt that I would enjoy a new Tarot study. And to think of all the other people doing the same, how exciting!! I am not sure that I will be posting on Aeclectic my study results. Come March, when I resume my full-time studies, I will struggle with the one card a week, let alone Aeclectic and the study threads. Hmmmmm, I think that has made me decide that you DON'T need you to start a thread for lil' ol' me, I will post accordingly as I can. Thanks XTAX

jmd	15 Dec 2003
At least TemperanceAngel is able to foresee times which will be more difficult... These are times we shall each face, and part of the work is to persevere through these times, whether or not we are also able to post, and continue this daily work on the cards (hence the reason I mentioned a 'mere' five minutes). The time set aside for the work will have other rewards indeed, for the self-discipline and overcoming of hurddles is partly also what enables us to enter more deeply into whatever it is we also engage in outside of Aeclectic (I am told there is such a world ;)). I look forward to a mere week ahead.

TemperanceAngel	15 Dec 2003
jmd, you have voiced thoughts in my mind :) When (and if) after 78 weeks I have pulled a card every week I am going to be extremely proud and happy to have achieved this. IF I do more than this at times, ie: post in threads relating, which I hope to, then even better ;) I look forward to the Conference being at the end of the 78 cards :D:D:D oh joy and bliss :D:D:D please don't be at my exam time :eek: XTAX

Diana	16 Dec 2003
What is the exact date we are to begin (Solstice is too vague for me.)

firemaiden	16 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jmd I must admit that it reminds me a little of the Life of Brian (never mind who is in the shutters flung open), with a lone voice crying 'I'm not!' . FOLLOWERS (always in unison): A blessing! A blessing! A blessing!... BRIAN: No. No, please! Please! Please listen. I've got one or two things to say. FOLLOWERS:Tell us. Tell us both of them. BRIAN:Look. You've got it all wrong.You don't need to follow me. You don't need to follow anybody! You've got to think for yourselves. You're all individuals! FOLLOWERS:Yes, we're all individuals! BRIAN: You're all different! FOLLOWERS: Yes, we are all different! DENNIS: I'm not. ARTHUR: Shhhh. FOLLOWERS: Shh. Shhhh. Shhh. BRIAN:You've all got to work it out for yourselves! FOLLOWERS: Yes! We've got to work it out for ourselves! BRIAN: Exactly! FOLLOWERS: Tell us more! BRIAN:No! That's the point! Don't let anyone tell you what to do! Otherwise-- Ow! No! MANDY:Come on, Brian. That's enough. That's enough. Life of Brian, Scene 19

mooncat2	16 Dec 2003
If we can survive the first week we will be doing well!!! for it could not be a more difficult time. I know I leave on the morning of the 23rd for a Xmas surrounded by family, a beach outside the door and no distractions from telephones, TVs or computers. I have the very best of intentions and can only hope I will stick to them.

skytwig	16 Dec 2003
"I am confusilated!!!!" she screams, throwing herself on the floor in pure hissy fitdom...... I do not understand what we are doing..... Can someone pleeeeeeeeeeeeeez explain????? Sob, sob, sob....... :(

Diana	16 Dec 2003
Mooncat2: you can take your Tarot deck to the beach - or at least just one card! skytwig: Calm down. Here's a nice cup of Ceylon tea. Drink it slowly and breath deeply (not THAT deeply! you'll start hyperventilating). Okay? Now at the Solstice (no-one has told me yet when that is exactly - but apparently it is soon - you should know, you're a kind of a witch aren't you?), we are going to start studying one card a week. jmd has very graciously and with great enthusiasm decided to be the shepherd (although whether he will last a whole 78 weeks with such mad sheep as us, I have my doubts - he may have to rope in some apprentice shepherds). So just look out for his crook and follow the rest of the sheep. You can't miss us - we'll all be carrying one Tarot card each. Do you understand better now?

skytwig	16 Dec 2003
Cackle, cackle..... OK, so on December 22, Australian time (Which is still December 21 American time?..... Where does time start officially?), jmd will appear carrying a Card, a Thread and a Crook and I shall take up my broom and follow...... correct? Oh, and I will have a card or three in my pockets.... (I may just complicate it more and draw a card from each deck.... ;) )

Diana	16 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by skytwig Oh, and I will have a card or three in my pockets.... (I may just complicate it more and draw a card from each deck.... ;) ) Tattered faeries can do what they like. That is their privilege, nay, their duty.

skytwig	16 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Tattered faeries can do what they like. That is their privilege, nay, their duty. ... and I am loyal to my duties.... "teehee" :D she giggles, gathering her torn satin and lace and flying toward the gaggle of geese....

Nevada	16 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by skytwig Oh, and I will have a card or three in my pockets.... (I may just complicate it more and draw a card from each deck.... ;) ) That's what I plan to do, look at the Magician from a multi-deck perspective. Great minds think alike ;) Nevada

TemperanceAngel	16 Dec 2003
Ahhh, me to, three decks, but no Magician to begin with. Three decks gives a wholeness :) XTAX

mooncat2	16 Dec 2003
Me too - except 2 haven't arrived!!! So it may be only 1 Magician having a beach holiday.

Moonbow*	17 Dec 2003
I'll be doing at least two decks. A marseilles (cuz I think I may learn more than a little something from Diana and jmd) and one other. Lets see how long I can keep it up. Moonbow* :)

jmd	17 Dec 2003
Diana, when does Winter officially begin in Swisse?

Diana	17 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jmd Diana, when does Winter officially begin in Swisse? I don't know when it begins in Swisse. I don't even know when it begins in Switzerland. I tried searching on the internet - I think the solstice is the night of the 21st.

jmd	17 Dec 2003
...then I suggest beginning on the morning of the 22nd (good Tarot related number, that one) of December, and changing cards on each Monday morning... For those of us living in far more easterly longitudes, the exact time of the astronomical Solstice will be Monday evening - so if you plan to work in the mornings, changing cards on Tuesday mornings may be decided (I personally will - but please read on). In very western longitudes (eg, the west coast of the US of A & Canada and Peru & etc), Monday mornings may again be the easiest change... though there the Solstice is late Sunday evening :) So, to next Monday it is, with that one card for the ensuing week... It should also be remembered that the Solstice, though having a precise astronomical time, appears to 'stand still' (in relation to its respective rising and setting locations) for around twelve days (hence also the twelve days of Christmas, which apparently dates from Babylonian times)... to begin a day earlier or later than its astronomical dating is thus, in my personal view, quite OK - which means that if someone would find it easier to change cards on the first day of the week (which is Sunday in most countries), than I wouldn't let mere astronomical calculations prevent such from being decided... [now what have i done, but thrown another spanner in the works!] So... what I suggest (and it is merely suggestion) for most of us: we begin with the Magician on Monday (our local times), having decided for ourselves which time of day best suits (mornings or evenings, for example), and take just FIVE regular minutes to reflect (or draw, with Major Tom) on the card. Others may have decided on another card, and begun on another day close to the astronomical timing of the solstice :)

firemaiden	17 Dec 2003
Diana, that is right. Solstice is not a just a witch word. It is also a scientific word. The earth tilts on its axis as it moves around the sun, on an eliptical path. The winter solstice occurs when your hemisphere is leaning farthest away from the sun because of the earth's tilt. Here is a website that explains it: Solstice I know that astrologists still think the sun moves around the earth, (hence the belief in "retrograde motion") but since the Copernican Revolution 1543 --... we know otherwise.

TemperanceAngel	17 Dec 2003
Five regular minutes is this :) I am so glad that everything is calmer as the soltice draws closer, Monday is a great day, as it all gets a bit hectic in the x-mas world after that. I also look forward to seeing you all in Chat at the Soltice Party :D This study is so exciting and the disciplinary aspect even more so (perhaps that's just me who thinks so?) A part of me wishes it was appropriate to begin with the Magician...och well...I recently required a new journal for such occasions :) well actually for this occasion ;) XTAX

Diana	17 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by firemaiden Diana, that is right. Solstice is not a just a witch word. firemaiden: I am only pretending to be stupid to allow people like you to show off their knowledge. I know what a solstice is. (But witches and pagans celebrate them, so they would be sure of the date.)

firemaiden	17 Dec 2003
(I had to look it up) (It is very confusing) (I remembered something not very well from highschool physics) (my highschool physics teacher was cool) (that was a looooong looooong time ago)

Emily	18 Dec 2003
Just sat through and read this entire thread - and I think I got it (well in the last few postings :D ) - Think I'll just go with the flow and follow the Shepherd. :) - I've been wanting to do a really indepth study of a couple of particular decks and this is just what I needed. :)

Imagemaker	18 Dec 2003
I'm with Emily--I just joined the flock and am so glad the rest of you worked this all out (!) Kudos to jmd for leading us and yes, I love that picture of him with the woollies. Monday I'll start with the Magician in one of my seldom used decks--anyone doing Haindl or Motherpeace or World Spirit? I'm a longtime meditator and I'd like to pick a deck that will raise totally new perceptions from my two regular decks (Robin Wood and Osho Zen). Haindl has always fascinated and confused me. I have Pollack's book on it, but haven't done more than skim.

spoonbender	19 Dec 2003
Quote: anyone doing Haindl or Motherpeace or World Spirit? Imagemaker, I think I'll use the World Spirit! And my Hadar Tarot (I'm reading the book Ombres et Lumières, sooo good!), and my Bruegel of course (which I still haven't got! damnit!) and my Secret Tarots too... and perhaps the Dürer I'll be getting... not my Fey I think... Ooh I'm getting excited! Thank you so much Jmd for your idea (that rhymes!)

Mimers	19 Dec 2003
Dear Abby, :( I can't make up my mind. Should I use my Thoth, URW and Marseilles? This way I am looking at the three major types of decks out there. Or, should I use my favorite reading decks, Tarot of Prague, Ancestral Path and URW? I have already done the whole URW deck when I first learned Tarot, so should I do it again? Would that be redundant or would I glean new insights by exploring it again? I also have some new decks that I want to explore and are rich & beautiful. The Blue Rose Tarot is one that calls to me and I should be getting the Large Handl tarot shortly from a trade. Oh, what to do! I have a week to decide. I am leaning towards the Blue Rose Tarot, The Thoth (I am currently reading Understanding Alister Crowley's Thoth Tarot by Lon Milo DuQuette. EXCELLENT book. Very well written) and either the Handl or the Tarot of Prague. Or maybe my Camoin. Or my Voyager?..... Signed, I Can't Make up My Mind

Diana	19 Dec 2003
Mimers: What does a Tarot reader do when he/she is in a dilemma?

Mimers	19 Dec 2003
Gotcha ;)

Imagemaker	19 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Diana Mimers: What does a Tarot reader do when he/she is in a dilemma? What a laugh this brought to my morning! I love your clarity, Diana! I'm going to fan out the Magicians from each deck (I only have 15--a mere sliver of tarotism), face down, and pick. I may still go back to World Spirit and Haindl, but I'll get the cards' opinion first. Even just two to study each week will seem like a lot by the time we get to card 15 . . . 24 . . .41 . . . I want to know I can stay with this through the whole 78.

Jewel-ry	19 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Imagemaker Monday I'll start with the Magician in one of my seldom used decks--anyone doing Haindl or Motherpeace or World Spirit? I'm a longtime meditator and I'd like to pick a deck that will raise totally new perceptions from my two regular decks (Robin Wood and Osho Zen). Haindl has always fascinated and confused me. I have Pollack's book on it, but haven't done more than skim. Imagemaker, I am going to go with the Marseille Hadar but also want to do another of my decks which is poorly understood. I think I may do either the Haindl or the Tarot of the Spirit as I have the books. It would then be good to make sure over the week that the relevant section in the book gets read too. What do you think? j :)

Imagemaker	19 Dec 2003
jewel-ry: I have the Haindl book and would really like to have someone else posting on this deck with me. It would be great if you did Haindl, too. Anyone else for Haindl? I shudder at the thought of putting more organization into this, but having a couple regular posters on each deck would really help keep the discussion alive.

Jewel-ry	19 Dec 2003
Imagemaker, Settled then, I'll do Haindl too! I shall start Monday evening, this sort of time as that will suit me best. Cant wait to get going! J :OS

Nevada	19 Dec 2003
I'll be using Thoth, because it's most familiar to me, but also Goddess, Old Path, Universal de Angelis--and Napo if I ever get it. I'll have to catch up, with Napo, if it doesn't get here by the solstice. I may switch between these, when one deck is in use for reading. Nevada

Imagemaker	19 Dec 2003
jewel-ry--brilliant! I was in London for 3 weeks in June and had a wonderful time. Found Watkins Esoteric Center--which opened this phase in my movement from runes (about 6 years) through I Ching (about 4 years) to tarot. It was like coming home.

Agathe	19 Dec 2003
Hi all :) I'm in, of course. That might be a great thing to do AND learn, which I'm sooo willing to do :D. Anyway, I'll be using de Angelis, just like you, Nevada, because I don't think anyone here has Eclectic Tarot. I can't wait!!! :) Blessings, Agathe

Diana	20 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Agathe Anyway, I'll be using de Angelis, just like you, Nevada, because I don't think anyone here has Eclectic Tarot. I can't wait!!! :) Agathe, I have the Eclectic! Thanks to you and one of your first posts where you said you used this deck. I checked it out and since then have managed to get it in a trade (thank you Myrrha!) and so far I am very impressed. One of the few non-Marseilles decks that I doubt I will ever trade.

jmd	20 Dec 2003
For those interested, and though the threads themselves will now be in Using Tarot Cards, I have prepared a year's worth of dates in the Study Section for those who wish to work on the same cards as some of us: 78 Weeks of Study: Overview ... only a couple of days respite before the plunge! :):):)

Agathe	20 Dec 2003
Diana, I'm really happy you got it thanks to me :D. Will you be using it?

Diana	20 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Agathe Diana, I'm really happy you got it thanks to me :D. Will you be using it? I'm happy too that my new Polish friend already changed my life so much! (My father was Polish so I had a soft spot for you the moment you joined :) ). I will be using the Eclectic for the 78 Week Study. The Minors are so intriguing - I am very keen to understand them better. I'll also be using my Marseilles Grimaud deck, and for the Majors threads the Oswald Wirth deck (the Eclectic Majors have been influenced quite a lot by the Wirth, so that should make a nice connection. And as the Wirth was influenced by the Marseilles, I think that makes for a nice little group. :) ).

Agathe	20 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Diana I'm happy too that my new Polish friend already changed my life so much! (My father was Polish so I had a soft spot for you the moment you joined :) ). Thank you, thank you, thank you :). And that would explain where you knew Dzieñ Dobry from :). Anyway, I am going to use Eclectic and de Angelis and I'm glad there are people here that are going to use them as well. Blessings :) Agathe

Emily	20 Dec 2003
Think I'll have to make my mind up lol - I was going to use the Morgan Greer but its just hit me that I know this deck very well anyway, maybe I'd be better studying a deck or decks that I've always wanted to learn but struggled with like the Thoth, Haindl or Tarot of the Spirit, or maybe even go straight back to traditional and do the Ancient Italian. Oh dear, I'll have to get this sorted out before monday, I can feel a dilemma coming on lol :D

Diana	20 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Emily Oh dear, I'll have to get this sorted out before monday, I can feel a dilemma coming on lol :D Emily: Read the last two posts on Page 9, and the first one on page 10.

Emily	20 Dec 2003
Hi Diana, thanks :) My deck just chose me, I will be using the Ancient Egyptian - Its a deck I've had for a long time and even though I like it, I've not even come close to exploring or even really sitting down with this deck for any length of time.

galadrial	20 Dec 2003
This is such a wonderful idea, jmd. I'm going to use my Blue Rose deck as it has been "calling" to me lately, and also because Paula's book on it should be coming along soon, so I was going to restudy it when the book arrived anyway.

mooncat2	20 Dec 2003
Time is running out fast and the dithering has to stop! Still hoping the Fey will arrive but the Animal Lords came yesterday so I'll begin with that and the Old Path.

TemperanceAngel	20 Dec 2003
Quote: Originally posted by jmd For those interested, and though the threads themselves will now be in Using Tarot Cards, I have prepared a year's worth of dates in the Study Section for those who wish to work on the same cards as some of us: 78 Weeks of Study: Overview ... only a couple of days respite before the plunge! :):):) Thanks for the organisation, jmd :):):) XTAX

jmd	21 Dec 2003
[font=papyrus] All ready to go!!! :):):) [/font] Table of Contents

Dexter	21 Dec 2003
I'm in!!!! Sounds like great fun and should be guite enlightening. I'll start Monday evening this gives me more time as opposed to the morning. Great idea JMD.

jmd	22 Dec 2003
Likewise, Dexter - I tend to work more consistently in the evenings - though I'll also try to incorporate a brief Tarot reflection in my morning work. ...and by the way, the importance of the study is more the regular work, even if the posting (if any) is more irregular. Still, as I have already so much enjoyed, it is wonderful to see what and how others are doing :)

Moonbow*	22 Dec 2003
I have decided on the following (but the routine may change part of the way through the 78 weeks): Night before meditate on the card in the Russian tarot and see what comes to light in the morning During the day take 5 minutes to look at the Gill and Hadar. All three of these decks are new to me I've decided on 3 decks because I wanted one of each type ( a marseilles, a RWS clone, and a Thoth/tree of life deck) That way hopefully whatever anyone says about, for example the Magician, I will look for in one of my decks. Moonbow* PS I may decide at some point to change the meditation deck so that they are not all Russian St Petersburg

Majecot	30 Dec 2003
jmd I just want to say, what a terrific idea... at first I was not getting the concept ( sometimes I have to have things explained like 500 times :) ) But any way.. I get it now, and I wanted to start with everybody else but because the last week has been crazy, I am sure for a lot of other people as well, I did not get to spend my 5 mins a day with my card like I wanted to but I managed to squeeze in some time... I am not sure how others are doing this, but I working with two decks, ( my main reading ones) and I am also trying to get my other tarot studies in as well. This week is already going better than last. I am very excited about it :D Thanks

The A card a week... until the Conference thread was originally posted on 08 Dec 2003 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.