Janet Boyer's Blog

American Tarot Association Board Censors Authors and Deck Creators

This just in:

The board of the American Tarot Association has handed down a censorship decree saying that any of my work is banned from the ATA Quaterly Journal.

That's right. Your hard-earned dues going to CENSORSHIP...just like the membership fees you pay at Aelectic.net (where my work is also banned--sitewide, and in the Forums by ANY poster wanting to discuss my work). 

This, no doubt, the work of Stephanie Arwen Lynch aka Tarot by Arwen aka President of the ATA. (Click here to read my post Why I'm No Longer a Member of the ATA Association). 

So don't expect to read anything about our lovely Snowland Deck in the ATA Quaterly Journal, nor any other innovative work I may come up with in the field of Tarot. 

-- Janet

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The Ice Harvest

 

All in a Snowland day's work: the ice harvest, from Punch, 1855.

Snowland Deck Pics and Update!

Last weekend was a momentous occasion.

You see, the final proofs of our Snowland Deck Life Themes Edition came in from the printers.

Not only were we shocked at the speed of the proof copy's arrival (5 days!), but also the quality of the card stock and color saturation.

In short, the deck far exceeds our expectations!

I thought I'd share some pictures of our newest addition--including sneak peeks of Snowland extras we're including with our special edition decks--the glittery fabrics for the custom bags, the one-of-a-kind bracelets, gorgeous pendulums and so on.

Proud Papa Ron, minutes after the proof deck arrived at the post office

All the Snowland Deck Life Theme Edition cards, including the title card, backing and Noah's special card

Our son, Noah, displaying his special card CHILLAXIN

Here I am, looking over the cards that are laying on the three special fabrics that will become Snowland bags. I'm wearing Snowland bracelets, too!

Custom designed Snowland bracelets and the title card we'll sign. (Jewelry by Scotti Cohn aka Zanna Starr)

Snowland pendulums made of sodalite, clear quartz, blue onyx and moonstone

Here I am showcasing some of the Snowland bracelets Scotti and I designed. Like snowflakes, no two will be the same!

Some of the Snowland Deck cards laid out on the three bag fabrics

Snowland cards, fabric and bracelets sparkling in the sun!

There's heaps more images at our Snowland Deck Facebook Photo Albums. And, you can see the cards posted as Ron completes them at SnowlandDeck.com.

We're now taking orders for the Life Themes Edition of our Snowland Deck (click here for more information on all the goodies), as well as the full deck (click here to see the special Platinum, Gold and Silver packages we're cooking up for you). 

If you want your choice of a Snowland bracelet or pendulum with your Majors-only deck (aka Life Themes Edition), you must place your order before September 1, 2012! Otherwise, you'll have to wait to get your Snowland bling with either the Platinum or Gold package for the full deck (estimated completion between December 15, 2012 - February 15, 2013). 

The cards are large, measuring 3.5 x 5.5 inches (the same size as the DruidCraft Tarot). 

In case you missed it, I hope you enjoy the video below I made of all our Snowland Deck Life Themes Edition cards. Noah helped me pick out the music, and we had fun making it for you. 

-- Janet, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of  Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Deck

5 Ways to Spot a Trustworthy Amazon Review

With all the uproar over the recent New York Times article The Best Book Reviews Money Can Buy--especially the admission to buying 300 hundred reviews by "bestselling" indie-turned-traditional-author John Locke--people are wondering if Amazon.com reviews can be trusted at all. (Not to mention all the gushing reviews that authors bribe encourage from friends, family, neighbors and publicists...)

I'm here to tell you that yes, they can. Here's how to spot them (as well as bogus reviews):

1. Look for the Real Name badge

In order to have a Real Name badge as an Amazon.com Reviewer, an individual must VERIFY her identity via credit card. When an individual puts her name on a review, she is saying "I stand by my review and will put my reputation on the line for it." 

2. Hall of Fame Reviewer or Top Reviewer badge

In order to reach this status, a reviewer will have chalked up hundreds (or thousands) of reviews posted...with TENS OF THOUSANDS of "helpful" votes for the total. Unless the reviewer doesn't have a life outside of reviewing, this signifies passion and dedication to the art and craft of reviewing (rare suspect reviewers like Harriet Klausner aside).

3. Quality and depth of the review

It's a no-brainer that anyone can type "This book sux". While a review doesn't have to (and shouldn't) rival the word count of the book being examined, a quality criticism contains examples of why the reviewer didn't like a book. Generalities such as "this books lack any inherent value" are meaningless. Quality reviewers (and thinkers) back up their assertions. Quality reviewers usually know how to spell and use good grammar, too.

4. Comparison with other posted reviews

One book. Thirteen 5-Star reviews. One 1-Star review. No 2, 3 or 4-Star reviews. You do the math.

5. Stars given over the long haul

In 2009, the FTC told bloggers and reviewers to disclose freebies from publishers or financial interest in a product--or face fines up to $11,000. This ruling was supposed to ameliorate the distrust of netizen reviewers. However, most bloggers and Amazon reviewers still do not post full- disclosure notices. So, how do you know if an Amazon reviewer is on the up-and-up...or just a publisher's go-to gusher because 5-Star reviews are the only thing she cranks out? Here's how: Scroll through the reviewer's profile on Amazon.com. Criteria 1-4 above being met, check to see if there's a mix of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5-Star reviews. Pages and pages of 5-Star reviews are to be taken with a grain of salt.

So, what about you, readers? How do you determine if a review is worth your consideration? What rings your alarm bells?

-- Janet

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A Snowland Emperor Plays the Fool

From Punch, 1854.

Are Christianity and Tarot Incompatible?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: I've come across quite a few Christians who say that "Tarot is against their beliefs". When pressed, they usually can't say why. Or, they'll default to what their minister told them: Tarot cards are evil. The devil's work. Witchcraft. 

5 of Coins from the Snowland Deck

Well, unless you also consider Joseph the Dreamer, the Old Testament High Priests and the disciples themselves devil's spawn...you might want to read on.

I consider doing intuitive readings as a part of the prophetic gifting that is mentioned in the Old and New Testament of the Bible, which is often known as word of wisdom, word of knowledge, and prophecy. The New Testament lists the office of Prophet as one of the 5 fold ministry gifts given to the church for "the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:11-12).

In the Old Testament, the priests used what is called Urim and Thummim. In the Hebrew, Urim means "light", and Thummim means "perfection; completeness; innocence". Some translators believe the words mean "revelation and truth" or "lights and perfections." It was an oracle used by the priesthood, and was known among the prophets among all Semitic nations. The Urim and Thummim were located in the vicinity of the sacred breastplate (known as the "breast plate of decision" or "breast plate of judgment") of the priests. It is not known whether the 12 stones that represented the 12 tribes of Israel "lit up" when a question was asked, or whether it was sacred dice carried in a pouch near the breastplate that answered yes or no questions as a form of lot casting. 

 

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: "Through their (Urim and Thummim) use, the nature of which is a matter of conjecture, the divine will was sought in national crises, and apparently the future foretold, guilt or innocence established, and, according to one theory, land divided."

 

In Numbers 27:21, Joshua was going to go before Eleazar to find out what the Urim predicted: "Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD. At his command they shall go out and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation."

 

It appears that Joshua also used this tool when deciding a matter concerning Achan in Joshua 7:14: "In the morning then you shall come near by your tribes. And it shall be that the tribe which the LORD takes by lot shall come near by families, and the family which the LORD takes shall come near by households, and the household which the LORD takes shall come near man by man."

 

It is interesting to note that the High Priest would have a rope tied around his ankle when he made his yearly trip inside the Holy of Holies in case he was struck dead by being "impure". If divination and the use of the Urim and Thummim were so "evil", why did God speak through that tool? And, more importantly, how did the Priests who used this divination tool end up alive and well?

 

The Prophet Samuel apparently used the Urim and Thummim to choose the next King of Israel: "Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot." (I Samuel 10:20). It is believed that David used the Urim and Thummim frequently during his wanderings (I Samuel 23). There are many additional references to lots in the Old Testament. 

 

In II Samuel 5: 23-25, King David asks God about an upcoming battle with the Philistines. God answers: “‘And it shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, then you shall advance quickly. For then the Lord will go out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.' And David did so, as the Lord commanded him; and he drove back the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer." David is engaging in a form of divination known as Botanomancy, which is receiving answers through plant life. Some theologians speculate that David was listening for angelic marching, a sign that the angels were going before the Israelites in battle. 

 

Image Courtesy The Brick Testament

The practice of casting lots was also used in the New Testament when the disciples were deciding a replacement for Judas--either Barsabas Justus or Matthias. Acts 1:24-26 says "And they prayed and said, 'You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.' And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles."

 

I find it fascinating that Jesus' disciples chose to cast lots for finding the replacement for Judas who hanged himself after betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. I mean, Jesus was just with them, showing them miracles, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide them...and yet they cast lots to replace one of the 12 original disciples? The equivalent for flipping a coin? Why couldn't they hear from God without the aid of a physical tool? Was it for their benefit...or the benefit of others? These are interesting questions to ponder. 

 

Ironically, some individuals--especially Christians--open up the Bible randomly, eyes closed, and then point at a line or passage, believing that God will speak to them from the first verse/chapter/book that they see. Guess what? This is known as Bibliomancy, a form of divination that uses sacred texts.

 

The Hierophant from the Snowland Tarot

As far as role of a Prophet...well, this calling can manifest a little oddly anyway. Perhaps this is why many prophets have live in "caves" just like in the Old Testament, or hang around their own in a "School of Prophets". Prophets like Jeremiah, for example, were directed to do unusual, symbolic acts that prophesied future occurrences. Unfortunately, most prophets were not, and are not, welcomed, especially among religious groups and establishments. (These ones are usually who Prophets are called to, anyway.) Jeremiah himself was excluded from the Temple, scourged, mistreated, and put into stocks by a Priest named Pashur. 

 

In the New Testament, Hebrews 11:32; 36-38 speaks about the experiences of the OT Prophets: "And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets...and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground."

 

Some people also ask about "other spirits" and how do you know if you're hearing "right"? Well, you don't. This is why you "test the spirits to see if they are of God", as the Bible says. When you read a book, receive a "word", listen to a teacher, or even pray, you may receive information. Whether you listen to it and ponder it is up to you. Peace is the greatest umpire, I've found.

 

However, it can be tempting to reject something you don't understand, especially if information comes in a package you're not used to or challenges you in some way. We all have a choice whether to "have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying", to weigh whether something sits right with us or not, to listen and act upon what we hear, or to close ourselves off to Guidance if it doesn't meet our criteria or if it offends our beliefs. It's all comes down to choice and faith, and where we are at in our individual path. 

 

As far as the "evil" question, theologians and philosophers have debated evil for many years. It is interesting to note, however, that Jesus was accused by the religious leaders and Pharisees of having a devil, being possessed, and committing blasphemy because of His words, actions, and miracles. They even killed Him for it. The leaders were convinced that Jesus and his revolutionary teachings and gifts were "evil", especially when compared against their tradition, doctrine, and teachings. It gives one pause to wonder just what those leaders were so afraid of, anyway...

 

In conclusion, Tarot is nothing but a set of 78 pieces of paper. With people on them. And, sometimes, furry animals, Gummi Bears, snowmen, fairies and angels. Heck, even Jesus makes an appearance in many decks.

 

Tarot is what you make it. It's the individual user that makes a tool "sacred" or "profane"...not the cards themselves. And, as I've clearly shown through Biblical texts, Judaism and Christianity is rife with divination and divinatory methods. Thus, Tarot--or any other divinatory tool--is NOT incompatible with Christianity. 

-- Janet

A Snowland Sun

From Punch, 1905.

Don’t Whore Your Baby (Or, How NOT to Launch a Book or Deck)

You’ve worked hard on your book or deck, lovingly dedicating yourself to your craft, your creation, your…baby.

Like a proud Mom or Pop, you want to show off your newborn to the world.

Isn’t she pretty?

Doesn’t he have Daddy’s chin?

Isn’t she the most adorable thing ever?

Thing is, books and decks aren’t babies…they’re products.

While the rare artist creates just for the sake of creating, most make art because they want to delight, entertain, inform, encourage and heal others.

This means most artists want, and need, an audience.

Otherwise, they’d be content to paint pictures, push pixels or massage words in obscurity.

Oh, and there’s this thing about paying the rent and eating at least one meal every 24 hours…

And maybe, just maybe, acquiring the ability to actually make a living at one’s art or—dare we dream—even become financially comfortable one day?

This takes coin. Serious coin.

In this day, even traditionally published authors need to promote their work as much as their indie brethren.

So, inspired by their colleagues who make it look oh-so-easy, these proud parents hop on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn—hoping to connect their progeny to a buying welcoming world…expecting perfect strangers (or even past fans) to lavish it with praise and PayPal transactions.

A week goes by. Then two. Then a month.

Why hasn’t the world fêted my newborn with the cyber-equivalent of a baby shower, replete with Twitter RTs rattles, FB shares stuffed bears and Amazon purchases tender congratulations wrapped around a financial gift?, the creative mother quietly asks herself.

Photo Courtesy Frank Selmo via WANA Commons

The new parent becomes nervous. The world isn’t jumping on the “my kid is great” bandwagon.

Weeks go by.

Hell, they haven’t even helped with the baby announcements!

Staring at the computer monitor, heartbeat caroming the ribcage like butterflies hepped up on coke, the parent cries Where are my friends? My family? My supportive colleagues?

The parent begins Googling the baby, hoping to find a book blogger’s mention an announcement in the local newspaper or an Amazon review old-fashioned card of congratulations delivered snail-mail.

Nothing.

Desperation ensues, and a thick miasma of mixed feelings descends on the once-thrilled mama artist.

And the social media whoring begins.

Buy my book!

 Sample an excerpt!

 Follow me and I’ll follow you!

Please RT!!!!!

Now free on Kindle! Three days only! Don’t MISS IT!

See my new painting! Here’s a coupon code worth 10% off!

My new book on Smashwords! It's a cross between Stephen King and Nora Roberts!

Suddenly, internet acquaintances are bombarded with these kinds of anxious posts birth announcements from you…the frantic proud parent.

Facebook groups that you’ve not posted to for a year or more suddenly see chirpy greetings from you, complete with a link to your product page baby photos. Colleagues that you have ignored when they launched a new Tarot deck birthed new babies get surprise messages.

Radio silence for months—even years—and BOOM, you and your “baby” are everywhere.

Some are happy to see you. Others wonder where you’ve been.

Colleagues who could have really used your encouragement and support when they were trying to get pregnant—eventually getting that baby baking in the oven and finding themselves in their own new-parent boat—begin to resent your sudden chumminess.

They see what you’re doing.

You’re using them. And, sometimes, their groups.

And whoring your baby, to boot.

People begin to feel icky around you and about you. You’ve not engaged with these acquaintances and former colleagues for months and months. You’ve not been there when a Dad has died, a pet was lost or a child has graduated High School.

Nor were you cybernetically “there” for the minor celebrations, defeats or goofy fun.

You were nowhere in sight during Facebook “dance parties” when we gathered to post our favorite YouTube videos—chatting a running commentary on times past.

No replies or “likes” for the funny posted cartoons, the aired angst of a working creative or the new coffee creamer that’s to die for.

In short, you don’t really care about relationships. At least, it doesn’t look that way.

Because if you did, you’d be there for all the “little things” (or, at least, one little “thing” a week)...as opposed to, you know, only showing your face when you want something have a baby announcement.

Let me be clear: it’s about relationships.

These days, content may still be King…but relationships are Queen. You are no Queen if you forget or dismiss the “social” in Social Media.

Given two equally lovely Tarot decks, informative books or helpful services, consumers will likely support the artist/author/maven who has been engaged with them for the long haul. Who chatted them up in the wee hours even when no product was being launched. Who cared enough to answer a FB post, Tweet or email. Who provided helpful information, reviews or advice when they were trying to get “pregnant”.

But, you may be whining saying, I don’t have time to do that! I’m busy creating!

Bullshit.

Look, I write traditionally published books and eBooks. I own four blogs, and write for a fifth. I conduct Tarot webinars and radio interviews. I’m a professional Tarot reader for a worldwide clientele. I'm an Amazon.com Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer. I’m co-creating the Snowland Deck, and forming a cottage industry around it (including designing jewelry, picking out fabrics, procuring crystals). I am my own webmaster (always have been), and handle all my personal correspondences, bookings and social media.

This, on top of owning a 12-room house to take care of with my husband, domestic duties and homeschooling our almost-14-year-old…not factoring in other “life issues” like losing my Dad in March, illness and dealing with a terrorizing neighbor who’s out on bail for attempted murder (thankfully, not mine!).

So don’t tell me you don’t have “time” to make connections, foster friendships and remain engaged with your potential fan base…even for only a few minutes a day.

If you have time to smoke a cigarette, watch reality TV for hours on end or drink a cup of coffee, you have time to interact with people online.

Simple as that.

Don’t think you can ignore people for months (or years) and expect them to throw a full-on party for your newest creative baby.

We don’t live in that kind of internet world. 

-- Janet

Christmas Eve in the Woods

From Puck, 1906.

Talking Tarot, My Books, Creative Writing and More on the ISIS Paranormal Radio Show

I just got done doing what I think is my best interview ever on the ISIS Paranormal Radio show.

A miracle, really, since host Dayna Winters had to call me 4 minutes before show time (got lost in a freakin' brain fog and lost track of time!). However, the caffeine starts kicking in about the last 15 minutes of the show, so listen for me sounding like a chipmunk on coke. *wince*

On the show, I talk about:

• Stephen King
• Tarots Gaian, Zombies, Hezicos, Bright Idea, Halloween and more
• How to read reversals and why you CAN do it
• Connecting Tarot cards to pop culture
• Using Tarot for creative writing
• How I spend my free time (what the hell is that?!)
• The next card for our Snowland Deck (haven't even mentioned it on our Facebook page yet!)
• More outrageous Janet-ness

OK, I wasn't exactly outrageous (this time). Well, maybe I was when I said that I crack up about what I wrote on the Death card in Tarot in Reverse...and proceeded to read about Botoxing. Ha!

Yes, as you can see, I'm still high on coffee! (On my 3rd cup. Yelp.)

Alrighty, so, hit play below and enjoy. ::waves::

 -- Janet, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of  Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Deck

Persona Non Grata at Aeclectic Tarot Forums

I was just over at Le Fanu's wonderful blog, perusing comments about his review of my Tarot in Reverse.

I was surprised to read this conversation in the comments section:

Carla: Thanks for this review, Le Fanu. I have been one of the vocal ‘I just know when to read reversed meanings’ folks on AT, but lately, I’ve been thinking about using reversals. Even though an upside down card image really deeply offends my sensibilities!  I was thinking I might get around that by having little tumbled stones on hand, and when a card comes up reversed, turn it upright but set the stone on it to remind me it has the reversed meaning. I have been hesitant to buy a book on reversals, but your review makes this one sound appealing. (Mary K Greer’s books are fine, but I’d like to read someone else for a change!) Right, off I go to order it, then!

About 5 hours later, Carla then posts: So can someone tell me why Janet Boyer is persona non grata at AT? I just started a thread there and received a PM saying threads about her had been removed. What??

Chiriku theorized: Carla, I have wondered if it had something to do with a feud she had a few years back with Nigel Jackson (the creator of the eponymous tarot as well as the Rumi and Fortuna’s Wheel tarots, and a practitioner/initiate of the Western Mystery tradition). Unless there were other feuds about which I don’t know, this one centered over her negative review of the Rumi Tarot and then his over-spirited response to her. I don’t know if this played out on AT as well; that’s just my guess. Too bad because I like her down-to-earth and detailed reviews, even if they often disagree with my own tastes and desires in decks. And I liked her book Back in Time Tarot.

Here's my reply: For some unknown reason (and I’m serious about that), Solandia banned me from AT Forums about 6 years ago (this, while she still continued to use my reviews on AT!). I then asked her to take down all my reviews, as well as the dozens of card scans I provided to her for decks she didn’t have images for.

All I know is that I take days at a time offline. One day, about 6 years ago, I saw about three DM’s from Mods at AT. When I went to go to AT to see what they were…I found that I was entirely locked out. Solandia refused to tell me why when I asked her politely several times. To this day, I have no idea why. I was never involved in anything remotely controversial the short time I was there (Nigel Jackson’s attacks on me were there on AT and via Amazon.com…but I believe I was banned even BEFORE that, because I don’t recall engaging him directly there at all).

No only does Solandia and her censoring moderators (especially “Alta”) remove any MENTION of Tarot in Reverse on AT…she also deletes any thread mentioning my Snowland Tarot deck (that  is 75% completed). http://SnowlandTarot.com In fact, I made a post about censorship at AT back in Feb. on my blog:http://janetboyer.typepad.com/blog/2012/02/aeclectic-tarot-forums-censorship-world-tarot-day.html

Bizarrely, no one has stood up publicly (other than myself) to ask Solandia/AT why this kind of censorship is being practiced…while any fly-by-nighter can get massive mention and exposure just by including “Tarot” in their blog, eBook, video or self-made deck.

I’d be lying to say that it hasn’t hurt sales of my book that she stamps out any mention of my work, especially since we just opened pre-orders for our Majors-only deck: http://www.janetboyer.com/SnowlandDeckMajorsOrder.html

It’s one thing to say for her to say she doesn’t want me in her Forums for who knows what reason…but quite another to censor people even mentioning/discussing my work…especially for a site (supposedly) dedicated to the “exploration” of Tarot.

I mean, it's one thing to hate me. I'm cool with that, and God knows I have dozens of small-minded haters in the Tarot community for that one short story I sold via Amazon last November which I offered a sincere apology (an apology, by the way, that people like Lisa Frideborg Lloyd aka "Tarotize"and "Love Dove Tarot" openly mocked and called a "Fauxpology").

But does the Tarot community seriously condone censorship--even of a Tarot author, blogger, reader and deck creator that they hate? I'm serious about this, and I'd like to hear your thoughts (if you have the courage). I thought most Tarot people--even the vocal petty, neurotic and insecure ones--were all for free speech...especially since Tarot enthusiasts tend to be marginalized by the majority. 

You mean to tell me that, even if you hate me, you think it's OK for a Tarot Forum that will include any and all mention of Tarot minutia in its threads to prevent people from even mentioning my works...let alone discuss them in any manner they wish (including criticism)?

I'm not asking you to like me or my work; hate me all you want. But do you condone outright censorship (which is what this is)? What if this was your book? Your blog? Your deck? Or, your best friend's or favorite Tarot author? Would that be OK?

Or is it that you're more than pleased with others censoring the mention of work of those you loathe...to the point of Schadenfreude? (Again, I'm not talking about my presence on the AT Forums--could care less that I'm not wanted there--I'm talking about preventing individuals from even mentioning my books, blogs, deck and so on so that others may discuss them). 

So, who has the courage to share their thoughts? To actually post this blog somewhere and invite discussion about it? That will maybe start a small movement saying, "Hey, our kind has been marginalized and censored for aeons. We do NOT condone it when it happens to one of our own" (even if you happen to hate a particular member)?

Or will you all stay silent as  you have for months?

 -- Janet

A Snowland Chariot

The caption reads, "It isn't the horse; it's the trimmings."  From Puck, 1884.

The North Pole as a Death Card

The treacherous search for the North Pole left many victims.  This call for the end of needless exploration appeared in Puck, 1884.

Snowland Deck Life Themes Edition Available for Pre-Order

Ron and I are thrilled to present the Life Themes Edition of our Snowland Deck!

You can read all about this special edition (and all the extra goodies), as well as pre-order your very own Snowland Deck, on our website.

And check out this Snowland Deck video I made earlier, too! 

-- Janet, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of  Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Deck

Snowland Deck Life Themes Edition Available for Pre-Order

Ron and I are thrilled to present the Life Themes Edition of our Snowland Deck!

You can read all about this special edition (and all the extra goodies), as well as pre-order your very own Snowland Deck, on our website.

And check out this Snowland Deck video I made earlier, too! 

-- Janet, Amazon Hall of Fame/Vine Reviewer, author of  Back in Time Tarot, Tarot in Reverse and the Snowland Deck

Father Christmas "At Sea in His Own Bowl"

This Ace of Cups is from Punch, 1889.

A Dinky Rink

No patch of ice is too small for a skating enthusiast.  From Punch, 1889.

The Spirit of Elevation

Here's the snowcapped Spirit of Elevation, and his shoe shiner. (?)  From Punch, 1880.

Learn Tarot with the Snowland Deck at Jim Harold's Paranormal Plus Class!

Teaching (The Hierophant) from the Snowland Tarot

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be teaching the Tarot in an entertaining, interactive webinar via Jim Harold's Paranormal Plus Club!

The first of four classes begins Monday, August 13, 2012 at 10 PM EST. Lasting one hour, this live class will be using our brand new Snowland Deck as reference as we cover the 22 Life Theme cards of the Tarot, also known as the Major Arcana.

Students will be receiving several exclusive handouts, and are encouraged to ask questions via text and audio during the class. 

Here's the schedule for the additional Tarot classes:

September 17, 2012 10 PM EST - Energy (Fire/Wands) and Mental (Air/Swords) Suits

October 15, 2012 10 PM EST - Emoting (Water/Cups) and Material (Earth/Coins) Suits

November 12, 2012 10 PM EST - Approach (Court) Cards

 For more information on how you can sign up for my exclusive Tarot class through Jim Harold's Paranormal Plus Club, visit JimHarold.net. (P.S. It's only $7.95 a month!) To become familiar with the first 22 cards that will cover, visit SnowlandDeck.com. 

Hope to see you Monday!

-- Janet

Ascending a Snowy Summit

This homegrown Alpine Club appears in Punch, 1874.