Search Results for: crystal visions

My 5 Favorite Tarot Decks (that I actually USE!)

22 Comments / August 2017 / /

As someone who has a Tarot deck collecting problem, I have tons and tons of decks. And because I have so many, I can’t possibly use them all equally.

So I have my go-to, trusted decks that I work with on a regular basis, then I have the ones that I bust out every now and then, while all the rest basically sit on my bookshelf collecting dust.

I revealed my top 10 Tarot decks two years ago and as I read back over it I see that nothings changed – those are still my top 10 decks. Although I did acquire two more (the Heart and Hands Tarot by Liz Blackbird and the Everyday Witch Tarot by Deborah Blake) that I would like to add to that list.

So this got me thinking….what makes a Tarot deck a go-to deck?  What makes me want to use a deck repeatedly, over a long period of time, as opposed to a deck that gets used only occasionally or not at all?

The decks that are just collecting dust on my bookshelf are all wonderful decks with fantastic art and in some ways are much nicer looking than my go-to decks. So it’s not a simple matter of aesthetics.

I’ve rounded up the 5 Tarot decks that I use most often and tried to find some common threads. First I’ll share my top 5 most used decks and then I’ll explore what they all have in common…

Dame Darcy’s Mermaid Tarot

dame darcy mermaid tarot

This deck has been a solid favorite of mine since I got it three or four years ago.

I like how it follows the Rider Waite imagery enough to make it familiar, but is still quirky enough to be interesting. And of course I LOVE the mermaid theme!

There was some controversy over this deck using “recycled” art from the Tarot of the Mermaids, a deck I also own.

While it cannot be denied that there are quite a few extremely similar cards in this deck, I just can’t muster the energy to get my knickers in a twist over it. This is probably because I love the Dame Darcy deck so much that I’m like a mother of a serial killer – I’m blind to any possible flaws.

Hezicos Tarot (by Mary Griffin)

hezicos tarot

I didn’t expect to love this deck as much as I have. I was initially drawn to it’s cheery color scheme and the weird little creatures that populate the deck, but I figured this would end up being just another cool deck in my collection.

However, the interesting details in the art drew me in and helped me get a new understanding of each card.

This deck’s characters are easy to converse with (if talking to figures in Tarot cards is your thing) and each card seems to pull you in and force you to contemplate things in a new way. In fact, every time I read with this deck I feel like I’m being taken on a journey of sorts. Thus, it’s one I come back to again and again.

Apart from the court cards, which can be tricky as f*ck to read, this is a reliably easy deck to use.

Crystal Visions Tarot

crystal visions tarot

I was first drawn to the Crystal Visions Tarot by Jennifer Galasso because I loved the pretty and colorful artwork, which is no different than asking someone out simply because they’re hot.

But despite this decks pretty, ethereal vibe, it has a surprising amount of depth. Kind of like finding out that hot surfer guy with the ripped abs and delicious tan is also good at conversation! Yum!

This deck follows the Rider Waite format, which gives it a classic feel and makes it easy to read with, but unlike the Rider Waite deck, it makes me feel insanely happy and optimistic whenever I work with it!

I ended up trimming off the annoying white borders because they totally pissed me off. This deck is 100% improved without the borders in my opinion.

Heart & Hands Tarot

heart and hands tarot

This is a black and white Tarot deck created by Liz Blackbird, featuring totally rockin’ pen and ink drawings.

Again, this was one of those decks that surprised me in just how much I liked it – kind of like going out with an artsy hipster guy only because you’re bored and have nothing better to do on a Friday night, but then discovering that not only is he fascinating and unexpectedly sensual, but he just might be The One.

I wondered at first if I was going to love or hate the absence of color. Well, I ended up loving it. Sometimes a plethora of hues can clutter the mind as if to say “hey look at me!” while these black and white cards leave me space to explore while avoiding distraction.

Universal Waite Tarot

universal waite tarot

This deck is a winner! It’s a re-colored version of the classic Rider Waite deck and it’s a deck I come back to again and again.

Like a well worn pair of underwear, what it lacks in excitement and sexiness, it makes up for in comfort.

This isn’t my favorite deck by any means, but it’s one I use time and again. I like using it for readings because:

  1. People are familiar with it
  2. It’s just a very easy, simple deck to read with and…
  3. It has a timeless appeal – I never really get bored of this deck

 

What all these decks have in common:

Okay, so I tried to find some common threads, but I was pitifully unsuccessful.

I was going to say that none of these decks are themed decks, but the Dame Darcy deck is a mermaid deck and the Heart & Hands has a black and white theme, so there goes that theory.

I was also going to say that none of these decks are busy, but the Heart & Hands Tarot is kind of reminiscent of Zentangles, so there goes that theory!

The only real common thread I could find was that these decks all stick to the Rider Waite theme. But big deal. That says nothing.

The conclusion I’ve come to is that it’s not the decks….. it’s me.

My 5 fave decks appeal to me for different reasons and the fact that I use them more than some of my other, equally wonderful decks, probably just comes down to my personality. Which is why you’re go-to decks are probably different from mine.

And in that sense, I think the decks you use the most probably say something about you – your personality, your likes, dislikes, subconscious desires, etc…

So now I’m dying to know: what are your most-used, go-to Tarot decks? Tell me in the comments below 🙂

My 5 Favorite Tarot Decks (that I actually USE!) Read More »

The Most Important Step in Learning Tarot

23 Comments / August 2017, Tarot Tips / /

What do you think is the most important step in learning how to read Tarot cards? Do you think it’s…

a) Learning the Tarot card meanings?

b) Getting the right deck and book?

c) Opening to your intuition?

In my own humble opinion, it’s NONE of these things. I strongly feel that the most important step in learning how to read Tarot cards is this…

Spending time just looking at your deck and familiarizing yourself with your cards.

The funny thing is, this important step often gets overlooked because Tarot newbies are in such a rush to start learning the meanings and doing readings.

But I’ll say it again – the most important thing you can do when you first get your Tarot deck is to just sit there and go through the deck, taking your time to observe each card.

Why is this so important?

Spending time getting to know your cards lets you get a big picture view of your Tarot deck. It also helps you connect with your deck and feel like your Tarot cards are a familiar thing.

Getting your first Tarot deck can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, but spending time just observing the cards helps you get more comfortable with them.

Most people want to dive into learning the Tarot meanings first. I get it. I was like this too. But that’s like going on a first date with someone you’ve just met and expecting them to spill all their secrets right off the bat.

Trust needs to be built before secrets can be revealed, whether it’s a relationship with a person or a Tarot deck.

Try this!

Choose your most and least favorite Tarot cards:

The Housewives Tarot

1. As you go through your Tarot deck, notice what cards strongly appeal to you and set those aside. You’ll also want to set aside the cards you really dislike.

2. Go through your “Likes” pile and choose the card you like the most and do the same thing with your “Dislikes” pile, picking the one you dislike the most.

3. Compare and contrast your favorite Tarot card to your least favorite. How are they different? How are they similar?

4. Find out what your favorite Tarot card says about you and what your least favorite Tarot card says about you!

 

Group your Tarot cards into 5 suits:

1. Separate your Tarot cards into 5 groups – Majors, Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.

2. Spend time looking at each group and comparing and contrasting each group. You will notice that each group has a particular feel and perhaps even it’s own color scheme. What symbols re-appear in the Suit of Wands? What symbols re-appear in the Swords, etc?

3. What suit do you relate most strongly to? Here’s a fun quiz to get you started!

 

Group your Tarot cards by number:

Leave the Major Arcana out for this one and group the Minors according to their number. Look at each grouping and notice the similarities and differences in the imagery. Do particular numbers seem kind of crappy? Do some seem really happy?

All the 2’s from the Everyday Witch Tarot

 

Look at all the Court Cards:

Crystal Visions Tarot

1. Group all the Kings together, all the Queens, etc, until you have four groups of four.

2. What kind of a vibe do you get when you look at the Kings? How about when you gaze on the Queens? Knights? Pages?

3. Do any particular Court Cards stand out to you? Which ones and why?

Court cards can be tricky! When you’re ready to go deeper, here’s some helpful exercises:

Why the Court cards are so hard to read (and what you can do about it)

Court Cards: Learn the Once and for ALL!

Well, that should give you enough to work with for the next year 😉 so I’ll leave you to it!

But first, I want to know…

What has been the most important step in learning Tarot for YOU? Tell me all about it in the comments below!

The Most Important Step in Learning Tarot Read More »

Veronica needs you!

17 Comments / June 2017, Veronica Noir / /

Veronica Noir is my evil Tarot reading twin. Man-eater by night, day drinker by day, Tarot reader on Fridays. She’s hear to ejaculate some spice and deviousness into your life!

the devil tarot card
Crystal Visions Tarot

I’m going to be straight up with you. I’m burnt out. I’m exhausted. I’m all out of bitchy things to say.

Today I drew a card and all I could think was I need a fucking nap.

So I’m going to turn it over to you, Tarot reading star!

When you look at The Devil, what do you see? What advice do you have for me…and for anyone else reading this post?

Please share your advice in the comments below!

Veronica needs you! Read More »

Be Reckless Today!

2 Comments / June 2017, Veronica Noir / /

veronica 2

Veronica is my evil, Tarot reading twin. When she’s not writing for this blog, she’s out boozing and cruising for sweet young things and tapping out smut on her laptop! Oh, and she doesn’t give two shits about spelling things correctly, so don’t go emailing her about how she shouldn’t start a sentence with “and” or “but”….

knight of pents

Crystal Visions Tarot

The Knight of Pentacles is an incredibly practical man. He thinks things through.

But he’s also a boring, constipated, stuffed shirt who has no idea how to enjoy himself or move forward with his life.

The message he brings you is this….

“How are you being overly cautious in your life?”

There is nothing wrong with taking your time to think things through.

But overly planning things and being extra careful only work if we’re talking about birth control. Otherwise, it just sucks the magic out of daily life!

And here’s the thing – you were born naturally spontaneous and trusting in life. But then jerkoffs like your parents and evil robot school teachers instilled doubt in you by saying stuff like “without math 12 you will go nowhere!” and “you need to start saving for retirement now if you want to retire by age 80.”

Suddenly the world is a terrifying and cruel place, designed to break you and cause you misery.

Now I got off on a tangent…but what I want to tell you is that’s crap – pure and simple. The world is full of wonderful things – just think how many shrimp cocktails, cute boys and kitten videos exist right now.

I know, right?!

Be Reckless Today! Read More »

4 Secrets to Being a Fabulous Tarot Reader (Part 2)

1 Comment / March 2017, Tarot Tips / /

In last weeks post, we covered intuition and connecting with your Tarot deck as ways to enhance the quality of your Tarot readings.

So now it’s time to dive a little deeper and tackle context and connecting the cards in a reading!

Secret #3: Understand that each Tarot Card has many facets and it’s meaning and message will change with it’s environment (context).

A fabulous Tarot reader knows that the cards – like people – are multidimensional.

This throws a lot of readers off because let’s face it, most of us would prefer the Tarot cards had specific, clear definitions so we could know exactly what they meant.

The fact that the Tarot card meanings are actually quite fluid can be frustrating – kind of like dating a flaky emo-guy who constantly changes his mind about how he feels about you.

Page of Cups from the Anna K Tarot – he’s not just a pretty face!

A Tarot card’s meaning is effected by the surrounding cards, the question/issue being asked about, the position in the spread and of course the readers intuition.

But don’t think about all that! – it will only confuse you and twist your brain into a frustrated Tarot mindfuck. So here’s what you do…

Instead of seeing the Tarot card meanings as things that need to be defined and memorized, see your cards as beings.

It’s a tad creepy, but stay with me…

Get a feel for each card’s essence, vibe and energy – this isn’t the same as it’s meaning.

It’s like when you meet someone new at a party: you learn their occupation (plumber) and relationship status (married five years!) which actually tells you very little about who they are. But you also get a sense of their energy/vibe, based on how you feel when you’re in their presence, which gives you more helpful information about what kind of a person they are.

When you get a sense of a Tarot card’s essence and see it as a multi-faceted being, you will have an easier time deciphering it’s message when it shows up in a variety of readings and spread positions.

Okay, I want you to look through your Tarot deck and pick out The Sun.

Dame Darcy Tarot

Got it? Now look at it. Feel into it. Get a sense of it’s energy, it’s vibe, what it’s all about.

Now, I want you to ask “what is the next step for me?” and look at The Sun. What is it telling you?

Ask “What do I need to do to improve my overall vitality and energy?”….now what does it say?

Ask “What do I need to let go of?” and see what it tells you.

Ask “how can I improve my relationships?” and see what it says.

How did it go? Did you get wildly different answers for each question? Did you get some new ideas and insights?

Secret #4: See the Connections between Tarot Cards in a Spread

One of the biggest gripes I hear from my audience is that they have no problem reading a Tarot card on its own, but when it comes to doing a big Tarot spread, they find it hard to link the cards together to weave a “big picture” and tell a story.

Telling a story with the cards is an art form. But it’s a skill that can be learned!

When you make connections between the cards in a reading, it can feel like you are translating a thrilling letter or solving a mystery message that’s just for you.

Think of a Tarot reading (or Tarot spread) as being like a letter. Each Tarot card is like a sentence in that letter. Each sentence means something, but all the sentences together give you a deeper, more meaningful message.

Look at the 3 cards below and see each card as being a sentence in a letter…

Crystal Visions Tarot

What does this letter say to you? Don’t think too hard about this, just go with it – make something up!

I read these 3 cards as saying you are in creative mode right now (The Empress) but you need to make sure you stay focused and intentional about what you intend to create (The Magician) so that you create something that is emotionally fulfilling and the start of something special (Ace of Cups).

Of course, there are probably a million different ways to read these cards, that is just one possibility!

4 Secrets to Being a Fabulous Tarot Reader (Part 2) Read More »

10 Tarot Reading Must Haves (that every Tarot reader needs!!!)

10 Comments / November 2016, Tarot Tips / /

Let’s talk TAROT ACCESSORIES!

We all know that intuition, Tarot knowledge and intention are all important in a Tarot reading, but what about PROPS?

While the right sunglasses, lip gloss and boots make you feel like a hot little number, the right mix of Tarot accessories can make your feel like an intuitive minx!

And yes, for all you Tarotholics out there, this is kind of just an excuse to buy more stuff 😉 You’ve been warned.

First up, here’s a quick pic of my Tarot stash – some of my favorite mystical accoutrements that make my Tarot time delicious….

tarot-must-haves

And secondly, here’s the video version of this post, in case you prefer watching to reading….

Let’s break it down!

1. A favorite, go-to Tarot deck

This one kind of goes without saying. Whether you own one Tarot deck or fifty, every Tarot reader needs a go-to deck – a deck that’s always used for really important readings, a deck that feels like home.

If you’re new to Tarot it might take you a little while to find this deck, but don’t despair! The right deck will find you eventually.

For me, my go-to deck is the Dame Darcy Mermaid Tarot, but sometimes it’s the Crystal Visions Tarot. Depending on my mood, I guess!

2. Black candles….so dramatic!

I don’t always use black candles when I do a reading. In fact, I seldom do. But when I do…oh my god! It’s amazing. But then again, I have a thing with black – 80% of my wardrobe is black, my cat’s black, my undies are black….you get the idea.

I recently found a huge box of black taper candles that I got at Ikea ten years ago and forgot about. And guess what? They AREN’T dripless!!! Woohoo! Now all I need is a stuffed crow and a human skull and I’m all set. Just kidding 😉

candles-and-cat
Merlina….getting all up in my business!

3. A Mystical Cat

Most cats will add to your Tarot reading by strutting across your layout and flopping down right on the cards, like they own the place. My cat likes to chew the corners of my cards…she’s so bad!

But sometimes she sits quietly and watches me do my reading or just sleeps on the table next to my cards and it’s just so nice. It adds a magical, loving energy to my readings 🙂 I feel like a real witch with her familiar!

4. Mood altering music

music

Music has the power to seduce and there’s nothing like a little new age music to get me in the mood for Tarot reading.

I love anything by Stephen Halpern, Aeoliah and Herb Ernst.

The right music helps you relax and drift into that intuitive mindset that is essential for a great reading.

5. Incense….to create that opium den feel

There’s something about a smoky, incense filled room that feels so mysterious, spiritual and….deliciously forbidden.

An otherworldly vibe is created when an incense stick gets lit, which is why I’ve been hopelessly addicted to incense ever since I was a teenager and my mom used to yell “that crap’s giving me a headache!” Shut up, mom.

incense

My favorite incense is Nag Champa and I like the cheap stuff that you find almost everywhere (the one in the blue box). It’s super strong but it hits the spot.

I also like Shoyeido japanese incense, which is much lighter and perhaps a bit more sophisticated. And if you want to splurge, then Ramakrishnananda Hand Rolled Incense is the Cadillac of incense, in my opinion! I save that one for special occasions.

6. Tea (in a fancy lady teacup)

Like incense, a cup of hot, good quality tea has the power to transport you to another dimension. Especially if you spike it with something 😉

But seriously…pouring a cup of tea before a Tarot reading is such a ritual for me, I rarely read Tarot without it! Organic Looseleaf Assam tea from India is my favorite, but if I’m feeling lazy (which is often), I just use bags.

Tea tastes way better if it’s in a fancy china cup. No clunky, honky tonk mugs for me!

tea-and-chocolate

7. Chocolate….the good stuff!

I ate several mini Coffeecrisp bars last night (leftover Halloween candy) and you know what? They totally sucked! They were stale, waxy and soul-less. If I’m going to eat something that’s bad for me I want it to be fucking awesome, not mediocre.

My favorite chocolate brand is Zazubean – it’s possibly the tastiest dark chocolate I’ve ever tried. Normally I don’t love dark chocolate, but this stuff – wow! I don’t know if you can get this brand outside of Canada but Theo chocolate and Cocoa Camino are two close seconds.

Okay, I realize I’m starting to sound like a real snob – the fancy tea cups, the highbrow chocolate. Well, I AM a bit of a snob. Deal with it!

Eating chocolate won’t make you a better Tarot reader, but it adds decadence to your reading experience.

8. Tarot journal and peacock feather pen

feather-pen-and-journal

A journal or notebook of some kind is essential because you need somewhere to record your tarot reading and write down your insights.

You can purchase something cheap and cheerful from the dollar store, or you can buy my very special illustrated Ultimate Tarot Journal – hours of Tarot fun are guaranteed!

As you can see I don’t have a real feather pen – I just scotchtaped a peacock feather to a regular pen. Seems lame until you try it – it will transform regular, boring writing into a hoity toity affair.

Now when I record my Tarot readings, it feels like I am signing some incredibly important declaration!

9. Tarot box (or silk scarf) for storing your Tarot cards

It’s always nice to have a safe place to store your Tarot cards when you’re not using them. I think it shows your deck that you love and respect it.

My dad made me a couple gorgeous boxes for my Tarot cards. I use one just for incense (it’s packed to the tits!) and this one I use for my decks:

tarot-boxSome of my decks I’ve wrapped in a silk scarf and many I’ve just kept in the original boxes just because they are so much easier to find that way!

10. An array of juicy fun e-courses from the Daily Tarot Girl!

If you’re like me, you can get stuck in a Tarot rut – always seeing the cards the same way, using the same spreads, etc. So it’s nice to have a bunch of fun e-courses in your Tarot arsenal to help jazz up your readings and spark up your Tarot life.

My Tarot Shop has a nice selection of Tarot e-courses to choose from:

Learn the Tarot Card Meanings(2)

 Over to you! What are YOUR Tarot must-haves?

Do you have a favorite incense, music or other Tarot prop that helps put you in a mystical mood and add magic to your Tarot readings? I want to know! Tell me all about it in the comments below 🙂

10 Tarot Reading Must Haves (that every Tarot reader needs!!!) Read More »

Tarot Reading…with my kitten!!!

6 Comments / October 2016, Weekly Tarot Forecast Videos / /

My new kitty Merlina decided to join in on this weeks reading and waltz right in front of my camera a couple times. The nerve! In this reading I’m using the Crystal Visions Tarot….

I want to hear from you! What kinds of Tarot topics do you want me to make videos and blog about? What kind of courses would you like to see? Let me know by taking my annual Tarot survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3B932J9

Hugs and kisses in advance!
Kate
The Daily Tarot Girl

Tarot Reading…with my kitten!!! Read More »

The Empress in the Kitchen….the laziest cook ever!

September 2016, Tarot in the Kitchen / /

Tarot

Blending food and Tarot, this blog series takes a look at each Major Arcana and asks the question “what would this card be like in the kitchen and what food would they make?”
The usual Friday’s with Veronica posts will return in October.

Crystal Visions Tarot

The Empress is one laid back lady. She doesn’t fret or fuss, she just lets things unfold as they may while she sits back and enjoys the show.

In the kitchen, she’s low effort all the way. She enjoys the fruit of her fertile garden and prefers raw veggie snacks not because shes a raw foodist but so she doesn’t have to piss around cooking things.

The simpler, the better!

But make no mistake, The Empress isn’t into scrounging or lite snacking. Nourishment is important to her and so everything she makes is deeply satisfying.

Fresh fruit fanned out beautifully, carrots, snap peas, kale, radishes and cucumber, served with a tahini rich hummus and green olives. This is a divine snack that should be enjoyed regularly.

Veggies and Hummus (Empress style)

So I know this sounds boring, but trust me, it’s more lavish than it sounds….

1 can cannellini or butter beans (or any kind of soft, white bean)
splash or two of olive oil1/2 lemon, juiced
1 heaping Tbsp tahini
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 clove garlic, crushed

Serve with carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, green olives, rice crackers, tomatoes and kale or collard leaves. You can dob some on a big kale leaf then fill with olives and cherry tomatoes and roll up to eat it. Fun stuff!

 

The Empress in the Kitchen….the laziest cook ever! Read More »

Is your life constipated?

7 Comments / June 2016, Veronica Noir / /

veronica 2

Veronica is my evil, Tarot reading twin. When she’s not writing for this blog, she’s out boozing and cruising for sweet young things and tapping out smut on her laptop! Oh, and she doesn’t give two shits about spelling things correctly, so don’t go emailing her about how she shouldn’t start a sentence with “and” or “but”….

knight of pents

Crystal Visions Tarot

The Knight of Pentacles is an incredibly practical man. He thinks things through.

But he’s also a boring, constipated, stuffed shirt who has no idea how to enjoy himself or move forward with his life.

The message he brings you is this….

“How are you being overly cautious in your life?”

There is nothing wrong with taking your time to think things through.

But overly planning things and being extra careful only work if we’re talking about birth control. Otherwise, it just sucks the magic out of daily life!

And here’s the thing – you were born naturally spontaneous and trusting in life. But then jerkoffs like your parents and evil robot school teachers instilled doubt in you by saying stuff like “without math 12 you will go nowhere!” and “you need to start saving for retirement now if you want to retire by age 80.”

Suddenly the world is a terrifying and cruel place, designed to break you and cause you misery.

Now I got off on a tangent…but what I want to tell you is that’s crap – pure and simple. The world is full of wonderful things – just think how many shrimp cocktails, cute boys and kitten videos exist right now.

I know, right?!

Is your life constipated? Read More »