Tuning Forks and Touching Tarot Cards

Tuning Forks and Touching Tarot Cards!
Walt and I have been known for our "weekend adventures" (in the past). One weekend, following Rachel Ray's Visiting Orlando and eating for under $40, another visiting Casselberry's nightclub and seeing Macbeth in the nude.
Over the last few years, that slowed to a trickle and last year came to a screeching halt. So many dangers in the forest of our present day lives had led us to seek refuge in our own cocoon, and there (for the most part) we have stayed.
Imagine my surprise, when, twice (within two weeks) we found ourselves venturing to Orlando. Two weeks ago, we were in Orlando to attend a seance with long-time friend Dikki-jo Mullen. This weekend, visiting a brand new Tarot friend, Veronica Jude.
Veronica Jude has a Youtube channel which centers around (but not limited to) modified Tarot decks. It was Veronica (or "V" as she identifies herself on her videos) who inspired me to make a square deck of my (spare) Universal Waite Tarot deck. So this week past, I made an appointment for a reading with Veronica Jude.
To be perfectly transparent, I wanted to ask her how she "made" her own Tarot deck. I wanted an "in-person" look at her 8 of coins modified deck. I wanted to see her do her "Majors on Majors" Tarot spread. Any other insights I received from the experience, (in my estimation) would be finite and...quite frankly...gravy.
But I was surprised twice in as many weekends at the resplendent joy I experienced meeting and receiving a reading from the kinetic , kinesthetic and compassionate Veronica Jude.
After we arrived, she escorted us upstairs to a loft room, dominated with a poker table and bins and stacks of Tarot cards. The walls had much poker-phenalia.
On the poker table (Veronica's husband is a poker enthusiast) were, I think 8 Tarot decks, as well as her Tarot Journal (I KNOW that's her Tarot Journal from her youtube channel videos). After her requisite 100 apologies and explanations about why I was receiving a reading on the poker table in the loft (none was necessary--I've had readings in far less friendly circumstances) I was told where to sit. The poker chip cup where I was to sit was filled with stones, crystals. I found it heart-warming. I was offered a small notebook for note-taking on my reading, and found a pen. LOVED that...and need to fold that into my own reading offerings.
She asked me to choose a deck with which she would conduct my reading.
I chose her (much video'd and slightly notorious) 8 of coins modified Tarot deck.
She explained that this deck had been many places, at the beach, for example. Holding it in my hand was like holding a musket ball from Shiloh. It has been through many (internal battles) and obviously, was well run-in. It was a complete tactile experience, when I riffle-shuffled the deck and heard,(instead of the well-known crisp rhythm of new-ish cards) the thuddy sound of cards dropping into a story of divine destiny.
I was lost in the experience of the feel of the cards, the sounds of the card placement and the purple haze of Veronica Jude's Opus de Tarot.
I was dazzled, not only by her Tarot expertise but her tender insight in the events of my life as she revealed 7 Major Arcana cards in my spread for my reading.
Although I will not reveal the content of the reading, I will say, that in my 36 years in the metaphysical industry, it was one of the best Tarot readings I have received. As Walt and I drove back and were processing our experience, he was telling me of what HE learned from my reading. I was expressing that I (now) understand, when I'm finished with a reading and people say "time went by so fast", as that was my experience with this reading.
Walt described (as the reading commenced) that he realized that we were "two tuning forks" vibrating at the same level. He expressed that she is "very much like you". Touching the cards, stroking the cards, adjusting the cards as she spoke. Making hexagrams with her gestures as she was relating Tarot pairs with other Tarot pairs in the geography of her story.
I found Veronica to be open in the communication of her own struggles, which in many ways, mirrored my own Not the least stingy in the opening of her soul-experiences.
By the time nearing the ending of the reading, she asked if I wanted to use another deck or where we were going with the reading. I think this might have been the time she would (ordinarily) conduct the famed "Majors on Majors" spread that I was eagerly anticipating (on the trip over) and was but a fading memory in the rear view mirror of my minds wants. By this time, I willingly put myself entirely in her hands for the remnant of the reading.
As long-time mentor Stan Marsh (south park) would intone at this point; "I learned something today". Unlike Dr. Phil's damning repetitive gong..."the best predictor of future (behavior) is past behavior". For me, the experience of future experience, is not always past experiences (with Tarot readers...et...all).
I had confirmed that I am (still) not too old to learn something new.
and, if you're willing to be "in tune" ...harmony could be just around the corner.
Until Next time,
eat something wonderful
and live a life worth loving.
_Kim

Seance on A Saturday Night 2018

Séance in June 2018

For (nearly) a year, I've wanted to attend a Séance conducted by my (long-time) friend Dikki-Jo Mullen. I saw on her Facebook Page (I think last October) that she was conducting "Victorian-style Séances" in her home in Orlando, Florida.

We were unable to attend, then. But recently gathered a group for the so-journ into Downtown Orlando for a Séance on a Saturday night.

One of our quartet had attended a Séance in Chesterfield (Spiritualist Camp, Indiana). The rest of us were uninitiated.

Well, I say un-initiated. I have conducted "transe-sessions" where I go into a transe=state and spirit guides speak through me. Walt has attended those sessions.

So we aren't completely without some spirit experience. However, I had never attended one as a "sitter" or participant. So I was very excited.

I was also very excited to see my long-time friend, Dikki-Jo, whom I hadn't seen in person, for decades.

Sparing you most of the biennale details, it was a sweet time with spirit, and Dikki-jo a congenial host and medium with an exquisite gift.

Dikki-Jo's home is the perfect environment (save one small issue) for conducting old-style Séances. The home was built in the 1940's. The walls repeat with artworks and Astrology and mystic curiosities. Throw pillows with images from Tarot cards adorn the vintage couch. A portrait of "Gypsy Dikki-Jo" adorns a wall, directly across from a portrait of her grandmother, also a spirit medium.

The Séance Room, likewise appointed, with an oval oak table (which seats 10 people), and 3/4's of the walls fitted with little shelves. On the shelves, something I haven't seen in years. Dikki-jo called it her "inheritence". There must be nearly 1000 "salt and pepper" shakers, mostly ceramic and china. You know the kind, with two "love birds together" or other such vignettes.

At each place for the sitters, there was an artisan piece of jewelry, beautiful quaint pieces, that were gifts for each person. Along with that a votive candle (blessed with lavender oil) to bring home and use in one's own "spirit communication ritual".

After all were gathered and snacks proffered, we were escorted into the Séance room, where Dikki-jo engaged in educating us about the traditions of Séance and spiritualism. Although I have known her for a very long time (since the early  '80's) I did not know that she comes from a long line of spiritualist. Her family engaged in Séances (at least) once a week with neighbors and friends.

Then, beginning the work at hand, Dikki-jo donned her grandmother's apron and we began the ritual to call the spirits to us.

 An antique bell, a Séance trumpet  and a small dish of talc powder to monitor the presence of the spirits, and I was in a salon in Old spiritualist home with long passed friends. Messages given, with descriptions for the spirits giving them, were lavish and effusive.  Friends in our group were receiving messages from family members and friends, as were for the family of sitters and new companions on our spirit experience.

Mentioning a few surprises, or maybe, some things I did not expect, and really, for which I had not prepared. Artworks that I have seen of Victorian sitting rooms with sitters awaiting messages of spirit, all have the ladies with beautiful, lace-like hand-fans. I really could have used one of those. The 1940's house in which she lives is not a model of air-cooling efficiency. It wasn't until later, that Dikki-jo said "I usually have these séances in the fall and through the winter" and that is will the tradition to have them at that time up north, that I realized my own error. I thought it might have been because of the sun setting earlier so the dark is friendly. But I think the summer heat is a consideration that I overlooked in making plans to go to this event.

So, like the wicked witch of the west, we were melting...well, all of us except Dikki-jo, who was fresh as a daisy through out the proceedings. I must ask about the secret to that.

My husband got a message from a loud-boisterous man who sang Christmas Carols all through the year. He knew who that was immediately and confessed to me privately (with tears piquing in his eyes) that it really touched his heart to hear from this long-departed relative.

I heard from Grandmother and Aunt (sisters) who "really didn't quite approve" of what I do. But it was , with out a doubt,  them: complete with reference to my Grandma's favorite soap opera's. But I also heard from my mother and my father (God bless them) That was sweet and sad for me.

I didn't expect breaks in the séance (even though I read in her description that there would be). Breaks for refreshment and air. Tea and scones and lemon ice cookies, made for a lovely and comforting repast, along with lime-water. Every so often we would catch a glimpse of Templeton, the white kitty and intrepid traveler and Chizzy the black (and by accounts) naughty, escape artist.

During the spirit visitations I was hearing music and voices coming through the séance trumpet which was positioned behind me. I was seeing spirits moving and spirit faces behind the sitters around the table.  So the messages directed to me were not the only mystical experiences I was having.

There were several messages that , I think could have been for me, or Walt or other members, that, frankly, were claimed too quickly by an eager sitter. Our group (afterwards) said that we were all waiting for Dikki-Jo to complete the description before speaking out. But I don't guess any of us regret not speaking out sooner.

Dikki-jo is a gentle soul who expects the best to come to her. The best spirit messages, the best spirits, the best house guests. She explained at the beginning of the meeting that we don't need to be afraid of the spirits that it is a comforting and uplifting experience and we don't need to be afraid of the spirits that come.

I love that perspective. Too many Hollywood representations of the evil spirits have tainted the space for our beloved departed, I think.

 To close-out the circle, Dikki-Jo did something I've never seen anyone do. You all know what a "Tarotfile" I am...ALL about the Tarot cards. Dikki-jo brought her (well-loved) Rider/Waite Tarot and pulled cards for each sitter, giving messages from one last spirit from whom we might not have heard. I was SO excited to see her cards, and watch her working with them, and I fear, that is something that I am going to have to try.

If you are looking to connect with someone dearly departed, I think this is the (ultimate) way to do it, Tea, scones, an old oak séance table and Dikki-jo as your guide.

But do it during the fall or winter--if you're a wimp like me.

Until next time,

Eat something wonderful

and live a life worth loving.

-Kim

A Mystical Weekend

You might have seen a recent blog that I posted about a Séance experience I had with Dikki-Jo Mullen . That weekend with rifle with myself, quirky and blessing experiences that were too numerous too count. I probably couldn't keep silent about them, if I wanted to, which I don't....so I won't.

First--an  apport story

Apport-definition:

In parapsychology and spiritualism, an apport is the alleged paranormal transference of an article from one place to another, or an appearance of an article from an unknown source that is often associated with poltergeist activity or séances.

Backstory

  I recently came across (and re-fell in love with) the first Tarot deck I owned and with which I read. While conducting a reading for someone, I discovered there was a bent (slightly mutilated) card (the four of wands). In the midst of this, I'm getting enthusastic  about a movement among Tarotists called modified Tarot decks (in which Tarot decks are cropped of their borders and edged and perhaps backed with contact paper). So, I was troubled by the bent card, attempting to source replacement and launching a bit of a campaign for "the faithful remant" of Tarot cards---no card left behind. Reading for a client, we were talking about experiences at a séance. She mentioned receiving an apport. I replied (a bit too sharply, I think) "I don't believe in apports".

The morning I'm to leave for Orlando, I see a deck of the Sacred Rose Tarot (the original deck with which I began reading Tarot). Shrugging and thinking: "I don't remember leaving these here" and then going through some of the cards...I realized, this is not the same deck. This one was not as well loved. Actually didn't seem to have been used at all. Walt is smiling at me with the ardency of an otter at play and then finally confesses he found them in a basket in one of the bedrooms. Not MY basket, with MY things but Nella's things. Further investigation with Nella , proved fruitless in explanation. She knew nothing about the cards or their origin and I was welcome to them.  

 One of my favorite authors and avid spiritualist , Sir Arthur Conan Doyle said: Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.
  If this had been any other Tarot Deck, I might have been tempted to brush it off.

My conclusion: This Tarot deck is an apport.

On the way to Orlando for our Séance adventure, I learned that a friend (on the same adventure) had paid for our room with her Holiday Inn points. Major Blessing!

We had an (early) supper together and then headed off to the Séance, which was interesting and mystical and lovely.

The next morning, another friend bought us breakfast! I love chatting away and eating breakfast and drinking coffee.

On the way home, we were on 520 and elected to stop at a Metaphysical Store we'd been meaning to visit (and never had). We stopped at Angel's Oasis on the way home. It is a quaint and pleasant shop with dragons popping out of eggs, and oracle decks and crystals (oh my!).  It's plumb in the center of Cocoa Village (in a bit of store cul-de-sac-)  My concern in this shop was the dimness of the lighting, I found the lighting insufficient to take in all of the delights of the shop. I know...I'm aging and need more light...but only to see.

 After visiting there, we were walking down the street to our car, when I saw an "other worldly figure" walking UP the sidewalk past us.

It was (of course) Morgana Star. I've never met her in person (or any other way, for that matter). 5' 8" (I'm assuming) buxom woman with blond flowing hair and skin as creamy as the dress she was wearing. I think Walt expressed it best when he said "She cuts quite a fiqure". Seeing her approaching, I found myself wondering if people in Cocoa Village see her and wonder if she's a spirit or Celestial being, instead of a human. After exchanging cordial "hellos" we went on our way.

 But not quite home...not quite yet.  On a roll (as they say) Walt had not seen Creative Energy (on 192) We arrived there just before they opened. It is a beautiful store...and honestly, like a candy store for the metaphysically inclined.

While Walt was enjoying the crystals and fairies and mermaids (oh my!) I found my way back to the large display of Tarot decks. When Kathryn Flanagan emerged from a curtain (nearby), I actually wondered if she caught me drooling (over the Tarot decks....never-mind). I loved seeing Kathryn in her environment, as she regaled me with her latest theater extravaganza (in which she dances). I'm sure she's breath-taking in it.

 After himming and hawing, and two Tarot Decks and a golden $100 bill later (they have them there for sale...I'm putting it on my vision board-don't judge me!)

We made the winding trip home.

It was a wondrous, mystical and blessing-filled weekend.

More wondrous and mystical and blessing-filled than has been

for me...in many a year.

Until next time,

eat something wonderful,

and live a life worth loving,

-Kim