Tarot decks provide a fertile and versatile source of inspiration for writers. Whether you are looking to connect more deeply to yourself, your current writing project, or to see what arises in the moment, you can use a simple but potent heart’s compass method for journaling to tarot cards based on my Heart’s Compass Tarot workbook (purchase of the workbook not required). Tarot’s archetypal energies (the 22 soul cards, the 16 court or people cards, and the 40 daily life cards) are constantly reinterpreted by deck makers across time. Many of today’s deck makers revise the historical interpretations of tarot’s archetypal energies to more accurately reflect the complexities and nuances of our current times. I share imagery from my own library of tarot decks but also encourage you to bring your own deck/s for use in my classes.
SUNDAY MAY 5th: Tarot as Soul Mirror: Tarot Journaling & Layouts for Joy
*In-Person, San Diego Writers Ink on May 5th, 10 am to Noon. Course cost is $36 for SDWI members, $42 for non-members; sign up here.
Whether you are tarot curious or tarot savvy, and whether you’ve been writing for years or are just now taking up the pen, you can use the imagery on any tarot card to connect to yourself and create powerful writing. This two-hour workshop based on the Heart’s Compass Tarot approach to generating new writing includes an introductory overview of the tarot’s structure and a series of on-the-spot writing exercises using the tarot cards.
This is a show up, write, and share workshop. You’ll come away from this class with a handout introducing 1, 3, and 6 card layouts to use in your personal writing practice going forward. We will write using the instructor’s library of tarot decks but also feel free to bring your own deck/s.
No prior experience with tarot or writing necessary. Bring an open heart and be prepared to experience a delightful morning of joy.
artwork by Tania Pryputniewicz
SUNDAY JULY 7th: How Tarot Major Arcana Connect to Minor Arcana: Soul Cards and Their Lessons on the Ground
Course 4, The Emperor: Starts Sunday, July 7th and runs through August 11th, 1:30-3:00 pm PST over zoom / 4:30-6 pm EST. Offered by Antioch University Continuing Education. Sign up here. Course cost is $99.
Begin or deepen your exploration of the Tarot in this series of 22 six-week courses.
We will study each of the 22 Major Arcana cards (from O The Fool card to XXI The World card) and the four numerically linked Minor Arcana cards that express the opportunities and lessons of each Major.
In this course we explore how the Emperor, Major Arcanum IV, forges structures that benefit the self and others across human, animal, and elemental relationships by looking at the four Minor Arcana Fours in the tarot deck. We will also explore the public and private aspect of the Emperor’s role in leadership.
How can we create patterns of choosing that satisfy us and the larger community emotionally? How can we learn to recognize what we’ve chosen, and how can we align with our heart and the community heart in order to know when to alter course or stay the course? (Four of Cups)
How do we set boundaries around wealth and projects that best support our growth and that of the community? How do we recognize when to hold on, close a door in order to open a new one, or when to let go? (Four of Disks)
Which structures support our mental and spiritual rejuvenation and our understanding of our personal rhythm of deep rest? (Four of Swords)
How do we maintain and nurture the home foundation, the fire of the home hearth and live our personal dream of family and family sanctuary? (Four of Wands)?
These are the kinds of in-depth questions we will address in writing and discussion. You will learn a method for tarot journaling and a handful of other simple tools designed to help you begin and deepen your relationship to tarot. You’ll have the optional opportunity to create a personal tarot card using your own personal symbols that resonate for you. No prior experience with the tarot or with art-making is necessary. Tarot images from a variety of decks will be provided, though you are welcome to work with your own deck of choice.