Shuffle | Corrine Kenner's Tarot Blog

This Week ' s Tarot Meetups

At tonight's Twin Cities Tarot Meetup in Minneapolis, we'll revisit the "Three Card Draw" -- Mary K. Greer's innovative technique for combining the symbols and significance of three separate cards into a single image. (That's my version of Temperance, Judgment, and the Four of Pentacles, above.) When we last played with this exercise a couple of years ago, we all had a ridiculous amount of fun! We meet at the Eye of Horus bookstore on Lyndale Avenue. Bring colored pencils, crayons, or markers, if you have them. The Tarot for Writers group meets online each Saturday. This week, we're going to play with images from a unique tarot deck -- the Tarot of the New Vision, which shows old, familiar tarot scenes from an entirely new perspective. You can stand behind the Fool, and see what he sees. Ride behind the Charioteer, and find out who's following him. Peek behind the High Priestess's curtain, and peer through the clouds in the Seven of Cups. If you've been meaning to try your hand at creative writing with the cards, please join us! Of course, excitement continues to grow for the Minnesota Area Tarot Symposium next month. You can find all the details here.

MATS speakers

Have you heard about the speakers we've got lined up for the Minnesota Area Tarot Symposium? I just posted this description to a discussion board on the Living Tarot Meetup site:

• A lot of you have met Julie Cuccia-Watts. She's driving in from our neighboring state of Wisconsin to talk about the four queens from the Ma'at Tarot deck. Not to brag or anything, but the paintings of those four queens will actually be ON DISPLAY at the conference ... because I bought them, and they normally hang in my bedroom! Aaaah! I've been looking at them every day for two years now, and I still get excited when I see them! It will be fun to share them with other fans of the deck this July.
• Some of you have met Nancy Antenucci, too. She's remarkable. She makes her living as a full-time tarot reader in Minneapolis and St. Paul, she leads quarterly Mystery Circles, and she's currently writing a book for Llewellyn about psychic development with the cards.
• You've all met or heard of Jeannette Roth from the Tarot Garden. She's coming up from Iowa, our neighbor to the south, and she'll be bringing a selection of interesting and unusual decks. We've also tapped her to share her encyclopedic knowledge of the cards, so she'll be talking about the historical development of the Star card through the years.
• Barbara Moore, the woman who discovered Ciro Marchetti and convinced him to create a tarot deck, lives in St. Paul. She's also a prolific tarot author: she wrote the companion books for the Gilded Tarot, the Mystic Faerie Tarot, the Mystic Dreamer Tarot, and the Enchanted Oracle. She'll teach us all how to create tarot-based "life maps."
• Chuck Boe is a major player on the Twin Cities tarot scene. As a tarot reader, he's a mainstay at the Eye of Horus bookstore in Minneapolis. His readings are gentle, insightful, and dead-on accurate, because he blends an extensive knowledge of the cards with formal training in human development and healing. He wrote his thesis on tarot counseling, and that's what he'll be talking about.
• And I'll be there to talk about my passion for combining tarot cards with creative writing, based on my book, "Tarot for Writers."

To register for the Minnesota Area Tarot Symposium, go to minnesotatarot.com.

Tarot for Writers Certification

Tarot certification pushes a lot of buttons. This morning on Facebook, I posted a link to my new Tarot for Writers certification program. Almost immediately, I heard from Zach Wong, the creator of the Revelations Tarot. We visited about the issues surrounding tarot certification, and he gave me permission to post our conversation here, too. As you read it, remember that it was just a friendly online chat, and I've cut and pasted it with very little editing. Still, I think we covered a lot of ground in just a few minutes!

Zach: stupid question time. why do people want to be certified tarot writers? Corrine: Hi, Zach! They want a structure for their work. And they want a certificate of accomplishment. Or achievement. And they want someone to whom they can be accountable ... Like me! Zach: ha! in my brief history as an "author" of a tarot deck i've received requests from people who review my deck and they say they need to do x-amount of deck reviews and it has to engage the author/creator (ie. interview) i'm baffled as to who out there measures these people's "Reviewing ability" Corrine: No one! That's why there are so many oddball reviews! LOL! You know, though, you could offer a certification program for your deck! James Wanless does that with Voyager, of course. Zach: which brings me to the lead on question - is there an association of tarot writers which would monitor these rogue un certified writers? :):) Corrine: Yes. I'll be the official Tarot for Writers police. LOL! No, seriously, people are very proud when they complete a course and get certified. Zach: well i'm all for people feeling good about themselves, but it still baffles me that they need to externalise it. Corrine: For someone who reads with your deck professionally, your certification would be a badge of honor and a marketing tool. Zach: frankly., if anyone dares to use my deck, they are in for a ride anyways. i'll be more than happy to certify them clinically insane, or at least questionable :D:D Corrine: You should definitely consider it. Not only does it help the people you certify, it's a good ongoing way to publicize and promote your own work. Zach: well i'm of a different school of thought when it comes to my deck. 1) it was never meant to be a public work, so if some one identifies with it, kudos to them. 2) i have never actively gone out and pushed the marketing machine for it, because it's such a personal piece of work. the last thing I want are the masses to get a hold of it. Corrine: Ohhh ... You're a one-man secret society! Zach: i tried to be for many years, till they found me Corrine: Heh heh heh. Zach: i didn't even want to write the book for the companion kit :/:/ segway question -when i studied architecture, they were very precious with the term "Architect" because they didn't want "builders" or "interior designers" to just use the term, so they for societies for architects, where you have to be registered and do a "Certification" so you are allowed to use the title "architect" now these societies are not governed by the .. government - ie. there's no law. if you're tarot writer certification is doing this - is there a bigger banner for "tarot readers"? and will this alienate others form the craft? Corrine: Oh, there are ongoing controversies here about tarot certification. I usually hear it compared to social work certification. Some are concerned that it will draw government interference. Others are more frequently worried that it will denigrate tarot readers who aren't certified. A few people get up in arms when they think that someone will get rich from certification fees. Some insist that tarot reading is too subjective to be certifiable. Zach: so you're familiar with the repercussions and possible politics involved - will certifying tarot writing do the same? Corrine: Sure. I think it might be too big a task to certify "tarot readers" in general. But I think it's perfectly valid to certify people within one system of tarot. Just like James Wanless has done. I've never heard a word of criticism about how he certifies Voyager readers. Zach: probably because they all love him to bits in the first place Corrine: Since this is my system, based on my book, I think the parameters are clear. I might have a few kinks to work out as it develops, of course. Zach: ahh i think that's what i'm missing Corrine: How do you mean? Zach: you see it's based on your book, but the title sounds more encompassing of "Writing" as a profession Corrine: Yes. It's all being channeled through the Tarot for Writers website and group, so it's closely linked to the book. But you're hitting on the same reason that no one can certify a "journalist" or a "reporter." Zach: well then it's a case of punctuation for me Corrine: You think I should put it in quotes? That would look weird. Zach: "Tarot for Writers" Certification. i know ... it does look weird Corrine: It makes it look sarcastic! Zach: italics perhaps? Corrine: I think italics may be the way to go. And if a rogue group of tarot writers does spring up unsupervised or unpoliced, more power to them. Zach: well if you have a following like Wanless for Voyager, then it should be a great program. Corrine: That's my dream!

Zach stupid question time why do people want to be certified tarot writers? 11:10amCorrine Hi, Zach. They want a structure for their work. 11:10amZach good morning! 11:10amCorrine And they want a certificate of accomplishment. Or achievement. And they want someone to whom they can be accountable. Like me! 11:11amZach ha! in my brief history as an "author" of a tarot deck i've received requests from people who review my deck and they say they need to do x-amount of deck reviews and it has to engage the author/creator (ie. interview) i'm baffled as to who out there measures these people's "Reviewing ability" 11:12amCorrine No one! That's why there are so many oddball reviews! LOL! You know, though, you could offer a certification program for your deck! James Wanless does that with Voyager, of course. 11:13amZach which brings me to the lead on question - is there an association of tarot writers which would monitor these rogue un certified writers? :):) 11:14amCorrine Yes. I'll be the official Tarot for Writers police. LOL! No, seriously, people are very proud when they complete a course and get certified. 11:14amZach well i'm all for people feeling good about themselves, but it still baffles me that they need to externalise it. 11:15amCorrine For someone who reads with your deck professionally, your certification would be a badge of honor and a marketing tool. 11:15amZach frankly., if anyone dares to use my deck, they are in for a ride anyways i'll be more than happy to certify them clinically insane, or at least questionable :D:D 11:16amCorrine You should definitely consider it. Not only does it help the people you certify, it's a good ongoing way to publicize and promote your own work. 11:17amZach well i'm of a different school of thought when it comes to my deck 1) it was never meant to be a public work, so if some one identifies with it, kudos to them 2) i have never actively gone out and pushed the marketing machine for it, because it's such a personal piece of work. the last thing I want are the masses to get a hold of it. 11:18amCorrine Ohhh ... You're a one-man secret society! 11:18amZach i tried to be for many years, till they found me 11:18amCorrine Heh heh heh. 11:19amZach i didn;t even want to write the book for the companion kit :/:/ 11:19amCorrine Your questions are good! Can I post this on my blog? 11:19amZach sure 11:19amCorrine Cool! Thanks! 11:19amZach drop my name if you like :):) 11:20amCorrine I will. And I'll link to your website so you attract even more followers. Bwahahaha! 11:20amZach you have too much time on your idle hands. actually can i segway you to another related question? 11:21amCorrine Yes. A husband, four kids, our own software business, three books underway, a jewelry sideline, too many websites to count, and a dog. Sure. 11:21amZach get rid of the dog (i'm a cat person) 11:21amCorrine No! Not our little Buddy! 11:21amZach okay, the ugliest child then? 11:21amCorrine We'll have to draw straws. 11:22amZach make them all short. segway question - when i studies architecture, they were very precious with the term "Architect" because they didn;t want "builders" or "interior designers" to just use the term, so they for societies for architects, where you have to be registered and do a "Certification" so you are allowed to use the title "architect" now these societies are not governed by the .. government - ie. there's no law if you're tarot writer certification is doing this - is there a bigger banner for "tarot readers"? and will this alienate others formt he carft? 11:24amCorrine Oh, there are ongoing controversies here about tarot certification. I usually hear it compared to social work certification. Some are concerned that it will draw government interference. Others are more frequently worried that it will denigrate tarot readers who aren't certified. A few people get up in arms when they think that someone will get rich from certification fees. 11:26amZach so you're familiar with the reprecussions and possible politics involved - will certifying tarot writing do the same? 11:26amCorrine Some insist that tarot reading is too subjective to be certifiable. Sure. I think it is too big a task to certify "tarot readers" in general. But I think it's perfectly valid to certify people within one system of tarot. Just like James Wanless has done. I've never heard a word of criticism about how he certifies Voyager readers. 11:27amZach probably because they all love him to bits in the first place 11:27amCorrine Since this is my system, based on my book, I think the parameters are clear. I might have a few kinks to work out as it develops, of course. 11:28amZach ahh i think that's what i'm missing 11:28amCorrine How do you mean? 11:28amZach you see it's based on your book, but the title sounds more encompassing of "Writing" as a profession 11:28amCorrine Yes. It's all being channeled through the Tarot for Writers website and group, so it's closely linked to the book. But you're hitting on the same reason that no one can certify a "journalist" or a "reporter." 11:29amZach well then it's a case of punctuation for me 11:29amCorrine You think I should put it in quotes? That would look weird. 11:30amZach "Tarot for Writers" Certification - would read better to me i know ... it does look weird 11:30amCorrine It makes it look sarcastic! 11:30amZach italics perhaps? 11:30amCorrine LOL Maybe ... I'll do some informal polling of our members. Market research! 11:30amZach 'Tarot for "Writers" Certification' looks sarcastic ;);) 11:31amCorrine I do think it's going to be a great program, though. 11:32amZach see, fi you put single/double qutoes, id' never even ask the first question. 11:32amCorrine It probably wasn't as clear as it could be, because the Facebook link didn't make it obvious that it was all coming from the Tarot for Writers website. I think Italics may be the way to go. 11:33amZach it does, but you know it's grey and all. 11:33amCorrine And if a rogue group of tarot writers does spring up unsupervised or unpoliced, more power to them. 11:33amZach well if you have a following like Wanless for Voyager, then it should be a great program. 11:34amCorrine That's my dream! 11:34amZach oh! i have a 3rd question 11:34amCorrine Okay. 11:34amZach do all creators who write their companion books get an honourary certification? bats eyelashes 11:35amCorrine Wait! I thought you didn't understand the need! Actually, hold on. I'm not sure I have a copy of your companion book. 11:35amZach i don't, but i've already done the wrok, i may as well get a free piece fo paper :):) 11:35amCorrine If I don't, you may have to submit it for review! 11:36amZach i'll ask the aeclectc forums for some one who has a spare aying around to send it to you :P:P i'm sure there are still some disappointed buyers out there who still have the deck/book/kit :):) 11:36amCorrine You know what? If you put your TfW certificate on your website, of course I'll send you one! I think I have it. Hold on while I check? 11:37amZach lol i'm not serious! 11:37amCorrine Argh. My tarot bookshelf is such a mess. No, I'll seriously send it to you if you want. The certificate is electronic, so it will look like a personalized copy of the Tarot for Writers cover. Just a little gif file. 11:39amZach I'll pass at this stage - but if you need "numbers" sure ;);) 11:39amCorrine Okay. I'm still waiting to see how it all shakes out. What city are you in, btw? 11:39amZach melbourne, australia. 11:40amCorrine Isn't it the middle of the night there? 11:40amZach 2.40 am, i'm a night owl, it helps with my translucent tan. 11:40amCorrine Happy Tuesday! It's almost noon on Monday here in Minneapolis. 11:41amZach yea, my publisher is in MN 11:41amCorrine I used to work for Llewellyn as an editor. It's how I got into tarot. 11:41amZach ahhh 11:41amCorrine Sometimes I swing by their office to visit with Carl and the rest of the crew. It's about 20 minutes from my house. Maybe 15. All freeway, so it's an easy drive. 11:42amZach i've only dealt with barbara, lary K, chandra and some of the art dept. 11:42amCorrine Sure. They're all very nice, in person or by email. 11:42amZach well yes, what else would they be? US Games? :):) 11:43amCorrine I only quit working there because I met my (now) husband, and he asked me to do marketing and communications for his software company. Did you approach US Games, too? They're also very nice, believe it or not. They published my Epicurean Tarot ... which made Llewellyn want me as a writer, not just a staffer! 11:43amZach yeah i got a rejection letter and then a request to include in their encyclopedia .. 11:43amCorrine Well, that's something, I guess. 11:44amZach strange small industry 11:44amCorrine Well, I should run. I have to get a Pendulet ready to send to Australia! I have to figure out the best shipping method. 11:45amZach alright, later and thanks for letting me pick your brain. 11:45amCorrine Which do you prefer for packages from the US? US mail or Fedex? Or UPS? 11:45amZach we have fedex here and ups so it'll be part of an existing network 11:45amCorrine They seem so much more expensive than US Mail, though ... which I think is pretty reliable. It's not like sending packages to South America, where they "disappear." 11:46amZach yeah ... in the end you have to find out if your product loss outweighs your sending cost. 11:46amCorrine As far as I know, standard Australian mail gets to the US just fine, too. I buy stuff from Australia fairly often on ebay. 11:46amZach that you will never find out till over a year or so 11:47amCorrine Sigh. There's just so much we have to know to do business! Okay, well, I'll talk to you later! 11:47amZach alrighty. 11:47amCorrine I'll put some of this on my blog, too. Thanks!

Happy World Tarot Day!

Today is World Tarot Day, a special day set aside to celebrate the cards! In Minneapolis, we'll celebrate World Tarot Day tomorrow, at the monthly get-together of the Twin Cities Tarot Meetup Group. If the weather holds out (fingers crossed!), we'll have a tarot labyrinth walk at the Eye of Horus bookstore. Most people who walk by the store don't realize that there's a beautiful secret garden behind the front wall of the building, complete with a landscaped labyrinth path. I'll get to the Meetup an hour early, and hide tarot cards all around the garden for people to find like Easter eggs. If you're in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, please join us!

Readers Studio Poster

Ciro Marchetti has just unveiled his new poster for the 2009 Readers Studio. It's gorgeous:

The Readers Studio: Color Your World

Every year, I go to the Readers Studio tarot conference hosted by the Tarot School of New York City. This year, they've asked participants to create animoto videos that describe the experience. Here's my video:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-87ZpKTddbY]

NaNoWriMo Planning Tip #9: Three-Card Spreads

This tip for National Novel Writing Month is so basic that it can almost go unsaid. Even so, I feel compelled to say it.

Three-card spreads are a mainstay among tarot readers, and a three-card spread is a good, basic way to initiate a storyline, too. Simply shuffle your tarot deck and lay any three cards at random. The first card will represent the beginning of your story -- the setup and the exposition. The second card will depict the middle -- which typically incorporates a series of complications that leads to a climax. And the third card will reveal the end of your tale -- the resolution, conclusion, and denouement.

You can find all of my NaNoWriMo planning tips on the Tarot for Writers Group message board.

NaNoWriMo Planning Tip #8: Sticky Notes

Over at the Tarot for Writers Group, excitement is growing for National Novel Writing Month. Here's tip #8 in my ongoing series of planning suggestions:

You can devise an impromptu storyboard by jotting story ideas on removable Post-It Notes. Stick the notes right onto your tarot cards, and use them to track scenes, snippets of dialogue, descriptions, and more. You can rearrange both the notes and the cards as your story develops.

You can find all the tips listed on the Tarot for Writers group website.

For more creative writing tips, visit www.tarotforwriters.com and www.tarotjournaling.com.

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Freewriting: The Nine of Swords

Here's an odd little scrap of writing I did on Saturday morning, during our Tarot for Writers Meetup. We were "freewriting" -- simply writing short, timed pieces based on our impressions of a single card. In this case, we were looking at the Nine of Swords, and the timer was set for 10 minutes.

She awoke with a start. It was that dream again, where she was wandering the halls of the academy, lost and late for class. All around her, spirits were milling about. As she paused outside yet another locked door, something nipped her ankle. She looked down: a mud nymph grinned up, a scrap of her denim jeans still clenched in its mouth. “You’ve got something in your teeth,” Francine said. She flicked a finger at the mud nymph and it disappeared, back to the bog where Francine had visualized the pest. With another wave of her hand, she repaired her jeans. She could see the patch, but no one else would notice it. She tried the next door — the one to Professor Jim’s transfiguration class. The knob turned without resistance, and she entered. Too late, she realized that she’d been tricked. The classroom had been turned upside-down — literally. The desks were on the ceilings, the curtains were dragging on the floor, and a dozen students were trapped, hanging upside down in their seats. “Save us, Francine!” they yelled. “Save us!” She turned to flee the room, but the door had closed behind her — and the knob wouldn’t turn. Worse, her hand was stuck, the knob was turning red with heat, and she was being burned.

For creative writing tips, visit www.tarotforwriters.com and www.tarotjournaling.com. Quick Feedback Poll: [polldaddy poll=1021876]

NaNoWriMo Planning Tip #7: Theme Song

National Novel Writing Month is just two weeks away. Here's lucky #7 in my ongoing series of NaNoWriMo planning tips:

If you're planning a new story from scratch, tarot cards can offer a theme for your work. I sometimes think of the theme as the moral of the story -- "All that glitters is not gold," for example, or "Be careful what you wish for." To find a theme for your story, simply shuffle your tarot deck and pull a single card. Then look for the message or moral of the card. The Ten of Cups, for example, depicts a happy family in front of a cozy cottage. It might suggest a theme like, "You can go home again."

You can find all the tips listed on the Tarot for Writers group website.

For more creative writing tips, visit www.tarotforwriters.com and www.tarotjournaling.com.

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