Tag: pittsburgh

YouChoose on the Print Side

Whelp, yesterday was a day and days happen. The website and Etsy shop are ALWAYS open and you can order readings 24/7/365 – but this was a reminder to both of us that there might be some hiccups and delivery delays nights, weekends and U.S. holidays. Now that my daughter is older, TaoCraft has my attention most of the time, but there will always be days here and there where family gets first dibs and it might take a day to get content up here or on the YouTube channel.

There is still a learning curve for me on this YouTube thing. The lighting with this new deck on a rainy day is a prime example. While part of me wants to produce a “banger every time” edited, media production quality video there are three main reasons why I chose not to do that.

1. I don’t know how. TaoCraft Tarot is made up of me, my tablet, my deck and that is IT. I have neither the computing power nor the know-how to be the Markaplier of Tarot channels.

2. I HATE being on camera. This whole re-branding adventure is about authenticity. I don’t want to be yet another talking head speech to camera Tarot Vlog.

3. I want the YouTube videos to be as authentic as the rest of TaoCraft Tarot. If the videos are crap, it’s because I’m still authentically suckish at making them. (Not saying that won’t change as I learn on the fly) Live Tarot sessions don’t come with an edit button. If we ever work together in real time, either in-person or by phone, there will be times where I pause to listen to intuition, or have to try a couple of times to get the just-right word. It isn’t perfect but it is real.

The whole reason for having a YouTube channel is so you can get a feel for what a live session would be like. It isn’t quite there yet. In a live session is WAY more comfortable and articulate. Kind of like the blog. Ah well, it will get there. Meanwhile, let’s get comfy here on the print side.

Left: The Hierophant. Some decks call this the pope. This and the Judgement card are big triggers for me because of the overtly christian imagery. Two things brought the card into focus for me: Diane Morgan’s interpretation of the card as general “social conventions” and JoAnn Dinelli’s “keeper of the traditions.” Of those two threads of energy, this week the card leans toward the social convention side. I hear “play the game” not in a manipulative sense or to suggest hiding your true self. It is more like the adage discretion is the better part of valor. Know your audience. Dress the part for that job interview. Now is not the time to overshare. Take care who you show your true self to. It is OK to protect the pearl that is the true you when there are so many swine around. Doing the social dance might just keep you from being trampled.

Center: Four of Cups. Don’t push. Look inward more than outward. It’s a good week for introspection, meditation, and generally mulling things over. Inward can go forward or backward in time. Mull over what has happened, assess things as they are, then ponder what to do next. There isn’t any sense of urgency. Take your time, do it right. Mr. Franklin was right. This is a week where haste might make waste.

Rignt: Eight of Wands. Stay frosty. You aren’t in control at the moment but your time will come. You did what you could at the time, but now decisions and actions have moved elsewhere and you have to wait for new developements before you can make your next plans and steps. Some bit of information you need may not yet be known or clear. It is very much like archery right now. You did your part, when you pulled the bow and took aim, metaphorically speaking. The arrow is in the air now, no longer under your control. Watch where it lands. Then you’ll know the score, and what you need to do next.

Thanks for your patience with the YouTube foray outside of the comfort zone. We’ll figure that out as we go along, just like anything else in life and Tarot.

What’s in a name? Could be a free reading for you

Help me to re-name the layout-formerly-known-as-seasons-of-the-year and I’ll do one of those readings for you by email (typed version with photo) at no charge. Detials here: https://taocrafttarot.wordpress.com/2020/11/09/new-deck-new-year-new-giveaway/

It’s just too soon. After the infamous Four Seasons Total Landscaping press conference, I can’t see the word “seasons” without giggling. ‘Year Ahead’ reading works, after all that’s what it IS, but something more creative might be fun for the holidays don’t you think? I got nothin’ so I need your help coming up with a new, fun name.

Comment on the page linked above, and the winning layout name (as chosen by me) will be announced here and on social media December 1, 2020. If multiple people submit the same idea, the first one received gets it. No monetary value, entertainment only, all policies and restrictions apply, void where prohibited, swim at your own risk, no lifeguard on duty, wash your hands and wear a damn mask.

Your local weather

Instead of trying to stop the rain, open an umbrella

How is everyone doing?

I live in Allegheny County Pennsylvania, which has been in the news a little bit during the past couple of days if you follow the U.S. presidential election. I’m one of those by mail votes for each and every democrat you’ve been hearing about.

The actual weather has been very pleasant the past few days. Even for someone who likes rainy days as much as I do.

The energy environment has been a whole other story.

I like to think I usually have a pretty clear idea what is my internal emotional state and what is vibes from the external energy environment. I absolutely believe that kind of boundary awareness and boundary setting is important if you are going to work as a professional psychic of any type. Yesterday, the energy even kicked my black belt level boundary setting backside. Between my own fury at the thought of the fascist, racist, theocrats winning, and being in the bulls-eye of the racist, fascist, theocrats’ energetic fury that we might be the ‘democratic stronghold’ that would ‘steal the election’ from them. I’m not exaggerating when I called it a radioactive brew yesterday. It felt exactly that toxic. I can’t imagine how it must have felt to extra sensitive empaths.

Today is remarkably different. I’m biased, I’ll admit. After a lifetime, my patience has worn thin with that crowd. Maybe it is my biased optimism that the right side might win after all. It might be pride that my one little vote is one of hundreds of thousands making a difference. Maybe it is pride in my state and city. Maybe it is because I’m team Sheetz (Pennsylvanians know) Maybe it is the extra cup of coffee, but I actually feel like we are turning an energy corner.

This explains the coming storm images from the past couple of months. The virus is going to be bad this winter, and it is going to be a weird holiday season, but those are the outer bands of a passing hurricane if we get back to sanity and science.

So true to style (and profession) I pulled a card to see where the energy may be turning a corner TO.

card image from the public domain

The Nine of Cups is simple straightforward: calm the fuck down and enjoy the holidays. While I get it that is a message aimed right at me, if it feels right for you, it’s for you too. Nine of Cups is the Thanksgiving, family celebration, food and festivities THAT kind of tradition sort of card. So we can all take a deep breath, grab our jar of cinnamon and have at it.

So that’s the energy weather here at vote counting PA west. How are things with you? If you are outside of the U.S. (lucky you) how is the energy feel where you are? If you are inside the U.S. what is your sense of things? Feel free to comment about your ENERGY weather, not a political rant. If you post anything hateful or angry I will block you before you can say maga.

You may noticed that I staked out my turf, and defined my philosophical boundaries over there in the right column (and in the philosophy page of the “about” menu item.) That is nothing more or less than protecting the energy of this cyberspace. If those things offend you, I won’t be offended if you unfollow me. If you don’t mind (or hopefully agree with) these things, I hope we can work together. Tao is in the name because this place is about being true to nature and authenticity. That includes you too. It is important for you to be your authentic self. Everyone has the right and responsibility to protect their own energy boundaries from the general energy environment. At the same time it is not acceptable for anyone to force the shared general energy environment to change to fit their individual boundaries. Think of it as opening an umbrella, not trying to stop the rain.

Interact with Zombie Cat

ask a yes or no question, get a yes or no Tarot answer

Let’s do this a little differently. Instead of starting the video and choosing a card based guided by your intuition, think of a question BEFORE you start to watch. It has to be in a yes-or-no format (general topic or questions with “or” won’t work in this particular exercise) but it can be about any topic. Keep in mind this is like every Zombie Cat reading – it has 100% chance of containing words, but a solid 50% chance of being dead wrong. This is one of those once in a blue moon times where I can’t think of anything to add to the video card interpretations. So roll that beautiful card footage

My side of the Table? I’m not convinced this is anywhere close to working. The energy is just too dilute. This layout is brilliant and a load of fun when you add in the Zombie Cat persona AND when you have a specific question for specific person. YouTube is a weird energy environment on the intuitive level. That’s why I really, REALLY hope that you all will leave some feedback. I’m a good writer, a VERY good Tarot reader, but not exactly a video media maven. But if you are kind enough to tell me the topics and content that YOU want to see, I’ll learn how to create it. If worse comes to worst, I’ll write about it instead of film it, but I will get your requested content out there in one form or another.

Last Chance for a Little While

50% off for one week only! Zombie Cat shambles away next weekend – until next time (he usually wanders through to check out the summer)

Get yours while he’s still around

IMG_20190708_082316_364.jpg

Zombie Cat’s YES or NO Tarot reading by email

50% off for one week only! Get a yes or no answer to any one question. Entertainment only. All website policies and disclaimers apply.

5.00 $

Today’s Tarot: Unplug the Adulting

Childlike mindfulness wrapped in the present moment.

The best way I can think to describe this card is child-like mindfulness. There is an emphasis on both clarity and acceptance. See things as they really are, accept them for what they really are, then find the good parts and let yourself sit and be with that situation. That resonates with the magnifying glass and flowers image the video mentions…find the good in the reality of the situation. Or at least find some aspect of the hear and now that you can abide by. Then abide WITH it. BE with the situation, absorbed and fascinated and disconnected from larger worries. Drawing, coloring, crafting any easy, distracting, amusing activity can be good opportunities to unplug from the adulting and be with something innocuous and neutral, neither joyous nor distressing…just wrapped in the moment.

YouChoose Interactive Tarot: October 11-17

Hello and welcome to a new week. Fall colors are near their peak here. The forecast is for a lovely rainy day this evening and tomorrow, so am hoping to knit a bit. The last couple of weeks have been a giant maelstrom of energy for intuitives and sensitives. So thankful for Twitter friends who were willing to share their sense of it. No matter how experienced you are, everyone can benefit from a little “whew! It’s not just me camaraderie. I’ve had to unplug a little bit just to stay centered. This week feels like it might be shifting, thankfully. The theme is bittersweet and bravery.

As always, pick a card. Pick on impulse, or take a moment and deep breath to clear your mind and choose the card that calls to you. If you need a minute, feel free to pause the video and restart to see the reveal.

Left: Eight of Cups. “Things end. That’s all. Everything ends, and it’s always sad. But everything begins again too, and that’s… always happy.” as Steven Moffet wrote for Doctor Who. The Eight of Cups is very much like that. Walking away from something that is toxic or broken or just didn’t work out or a moderately bad idea. There is change and loss and sadness and ending both in admitting that a thing is broken or wrong, but also in the leaving of it. It is a necessary heartbreak that is welcome in the healing that it ultimately brings. If none of that makes sense to you, simply take this as a reminder to take out the trash, or do a little light housekeeping. SOMEthing needs to be let go.

Center: Four of Cups. As long as we are doing TV and movie quotes, this card reminds me of “Peace be the journey” from Cool Runnings. Supporting someone isn’t necessarily rapid fire platitudes, unsolicited advice or saying something. Sometimes the greater love is a silent presence. The energy here is very introspective. You wouldn’t go into a temple blasting an airhorn. When someone else is hurting and introspective, quiet and also-introspective might be the best way to help. Cups are water and intuition. You’ll know when to sit with emotions and when to cheer or use humor. The best advice is sometimes none at all. Perhaps your calling isn’t to fix things, but rather to bring a peaceful presence to this week’s journey.

Right: The other two cards have an element of the bittersweet endings or some sort of melancholy met with bravery. If you chose this card, you might need just need the bravery kind of bravery. This card is about old fashioned stick-whomping competition. There is strong advice energy around this card. Your quote is from Zen and the Martial Arts by Joel Hyams “The angry man will defeat himself in battle as well as in life.” Brave and angry are not the same thing.