This is a deleted chapter from Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer's Block, Depression, and Burnout. It was the only chapter I could not keep, so I wanted to share it here. 😄
NOTE: Now, although I discuss this in the deleted excerpt below, let me start by saying tarot cards are NOT evil. They do not conjure evil spirits. They do not harbor evil spirits. They do not cause bad things to happen. Whatever negative notions you have toward tarot cards, influenced by Hollywood and falsehoods, push them aside and proceed with an open mind. Any comments saying tarot cards are evil will be deleted. Thank you!
(Formally Spark Nineteen) - Tarot Cards
During this time of my life (my first case of depression), I was very intuitive and got into doing tarot readings. Before you cringe, let me say that tarot cards are not evil. You do not communicate with evil or channel evil through the cards. Tarot cards are a harmless tool used to predict the future, but, more importantly, are for guidance. They are perfect for creating the future you envision. With tarot cards you access what’s inside you, a higher wisdom and a universal truth, so you can make positive changes in your life to achieve your dreams and meet your goals.
People who don’t understand the cards often fear the Death card, but this card really focuses on endings and beginnings, new conditions, new opportunities, and a new lifestyle. Also, the Devil card doesn’t represent an evil being. Instead, it indicates a negative event or condition. It's all symbolism.
I documented the readings I did. The very first one said a lot that rang true. In my past I “felt like a lost soul in a lost cause.” Boy, that hit the nail right on the head. For the present, “you will suffer from health problems or be tired, depressed, or out of alignment with body.” Ditto. All of that. It also said I would be renewed through experiences with a Scorpio, and my best friend at the time was a Scorpio. She was a lifeline for me then, and the only thing in my life that brought me any sort of joy and rejuvenation. The future card warned me about accidents. Interestingly enough, my best friend tapped someone’s bumper while pulling into a parking space. I was in the passenger’s seat at the time. I also cut myself along the skin between my thumb and forefinger.
(Added: No, the cards did not cause these things to happen. They don't have that power. And believing in them and what they say won't cause anything bad to happen, either.)
My next reading hinted at the fact that I was determined to get rid of negative thinking. One hundred percent accurate. The reading after that told me to be stubborn and stand up for myself, a message I had badly needed when all my life, up to that point, I had let people knock me down, use me, bully me, and
walk all over me. No more.
Tarot cards are an important tool for me when I am feeling unsure and need guidance or want a sneak peek at what to expect out of life. On each Halloween, I do a 12-month reading; one card represents one month. The reading I did for November 2018 – October 2019 reminded me to be thankful for what I have, to come to terms with what is happening, and to push aside negative thinking.
Tarot readings can do the same for you. They can point you to the best course of action you should take and also answer questions you may have.
TIP: Do research and practice with the cards. It takes time to get used to reading them. There are also Angel cards if those are more your speed.
Let Keep Writing with Fey: Sparks to Defeat Writer's Block, Depression, and Burnout guide you through:
· Writer's block
· Depression
· Writer's burnout
· What a writer doesn’t need to succeed
· Finding creativity boosts
With these sparks, you can begin your journey of rediscovering your creativity and get back to what you love - writing.
QUESTION: What odd or unique thing has helped you through a difficult time?
P.S. I've got some goodies for you from the release of FROZEN CRIMES, which is out now.
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I LOVE using Tarot and have become an avid deck collector (particularly expensive when visiting New Orleans!). I've used it for plot point and character development and when I recently ended a 15-book series. My "What's next?" reading was all about new beginnings and going in a different direction. Huh. It's almost as if they knew I was stepping away from paranormal to romantic suspense . . .
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see your collection!
DeleteI found a book once called Tarot for Writers that uses the cards for plot and character development. :)
Can’t say I’m much for Tarot or anything of that sort (I am way too much of a skeptic), but I do believe in whatever helps you to find your way out of a hole, and reading the cards or checking the horoscope or whatever is harmless compared to a lot of responses. And if it helps a person focus their goals/needs/desires, so much the better.
ReplyDeleteHarmless, in deed. When I was younger and going through a case of depression, I read my horoscope every day. It uplifted me, and that's what you need during times like that. :)
DeleteI have a friend who reads tarot - she's done it for me and has predicted some interesting stuff in the medium term future, stuff I have to wait for to see if it will actually come to fruition. It was so interesting.
ReplyDeleteA man I knew from my gym read my palm once - he said he didn't believe, but his mum did and taught him. He was spot on about a lot of things. A shiver definitely ran down my spine!
Can I ask why the chapter got dropped?
How interesting that the man you know from the gym doesn't believe but has the skill and was spot on.
DeleteThe chapter got dropped because my publisher for my writing books asked for it to be removed. They are more of a Christian publisher. I also had to remove the words "Wicca" and "Wiccan" from a list of topics I had read/researched.
I was about to comment on the ridiculousness of people thinking pieces of cardboard with stars and cups printed on them are evil, and then I remembered that some people think the world is flat, COVID is a hoax and lizard people control the government, so I'm just going to keep my mouth shut.
ReplyDeleteWise, very wise. lol
DeleteI love your explanation of what tarot has done for you in overcoming depression! I have only done a few readings myself using an app, because I cannot see the physical cards (I'm blind). That's also why I did some research into the cards' meanings, because I have to go with the descriptions. I agree 100% that they're all symbolic and also tarot is more of a way of tapping into your intuition than actually causing things to happen.
ReplyDeleteTarot apps are so handy for anyone who needs the assistance.
DeleteThank you for commenting, Astrid!
I've never done a tarot reading, but my cousins probably have. I've mostly been interested in observing the process, learning about it, but never really stepped toward actual participation. I'm glad they helped you!
ReplyDeleteLearning about it and observing the process is neat. :)
DeleteI haven't done anything with Tarot in years and years, but I love Nancy's idea of using it for plot point and character development.
ReplyDeleteGlad they were able to help you!
There's actually a book at the library for that. It's called Tarot for Writers. :D
DeleteCongrats on the new book. That is an amazing amount of entries in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteHi Chrys, I got a card reading done twice, years back. It was Cartouche cards. Not sure if its similar to Tarot cards. It was nice :)
ReplyDeleteCartouche cards are different because there's only 25 cards, but similar in how they are used for divination. I think they are considered Oracle cards. :)
DeleteInteresting chapter, too bad you didn't include it in the book. Personally, I work in the garden to help me through difficult times (mostly weeding and composting as I'm not very good at keeping plants alive -- I either give them too much or too little attention. *sigh*). There's just something about connecting with Nature that helps me to figure things out.
ReplyDeleteRonel visiting on IWSG day Revamp Your Backlist
I would've included it, but my publisher wanted it removed.
DeleteI talk about gardening and being in Nature in Keep Writing with Fey, too! Weeding is very symbolic.
They key is to find what gets you through. Music does for me.
ReplyDeleteMusic also works for me. It's my biggest muse.
DeleteI'd like to learn more about Tarot. Can you recommend a good beginner's guide & deck? Thanks for an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteRider-Waite-Smith is the most popular and well-known deck. Great for beginners. I like Tarot Made Easy by Nancy Garen. Usually when you get a deck, though, it also comes with a small book to help interpret the cards. :)
DeleteI'd love to have a Tarot reading, though I could never admit that to my pro-science Facebook friends. They already don't know I believe in astrology (which is far more extensive than those generic Sun sign horoscopes!), numerology, palmistry, astral projection, past lives, and several other things they believe are automatic woo. It's another way of understanding the world, and can be a very powerful, healing experience. These things don't pretend to be sciences, and it's ridiculous to dismiss the many people who've experienced them as liars and quacks.
ReplyDeleteAll of those things are certainly powerful and healing. Thanks for your comment, Carrie- Anne!
DeleteIf I hadn't read the other replies, I would have said exactly the same as Rebecca D!
ReplyDeleteThere also seems to be a case of fashion making some things more or less acceptable. Somebody menitoned biorhythms the other day. During the 1970s (I think) these were considered essential for guiding your moods and choosing best times for all sorts of things. What happened to them? I have no idea. Tarot seems to have an element of fashion to it, too. Glad it helped your depression. The mention of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy helped mine.
And don't forget some people think Harry Potter is evil, for all those ungodly spells :)
I'll be in trouble now.
Jemima
A lot of stuff like Tarot cards are becoming more "fashionable" these days, but they have been around for so long. Tarot was first invented in the 15th Century. :)
DeleteIt's The Tower card that always freaks me out. I haven't pulled out my cards in way too long. I get the sense that the universe is telling me I should. (You're not the only one who's brought up the cards lately. It's time I listen.)
ReplyDeleteThe Tower card is one that gives me anxiety as well.
DeleteWow! The Universe is surely speaking to you.
I find it ironic that I'm reading about tarot card after just writing a scene where they play a prominent part.
ReplyDeleteThe Universe can be funny like that. :D
DeleteGreat topic, Chrys. I love that your picks resonated and helped you almost prepare for things. I have 3 different decks. My first deck is the Rider Waite Tarot, my second is the Work Your Light Oracle, and the third (one I just was gifted) is the Literary Witches Oracle. I love all three. It does take time to learn to read them and relax into the cards.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the Literary Witches Oracle! I'd like to have that one someday. :)
DeleteYes, you'd like it. It's new to me so I'm still 'getting to know it' :) I love the premise of the deck. The literary witches are all female authors from both modern and ancient times. I drew the skull card yesterday which was spot on for me recently.
DeleteIt sounds like a great deck. I just ordered an oracle deck inspired by the movie Practical Magic. It's in its second printing (I discovered it on Instagram), and I can't wait to get it, but I have to wait until some time in November. Ugh. Too long! lol
DeleteThat sounds awesome!!
DeleteCongrats on your book release and all of the entries into your giveaway. That's cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYou won't get any grief from me about Tarot cards, Chrys! I have family and friends who are excellent card readers. I find them intriguing. I'm a "scientist," but I am amazed how spot on they can be. I can't explain them, but I appreciate the insights they give me. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fundy! I can't explain them either, but they are amazing. :)
DeleteI always wanted to be able to read tarots. They fascinate me. I even bought myself a lovely pack. Now I have to learn how to interpret them. I'm glad you dedicated a post to them.
ReplyDeleteNever too late to learn. :)
DeleteHopefully, one day, you'll do one. :)
ReplyDeleteLove your post. I have always wanted to try Tarot. I study ancient runes for similar reasons. I always hoped someone would gift me a deck of cards, though.
ReplyDeleteYou don't have to wait to be gifted a Tarot deck. If everyone had to follow that superstition, most of us would never have a deck at all. Go out and buy one for yourself! :)
DeleteI have the Art Oracles Tarot with Edvard Munch, Yayoi Kusama, Georgia O'Keefe, Salvador Dali and such. I love it. Happy IWSG Day!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an awesome deck!
DeleteOkay, I'm a skeptic, but don't see them as evil except that I don't think the future is to be known. That said, this is interesting the day after I had the mechanic changing my oil tell me about how a palm reader led him to Jesus-all sorts of things can speak to us.
ReplyDeleteI have changed my main blog to fromarockyhillside.com
Being a skeptic is perfectly all right. :)
DeleteMy Sunday school teacher would disagree. LOL. One of my favorite aunts always did Tarot readings. Any time I think of them, I think of her. <3
ReplyDeleteA lot of Christians would disagree...and that's too bad.
DeleteMy mother does readings and has for many many years. She, like you, uses them as guides to help us on our paths. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! I love that!
DeleteI used to play around with tarot cards. We all have to do what helps us get through depression.
ReplyDeleteWe do, indeed. :)
DeleteThanks for sharing this intimate part of your healing process. Even if it doesn't suit everyone, it helped you and shows how brave you are to share it with others.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Toi! I was skeptical, especially after I had to remove it from my book, but the comments here have been wonderful. So many have used Tarot cards or always wanted to, and I had no idea!
DeleteI have never seen a tarot card..... perhaps I should to get me over this bad spell.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
They can certainly give you some guidance. <3
DeleteThe art on Tarot cards are beautiful! I feel at peace with praying. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe art is beautiful. And each deck is unique. :)
DeleteI have 2 tarot decks and I've seen videos of using them I haven't done that in a long time. Maybe I need something like that to jumpstart my creativity. As you say, they are a tool, something to use not be afraid of.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Nothing to fear at all. I hope they give you that spark you need, Diane. :)
DeleteHi Chrys - wise words you've used here ... and interesting to read. I just think my positivity keeps me going through thick and thin ... life has had its ups and down - but I've come through ... though nothing like you've been through. All the best and thanks for writing this up for us ... Hilary
ReplyDeletePositivity is very important.
DeleteI've read tarot for several years, and also use it for writing. Kenner's Tarot for Writers is particularly interesting in this respect. I'm always amused that people still think the cards tell the future, hence the comments about events "coming true." Tarot is simply a divination tool to help the querent see the possibilities within themselves, and sometimes, we all need that. I'm so happy that they've helped you with such a difficult burden! <3
ReplyDeleteWell said, Lee!
Delete