Last week I wrote about the Circle Readings workshop taught by Mary K. Greer. I mentioned that it was one of my favorite activities of the weekend.

Now here is the thing about Readers Studio and why it is more than just an educational opportunity and why it is an experience that cannot be replaced by a book or even on online class. Almost everything that is taught is then practiced and experienced by everyone there. You perform the technique and you are on the receiving end of the technique. In addition to honing your skills as a reader, you receive intensely powerful readings that can change your life.

There is something about being physically present with someone that adds to or affects the energy present in your experience. And, as we discovered by sitting in a tight circle with our knees touching, there is something about physical connection that intensifies that affect.

What happened to me? I was sitting in a circle touching knees with Rachel Pollack, Joanna Powell Colbert, Beth Owl’s Daughter, and Judy Nathan. Add to that mix Mary Greer, who was leading the workshop, and you’ve got an awful lot of powerful tarot energy in a very small space. These are women I’ve admired and respected for years and I was honored, humbled, and a little nervous to be sitting with them.

After we arrange ourselves, Mary tells us that each group has to pick a leader, someone to keep things moving and keep an eye on the time. Almost in unison and before I can react, my groups decides that I am to be the leader. Right. If Rachel is in the middle of giving an answer, do you think I’m going to interrupt her, telling her that her time is up? But what can I do?

We begin. We move quickly around our circle, asking and answering questions at lightning speed and with a brilliance that dazzles my mind. When it comes time to silently ask a question, I think “Give me a message that will rock my world.” The answer came from The Gaian Tarot and was the High Priestess. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you know that the High Priestess and I have issues. The answer I was given (and I honestly don’t remember who…either Rachel or Joanna) was this: People believe in you and see the wisdom you don’t see in yourself.

Later, I asked another question: “what was that High Priestess message about?” The answer (and I do not remember the card, a court card of some sort) was: You are afraid to wear the crown.

In the court cards, the kings and queens, we say that the crowns represent not just authority but responsibility.

I’m still not sure what it all means yet, but it is still working its magic in my soul and it was an experience that I’ll never forget. It was, I feel, a turning point in my struggles with the High Priestess, one that will force me to face issues of both confidence and of responsibility.

Care to share one of your profound tarot experiences?

avatar
Written by Barbara Moore
The tarot has been a part of Barbara Moore’s personal and professional lives for over a decade. In college, the tarot intrigued her with its marvelous blending of mythology, psychology, art, and history. Later, she served as the tarot specialist for Llewellyn Publications. Over the years, she has ...