Book Review: Tarot Spreads and Layouts by Jeanne Friorini

Hey Lovelies!
I've recently decided to get into some book reviews regarding the tarot and other divination devices! So I figured why not jump in with both feet right? Recently I was sent a copy of Tarot Spreads & Layouts by Jeanne Fiorini. I immediately noticed in the bio that she is a contributing columnist for the American Tarot Association. I was a mentor for this same group over a year ago so I was very familiar with the quality of readers, enthusiasts, and philosophers, I couldn't wait to read the book. Aside from that, Jeanne is also the owner of Tarotworks.com a website dedicated to offering tarot products, classes and services!
I have to say that the beginning of the book really made me smile, I hear so many people go on about knowing the meanings behind the cards and sticking to them so strictly. I have never been that kind of reader, and I've never had an issue interpreting the cards. Jeanne speaks on the importance of the card meanings, and how the meanings can change through the relativity of perception. She also discusses the 'No-No's' of tarot reading like asking something that does not directly affect you.
She also teaches creative freedom when it comes to the layouts and how to create your own fabulous ones! In one instance, she imparts a personal story that occurred during one of her group meetings, having run out of material she decided to create a Thanksgiving Turkey Spread. This story simply solidifies the fact that tarot layouts can come in any shape or size!
Rather than just sectioning up the layouts into 1, 4, or 8 card spreads Jeanne decided to go about it a little differently creating multiple spreads that deal with issues ranging from love and marriage to finances and business! I have to say one of my favorite layouts was the Chakra Spread under the health section!

Overall, I have to say this book is VERY good and I would definitely recommend it for those new to the tarot or who are feeling less than inspired with the divination system. Jeanne's love for the cards comes through loud and clear leaving you feel energized and excited to work with your deck!

Book Info: Paperback, 128 pp,  b/w Schiffer Publishing 2010 ISBN: 978-0-7643-3629-4


TO ORDER TAROT SPREADS AND LAYOUTS CLICK HERE!

Do you have a book you would like to see reviewed here? Email me at Beckahthepsychic@aol.com

*images used with permission from Schiffer Publishing LTD

Tarotscope - February 2011

Hello Lovelies!
What an entrance to 2011 huh?!?! A lot of the clients I have spoken to have talked about a rough January and I can't help but agree! However, in pulling cards for this month it seems that we are getting all of the 'crap' energy out at the beginning of the year to make room for growth the rest of the time. I expect things to settle energetically come the end of February and beginning of March. Just hold tight!! Not everything is negative and I do not want to make it seem that way at all. So let us find out what each sign has in store. This month I am using the Tarot of the Sidhe by Emily Carding this is a fantastic deck, Emily Carding is known as a visionary artist and it truly does translate into this full color 78 card deck. There is a foreward in the book by John Matthews who has authored more than ninety books on the subject of Celtic mythology and was the historical advisor on the movie 'King Arthur', besides that though the cards themselves are easily read their bright colors really inspire the intuitive mind and iconography used is just magnificent. Beginners may get confused as the deck does not use the standard pentacles, swords, wands and cups instead they are the Dreamers (air), Warriors (fire), Makers (earth) and Dancers (water) once you get a hold of the new names the deck is a breeze to read.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Happy Birthday Aquarius! The Maker Seven pops up first letting you know that you need to continue your current efforts, they aren't in vain. The beginning of the month will hold it's own challenges and it seems as though are you just trying to get a little bit ahead. However, at mid-month the Warrior Three comes into play bringing in an energy that helps align and right your world! Things will finally begin coming together, at the end of the month the Maker Ten comes to you letting you know that now is the time to be open to financial success. Things at home will calm and you can focus more on your career as everything else aligned earlier in the month! Be aware during this month for headaches, you've become so used to stress that when it finally begins to lessen your body may not know how to cope!

Aries (March 21 - April 20) - The Emperor in his reversed position greets you at the beginning of February, indicating that things may be feeling a little out of control. This is not an illusion, you truly don't have control over the situations going on around you at the moment. But therein is the life lesson, learn to just let go and allow Universe to take over. During the middle of the month you will move into the phase of Warrior Four, put your focus more at home during this time. It would be a fabulous time to think about transitioning into a new home, begin plans for renovations of your current home, or to paint the walls and rearrange furniture. Also this card tells you that your life's foundation is solid, so even when things may feel a little shaky trust that you've done right so far and that you are blessed. At the end of the month the Warrior Ten peeps in to let you know that a huge task lays ahead of you. This is a goal that you will be inspired to accomplish in the last weeks of February, move forward with haste so you can complete your deadlines!

Taurus (April 21 - May 20) - Dancer Five comes forward at the beginning of the month telling you something just isn't right, you may be feeling a little depressed, lost, or as though you lost something important. No worries though, whatever was lost will be found by mid-month with the introduction of Dancer Two. You will be meeting a new love or reconnecting with your current love! Temperance comes at the end of the month to let you know that now is not the time to be impulsive, take your time with your decision making.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - You immediately come into the phase of the Maker Eight at the beginning of February you will find it necessary to really come out of your shell as opportunities to network and connect abound. There will also be a few new opportunities coming to you, so be sure to put yourself out there and if you are looking for change, shout it out to the Universe. Mid-month you meet The Maker, now is the time to really unleash your creative self! Inspiration is everywhere! At the end of the month a challenge is put in front of you, you will have the opportunity to do good work for a great cause. Enjoy it!

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Maker Six greets you at the beginning of the month letting you know that generosity is key and to invite you to acknowledge the seemingly backwards concept of 'spending money to make money' be giving of your time and finances now and the rest of the year will be plentiful. Mid-month you meet the Warrior Princess (no not Xena) she warns you that you may be blocking out people who could help you. Your fierce need for independence may be handicapping you when it comes to projects your goals. Don't be afraid to ask for guidance and aid. You end the month as the Warrior Queen, who uses their gift of charm to persuade people, at this time you could sell ice to an eskimo...go forth and prosper!

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - You move into the phase of the Magician, mystical powers aside you will be in the act of creating something out of nothing. Use all of your cunning and creativity to breathe life into your current project. The Maker King gives you skill to craft your project, a creative thinker who can turn anything into gold channel his talents to lend energy to what you are trying to accomplish. At the end of the month comes the Dancer Princess, who encourages you to truly express how you feel and put it all on the line. Now is not the time to hold back with friends and family as much as you may  not like airing grievances or issues, do so, not only will it be good for you, but it may bring to light some things that they didn't realize!

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - You become the Star at the beginning of February; your talent for seeing patterns in real life situations will cause you to reevaluate your life and really take a hard look at your goals and planning. Hope is the essence of the Star and at this moment, the Star is a mirror reflection of you, causing to face both the best and worst of yourself. This may happen with the people and friends around you, reflecting certain aspects of yourself. So take a hard look at your friends and family, see if you can see a little bit of yourself in their situation. The Elder comes in at the middle of the month, now is the time to gather information to store aware for future use. You may want to do some genealogy on family or the area you live in as well, you have to remember that the Elder is not just a sagely person, but they are also like historians giving you first person accounts of the past. Much like the beginning of the month a lot of the work happening throughout February will be in regards to recognizing patterns in your life both positive and negative, but above all, it's about stopping or ending negative cycles to help your growth in the future. At the end of the month, the Warrior Prince comes in giving you a heavy dose of passion, and spirit. You will feel justifiably angry at the end of the month because of a slight done to you. I don't think from what the cards are saying that it was intentional so don't get high and mighty to quickly!

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Judgment joins you at the beginning of the month letting you know that finality is on its way. Whether it is a court case, projects ending, waiting for someone to make a decision or you have been trying to Judgment comes in to let you know that the end is near. The Maker Prince bestows on you the Gift of Connection, come mid-February reminding you to recognize that all things within the world are made of the same energy and that this energy is reactive to you. Use it to manifest your wants and needs you will be exceedingly focused during this time. At the end of the month comes a party or some sort of celebration. A task has been completed, a goal reached and a sense of child-like excitement fills the air! Enjoy it and bask in what the Dancer Three has to offer.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - The Dancer Nine comes to visit you at the beginning of the month letting you know that you can go ahead and make a wish. Universe is in accord with you at this time, take the opportunity given to you by the Dancer Nine and ask for what you want, set goals, and watch yourself become victorious over the obstacles ahead of you.  Mid-month the Maker Four reminds you not to be too greedy with your wants and needs, really pace yourself and be aware of your finances things might be a little bit tight. At the end of the month a truce between two enemies, there will be tension around you, but you will see it come to an end as a temporary truce is made. Take the time to relax and enjoy the quiet while it lasts!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) - The Maker Five comes to you warning you to beware of winters bite! People will come seeking their debts and their due be careful to budget wisely as this card often indicates a time of poverty or loss of finances.  The Emperor comes to visit next giving you the power to take the reins and gain full control over the situations surrounding you. Obstacles will still be there but much easier to overcome than earlier in the month. At the end of the month Warrior Ten drops in, you are feeling the weight of your responsibilities and they can feel like big burdens at times. Be sure to take time for yourself so you do not become to overtaxed. This phase passes quickly as you regain energy with a brief respite a few days before March.
      
Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19) - First you move into the Dancer King during this time things will be in great chaos around you and your first thought may be to seek peace inside yourself but the Dancer King offers no quarter, you are in the middle of the chaos and may indeed be the cause of the chaos. Rest assured though it is all for a reason, a goal to be reached and a lesson learned. Out of the chaos comes opportunities as the World opens up and lays at your feet offering it's bounty. Great things lay ahead but for the middle of the month I would suggest taking your time and doing plenty of research before taking any of the opportunities offered. Better to take an opportunity where you might have to work a little harder but get a lot back than to take them all and burn out. At the end of the month the Warrior King comes to call offering a gift of glory. Big recognition coming your way, bask in the glow of a job well done then...get back to work!

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - At the beginning of the month you move into the phase of the Empress, empowerment is your middle name. It is all about taking back your own control, this can be done through planning, financial budgeting and negotiating or with a friend, lover or family through talks and standing your ground. During the middle of February you find yourself basking in the Sun, enjoy your time to be jubilant and happy, it is rare when we get moments of pure happiness, relish it! At the end of the month the Dreamer Queen visits giving you the gift of logic and reason. Now is the time to make any of the those important decisions you've been holding off on!!

This month's Tarotscope brought to you by:

CLICK HERE TO ORDER TAROT OF THE SIDHE BY EMILY CARDING

*images used with permission of Schiffer Publishing

Tarotscopes January 2011

Hello Lovelies!
Welcome to 2011!!! As the year ended, I decided to pull a card to find out the theme or energy for 2011, last year it was the Empress, this year we have moved into the Sun in its upright position! This card brings in a whole slew of opportunities; it indicates a happy and joyful year with many good times ahead! In the negative, there may be more of a tendency towards impulsive action and ego may get in the way. This month I am using the Tarot of the Cat People by Karen Kuykendall published by U.S. Games Systems. I've actually had this deck for years and own altogether three of them (two I use for double deck reading) I absolutely adore the imagery, of course I am a cat lover so I'm definitely biased. But the deck is not just cute cats arranged in a variety of ways the Tarot of the Cat People combines fantasy and sci-fi the characters are dressed so elaborately and the colors are gorgeous. I think this deck is perfect whether your just beginning or have been reading for a while, it's pictures are very inspiring! Now friends, on to the Tarotscopes!



Capricorn (Dec. 21 - Jan. 19) - Happy Birthday Capricorns! In the beginning of the month you move into the phase of The Moon upright, this will be a creative high point for you go with it. Unlike the sun, the moon is only a light in the darkness many interpret this card to indicate that you need to be careful of deceit or lies around you. At the middle of the month the Fool knocks on your door, a new path or new beginning is opening up for you! This may also indicate a spiritual awakening, on the negative side you are really going to want to be aware of your irrational thinking, as it may get out of hand during this time. At the end of the month you meet the King of Swords, a tall man with long black hair and a black panther beside him the King of Swords he really shows what a great mind, self confidence and successful energy can do! Now is the time to move forward with confidence, your wit will be especially sharp during this time and your mind constantly calculating although you will have more control over it than usual!


Aries (March 21 - April 20) - You start off the month in the Two of Wands reversed right now is not the time to have any deep conversations. It is almost like you are both speaking in different languages. Expect no resolution to arguments at this time; they will just go around in circles. But at the middle of the month The Star pops in to lend her influence giving you a renewed energy and allows you to open your energy to the blessings that Universe wants to give you. The month ends in Rejuvenation (typically Judgment) reversed, even with the renewal at midmonth honestly Aries you need to cut some of the extra work, you may sleep but you are more tired than when you originally went to bed and the energy boosters may not be as helpful as they used to be. It is time to take a mental health day on the 23rd and just relax.

Taurus (April 21 - May 20) - You begin the month in the Ace of Cups a time of inspiration, it heralds the birth of new ideas and ways of thinking! It can also in some instances be an indicator of an actual pregnancy. Take advantage of this time as new relationships, ventures and ideas blossom. The Page of Cups reversed greets you mid month letting you know that right now not everything is as it seems. You may feel on edge, nervous or even fearful during the midmonth, your intuition is off so don't go by your gut during this time your emotional center is out of whack it's time to regroup and find your center. You move into the Six of Cups at the end of January expect a lot of old emotions to resurface, it's all about nostalgia. You may find some old objects, reconnect with old friends, lovers or family that you haven't seen in a while.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Justice reversed knocks on your door at the beginning of the month reminding you to look at both sides of the coin when it comes to situations and people. Remind yourself that there are always two sides to a story and that feelings are not facts! Then you transition into the Four of Swords mid-month telling you now is the time to relax and get rest. If you refuse to listen to the instructions of the Four of Swords Universe may help you towards that end by making you ill, causing you to stop in your tracks and forcing the rest. Ending the month you come into the Tower reversed reminding you to keep building on what you already have!

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - You start off in the Four of Wands reversed don't abandon your dreams. You may be rushing headlong to your goal whether it be a new car or home, however, there is still a lot of work to be done and you may miss some steps by trying too hard to fast. You enter the Page of Pentacles during the middle of the month indicating that you need to watch your physical health and take care of your body; mentally you are in a good place feeling cheerful and in balance. You may also be feeling more grounded than usual lacking the ability to creatively visualize and sticking to linear thinking rather than allowing your imagination to soar. At the end of the month you find yourself in Ace of Cups reversed that cheeriness from midmonth will dissipate and chaos will erupt around you. Just try to keep up and hold down the fort. Relationships may seem especially exhausting during this time as arguments will often be one sided or you may end up taking care of someone else's drama. Be careful you don't want to place your energy where it isn't needed!

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - You begin the month in the phase of the Eight of Wands, bringing a ton of different opportunities but they are there and gone so quickly it is hard to catch them. This card usually indicates a rapid change in your life, embrace it and enjoy the outcome! You move into the Ace of Swords reversed midmonth showing that you are still reeling from the sudden changes and the feeling of being rushed at the beginning of the month, it has set you a little off balance. Now is the time to step back from the chaos that you are feeling and look at things with an objective eye. Also nerves may be raw during this time leading you to be a little more argumentative and contrary than usual. At the end of the month you come to the Three of Pentacles showing that you are finally getting the respect in your profession that you feel you deserve but it didn't come without a price you invested a lot of time, money and energy. Now sit back and enjoy the spotlight!

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - The Ten of Swords reversed greets you at the beginning of the month telling you to take a good hard look at your own negative thinking and it's affect on your life. With the New Year it is time for a new mindset, stop the negative self fulfilling prophecies and set yourself up for success by making small changes to your way of thinking! The Queen of Wands knocks on your door mid month letting you know that now is the time to take your independence! When it comes to your ideas, although brilliant they will not be for you to act on but rather to give to friends and family as support or inspiration.  At the end of the month, you meet the King of Wands in the reversed position letting you know you need to temper your need for the material with your appreciation for what you currently have. Being goal oriented is great; but do not get greedy. 

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - It is time to indulge yourself Libra the Nine of Pentacles comes in to give you a feeling of financial freedom and the ability to invest a little in yourself, your home and to have fun! Be wise (but don't be stingy) and the financial gain will continue indefinitely! You move into the Page of Swords midmonth indicating that you will have incredible insights and clarity of mind, able to see patterns and identify issues even in the murkiest of situations. Use it to your benefit! At the end of the month you meet the Emperor reversed letting you know that you may be more emotionally sensitive than usual resulting in outbursts and arguments. Don't take constructive critiquing like it is an insult be open to the advice of those around you, they hold your best interest at heart.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - The High Priestess reversed comes to you in the beginning of the month letting you know that some of your energy pathways may be blocked. This can inhibit the release of issues from the past, and stop you from changing bad habits. The High Priestess asks you to work extra hard to cleanse the blockages in your energy and to release emotional attachments to objects, rituals and people who do not aid in your growth. The High Priest (Hierophant) visits in the middle of the month heralding a feeling of spiritual completion, you have worked alongside the Priestess to release the bonds that hold you back and now the High Priest comes to let you know that work has paid off! It also speaks of a new relationship or partnership both in personal and business life. At the end of the month, the Knight of Cups comes forward in his reversed position asking you to get off your butt and move! You will be feeling a particular lack in motivation during this time. In addition, a close friend or co worker may begin to get on your nerves, constantly asking your advice but never doing anything about their situation. It's their drama let them be responsible. 

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 20) - As you begin the month of January you first enter the Six of Swords reversed bringing chaos and insanity with it. Now is just the time to try and keep up don't push to much ahead but use your inherent determination and perseverance to see you through. Don't attempt to solve any huge problems at this moment, it isn't the time for it, just keep to the bare minimum, try to catch your breath as often as you can. You bump into Temperance mid month letting you know that after all of the chaos at the beginning of the month now things have quieted down and there is a feeling of success! At the end of the month you meet with the Magician letting you know that now is the time to look beyond the ordinary, past what is obviously there and to seek out the potential in the people, situations and opportunities around you. Use your intelligence and creativity to their fullest effect during this time in order to reap huge rewards later.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - The Devil comes in at the beginning of the month, luckily in a reversed position telling you that you recently escaped a dangerous situation, either emotionally or physically. Count your blessings! I've seen this card come up a lot for people who recently left draining or abusive relationships as it typically relates to being 'enslaved' to another person or false belief.  In the middle of January you slide into the Seven of Wands reversed, reminding you not to fear success, you have a ton of talent and potential but you fear letting yourself shine. Step out, and own your awesomeness! At the end of the month you turn to the Page of Pentacles letting you know you're taking people a little too literally and may be a smidgeon oversensitive to comments that are being made. He also reminds you to let your creativity and wit flow!

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - You being January in the Seven of Pentacles don't be suprised if your pretty exhausted and still worrying about the money, the decisions you've made, and everything else under the sun. To calm the effect of this phase be sure to engage your brain in calming activities such as meditation so you don't go batty. Mid month you transition to the Nine of Cups reversed warning that you are beginning to lose sight of your roots and that you may take for granted your current happiness. This card also indicates that you need to be sure that you are doing plenty of relationship work behind the scenes, checking in with your partner or friends and continuing to strengthen those connections rather than just being happy that they are there. At the end of the month you slip into the Hanged Man reversed, telling you to be patient and just let things come on their own, you've already started setting things in motion now you need to let go and allow the Universe to take over!


This month's Tarotscope brought to you by: