Jessica Fisher-Willson Expert Guru

Jessica is a licensed educator, has a masters degree in computer engineering, and has written about a variety of subjects, but her passion is for painting, tarot, and reiki. She believes practicing your passion will lead to personal growth. As the developer of White Light Tarot TM, her aim was to create a new deck that incorporated the reiki energy system. Keywords and chakra colors are included at the top of each card to enhance the user's understanding of tarot archetypes. The images are painted to incorporate reiki healing, and interpretations take into account esoteric old world symbols, but are inclusive of other cultures. The idea is that the cards offer "exact instructions" on where you need to concentrate your energies to get what you desire. Jessica helps her students understand themselves and feel more confident. Her articles on Tarot, Chakras, and Reiki healing have been published in the US and in the UK. She looks forward to expanding her writing in this area.

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The Meaning of Reiki

If you want to know what reiki means, just think of “The Force” from Star Wars. Reiki is sort of like the Force. In Star Wars, Yoda describes the Force to Luke by saying, “Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes.”

When describing reiki, we often describe it by breaking apart the two Japanese characters that make up the word. “Rei” translates to “Light” and “Ki” translates to “Life-force”, and it is pronounced (ray-key). The philosophy in Star Wars of mind over matter, not being seduced by the easy path to power through feelings of hate, anger, and aggression, and that we’re all connected, all come from the same foundations as that of Reiki.

The History of Reiki

The most documented source of these concepts is found in the ancient Hindu text of the Upanishad. These sacred texts were written in Sanskrit over several centuries, and starting as early as eighth century BCE. When was that? Well, for an idea of how long ago that was, it’s about the same time as the first Olympic games, the Ting dynasty, and Sodom and Gomorrah, roughly 3700 years ago. So this stuff is old, but interestingly not outdated. The books discuss practical ways of expanding awareness through yoga, which in itself is a philosophy. Additional documentation is in early Taoist and Buddhist texts dating as early as 2000 BC. Recent discussion includes possible linkage of the early Vedas, the Norse and Greek writings as well, spreading as the Indo-European tribes dispersed throughout the continent.

In the east, the body is a considered a ‘sacred temple’, so surgery was never considered an option. Ways of healing that did not break apart the ‘sacred temple’ were found, hence energy healing. In the foundations of Western culture we find that the Greeks also described the energies of what made up the body and the universe. “Greeks (Aristotle) believed that all the matter in the universe was made up of four basic elements-earth, water, air, and fire. Upanishads in India, in ancient times, identified these elements respectively as "Prithvi, Aappas, Vayu, and Thejas " and added one more element "Akash" to identify space in which these elements interacted with appropriate forces to sustain the universe. These were termed " Pancha Bhuthas," and the philosophers, by sheer inspiration, tried to unify all these into a coherent picture of space, time and matter.” (From B.S.MURTHY http://www.saeindia.org/Home/MITLecture.htm)

And oddly enough, we have come full circle and find validity in these descriptions of the universe again. In our own age of scientific enlightenment, this view of the universe metaphorically describes the same things that scientists like Brian Greene, author of The Elegant Universe and The Fabric of the Cosmos; professor of mathematics and physics, Columbia University, are grappling with in string theory, or the theory of everything.

Symbols

Connections are made synapses joining together connecting to other synapses, neurons, muscle cells, glandular cells. Much like in “A Beautiful Mind”, they can go nuts and find too many outlets. Nonetheless, there is a human need to connect to each other and to find meaning or applied values. Mathematics, alphabets, kanji and hieroglyphics, glyphs of all sorts are an attempt to garner meaning into a contextual frame work that allows for intelligent interpretation and transmission of ideas - or meaning.

Although genuinely ‘unscientific’ the Tarot is a set of 78 pictographic symbols. Twenty-one of these symbols, the Major Archana would fall into Jungian archetypal terminology, but all of the symbols comment on human psychological conditions. The card set although lacking is an attempt at taking into account a universal interpretation of civilized idealized roles in sociological terms. In almost all cultures, for example, a person of sore repute will be the leader (Emperor) or matriarch of the tribe (Empress). There will be advisers to the leaders, and most culture worship at one point or another some deities that are imbued with human ideals. These deities can be singular or have the characteristics broken out amongst many aspects. In the cards we find the aspects of the ideals and fears of man at their most poignant. So as the leaders look to the interpretation of signs and moral advice is sought by the leaders from the advisors, so too we find it demonstrated in the Tarot. Aspects of the leader (Emperor) may ask advice of the spiritual leaders (Magician or High Priestess). There are other symbols in the deck that are more esoteric in nature , yet if we apply the symbols into an individual world view of applicable universal symbols states of being (nouns and verbs) then when one does a reading one can interpret the symbols as a jumping-off place to reinterpret a given situation or applicable meaning to a series of events.

When one give themselves the break from circular thinking is when solutions are most often found - “Think outside the box” as the saying goes you may find a new way to interpret the data, a new angle or prism through which to look at the situation. Einstein has said that many of his best ideas came while in the shower. In context this makes sense in that the action of physically doing a repetitive action can facilitate a trance like state which can in turn lead to new thought patterns. Unexpected connections that can often lead to synchronistic series of connections and possibly events that create a larger context by which one reaches the next level of experience.

Synchronicity or coincidences happen because we are all made of energy - attraction and repulsion - regardless of how inexplicable it is with our limited technology to explain it, thoughts, actions and reactions line up in a sequence just as in the brain there is a tendency to make interpretable connections by virtue of a single thought. The Tarot, through the action of shuffling places a physical charge on the cards. In turn, then randomization of the final number of cards can lead on only to so many possible combinations, or “symbol sentences”, but depending on the situation, the person reading and their interpretation the message in a throw can be seemingly infinite.

If energetic and symbol connections, ie, Jung’s universal symbol system and interpretation can lead to our better understanding and interpreting our soul’s needs, wants, desires, journey, and connections to various personalities and complex emotional states as well as to other people in our lives.

Meditation and Healing

Intuition and psychic abilities allow us to connect to the world beyond our five senses. There are many tools available to assist us, but the most useful tool in one’s arsenal is the ability to calm the mind. By calming the mind, we allow insights to foster new patterns of connection that can help relate the spiritual realm to the everyday realm in which we live our lives. Meditation creates space for intuition to blossom. When we are trying to figure out the right thing to do, what to do next, what happened in a situation gone bad, or why we are sick, we are often in an agitated state, and so getting answers might seem difficult, but it need not be. Our first action of quieting the mind allows us to consult our higher self.

By getting quiet within the self, and listening to the breath for a moment, one can clear the chatter in the mind. To begin, try counting the breaths to five. Do this three times and then start automatic writing, or consulting any number of tools such as tarot cards, runes, I-Ching, or scrying. These tools help with interpreting the information that we get intuitively. When we are calm we can focus and see beyond our immediate surroundings, and we are able to connect to other people and places on the etheric or spirit level. When we connect on the spirit level, we are linking souls or experiencing ‘joining of mind’ to our true self or spirit, which is part of the universal mind. Whatever we like to call it, the ability to calm the mind is essential to understanding a course of action that will offer healing results.

I believe that we know the answers to most of the questions plaguing us ourselves, and if we can focus well enough, we can often heal ourselves. It is simply a matter of self-empowerment to use the tools ourselves. This is not to say that a psychic, therapist, or doctor is of no use to us, their job is to help us use whatever tools necessary to help us heal. By offering their take on a situation, they expand our own ability to view the situation. Sometimes we need a new perspective and what better way to get one than from a different person’s point of view. A sympathetic but objective person can help us heal difficult problems. Physical healing can also take place, or aliments can improve or disappear with the help of a trained professional.

I have experienced first hand healing results from connecting on the etheric plane. I was helping to heal a friend’s strep throat with Reiki. The strain of strep that he had contracted was from a nursing home. The infection was not responding to a normal course of antibiotics. He had been sick for over a month and had taken at least two full courses of antibiotics. Reiki allows for long distance healing. He is in Georgia and I am in Boston, but we could connect on the etheric plane, so we arranged that I would send Reiki energy to him when I went to bed. There was no set time, as we just left it loose. I went to bed one night at about one in the morning and I did a session. I got into a meditative state to link to him on the etheric plane, and I began sending Reiki energy. I finally went to sleep about two-thirty. I had been in touch him that I through email to check on his progress, but this time it was startling. He reported to me that he had felt better between one and two-thirty and had finally fallen asleep about two-thirty. I emailed back that what he said confirmed that it was working, as that was exactly the time that I had been working on him. I told him that I would double my efforts. He continued his medical doctor’s advice taking antibiotics, but by adding Reiki therapy three times a day, by the end of the week, my friend was going out to a party for the first time in almost six weeks. I am convinced that the ability to connect to people beyond touch is truly possible and can be very healing. We are not limited to our five senses in reality, and in fact, the senses can be a distraction to connecting to the truth. The old adage ‘seeing is believing’ is outdated, or perhaps the idea of ‘seeing’ needs updating to include the ideas of universal mind, synchronicity, and connecting to source. I am convinced that if we can focus our abilities we can figure out the solution to any situation. With concentrated effort, we can heal the planet and each other.

Intuition and Your Moon Sign

At one point during the “Lord of the Rings” movies trilogy, Aragorn asks Gandalf if he believes the hobbits carrying the ring to mount doom are still alive. They look at one another and consider the question. Aragorn asks further “What does your heart tell you?” Gandalf looks away, and then glances back again, saying “Yes, yes they are alive.” His intuitive knowing has told him that the hobbits are still alive. We all have this ‘intuitive knowing‘, though in fictional characters such as Gandalf, and perhaps in some real people, this skill is more developed than in the rest of us mere mortals. We can develop our intuition and learn to trust it. Our intuitive side is influenced by the astrological constellation the moon was in when we were born. If indeed the stars have some influence over people’s thoughts and actions, then surely the moon must play a significant roll since it’s so close a celestial body. In fact, in some forms of astrology the moon sign holds more sway with one’s behavior than one’s sun sign. Nonetheless, a good way to gain insight into your intuitive side is with a little bit of lunar astrology.

Most people are familiar with their sun sign. It’s the answer to the infamous question, ‘what’s your sign?‘ The sun influences the outward appearance and sense of individuality and energy that a person displays. It can also describe attributes of your mission in life, or what you’re fated to do. What would be most fulfilling as your action plan for getting your heart’s desire. The moon on the other hand, governs our gut reaction to things, what comforts us, our intuition, and why we do what we do. Sometimes the two influences are at odds in a person’s chart, and sometimes they work together harmoniously. As one of the most influential planets in our solar system, the moon moves through the twelve signs of the Greek zodiac in about 28 days, which places the influence of the moon in a particular sign for approximately two days. The moon describes the inner hidden quality of a person, his spirit. It influences the emotional self -- the inner you. The influences are felt every two days, so when you have a good day, check to see if the moon that day is in your natal chart’s moon sign or one that ‘s highly compatible with your natal moon.

You need an astrologer to figure out your moon sign, or at least the exact time and place of your birth and a website. You can “Google” for a free astrology reading and you’ll probably come up with a few hits that will allow you to put in your date and time of birth and give you an accurate account of where the planets were when you were born, or check the website at the end of this article for more information. Sometimes, these free readings don’t get into the phase of the moon, but that’s an important consideration, as it determines the intensity with which you identify with your moon sign, and the parts of your emotional life with which it has most sway. So the phase of the moon at the time of your birth is another influence to take into consideration when evaluating the moon‘s influence. Also remember that the moon’s energy is reflective, or a softer version of the sun’s energy.

Here’s a quick way to figure out what phase the moon is in. The phase of the moon will tell you how much you identify with your moon sign. You read the phases of the moon from right to left. Being in Brookline, just think of the Massachusetts state fish, or the Atlantic cod. A common way to remember the moon phases or cycles is by visualizing the capitalized word ‘COD’ in reverse order. The ‘D’ is still the ‘D’ in ‘COD‘, but comes first in the phasing. So, when you look up at the sky and the moon looks like a “D” then it’s waxing or growing into a full moon. If it is the ‘O”, well, no need to explain that - it’s a full moon. As for the ‘C’ the moon has just past full and it’s waning, or diminishing and on its way to being a new moon. Another interesting and helpful tid-bit is that the new moon always rises at sunrise, the first quarter at noon, the full moon at sunset, and the last quarter at midnight.





The phases of the moon emphasize the qualities of the astrological signs influence. During the waxing or growing of the moon from new moon to full is a time of new beginnings and thought is swift and quick. Dreams may seem more intense and since thought is most developed at the dark of the moon, those born when the moon is dark or the phase of the moon is about to enter into a new moon are blessed with psychic abilities.

When the moon is waning, or moving from full to dark, the moon is on prime time. The influence of the astrological sign is at full force intuitively and emotionally. If you were born during a full moon, say in Pisces, you’ll act more like a Pisces, than your normal sun sign during a Pisces full moon. As a child you may have been more like your moon sign, and you’ll be comforted by things that may not seem like a person with your sun sign. The confluence of your moon sign and sun sign may describe you better than your sun sign alone. You’ll also have the intuitive gifts of your moon sign wrapped in the outward appearance of your sun sign.

As an example, if you are an Aries with a moon in Pisces, you might find yourself very aggressively following your instincts or when you’re angry or upset you withdraw rather than fight. If you were born with your moon void of course, then the moon hadn’t quite left one sign and made an aspect into the new sign. In astrological terms, this is a time for biding one’s time and not for starting new projects or finishing old ones. So, if you were born under these circumstances you may find yourself often in emotional tangles, where there are two distinct paths to follow. You may also know instinctively to bide your time when making tough decisions and have the discipline to carry it through.

All in all here’s a basic look at what the moon says about you. Since there are twelve signs of the zodiac, there are 144 possible combinations. What you can do is read your sun sign, and if you know your moon sign read that as well in this list. In the end it’s about how you interpret the information that makes the difference, and because we are creatures of rational thought, never is a planet more influential than your own mind, fortunately.

Aries March 21 to April 20

You feel comfortable being proactive and you are probably more self directed than the average person. Very quick and confident, an Aries moon sign intuitively knows what to tell other people to get things done. As a lively fire sign you are expressive, and assertive. Influenced by the planet Mars, Aries is the cardinal fire sign. Cardinal mean first, placing Aries as the first in the fire sign group.

Taurus April 21 to May 21

A Taurus craves nature, serenity, and sensual comforts. As a person with this moon sign you will seek harmony wherever there is discord, and probably try to heal the discordant with comfort food. The influence of the planet Venus, conjoined with the moon makes you a grounded earth sign that has a depth of feeling, understanding, and insight into the human condition.

Gemini May 22 to June 22

Emotional multi-tasking is what you do best. The influence of Mercury makes you a person that is high strung, sensitive, and ready at a moment’s notice. Being a Gemini moon sign means being a talkative adviser who can explain why everything happens as it does, but you, as this air sign, may blow through moods quicker than a tornado. Gemini is a mutable air sign, meaning changeable, or adaptable.

Cancer June 23 to July 23

The moon reflects deeply into your emotional waters as a Cancer moon sign. You will intuitively know things, without knowing why exactly, and you’ll know it with passion. As a Cancer moon sign you will have to learn to trust your instincts, and friends will have to learn to help shield sensitive you from the harsh emotionally draining world. Under the influence of the moon, emotion flows like water and come in waves.

Leo July 24 to August 23

Funny, inspiring, and always a showman, as a Leo moon sign you insure you’ll be in demand at a party. As a fixed fire sign moon you may need a lot of appreciation for your efforts, but your efforts with be grand and executed with aplomb. Under the influence of the sun you are a fixed fire sign and you have contagious enthusiasm to burn.

Virgo August 24 September 23

To paraphrase Hemingway, a clean, well lighted place, is a favored environment for you as a mutable or adaptable earth sign. Getting things done in an ordered fashion is emotionally what you feel most comfortable with. Emotionally or physically messy things will put a Virgo moon sign on edge. Calm, serious and serene, you help others with a cup of calming tea and tell them exactly how to do things in an organized and ordered fashion.

Libra September 24 to October 23

Extremely communicative and ruled by Mercury, as a fixed air sign you are a natural diplomat. Graceful and charming in almost any circumstance and the consummate host or hostess you know how to put others at ease or put others in their place without batting an eye. Deciding what to order for dinner might be a challenge, but with enough discussion anything is possible.

Scorpio October 24 to November 22

Passionate and intense, a Scorpio moon sign has depth as a fixed water sign. As you ‘run silent, run deep’ in your shielded emotional submarine, you need to remember to come up for air occasionally, otherwise you may find yourself overwhelmed by the pressure under all that emotion. Mars keeps you moving through the flood of intense feeling, and intuition. The intensity and focus you have as the second water sign is fixed on emotions. So steady on, but carefully navigate the depths.

Sagittarius November 23 to December 22

If asked a silly question, a Sagittarius moon sign you will probably look for the hidden meaning, and give an equally silly answer, or a very philosophical one. As the last of the fire signs being mutable or changeable, and ruled by Jupiter, you are always seeking the greater meaning of life, but you recognize that life is all fairly laughable. Exuberant but fickle, you want more out of life and seek it out before the flame extinguishes. You’re a multi-tasking fire sign that moves erratically but energetically with whatever suits you‘re freedom loving nature at the moment.

Capricorn December 23 to January 19

Capable and down-to-earth as a Capricorn moon sign you’re steadfast and principled in all your endeavors. You never give up and never explain your emotional need to keep going at all costs. Not one for compromise, you are ruled by the task-master Saturn. You’ll climb towards your goals, overcoming all obstacles in your way by sheer force of will. Emotionally, you put little stock into your feelings and judge your progression in more concrete ways.

Aquarius January 20 to February 19

Distinguished, knowledgeable, and intuitive as an Aquarius moon sign you will tell others things you didn’t realize you knew until they asked. Detached and intellectual, you may not understand all of what you feel as quickly as you can explain a concept. As a fixed air sign ideas come at you faster than the speed of light, but with Uranus as your ruling planet, executing them would be such a bore, that it’s preferable to discuss the possibilities in a wide social gathering, and leave it at that.

Pisces February 20 to March 20

Dreamy, intuitive, and caring you’re given to want to escape the harsh realities of everyday life in a more spiritual world of your own making. As a water sign ruled by Neptune you are sensitive to your own emotional needs and to those of a select chosen few. Imaginative and adaptable as a mutable or changeable water sign, you are always treading lightly on the surface of the waters of life.

Why and How Does Tarot Work?

Think of it this way, at a sub atomic level, we’re nothing, more than concentrated energy and information. We are held together by the idea, of who and what we are. If we can accept that we are fundamentally energy and, space, then we can accept that we can influence our surroundings. How?, Let’s imagine, ourselves as light, a human shaped golden aura and the cards as light too, each, with a separate frequency or color. If you can visualize everything at a, sub-atomic level, built of energy (light) and space, all intermingling at a, subatomic level, we can see that when we shift energy onto the tarot by, shuffling the cards, which in and of itself is an energy information source, we, are choosing the information that we most want to absorb. If we can accept that, we are energy, we can then accept that through the tarot we are connecting with, our higher mind, our source, or god who will offer us information we want or, need., , Using the tarot as a tool opens us up to new possibilities, that we might not have thought of before. Most of us, when we have a problem, will experience some form of ‘circular thinking’ otherwise known as worry. We, have trouble trusting that we know the answer or can find help when we need it., But by using the tarot, it connects the dots of what we’re really, really, thinking about something. It’s like extra synaptic activity that we didn’t plan, on. The tarot is an information energy bundle, just like we are. An energy, bundle that we assigned with various meanings, and the meanings of the cards, are human based, emotionally charged and when using the tarot, at an subatomic, level, or subconsciously, you will select the exact information that you need., It‘s that easy. Because it is emotional content and not intellectual there is, nothing to learn, but there is much to absorb. The concept of “synchronicity” or “meaningful coincidences”, was developed by Psychologist Carl Jung and presented in the 1952 paper, "Synchronicity — An Acausal Connecting Principle"., We’ve all experienced it, where things seem, to magically appear or happen when we need them most. This harkens back to the absolute fact that we are energy, and we, attract what we need into our lives effortlessly, with our minds, either, subconsciously, or consciously. Just by thinking, we attract or dismiss, possibilities of action by our attitudes, our internal dialog, our memories, , all this influences how we are in the world now, and what will happen next in, our lives. By using the tarot we are consciously deciding to invite possibility, into our lives. We are making conscious contact with our higher selves. When we, make this conscious effort, it overrides the subconscious level of what, generally controls our lives and we are then influencing the possible outcomes, to our liking. When we get a ‘bad’ reading, it usually means that we require a, warning against an outcome, The death card, gypsies, all that stuff in movies is, bunk. A ‘bad’ reading does not mean it is something that will come to pass, , rather we are telling ourselves to pay attention to our fears. And sometimes we, don’t like to admit, or hear what we’re really thinking, but once we accept it., We can override it, and dismiss it. , Once, we understand that we are afraid of some outcome, we can accept it and disband, it. We can surround it with love and remove the anxiety that it is producing., How? By saying that “this outcome will not break us, we love ourselves, and we, will try to steer ourselves away from this dread by being loving to ourselves, and others.” Because that is our nature, to be loving. We need to comfort, ourselves and remove any doubt that we are loved and have the ability to have a, good and successful life.

Printing Your Tarot Deck

TO BE GREEN OR NOT TO BE GREEN
That is the question Getting your tarot deck printed is hard enough never mind trying to go green to boot. I decided some time ago that I thought the best way to go would be to get my tarot deck printed on recycled paper using soy ink. Little did I know that post consumer stock is hard to come by and card printers don’t use it at all.

IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN
I wanted to go green to assuage my guilt of cluttering up the planet with yet another tarot deck. But like most people who take this on I was, er, ‘called’ to do my deck and so it had to be done. Unfortunately going green isn’t as easy as you might think or as green as you might think. Papers that are slick and heavy enough to use for a tarot deck the most inexpensive is 100 lbs glossy for example have only a 30% post consumer product content ratio
and to make the finish shiny it’s covered in clay. This makes it a problem for recycling as the paper has to be separated from the clay. There are only a few printers in the U.S. that print green never mind willing to do wacky print jobs like tarot cards for what they consider little money. Then there’s the whole support local business and/or avoid shipping costs problem so remember to consider the additional shipping costs involved. Don’t bother to email. Printers don’t seem to respond very well to electronic communication other than telephone calls. I wrote out specs of what I wanted but only heard back from one printer. Subsequently I met with some and I called others making sure I always referenced my previous email.

GREEN US PRINTERS
http://www.ecographics.com/ West Coast http://www.greenerprinter.com/ West Coast http://www.ecographics.com/ Canada http://www.ecoprint.com/index.htm Maryland http://www.recycledpaper.com/ East Coast http://www.redsunpress.com/ East Coast

GETTING A QUOTE
Getting quotes was like pulling teeth. The printer that I spoke to originally said that with my budget and using four color process it would cost about $300 dollars a deck for god sakes! He didn’t know anything about digital printing and had to call in a designer to answer simple questions about changing my RGB to CMYK which he wanted to charge for almost immediately. So be wary even when green it is business after all. As it turned out using the same printer if I went with a digital printing process rather than four color which prints on a legal sized piece of paper I could get the price down considerably but this would be digital printing which isn’t optimum. Please note that this is without the round corners on the cards otherwise known as die cutting. This didn’t necessarily include collating or any packaging either. And they asked for 50% up front andwould charge me $100 dollars an hour for any changes to the final files. So I started looking in a wider array of printers and found there are some that do specialize in card printing.PRINTERS THAT SPECIALIZE IN TAROT CARD PRINTING http://www.customizedplayingcards.com Playing card and custom sizes (Scroll to the end of the page to view custom info.) The smallest run that they’ll do is 1000 card sets for around $4000 dollars. This includes the die cutting collating plastic wrap. This doesn’t include delivery however. http://www.cartamundiusa.comCarta Mundi has very good guidelines and they responded quickly to emails.The smallest run that they’ll do is 2500 card sets for $7500 dollars.This includes the die cutting collating plastic wrap booklet and box. This doesn’t include delivery however. PREPRESSI digitally photographed my acrylic paintings at the highest settings of my digital camera. Even though the dpi is 72 I think it’s okay because I had my camera at the ‘fine’ or highest settings for mycamera using major mega pixels to capture the image. I used Adobe Photoshop to trim them and then Adobe Illustrator to create the cardborder and template with some expert help on prepress. Here’s how it worked. I took my picture downloaded to my computer as a 72 dpi RGB JPG trimmed it and saved it as a CMYK TIFF file in Adobe Photoshop then placed it in the expertly made prepress ready Illustrator file. The font was a problem for the printer because it was a True Type font. I’d read that True Type or Adobe Type 1 was okay but my printer asked that I outline the font. This I did in Illustrator. It’s because with a four color process there are sometimes registation problems where there are little white lines around type rather than right on your desired background color. So outlining gets rid of the extra white line. Eventually I’d need to make them into a flat file PDF or EPS for them to be considered Print Ready. PUBLISHERS PARAMETERS When last I looked the two U.S. publishers would only consider cards that followed the Rider-Waite style meaning figures or people in every card. It seems as if a lot of new cards employ cut and paste photographs in Photoshop. I wanted mine to be as ‘organic’ as possible and to imbue them with reiki so I opted for creating paintings old school - acrylics on canvas. Photos were taken of the paintings with a digital camera and prepress was done in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. http://www.llewellyn.com Lewellyn Publishers http://www.usgamesinc.com US Games Systems Inc. PACKAGING OPTIONS Pre-made boxes http://www.papermart.com/ Die Cut boxes (see die-cut in the terms article.) Cloth Baggies http://softpouch2.com Cellophane baggies. greenearthofficesupply (A yahoo store front - real cellophane is okay for the environment it comes from cellulose hence the name.)

The Magician and the Third Eye

There are the twenty-two archetypal cards in any given tarot deck. They are the broad-brush strokes that paint everyone’s lives. They represent the cosmic laws of karma, and the dogma we use to justify or enforce our behavior. They color the overarching forces in effect taking place at the time of the reading. The higher arcana are the ‘fate cards’, if you will, or what might be considered outside your immediate influence. They offer clear examples of our best selves and worst selves. Concepts like the seven deadly sins can be found here that of pride, avarice, extravagance, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth, but the seven holy virtues of courage, generosity, mindfulness, diligence, patience, kindness and selflessness are also found in the twenty-two archetypes of the high arcana.
The Magician
Keyword: Co-create
The magician manifests and co-creates his reality with love and spirit, rings of green and violet circle him as he vibrates love and spirit. He channels spirit through the heart chakra and allows it to flow out through his fingers. The image suggests he might be at a computer work station or something like that on a field of green that represents love and possibility.
One is the 'manifest will' in union with the divine. The divine in achieving the power and knowledge to create does so through the magician. He conducts the symphony that will have air transformed into matter. He directs pure energy and drive into achieving a goal. Knowledge is used to good purpose. The creator (magician) uses tools of his time, in this case possibly a computer to create a new reality, to bring about a change in a physical way.
Reversed: You are manifesting your own sorrow. You have far more control over the situation than you give yourself credit for. Don’t underestimate the power of gratitude and forgiveness. Bestow them on yourself and others every chance you get, and soon you’ll find that things are aligning the way you desire. Never beseech or ask the universe for something, rather co-create the situation that will bring about the desired change. When you plead, you are not in a position of power. Take back your power by sharing the responsibility of manifestation, with other people, your higher self and any greater universal powers that you believe in. You do influence the end result as your attitude is what others respond and react to. Be your own best advocate, take time when you need it, give thanks when you want something, as it is a gift that we can desire, and forgive yourself and others for any shortcomings. In so doing, you realign yourself with spirit or your own true blissful nature. Give it time, things will change for the better.
Indigo blue - Third-eye, brow chakra: Ajna The Brow or third-eye Ajna chakra center is called “the seat of the soul.” It governs our awareness, our ability to foresee things and visualize desired outcomes. It is the Clairvoyant-Intuitive part of our brain residing in the frontal lobe, which corresponds with our higher brain functions. Our ideas about reality and our ability to create that reality are derived from this chakra. The color associated with Ajna is dark midnight blue, or indigo. Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “The Starry Night” makes great use of that color. When it is working properly, we are able to visualize easily, our memory is sharp as is our ability to reason. We know almost instinctively how to help someone without their asking, and we trust our intuition and ourselves.
If this chakra is out of alignment, we may have trouble understanding our role in the creation of our reality. We may chalk things up to fate or luck. We may not accept we control a lot of how things turn out. Freewill always plays a part in the creation of our circumstances, which are partly based on our worldview. Having headaches frequently or anxiety about social behaviors would also indicate a possible problem in the third-eye chakra. Conversely, needing to dominate or to control situations and others can indicate that this chakra is out of balance as well.
To harmonize this area, we need to practice self-appreciation, tolerance and love. Psychic energy is very powerful. Focusing your mind on how good life is, even through the rough times, will help you to vanquish many psychic and physical aliments. To develop your intuition and third-eye chakra you can try meditating near the ocean or a lake. Large bodies of water help to develop and sooth the mind at the same time. We open up when we are in great natural spaces that are vast. Use a picture if you can’t physically get to a vast body of water, or just look up at the sky at night, it has the same effect. Expanse and expanding is the name of the game with this chakra.
A number of tarot cards are associated with the Brow Third-eye chakra. These cards are associated with psychic ability, wisdom, and pure brainpower. If any of these cards come up in a tarot reading, meditate on the ideas presented. Find ways to expand your mind and to help others see their true nature.

The Healing Powers of the Hanged Man

Sacrifice

White Light Tarot - The Light From Within DeckKeyword: Selflessness
In order to know the infinite mind beyond the personality one must sacrifice or surrender the ego-self to the higher-self. In many mythologies, there is a quest for knowledge beyond birth, life and death. This information is brought back from the divide via a tribe's appointed shaman. Jesus hung on the cross, and Odin hung on the tree of knowledge, both defied death and brought back sacred knowledge. Another story about the hanging of deities is recorded by Pausanias, and tells of the legendary beginnings of the Kaphyae ritual of 'hanging Artemis'. Children at play hung her image in the cypress trees sacred to the goddess, possibly for their regenerative powers, as swamp cypress look like a forest fire has decimated them during the winter months. The children we’re perhaps calling upon the goddess to restore the trees. In any case, the men finding the children with an image of the deity hung upside down in the forest became worried that this was sacrilegious behavior, so they stoned the children to death. Artemis in turn, angered by the men's harsh reaction cursed the women with infertility, and the oracle at Kaphyae told them that in order to restore fertility, the goddess required that they make it a custom to hang her image in the trees to atone for death of the innocents.
So we have stories of resurrection, trees with regenerative powers, and the sacrifice of the innocent. But there is even more to the story. In addition to the shaman’s position in society as magician or god, there is the physical position of the body to consider too.
The theme of sacrifice by hanging is ancient, as is the form of the fylfot, which looks like a swastika but with shorter legs. The ideogram is one of the oldest markings found in Greece, more than 3000 years old, and it is similar to the symbol used by Native American Anasazi to represent the sun. Etymologically, ‘fylfot’ is Old English and is related to Norse meaning ‘many footed’. The reason to mention the fylfot here is that the Hanged Man’s legs take on the form of the fylfot. The form is also known as Brigit’s cross for the Celtic goddess who is another form of Freya. “The … spectrum of meaning is centered around power, energy, and migration. It is closely associated with and , thus with tribal migrations.” [symbols.com]
Given that in western culture most people know the story of Jesus, and how he arose from his grave after three days. Let’s look at the Norse myth of Odin. Odin hung on the world tree Yggdrasil (which means “Ygg’s horse”). The horse is a symbol for the gallows as in the horsemen of the Apocalypse, but the horse is also a symbol of ‘fleet footedness’ or being fast, strong and honorable. In this instance the fylot (the crossed leg) is a metaphor for Odin’s horse Sleipnir who had eight legs, and is the fastest horse in the universe.
In the myth, the hidden knowledge Odin acquires is that of the Runes. The word ‘rune’ literally means ‘secret wisdom’. Already being the god of war Odin knew that the only thing that could defeat him was knowledge. Therefore, he sacrificed himself to acquire that which could defeat him, becoming the god of wisdom and knowledge as well. For nine days and nights he hung on the world tree with self inflicted wounds, taking no food or water until he saw the reflection of the runes in the waters of life that run beneath the world tree.

From the Norse Eddas, the saga of the Gods:
"Wounded I hung on a wind-swept gallows
For nine long nights,
Pierced by a spear, pledged to Odhinn,
Offered, myself to myself
The wisest know not from whence spring
The roots of that ancient rood.
They gave me no bread,
They gave me no mead,
I looked down;
with a loud cry
I took up runes;
from that tree I fell."


So the combined meaning of the symbols is that of a sacrificial death to gain god’s knowledge quick. Each of us throughout our lives plays out the notion of a fleet sacrificial death and resurrection; we migrate to our new lives by renewing our connection to our higher selves. In order to regain our personal power and energy we must experience the migration of the soul. When you get this card you are playing the innocent in some aspect of your life. As an innocent, you disregard the influence you have over your own life. You blame others for misfortunes that befall you and disregard the responsibility you must take on to live wisely. The innocent must be sacrificed in order to acknowledge you are the co-creator of your own life.
The true sacrifice is to let go of ego, let go of personality in favor of finding a deeper understanding of yourself. Value your sacredness and by finding that spark of the bodhisattva in yourself. To heed the call of this card is the formidable task of 'letting go and letting god'. Or put another way, becoming comfortable in the 'wisdom of insecurity' as Allen Watts called it.
Reversed:You may be holding on to life too hard, and trying to make things happen when it isn’t yet time, you need to let go of desired outcomes, and allow the flow of psychic energy to catch up with you. Trying to make things happen is fine, but it needs to be in the context of co-creation. When things aren’t working out well, you need to ‘let it go’, or the universe will give you more of the same. Relinquishing control doesn’t mean giving up on your goals, it means allowing others to help you find the right answers, and allowing the form of how you get there to migrate. Sometimes we feel like our way is the only way to do something, so we have trouble accepting other approaches. When we get in this state of mind, we are disconnected from flow and our own innate ability to attract the psychic forces that we need to reach our goal. When you get sacrifice revered it means that you’re not willing to let go and let it flow.
"
Indigo blue - Third-eye, brow chakra: Ajna
White Light Tarot - The Light From Within Deck -third-eye, indigo blue chakraThe Brow or third-eye Ajna chakra center is called “the seat of the soul.” It governs our awareness, our ability to foresee things and visualize desired outcomes. It is the Clairvoyant-Intuitive part of our brain residing in the frontal lobe, which corresponds with our higher brain functions. Our ideas about reality and our ability to create that reality are derived from this chakra. The color associated with Ajna is dark midnight blue, or indigo. Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “The Starry Night” makes great use of that color. When it is working properly, we are able to visualize easily, our memory is sharp as is our ability to reason. We know almost instinctively how to help someone without their asking, and we trust our intuition and ourselves.
If this chakra is out of alignment, we may have trouble understanding our role in the creation of our reality. We may chalk things up to fate or luck. We may not accept we control a lot of how things turn out. Freewill always plays a part in the creation of our circumstances, which are partly based on our worldview. Having headaches frequently or anxiety about social behaviors would also indicate a possible problem in the third-eye chakra. Conversely, needing to dominate or to control situations and others can indicate that this chakra is out of balance as well.
To harmonize this area, we need to practice self-appreciation, tolerance and love. Psychic energy is very powerful. Focusing your mind on how good life is, even through the rough times, will help you to vanquish many psychic and physical aliments. To develop your intuition and third-eye chakra you can try meditating near the ocean or a lake. Large bodies of water help to develop and sooth the mind at the same time. We open up when we are in great natural spaces that are vast. Use a picture if you can’t physically get to a vast body of water, or just look up at the sky at night, it has the same effect. Expanse and expanding is the name of the game with this chakra.
A number of tarot cards are associated with the Brow Third-eye chakra. These cards are associated with psychic ability, wisdom, and pure brainpower. If any of these cards come up in a tarot reading, meditate on the ideas presented. Find ways to expand your mind and to help others see their true nature.

The Lovers and the Heart Chakra

Keyword: Devotion
The lovers also known as the card of the brothers. The uniting of yin and yang, wholeness, experience of higher self through union. The passionate joining of heaven and earth. The image of the cats curled up in a circle is indicative of the ying-yang symbol. Harmony, balance, and passion are the principles that drive this card. An unconventional image for lovers or brothers for some, but one that echoes the circle, the balance, the ease, and essential love (compassion as well as passion) that is associated with the lovers conceptually. When you get this card, you have a decision to make. The reasoning here is that there is a choice when one gives themselves over to passion, be it romantic love, or a political cause. But if we look at the card in the context of the brothers, with the interpretation that there is a decision to be made, we see that the decision could involve cooperation and compassion. Depending on the question and the position of the card the interpretation will vary, except that it will always involve more than one person, and a choice that will influence both parties. The decision must not be made lightly. The situation has come full circle in some measure. The ideal is to stay in harmony with the other person and create a union that is stronger than either of you alone. Consider how you can best strengthen and harmonize your life. If this involves someone else, express your position compassionately, and if they are truly your friend, they will respond in kind.
Reversed: When the Lovers card is reversed it doesn’t necessarily mean that the love affair is over. The general interpretation means disharmony. Something is amiss. Something isn’t being said, or perhaps something is being misinterpreted. There is a stifling, choking feeling with this card, like a weight on your chest. Release is called for, whether it is in a conversation in the board room or the bed room doesn’t matter. There is an insidious energy that is discouraging harmony and needs to be eradicated. Take the first step in identifying what you bring to the mix. If you are the victim and not being understood, then make a point of being understood. If you must, be brave and walk away from an unhealthy situation. Whatever is going on, disharmony is indicated. Concentrate on healing yourself. A small positive action that will enable healing and shielding your heart can be accomplished with something green. A stone necklace made of Amazonian, Emerald, or Aquamarine could help activate the heart area, as could a necklace made of Rose Quartz. A green shirt, tie or scarf can also help. The green or pink item should be worn near the chest to activate the heart chakra. Green tea and walks in green areas will also help heal the spirit and clear the system of toxicity.
Green (and Pink) - Heart chakra: Anahata
White Light Tarot - The Light From Within Deck -heart, green chakraAnahata: Green (and Pink) Heart Chakra
Romantic love, affection, caring and compassion, great strength, and the ability to change, this chakra governs our hands, heart, lungs and circulatory systems. It is our center of balance. If this chakra is under stimulated, we may suffer from indecision or anxiety, fear of rejection and clinginess. If it is over stimulated, we may not be able to express “love”, and we mistakenly identify lust, and longing with love, and arrogance with power. When this chakra is out of balance, we will experience the lower natures of man, versus man’s higher nature. To regulate this area we can use the sound YAM in meditation.
Benefits of a Balanced 4th Chakra
* Expression of the compassion, unconditional love for all
* A nurturing nature, a desire to befriend others
* Confidence in the ability to express love
* Mental layer of aura able to transmit and receive information effortlessly

A number of tarot cards are associated with the Heart chakra. These cards are associated with love, devotion, connection, and compassion. If any of these cards come up in a tarot reading, look for ways that you can associate with that card, such as situations in which you need to devote yourself, archetypes, and people you admire or love. Concentrate on the over all meaning of the spread, but always use your own images and associations that come to mind, as well. Trust your intuition.