posted October 17, 2004 12:25 AM         

Well, if I can remember all those questions I'll try to answer them.

I started Tarot when I was in the 7th or 8th grade... so I'd say about 20 odd years give or take.. maybe more...

I can't recall exactly how many decks I've had.. have given several away over the years. I currently use primarily the Morgan-Greer deck, the Robin Wood deck, and the Hanson-Roberts deck. I'd hazard to guess that I have about 10-12 decks of various design in circulation in the apartment somewhere.

I have read palms for many years, but more for fun than profit. It's a neat ice breaker at parties and things like that.

I'm an astrologer, primarily interested in Medical and Horary astrology and research... have looked into Vedic, have a few of James Braha's books on that system, but would hardly say that I am proficient. AND I'm so not the sign that Vedic astrology would make me using the sidereal zodiac. But I think it's a good system... just have to plead ignorance and lack of time to really study it indepth at present.

Runes.. have used em, like them, but again, not enough knowledge to use them effectively.

I also have studied I Ching a bit. But again, not proficient to any great degree.

In terms of Qabalah, I am studying the mysticism more than the religious aspects. I can't say as I really belong to any ONE religion.

I tend to be fairly eclectic and fuse together the parts of all the ones that I have looked into, kept what I liked and jettisoned the rest. Make sense.

I think that covers it all!

Blessed Be...
A

posted October 22, 2004 08:13 PM         

As to whether another can touch your cards, I'd say it this way: Keep one deck that you love for yourself, for spiritual study or for reading for friends/loved ones. Allow others to touch your regular reading deck.. or not, as you prefer.

I have run across people whom I did not want to shuffle my cards, but I have fanned the cards out on the table and allowed them to pick any cards from the pack that called to them. I find this is as effective as having them shuffle the cards.

Yes! You really can Gift cards away. The pack will usually be well seasoned as it were, and the energy that goes with it, will be beneficial to your friend. Yes the cards are only pictures on cardboard, but they still will absorb energy from you as you work with the deck, and then pass that energy on to the person for whom you intend the deck.

Make any sense?

In terms of the Star Cards.. I find them a wee bit dark and am not a great fan of some of the symbolism employed. I have to say that I bought a set, looked through them once or twice and then never looked at them again. But as with anything, you will have to see how YOU feel about them.

Hope that helps.

Blessed Be...
A