It's New Moon Gallery's 25th Anniversary! To celebrate, we are hosting an array of fun events including poetry, music, dancing, gift card giveaway's, and more the weekend of June 21st and 22nd.
LIST OF EVENTS:
Saturday June 21st
10am - Kevin with Blue Smoke Coffee will be offering iced coffee samples of his locally roasted, eco-friendly, and fair-trade coffee.
https://www.facebook.com/BlueSmokeCoffee?fref=ts
12pm - Local jewelry artists, Bear Paw Creations, will be in store talking about their jewelry and their artistic process.
https://www.facebook.com/paulson.deanali?fref=ts
2-3pm - Local artist Paulina Cassidy will be in the New Moon Gallery talking about her art and signing prints.
www.paulina.ws
5pm - Emerald Hips Student Troupe of the Movement Arts Collective will be performing the art of Belly dance in the 2 NorthShore courtyard behind New Moon Gallery.
https://www.facebook.com/emeraldhips?fref=ts
http://www.movementartscollective.com/
5:30-7pm - The musical duet, Cricket and Snail, are coming back to perform their eclectic musical stylings on the violin and accordion in the 2 NorthShore courtyard behind New Moon.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cricket-Snail-a-violin-accordion-duo/109153292442029
http://www.alembickmusic.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/CricketandSnail
http://www.youtube.com/user/CricketandSnail
http://www.alembickmusic.com/cricketandsnail.html
Sunday June 22nd
12 - 3:50: Licensed Massage Therapist, Shane Ginder, will be offering chair massage sessions in the courtyard behind New Moon. Each session is a minimum of 10min for $10 (although you can schedule up to 20 min if you would like). Call ahead to schedule an appointment (423-265-6321), but walk-ins are also welcome!
1-5 - New Moon's very own Tea Meister, Alan, will be offering free tea-making demo's every hour (that's 5 opportuni-teas to learn!) on the different types of tea, how to make iced tea, the uses of different teas, and how to get the most for your money.
2pm - Christian Collier, Marcus Patrick Ellsworth, and Britni Bridgeforth will be performing spoken word poetry in the courtyard behind New Moon Gallery.
Info on Christian:
http://christianjcollier.bandcamp.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/christianjcollier
http://soundcloud.com/christian-j-collier
Twitter - @ichristian3030
Blog - http://ichristian3030.blogspot.com/
Info on Marcus:
http://www.marcusellsworth.webs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/WideOpenFloor
3pm - Southern folk/rock music in the courtyard.
4-6pm - Author Rick Sanders will be speaking about his book "Strange Times in Yeehaw Junction" and signing copies in the Gallery.
We will also be giving away 6 New Moon Gift Cards: 1 for $100, 2 for $50, and 3 for $25. AND 4 New Moon T-shirts!
You must be present to enter, but not to win. (We will draw names and contact the winners the week following.)
AND...we will be having a sale for this weekend only: 25% off all clothing :)
All this to say THANK YOU! for supporting us and being there all these years.
Hope to see you there! ♥
The Art of Spoken Word: Christian Collier and Marcus Patrick Ellsworth
New Moon is excited to host the spoken word art of Christian Collier and Marcus Patrick Ellsworth! Both are accomplished local Chattanooga artists with a long list of performances. Below is a little information on them both.
Christian and Marcus will be performing in the courtyard behind New Moon Gallery in the 2 NorthShore complex at 2pm on Sunday, June 22nd as a part of the New Moon in June celebration.
Christian J. Collier is an accomplished artist and educator who has been called “an artist to watch” by The Chattanooga Times Free Press. He has shared the stage with several members of HBO’s Def Poetry, and legendary poet and activist Ishmael Reed, and has been featured on the IndieFeed Performance Poetry Channel, which prides itself on featuring the best spoken word artists working today. His chapbook Ghosts & Echoes was released in 2009 and has sold over 600 copies independently solely off the strength of readings and live performances.
Between Beauty & Bedlam is his debut release, and Mr. Collier wrote and produced the entire record himself. The record fuses spoken word poetry and an eclectic mix of musical genres including Hip-Hop and ambient. It is available now at CD Baby, Bandcamp, and at live performances.
Links:
http://christianjcollier.bandcamp.com/
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/christianjcollier
http://soundcloud.com/christian-j-collier
Twitter - @ichristian3030
Blog - http://ichristian3030.blogspot.com
Marcus Patrick Ellsworth is a Chattanooga poet originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Through his poetry he blends spirituality, politics, and identity into verses that can be fiery calls to action or humorous abstract musings verging on the absurd. He has self published two books of poetry, "Harlequin Fires" and "When The World Was Round," and has been featured on several live albums from the improv jazz band The Undoctored Originals including "Life Is Fine" and "Appalachia Rising." Marcus is the host and organizer of Wide Open Floor, the monthly open mic style variety show at Barking Legs Theater.
We are excited to share with everyone that on Saturday, March 15th, Licensed Massage Therapist, Amber Holt, will be at the New Moon Gallery offering Reflexology sessions! She will be in store from 1:00-5:30. Sessions are a minimum of 15 minutes for $15 (although you are welcome to sign up for more time if you would like.) Call ahead to sign up for appointments (423-265-6321), but walk-ins are also welcome!
Amber was gracious enough to answer some of our questions about Reflexology and her work with it. Below is her interview with the New Moon Gallery:
NM: Can you tell us a little about what Reflexology is? How does this practice affect the body?
Amber: Reflexology is the art and practice of treating the whole person by applying finger pressure on reflex points on the hands, feet, and ears. It is a type of alternative medicine. The reflex points are energetically related to the internal organs and glands, which are mapped or laid out on the hands and feet that correspond to specific areas on the body. The Aim of Reflexology is to restore the body’s natural equilibrium and encourage the body to heal itself at its own pace.
The idea of reflexology is not new. In fact, It was practiced as early as 2330 B.C.E. by the ancient Egyptian Culture. Reflexology was introduced to the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald M.D. It was modified in the 1930’s and 40’s by Eunice D. Ingham. The Ingham method are the practices and procedures used by modern reflexologists.
It may seem a little far out there to think that someone pressing on the pad of my foot could affect the reflex to my jaw, or that pressing on the tips of the toes is linked to the reflex to the brain….but it was the reflex to the jaw that first led me to really believe and see the effects of what reflexology can help do in our body’s natural healing process and function.
NM: How did your interest in Reflexology begin? How long have you been practicing?
Amber: My ex-husband used to grind his teeth at night. While this was not an irreconcilable difference, it did cause me some concern for his dental health and frequent headaches. While there are many other wonderful and effective therapies for TMJ (Temporal Mandibular Joint) Dysfunction, my ex was neither interested, nor cared to be touched in the head or mouth area. Luckily for him, I was fresh out of massage school in 2006 and excited to use my new knowledge pertaining to reflexology.
I had a Professor who was an RN who also had extra training in reflexology. I shared with her my concern and she helped teach me a specific routine to help relax the reflex to the jaw. When I began the specific work I was admittedly a skeptic. Then, 3 sessions later, he totally stopped grinding his teeth and we could both sleep at night!
Much of the the western medical world views reflexology as a pseudoscience because there is little to no medical evidence that can show exactly what is going in the body when someone receives any type of energy work. While it is important to remember that reflexology cannot be used to specifically treat or diagnose any medical condition, it can be used to partner with western medicine. Some holistically minded medical doctors are seeing the validity of energy work and practices like reflexology.
NM: What do you do during your Reflexology sessions, and how long is a typical Reflexology session?
Amber: If you come to my office for a reflexology treatment you can expect a 60 or 90 minute session spent relaxed and cozy on a massage table while I systematically stimulate all of the reflexes in the energy zones on your body. I also use hot towels and aromatherapy. In every reflexology session I perform, I also use "Reiki" (loosely translated from Japanese as "Life Force Energy") along with healing crystals that connect to the different Chakras or energy centers in the body. I hope to share more with the New Moon blog in the future about that aspect of the healing work that I do.
NM: How do you feel about the use of holistic practices along with medically certified practices?
Amber: When Lauren with the New Moon Gallery first asked me to write something about Reflexology for the blog she had asked me specifically how I felt about the use of holisitc practices along with medically certified practices. It took me months of pondering and bouncing ideas and a little research to realize that I have so much more to discover!
Personally, as a medically trained Neuromuscular Therapist, I have relied heavily on knowledge of the human anatomy. There are medical studies that help prove that the work I do with the soft tissues help affect the structure and function of the human body. But there is something more to healing than palpable scientific fact.
There is an innate ability in each of our bodies to heal themselves. I believe that as an alternative health care practitioner, it is my honor to help each person who walks through my door to get better aligned with their body’s natural healing ability. I have discovered that the healing work that I do cannot just be described as only relevant to the medical massage world, or only relevant to the energy work world, but rather the marriage of the two. The combination of both in our lives produces the most beneficial results!
NM: Tell us about your massage studio in Red Bank.
Amber: My office is located just around the block at 620 Cherokee Blvd Ste #110. I also offer Neuromuscular Massage Therapy & Reiki treatments. My office is open by appointment only so call or text at 423.443.6861 Keep in mind that I tend to book up 2 months in advance.
Thank you, Amber, for taking the time to answer our questions! Once again, Amber will be at New Moon Gallery from 1:00-5:30 on Saturday March 15th. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, but walk-ins are also welcome!
Shop and Support Local: Small Business Saturday 2013
November 30th is Small Business Saturday!
We are excited to be a part of the locally owned, small business community in Chattanooga. The store has been that way since it first opened 24 years ago in St. Elmo.
Below is a partial list of the local and regional artists that we carry. We also carry many works of art by non-local artisans and small businesses. Most of these items we have year round, but some are only hear til they're not. So come by, get a cuppa tea or some Blue Smoke coffee, and browse all the beautiful, one of a kind artwork.
423 Soaps - Home and handmade lip balms, soaps, and healing balms by Cece one cut, pour, and batch at a time. Delicious!
Around Town Coasters - These fun coasters make a great gift for visitors or as reminders of some of Chattanooga's most memorable places. Pictures include the "Space" house on Signal Mountain, See Rock City, Baylor Academy sign, McCallie school sign, the Carosel in Coolidge, the Delta Queen, the Incline, and many more.
Bear Paw Creations - Handmade up on Signal Mountain, these artists are involved in every step of the production of their jewelry: buying the rocks, cutting and refining them, and creating the beautiful settings for them. This makes each piece of jewelry unique and beautiful.
Blue Smoke Coffee - Fair-trade, sustainably grown, and locally roasted. Enjoy the New Moon blend, a roast they made just for us, in the Tea Room as a pour over or french press. Or, buy a bag and take some home!
Brittney Blevins Leather - Handmade and dyed leather bracelets and leather keychains.
Dorothy Candles - The beautiful, much loved candles made by Dorothy who then passed down the recipe to John Arneman. We also carry Mr. Arneman's handmade earrings, rings, and necklaces.
Firefly Studios - Beautiful works of art by Vaughn Greene including serving and cooking bowels/utensils and earrings.
Glass Cannon Studios - Small glass vases and glass flower's made by local artist Allen Harris.
Gray Wolf Knits - Hand-crafted, knit cloth bracelets, scarves, hats, and ear warmers by Catherine.
Hippie Tree Jewelry - Feather earrings and funky necklaces made by Amanda. The feathers on the earrings can be reshaped by applying heat with a curling iron or flattened out with a regular iron.
The Hot Chocolatier - These deliciously decadent treats are visually delightful and tasteful! Almond biscotti, chocolate biscotti, chocolate covered pretzels, milk or dark chocolate squares, and we are now serving Hot Chocolate. Check it out in the Tea Room!
LightWeaver Jewelry by Pat Cloyde - Elegant, wire-wrapped, stone pendants that will make a beautiful addition to your jewelry collection.
Paulina Cassidy - Fanciful and delicately dark, the work of Paulina Cassidy is enchanting and charming. We have cards, prints, necklaces. We also carry her oracle cards and tarot decks, all with original artwork by Paulina.
Phil Mayhew Pottery - Colorful bowls, candle lanterns, and mugs.
Pottery by Merrisa - One of a kind, beautiful dishes, plates, cups, and serving sets.
Reiko - Ceramic pendants, ring holders, incense burners, and large bowls.
Roses Taylor - Hand made and bound leather journals.
The Rustic House - Handmade soy wax candles in several yummy scents.
Tommy Spake Studios - Beautifully colored blown glass pendants and glass ornaments.
Wolftever Creek Pottery - An abundance of beautiful ceramics including but not limited to: mugs, cups, potpourri dishes with ornate metal tops, leaf plates, bowls (perfect size for soup or cereal!), and small "salsa" dishes (great for anything from salsa, to holding jewelry or other knick knacks).
On display in the Tea Room:
Paintings by Molly Guerin
Photography from the "Graffiti' series by LAH Fotografia
Drawings by Norman Davis
Photography from the "Cacao Collection:" a collaborative project designed by Myra McKenzie and photography by Daniel Quat
CD's by Local Musicians:
Handed Down: Tales from Southern Appalachia 140 minutes of Stories and Music
Hearts in Light
Nothing and the Nobodies
Scenic City Sampler: A Sampling of Chattanooga Musicians and Songwriters
Dana Rogers
Super Low Fi transmitting Koot Hoomi
Kathy Tugman and the David Walters Trio
The Dave Dinsmore Group
Afro
Dan Carrigan
Phil and Terry Mayhew
Drew Sterchi
Local/Regional Book Authors:
The Last Seraph - Jennifer Rehnay
Human Nature Meditations: Concentrations for Managers and Other Human Beings - Dr. Jim Subhan Burton
The Chronicles of Cadillac Dave - True Confessions of a Drug Kingpin by Dave Jackson
Poems: Volume One by Viston Taylor
September Ends by Hunter S. Jones
The Harmonaepedia by Phil Mayhew
A book about "Harmonae," the comical and benign musical monsters of the Southern Appalachian Highlands, one man's search for them, and the adventures that ensued.
That's a lot of local! Thanks again for the 24 years of continued love and support, everyone! <3
Lori will be in the New Moon Gallery Tea Room from 10-4 this coming Saturday, October 5th. She will be offering Wise Woman Consultations which you can read more about in Part 1 of our Wise Woman Consultations with Lori Love blog post: http://bit.ly/1g7iDKg
Lori is a local Chattanoogan. She has many skills in the healing arts. Written below is her personal story of healing and how she came to be the healer she is today.
Susan Seddon Boulet
"When I was 27 and pregnant with my first baby, I attended my first women's circle. It was with the Master Herbalist and Keeper of the Wise-Woman Tradition, Susun Weed. We smudged with sage to ground and protect and connect with Mother Earth. We drummed and listened as she told stories; the wise elder sharing her wisdom. Then we passed the talking stick around, an ancient way to allow each person in the circle to speak, pray, sing, share, or just have everyone meditate on them whilst practicing silence. I, having never attended such a sacred and honoring event, had no clue as to what words would come out of my mouth when I was handed the talking stick. And then I heard these words flow off my lips, "As a child I felt more comfortable talking to the plants and trees, talking to Nature, than I did people." Hmmm, that's fascinating. I never really even consciously knew that, although I have always turned to a higher, mystical, power. I would sit on my front porch and watch the weeping willow tree swaying in the breeze, and I would meditate, at 7 years old. These times were so special to me. I would realize that the truth of who I Am is not really female, or my name, or what others perceive me as. The truth is that I am Unlimited, connected always to Source, like the rays of Light are always connected to the sun. So, I have, in this lifetime, always been very spiritual, loving, and having a deep desire to alleviate other's pain.
I grew up in a traditional Christian home, honoring the Father, praying to "Him", and "He" was always there for me, because my earthly father was, let's just say, carrying a mental dis-ease, and not able to know how to love me. So, as I grew older, I turned further away from honoring the Divine Masculine, and turning toward the only thing I knew to honor, the Divine Feminine, being an Earth Child and Natural Woman. As, I carried my sweet baby inside I realized more and more that Women and Girls, are so sacred and the Mother should be honored just as much as the Father. I continued to study with Susun Weed, attending workshops, reading books, and nourishing myself and teaching others how, with gentle herbal infusions, tinctures, and eating wild leaves straight from the Earth. I began to teach workshops on the Wise-Woman Ways. Susan's teacher was a Seneca Elder from the Wolf Clan and she gathered information from all over the world from other women and men practicing this way of always nurturing, and understanding that sharing, community, and respect for all life, will help us all to heal. I had gone through so much abuse as a child from the man who was supposed to protect and love me, that when it came time for me to decide how and where to give birth, I only knew I didn't want someone else to have control over me. I knew that this was a right of passage and I wanted to fully experience it with Loving, Skilled, and Guiding Support. I found a community in middle Tennessee called The Farm where folks come from all over the country to give birth with loving, spiritually wise midwives. I have since studied and practiced traditional midwifery and assisted at over 200 births.
This whole process brought me back to a remembrance that I, as a Woman, am Divine, Sacred, and Holy. As I went through the years ahead, I continued to facilitate Women's Gatherings and Workshops to bring us back to our authentic power. It's not either/or for me, it's both/and. This is part of the Wise-Woman Way; Honoring the Divine Masculine and Feminine. But in our culture, we have been lacking in honoring the Holy Mother. It ties into everything. We need more of understanding that Holy Mother is here for us. She comes to us as Mother Mary, helping us with our children. She comes to us as Kuan Yin, providing us with compassion. She comes to us as Tara, bridging the gap from internal fears and external delusion to spiritual safety. She comes to us as Athena, reminding us to trust our inner wisdom. She comes to us as Pele, teaching us to be honest with ourselves. She comes to us as Brigit, helping us to stand up for what we believe is right. She comes to us as Kali, helping us to release the old so that the new can enter. She is Shakti, Universal Mother, and she has 1000 names, from cultures, religions, and traditions such as Tibetan, Celtic, Mayan, Native American, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, African, Christian, and Buddhist.
"Athena" by Susan Seddon Boulet
At the same time I started on this journey of Goddess awareness and the Wise-Woman Way of Health and Healing, I also became a Yoga Instructor and studied at an ashram where we meditated chanted, practiced yoga, and served/karma yoga, and honored that Truth is One, Paths are Many. I also became certified in First and Second Degree Reiki, a beautiful spiritual form of healing, that originated in Japan, handed down from master teacher to student. Basically, everything I was doing to bring healing into my life, I studied and experienced how to help others. The Reiki, Yoga, Wise-Woman Way of Herbal and Nutritional Nurturing and Healing, Gathering with Women in Sacred Ceremony, Praying, Singing, Meditating, Connecting with Mother Earth, and practicing coming from Love instead of fear, even when I'm afraid (of course it is a practice, just like yoga or meditation) have all helped me heal and will continue to help me, and I in turn can incorporate all that I love into helping others heal also. And the Shaman Counseling program I am currently in continues to help me and give me yet another beautiful way to facilitate healing. So, when most folks come to me for healing, I listen to what is going on, pray before hand to be divinely guided, offer advice and suggestions if that is what you are wanting, and it can include herbal help, for you, your partner, or your children. It will also include spiritual support, which may include positive affirmations specific for your issue. This is the Wise-Woman consultation. Drawing one or more Goddess Oracle cards can give even more specific, helpful, magical, and quite frankly playful support, as the cards are always uplifting, beautiful, and heavenly as well as grounding. Then, we go into the healing room and you lie fully clothed on the massage table, and I will give you light hand placements on or above your body, usually starting at the head and working our way down to the feet. The client/you usually feels a sense of warmth, peace, sometimes receives visions or helpful information, as well as the practitioner/me. I always pray and sometimes sing. There will be sage or incense burning at first unless you choose not to have them. Our Spirit Guides and Angels are with us helping us. After we may talk just a little more and you can decide how often you would like to come.
Spirit has helped others heal through me with issues such as infertility, endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, depression, pms, pain, emotional anxiety, allergies, menopausal distress, mood swings, adrenal exhaustion, self-esteem issues, and more. Often times, just feeling the support and love from another is immeasurable.
As well as the Healing sessions, we also have Tantra Goddess Gatherings and Workshops at my home on Mobray Mountain and at Zanzibar Belly Dance Studio. Tantra just means that we honor everything we are going through as sacred. We do sacred breath-work, sacred movement, including yoga and dance, sing, pray, pass the talking stick, share in support of sisterhood, learn about and work with healing the chakras, honoring specific Goddesses, and enjoy nourishing ourselves with a delicious pot-luck. Being in community, or the Red Tent, as it has been known from ancient times, with our sisters, young and old, has proven to be so very helpful and important. And coming very soon, I will be providing an advanced immersion into Goddess/Shakti, just for women. My healing work is available for women and men, and the Wise-Woman Way is available for and already within, men and women. But it is so very important to gather as women, and for men to gather in circle just for men. Our world is changing rapidly, and how we've gone about doing this dance, this Lila, has served it's purpose. Now it is time to come back to the garden. It is time to honor it all as Sacred. It Is Time. And I am honored to help guide you on your path, as unconditionally loving, safe, and supportive as possible.
Thank you to the New Moon Gallery for allowing me to share these quick and affordable sessions. These 20 minute Goddess Oracle Readings and/or Wise-Woman Consultations allow for a fun and insightful introduction to more in-depth healing and help.
May we all connect a little more often to Divine Wisdom, Love, and Blissful Delight in Life."
Thanks to Lori for taking the time to share her story with us! We are excited to have her here at New Moon Gallery.
Once again, Lori will be in the Tea Room from 10-4 this Saturday October 5th and sessions are $20 for 20 minutes. If you would like more time with her, you are welcome to sign up for two sessions. Sessions are open to women and men.
For private consultations you can reach her at 423-580-1180 or email: [email protected]. Feel free to call ahead at the New Moon Gallery (423-265-6321) and schedule an appointment for this Saturday, but walk-ins are also welcome!
This coming Saturday, October 5th, we are excited to have Lori Michelle Love in the New Moon Tea Room! Lori will be offering her services through Wise Woman Consultations.
What is a Wise Woman Consultation, you ask? We'll let Lori tell you:
"The Essence of a Wise-Woman; what it means to me.
We're all searching, looking, reaching, for guidance, clarity, and help. Women used to gather every new moon, and go into their cave, or Red Tent, or cabin, or tee pee, and connect; connect with one another, with themselves, with the Mother Earth. Women used to get together, grandmothers, sisters, daughters. The grandmothers/crones would tell stories and share their wisdom. The child-bearing aged women/mothers would listen and talk of their experiences and what they needed help with, and the young girls/maidens would rub the mother's feet, brush their hair, and bring them soup while they were bleeding or pregnant. Women would attend births, deaths, and support one another through major life transitions. Women would share secrets of herbal remedies and knew how to heal their families and each other. Women were the Healers, Midwives, Herbalists, Curanderas, Medicine Women, Wise-Women.
A Wise-Woman to me is a woman firmly rooted in traditional ways, including prayer, dance, song, music, herbs, ceremony, nature, touch, listening, and asking for divine guidance. But she can also be a grandmother, like mine, who birthed 6 boys, lived off the land, and had much to share and teach her granddaughters and daughter-in-laws. She is someone, to me, who lives the way of always gathering with other women, sharing stories, heart, and healing. She is committed and disciplined to support family, community, the medicine path, women's mysteries, and the Great Spirit/God/Goddess.
When you come to me for a Wise-Woman Way consultation, we will both, together, call in what you are needing help with. Please know that we are collaborating: you, me, and Spirit. I hope to help you return to whatever it is you are seeking.
Thank you.
Namaste
Aho
Amen"
Lori will be in the Tea Room from 10-4 and sessions are $20 for 20 minutes. If you would like more time with her, you are welcome to sign up for two sessions. Sessions are open to women and men.
For private consultations you can reach her at 423-580-1180. Feel free to call ahead at the New Moon Gallery (423-265-6321) and schedule an appointment for this Saturday, but walk-ins are also welcome!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of the Wise Women Consultations blog post where we will learn more about Lori's personal journey through healing and how she became the Wise Woman she is today.
Today we have a special interview with Eliza Luminara, the creator/director of the Gesserit Spice belly dance troupe. Eliza will be performing with her troupe in the New Moon Gallery courtyard on Saturday, September 21st from 6-8 pm along with the musical duo Cricket and Snail (you can read more about them in our blog post http://bit.ly/189PWJ6). Eliza kindly agreed to be interviewed about her and her troupe which we have right here!
New Moon: How did you come up with the name for your troupe?
Eliza Luminara: Gesserit Spice’s name comes from a sci-fi series, Dune, by Frank Herbert, so this explanation is about to get geeky! The Bene Gesserit is a group of Wise Women who have powers unknown to those outside of their order, and use them to control and influence the universe. Spice Melange is a substance naturally formed on a planet, and is the currency of this universe- used for medicine, space travel, divination, and more. I chose this name as a play on words: We are powerful women of mystical ways who use dance as our currency in this world.
NM: How long has Gesserit Spice been performing together?
EL: We have danced with each other for many years, but it was the summer of 2012 that I formed the troupe and we started performing.
NM: What style of belly dance does Gesserit Spice perform?
EL: Gesserit Spice belly dance offers many styles including:
Vintage Tribal, Tribal Fusion, Gypsy Fusion, Ritual Dance, Fire Dance, and ITS (Improvisational Tribal Style)
NM: How long have you [Eliza] been dancing and what styles of dance do you know?
EL: I have been dancing for about eight years now. Tribal Fusion Belly Dance is the first style of dance I ever trained in. My styles of dance are rooted in Tribal belly dance and over the years I have grown into my own styles. I perform many styles (as shown in my troupe’s repertoire), but my personal growth has led me to perform Ritual Dance and Gypsy Fusion more than the others.
NM: What styles of belly dance do you like to perform?
EL: My personal styles, as I stated before, is many. Yet I love Ritual Dance and Gypsy Fusion the most! Ritual Dance pulls from spirituality and sacred movement that flows from energy of an intention. The dance often honors the Feminine Divine or an ancestor/Wise Woman. Gypsy Fusion is a little more upbeat, sassy, and rooted in the nomadic groups of European Roma's or Devadasi (Indian nomadic tribes) cultures. My spirituality, world issues, and current life circumstances influence what dances I end up performing. I always have a statement!
NM: Who are your artistic inspirations?
EL: Each of our dancers has their own inspirations from various eras. We are all trained in Tribal Style, which is a style of belly dance that is rooted from 1970’s California. There is full history on our website of the roots of Tribal Style! Tribal Style pulls from various nomadic tribal cultures from India, Algeria, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and more. The coins, jewelry, veils, costuming, is all influenced by these tribes, and have come together as a fusion of cultures. Jamila Salimpour, Masha Archer, John Compton, Ruth St. Denis, Mata Hari, Carolena Nericcio, Rachel Brice, and Mardi Love. These people are dancers, actresses, musicians, and artists. The list goes on as to who inspires us! Nature, the elements, the moon… so much to see around us!
Some of the dancers in our troupe have inspiration from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco ages, including music, art, dress, and jewelry. Our costuming has a huge impact on our performances. We handpick each part of our outfits by searching antique and vintage stores to add to our handmade costuming. I know I’ve gotten tribal pieces from all over the globe including Afghanistan and Rajasthan, as well as days searching antique stores for that perfect piece to add to my costume!
NM: Where does the style of belly dance come from?
EL: Each of our dancers has their own inspirations from various eras. We are all trained in Tribal Style, which is a style of belly dance that is rooted from 1970’s California. There is full history on our website of the roots of Tribal Style! Tribal Style pulls from various nomadic tribal cultures from India, Algeria, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and more. The coins, jewelry, veils, costuming, is all influenced by these tribes, and have come together as a fusion of cultures. Jamila Salimpour, Masha Archer, John Compton, Ruth St. Denis, Mata Hari, Carolena Nericcio, Rachel Brice, and Mardi Love. These people are dancers, actresses, musicians, and artists. The list goes on as to who inspires us! Nature, the elements, the moon… so much to see around us!
Some of the dancers in our troupe have inspiration from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco ages, including music, art, dress, and jewelry. Our costuming has a huge impact on our performances. We handpick each part of our outfits by searching antique and vintage stores to add to our handmade costuming. I know I’ve gotten tribal pieces from all over the globe including Afghanistan and Rajasthan, as well as days searching antique stores for that perfect piece to add to my costume!
NM: What are some common misconceptions about belly dance that you've come across?
EL: When people first hear “belly dance”, they think about flashy, bright, and beaded costumes that you see in the Cabaret/Oriental style. They think of what they've seen in movies and TV. Tribal Style is very different than that. Our costuming is full of pieces from around the world, and often antique and/or vintage. Belly Dance in general has to deal with the stigma of “stripping”. It is seen as erotic and sensual, and as dancers we have to confront that on a regular basis. A woman’s beauty and movement are under constant criticism in this society. Our dance encompasses a woman’s inner power and accesses the Feminine Divine within to be expressed through movement. My personal goal is to change that mindset to have women not hide what lies within.
NM: Is your troupe available for events?
EL: Our troupe is available for events such as:
• Weddings • Fundraisers • Women's Gatherings • Drum circles • Haflas (Arabic word for dance party!) • Middle Eastern/Greek Restaurants • Hookah Bars And more! We do love performing to help other women to see that it’s ok to embrace your inner Goddess and for the public to see the culture outside of what they know.
NM: Is your troupe strictly performance based, or do you offer classes? If so, where, when, and how much?
EL: Gesserit Spice as a troupe is performance based, however I also teach. I teach Tribal Style and Ritual Dance through one-on-one instruction and classroom settings. This fall I will be offering classes and workshops in these styles.
Add us on Facebook (Gesserit Spice Presents) and check out our website (GesseritSpice.com) to see our calendar of events and upcoming class/workshop schedules in Chattanooga!
Thank you, Eliza, for taking the time to interview with us! We are looking forward to having you and your troupe perform at New Moon.
Once again, Eliza and her troupe, Gesserit Spice, will be performing this coming Saturday September 21st with the musical duo Cricket and Snail from 6-8. It is an all ages show and free to attend!
On Saturday, September 21st 2013 the delightful musical duo, Cricket and Snail, will be performing on their signature instruments (the violin and accordion) in the New Moon Gallery courtyard from 6:00-8:00! The performance is open to all ages and free. (Also performing that evening from 6-8 will be the tribal fusion belly dance troupe, Gesserit Spice. Blog post to follow!)
Cricket and Snail, a.k.a. Lucie and James Carlson, are a husband and wife musical duo who currently make their home in Tennessee. Jim has lived in Tennessee since 2002 and Lucy since 2004. Both Jim and Lucie are classically trained musicians, Jim having received a Ph.D. from Duke and Lucie two Masters degrees with many a orchestral and concert hall experience between them. Both began playing instruments at a young age. Jim began playing the piano at age ten but didn't become fully engaged with it until Junior High. Lucie has been playing the violin since age 5.
"We are both classically trained...but wanted to play music that reached people more directly. Our instrumentation and repertoire allows us to play on the street as well as in clubs, churches and concert halls."
Some of their musical influences and inspirations include Amélie-les-crayons, Beirut, Satie, The Chieftains, Quartetto Gelato, Acclarion, Edith Piaf, Lucienne Delyle, Tony Rossi, Kurt Weill, Gus Viseur, Tony Murena, Jo Privat, The Klezmatics, Dave Tarras, Ceilidh Minogue, Café Accordion Orchestra, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, Accordion Tribe, Accordéon Mélancolique, Amestoy Trio, and more!
For more information on Lucie and Jim,or to inquire about booking them for your venue or event, please visit their websites, like them on Facebook, and be sure to come down to New Moon Gallery on Saturday, September 21st for the free music and dancing from 6-8 pm! They will also have a table set aside for their band merchandise and CD's for anyone interested in taking a little bit of Cricket and Snail home. :)
Cricket and Snail
http://www.alembickmusic.com/cricketandsnail.html
Facebook: Cricket & Snail, a violin & accordian duo
"Mystical Falls" Colored Lithophane on a Victorian Stand by Porcelain Garden
Lithophanes originated in a country called Lithophania. In this country, the Lithophanians have been making their lithophanes since they first crawled out of their indigenous swamps to become the plains people they are today.
What?!
Just kidding!
Three REAL Facts about the Lithophane:
1. A lithophane is an etched or molded design in very thin porcelain. The porcelain is then backlit by a light source. The resulting image is soft and ethereal.
Assorted Lithophane Night Lights by Porcelain Garden
2. Lithophanes are credited as being the invention of Baron Paul du Bourguignon from the Rubelles province of France in 1827. However, there is evidence of the Chinese using this process to trace floral designs on the sides of paper-thin porcelain vases well before the 19th century.
"Misty Meadow" Luminaire Lamp by Porcelain Garden
3. The first lithophanes were carved by hand, but eventually different methods were created. Today there are three ways to create Lithophanes:
The Wax Carving method. This method is one of the original European methods of creating lithophanes and is still used today. First, a wax original is carved over a light source in a positive relief. A plaster cast is then made of the wax carving. Porcelain slip is poured into the plaster mold and the resulting casting is then fired to create the finished lithophane.
The Photographic Process method. This method involves painting a light sensitive emulsion onto thin porcelain and exposing light through a negative creating a positive print onto the lithophane. In this method, depth and contrast are created through the photograph, not from physically manipulating the surface of the lithophane.
The Computer Numerical Code Machine method. This method involves using a computer and 3D printer to carve a digital image into a plaster relief which can then be used as a mold to cast the lithophane (see Wax Carving method).
New Moon Gallery carries the Porcelain Garden line of assorted lithophane night lights and lamps. Porcelain Garden has been in business for thirty years. Using traditional methods of making lithophanes (individually casting, drying, firing, and inspecting each piece) their small staff is dedicated to creating beautiful and quality lithophane products in their studio located in California.
And you can find them year-round right here at New Moon Gallery!
(All of the above photos are from items that are currently in our store).
Human Nature Meditations: Concentrations For Managers and Other Human Beings
On Saturday, August 17th Dr. Subhan Jim Burton will be in Chattanooga, TN at the New Moon Gallery from 1:00-2:30 signing copies of his book and speaking about his experiences with making this book and his life. Grandfather Subhan, as his grandchildren call him, may sing, tell jokes, begin dancing, or he may tell stories relating to the wisdom he has gained during his life.
The book, "Human Nature Meditations: Concentrations For Managers and Other Human Beings," by Dr. Subhan Jim Burton begins:
"To My Beloved Brothers and Sisters of the Planet Earth,
The following phrases of concentrations were inspired during a 21-day spiritual retreat on a farm in Maryland, many years ago. One of the focuses during that retreat was the practice of Nature Meditations given by Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1921, which he called the essences of his message. Hence, the seeds for this work were planted."
Each set of meditation phrases and sentences are loosely organized into 21 categories covering subjects such as Humor, Love, Education, Sex, Silence, Death, Business, and so on.
"The concentrations may be read as poetry. Or they may be repeated aloud individually several times...Yet one of the most powerful ways to use these concentrations is as a breath practice."
About the Author:
Grandfather Subhan with his grandson.
Dr. Subhan James Harper Burton has been many different things in his life: a Porsche race car driver, real estate executive, U.S. Marine, university professor, developer, retreat guide, book salesman, grocery clerk, management trainer, mortgage broker, folk dancer, politician, poet, citizen diplomat, Father, and Grandfather. He lives outside of Atlanta on a farm in the woods with many acres for exploring and meditation. Some of his favorite hobbies include riding his motorcycle, walking in the woods, and spending time with his three children and eleven grandchildren.
Jim and his wife, Pat, lead weekend spiritual retreats 4 times a year at their farm, the Windsong Retreat Center, located in Franklin, GA. For more information about them and the Windsong Retreat Center visit their website:
Tea is the second most-consumed beverage in the world (the first being water).
All tea (with the exception of Herbal tea, or Tisanes) comes from the leaves of the same plant: Camellia Sinensis. The only difference between Black, Oolong, Green, Pu-erh, and White teas are when they are picked and how they are processed. That's it. But what a difference it makes!
There are 5 key steps in making tea: Plucking, Withering (or wilting), Rolling, Oxidation, and Heating. The extent of oxidation (how long the enzymes within the tea leaves interact with oxygen) is the most important part. This can be done through rolling, crushing, cutting, or allowing the leaf to naturally decompose.
Next up is Green Tea. The fresh leaves of Green tea are plucked, withered, and rolled. The leaves are then steamed or pan fried. Heating the leaves in this way stops the oxidation process. While the leaves are heating they are rolled by finger into many different shapes, each with it's own a unique flavor. Finally, they are heated one more time to fully dry them. Flavors range from toasty, grassy, to fresh steamed greens with a mild vegetable taste.
Oolong Tea is next in line. Oolong tea is the most complex of all the teas both in flavor and processing. Ooling teas are oxadized anywhere from 8% to 80%. The leaves are repeatedly rolled and then allowed to "rest" awhile so oxidation can occur. Sometimes gentle heat is applied to the leaves in order to slow the oxidation process down. This process can take hours to days. Because of these repeated processes, a complex layer of flavor and aroma occurs. Flavors range from floral to fruity.
Then there is Black Tea. Black tea utilizes all five steps in the tea making process, but they are followed very strictly in order and usually none of the processes are repeated. Black tea is made in one day. Colors range from black to red. Black tea is usually what people think of when they think of tea.
Lastly, we have Pu-erh Tea. Pu-erh tea is fermented tea. It goes through a similar process to Green tea, but before the leaf is dried it is allowed to ferment for months or even years depending on what kind of Pu-erh tea is desired. Old, well-stored Pu-erh tea is considered a "living tea." Pu-erh tea has an earthy, woodsy taste and aroma and is usually dark brown in color.
Tisanes are what we know as Herbal Tea, which is actually a misnomer because the only drinks that can be called "Tea" are the ones made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Everything else just isn't tea. In fact, in Europe and a few other tea drinking countries, the word "Tea" can only legally be applied to drinks made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. This is obviously not the case here in the States, hence the confusion.
The word "Tisane" is French in origin and means "herbal infusion." Tisanes usually contain different parts of plants steeping in boiling water. Tisanes were traditionally used for their medicinal purposes and as caffeine-free alternatives (most Tisanes are caffeine free, but some are not! We will go further into that in later blog posts). Tisanes can be composed of one herb (like Peppermint or Chamomile) or a blend of several different plant parts, creating layers of flavor and aroma.
Here at the Tea Room in New Moon Gallery we have over 65 different teas to choose from, and are adding more to our collection all the time. If you have any questions or need help finding the right tea for you, just ask one of our experienced baristas for help. All of our tea is in loose leaf form and can be experienced hot, iced, or as a tea latte. If you really like it, you can even purchase tea by the ounce to enjoy at home! We even include our brewing instructions with each tea we send home with you so you can get the perfect "cuppa" each time.
In future blog posts we will further explore the different types of Tea and Tisanes, their proper-teas, and also touch on the many varie-teas of tea we carry in the New Moon Tea Room. :)
Tarot, Faeries, and Oracles, Oh My! Q & A with Paulina Cassidy
Hi everyone! Today we have another special interview with local artist Paulina Cassidy.
Paulina will be participating in a "Meet the Artist" event at New Moon Gallery on Saturday, August 3rd from 1-3 where she will be discussing her artwork and signing prints. (New Moon Gallery carries several of Paulina’s fine art prints, cards, tarot, and oracle decks year round!)
Paulina, a native of Canada, has been living in Chattanooga for several years now. Her work has been featured in magazines, international publications, books, calendars, art collections, and more. Some of her art products include prints, cards, jewelry, tarot decks, oracle cards, books, and her new Witchling Deck of Spells, which will be coming out this Fall!
In this interview we have focused on her work with the Tarot and Oracle cards.
"Nine of Coins" from the Joie de Vivre Tarot deck
New Moon: So, when did your interest in Tarot begin?
Paulina: Probably when I was a little girl. The interest was there, but I went into other creative directions until Paulina Tarot finally happened.
NM: Do you read the cards only for yourself, or do you read cards for others?
Paulina: Reading tarot cards is essentially different than designing a deck. I learn some of the ways of tarot through the creation of a deck, but I haven’t yet taken the time to fully learn how to read a deck. Right now, I read the cards for myself. Once I become more confident with establishing a technique in reading for others, I’d be keen on trying my hand at it, definitely.
NM: What inspired you to create your first tarot deck, the Paulina Tarot?
Paulina: I thought it was time to finally get around to it! Ideas for cards were being sketched at a mad-pace, and paintings were being painted. I started and just didn’t stop. The idea seemed daunting, but the process itself was as fascinating as daunting. The project involves the creation of 78 symbolic images, which is a two year process for me.
NM: What inspired you to create your second deck, Joie de Vivre?
Paulina: Ready to begin the daunting yet fascinating process all over again, I wanted to create a deck laced with fun and whimsy; something that might appeal to those who find the tarot to be a bit scary. Plus, I wanted to dare myself to go through the process again, thinking about the tarot a bit differently this time around. As with the first deck, it ended up being a great learning journey. So, two years after the release of Paulina Tarot, Joie de Vivre was born into the world. One could say that this is the fun-loving little sister to the Paulina Tarot.
NM: What inspired you to create your Faerie Oracle Deck?
Paulina: I kept envisioning some of my earlier faerie art pieces as part of an oracle, and I knew I had to make it happen. It comes with a matching book containing life guidance through the eyes of what faeries might likely say to uplift us. I’m fueled by enlightening ideas. That’s generally what this oracle is about; discovering the potential within, which is vast, vast, vast.
NM: What would you say is the difference between the Tarot and Oracle cards? Do you favor one or the other?
Paulina: A tarot deck is standardized: 22 major arcana cards and 56 minor arcana cards with specific meanings assigned to each. The cards tell a structured story. An oracle is more open-concept, usually with little correlation to a specified system. In other words, an oracle can have its own unique path and methods of use, which makes it easier to learn and use than the tarot. Personally, I love both, and like to go back and forth from one to the other.
NM: How did you become introduced to and so connected with the world of Faeries?
Paulina: I've always been interested in everything paranormal. Having grown up in a haunted house, I was reading everything I could get my hands on about ghosts, spirits, elementals, and more. I'm convinced that elementals (faeries) play a part in some of the unusual incidences that took place over the years growing up, such as little lights floating around in rooms. I sense their presence... the faeries. These little nature beings.
NM: Do you have a favorite type of Faerie, or do you love all types?
Paulina: All of them! Although, it’s best to avoid the ones with ill-intent. (Best not to call upon or make eye-contact with those ones.) I love the ones who help with housework, such as the brownies.
"Beauty" from The Witchlings Deck of Spells: "When beauty is felt from within, your gorgeousness will glow."
NM: And would you tell us a little bit about your new "Witchlings Deck of Spells?"
Paulina: It's an oracle with spells. This 40 card deck comes with a 200 page book containing easy spells that go with each Witchling. And, every Witchling has a name and a story. This deck come out in late 2013, and it's going to be a fun one.
Thank you so much, Paulina, for answering our questions! We’re glad to have you here in Chattanooga. Check out Paulina’s website: www.paulina.ws for more information on her and her current work. Follow her on Facebook for more instant updates: https://www.facebook.com/paulinacassidyart?ref=ts
Hello Everyone! Today we have a very special blog post with our local tarot reader and enthusiast, Nicole Parker. Nicole graciously took the time to answer some of our questions about the Tarot and her work with it. Nicole will be in the New Moon Gallery Tea Room offering readings Saturday, August 3rd from 11-5. Readings are done in 20 minute sessions and are at a special discount of $15 in celebration of the North Shore Merchants Block Party! Call ahead to make an appointment: 423-265-6321 Walk-in's are also welcome!
New Moon: When did your interest in Tarot begin?
Nicole: I was given my first deck when I was thirteen years old. My Grandmother’s Pastor had told her to never, ever, ever get a Tarot reading. And so, being a bit of a pistol (and a great lover of comparative religions) she went out and signed up for a class on Tarot. She quickly lost interest in it but noticing my affinity for metaphysical subjects she offered me her deck. Later she admitted to being panicked after giving it to me, not knowing how my parents would react! Luckily my parents are pretty mellow about this stuff (being agnostic hippies).
Over the years I have spent hours arranging and rearranging, tracing patterns and studying other traditions and finding the thread of their wisdom within the deck. It is like a second language to me now- I sometimes catch myself thinking in tarot archetypes or symbols instead of words. And yet after all these years I am consistently humbled by new depths of mystery and magic within the deck as it teaches me to understand the grand plan of the cosmos and how to play co-creator within the hologram of reality.
NM: How long have you been reading cards for others?
Nicole: I began giving readings for others about 12 years ago. Now if you do the math that leaves 5 years of studying before I felt comfortable reading for other people. At first I read for friends, then friends of friends and eventually for the general public (believe it or not it is actually quite a bit easier to read for total strangers because you don’t confuse what you already know about a person with your intuition).
The more I get out in the world and read cards, talk or teach about Tarot the more and more opportunities have popped up for me to connect with the public. I think the world is ready to accept Tarot as a wisdom tradition and a very valuable tool for spiritual growth and healing. I have learned to let go and just enjoy the ride, loving every minute that I can show people the potential of the deck for introspection and gnosis- direct communion with the divine.
NM: What does working with the Tarot mean for you?
Nicole: I cannot ignore the significance that I was (somewhat) randomly given a deck at such a young age. Combine that with being raised by agnostic parents (I had no preconceived notions) and the fact that I am an obsessive pattern finder and code breaker-I really feel that the deck chose me to be its advocate. So when I work with Tarot, especially when I teach about Tarot, I feel that my soul’s purpose is being fulfilled. It means everything to me and in a way I feel that my identity is completely wrapped up in it (which makes it interesting that I tell very few people that this is what I do- kind of like my everyday self is a Clark Kent).
I don’t know who I would be without the journey that studying Tarot has put me on. Following the hints strewn throughout the imagery of Tarot deck has brought me to Alchemy, Numerology, Astrology, Energy Work, Magick, Jungian Psychology, Semiotics, Ayurvedic Philosophy, the Old and New Testament, Greek, Roman & Egyptian Mythology and on and on and on.
Working with the deck gives me a way to converse with the cosmos in a language that we both can work with. It is a strange way to be- to know that you can ask the universe about a serious life matter and receive an eerily accurate response or when you have gone off the path the universe will put you in your place (in a kind and often humorous way – yes the Tarot will joke with you!). I feel that it is my compass and, in a way, its like my cheat code in the hologram of life.
I could go on and on and on and on…needless to say, I adore it and am infinitely grateful to have it in my life.
NM: What would you say is the most common misconception about the Tarot?
Nicole: That there can be a “bad reading” or a “bad card.” It strikes me as funny when people fear that they will die if they get The Death card. I always reassure them that Tarot would not be a particularly popular or long lived practice if all Tarot readers died when encountering The Death card. It would be the Russian Roulette of Fortune Telling.
Reading with the intention of asking for guidance for one’s highest and best spiritual path puts answers in the context of being helpful. It is not helpful to scare the crap out of someone or make them think that a horrible future is completely unchangeable. If I am concerned about something I ask, “What do I need to know in order to bring about the highest and best outcome in this situation?” In this way I am taking personal responsibility – acknowledging that my actions, thoughts and feelings directly affect what I attract into my sphere. The cards that I receive, even if they aren’t the most uplifting or lovely, are meant to bring to my attention a negative pattern that may be impeding me bringing about the highest and best outcome in my situation. By acknowledging destructive patterns and tendencies and changing them we take personal responsibility for our role as co-creators of our reality. Reality no longer happens to us, we happen to our reality.
So there can be readings that smack you in the face with what you don’t want to hear but really really need to hear for your own good. If you can drop your defenses and integrate the lessons of the reading than you will see an alteration in outer circumstances for your highest and best good. Pretty cool huh?
NM: Have you used Oracle cards? What are your feelings on them?
Nicole: I have not used Oracle cards. I love decks (even non-Tarot decks) so I always love to look through new ones. I use Brian Froud’s Faerie Oracle on occasion and am continually shocked at how on it is (but in a different very-Fairy way than traditional Tarot).
NM: Do you have a particular deck that you like to work with? Is there a deck you would recommend to beginners who are interested in working with the Tarot?
Nicole: The first deck I was given was a traditional Rider-Waite deck. The Rider-Waite deck was one of the first to fully illustrate the Minor Arcana (before that the 8 of wands would have 8 wands on it and the two of swords would just be two swords, etc.). So it is rather difficult to switch to decks that don’t have illustrated Minor Arcana after you are used to reading with the Rider-Waite. Now Arthur Edward Waite had his own ideas about Tarot and changed a few things that I have kinda changed back- so I guess I use a mutant form of a Rider-Waite deck. Right now I am using the Gilded Tarot, a contemporary digital artist’s reinvisioning of the Rider-Waite deck. It has many of the same symbols and scenes upon the cards but it is very bright and lovely. It has been my favorite so far, though I tend to change decks and collect new decks all the time.
I recommend a basic Rider-Waite deck to start off with. It’s a good way to learn Tarot and you can branch off from there.
NM: How long have you been teaching about Tarot? Where and when do you teach and could you offer a short summary on the content of the classes?
Nicole: I have been teaching for about four months now (but have been feeling pulled to it for the last two years). I offer a Beginners Workshop about every 6 weeks and more advanced courses in special topics in Tarot (Major Arcana Intensive, Giving Intuitive Tarot Readings etc.) once a month. My intention is to create a community of Tarot students from many different disciplines and backgrounds who can incorporate Tarot into their spiritual paths, educate others about the spiritual potential of Tarot, and bring to the study of Tarot their own unique interpretations and insight.
The Beginners workshop aims to demystify the deck by introducing the main concepts (many of which folks are familiar with from other wisdom traditions)- history and structure of the deck, archetypes, numerology, the elements, spiritual allegory, duality, the Ego and Ego Death, and setting intention. The Special Topics Workshops go in depth into particular parts of the deck or ways of reading Tarot. I try to keep classes small so that they can be tailored to the groups level and interests. After someone takes the Beginners Workshop they are free to repeat it as many times as they want, and I have quite a few people who show up multiple times because there is soo much info to soak up!
I am in the process of looking for a new location for the classes and will let you know as soon as I find one! There have been several great spaces offered to me but I really need to find a space with a huge whiteboard because I love/need to draw ridiculous diagrams- it makes me feel like a Professor!
Thanks again to Nicole for answering our questions! Once again, Nicole will be offering 20 min tarot session in the New Moon Gallery Tea Room Saturday August 3rd from 11-5 for $15 (sessions are usually $20!) Call ahead to schedule your appointment. Walk-in's also welcome!
