Harness the Unseen
Welcome to the virtual space for Iowa City Tarot enthusiasts.
2023 Recap
Since I organized the Iowa City Tarot group in May, we have gathered regularly at Press Coffee once a month to hang out and talk generally about Tarot. The “we” has been a little different each time, and I appreciate all who have made an effort to come to any of the events. On the evening of the Super Blue Moon in August, we walked to the Black Angel from the shop and then made another pilgrimage to her on the Winter Solstice. In October, Dawn of Folkloracle led her annual Elements of Tarot class, this time focusing on Numerology and Court cards. Over the last eight months, we have either met on Wednesdays or Thursdays but I would like to choose a day that works best for the most people.
On the night of the Solstice, I asked everyone to think about things they wanted to let go of and focus on intentions for the coming year. People were encouraged to bring any items to adorn the Solstice altar and soak up the group vibes during our “curated” gathering. That descriptor came up in conversations about the evening and it felt apt, the curating force being the Tarot.
Personally, 2023 was about rebuilding and understanding myself better. I’m trying to, of course, create a space for the community to chat about a shared interest, but I’m also using it to socialize my introverted self.
A recreated spread of the cards pulled at the Solstice meetup:
At the Solstice meetup, each of us pulled one card and shared what it meant to us on a personal level or for the group. It was interesting how everyone had their own thing they were going through, but many either related to someone else directly or pulled the opposite energy. A reminder that we all go through similar struggles or are there to counterbalance others, which is why connecting with your community is important. The cards are a tool you take home and consult when you need guidance on your own. We all need someone or something to check in with occasionally, to help recalibrate and be open to answers that may require digging a little deeper.
In addition to the meetups, I’m creating this virtual meeting space to interact more consistently and hopefully be more accessible for more people. I’m leading the charge on this but by no means want to be the only voice. You’re welcome to join in whatever capacity you have the energy for but encourage anyone to submit writings, artwork, links, deck/book recommendations, and local events or shops.
Inspirations
Here are a few ideas we talked about this year:
Create a list of prompts
Make a list of books
Make a list of local Tarot/Oracle deck creators
Visit the Iowa Women’s Archive/other library things
Talk further about Astrology/Numerology
Talk further about the Black Angel
Tarot School
Little Tarot Library
Meditations
The following are ideas or phrases said at the last meetup that felt important:
The potential that comes with making mistakes.
Future making, not telling
A necessary process.
Give space for new perspectives.
If you’re asking for help, you’re more open to answers.
Something I’ve been thinking about: the purest form of each card represents a balance of its aspects. This is something to consider when acknowledging reversed cards but even more if you don’t. Which side of it are you lacking? What part of it are you living?
Preparations
With a fresh year in front of us, let’s get planning!
I enjoyed meeting the last week of the month but would like to choose a day that works best for most people, which could be a rotating evening. I’m happy to continue hosting it at Press Coffee but am flexible on that point as well. In addition, other side quests could and should be organized at other times of the day or week, and in different locations. Answer the poll below about which day to meet, and visit the chat function to give suggestions
As for our internet clubhouse, explore, get to know the place, and share!
Send ideas, questions, and suggestions to me directly: iowacitytarot@gmail.com.
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