|
Bio Readings Tarot FAQ Tarot Code of Ethics Tarot Certification Tarot Whispers Book Reviews Deck Reviews Articles Links Book List Newsletter |
Both Tarot and dream work are tools of empowerment that I have great respect for. I was very excited to hear that Gigi Miner had developed a system for getting to the basics of this work - understanding the symbolism that is inherent in both Tarot and dream work. She has a new book out that discusses her system, "Light-Of-Day", and how to apply it to both Tarot and dream work.
Gigi is a Tarot reader and teacher, and is owner of her own e-list - Ladyfogg@yahoogroups.com. Gigi places emphasis on the individual - on how each person can develop themselves to be the best person that they can be. She has graciously agreed to share her wisdom with us.
BC: Gigi, thank you for being with us today. Let's start with the basics - How did Tarot come into your life? GM: Thank you, Bonnie. Let's see…I was a teenager and used to take my grandmother shopping. So let's figure I was about 16, since I could drive her around. We were shopping in a local mall and it had a "Spencer's Gift Shop", which, if you're familiar with it, has some of the craziest stuff. Anyway, I saw the deck of Rider-Waite Tarot cards (keep in mind this is late '70s so there wasn't much of a choice) and did a little "ooh, ahh" thing. Of course, Gram (my grandmother) grabbed them and bought them for me. Grandmas are great for stuff like that. I took them home and read the little white book, which was really more of a small piece of folded paper, and started to read the Celtic Cross with the meanings on the paper. Needless to say, my initial experiences left much to be desired. I didn't have the maturity to really do the soul searching I've since done. Plus, there weren't any references for me to track down. But, I did readings for other kids and such for a year or two. Then life took over and I was in some situations that discouraged such "divination" and I threw them away. I still cringe to think I threw those cards away, but it was a particular place in the path and I figure it all brought me to where I am now, so it was necessary. Several years ago, my husband and I are walking in another mall, and we see a "Spencer's". Right up front was a deck of Rider-Waite Tarot Cards. I made a small detour to look at them and told my husband that I used to have tarot cards and one day wanted to get another deck. We then walked out. Within seconds, my husband turned us around and bought that deck for me. This time, the Internet was easily accessible and I started searching for anything I could on the tarot. It didn't take long before I was regaining what I'd learned as a teenager, but this time it was much more natural. I think having a few years under my belt made a major difference. BC: What is your philosophy as far as Tarot is concerned? GM: I laugh when I say it, but there was a phrase that was popular when I was a kid, "if it feels good, do it". I guess I hold very few true philosophies. To me, a philosophy is almost binding. I've discovered that so many things have changed for me over the years that I don't like being bound to anything regarding what I think or believe or feel. Sounds like an easy way out of the question, doesn't it? While it may sound non-committal, I realize that life changes constantly, so if I had one philosophy regarding Tarot or anything, it's that flexibility is crucial. If you aren't flexible, you break. There's an old, oriental saying about being like a reed. The reed is flexible so survives the strongest winds. A stiff tree, however, is likely to break because it won't bend. The flexibility allows one to gain new understandings rather then cling to something that may not serve us any more. It's so with Tarot. What I do and use it for today may be totally different tomorrow. Is it possible to be a free spirit in regard to tarot? (laughing) BC: Do you have a favorite deck, or decks, that you prefer to work with? GM: Right now, I work mostly with the Robin Wood deck. When I was re-acquainting myself with tarot I found a book "Tarot Plain and Simple" by Anthony Louis. The pictures of the cards in that book just got me. I'm a stinker when it comes to artwork; very fussy. The cards in that book were gorgeous, and that was just in black and white. So, I did my searching and found a deck of Robin Wood cards. In color, they were even more wonderful in my eyes. I still use them, almost exclusively. I do like the Tarots of Casanova for the same reason, the artwork is stunning. The difference is that I can't really take my Tarots of Casanova to just any reading. Some people aren't as comfortable with sexual themes as I. Even the Robin Wood deck gets the occasional raised eyebrow, but in that case they just have to suffer. [wink] BC: "Light-Of-Day Tarot And Dream Work" is based on the use of symbols. What brought this direction into your work? GM: For most of my life I've been working with my dreams. Instinctually, I've taken parts of the dream and tried to figure out what they meant to me. One day, not that long ago, I was deciphering a dream and suddenly was consciously aware of what I was doing. I was picking it apart, piece by piece. It was like a light going on. All that time I'd been doing just what I write about in the book. The only difference was that now I was conscious of the method and not just doing it. From there it was only a matter of trying to explain it so that other people could understand what I was talking about. BC: I really like your emphasis on the personal meaning of symbols. Can you tell us how that translates into both dreamwork and the Tarot? GM: With dreams, we are the creators of them. Our own subconscious chooses symbols from our lives to portray to us a "story" if you will. It's not like some artsy film where everyone sits around discussing what the director must have meant by putting some strange image onto the screen. We are the directors. We are the cast. We are the props, even. So, it only makes sense that we know what the symbols/images mean; if not consciously, then subconsciously. What I tried to do was try to gain access to the subconscious part of me and bring it into the "Light-of-Day". The same thing works for the tarot. What we see in the cards stimulates something within us, not always on the conscious level. By using this process, you can figure out why one card stirs one feeling in you and another something else. What I've found is that it makes "translating" the cards easier and much more personal. BC: Can anyone use this process? And how can it be put to best use for problem solving and personal growth? GM: Gosh, I hope so. [grinning] Yes. That's what I find so great about it. Anyone can utilized this process and get some kind of useful results. I've even used this in situations which were very difficult for me to handle. For example, I am not one who enjoys conflict. When something makes me feel uneasy, I have a tendency to back right up away from it. That is not always the best solution. I have sat down and taken apart situations like that and figured out what about it was making me most uneasy. I would break it apart and find out why it made me uncomfortable. By doing that, I was able to figure out what the best solution would be. I'm not saying it will always be the easiest thing in the world to do; by no means. This kind of self-examination can be very painful at times. If you're not ready to be totally honest with yourself, it will take a lot more work, if it works at all. Being self aware and honest with yourself is crucial to this process. If you can face yourself, you can face anyone. It doesn't mean immediately. It does mean that there is a solution to any problem if you can just work it out in little pieces. We have a tendency to look at things as humungous and overwhelming. Well, heck, if you've got a 1000 pound gorilla baring down on you, you might get a little nervous. But if you see one piece of fur, or one eye or the glint of fear in the gorilla's eye, you may find that it's not so dangerous as you first thought. Even if it is, you get a better grasp on how to deal with it. Referring back to Tarot, if we take a "Hanged Man's" look at things, the alternative perspective can be most useful. The whole is made up of the sum of its parts. That's some old math thing I learned. The parts in and of themselves aren't overly big or intimidating. It's the whole that is hard to deal with. So, we take on things one piece at a time and suddenly it's not as fearsome as we first thought. Add to that the fact that every day we see things that may be "messages" for guidance. Have you ever had a day where you saw the same kind of bird over and over? Or perhaps a phrase you read once, came back later in the day? Symbols are all around us. We often just don't pay attention. By noticing the daily "visitors" in their various forms, we may find that we see answers every day and just don't notice them. Did that answer the question? BC: What part does teaching the Tarot play in your Tarot work? GM: I've taught a few classes on Tarot; both in person and via email. I also teach computers to adults locally. One thing I've learned about teaching is that it forces you to go back to basics. It keeps you grounded. If I need to explain to someone who's never touched a computer before how the machine works, then I have to do it in the simplest terms possible. So, too, with the tarot, if I want a beginner to understand it and learn to work with it, I have to understand their perspective and speak in a language they can understand. I'm big on "word pictures", parables if that makes more sense. It's another thing I've done most of my life instinctually. By taking something you want to convey to someone else and turning it into something they can understand right where they are is a challenge, but it keeps my head out of the clouds and on track. One of the biggest things I try to avoid is to get too lost in what I do know. Meaning, for me, the computer, as an example, is easy. So, I forget the little things that seem to come naturally for me now. To a beginner, those little things aren't so little. To someone who has no familiarity at all, those little things are huge. I don't want to lose that "beginner's" feeling. Sometimes the beginner sees things an expert never can. The expert takes it for granted. The teaching keeps me where I can see things more clearly. If nothing else, it keeps me humble. My students always manage to remind me that I'm not as smart as I think I am. BC: Where do you see the Tarot world right now, and in what direction do you see it heading? GM: Right now? Right now it "feels" like things are in flux. We've had a lot of things to shake us up. Miss Cleo is one thing that comes to mind. Our integrity has been put in question. That is not an easy thing to win back. I am reminded of a bible story where the wheat is separated from the chaff. That's what it feels like now. We're all being tossed up into the air and the chaff is being blown away and the wheat is returning to the winnowing basket. Winnowing takes some time. I don't expect it to happen over night. But I would like to think we're heading into an era where people begin to want to see themselves more clearly; where being true to oneself is essential. As tarot consultants, we can provide a means for this. We can help people access this part of themselves. Imagine if the world of Tarot were to bring about changes in our society? I'm pushing the envelope a tad here, but it could happen. People want answers. While we may not be the ones giving them those answers, we certainly are road signs to help them find their way along the path. Change is a good thing. As the world changes, we have to change right along with it. Some of our cornerstones of tarot may move on into other things. There will be spaces left that will need filling. I think there are a number of individuals who will be the new "elders" so-to-speak. Perhaps we are returning to a time similar to when a "wise woman" was common place within a village; where the ones with grey hair were sought out for their earned wisdom. Our world is in need of something more. We have a tool. I hope we have the chance to use it. I also see individuals taking roles which correspond with their strengths. One person may be good at ritual, for example. Another may be better at teaching. Each person according to their gifts. Gee…there's a concept. Everyone won't feel compelled to excel at everything. Spiritually, as in the physical world, there will be those who are gifted in one way or another and hopefully, they will pursue that at which they are good. If we return to the "sum of its parts" thing, as a community, we will be quite an amazing whole if we ever get it all together, don't you think? Editors note: I agree whole heartedly to Gigi's concept of change, and each person takikngon the mantleof what is best for them. (smiling) BC: What projects do you have on going or coming up that you can share with us (hint, hint ... Ethyrial Tarot!)? GM: I am still working on my tarot deck, Ethyrial Tarot. It is certainly a labor of love…and pain. I want to finish it quickly, but find that it creates itself much better if I let it come as it will. I have also already started another book. I'm not decided on the title yet. I figure it will come to me when it's ready to be named. Originally, I started a book called, "No One Ever Told Me the Truth". That name isn't necessarily set aside. I'm just not sure of it yet. Who'd have thought that giving a book a name could be so crucial to it. First, you have to get someone to pick the thing up. The title determines a good deal of that. Maybe something along the lines of, "Read this darn book!" would work. HA! I also publish an e-newsletter each month called Veritas. I've recently replaced the old logo with the Justice card from my Ethyrial Tarot deck, only it's more of a watermark for the newsletter. Truth is a big thing to me, I guess. Veritas is Latin for "truth" so it just seemed to make sense to me. Editors note: This is a great newsletter. Time is not wasted in checking this one out! And, I have my e-group, as you kindly mentioned. It's very casual. We do tarot exercises and we just shoot the breeze. It's a way to connect with other like-minded people. The greatest thing about it seems to be that we never have to agree on anything and yet we all still manage to get along without the usual bickering you see on a lot of lists. I like that. BC: Gigi, this is your time. What would you like to say about Tarot, dream work, or your Light-Of-Day process? GM: My time? Boy, you ARE brave, aren't you? As silly as it may sound, I have always been inclined to want to help people. In fact, I tend to get complete strangers who want to tell me their life's story standing in the grocery store. For a time, I needed to hide. By hiding, I managed to keep the world away from me, or so I thought. But, hiding is only good for a short time. I realized that sooner or later, if I were to fulfill whatever it is I'm supposed to be fulfilling here, I'd have to be accessible to others. That can be a very scary thing when you've been busy trying NOT to get noticed. But, alas, solitude doesn't help anyone. This book is a first step toward that place of helping others. When I was writing it, I found that I'm a little too straight-forward. If you're looking to solve a problem, that can be a good thing. If you're writing a book, it's not so great. Most people want a substantial book when they are seeking information. Many books I've read have a good deal of superfluous text which is more descriptive then helpful. Maybe I'm missing something, but when I do any kind of research, I tend to go for books that give me as much information in as little space as possible. I'm hoping that my readers will feel that they received a lot of book in a little package. I tend to answer questions directly. Yes, I will tell stories when they fit and I will go off on tangents when you talk to me (not that I did in this interview ; ), but all in all, if someone wants me to help them find an answer to a question, I will try to give them the most succinct and least embellished answer I can come up with. Either that or I'll tell them "I don't know". I do the same thing with my tarot readings. I've had people ask me questions and we've pulled a card and there will be a one-word answer. That's pretty straight forward. So far, my clients seem to appreciate it. I guess I'm just trying to keep "me" out of the reading. I know that I am a part of any reading I do. That is how it should be, but I don't want to become the center of the reading. The reading is for the querant. They want to hear about what the cards tell them. They want to hear their own inner voice, even if they don't recognize it yet. So, in writing "Light-of-Day" I'm hoping I can assist people in finding their inner voice. Had I found mine sooner, I might have avoided a lot of problems. But, had I avoided a lot of problems, I wouldn't have the life experience I have and that life experience serves me well and allows me to be of more use to those who seek my help. Our lives lead us to where we need to be…whether it be the short way or the long, difficult road. We find what we need on the way. All we need sometimes is just someone to point the way for us and make it a little easier to see the road signs. I had very few "road signs" in my life. No one helped me or pointed the way. I'd like to save some people from having to go through those things if I can. Why make the same mistakes everybody else has made when you can learn from theirs and then have new, more interesting ones of your own to make? hahaha I want to thank Gigi for spending this time with us. You can see more of Gigi's work and thoughts at www.geocities.ladyfogg.com. "Light-Of-Day" can be purchased at: www.lulu.com/ladyfogg.
Ladyfogg's philosophy about Tarot does NOT include mumbo-jumbo or fatalism. "A trusted Tarot consultant can help you on your life's journey," says this insightful, humorous woman. Gigi has written articles for various newsletters, including Tarot Celebrations, World Tarot Network, and Gateway to Tarot. Moonlighting as an adult education instructor, Gigi brings into her work with Tarot that gift of teaching, helping her clients, as well as her tarot students, to look beyond the obvious and draw from that fountain they possess within themselves. Thus, "The Answers Are Within You" is stamped on all of her promotional information. Gigi's goals include that of Author and Public Speaker, as well as continuing her beloved Tarot Consultations. For more information or scheduling events, visit Ladyfogg's website: www.geocities.com/ladyfogg, or contact her at ladyfogg@twcny.rr.com.
Bonnie Cehovet
|
