12.5.2024
Two items of interest, and one request . . .
Welcome to everyone—especially new readers! And if you haven’t visited EP’s companion site, I hope you will.
I’m starting off this evening’s EP with two items to share.
1. Carrie Mallon’s Free Foundational Tarot Course
Here’s an overview of the course:
And here’s a glimpse of Carrie Mallon’s well-stocked YouTube channel:
I found “My relationship with Tarot is changing” especially interesting.
2. I was surprised to discover this!
I was doing some etymological research and co-incidentally found out the word “reader” has a long history of association in the English language with divining, counseling, and interpreting.
The association goes back to Old English, which developed around 500 and evolved into Middle English around 1150. Along the way, the word “read” took on an additional meaning of “interpret written language.”
French and Italian words that translate as “reader” come from a Latin (rather than Germanic) origin, and don’t have the same connotations. For example, the Old English word for “read” relates to counseling, while the French and Italian words relate to lecturing.
I doubt that whoever started using the word “read” in connection with Tarot divination was consciously aware of this history—but it’s interesting to see how deeper meanings can travel along linguistic pathways.
And wrapping up with a personal request.
I would be truly appreciative if you would participate in the Tarot surveys I’ve created. I don’t think it will take more than ten minutes of your time. And your answers will remain private.
I’m asking for this favor because I would like very much to find out more about the diverse relationships between people and Tarot. This hasn’t been done before, and I think it will have value if enough people participate.
If there is something I can do to make it easier—or convince you!—please leave a comment, or contact me directly. Email info is on the EP home page.
Related to the surveys, I just want to clarify my comments in last Sunday’s post. I think it could have been interpreted that I believe there’s only one “right” way to relate to Tarot. But nothing could be further from the truth.
So is you had that impression, I hope you’ll visit or revisit:
As always—thanks so much for reading. I have some interesting decks and blogs lined up for next Thursday’s post! C
How fascinating about the origins of "read"! 😲 Can't find your email for the survey. Can you just post it here, please? 🙏