u/gigiincognito

My previously scheduled lecture at The Flying Spoon was cancelled due to a small group of religious fanatics who threatened to boycott the restaurant for “encouraging the occult”. So out of spite, stubbornness, and a love for the freedom of speech, I’ve rescheduled the lecture to take place at the Blanchard Community Library, on Saturday, May 23rd. Classroom One. All are welcome to join.

Here’s the blurb:

“Free lecture at the Blanchard Community Library on the art and history of the Tarot cards. Saturday May 23rd in Classroom One.

For those that don't know me, I am a trial attorney by trade, with a background in literature and writing. I'm also on the Library Board, and an artist with a specialty in oils, acrylics, pastels, and hot rod repair. But I've studied the art, history, and the game of Tarot for over 29 years, and enjoy sharing the rich history of the cards with others.

Tarot has existed for over 600 years, since long before the Constitution, before America even existed, before the Mona Lisa was painted, before the Protestant revolution. The cards are about as old as the printing press, as both came about in the year 1440, and are the basis for the common poker decks used for gaming today. As far as history can tell, it was invented in Italy by Catholics as card game called Tarrocchi, similar to bridge or spades. At some point in history, people began using them for Cartomancy.... divination and fortune-telling...and it became known as Tarot.

Part of the lecture is devoted to demystifying how "psychics" and charlatans have used this card game to take advantage of people for money.

Over the last six centuries, Tarot has endured because the cards often reflect different aspects of the human condition and common psychological struggles we all face. It is a visual tradition that reflects our common fears, hopes, conflicts, and dreams through artistic and symbolic imagery. In fact, Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud both explored the symbolism, meaning, and archetypes that can be found within the imagery and art of the Tarot. Many people find great meaning in this practice, some see it as a silly game, but everyone has fun.

During the talk, I provide a number of different decks to use, so that participants can see how the art depicted in various decks have evolved over 600 years, as they moved from Italy, France, all of Europe, England, and then to America. I also demonstrate readings and teach people how to read their own cards.

For those who fear this lecture encourages occult beliefs, satanism, witchcraft, or wizardry, I would simply encourage you to come and listen to the lecture with an open mind. You will probably leave with more information about how to protect yourself and your children from charlatans, fortune tellers and so called psychics.”