Session 1: Understand the Tableau

Diving into the Tarot Tableau: Read Cohesively in Every Context

Presented by Maria Alvíz Hernando

In this session you will become acquainted with a dynamic reading style and be introduced to the Nine Card Tableau. You will be familiarized with the different interpretative layers and see examples of how to gather information from the spread. At the end of this session, you will practice with a reading for yourself.

Session 2: Adapt the Tableau

Diving into the Tarot Tableau: Read Cohesively in Every Context

Presented by Maria Alvíz Hernando

Once that you are familiar with the spread, it’s time to adapt it to your reading needs! You will learn how to glean advice and prediction from the cards, and how to adapt the layout that you know to fit the specifics of your question. You will learn the keys of timing with this reading system and practice reading for a partner.

Session 3: Extend the Tableau

Diving into the Tarot Tableau: Read Cohesively in Every Context

Presented by Maria Alvíz Hernando

Meet the Nine Card Tableau’s big sister: The 5×5 Tableau. Learn to tackle a large spread with ease and incorporate new techniques to go deeper in your interpretations and aim for longer periods of time in your readings. In this session, you will practice reading a 5×5 in groups and have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned and ask questions.

For this session you will need a tarot deck (I advise bringing a mini-deck if you have one, so you can comfortably lay the 5×5 Tableau). You will be given a handout, but you can bring material to take notes if you wish.

Oracular Intentions Sound Bath Meditation

Presented by Jenny Stafford

This deeply relaxing and centering experience blends divination with a meditative sound journey, a unique opportunity to come together to explore and manifest clear intentions for our experience at StaarCon 2023!

The session unfolds as Jenny guides you through a simple introspective Major Arcana pull and symbol meditation technique before you surrender to invisible waves of gentle sound from Himalayan and crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other healing instruments.

*Please bring a Tarot Major Arcana deck (or alternate oracle that you are already familiar with) and, if possible, a yoga mat or beach towel and a sweater + socks or blanket to ensure maximum comfort while reclined during your sound bath experience. If you are not physically comfortable resting on the floor for the sound bath, chairs will also be available.

Situational Divination, or What I Learned from Scott Cunningham

Presented by Christine Cunningham Ashworth

You’ve read the books. You do the work, and you’re confident in your divination abilities. But when you’re caught off-guard, and your usual references are out of reach, what do you do? Come learn how Christine Cunningham Ashworth took what she learned from her brother Scott, among others, and made it work – her way. Learn how to trust your studied knowledge and apply your skills when you’re on your own.

The History of Occult Tarot, Made Easy

Presented by Benebell Wen

We’ll begin in 18th century France and cover three different tarot divination methods from three centuries. How has astrology, philosophical Hermeticism, alchemy, Cabalism (the Qabalah), and Rosicrucianism influenced the evolution of tarot into an occult tool? And what does Hermes Trismegistus have to do with tarot? What do we even mean by “occult”? Let’s discuss together.

This is a nuts-and-bolts foundational primer on the advent of tarot occultism, who the key players were, and how French occult interpretation of the tarot continues to influence tarot readers today.

Holistic Healing, Complimentary Alternative Modalities and Wellness

Presented by Dr. Barbara Ann Wilmes

Feeling blocked? You may need to unblock and redirect your energy flow!

Learn about the Universal energy field, the human energy field and how holistic interventions can balance body (physiological), mind (psychological) and spirit (metaphysical/spiritual) to correct the flow of energy, facilitate healing and achieve improved health.

Tarot Reversals – Are They Necessary?

Presented by Catiara Marie

In this workshop, Catiara will teach you a few different methods of reading reversed cards.  She will explain her beliefs and philosophies surrounding reversed cards.

She will challenge you to look at the cards differently and teach you how to read both the upright and reversed meanings, sometimes at the same time, regardless of the position/orientation of the card.

Catiara will instruct and encourage you to develop and trust your intuition to interpret the cards accordingly.

Reading Tarot in Layers

Presented by Mitchell Osborn

Join Mitchell, your ‘tarot coach,’ in this practical and fun workshop to improve your reading skills. You will break down your ‘reading senses,’ if you will, in layers, practice one layer at a time, and then reconstruct them. This practice can enhance any reader’s ability to give a more comprehensive, deeper, and thorough reading. Bring a tarot deck and something to log your notes and findings. And get ready to have fun.

Panel Discussion: Creativity, Magick, and Divination

Presented by Nancy Hendrickson, Stacey Williams-Ng, Erika Robinson & Larie Trenkelbach

Creation and magick are closely intertwined. A basic definition of magick is when it is performed to convey a specific desire and produce results using techniques that employ the supernatural, forces of nature, or a connection to Spirit. It’s essentially built on intention. Just as a writer, magician, witch, or spellcaster uses intention, focus, and rituals; the creative does the same in a form of ‘art’ magick. This magick speaks to our innate nature as makers and creatives. Creating is a powerful way to lead to discovery, creativity, healing, and spiritual connection.

Your panel facilitator is Nancy Hendrickson. Panelists include Stacey Williams-Ng, Erika Robinson, and Larie Trenkelbach.

Famous Foursomes: A Celebration of the Elements!

Presented by Frank Kwiatkowski

The four classic elements are literally everywhere. Both the physical world of nature and the inner world of the psyche are comprised – at the essential level – of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that we would find the elements throughout popular culture as well!

Think about your favorite movies or television shows and you’re bound to recall some famous foursomes. Groups of four are a common trope in popular culture, and for good reason. Foursomes allow storytellers to craft believable characters, each based on one of the elements. The dynamics between these “elemental” personalities are often fascinating because we relate to them on a deeper, more primordial level.

Please join us for this celebration of the elements, where we’ll explore famous foursomes in popular culture. You’ll never look at the elements – or your favorite movies and television shows – the same way again!

2024 VIII Strength – The Power of Centeredness

Presented by Katrina Wynne, M. A.

2024 is a pivotal year so let’s prepare for the greatest experience!

As most Tarot folks know, Key VIII can be represented by either the Strength/Lust card or Justice/Balance/Adjustment, which will not only be explained, but touch you in a much deeper way as I share my 50+ years’ experience with these image exemplars.

More emphasis will be made on the VIII Strength card as I go through the history, symbolism, and sacred depths of this powerful reminder of our core connection with life.

Join us live, or watch the recording to prepare for the challenges and opportunities appearing in 2024! Please be sure to download the very helpful handout…with journaling prompts to help you follow the presentation and work your program through the year.

Be sure to sign up for the StaarCon AfterGlow party as we return to this topic in an open discussion among us.

Bring more than one Tarot deck and pull out VII The ChariotVIII Justice AND Strength, IX The Hermit, and XVII The Star. You’ll enjoy the PowerPoint presentation with many versions of these VIII cards from my extensive deck collection. All levels of Tarot experience are welcome!

Tarot, Scent, and Psyche: Creating Magical Potions, Using Tarot Correspondences, Symbols, and Elemental Energies, in Conjunction with the Plant Kingdom

Presented by Ailynn Halvorson

The power of the tarot is unsurmountable when you call in the energies of the plant kingdom as an ally. As we work with the tarot, we can create magical potions and teas by connecting plant energies with the tarot symbols, correspondences and the elemental energies that flow through the cards. In this class we will learn how to connect the plants with the cards. I will demonstrate how to create a planetary oil based off of a chosen tarot card’s energies.