Archetypal Tarot Counseling™ Phase I: The Workshop Process

Posted on January 3, 2012 by admin

Hi everyone, Thought I would give you a little more information about myself and my upcoming workshop at Breitenbush. There is much to teach and I hardly know where to begin. After many years of challenges, I feel as if I finally emerged and bloomed. My developmental challenges continue but I currently have a broader view and so don’t take things as seriously. My philosophical bent is Gnostic in the sense that: I keep an open mind and understand that I don’t actually know much; I believe in a direct participation with the Divine; and consider all perspectives important to the whole of our experience. I have studied the unconscious mind for many years and feel ready to teach others how to explore its treasures. This is the first offering of Archetypal Tarot Counseling™ Phase I. During this course, you will be instructed in my way of using Tarot images in wellness counseling. There are few requirements for Phase I and I expect it to be relaxing and fun. To become thoroughly instructed and trained to this method, I give a few take home assignments that are exacting but fun and informative. Learning how to see yourself in the cards is an enjoyable, insightful and mystical journey.

Archetypal Tarot Counseling™ Phase I workshop begins April 15th through the 18th 2012. Students flying into the Eugene or Portland airports will need to rent a car for the 2 hour drive to Breitenbush Hot Springs. One hour of freeway driving through our beautiful Willamette Valley and then up the mountain for the rest of the scenic drive. If you have never been to Breitenbush be prepared for a therapeutic experience by just being there.
My teaching style is laid back but organized. We will start on time and end on time. I do more holding the space for your experiential learning than I do lecturing. There are no tests, but there will be written assignments. This work is too cutting edge to get continuing education credits; however, the Association of Humanistic Psychology has endorsed this course.

My books “Messages from the Archetypes” and “Gaining Archetypal Vision” are the texts for this three day workshop. Students will be required to have a normal sized Rider Waite deck and one Tarot deck of your choosing. See instructions on choosing a deck: http://www.tonigilbert.com/sessions/personaldeck.asp (There are a lot of decks out there and so make sure it is a Tarot deck.) It is best to go to a store that has decks but if that is not possible, you can choose by finding a web site that sells Tarot decks.

By the end of this first phase, students will: know how to see themselves in the cards; begin using a Jungian vocabulary; and have a beginning understanding how to counsel others using the archetypal imagery of the cards. You will also be able to read for yourself and practice on friends and family.

The next two phases will also take place at Breitenbush the following two years at about the same time. This entire process will take three years. In addition to learning to be a tarotist, you will learn a great deal about wellness counseling, dream interpretation, guided imagery and psychology in general. During the year, you will have e-mail and phone mentoring by me. A certificate is issued upon the completion of each phase, however you will not be certified to counsel others until you have completed Phase III. At that time you will be able to use the credentials ATC after your name.

Because, my three year students will be taught to use the cards with illness, injury and life crisis issues, they need to have knowledge of the health care industry and a working vocabulary in which to communicate with doctors and nurses that the client may be associated with. For that reason, the second phase requirement is that they have 3 college courses in psychology: Psychology 101 an overview of the field; Developmental Psychology, theories on how we grow and develop; and Abnormal Psychology to be able to recognize symptoms of mental illness. If you already have 9 credits in psychology, we will look at what you have. If you can find a class on Mind-body Psychology that would be a good one to take too but is not required. On top of that, I will teach from a Jungian type of perspective and give lots of vocabulary and experientials…like guided imagery. I see all of this as essential in using the cards to help people with their issues. I believe that a tarotist, working in wellness, should be able to communicate using psychological words and concepts.

Please come to the Phase I workshop with the following: 2 Tarot decks, my books Messages from the Archetypes, Gaining Archetypal Vision, two blank journals and a notebook to take notes.

Looking forward to Being with you, Toni
toni@tonigilbert.com

Osho Zen Tarot

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Tarot, Birth Cards, and You: Keys to Empowering Yourself

Posted on September 30, 2011 by admin

Book Review
Tarot, Birth Cards, and You: Keys to Empowering Yourself

Bonnie Cehovet’s birth card system forms a frame of reference to study opportunities and challenges that you will face during your life. At the beginning of the book, the reader uses numerology to add up the numbers of his/her birthday to arrive at a life-time symbol—the birth card. This birth card is the symbol of our personal expression in the world—our personality.

Once you add up your birth number, you then use the book to find the Major Arcana that is your birth card. Next, the author suggests tools, like affirmations and visualizations to further your understanding of this major archetype in your life’s path.

The entire concept was familiar, but I had not explored it to any deep degree. This time, I was looking forward to the opportunity to use this tool to receive insights, and learn more about myself at deeper levels. Tools like birth cards help us have clearer understanding of our life’s journey. As I understand development, the final challenge begins as we lay dying and so, we are never too old to use this type of tool.

At 64, I have become comfortable with who I am and spend less time exploring the depths for nuggets of wisdom. However, as I held the book in my hands, I was excited at the prospect of the learning which archetype represented my personal journey. Which of the archetypes of transformation would it be?

My birth card turned out to be Temperance, number 14 of the Major Arcana. Well, this caught my attention! Temperance is the cover card on my newest book “Gaining Archetypal Vision”. What a coincidence. But wait. Was it?

As I see the world, it is full of synchronicities big and small. If the meaningful coincidence is big enough to catch my attention, I use it as a sign for something. In this case, it symbolically signaled that I should pursue this path of investigation. Also important on an exploratory path, I always listen to how I feel. If it feels good to pursue this path—I go for it and if it doesn’t feel right—I stop.

I felt right about the path and after the synchronicity; my curiosity was piqued even more. I began reading the author’s interpretations and a couple of sentences stood out from the rest. “Healing through the insight brought by Spirit. Healing is occurring on both the physical and the spiritual levels.” One of the main focuses of my life has been on healing the mind, body and spirit. Healing myself first, and then offering what I know to facilitate the healing of others.

I didn’t relate to any of the questions for Temperance, probably due to the fact that I have passed my second Saturn return and have integrated my life’s experiences to a good degree. What I mean is that I am fairly well healed. But, I needed a question. So, I closed my eyes in search of one from my inner self. The question came to me: “In what part of my life do I need to bring healing?” Immediately, I was reminded of my current personal challenge (Challenges are never ending.).

I related to all the affirmations but changed the wording of the last one to read: I see the Divine in all things.

Then, I read about journeying, I decided to give that a try too. In my office-temple, I sat down in my recliner, and placed my book with the Temperance cover card before me. Over a cup of hot tea, I contemplated the image of Aphrodite in the imagery of the Temperance card. When I was all warm inside from the tea, I leaned back and closed my eyes.

After first blessing the four directions and feeling gratitude for my life in this time and space, I waited for imagery to appear in my mind’s eye. The first mental impression was of a different Tarot card that depicted an angel pouring water from a silver cup into a gold one. I immediately understood. To me, this indicated that a developmental journey was in process, and that during this process, I would continue to grow at the upper levels of my archetypes. The water pouring from the cup represented all the emotions that push our development from a lower level of consciousness (silver), to a higher one (gold). This was a new insight. From now on, when I say I’m in my golden years, it will have a broader meaning.

As I finished contemplating this message, another image appeared from the depth of my imagination. Aphrodite returned with her vessel of water and began pouring it out over my chest. The healing stream went directly to a spot below my sternum. It was then that I realized the tea had given me heart-burn. Well, that was neat. You just never know what will happen during imagery sessions. Never-the-less, the lesson of the water as healing was not lost.

Ah, yes, the lessons of Temperance are many. And I would say that this archetype of balance and integration, with its many levels, has been prominent in my life and will continue to be. The birthing process is on-going.

I added up the numerology a bit further and the Hierophant was Temperance’s companion card. As I read the interpretation for the pair, I easily related to the “tone” these archetypes place on my life: “The path that the individual walks is one that addresses the lessons of choice and personal growth.” Yep, that’s me. I agree with the rest of the paragraph too.

Well, that was fun. Next I am going to look up the birth cards for my family and friends and see what that brings.

All in all, Ms. Cehovet’s book delivers an easily accessible tool for growth and development for anyone. This book is easy to follow and use and it works. You can explore other decks, or you can use the beautiful Tarot images by Karyn Easton that are included. Like any study of the archetypes, it can take you further in your ability to walk your life’s path with grace and consciousness.


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Archetypal Tarot Counseling (TM) Phase I

Posted on June 20, 2011 by admin

Archetypal Tarot Counseling™ Phase I
Where and when: Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon—April 15th till 18th 2012


Hi Everyone, After a few long cosmic detours, I am finally getting back to my Tarot Counseling workshops!
This three phase certificate program explores contemporary and historical information relevant to the use of Tarot cards in wellness counseling. Tarot is a centuries old system of cards that anyone can use for identifying mind-body issues and emotional states. The wellness counselor teaches people about holistic health, that includes how to make use of your mind-body connection and multiple levels of consciousness.
Phase I: This workshop begins with three days of self-development using the archetypes of Tarot. After reviewing a brief history, you will begin the study the artistic symbols found on the cards. By the end of the workshop you will: understand how the upper and lower levels of the archetypes represent innate forces in the lives of all people; know the principles of dream interpretation and how it is used in the counseling process; and learn to use your intellect and intuition to realize your own gifts and talents.
The course design makes for a creative and interactive experience. Participants will give readings to each other and observe demonstrations by the workshop leader. Course work for the certificate includes after workshop mentoring by certified ATC readers and counselors.
Phase II: Counseling Others, Phase III: Professional Tarot Counseling (dates TBA)
More information/application: www.tonigilbert.com click “workshops”
Breitenbush Hot Springs, Oregon: www.breitenbush.com
Hope to see some of you with me! Be well, my friends, Toni

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Toni Gilbert

 

Global Spiritual Studies www.globalspiritualstudies.com presents:
Introduction to Health as Expanding Consciousness
This is the first of a series of webinars on transpersonal psychology with Toni Gilbert, a holistic nurse and transpersonal counselor. Toni’s expertise in the healing arts includes guided imagery, therapeutic touch, meditation, Archetypal Tarot Counseling™ and dream interpretation.
An understanding of developmental psychology extends our knowledge of how consciousness expands and grows, and how we develop ourselves. This is a necessary component to help clients understand what their next steps might be.
In this first session, Toni discusses growth and developmental steps and how our consciousness expands to include more insights as we mature into self-actualizing beings. Notes and a bibliography for further reading are included in the price of this webinar.
http://globalspiritualstudies.com/shop/presentations/toni-gilbert-introduction-to-health-as-expanding-consciousness/
Only 23 places are available in the “virtual” room, so register now to ensure you have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in the discussion.
The webinar will be recorded for later sale, and participants in the live session will have free access to the recording.
Time: Wednesday 25 May: 6pm – 6.50pm USA Pacific time
Cost: AUD $14.99. The recording will be available for AUD $10.99
Toni on Jerry Pippin Radio
Here is a free pre-recorded interview on the Jerry Pippin Show. It is less than 30 minutes and gives you an update on what is going on in Toni’s life as well as her thoughts about her upcoming book “Gaining Archetypal Vision” and the new webinar series. http://www.jerrypippin.com/Paranormal_Toni_Gilbert.htm

Posted on May 17, 2011 by admin | Leave a comment

Problems, Challenges and Angels

Posted on April 18, 2011 by admin

Hi everyone,

My goodness, life has its problems and challenges. I tend to think of problems as something that I “don’t” like to face and deal with, and challenges as things I “do” want to face and deal with. Unfortunately, they are the same thing and we must deal with the growth issue presenting itself, whatever we call it.

I recently signed a contract with Linda Marson the owner of the web site, Global Spiritual Studies based in Australia. I have agreed to do a series of webinars for Linda’s site. At first, I thought “Great, I always wanted to do a webinar.” And then I thought again, “But wait, I‘ve never done a webinar. I know nothing….yikes.”

Now, I don’t like problems, but I don’t mind a little challenge. And so, I decided to embark on this most remarkable journey into the world of webinars with a positive attitude.  So, I am calling this my latest challenge. I embody the lighthearted Fool archetype as I work with the tools that Linda has given me and I learn a new style of presentation. Not a problem.

The challenger perspective doesn’t mean that I get off any easier, than if I thought of it as a problem. My challenge is that I get stage fright. This time is no different.  Any of you who speak to groups may recognize the symptoms…intense fear with a few body symptoms such as a tense throat and tight solar plexus. You can settle down to the level of simple anxiety, but the feeling of dread haunts you.

Since I have a lot of training that helps me deal with stressors, I decided to utilize one of my favorite tools…prayer and meditation. Taking a deep breath, I said a quick prayer to the Universe about what I could do with this as a spiritual teaching for me, as well as, a teaching opportunity for the community.  My instructions were immediate and clear. I was to use the St. Michael Archangel cards that I had recently received from mail order. I have never before been interested in angels but something moved me to buy the angel cards and the book Archangels 101 by Doreen Virtue. Possibly it was my Christian background coupled with the artwork of this very beautiful deck. Whatever it was, in this instance, I found the cards and messages, combined with my own colorful inner energetics, incredibly helpful.

The card I drew was “Have Confidence”, the angel was an armored warrior and the prayer at the bottom of the card read: “Archangel, Michael, please lend me your courage and fortitude. Help me realize that I am one with all that is Divine: wisdom, strength, love, creativity, abundance, and health. Allow me to feel confident and peaceful about myself in all ways.”

Instantly, I saw that I was dealing with higher spiritual levels of archetypal energies. I also

Archangel Michael

understood in the same instant that I could have these energies for myself. I closed my eyes so that I might do an active imagination self-consultation. I then asked to be given the higher energies of this angel. In my mind’s eye, I saw the peaceful energy as pure white light as it filled my body on the in breath. On the out breath, I felt the anxiety leave my body. Around my throat chakra, the colors of blue and green pulsated massaging my tight throat until it relaxed. Near the end of the experience, I could hear the sound of angel wings…tis a sound like no other.  The anxiety was replaced by a wonderfully peaceful and loving feeling. (The imagination is a powerful healing tool.)

Please join me for the maiden voyage of my very first webinar Introduction to Health as Expanding Consciousness Wednesday May 25th at 6:00 PM Pacific time. The webinar is live and you can message me as I speak. After that date, you can watch the webinar recorded.  Seating for the live event is limited, so purchase your reservations now.

Blessings to all, Toni

www.tongilbert.com

 

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Grandmother Moon and Self-Care

Posted on March 12, 2011 by admin

One winter evening, as I looked out the east window of my Oregon home, my consciousness focused upon the beauty of the full moon nestled in soft clouds. It was an ancient cosmic scene, and this night, the evening pearl was balanced between two tall fir trees; dark silhouettes that were the most perfect of frames. In order to get more “into it”, I placed a pair of high powered binoculars up against the window and looked again. I saw much more than before. Up close, the misty clouds, slowly moved around the firs in a gentle embrace that seemed magical, like the mist was rolling forth from the moon to all of Nature. At the same time, I felt a gentle loving feeling that seemed to emanate from the scene I was witnessing. My educated mind told me this was a reflection of my own feminine. I stood, for a while, wonderfully transfixed.

At a first glance through the binoculars, the craters on the moon resembled the frozen flowers of my winter garden, lovely symmetric skeletal patterns that tell the story of their organic structure. Of course, the moon’s history has been much different, struck repeatedly and scarred but still solidly on her nightly path. She is certainly a fitting symbol and metaphor for the feminine at this time in our collective history.

Later on that night, I looked out the window again. The moon was high overhead and still peeking from behind softly moving, wispy clouds.  My husband and I keep our home dark at night (with a few low intensity lights) because we enjoy the darkness and find it a welcome change to the light of day. In the dark, we can fully rest and meditate. Visitors may come and go, benefiting from the darkness as well.

Remembering my Nature experience earlier in the evening, I felt a need to sit in the moonlight coming through the windows. I pulled my wooden rocker to the most beneficial placement and sat down.  Instantly, I felt the “energy” of the moon upon my body and I felt….nurtured as I closed my eyes.

In my imagination the mists, that I saw earlier in the trees, now gently surrounded me…ever so softly. At the same time, I felt the maternal nurturing energy of the moon slowly surround and embrace my small self. I thought, “this feeling can only come from a mature feminine source, the grandmother.” I took advantage of this healing moment to breathe in the healing energy of the moon and send it throughout my body—on the out-breath negativity was released. Again and again I breathed deep and sent the moon energy to various parts of my body for nurturing.

When I felt done, I sent a prayer of gratitude to Grandmother Moon for lovingly reflecting so that we, the grandchildren, might see our way through the shadows of our nights.

At the end of my evening, I took a hot bath in a beautiful and fragrant room. Candlelight played off the honey-toned tiles and lit up the murals on the wall that display the actions of ancient herb and flower gatherers. As I slid in to the clear clean water, I felt like a queen entering my bath. It was one of those, life-is-full-of-simple-pleasures-and-I-can’t-complain-about-a-thing, type moment. “Ahhhh, Self-care,” I thought, “is all about honoring the vessel of the everlasting Spirit; the Spirit of life itself.”

Blessings to All, Toni

www.tonigilbert.com

toni@tonigilbert.com

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Ego and the Saturn Return

Posted on January 27, 2011 by admin

The planet Saturn represents many archetypes such as father time, old man tradition, the grim reaper and the Lord of Karma. Saturn is the ruler of limitations, fears, seriousness, responsibilities, burdens, and lessons. Saturn also stands for civilization, government, structures, harvests, prestige, maturity, and order.

The Saturn Return is an event of time; the time it takes the planet Saturn to make one orbit around the sun. Astrologers believe that Saturn “returns” to the degree occupied at the time of birth approximately every 29.5 years. At that time, you are faced with a major developmental threshold and into the next stage of life. Many major life milestones seem to happen for people around the ages of 27-30, 58-60, 86-88, etc. For instance, astrologers theorize that around the thirtieth birthday marks a major rite of passage to the actual beginning of adulthood, self-evaluation, independence, ambition, and, if you have done your homework, self-actualization.

With the first Saturn Return, you leave youth behind and enter adulthood. By the time you get to the second Return, 30 years later, you have become a more mature version of yourself. Some of us will see the third Return and, as the lifespan increases, someday maybe even other Returns.

My first Saturn Return represented a test of character. I gathered up my courage and established a few professional goals. In doing so, a better vision of where I wanted to go was established and I entered college.

My second Saturn Return has been different. Nearing 60 years old, I began to feel an internal slowing down, a need to stop striving and doing. Accustomed to old habits, it has been difficult to slow down because part of me, the ego, wants to keep going. In 2010, after a year of several age-related injuries and illnesses, I finally “got it.” If I keep up the younger pace, my body starts breaking down, bringing my working self to a halt…or at least a slower pace.

My ego and I have been through a lot. Today the ego lies like a docile lap cat and a time of rest and reflection enters.

Looking back, all of my developmental milestones required surrender. Challenges occur and to surmount them, one must give up, trust the natural course, and get your attitude to a place of… to heck with it. Interestingly, this simple and yet difficult mind-space, sets you upon the next stage of your development. One must continually give up what the ego wants. WheHorse card in druid oraclen we do, viola…another brain pathway opens and your consciousness expands.

As I was thinking about all the above, I decided draw a card from The Druid Animal Oracle deck. The image on the card was a beautiful gray filly. “Yes,” I thought, “that’s how I feel…great to be alive and, like the horse in the picture, there is a certain freedom.” Then, I thought “but wait…the card was reversed when I first drew it…… So, what meaning would this have?” A familiar refrain began to play in my mind “The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be.” ….One of those cosmic jokes, no doubt.

Blessings to All, Toni

toni@tonigilbert.com
www.tonigilbert.com

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2010 Winter Solstice and the Lunar Eclipse as Metaphor

Posted on December 27, 2010 by admin

A holistic vision and an esoteric education have enhanced my life and are part of the reasons I practice a symbolic life. A bonus is an urban life-style which offers up ample time to reflect upon the results of my deep noticing. At this time, after my second Saturn return, my needs are taken care of and I feel completely at rest until I am called upon for whatever comes along.

As I pondered what to write on my blog, few things inspired me. As someone who has read most of her life, what could I write about that hadn’t been said many times before? After contemplating for days on what to write, I came to realize that I did have a few personal perspectives to impart to old friends and the next generation of healers.

First a little bit of astrology: In the Natal charts of the “veteran” and the “baby boomers” you will find a creative and passionate Pluto passing close to old man Saturn who represents the traditional structure of our time. It has been our Nature to be creative iconoclasts and break open the hard shell of tradition. Just as we were “the ones” of yesterday, you, the young of today, are “the ones” who come next. Our ways have dovetailed and you will carry on the work of healing the world.

On the Winter Solstice, December 21st of 2010, I heard on the nightly news that a lunar eclipse was about to occur. This kind of event is rare and it has been several hundred years since the last one. The ceilings in my house are 18 feet high with big windows the full length. We can look at the sky anytime of the day or night. This night, I greeted the big and beautiful full moon in the nighttime sky with more appreciation than usual. A few clouds threatened but thought I might get lucky. As it turned out, the cloud cover moved just about the time of the eclipse and wiped out any hope of actually witnessing the lunar event.

Slightly disappointed, I decided to focus my attentions to my intuitions and learn about this event from my gut feelings and inner vision. As I closed my eyes, the eclipse was taking place on my inner landscape…only much faster. In my imagination, it was over in a couple of minutes. In my mind’s eye, I saw the beautiful full moon and then a shadow coming over it. A moon sliver showed for a moment pointing to the left. The shadow continued and eventually encompassed the entire lunar surface. Then it began to move on. Another, but reversed, sliver pointing to the right appeared for a moment. During this time, I felt a sense of waiting….and then a pause in the dark…a stillness that was completely empty…and then a forward movement. With the image and feeling still resonating, a thought came: “Out with the old feminine and in with the new feminine.” It occurred to me that this eclipse was a “threshold” because it certainly felt like a movement from one room to another. I thought about my Saturn return and how different my ego was from before…during my youth.

Pairing this experience up with the condition of my ego after my second Saturn return, I would say this is a point in my personal history (I can’t claim to speak for the collective.) that I take my seat as an archetypal grandmother offering comfort, encouragement and wisdom to the next generation. With this lunar event, a torch has been passed. Of course I will still be around to counsel and advise but, most of all, to watch lovingly as the younger “ones” play the games we are meant to play during our time on Mother Earth.

Blessings to all, Toni
www.tonigilbert.com

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Do you view astrology as a belief system?

Posted on February 27, 2009 by admin


I don’t see astrology as a belief system, although I am sure some see it that way. I see it holistically, and more of a way to view the world, a perspective that is broad and inclusive. It is an art and so the information is subject to the perspective and intuition of the astrologer (and their developmental level). The archetypes of astrology have many traits that can be seen as light and shadow aspects. I see the archetypal attributes on a continuum from negative to positive. All levels of the continuum are Divine. When practiced with a broad view, astrology is a spiritual interpretive art form. For more about how I practice, read this article about the Healing Arts on my personal site http://www.tonigilbert.com/scope_of_practice/

While Sun sign astrology is a starting place, it does try to lump the individual into a certain set of traits. One has to consider the rest of the chart, the development of the individual, transits and so on. Astrology is a complicated art and takes many years of study to understand. So, if you have just started, don’t give up. Read books by Liz Greene and Robert Hand to understand the archetypes better.

I try not to have any solid belief system because when you come to conclusions and believe in something, it closes the door to further explorations. I find astrology a fascinating study and who knows, it might even be right on. In my use of it, it has a positive effect on people in that it tells them that they are indeed a part of something grand and Divine….the entire cosmos. That is a new perspective for some. Toni

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Do you have experience using guided imagery with Achalasia?

Posted on April 27, 2008 by admin

Elizabeth, No, I haven’t worked with Achalasia (characterized by difficultly or an inability to swallow food) but I have seen the condition. I would bet that guided imagery (GI) would be a good tool to use.

However, I usually start with talk therapy and explore the psychological aspects of a condition and their symbolic implications. In this case it would involve at least the 5th chakra and possibly the 4th. Issues of feeling unloved may be involved, the client may be unable to speak their truths or have an inability to “swallow”what life has handed them. Then I might ask them to shuffle the Tarot cards and layout four cards that represents: the portrait of the self, what is conscious, what is unconscious and an outcome card. (More instructions are in my book Messages from the Archetypes.) Sometimes just being able to talk to someone about psychological issues goes a long way towards client healing. After talk therapy, and when the client was comfortable with our relationship, I would progress to GI…sometimes in the first session but usually at least the second session.

You cannot separate the mind from the body and that with every symptom, we should also treat what is troubling the person emotionally….which may be at the root of the problem in the first place. The unconscious mind speaks to us in symbolic images through dreams and since the body cannot speak, it also expresses itself symbolically. The chakra system is a good energetic map that can lead us and our clients to solutions. There are some good books on chakras: Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss, PhD, Eastern Body Western Mind and Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD, and Healing the Split by John E. Nelson, MD.

Shuffling and laying out a few Tarot cards and having a discussion around their images also goes a long way towards the client bringing issues to the surface to be healed. Then guided imagery to a safe place and then “possibly” progress the imaginary journey to the site of the symptoms in the body (one must go with the psychic flow of the client).

The symptom may or may not be responsive to this type of therapy. It is worth a try before resorting to botox treatment or surgery.

Currently, I am studying aroma therapy and can see that essential oils might also be useful to the holistic practitioner. In this case, it might be quite powerful to breath in an aroma along with GI. You could also bring color into the imagination session too. And on it goes. The possibilities of the healing arts in medicine is endless.
In healing, Toni

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