Inner Sanctums, And Where You Find Them

I got a radical place
Got my own private space
It's my sanctuary
It's the castle of doom
I'm the king of my room
Just a Quasimodo
Let the world blow away
This is where I'll stay
-Alice Cooper, Sanctuary

Well, I'm back here in Oklahoma, hopefully still moving forwards. The time I spent in Connecticut was good for heart and soul, and apart from that, I got to see my family! Very exciting stuff. It put a lot of things into perspective, and provided a good deal of motivation for the change that needs to come.
Apart from that, I finally got around to answering emails for the newly founded Deep 13 Tarot Services, at this point remaining a one-man operation, but still, I'm hoping to get a little networking going, as I'm noticing people often fall into two categories- those who ask for help, and those who don't. Regardless of whether or not asking for help is a good idea or not, people tend towards one or the other. Very well, I say. No one, certainly, should think the less of someone who asks questions! Some people think they have answers, for all I know they already do! Well, for the rest of us, I'm glad to hopefully provide some answers. Sometimes I too lack self confidence. (GASP! YOU?? No way!) Yes, believe it or not, your friend and narrator occasionally doubts himself. Like today, when I was answering a couple emails. The answer I gained from the cards was trust yourself! Don't sweat all those doubts you may be having- rather, let your own mind and wisdom find the right way for you. Not that this was an easy answer, and I didn't expect it to be. And while you're at it, invent a cure for cancer, a source of cheap renewable energy, and solve world hunger! Nonetheless, if this person can find that strength to face life's challenges, they'll do all right.
Perhaps that's also the case for me- I know I'm no slouch, and know I have a knack for the Tarot. That doesn't make me some kind of guru or anything, merely that I have the ability to help others, in however small a way, and hopefully the world will be a better place for that. Besides, it's good practice, or perhaps it's rather good experience. Whatever comes next, at least I'll go down fighting, or on to victory.
But things are never as bad as perhaps they sound from that. Actually, it's going okay- sure, I don't drive a Mercedes, and don't wear Armani suits, but that's okay. Not all wealth is measured in dollars and cents, and many if not the most important things in life aren't actually things.
Apart from that, I'm thinking next vacation I (hopefully we) take will be to Las Vegas. I'm not much of a gambler, true, but I hear it's a sight to see. Besides, I get a weird vibe from Las Vegas. If I was a little less scrupulous, I could even toss a couple decks of Tarot cards in my luggage and get people to pay me to tell them exactly what they want to hear. Anyone remember the dark days of 900-number psychics? Good grief, if there was one force of destruction for serious students of these things, that would have to be it. To an extent, you do rely on what the person tells you- however, the main goal is not getting them to pay you, nor should it ever be. The main goal is uncovering truth, and providing insight to people who come to you asking for it. It's actually not difficult to do the whole psychic-for-pay scam. Asking either open-ended or pointed questions results in the person providing you more information than they realize. Then, throw a couple predictions in, repeat back what they just told you, either by body language, appearance, voice or flat out said, and they'll wonder at your incredible psychic prowess. Yes, that is dripping with contempt, and I can tell you as a serious student of divination (not a term I get to use very much), more often than not a good reader is surprised at what he uncovers from his subjects. Personally, I always try to adopt a policy of honesty, tempered with kindness. I've had situations where a subject needed a good kick in the ass to get them moving- of course, I didn't phrase it like that, instead encouraging them to go for it, that they were quite capable of realizing what they wanted! Sometimes it's just that simple- and who hasn't needed a nudge in the right direction now and again?
But apart from that, this is something I've realized recently- let joy and human kindness be your guides in whatever you do. Look on the world not as a scary place, but one of limitless potential. Things can come together for all of us, if only we let them. And if you figure that out, well, call the patent office and retire a rich and happy person.