Best Of Tarot 2010

Welcome to my first annual “Best of Tarot”!

As the year comes to a close, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on how much the world of tarot had to offer in 2010.  This year was diverse, hot, innovative and certainly not boring!  Here are my picks for the absolute Best of Tarot 2010 (please be reminded that these are my opinions only):

Best Tarot Blog – Tarot Elements (http://www.tarotelements.com/)  Catherine Chapman and her hard working crew of awesome writers continue to delight, inspire and educate with this fabulous blog.  You’ll find lots of great tarot writing plus astrology and more.  This is my “can’t miss blog”.  A close runner up is Tarot Eon (http://www.taroteon.com/), which I call the “voice of modern tarot”.  The site is not updated as frequently as Tarot Elements but this is the blog I go to when I need to get my tarot brain unkinked.

Best Tarot Deck – The Sun and Moon Tarot. (http://www.usgamesinc.com/product.php?productid=1101&cat=0&page=1) by Vanessa Decort.  This unassuming deck is full of color and originality.  The artist takes ancient symbols and classic tarot to a new level in this playful deck.  Don’t  underestimate this deck – it gives powerful readings.

Best Tarot Artist – Stephanie Pui-Mun Law.  (http://www.shadowscapes.com/)  The artist behind the Shadowscapes Tarot and the 2011 Llewellyn Astrological Calendar has a unique, otherworldly style that stands out from all the other artists.  Her stunning work is full of detail and whimsy without being cheesy.  A big nod to Ciro Marchetti as well, who is simply amazing.  His work is breathtaking and The Legacy Of The Divine is a favorite amongst tarot readers everywhere.

Best Tarot Book – Tarot For Beginners by Barbara Moore.  (http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738719559)  Do we really need another tarot book for beginners?  Yes!  This clear and concise book spells out tarot and makes it accessible for all.  Anything that encourages more tarot love is a good thing in my book.

Best Tarot Site – Tarot Town.  (http://www.tarot-town.com) This is THE social media networking dream site for all tarot lovers!  The brainchild of Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin, Tarot Town allows all of us tarot freaks to connect, no matter where we live.  Tarot Town is full of educational materials and lots of good fun.  Won’t you be my neighbor?

Best Tarot Event – Reader’s Studio 2010 (http://www.tarotschool.com)  There are a few tarot events out there but the Reader’s Studio is the granddaddy of them all.  2010 was a banner year with presentations by Robert Place, Dr. Elinor Greenberg and Mary Greer.  The Amberstones continue the tradition next year with a line up that is guaranteed to please your tarot lovin’ mind.  Save your pennies and get there!

Best Tarot Newsletter – The Tracker by TABI (http://www.tabi.org.uk/)  I subscribe to plenty of newsletters and The Tracker is the best one of the bunch.  Great stories, awesome writing, and all done in a manner that is crisp and concise – and never obnoxious and “salesy”.  Which is why I actually read this one.

Best Tarot Podcasts – Beyond Worlds (http://www.tarottribe.com) is THE premier podcast for tarot education.  Bringing the best that tarot has to offer, week after week host Donnaleigh continues to grow her show to dazzling new levels and help us to stretch our tarot wings in the process.  If you want to learn how to read, this is the first place to pull up a chair.  Another nod to Psychic Friends Live (http://www.stormonair.com) where host Storm Cestavani tackles tarot, astrology and more in a raucous, intense, intelligent – and sometimes scandalous – manner. He’s the most entertaining tarot personality out there today.  (I’m lucky that these two have brought me on board the last few months to co-host – but that is not why I made my decision.  I base my decision on the fact that these are the only shows I listen to consistently and without a trace of boredom, no matter what they discuss.)

Best Tarot Magazine – Tarosophy International – (http://stores.lulu.com/farawaycentre) This beautiful magazine showcases the best tarot writing in the field today.  You can purchase this digitally or via print.  Whatever format you choose, you will not be disappointed. Superb articles and stylish art.  Every tarot reader needs to get their hands on it!

Most Underrated Blog – Tarot Notes Major and Minor (http://tarotnotes-majorandminor.blogspot.com/)  This wonderful blog states that it is about the “the mysterious, mystical deck of cards called Tarot”.  It is all that and more.  I find this blog to be unpretentious, original, warm and welcoming.  The writers speak in an engaging manner that leaves the reader feeling as if they are having a good tarot chat with an old friend.

The Tarot Reader to Watch – Mike Hernandez (http://www.justenoughtarot.com) When I was at RS10, Mike Hernandez caught my eye.  There was something about his demeanor – the genuine smile, the twinkle in his eye that said he was someone special.  Mike has been gathering steam in the tarot world with his blog and radio appearances.  I think he may be making some great contributions to the tarot world in the future.  Keep an eye on him.

Best Tarot Reviews – Aeclectic (http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/)  Whether you are looking for a new deck or simply want to add your 2 cents about one that you currently own, Aeclectic is the place for good, honest reviews.  Whenever I want to purchase a deck, this is the first place I visit.  I am especially fond of the images which gives me a clear idea of what I am actually getting.  There are plenty of good reviewers out there but Aeclectic puts the tarot stuff under one roof and saves the need for jumping around.

Hottest Tarot Topic – Predictive Tarot Readings.  It seems prediction and “fortune telling” have fallen out of vogue in the tarot industry.  But some of us are still actively doing it.  Will it make a comeback or are we destined to shove it under the rug and make readings more therapeutic?  We discussed this on Beyond Worlds (http://www.blogtalkradio.com/beyondworlds/2010/07/27/tarot-tribal-dance-your-4-hosts-predicting-with-ta) and I think this subject will continue to ruffle feathers.  Second hot topic – Certification made the rounds again.  There are many differences of opinion regarding this subject and I doubt we’ll ever get full agreement on it.

Most Creative Use Of Tarot – Tarot Affirmations by Starcana (http://astrologycreepsandtarotfreaks.blogspot.com/2010/11/tarot-affirmations-devil-dependency.html)  I’m a huge fan of affirmations and meditation. When you combine it with tarot, I’m hooked.  Nobody does it better than Starcana.  Second place – Danielle Baskin’s Tarot Helmets.  Painting the tarot on helmets is just plain cool.  Riding around town with the Hermit protecting my skull rocks!

Trend I’d Like To See in 2011 – With the majority of professional tarot readers starting to grow older, I’d like to see more young people start picking up the cards and going pro.  How can we reach a younger audience to inspire them and help them to see tarot reading as a valid profession?  That is one thing I’d like to start promoting in the years ahead.

The Tarot Reader Who Most Impacted My Life This Year – I had a reading at RS10 that completely changed my life and affected me deeply.  I won’t share the details but I’d love this reader to get the attention that he deserves.  His name is Andy Matzner and he has a humble blog, Tarot Bomb (http://tarotbomb.blogspot.com/).  Andy is a humble guy too – but his words are powerful.  I am still processing that reading.  Thank you, Andy.

I hope you enjoy my choices for the year.  What do you think?  Who would have you chosen?  I’d love to hear your choices in the comment section below!

Blessings!

Theresa

special thanks to taoxproductions for the adorable image!