Hello everyone and Happy Holidays. One of my specialty hats as the new Acquisitions Editor at Llewellyn is in tarot. I am excited to take Barbara Moore's place, but I know I have big shoes to fill. Since Barbara owns some really beautiful shoes, I don't mind. To make the transition easier for all of you, I have put The Gilded Tarot on sale for this issue of Tarot Update. Barbara wrote the book and coordinated this project, and it is one of Llewellyn's most successful decks. The artwork is beautifully opulent making it a perfect holiday gift.
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For those of you interested in exploring other areas of divination, The Well Worn Path (written by Raven Grimassi and Stephanie Taylor, with artwork by Mickie Mueller) is a new deck of 40 divination cards that focus on the rituals and teachings of Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches. I chose a card from the deck to represent information I was to pass on for this issue of Tarot Update. Initiation was the card I picked. The image reveals a robed priest and priestess jointly supporting an orb of light with their hands. The priest supports it with his left hand and the priestess supports it with her right. In the moonlight, they have entered a path lined with trees. How appropriate for this time of year when the Celtic New Year begins on November 1st and the Gregorian year ends on December 31st. During this time of year, we celebrate beginnings and endings and the passage between darkness and light. We let go of the old and call in the new. As we reflect over the past year with family and friends, we note the changes that occurred in our lives and the lives of others.

Here is an excerpt describing Initiation:

"As you walk along the moonlit path you are met by two waiting figures. They are a priestess and priest of the Old Ways that were known to your ancestors. In their hands you see a glowing sphere. Here abides the living memory of the Ages, joined with Fairy spirits of the Otherworld. It is the only light now that can guide you down the path that lies ahead."
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I Ching for Beginners is a new book by Mark McElroy. He draws on the wisdom from the Book of Changes bringing clear and modern images and meanings to the hexagrams. The hexagrams are given names such as Having It All, Embracing Your Calling, and Encountering Obstacles. Again, I tossed some coins asking for the message I was to convey. Hexagram 64, Reaching The Goal was what I threw. This is the image McElroy gives to Hexagram 64:


"The empowered person observes a fox making his way over a frozen lake, admires his caution and dedication, and resolves to continue making progress."

For those of us that experience the short days and inclement weather of winter during the holiday season, it signifies a time when our bodies want to hibernate but it is at this same time our social calendars are the most demanding. Pause and examine your true goals for the season, and remember to slow down and listen to the integrity of the ice. Ý Many Blessings to you and your loved ones!