There was quite a response to the last online issue of Tarot Update. Many of you sent emails just to let us know you were out there and were supportive of our new direction. Some of you had questions or suggestions, while others of you sent links to upcoming tarot events. It was thrilling for me and my behind-the-scenes webmistress to know that our efforts don't get lost in the ominous void of the internet! We want to thank everyone who took the time to send us emails. Please continue doing so, and although we can't respond to every email individually, we do read each one and value your contribution.

For this month's issue, I'm going to focus on the two questions that came up the most.

First, it seems that a number of you are returning to the tarot after a brief or not so brief hiatus and want to get back into the swing of things. You've come to the right place! Aside from perusing our website and enjoying our free online tarot oracles, Llewellyn Encyclopedia, and journal articles, I have put some books and decks on sale to assist you in creating your own spreads and to reacquaint you with the card meanings. Enrolling in tarot classes either in your area or online is another good way to re-energize yourself while getting support and connecting with kindred souls. One of our authors, Corrine Kenner, has formed a "Tarot Meetup" Group in the Twin Cities area. On her website, she gives tips on how to form your own tarot group. I've included the link to Corrine's website in the Cool Links section below. The Tarot School is another great place to learn more than you thought was possible about the tarot and tarot cards. Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone's link is also below.

The second most common question focused on the business side of establishing yourself as a tarot reader. Since laws vary depending on where you live, you'll need to check with your local governing agencies for specifics on reading in your home or at a place of business. The same thing applies for insurance; check with agents in your area for guidance. Calling other professional tarot readers or those with similar businesses is another smart way to learn about the particulars of doing business in your area. Most importantly, educate yourself and get support by networking with other tarot readers either locally or online. Even though you may work alone in your office all day, you don't have to do it alone. It's often intimidating in the beginning, but taking the appropriate steps to creating a successful business is always worth it. Professional Tarot: The Business of Reading, Consulting, & Teaching by Christine Jette is a valuable reference for tarot entrepreneurs starting there own business and is on sale in this issue of Tarot Update.

For next time, I suggest we come up with a name for ourselves. In the publishing business, what you call something is important. Imagine books without titles, a sea of blank book covers on the shelves. The few carefully chosen words that make up the book's title send a message that resonates with its potential readers. Think about what message we want to send into the abyss of the World Wide Web as an online community. What sort of name will empower, validate, and resonate with our vision of the value of tarot and the tarot community? Send me your ideas at tarotupdate@llewellyn.com for our online identity, and I'll post the top three for everyone to vote on in the next newsletter. The winner will receive a free Revelations Tarot kit.

May all your readings be good ones,