Sunday, August 09, 2009

Guest Blogger: Linda Robertson

The winner of Linda's book is: Candace! Congratulations, Candace. Send me your contact info and I'll pass it along to Linda. Thanks to everyone who participated.


CONTEST! WIN a signed copy of VICIOUS CIRCLE

Hello! I am Linda Robertson, author of VICIOUS CIRCLE and I’m delighted to be a guest blogger here on Lynda Hilburn’s Paranormality! Because Tarot is part of my main character’s life, this post is about Divination.

It’s easy to look at the word divination and see the etymological link to the word divine. Divine, in verb form, means “to discover by intuition or insight” according to Merriam Webster, and in adjective form, “of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God or a god.”

That said, how do Tarot cards, runes and other auguries actually work?

There are probably as many opinions and theories as there are practitioners. My thoughts are that the aura or spirit of the querent, (the person seeking an answer who may or may not be the reader as well) subtly strokes the shuffling of the cards, or the stirring of the runes. In my experience, I just know when to stop shuffling, when to pull the rune. I’ve found that this is true both of self-readings, and reading for others. If doing the latter, I let them shuffle first while considering their question. I follow by shuffling the cards and cutting them myself—according to my sense of knowing. This method produces a reading the querents have felt accurately addressed their question, whereas if just one of us shuffled/cut, the reading has felt unfocused. You’d think it would be the opposite, unless you consider that my cards are attuned to me, and know how I will read them.

So, if the divination tools work because of that sense of knowing, can we define what that knowing is?

In my opinion, it is belief, faith, and/or spirituality in whatever religious path calls you. Plugging into your divine outlet to power your Tarot cards isn’t unlike a prayer or quick ritual, and neither is it unlike (in method if not voltage) the power enabling your computer to work.

Here's a blurb:

Witches and werewolves don't mix . . .

Being a witch doesn't pay the bills, but Persephone Alcmedi gets by between reading Tarot cards, writing her syndicated newspaper column, and kenneling werewolves in the basement when the moon is full--even if witches aren't supposed to mingle with wolves. She really reaches the end of her leash, though, when her grandmother gets kicked out of the nursing home, and Seph finds herself in the doghouse about some things she's written. Then her werewolf friend Lorrie is murdered...and the high priestess of an important coven offers Seph big money to destroy the killer, a powerful vampire named Goliath Kline. Seph is a tough girl, but this time she bites off more than she can chew. She needs a little help from her friends--werewolf friends. One of those friends, Johnny, the motorcycle-riding lead singer for the techno-metal-Goth band Lycanthropia, has a crush on her. And while Seph has always been on edge around this 6'2" leather-clad hunk, she's starting to realize that while their attraction may be dangerous, nothing could be as lethal as the showdown that awaits them.

"I read Linda Robertson's Vicious Circle in one sitting and enjoyed every moment of it. It's a rare book that gives you a protagonist you'd like to actually be friends with." -- Tanya Huff, bestselling author of the Blood books

"This urban fantasy has a good plot told in the first person by a feisty heroine with a sense of humor. Well-developed supernatural characters, mystery and a touch of romance add up to an out-of-this-world thriller." (4 Stars) -- RT Booklovers

"Ms. Robertson blends tried and true supernatural elements with some fresh ideas of her own, creating an entertaining combination. Vicious Circle moves forward at a steady pace, provides paranormal action, and takes readers on an adventure filled with strong characters and their tangled human emotions. I'm looking forward to the next book in the Persephone Alcmedi series, Hallowed Circle..." --
Darque Reviews

******

What’s your opinion? And let’s use this sharing as the contest! I’m open to other opinions, and I welcome you to share your thoughts on divination in the comment section. Or, if you have a question about the book, ask away! Anyone who comments will be in the drawing for the book, but you’ll have to check back to see if you’ve won. The winner's name will be posted here on Tuesday evening.

28 Comments:

Blogger I ♥ Book Gossip said...

Hello Linda!! Great Post! Unfortunately I have never tried Tarot cards. Why? Well because I feel like you mess with fate once you get into the card readings. Let fate do its mojo and you'll be ok.

Please count me in.

cindyc725 at gmail dot com

12:44 PM  
Blogger Lynda Hilburn said...

Welcome to Paranormality, Linda! It's great to have you here. Besides writing about the paranormal, we have a couple of other things in common: You're a rock guitar player and I was a rock singer for years and years (I miss performing so much!), and I've been a tarot reader since I was a teenager. I believe that everything is energy in this attraction-based universe, and it's quite easy to tune in to someone's intentions, beliefs, patterns and desires. Each tarot reader creates her own rituals, which then become more powerful and helpful over time. I especially love the tarot. Wonderful tool.
Hugs, Lynda

1:10 PM  
Blogger Lori T said...

Hi Linda~

Great post. I think that Vicious Circle sounds really interesting and do you plan on writing more...will it become a series?

I have not had much to do with Tarot Cards but I do find them to be fascinating.

1:36 PM  
Blogger Linda Robertson said...

Cindy, I feel that people have to acknowledge their gut insticts, and if yours steer you away from the cards, then that is what's right for you.

Linda, so we have more than our first names in common! I miss playing the music and mking it all come together as a band. Jamming was always more satisfying than 'performing' for me. :-)

Lori, Yes there will be three books at least. If Pocket allows, I'd love to do more!

Thanks for commenting/participating!
Linda

Thanks for

2:28 PM  
Blogger Lexie said...

I've never tried tarot cards myself--i vacillate between worrying about the bad news it might bring and not believing in them at all--and I did try runes once or twice when I was younger (or rather someone did them for me at my behest). During my obsessed with Ancient Egypt phase. I liked them--but more 'cause they were so cool!

In two of the video games I play though (Persona 3 and Persona 4) the figures on the Tarot cards and meanings behind them play a strong role in building friendships and relationships. To keep it simple--I have to keep in mind what the strength of each Arcana is when speaking to a character I want to form a bond with and move forward with to become stronger.

Linda I am looking forward to Vicious Circle SO MUCH!!

Lexie.Cenni@gmail.com

2:51 PM  
Blogger Vickie said...

This looks like such a good book! As for Tarot, I don't think I have the power in me to lay them out, but I do like getting readings from time to time. I like palmistry, too. I am keeping pretty close to my course as seen in the cards and in my palm.

3:15 PM  
Blogger Wendy said...

Hi, Linda!

I've never tried Tarot cards but I've always wanted to, just to see what comes up.

On the other hand, I steer clear of them. I think that if there's something bad in your future, you're sort of inviting it in that sense and well, I'd just rather not know.

3:33 PM  
Blogger Linda Robertson said...

Lexie-- I understand fear of the cards. Sometimes things like Tarot seem taboo, and if you're worried about that, it has a strong possibility of affecting the reading. I believe, however, that say in a simple "past, present future" reading, the future card represents what /could/ happen if you stay on the course you're on in the manner you are approching it currently. Could be passive, inactive, agressive or active. They are usually not 'set in stone' as every decision every day can have an impact that changes things.

Vickie-- if you are drawn to read the cards, read them. If not, its wonderful to let someone you trust do so for you! I dabbled in palmistry, but it didn't 'call' to me like Tarot did.

Wendy-- your comment makes complete sense, as Lexie's did. Tarot is not for everyone, but everyone has callings (sports, music, art, etc) that are important to their life. The important thing is that you answer the callings that come to you!

4:50 PM  
Blogger chey said...

Hi Linda,
Wonderful post!!
Vicious Circle sounds like a great read! Witches and werewolves!

5:39 PM  
Blogger Pamk said...

I've never had a reading. And it's not because I am worried about tampering with fate. It's because I've never knew anyone that was a true practioner. I do know that to have premonitions of the future you don't necessilarly need the cards. My mom changed her biggest life insurance policy to me as beneficiary two weeks before she died. When my aunt asked her why she said that she wanted to be taken care of cause she wouldn't be here much longer.
This book sounds fantastic and I would love to win it Please count me in.

6:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am a firm believer that you make your own destiny. For me, Tarot is just a way of seeing what paths are open to me (or anyone else). They may show you what is going to happen, but with knowledge, you can change it if you so desire. I guess in a way it is playing with your subconscious. You can even program you subconscious this way if you believe it enough. OR believe that a higher power is letting you know what is up and what changes could be coming your way with the path you are set on now.

I am not an expert on Tarot, by a long shot, but I do find it and other forms of divination fascinating.

Shar

7:38 PM  
Blogger Candace said...

Fancy that, I actually JUST put this book on my reading list!

I unfortunately do not know much about divination at all. I have always been curious about Tarot cards but as it is something I am unfamiliar with, I am also a bit wary of them. I feel like it is something best left alone- I think that comes more from being afraid of what might turn up for me!

11:03 PM  
Blogger BrigidsBlest said...

Oh, sure, I've used Tarot cards plenty of times. I own four different decks--the standard Rider-Waite, the Aleister Crowley 'Thoth' deck, the Tarot of the Witches, and the Runic Tarot. I've read for myself, for friends, and for total strangers, although I'm not a professional. I can also read runes, ogham staves, and palms. In my opinion, I think it's more an analysis of subtle, unconscious clues that people give off when you do a reading for them, rather than anything divine or supernatural. Even doing readings for myself helps clarify emotions, ideas, and opinions that I have.

The book sounds awesome, by the way. :)

11:22 PM  
Blogger Linda Robertson said...

Chey-- thanks! Glad you stopped by and commented!

Pamk-- sorry you've lost your mother, but your story about her premonition of it and the steps she took is fascinating. I think that reading cards involves a kind of intuitiveness, but premonitions must (obviously) use a more direct link to that intuitiveness.

Shartyrant-- I agree! Hope you're making a great destiny for yourself. I don't consider myself an expert on Tarot either, but I enjoy talking about it and hearing other's thoughts/ideas/experiences with it.

Candace-- I'm glad I made your reading list! (SQUEE!) This has been so much fun!

BrigidsBlest-- I have the Mythic deck, just the one, and have had it for years. If the Thoth deck is the one I'm thinking of, it's lovely! I like Runes, but seem to have a better connection/ understanding to Tarot. I, too, use my cards to analyze/clarify my emotions when I'm not seeing things clearly. The card are a great way to get another 'take' on a situation.

Thanks--and good luck--to all of you who have participated! I'll check in again later today!

5:45 AM  
Blogger Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

This one has good my brain chugging along. I believe all spritiuallity is strengthen by our faith. Meaning, there is a great or many great guiding spirits out there but we can only tap into the power they provide if we have faith in them and listen... hence the cards etc. They are a way to open our ears!

Count me in please- Miranda
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com

8:31 AM  
Blogger Cybercliper said...

vI'm a firm believer of divination tools - one of my grandmothers read and swore by tea leaves and coffee grounds spilled out of a cup. I'm fascinated by stuff like Tarot but I also steer clear of it. I figure if I'm meant to know something, it'll be revealed. My intuition is my weapon of choice - its wicked spot on! Congrats on the new release!!!

11:04 AM  
Blogger Linda Robertson said...

Miranda-- I'm with you! That's where my take on Tarot falls.

Cyberclipper-- Intuition of any kind is good! Glad you listen! Thanks for the congrats.

Thanks for participating and good luck!

12:58 PM  
Blogger tatt3r said...

I used to use Tarot cards, but found the I Ching had more to offer. Tarot cards were like Chicken Little - The sky is falling! The I Ching opened my mind and often answered my questions by going directly to the heart of my difficulty. Eerie.

tatt3r at sbcglobal dot net

5:15 AM  
Blogger Linda Robertson said...

Tatt3r-- I wondered if anyone would mention IChing. :-) Glad you have a resource that speaks to you. Sometimes finding the right tool is a journey in itself.

Thanks for participating & good luck!

7:42 AM  
Blogger Tracy Sharp - Author of the Leah Ryan Series said...

I honestly don't know if they work, but I know that there are people who have a sixth sense. I've experienced it before.

Congrats on your release!!

9:18 AM  
Blogger CrystalGB said...

Hi Linda. Vicious Circle sounds great. I love the cover. I have always been fascinated by Tarot cards.

9:43 AM  
Blogger Tambra said...

Hi Linda and Lynda,

I have two sets of tarot and use them when I feel led. Not sure if this is how its supposed to be done. I look at tarot as a possible outcome or as a way of warning when I need to stop and consider areas.

Vicious Cycle sounds great.

Hugs,
Tambra Kendall

11:03 AM  
Blogger Matt said...

Vicious Circle sounds great. I'm looking forward to hearing more about it at Context this year!

1:07 PM  
Blogger Linda Robertson said...

Trace-- I think that sixth sense is another form of intuition, and it has many many ways of surfacing. :-)

CrystalGB-- Thanks so much. I love the cover too, and for the second book, HALLOWED CIRCLE, the guitar on it is one that my fella made.

Tambra-- "When you feel led" is what's right for you!

Matt-- Thanks! Will be on the Dark Cities/Light Cities panel, and am hoping for a reading.(gulp! okay, am a bit nervous about that...)

Thanks to everyone for participating and good luck!

3:08 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

She needs a little help from her friends i hope her friends will help her for sure!!!
Carol
Plug and play Security Systems no Contracts at the best affordable Prices

5:25 AM  
Blogger Candace said...

I just want to say that I received the book and read it a few days ago and it was a REALLY great read! I suggest you all go grab a copy from the nearest store :)

4:58 PM  
Anonymous Tarot cards said...

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9:47 PM  
Anonymous Tim said...

Linda-

I find that you do have a strong aura and disposition. I have a couple of decks myself. I'll occasionally seek out a reading. The last one I had was so spot on, from word go. I didn't ask her anything, but quite a bit unrevealed. I felt like my mind was being undressed. I had always been attracted to the draw and artwork of different decks.. If you have a book signing or event in Chicago, I'd try to make it out to attend..I'm attracted to the closeup gray scale photography portrait.. do you read these posts?
-Tim

12:46 AM  

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