Best of 2011

21 The World Shadowscapes Tarot

It’s that time of year again ~ time to wrap things up and talk about the best of the best!

I love reflecting back on all that has happened over the year, and I love sharing what I love with others. So here are some of my picks for “The Best” this year.

If I left you off of the list, it’s because 1. I don’t have room for everyone or 2. You need to try harder. Or send me more money. Whichever comes first.

No, I’m kidding. I love so many people in the World that it would be truly difficult to list them all. But hey, if you want to send me your deck or book to review, hit me up. I am ALL for that! Plus, I’ll be hosting some interviews throughout 2012, and I’m looking for guests. You can find me at: Amethyst Tarot.

So here are just a few people and decks that really inspired me this year:

Most Influential Deck: Tarot of the Sweet Twilight by Christina Benintende This no-holds barred, completely honest Lo Scarebo deck called out to me from the store, and am I ever glad I listened! Some of you may know that I have been reading professionally for over 7 years, but much of that work has been part-time. The Tarot of the Sweet Twilight screamed at me to quit my job and take my biz full-time. And boy, am I ever glad I did!

Most Gracious and All-Around Awesome Tarot Extraordinaire: Ciro Marcetti Hands down, Ciro Marcetti is one of the nicest peeps you will EVER meet, even if you haven’t met him in real life (yet). No matter what your opinion or what you say, Ciro has a gracious and thought-provoking response. He held his head high above the churning waters of the nasty issues that rocked the Tarot World this past year and held us all to a higher standard of understanding, cooperation, and compassion. His decks, pictures, and videos just plain rock, and he’s always great about letting you use his images. Plus, he doesn’t look too bad in tennis shorts. Thanks for all that you do, Ciro ~ and yes, I am looking forward to the Gilded Royale next year. Find Ciro at DreamWorld.

Biggest Cheerleader: Theresa Reed, The Tarot Lady. Granted, Theresa may not think of herself as the pom-pom, shish-koom-bah type, but her support and encouragement for new Tarot peeps is profound. Hopefully she understands the impact she has on up-and-coming Tarot Pros. From her revamp of her website this year to her easy-to-follow posts and newsletter, Theresa has style, grace, and a great grasp of the business of Tarot. No wonder so many people like to copy her. Check out her site at The Tarot Lady.

Best Dressed and Most Amazing Life: Barbara Moore. Okay, really this category is  “Most anticipated Deck – Steampunk Tarot.” But don’t tell me that you don’t slink over to Ms. Moore’s site to see if you can catch a description of what she pulled out of her closet that day or where she is going on her next Adventure Date. Anyone that needs to sign a waiver to go on a date leads a truly amazing life! Check Barbara Out at Practical Tarot. And, for a real treat, check out the Steam Punk Tarot. I’ve already told my hubby and his parents that I want it for my birthday next year.

Most Kick-Ass Psychic Friend: Lisa “Punk Rock Psychic” Selow. From her Rockabilly style to her Punk Rock Edge, Lisa Rocks everyone’s World. She embraces who she is and encourages others to do the same. While she doesn’t use Tarot too much anymore, she still shares her awesome gifts with others. You can find her at The Punk Rock Psychic.

Biggest “Break Out of Your Shell” Winner of 2011: Louise Underhill. Yep, I’m calling you out. Louise has done an awesome job of uniting Tarot readers at the Facebook group Tarotholics Anonymous, and just recently she decided to claim her power and step up in a big way. Louise is now on the TABI Board of Directors! Congratulations for honoring yourself by becoming more visible, Louise! I can’t wait to see what you do with 2012. You can find Louise at Priestess Tarot.

Most Anticipated Return: Kiki, The Tarot Dame Kiki’s blog was one of the first that I ever came across. It was the one who got me thinking, “Maybe I could do this.”  I love how easy it is to read, how it always has such a continuous feel, and how she is always so insightful, practical, and to the point. When Kiki moved earlier this year, she was gone from the blog for a couple of months. Time wore on as I wondered…”man, how long does it take to unpack?” Thankfully, Kiki is back up and running. I LOVE her blog ~ check it out at The Tarot Dame.

Hottest Wiccan Tarot Reader: Courtney Weber. Okay, I admit it, I have a bit of a crush on Courtney Weber (not in a creepy, stalker kind of way ~ I promise!). I took a class with her in Portland about throwing away the little white book, and I just love her Tarot of the Boroughs. It’s a photograph deck. I don’t normally like photo decks, but I really love this one. You can find it at Tarot of the Boroughs.

Best Study Book for 2011: Who Are You in the Tarot? by Mary K. Greer Okay, a little confession here. I didn’t know if this book would be any good, but I got it because it was written by Mary K. Greer, and I think everything she writes is like golden nectar. So, I already knew my Birth Card, but the way she presented everything ~ well, I had no idea! This book put together many pieces of my life and helped me understand things beyond the “add up the month, day, and year you were born and reduce it done to a number between 0 and 21.” This goes far beyond what I expected (hint: you have more than one birth card!) ~ thanks for another winner, Mary K. Greer!

Best FUN book for 2011: Tarot Diva by Sasha Graham Yes, you can also learn by reading this book, but you won’t even realize how much you are learning because it is just so danged fun! From spells to meditations to recipes (yep ~ Tarot in the kitchen!) this book takes the cards and puts them right in front of your every day life and activities. Plus, I’ve heard Sasha has a book deal to write 2 (or 3?) more. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! You can find Sasha at her website (her new intro video is awesome).

Most Anticipated Oracle Deck of 2012: Angel Oracle by Christine Alexandria. Yes, I said Angels. AND I said Oracle. Anyone who knows me knows, “I don’t do Oracle cards.” I also “don’t do” Angels. So here comes along an Angel Oracle deck, and I just absolutely fell in love with it! I can’t wait until it’s published. I already told Christine I want the first (autographed) copy. I’ll be posting about it as soon as I get it into my greedy little hands! You can find Christine at Angel Chatter.

And, of course, I can’t wrap up this list without this one last category:

What I am Most Proud Of in 2011: Tarot Through Your Life. I finally finished my book ~ it only took a year-and-a-half! And I turned it into my book and video series “Tarot Through Your Life.” This book is the culmination of work I have been doing with clients for many years. My favorite part is Section 3: Spreads from Birth to Death…and Beyond. These are spreads I created over the last few years that help you recognize patterns in your life and learn from them. Not to mention choose a new path if you don’t like where your life is headed. They also help you gain insight, closure, and forgiveness around old relationships ~ even if the other person is no longer around or living. I am very proud that I finally finished this life-long goal of writing my own book.

I then promptly turned around and wrote another book/workbook “Awaken Your Divine Power.” I guess you could say I’m on a roll. Next year I’ll be submitting some books for publication through some publishing houses, and hopefully on my list for 2012 I can say, Yep, not only am I self-published, but I got picked up for a book (or 2) deal at ___________!

Have a great rest of the year, everyone. And get ready to rock 2012!

Love and Blessings,
Amethyst Mahoney