Blogging From RS11 - Part Three

Caitlin Matthews

I really wanted to get this done live from RS11 – but trust me, there was SO much going on that I really couldn’t. One thing that you need to understand about the Reader’s Studio is this: the Amberstones pack a TON of info and activities and fun into this event. It’s almost overwhelming but you don’t want to miss a thing! And the socializing….oh my god, what fun we had!

Anyhow – here’s how things went down. On Saturday afternoon, we were treated to a class by prolific author, Caitlin Matthews. She led us through techniques to find the significator in a reading. I was sitting in the back of the room and had a hard time following things (I’m slightly hard of hearing and she had a thick accent) but thankfully, I was seated between Mike Hernandez and Donnaleigh, so I was in good hands. Mike helped me to grasp the procedures – and I began it get it. (Later when I practiced the technique with Barbara Moore, I REALLY got it. Sometimes I’m thick like that!)

We took a break and then came back together for the banquet. This is one of the highlights of the event. Some people dressed as characters from the tarot deck! (You can see more pictures at my Facebook page album.)

Costumes and revelry at RS11

The Pizzaphant

The Hermit

After dinner, many of us headed to the bar for more fun and conversation. I spent a lot of time chatting with Chea Maria, Stella Luna (all the way from Australia!), Gina Thies and Val Sherill. Tarot people are a friendly bunch and I had a hard time saying goodnight and hitting the sack.

Chea Maria, Stella Luna and Val

I once again overslept and had to rush in with wet hair for the Breakfast Roundtable with tarot luminary Bev Haskins. This chat was fun as we discussed “inappropriate questions and clients” and how we deal with them. A lot of good wisdom was shared and Bev kept the energy going until it was time to move on to the main room.

Bev Haskins

It was now time to revisit our Foundation reading with our original partner and incorporate the techniques we learned during the convention. Hilary and I paired up again and pulled out the readings we did on Friday and began to play with all the new methods. We had some real breakthroughs and were both in awe at how much deeper the readings were. I will say this: you really get your money’s worth at RS11. You cannot get this sort of education and interaction anywhere!

We followed this up with a lunch during which I blogged about my Tarot Apprentice winner. I had been pretty clear about who my choice would be in the last week but if there was any doubt in my mind, the reading I received from Hilary erased it. I had Marcus Katz do the honor of informing her (Marcus included a 2 year scholarship to the Hekademia tarot course as part of the contest). Hilary was in shock and we were all laughing and hugging after the announcement.

Marcus informs Hilary that she is The Tarot Apprentice

Me, Hilary, Marcus Katz, Tali Goodwin

The event then came to a close as Ruth Ann handed out our certificates and people began to leave for home. Many sad goodbyes were had. A few of us stayed an extra night and bussed over to a fabulous Italian restaurant for a lovely dinner. Lively conversation, fantastic food and plenty of drinks were had. This for me was the best part of the conference – spending time with like minded tarot lovers and letting loose a bit. I feel so grateful to my tarot community and so thankful that the Amberstones put their time, effort and money into this event. I am already dreaming of next year…..