It’s not that the library or librarians think there’s anything wrong with these books. In fact they guard them carefully behind the front desk. It’s that when they lend books like these out, they don’t seem to come back.
The library used to buy two copies of the ones they thought might walk, but they don’t bother anymore. Apparently they’re so sure these books will be stolen that now they only purchase one for reference. And they keep their eyes on it.
Speculating on why people steal occult themed books, deputy director and reference librarian, Ellen Gilliam said she wasn’t sure how many are stolen because people want them versus how many are taken because people disapprove of the public library having them.
Teen Witch
Lisa Neal-Shaw is the Secretary of the Maine Library Association’s executive council. She says “It’s like you know as soon as you order them; it’s almost like you have a betting pool. Anything to do with Wicca, witchcraft, supernatural, things like that. Especially the spells.”
At her library, the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, the occult books are often stolen off the shelf rather than checked out and not returned.
Neal-Shaw thinks some people might just be afraid to have other people think they’re into the ‘weird’ stuff. She thinks they’d rather steal a book than let a librarian know they’re looking at it, let alone have their reading choice on record.
All I’ve got to say to the book stealers is – whatever you’re reason, stop it!! Don’t be afraid of reading what you want and letting other people know. And certainly don’t be trying to stop anyone else from reading something you disapprove of.
We want these books available for everyone and libraries can’t afford to keep replacing them. Not to mention, I think it’s bad karma to steal. To steal something for the spirit seems especially dangerous.
It looks like you may have set yourself up just right. You’ve created the space you’re in through determined effort and hard work. Step by step you’ve manifested your own prosperity and this is a wonderful time to enjoy it. It hasn’t always be easy but the rewards are well worth it.
Be generous with your prosperity, and kind to those that haven’t quite done it yet. People might come to you for practical advice or help. Or maybe it will be you taking that step to approach a kindly soul who could help you. Don’t hesitate either to help or to ask for help. We’re here for each other and create the most beautiful of worlds when we work together.
Take a look at this video. A masked Tarot reader in the middle of a busy intersection in Rio de Janeiro.
As Gringoquefala (perhaps the masked reader himself) describes the scene, it’s …
a mystical, ethnographic, and performative investigation of rio de janeiro, a celebration of urban chance, and a humble attempt to read the soul of the city and predict its future.
I love it! From Winnipeg to Rio, Tarot is taking to the streets!
Looking at things from a new perspective should be easy today – and a good idea. Let inspiration strike, then focus on your goal in order to start bringing about its manifestation. Clear communication and precise thinking will serve you well.
Try to be discerning – which direction will get you closest to your ultimate destination with the least complication? Let outmoded ways of seeing the world fall away. It’s only then that you’ll have room for the new view.
Be positive and proactive – you’re in charge and you can make what you want happen. Start now.
Stacy Engman has curated a gorgeous art Tarot deck featuring original artwork from a diverse mix of the world’s top creative icons. The exhibition includes 78 original works, each representing a different Tarot card and each by a different artist.
The artists were matched with a particular card based on archetypal themes referenced in their work. They then used their own iconography to interpret their card. The results are spectacular.
show runs through November 2010 The National Arts Club
by appointment for non-club members
15 Gramcery Park South
New York, New York, 10003
Phone: (212) 475-3424 Google Map to the show
Caitlin Burke solved the Wheel of Fortune puzzle I’ve Got A Good Feeling About This with only the L and the apostrophe on the board. It must have been one extra good feeling, maybe even a psychic one. I wonder if she’s thought about reading cards.
And it’s fabulous that this happened on the Wheel of Fortune, the game show with the Tarot card name. I’ve always loved that giant wheel and it’s most excellent clicking sound.
Creative vision, a fiery temperament, inspirational thinking – it could be an exciting day. You have the capacity to focus your passionate energy into something constructive. If it’s been difficult to get going with an enterprise that really matters to your soul, this is a great day to clear through the cobwebs.
Take your fire and run with it. But don’t forget to enjoy your strength wisely. No one likes a tyrant. Get to work on your goal, but don’t assume that everyone else is going to follow your lead. They might be feeling a lot like you are today and are probably looking for some followers themselves.
As I wrote about yesterday regarding Jay-Z, J.K. Rowling has also been dealing with occult controversy for years. Ever since her Harry Potter first hit the streets, people have been tearing the books apart looking for signs.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Some Christians have slammed them as being a satanic influence on children and a stepping stone into the demonic world of the occult. Others have come to their defense, even going so far as to say that Harry is an allegory for Christ.
It’s possible that Rowling, a Christian herself, was trying to write Christian novels hidden in magical storylines. As far as I know though, she’s never said so.
Isn’t it more likely that she’s been using themes of death and magic to write stories about a good guy hero going through the trials and tribulations of growing up. Can’t we find similar stories throughout cultures and time? Hasn’t anyone read Joseph Campbell?
Harry is on the hero’s journey. Maybe his story sounds more Christian than not, but does it really have to be either biblical or satanic? A good story, like a good Tarot deck, can be read from many perspectives.
Unless Rowling comes right out and says “Harry Potter is Jesus” or a Tarot designer says “the Hierophant is the Pope”, why insist on locking it down?
Let a symbol be a symbol, and an archetype breathe. Name them if you like and learn from them, but don’t get hung up on which team they play. More often than not, they play for them all.
Creation and the celebration of the senses are highlighted today. Art, food, music – anything that inspires our physical and emotional selves will inspire you and be well worth the time.
Nurture yourself and others. It’ll probably be hard not to. Nurturance isn’t just a luxury. You need to maintain and even increase your strength in order to birth what you’ve been working on. Eat delicious, healthy foods, surround yourself with beauty, take warm, aromatic baths . . . it’s all part of the Empress’ path to creation.
If you’ve been dealing with issues surrounding motherhood, women, or femininity in general, this would be a great day to take a closer look. There’s wonderful energy now to help you resolve issues you might have thought irresolvable.
Is Jay-Z an occultist, a freemason, a member of the secret Illuminati? Seems like a crazy question to me, but apparently some of the symbols in his videos are raising eyebrows.
The question is crazy because – who cares? At least that’s my take. But I guess some people do. And I’d have to agree that some of the symbols in his videos are also symbols used by various ‘occult’ or secret/hidden societies. In fact, you can find most of them in a single pack of Tarot cards. But so what?
If Jay-Z is part of some secret group, it’s still a secret. His videos haven’t shown me where to sign up for the Occult. And I could only dream that he’s a Tarot reader. If he is, we definitely want him on Beyond Worlds or Psychic Friends Live.
Take a look at what occult expert Mitch Horowitz has to say about the whole thing. He’s recently published a book about the Occult in America and is especially good at finding hidden codes and other open secrets.
