Meet the GTC Guardians (and Tech Goddess!)

I’d like to introduce you to six of my favorite people!  Carolyn Cushing, Paris Finley, Danya Smith, Maurie Kirschner and Arwen Lynch recently took on the role of the Gaian Tarot Circle “Guardians.” They each have an area of interest and expertise, and they keep the conversation in the GTC Forum rolling along. Shari Smith, our Tech Goddess, keeps everything in the Circle running smoothly, from the teleseminars to the forum to the nitty-gritty of billing intricacies. (She also keeps me from pulling out my hair!)

 I so appreciate the energy and the wisdom that they each bring to the Circle!

— Joanna

Danya Smith, Guardian of Contemplative Tarot Journaling

Why she’s part of the GTC:

When I decided I was ready to resume and deepen my studies of the Tarot, I stumbled upon the Gaian Tarot. After the first teleconference I knew there was something special about the community Joanna was forming. The Gaian Tarot Circle is a safe and sacred space where we can reveal our deepest truths and support each other equally and fully. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been a member or how frequently you post or participate… you find a family here of creative, dynamic people who care about the earth and her inhabitants, meet life’s challenges with courage and treat each other with kindness and respect. Some of the most well-renowned Tarotists in the world teach and study here and there is no better place to learn to use tarot as a tool to champion self and the wider world.

Danya D. Smith is an IT Professional and single parent who lives and works in the metro Detroit area. She considers the Tarot to be a vehicle for self-discovery, creativity and empowerment and enjoys studying the cards and leading sessions for the Detroit Area Tarot Guild. She blogs on occasion at http://www.contemplativetarot.com.

Arwen Lynch, Guardian of Tarot Spreads

Why she’s part of the GTC:

I like the cool uniforms and accompanying short swords and shields.  Seriously, I love knowing that I am helping out a forum I love. I’ve been a member of the GTC since the beginning. It’s an online community that meets my needs for like-minded seekers. We have all levels of Tarot knowledge and everyone is happy to share.

Arwen started studying Tarot in 1981 and never stopped. She is the president of the American Tarot Association. She seeks joy and stays in her own hula hoop. She blogs at: http://www.tarotbyarwen.com

Paris Finley, Guardian of Card Study

Why he’s part of the GTC:

Joanna has asked me to say a few words about why I’m part of the GTC and to explain what I like about it.  It’s hard to put into words, but I’ll try.  Throughout my life, and I am 63 now, I have been unable to be part of the community around me.  I’ve always been a loner.  Why?  Mostly because I found value in things that other people took for granted–plants, animals, nature, and the natural world.  And I placed little value in the things that others around me prized–their possessions.  And to a society that sees everything in terms of “us and them” I have always been relegated to “them.”  But here, in the company of others who value what I value, I am part of the “us” and I feel more connected, more at peace, and closer to my Tarot brothers and sisters than I ever have to any group of people.  Here, I have, at long last, come home.

I’m a retired high school teacher now working in computer systems for a newspaper.  I’m married 40 years next year, and Linda and I live with our 3-legged mouse, our pot-bellied pig, our cats, our rabbits, and our horses on a small farm atop a hill in Western Massachusetts.  All of you are welcome to visit as long as you don’t mind the mess.  We have one cat-free guest room downstairs.  www.tarotbyparis.com is my website.  Look for the stories I’ve posted there; they’re fun.

Maurie Kirschner, Guardian of Mama Gaia Happenings

Why she’s part of the GTC:

The GTC has been a wonderful place for going deeper with the Gaian Tarot and my tarot practice in general, all while in a very inspiring and supportive community.   I love that it’s a place where I can add my voice to those of so many amazing tarot people, have it fit and be appreciated.

You will most likely find Maurie outside in the beautiful Pacific Northwest talking to the trees, birds, plants, waterways, rocks, and critters.  Or, you might even hear her playing a ditty for them on one of her flutes.  If for some reason you can’t find her outside (and be sure to look under trees and behind large boulders) she will most likely be found  inside in a comfortable chair with a cup of tea,  piles of books, a few tarot decks, a bag of runes and several cats.  She has an insatiable hunger for learning and is curious about everything.   She is infamous for making up random songs for any situation, just one of the many ways she likes to express her creativity.   Maurie occasionally adds to the content of her eclectic blog at mindfulmixture.wordpress.com.

Carolyn Cushing, Guardian of Contemplative Tarot Practices

Why she’s part of the GTC:

The GTC is a place where I can weave together my passions for the earth and the Tarot within a vibrant and supportive community of people who share these loves.  I get great inspiration from the sharing that happens on the forum and on the calls.  And I have been able to bring my developing ideas into the circle for feedback and play.  This is my virtual family!

As a passionate change maker and Tarot enthusiast, I love to work with people to make positive life transitions, grow spiritually, and develop creatively. I work in a collaborative intuitive way with the Tarot.  In addition to working one-on-one with seekers, I recently have led meditation sessions at The Tarot School’s Readers Studio; taught and facilitated Tarot classes and groups at Groundings in Florence, MA; and been a guest teacher on the Gaian Tarot Circle.  I am a co-founder of the Massachusetts Tarot Society (masstarot.org) and a member of the American Tarot Association.

My Tarot practice is Art of Change Tarot (artofchangetarot.com) and my Major Arcana guided journey meditations are available on Journey into the Tarot (http://journeyintothetarot.com).

Shari Smith, GTC Tech Goddess

Why she’s part of the GTC:

I joined originally because I loved the deck and was looking for community; I found it! My favorite part are the calls. I can’t imagine not being able to join in circle with Joanna and the members each month. I am always humming at the end of a call; with spirit, connection, self knowledge and a greater love for Tarot and the circle.

Working with computers since DOS, I am now focused on providing web design within the WordPress framework. I enjoy helping others be computer comfortable. Using tarot for over 30 years, reading & teaching for the last 7, I enjoy doing proactive readings for others and am preparing a beginner course for those just new to tarot.  http://uneedstuff.com

Have I mentioned how blessed I am, to have these folks in my life?