Women’s History month is still upon us, so I figured I would take this opportunity to spotlight a great woman and a great friend. Bernadette Montana has over 25 years in teaching and practicing Wicca, the Tarot and Native American practices. She considers herself a progressive witch under Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone. She is a 3rd degree High priestess in the Alexandrian tradition, an ordained Interfaith minister, a tribal member and pipe carrier of the Sun Bear tribe (an all nations tribe) , and a tribal member of the Baramaya tribe (Taino bloodline).Bernadette Montana is also the proprietor of Brid’s Closet, located at 296 Main St., Cornwall, NY 12528
When did you start divining?
I started in the late 80’s. My own Grandmother read the Spanish cards and would read for my mom!
With what method?
I started with the Rider Waite tarot deck.
What method do you use most often now?
My preferred method has always been with the tarot. It really resonates with me. I sometimes think of the tarot as a doorway. Once that doorway has opened all sorts of information comes in! I have also branched out into mediumship, pendulum (love this method), Lenormand oracle decks and tea leaves (Which the author Judika Illes taught me)
How important is the question?
Extremely! I work with the tarot in 2 ways. I ask the client if they would like a “cold” reading or if they would like to ask the question beforehand. It’s up to them. The cards can have many different meanings! It all depends upon your intuition or the question being asked.
Do you have a yes/no method of divining you recommend?
For Yes or No questions? I use my pendulum.
Is there any advice you have for newcomers when using divination?
Give yourself plenty of time to learn “your” deck. Make sure that you pick a deck that really resonates with you! The artwork is important. I guess that takes care of the fallacy in which a deck must be given to you. That you should never purchase a deck! If the artwork does not call to you-then how can you come to understand what the symbols mean?
I would also take the time to understand the symbols on your deck. For instance-The Rider Waite-Smith deck has a lot of Judeo Christian symbols in it. It would help to do some research into it. Keeping a journal is another great and helpful way to keep track of your experiences with the tarot and of course, the readings that you have completed.
For more information about Brid’s Closet and their upcoming amazing 7th Annual Beltane/Spring Festival- I’ll be there offering a Voodoo workshop, please Check out their website
To explore more from the Voodoo Universe’s Divination Space Station See the following Stops Below:
Divination Space Station Orion Foxwood
Divination Space Station Lilith Dorsey
Divination Space Station Raven Moon’s Oracle
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