Janet Boyer
I had the opportunity to interview Janet Boyer. She’s a familiar name to those of us who love her deck reviews. I was so thrilled to find out she’d written a book. And not just any book. This one is a stand-out for uniqueness alone. The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present
I wanted to find out more about Janet so I asked her questions I would have asked her if we were sitting down over a cup of tea. She is a gracious lady who freely gave her time in answering Arwen’s ten nosy questions!
And there’s a contest too! The fabulous people at Hampton Roads sent me a review copy AND a copy to give to one lucky commenter! So read the interview then check out how you can win your own copy of this great book.
1. What was your first encounter with Tarot like?
Janet: You know, I honestly can’t remember! As my husband tells it, one day I simply said, “I feel to learn the Tarot”—and thus began my journey. This was about a decade ago and, at the time, there weren’t as many Tarot resources on the web as there is now. I do remember that I printed out dozens of articles from a site dedicated to the Thoth Tarot, so that deck was my first real exposure to the cards. However, the meanings ascribed to the cards on the site meant nothing to me because I was unable to associate them to Lady Frieda’s imagery. Because of this initial experience, I didn’t forge an intimate connection with the Tarot at first, and became discouraged and overwhelmed.
2. Who do you see as other Tarot luminaries?
Janet: Stuart Kaplan. If he hadn’t been at the Nuremburg Toy Fair in 1968 and stumbled across that fateful Swiss 1JJ deck, I have to wonder if Tarot decks would have ever saturated the market like they have at present. I think U.S. Games helped open the door to mainstreaming the Tarot, which eventually provided opportunities for hundreds of deck creators, artists, authors and consumers to discover, enjoy and expand upon 78 profound archetypes.
In addition, I love Mary K. Greer’s approach to Tarot. In a “desert island” scenario, her 21 Ways to Read a Tarot Card would be the one Tarot book I’d want with me because of its wealth of exercise permutations.
3. Your concept for this book is so unique. Most Tarotists want to see forward. So why must you be so contrary? Grin! “Back In Time”? Why should someone want to look backwards?
Back In Time
Janet: That is an excellent question! As I say in the beginning of my book, the phrase “back in time” came to me while taking a bubble bath. This “cosmic download” from the Universe solidified a process that came naturally to me—and that I did in my head—but never shared or taught to anyone. My Back in Time (BIT) Method helps individuals forge connections with the cards based on memories, including books, movies, songs and historical events. The past is one thing we all share, and our memories are laden with sensory data and associations. (Case in point: how a certain smell reminds you of a particular time in your life or even a person—such as freshly baked bread or a certain perfume or cologne.)
I liken these memories as tools and souvenirs that we each collect for own our unique “Fool’s pouch”. Even if we were to attempt to foretell, or gain insight into, the future, we’re still drawing upon things that have “gone before”. How can we “see” love in the cards for someone’s future if we haven’t known it ourselves (or, at least, are able to identify what it “looks” or “feels” like via story or symbol)?
So the BIT Method helps individuals create and add to individual card meanings, which in turn increase the cache of associations—filling our “pouch” with even more nuggets to share, contemplate, and cherish.
4. Rider-Waite, Thoth or Marseilles? Which style do you trend towards?
Janet: Rider-Waite. I prefer decks that show movement, that are animated with the symbols of both archetypal wisdom and the “down and dirty” vagaries of life.
5. Do you have a favorite deck to read with? Does that change if you are reading for yourself or for others?
Janet: These days, I reach for the Sharman-Caselli deck and the Universal Waite the most. I use the Alchemical Tarot renewed for deeper contemplation and wanted to keep it just “for myself”, but that deck’s ability to get to the heart of any relationship prompted me to use it when reading for others.
6. Who inspires you?
Janet: For me, it’s not a “who” that inspires me, but a “what”. I’m inspired by any creation—written, painted, acted, sung, spoken, played or lived—that provokes a pleasing emotional reaction, invites investigation and stimulates thought. Yet, blank pages also inspire me; they beg to be projected upon, to be impregnated with the creative energy of the fiery Ace of Wands. I’m also inspired but what hasn’t been done in a field—the “holes” more than the fabric of an established tapestry.
7. Has the Tarot ever failed you?
Janet: Yes. It has “failed” me any time I tried to use it as a personal fortunetelling device. I finally realized that its reticence was the Universe’s way of telling me that I was shirking my responsibility as an evolving human by trying to get external answers in lieu of going within to access innate intuition or Divine Guidance. Once I learned that (very hard) lesson, the Tarot opened itself up to me as a comforting friend and rich spiritual counselor.
8. What is the one hidden asset of Tarot that you think is overlooked?
Janet: The conscious use of the cards (as opposed to random selection) for contemplation, personal empowerment and spiritual nourishment.
9. Other projects we can look forward to?
Janet: I have an outline for two self-help books, as well as a few on Tarot. There may even been a Back in Time Tarot sequel. Lisa Hunt and I are collaborating on a deck (we’re both busy Moms so it’s sometimes difficult to align our schedules!). My husband (an artist) and I are collaborating on a deck, too, but it’s a matter of time and energy (he works a “regular” job and has just finished doing extensive home renovation).
What I’ve really been itching to do is write short stories—to sink my teeth into writing fiction that provokes, surprises and turns a reader’s world (or at least, a perspective or two) on its ear. As an Amazon.com Top 10 Reviewer, I’ll continue to write reviews for both that site and JanetBoyer.com, as well. But since I’ve been on a writing marathon for over six years, I feel like the lady in the Rider-Waite 9 of Pentacles right now—enjoying the fruits of my (8 of Pentacles) labor and resting in the creature comforts of home (10 of Pentacles) and the love of my family (10 of Cups). Numerologically speaking, 2008 has definitely been a 10/1 type of year for me—satisfying “endings” (10) and awaiting the next upward spiral of new beginnings (1).
10. If you could give one piece of advice to every aspiring Tarot lover in the world, what would it be?
Janet: Make the cards your own. Forge a personal connection with the familiar archetypes in the Tarot using your memories, favorite stories, overheard conversations, known persons—start with you, and then experience the Tarot “outward”.
Now to those of you who are slavering over this fabulous book, here’s how you can win.
First you have to leave a meaningful comment. You can ask Janet a question or comment on one of her reviews. You can visit her site to check those review out.
The contest will run from 11/28 8am CST until 11/29 7pm CST. If you aren’t the winner, you can always buy your own copy of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present
Possibly Related Posts:
- Radio, Lists and Podcast Questions
- Interview: Joanna Powell Colbert & The Gaian Tarot
- Interview: Lisa Hunt & The Fairy Tale Tarot
- Interview: Teresa Michelsen
- Interview: James Ricklef
Tags: Interview, Janet Boyer, Tarot books, Tarot Tips
November 24th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Hi Arwen,
I enjoyed reading your interview. I was tempted to get this book when Amazon sent a review. I’ve had an on and off again relationship with the tarot, as it could never gel right with me, so it would be interesting to see what approach she would use. I will keep this book in mind. Is there somewhere we can read an incerpt of the book?
Phoenix
Phoenix Rising´s last blog post..How will “Anita” meet her new partner
November 24th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Hi Phoenix!
Amazon.com has a “Search Inside” Feature, so you can look through my entire book at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1571745874/janetboyercom-20
I’ll talk to my publisher soon to see if I can publish the Introduction to my website, inluding a sample BIT Snapshot.
In the meantime, here is the Table of Contents and other information:
http://janetboyer.com/Back_in_Time_Tarot.html
Blessings,
Janet
November 24th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Her answers seem so much like my own would be! I do not read for the future or inquire as such. The energies and answers are for the present and that which has given a path or guide. I inquire for the recognised elements to process the messages back to the inquirer. I don’t usually go with the “written word from the book that comes with decks” but what comes to me when I view the card.
Thank you for presenting your interview!
November 24th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Hi Janet,
As a tarot reader myself I have to ask you what you think is the mechanism for those of us who can do tarot readings without ever being in physical contact (or even near contact) with the querrant? Over the phone, by email or via the Internet are all classed under this category.
Also, what are your personal observations on reading reversed cards?
November 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
(This is a question for Janet)
Janet, when you say:” make the cards your own,” I am wondering if you use magical / spiritual / personal rituals with a new deck of cards, to make it *your own* or *renew* the resources of an old, but often used deck?
Blessings,
Ms. Nadezda Karuna
http://www.shakticonjure.com
Nadezda Karuna Potter´s last blog post..Easy Candle Magic Part 3
November 25th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Hi Daven!
That’s a great question, and one I actually touched on tonight at my first book signing.
My best guess is that synchronicity (Carl Jung) helps order the “cards” as we construct questions, shuffle and then read the cards. Since we’re all connected on an energetic level, I don’t see why we can’t pick up helpful information from the person, the questions asked, the formation of a spread, the cards that come up, the actual reading, and even follow-up dialogue.
The theory of Mirror Neurons (aka Empathy Neurons) may also be a factor, but I’m not sure if this theory could apply to long distance readings. Again, though, if we’re all connected, and time/space is a human construct/perspective, then maybe we’re crossing barriers that most don’t even think of, let alone attempt.
I used to read reversals regularly, but since taking a teleclass with Robert Place, I don’t read them much anymore–perferring to see how cards interact with one via loose dignity (suits, for example) and card location. As I mention in my book, I believe each card has a light/shadow continuum. Picking ouch which end of the spectrum can be quite tricky, especially for Tarot newbies, so reversals may help one with that. (The again, I think reversals confuse more people than help!)
Thanks for your questions!
Blessings,
Janet
November 25th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Hello Ms. Karuna!
No, I don’t use any ritual on a new deck–no prayers, no dedications, no incense, no magic hand signals… *smile* When I say “make the cards your own”, I mean connecting with a deck via your own memories–beginning with them (you) FIRST–and then working outwards towards the cards via association.
For example, rather than learn a list of meanings, the BIT Method says “Take a memory. Or a movie. Or a TV episode. Or a conversation. Got it? Great! List some components of that memory–the people involved, the setting, how you felt, what bothers you, etc. Then, match those components with the Tarot card/s of your choice.”
This way, the cards of any deck become “yours”–a very personalized way of using any deck, that’s not necessarily dependent on the intentions of the deck creator (although personal associations could certainly be enhanced by quality insights that resonate from a deck creator/author!).
Does this answer your question? (I hope I understood you correctly!)
Many blessings,
Janet
November 25th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Hi all,
I pulled a back muscle Friday night and I’m in quite a bit of pain. Sitting at the computer aggravates it immensely, so I’m going to go back to staying glued to the recliner in my bedroom until my back heals sufficiently. I’ll probably be online next week and answer any questions then.
In the meantime, thanks for reading and posting…and Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans!
)
Blessings,
Janet
November 25th, 2008 at 1:11 am
I enjoyed the interview with Janet, and I enjoyed reading some of her deck reviews. For purely reasons of colour and design it was the Undersea Deck I most enjoyed looking at, though, and I wouldn’t mind having an opportunity to ask Janet: As an undersea deck, the imagery was necessarily a bit floor-bed: heavy on Water, lgiht on Earth, and very deficient in Air and Fire. All four of the suits were water-related in their different ways. Janet had made no comment about that in her review: doesn’t she feel the deck is a bit unbalanced in its elemental weightings, and might not function well for someone with a lot of fire or Air in their personal energy?
November 25th, 2008 at 2:14 am
Janet, I saw your book yesterday in a Barnes & Noble, which was wonderful because their tarot section at that particular store was sadly lacking in tarot and because it was cool to think… Hey I recognize that name, I (sort of) know this author! The book looks lovely… alas, It must have been a premonition to shop and not buy… or the fact I couldnt’ find my ID and couldn’t use my credit card, for tonight I discovered this interview.
What I particularly like and relate to is using tarot as a tool to tickle out those memories and experiences to give them a meaning, making them more understandable… as a tool for self growth and understanding more than a predicitive fortune telling medium.
I do hope one or the other tarot deck project eventually is completed.
This was an enjoyable interview, thank you both Janet and Arwen.
November 25th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Arwen, I am so happy with all your wonderful articles and interviews! And because of the notification system your blog is often the first thing I read in the morning lol.
I would like to take this opportunity to promote Janet’s wonderful reviews! Her wonderful reviews have helped me so much in the past years, and have made amazon a lot of money through me (ouch) lol.
Years ago I read a review of the Journey to Wild Divine biofeedback computer software from Deepak Chopra, and this year when I was in a burnout/depression/anxiety attacks (I’m still recovering) I remembered her review, bought the software, and it has helped me immensely to sleep better, to relax better, and to start to meditate. And because she always posts her reviews at amazon, I’m certain she has helped lots and lots of others in the past years.
So I encourage every reader of Arwens wonderful blog to check out Janet’s site as well, and read all her wonderful reviews and articles.
And after reading this part:
“I have an outline for two self-help books, as well as a few on Tarot. There may even been a Back in Time Tarot sequel. Lisa Hunt and I are collaborating on a deck (we’re both busy Moms so it’s sometimes difficult to align our schedules!). My husband (an artist) and I are collaborating on a deck, too.
As an Amazon.com Top 10 Reviewer, I’ll continue to write reviews for both that site and JanetBoyer.com”
I only have one question for Janet: How do you do it all!! I’m getting tired just reading it!!
With much love and appreciation for both Arwen and Janet,
Maaike
November 25th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
What a great interview!!! As someone who’s just discovering tarot, this was a wonderful read. I’m on a new and exciting journey and look forward to reading Janet’s book! I have a horrible memory, so anything helps! Hehehe!
November 25th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
The concept of the book that you have to know the past in order to know the future makes sense. No one can truely understand the future without knowing the past. You have to be able to draw on past experiances inorder to predict the future. You can never really understand something unless you have experianced it for yourself.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Great interview. I’ve collected decks for quite awhile for the art, and have been actively studying reading for almost two years now. My “favorite” decks change now and then, but I always refer back to the Rider-Waite deck ultimately. It just seems to be the most basically meaningful design. So, for Janet, I’ve seen several different attitudes on reading reversals, what is yours?
November 25th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Dear Janet -
Your interview fascinated me. I especially appreciate that a blank page inspires you–I feel the same way. (I love a new pen, folder, journal, too!) I have been energized by the tarot since 1969 and love RWS (I use Carol Herzer’s Illuminated version) and in the last year have used the magnificent Maat for readings for others. I am eagerly awaiting JC’s Gaian (the full deck). The majors are incredible. The concept of your book is fascinating. I don’t have a question right now but will probably have several after I’ve read the book. Also, thank you for posting the large card images in your reviews. I appreciate your upbeat and creative ways of seeing. Again, thank you. Jan
November 25th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I really enjoyed reading your interview. I have been trying to learn Tarot but so far I haven’t found a deck that connects with me. I relate best to my deck that shows all the scenes from the back but even then the symbols just don’t seem to connect. I have been making the most progress through the book Follow the Path so your book sounds very enticing.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Gina Marie was within the time frame. I approved it late.
No comments after this will be in the contest, but do feel free to let Janet know what you think!
Janet, thank you so very much for your graciousness. I enjoyed doing this interview very much.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
And the winner is Nisaba! Congratulations! I threw all the names into random.org and Nisaba’s name came up first.
November 25th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Awwwww… Oh well, I was hoping.
November 26th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I won, I won! I even bought two lottery tickets today – good things come by in threes, yes?
I liked your question, though, Daven, and I have a sort of working-answer of my own, but this is Janet’s space.
December 16th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Hi all,
I just wanted to tell you that I haven’t been ignoring your queries! For some reason, the window to post here keeps “closing”, preventing me from answering! I hope THIS post goes through…
Sorry for the delay! If I can figure out how to successfully post once again, I shall!
*crosses fingers*
Janet