I'll be one of the speakers at the next UK Tarot Conference, taking place on the 19th & 20th October at Holiday Inn, Kensington High Street (new venue). This year will mark the 15th year of the conference, so it's all about Major Arcana XV, the Devil. My talk will be on Saturday 20th, and is entitled "Sauntering Vaguely Downwards: History and Evolution of the Tarot Devil (including the Seven Faces Spread)". Here's the synopsis:
"Looking at the iconographical evolution of the Devil card, comparing its journey through the centuries in different packs with that of the Devil outside of the Tarot. From mythology to art, from pop culture to Dark Arts, the many lives and faces of the Original Rebel become revealed. During the second half we’ll focus on the Seven Faces Spread, where we explore the psychology and wisdom of the Tarot Bad Boy. The Devil’s motto “The only way is Excess” will ultimately lead us into a more balanced state of being."
I'm really looking forward to this, I've no doubts it'll be a hoot. Atmosphere at the Conference is always so warm and people are having a great time - not to mention learning loads! Geraldine Beskin (of the Atlantis Bookshop) never fails to give an entertaining and educating talk, this time on Pamela Colman Smith, the artist of the Waite-Smith ("Rider") deck. Likewise, it'll be great to meet Benebell Wen for the first time - her book Holistic Tarot is a must have. Aaaand I'm very much looking forward to meeting Rachel Pollack again, whose book 78 Degrees of Wisdom has been the single most important work on my own Tarot journey (and I'm sure I'm not the only one).
Tickets are selling fast so grab yours before it's too late. Hope to see you there!
