Written by: Ania M

Today, a shout-out for another of the stars who helps run TABI:

I’m Ania and I’m currently the acting Webmaster, a temporary role I have been occupying for the last two years or so and at various times in the past. As a bit of an old lag (my membership number is 2), I’m a sucker for voluntary punishment when it come to TABI, and I’ve been in and out of Panel roles for most of the last decade or so. I was Treasurer for over 3 years, I’ve also been Events Coordinator, acting Webbie (as mentioned) and also a Mentor, Free Reader, member of the Reader application panel and probably a few other things I’ve forgotten about.

I don’t know what keeps me volunteering. Perhaps it’s the knowledge that nature abhors a void or maybe it’s because, if I have the necessary skills, it would be rude not to share them. Maybe it’s just that I believe in keeping TABI going because it’s such a wonderful community. Of course, it could just be plain, common or garden insanity 😀

Anyhow, my interest in Tarot goes back over 20 years, but it wasn’t until I took the very first public TABI training course that I gained the confidence to use Tarot without a book clutched in one hand and a hefty sense of trepidation. After that, I was enticed into the Endorsement programme, Free reading and then on to face-to-face. I can honestly say that I’ve never looked back and have been reading Tarot professionally now for over 10 years. Perhaps, on reflection, it is simply a sense of gratitude for what TABI has given me that keeps me volunteering.

My favourite working deck has to be RWS, which I went from disliking hugely to realising that it is probably the best deck for both learning and reading for others (again, thanks to TABI), as clients can always see for themselves exactly what the images are saying. I’m also fond of one to two other decks and own some way over 100 now, though I mostly collect these for their artwork…and the terrible addiction brought about by hanging about with fellow enthusiasts…er, thanks again TABI!

When I’m not reading Tarot, which is probably most of the time, I make gorgeous things: corsets, embroidered Tarot bags and reading cloths, hats, period clothing and all sorts. I also enjoy knitting and a whole host of other things to keep me out of trouble and ensure that I have minimal time for boring stuff like housework.

Which card would I use to represent myself? Most people might suppose I’d choose the Queen of Swords, with which I am known to identify, but my alter ego is Gwiazda, which is the Star. I’m not an out and out glass is half full optimist, a hefty dose of realism is always necessary. I’m more: “The glass is half empty? Good, room for more alcohol!”  Cheers!