Hi! I’m Alison, both in real life and on the Forum. I’m currently the Co-ordinator for TABI’s Endorsement programme, which means I look after applications to become Free Readers as well as Mentors. I act as the ‘middle-person’ between the applicants and the various Panels who make assess the applications.
Although I was born in the UK, I grew up in Canada. I then spent a lot of time living and working in various countries so I don’t really feel I’m “from” any one place. I’ve been living in the UK for quite a long time now, though – currently based in Somerset.
I’ve had a number of different careers, ranging from water resources engineer to painter, research scientist to tarot reader, manager to astrologer to … well, it’s a long list! At present I work at the local college, in the Exams Office, in addition to doing astrology consultations and tarot readings.
My interest in tarot started when I was a teen-ager, but it was the artwork that attracted me most back then. Even then, though, I was fascinated by the idea of being able to ‘read’ cards. I didn’t start reading professionally until much later– I don’t know what took me so long! I’ve also taken part in TABI’s ongoing project to design a TABI Tarot deck, and contributed to the TABI Lenormand deck, published a few years ago.
Outside of tarot? My greatest passion these days is the theatre. I belong to several groups in the area, and have been involved in many productions over the past 5 years. My most recent stage appearance was in April – I was in the chorus of ‘Copacabana’ at Strode Theatre in Street! But I also love doing anything creative – I used to paint a lot, and make cards, but now I love making whatever I can out of whatever’s lying around. Sometimes I help run creative workshops – next up is a storytelling workshop…
What card best describes me? Oh, that’s a difficult one. Queen of Cups, perhaps. I like to find meaning in, and make connections between, ideas and relationships – digging down and finding out what’s going on under the surface! I think I’m conscientious and committed to what I believe in – which often focuses on working in the community (on-line and off-).
What tarot-related achievements do I have under my belt? Within TABI, I’ve been the Endorsement Co-ordinator for the past three years. Before that I was the administrator for the New Member Readings – a post I held for 8 years. I volunteer as a Free Reader, and am also a mentor. In addition to that, I also offer readings through my website. I have a blog, too, but I’m currently taking a break from that. I plan to start it up again at the end of the summer. Feel free to visit! alisonsalembic.blogspot.com. And oh yes, last year I finally published my e-book, Astrology in Tarot!
What do I feel I’ve gained from my TABI membership? I’ve made some great friends through TABI over the years, some of whom I’ve met at conferences. Others I chat with on the Forum, or through other tarot links on-line. In terms of my reading, I’ve completed both the TABI Training Course and been through the Endorsement process to become a Free Reader. TABI has really put me on my tarot path!
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