The Fool & The Page
By Claire Campbell
The Fool & The PageNov 29, 2022
Episode 39: Ace of Cups
I had the privilege of speaking at a CreativeMornings meetup this past week in Austin—thank you so much for coming if you were there! I spoke on the theme of Truth, which at times felt way too big and unwieldy, and before the talk I did often ask myself, “What have I gotten myself into? Who am I to speak on something this big?” And it’s these very questions which weave into the card for this episode.
I came to the Tarot with the question: Who is our ally in speaking the truth? In telling true stories, even if the truth itself is not welcome or pleasant?
Thought it might be King/Queen of Swords, riiiiiight? NOPE. I pulled Ace of Cups.
Please feel free to laugh when I mention having a couple days off over the holidays to write (listen, y'all, I don't have kids!) and when I bring up my love for John Wick. Enjoy!
Episode 38: King of Pentacles
It's been a while, but what better time to come back than the Autumnal Equinox?! And with a dark and earthy take on King of Pentacles, courtesy of a listener request from my friend and fellow writer Megan Clark and her reference to The Dark Wood Tarot by Sarah Graham and Abigail Larson.
A real quick update that if you have been considering joining my membership program, now’s a really good time to do it because our October LEAP OUT conversation is with none other than author and friend of the podcast Rebekah Manley. We’ll be talking about what we like to call generous intention setting for the creative life. That’s October 4, 7PM CST, and it’s for members only, so please consider joining the Blue Stones family.
In this episode, I explore repeat visits from King of Pentacles, and how this card offers us an incredible opportunity to pause and recognize what resources we've already gathered, and which communities make us feel regal and confident. Enjoy!
Episode 37: High Priestess
MEMBERSHIP. IS. LAUNCHING. SOON! bluestonewriters.com/membership
Y'all may remember that I mentioned attempting to begin to try to finish a novel soon. To do that, I engaged the help of a writing coach. And when I got my feedback from them, I found myself both totally enlightened and simultaneously totally overwhelmed. I think feedback often works like this. Even when the feedback is true—or has truth for us—in the sense that it illuminates opportunities to evolve the work, and it affirms certain ways that we both are already making the work sing and could use some help in really making it shine, it can still be hard.
So I came to the Tarot with the question: What do I do with this feedback? And I pulled High Priestess. OKAY.
My musings on how we adopt this serene posture of the High Priestess to access our strong storyteller self are followed by one Pomodoro's worth of writing or reflection. Enjoy!
Episode 36: Death
Quick update right up top: A few of you have reached out re: my new membership program, launching August 10th. There’s still time to sign up for email updates and find out more!
Now this episode is not the first time I’ve pulled Death. Check out Episode 22 for my conversation with Café Con Leche Travels. For this episode, I reference White Numen: A Sacred Animal Tarot. Here’s more on the deck’s creator Alba Ballesta González. https://www.artstation.com/albabg And check out the deck here.
So why/how did I pull Death? I asked: “Who’s here to help us out when we are nearing the end of a creative project, and we’re pretty damn close, and yet we want to give up?” This felt like sweet relief to pull. It feels like Death is saying, “Stop. Just stop already. Stop.” Not the work! But the fretting. Stop and be still.
I explore this notion of stillness in the midst of transformation, plus the wild idea that there are no clocks, all followed by Pomodoro’s worth of writing or reflecting. Enjoy!
Episode 35: Six of Wands and Strength
This lil minisode on some major cards is inspired by my new membership program, launching August 10th. Find out more!
I have my own agenda/hopes/dreams/ambitions for launching a membership program, but I wanted the Tarot to stir things up for me, maybe help reframe some things, so I asked, What is happening with this? What do I need to know about this membership program? I pulled Six of Wands, and then decided to pull a clarifying card and got the beautiful, beautiful energy that is Strength (more on Strength in Episode 4).
I find this INTERESTING, because sixes in my experience tend to be passages out, and Strength feels like a passage in. Or through. Ultimately I think these cards are working together in a kind of beautiful loop—inspiring us to have confidence in our creative practice, and then the courage to go deeper with our work. Creative community helps us look in, creative community helps us look out. My musings are followed by a quick reflective writing activity to consider what you want in the coming creative year. Enjoy!
Episode 34: Ten of Pentacles and Nine of Cups (w/ Where on the River)
This special bonus episode is an interview with the dynamic duo of Where on the River—my friends and intrepid seekers, Ellen Gass and Gena McKinley, who will race in the Texas Water Safari this Saturday, June 11, a competition called "the world's toughest canoe race".
They will still be paddling on the full moon! Speaking of which: I'm doing full moon readings at a special sales price on June 14. Head over to bluestonewriters.com to register for yours. This is the strawberry moon, and I’m looking forward to sharing that magic with you.
In my reading with Gena and Ellen, we asked about the race to come—what selves they’re summoning to do this damn thing, along with what allies are stepping forward to help them when the going gets tough, and we pulled Ten of Pentacles and Nine of Cups. I think the most inspiring thing I took away from our conversation was how Gena and Ellen’s friendship has evolved in tackling this insane adventure together, and how while their individual views on why they wanted to do it in the first place may have shifted, they have come together with a really unified purpose. It made me feel really grateful for the creative advocates I have in my life. These two had so many inspiring things to say about taking risks, challenging ourselves, facing imposter syndrome head on, and—as Ellen said—"paddling the mile you're in instead of planning for the next." Enjoy!
Episode 33: The Devil and Knight of Pentacles
I called this a minisode, but is it? Are all these minisodes? Regardless, this episode on The Devil and Knight of Pentacles is an extension of my episode on Justice, my question being: How do I continue this work? This episode includes thoughts on releasing shame, being more present in our creative practice by taking all the time we need (and being cool with that), plus country roads, wildflowers, and references to Mad Max. Replace I-35 with your chaotic highway of choice: 95, 30, the BQE. Enjoy!
Episode 32: Justice (recorded at Foundation House)
This special edition of the podcast was recorded during my artist residency at Foundation House, which is why the audio is less polished and the experience is way more special. So imagine me and six other artists—those artists are printmaker Ashley Carroll, writer Gabe Bergado, painter and sculptor Zahra Nazari, writer and visual artist Les James, visual artist Ann Burke Daly, and residency director and vibe architect Christina Peabody—gathered on white couches and beanbag chairs in a huge sitting room on the second floor of Foundation House, sun setting over the gorgeous gardens and battery powered lanterns lighting up the corners of the room. Sweet, right? What a dream. We gathered to share what we’ve been working on and exchange ideas, and then I recorded this podcast, and then we all cast a spell. I hope you'll consider casting your own!
I begged this question of the Tarot: Who is looking out for us when we leave this precious container of the artist residency? And I pulled Justice. Mmhmm. YEAH. So. Welcome to past and forever artists-in-residence at Foundation House, welcome to Justice, and a lil welcome to an extra surprise guest on this episode, The Fool. If you care to revisit the writing prompts, here's my latest blog post for your visual ease and enjoyment.
Episode 31: Seven of Cups
This episode on Seven of Cups is inspired by a listener request. Thank you to fellow Tarot reader and magic lover Rebecca Beluk for this request. Sevens in the Tarot invite us to consider: How are we looking beyond what is immediate and present, when we should be looking at what’s right in front of us? And Seven of Cups invites us to consider…how can we follow our dreams by doubling down on the materials and support right here in our laps? How can we connect our dreams to the present moment, so as to strive for more while being extremely present to what is right here? Gentle note re: the episode: I do talk about health a bit in this episode—it’s just a quick lil mention—but if you’re not into engaging with the subjects of health or healing right now, you might want to scrub through that part of simply skip the episode. I bring this up in relation to my upcoming artist residency at Foundation House, which I’m very excited about, and the application process for that residency (thanks to this incredible org’s mission) had very much to do with health and healing, and this weaves into my writing process as well as the question of choice and being in the moment that is 7 of Cups. That is a very long sentence.
As I mention in the episode, I've extended my Write With the Elements course, and Parts II and III will be in May and June respectively. Can't wait to gather with y'all for more exploration and discovery with the elements.
In the meantime, enjoy the episode!
Episode 30: Temperance
This episode on Temperance is inspired by a listener request. Thank you to Megan Clark—romance writer and fellow Enneagram enthusiast—for this request. I love the challenge of this card, and how it can relate to the process of writing, making things, and creating in general. To talk about this card, I think we gotta look at Death. Yep. Because Temperance begs the question: What are we clinging to? Like, what are holding onto, either in the story we’re making, or the goals we’re defining? And if we let go, can we make way for some much bigger magic? As always, enjoy 25 minutes of guided writing at the close of the episode if you so choose. Also enjoy the wind chimes and occasional gentle hum of a distant lawn mower in the background, as I'm recording in a different space.
Just as I'm publishing, there are two spots left for New Moon readings on April 1st! Grab one now.
Episode 29: Ace of Pentacles and Eight of Wands (w/ Cecily Sailer)
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING. Cecily Sailer, founder of Typewriter Tarot, returns to the podcast for a Wild Moon edition of The Fool & the Page. We get excited for our upcoming Wild Moon Spring retreat on Saturday, March 12 in the gorgeous Texas hill country and pull a couple cards in response to our themes for this cosmic gathering of creative spirits. Favorite moment: witnessing a Tarot reader of Cecily's expertise and experience react in genuine surprise and delight at the card she pulls. Y'all, this is what Tarot is about. Our convo is followed by 25 minutes of guided writing and reflection inspired by Cecily's ponderings on Ace of Pentacles and Eight of Wands. Enjoy! See you in March? We certainly hope so. Until then, take care.
Episode 28: Seven of Swords and The Chariot + Failure
Leave the swords, get on the bike. Oh, goodness! We’ve got two cards for this episode because again I’ve pulled a card that’s been featured in the past: Seven of Swords. Let's try to approach the Swords as cards of release and reframing, a chance to alter our perspective in a way that encourages us to stop berating ourselves and instead to take care of ourselves. This is ideal, as my question for the Tarot was: “Who is here to help us out when we feel that we’ve failed?” As this was a repeating card for the podcast, I pulled a clarifying card. Why Seven of Swords? Why now? And my second card was The Chariot. So. Okay. Minor + Major for a major question that involves daily work to help with this big weaving that is our lives.
If you haven't already, sign up for my free Word Search session with guest author Rebekah Manley on Tuesday, February 8 at 7PM CST. See y'all there!
Episode 27: Hierophant Minisode
For this past Winter Solstice, I pulled Hierophant for my six-month theme, and I went, OKAY. This one? Still? Really? I felt unsettled by this card. I felt out of step with this energy. But here's the thing. This card—and the Tarot as a whole—BOTH beg the question: Why do you see things this way? Is there another possible angle? How can we reframe this? In this minisode, I explore my own assumptions through the ultimate card for questioning, challenging, dismantling, and seeking your own truth. All wrapped up with a quick reflection activity that will take only 5-7 minutes but offer you a sweet pause in the midst of your day. Enjoy!
Episode 26: Queen of Cups + Heartbreak
This episode was a listener request from my friend and fellow writer, author Rebekah Manley, whose published work draws from deeply felt personal experience. She requested Queen of Cups—a card she very much embodies—specifically as an archetype for exploring the concept of heartbreak. Through my own ramblings, snippets of audio texts from Bekah, and a bit from her own blog (www.bravetutu.com/blog/fly), I explore how this queen’s beautiful chalice can offer listeners an anchor for the creative process in the midst of heartbreak. The episode wraps with guided writing for you or your character, all inspired by the potent energy of this card for writers, artists, and all seekers looking to explore creativity + healing. Enjoy!
025: King of Swords + The World and Envy
I’ve been pondering the concept of envy, and I thought it would make a great question for the cards: What is here to help us with envy, especially in the creative life? The cards I pulled felt—at the time—like the weirdest combo in response to this question, but now they feel like the most beautiful duo to help us out with this thorny, icky, uncomfortable question of envy. The episode wraps with guided writing for you or your character, all inspired by the potent energy of these cards for writers, artists, and all seekers. Enjoy!
024: Two of Swords + Queen of Swords
This episode comes courtesy of a listener request from my fellow writer Haley. We're looking at Queen of Swords in companionship with Two of Swords. This is a great opportunity to talk about how court cards can assist us with a more challenging Minor Arcana energy—along with eclipse magic, the reality show Survivor, and digging deep to work in uncertain phases. The episode wraps with guided writing for you or your character, all inspired by this card combo's potent energy for writers, artists, and all seekers.
023: King of Wands and Fear
Just a gentle heads up, dearest listeners...This episode talks about illness and stress in times of fearful health situations, all to engage with King of Wands energy and inspiring you to speak up for yourself. BUT HEY. If these things are not your cup of tea right now, for whatever reason--the pandemic, your history or present--that is OKAY. If you need to feel less alone with your own journeys in health and well-being and body, and you like that with a dash of dark humor, this may appeal to you. I pulled a card asking who’s here to help us out in scary times, and I sort of kept that pretty broad in my mind, because fear and anxiety are this huge spectrum, and I sort of wanted a big, broad answer. And the Tarot went big. The Tarot said King of Wands. Let’s do this! And here's that Tarotscope by Lindsay Mack, founder of Tarot for the Wild Soul, quoted in this episode.
022: The Death Card (w/ Café Con Leche Travels)
In this Fool & the Page interview, Claire speaks with the dynamic duo that is Café Con Leche Travels--singer/songwriter David Simmons, Jr. and comedy writer Travis Grossi, whose incredible travelogue and online community have inspired countless folks to embrace their inner adventurer. This episode covers life, death, the Death card, and living your best goddamn life--as artists, as wandering souls, and as curious people living on this wild planet.
Follow the next leg of Cafe Con Leche Travels' adventures at http://cafeconlechetravels.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cafeconlechetravels/
And keep up with the cool stuff both Travis (https://www.travisgrossi.com/) and David (https://www.davidsimmonsjr.com/) are creating and performing.
021: The Hanged One
This episode comes courtesy of a listener request from Franziska, founding member of TFATP International Listener Club--yes, let's make this a thing! We're looking at Hanged One reversed and how this waiting-place-of-a-card promises true transformation, even when we don't have all the answers. Even when we're not sure what's on the other side. The episode wraps with guided writing for you or your character, all inspired by this card's potent energy for writers, artists, and all seekers.
020: Ten of Cups (w/ Marilyse V. Figueroa)
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire speaks with poet, educator, and danzante Marilyse V. Figueroa about learning as we teach, the forced (yet welcome) balance of living in pandemic times, and the sweet, sweet magic of Ten of Cups. They take an honest approach to this blissful card (as Marilyse points out, that maypole and all its rainbow-ribbon-glory took work, y'all!), asking how we can let go of old ideas that hold us back from a joyful writing process. This episode begs the question: How do we embrace Ten of Cups energy moment to moment, creation to creation?
019: Page of Cups
Sometimes we come to the cards expecting confirmation that we're tired, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or sad for the losses we've faced, and sometimes the cards surprise and say, "Well, okay, here's Page of Cups!" Sometimes the cards say: The project is not the point. The work is the point. And the work should be play.
In the spirit of playful writing, please enjoy a $10 discount on any upcoming programming on my website with the code PAGEOFCUPS.
https://www.clairecampbellwriting.com/online-classes
018: King of Swords (w/ Carolyn Cohagan)
In this Fool & the Page interview, Claire speaks with author Carolyn Cohagan about her new book IDA AND THE UNFINISHED CITY, plus the power of pondering things on the page and having the guts to tell your own story, and all in the company of King of Swords. Other topics include: making a great monster, messages from the beyond, Carolyn’s “weird psyche” (her words!) and Barbie Goes to Summer Camp. Enjoy!
017: The Moon
This episode comes courtesy of a listener request from fellow writer and fabric artist Casey Bernard. As a Pisces, I look forward to any opportunity to chat about The Moon card, especially how this energy can pose potent questions for our creative process. How can we travel through darkness with ease and grace? How can we lean into our weird? Subtopics from this episode include: getting lost in the literal wilderness.
016: Page of Wands
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire responds to a listener’s request for Page of Wands and dives into this card of creative power, folding in such topics as a capella YouTube stars, Dame Joan Plowright, and self-administered COVID tests.
Upcoming class mentioned in this episode:
https://www.clairecampbellwriting.com/online-classes/taking-up-space
015: Ten of Pentacles
In this episode of The Fool and the Page, Claire pulls Ten of Pentacles for the writer-in-transition. OKAY. So what can a card that we associate with stability have to say about change? LOTS. And that includes: old money hounds, Taylor Swift, Queen Elizabeth II + Claire's equal inability to weep, and most importantly--pausing to recognize and celebrate all that we are and all that we've gathered before we make the move into something brand new.
014: Knight of Cups and Justice (w/ Gloria Tsai)
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire interviews friend, former improv teammate, and talented actress Gloria Tsai. She and Glow talk about her big move to LA, narrating steamy romance audiobooks, performing in virtual theater, and her biggest hopes and dreams, along with Knight of Cups and the Justice card (because even ambition needs balance, self-care, and the occasional reality check, y'all).
You can follow Glow on FB/IG/Tw @glowtsai and learn more about Glow here: www.GloriaTsai.com
She is currently wrapping up a virtual production of "Sex" by Mae West for Play Your Part Seattle and you can get tickets here: https://www.playyourpartseattle.org/tickets
013: The Tower
In this episode of TFATP, Claire forgets to introduce herself (her name is Claire Campbell, nice to meet youuuu!), and explores how the Tower might respond to the writer in need of focus, and the Tower is like, “Ummm, hi. Do you really want to hold onto these old systems and structures here? Because I’d like to burn them down.” References include Fiona Shaw (British actor) and Gwyneth Paltrow (pretending to be British). Reflective questions include: How can we let go of our egoic ideas of what our work is supposed to be and embrace the process itself?
Upcoming online class to embrace new structures of making: https://www.thewritingbarn.com/class/mini-weekend-warrior-retreat-with-claire-campbell/
012: Eight of Pentacles
011: Five of Pentacles (w/ Kate Kelly)
010: King of Wands
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire asks: How can we cut through the noise? King of Wands is here to help us grow into our highest and best creative selves. Other random topics: zucchini bread and Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram feed. All followed by guided writing activities to help you (or your character) harness your inner King of Wands.
009: Five of Wands
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire poses the question: What is here for the writer with a big goal? Five of Wands is here to remind us to pause, pay attention, and check the ego. Dance-fighting, rejection, and a surprise visit from a red-shouldered hawk also factor in, and all followed by 25 minutes of guided writing to get you centered for the creative projects ahead.
Join Claire this coming Sunday at The Writing Barn for a mini-retreat for the weekend writing warrior:
https://www.thewritingbarn.com/class/mini-weekend-warrior-retreat-with-claire-campbell/
008: Ten of Wands
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire poses the question: What is here to serve the writer-in-crisis? Ten of Wands shows up, inspiring thoughts on how we pause, find our focus, help shoulder burdens, and generally just keep on making shit in a world that sometimes feels completely out of control.
Mystic Mondays, Ten of Wands Print: https://mysticmondays.com/products/ten-of-wands-print
007: Eight of Swords (w/ Trista Edwards)
In this Fool & the Page interview, Claire speaks with Trista Edwards of Marvel + Moon about her new book of poetry SPECTRAL EVIDENCE, plus an equal mix of delicious and thorny topics like the concept of hearth craft, anxiety surrounding beginning and completing projects, creating magic in a chaotic home, and how to shift your physical space into a creative sanctum by striking a match and lighting a candle.
Check out Trista's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Spectral-Evidence-Trista-Edwards/dp/0988206196/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=trista+edwards&qid=1599668499&sr=8-1
And her candles here: https://www.marvelandmoon.com/
Trista references The Moon Power Tarot deck for this episode: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starpowertarot/moon-power-tarot
New classes with Claire here! https://www.clairecampbellwriting.com/classes-and-retreats
006: Six of Wands
In this episode, and in celebration of the first quarter moon, Claire draws Six of Wands in response to a question about making and midpoints. She talks about trying to trick the Tarot like you try to trick your therapist, along with the need to celebrate as we go along and shut out the haters with a metaphorical victory vessel.
Register for Claire's Mini-Retreat for the Weekend Warrior: https://thewritingbarn.regfox.com/mini-retreat-for-the-weekend-warrior-with-claire-campbell-online
005: The Lovers
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire pulls a card for the rejected writer (or anyone who's ever heard the universe shouting, "NOPE!") and BAM! It's The Lovers, y'all. Claire muses on dead leaves spinning from cobwebs, wild geese, and how we can see/feel/receive love from the wild, wild world and know our worth.
For the writing activity portion, please reference Mary Oliver's reading of her poem "Wild Geese" at the following link (or find it in your own beautiful poetry collection): https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/09/24/mary-oliver-reads-wild-geese/
004: Strength (w/ Cecily Sailer)
In this Fool & the Page interview, Claire interviews Typewriter Tarot Founder Cecily Sailer in a conversation inspired by the Strength card. Topics of interest: wild beasts, zombie Tarot, sobriety, dark paths, and wondrous light. After the convo, Claire guides listeners through 25 minutes of writing with prompts offered by Cecily and encourages folks to sign up for the Cosmic Rescue Series with Typewriter Tarot for lots more creative inspiration.
Typewriter Tarot: https://www.typewritertarot.com/
Cosmic Rescue Series: https://www.typewritertarot.com/cosmic-rescue
003: Queen of Swords
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire pulls Queen of Swords for some creative guidance, including the notion that your boundaries might include wanting to stay home and polish your fancy boots, and that is OKAY. Twenty-five minutes of guided writing inspired by Queen of Swords will give you one Pomodoro’s worth of fun storytelling using the ultimate truth teller as your jumping off point.
002: Six of Cups
In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire explores Six of Cups and all the creative guidance it has to offer. Learn how carving out time to stare into space and experience wonder can inspire story, even when we don’t have a specific goal in mind. This quick chat is followed by 25 minutes of guided writing for character development and/or self-reflection. It’s a cosmic mid-week break! WELCOME!
001: Seven of Swords
In the first episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire explores Seven of Swords and all the creative guidance it has to offer. Learn how looking forward can enable us to continue making things. This quick chat is followed up by 25 minutes of guided writing for some storytelling or self-reflection. It’s a cosmic mid-week break! WELCOME!