Vardo Tarot

 

Once in a while even the wisest amongst us needs a little boost. To know we are on the right path, or that a breakthrough is around the corner. Lovely Erin Smith is not just a reader of the tarot, but also a pure light being who can channel her sweet energy towards the reading to make it beneficial in many ways.  She has made the most exquisite traveling wagon, reminesent of gypsy wagons in the old countries.  Her eye for details make this wagon a true original bohemian gem! The stained glass windows, ethnic textiles, and her own hand made pottery pieces make this a little sanctuary almost like a mobile church for all us Gypsy souls. Vardo Tarot is perfect for parties, showers, or sister gatherings.

For more on spiritual rituals see The Local Rose.

 

 

1)   How can tarot card readings connect us for the higher good?

One of the things I value most about reading cards for people is the deep connection that opens up between myself and the person I’m reading for. I can feel the energy of the person sitting across from me. Everyone feels different.  It’s like an energetic signature, not unlike a fingerprint.  Before I begin a reading I say a prayer to become a channel for the person’s highest good. I set the intension for love, healing, and wisdom to move through me. I then give myself over to the impressions as they arise. It’s like I step into a stream of consciousness.  It allows me to interpret the information being transmitted through the cards for that person. I’m not sure exactly how it works. That said, I’m always amazed by how deeply the readings touch people who come to me for guidance.  

2) What inspired the Vardo truck?

As I got more serious about the Tarot and began to contemplate making the transition to reading professionally, it seemed completely organic to create a dedicated space for that purpose. Initially, I had thought about finding a storefront. Truthfully, the idea of building the truck came to me in a flash of inspiration.  I knew instantly that it was the way to go. Tarot reading is old, it’s uncertain what its true origins are. The first written reference to it occurs roughly around the 14^th century.  It was believed that it began in Egypt.  That is why the word “gypsy” is used to describe the nomadic tribes of people who carried the Tarot from place to place. In actuality, it was most likely Hindu in origin. I basically married the history of Tarot with the contemporary phenomenon of food truck culture. It seemed like a timely venture. My love of design and my spiritual practice met at this unique crossroads.  That’s how the Vardo came into being.

I started building the truck with the help of my friend Corey Swartsel in the spring of last year.  I collaborated closely with a few people but he was my primary carpenter. The craftsmanship is phenomenal. Everyone who comes on board is thoroughly charmed by the space.  I’m completely blessed to have had the help of such dear and gifted friends. The love that went into it’s building really comes across in the energy of the space. We finished it about five months ago 

3) I feel like it takes us back to traveling gypsies in old europe. Do you feel a connection to that culture?

“Vardo” means caravan in Romani, which is why I chose it for the truck.  I know only a little about true Roma culture. I did do a fair amount of research on historic caravans, mostly from France, called Roulettes. I connected deeply with their attention to detail and hand crafted aesthetic.

4) What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from innumerable sources. I consider myself a bit of a scholar. When I’m interested in a subject I will research it intensely. I love to read books. One of my favorites is called The Secret Life of Plants. Lately I’ve been obsessed with herbalism. Every plant has a spirit. I feel that modern society has taken us far away from our connection to the earth. When I’m in tune with nature I feel more creatively tapped in. A few years ago I learned Reiki. I have that same feeling of inspiration when I’m channeling life force energy. It’s powerful. 

5) Do you have a favorite card in the tarot deck?

They are all beautiful. Each card embodies a fundamental truth about life. My favorite for the moment is Temperance. It’s the Alchemist card. It connotes the perfect mixture of spiritual and material manifestation. It is the archetype of balance, which is something that I try to achieve in my own life.

6) Where is your dream journey or vacation?

There are so many places I would like to see. I’m actually leaving for Peru this week! I’ll be communing with nature in the Amazon, which should be an amazing journey. I would also like to spend time in India. There’s a magic to that culture that I would like to experience first hand.  Thailand is another place I want to visit soon. I believe that it’s important to travel. It forces you to be in the moment, like a moving meditation.

7) You seem to be always glowing and vibrant, do you have a beauty secret?

Thank you, what a lovely thing to say! I guess I’m really careful about what I consume. I’m a vegetarian. I have been for over 3 years now and it really agrees with my body. I feel better. I don’t eat sugar or drink alcohol. I don’t smoke or take drugs.  I’m even careful about my consumption of magazines and mainstream media. I have a pretty serious meditation practice. I think all these things have an effect on my appearance and my state of mind. Peace is beauty.

8) Are you a mermaid, forest fairy or gypsy seeker?

Definitely a Forest Fairy.