Saturday, January 30, 2010

Picnic Tables - What Lumber to Use For Your Picnic Table

You have purchased a set of picnic table plans. Now, what lumber do you construct it in?

Have a look at the outdoor furniture that you have at the moment. What is the deck constructed of? What is your house constructed of? Do you want to have the same theme on your patio? It looks fantastic if you have a cedar house for instance to have cedar decks and cedar outdoor furniture.

You can use whatever you like. You may have some exotic imported lumber that you would like to use. All you need to do is check it out with a specialist in timber varieties to see if it is going to be strong enough and that it is not going to split, warp, shrink or rot.

The following are some of the most common types of lumber you could use for your table.

Ponderosa Pine

This is one of the most common timbers to be used in the construction industry in the States. It is also known as Western Yellow Pine, British Columbian Soft Pine, Californian Soft Pine and Bull Pine. Its primary growth areas are western States and Western Canada.

It is a soft wood that is very easy to work with and has a huge number of uses including framing, panelling and furniture. Cabinetmakers and woodworkers appreciate the wood’s uniform cell structure, scarcity of resin pockets, and resistance to splitting. Finished parts fit together snugly without binding. The lumber is easy to work with either hand or machine tools and converts readily into fine mouldings and cabinet work.

Ponderosa Pine can be treated for above-ground or in-ground contact. The waterborne preservatives leave a clean, dry, odorless surface ready to be painted or stained. It is readily and widely available.

Treated Ponderosa Pine is used for fences, planters, storage sheds, play structures, decking, deck railings, benches and other outdoor projects like picnic tables.

Douglas Fir

Also known as Oregon Pine, British Columbian Pine or Red Fir. Douglas Fir is North America’s most plentiful softwood species, accounting for one fifth of the continent’s total softwood reserves. Its characteristics are dense, hard, stiff, durable and strong although it can tend to split when nailing close the the ends.

For versatility and beauty, few woods in the world match the magnificence of Douglas Fir.

It has a variety of uses. It is not only used widely for structural framing but also joists, planks, large beams, decking, posts and interior and exterior finishes. It is used as furniture, indoor and outdoor including picnic tables, It is also used in bridges and sleepers for railway tracks. It is usually pressure treated for underground or water use. If you have Douglas Fir decks and or Douglas Fir exterior, then patio furniture in Douglas will maintain the look.

Redwood

There is something about Redwood that stirs an emotional response. Quality landscape architecture requires building materials that are beautiful and long-lasting. Materials need to withstand environmental elements yet retain their symmetry and aesthetic purpose. Redwood is amongst the best.

Redwood has qualities not found in other woods. Redwood performance characteristics include resistance to shrinking, warping and checking in addition to durability. This means redwood projects age beautifully. Decks, fences shelters and outdoor furniture made with redwood simply look better ten, fifteen and twenty years after construction.

Redwood heartwood has grown-in resistance to decay and insects Even the wood exposed through sawing, boring or nailing is as decay-resistant as the surface.

Cedar

The common cedar in North America is the Western Red Cedar or British Columbia Cedar. It is another softwood which when left exposed becomes a silver grey. It seasons with little shrinkage and is extremely stable under changes in moisture content.

It has exceptional resistance to decay and is very light making it great for boat building. It is also great for weatherboards, outdoor furniture, decking, fencing, spa pools and saunas.

Teak

Teak is a tropical hardwood tree native to the south and southeast of Asia, and is commonly found as a component of monsoon forest vegetation. They are large trees, growing to 30-40 m tall, deciduous in the dry season. Much of the world’s teak is exported by Indonesia and Myanmar.

It is one of the most valuable of all hardwoods because of its outstanding properties. It is durable, strong, stable and resistant to moisture fire and decay.

The timber is used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture, boat decks, and other articles where weather resistance is desired. It is also used for indoor flooring and as a veneer for indoor furnishings.

Oak

The Oak has a huge number of different species and is found in many countries around the world. The common one in North America is the American White Oak. It is a hardwood and a slow grower. The wood is strong, stiff, hard and resistant to abrasion, shock loads and decay. It is used for flooring, doors, furniture, panelling and wine barrels.

At the end of the day the choice is yours. Treated Pine will be the most readily available and probably the most cost effective and look great. On the other hand a Teak picnic table on a Teak deck would be spectacular.

This article was written by Philip Griffith, a successful Company Director with over 25 years experience in a number of different industries.

He has been involved in the woodworking related business for over 25 years.

One of his interests has been in the design and manufacture of patio furniture. Along with his Father in Law, they believe that they came up with the original concept for octagonal and hexagonal picnic table plans in New Zealand.

It has turned out to be a very successful concept and can be accessed at picnic table plans.

http://www.ezpicnictableplans.com

Thanks To : Ahome Shop Bmw Tw Edinburgh

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Temporary or Casual Employment


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Temporary work, as the term implies, is when the employee is expected to leave after a specified period of time or after the completion of a particular project. These workers are also referred to as contractual workers, seasonal workers or temps. The task that they are hired to do will decide the hours that they work, some will work full time and others only part time. In most cases temporary workers aren’t entitled to any benefits but in certain fortunate instances the temp will receive the same treatment as that of the permanent workers. A lot of temporary workers find their jobs through temporary work agencies that have a great many contacts in the business world and an established reputation, which can make finding a job easier. But not all temps go that route; many jobs can be found in your local classifieds, on the Internet or even posted up at your local supermarket.

A temp agency can be differentiated from a recruitment firm by the type of employees that it places. Recruitment firms place permanent employees. Overlaps can occur, however, when temporary workers become permanent or when permanent workers start out on a temporary basis.

The function of the temporary work agency is to find and retain workers so that when other companies, in need of short-term workers, contact the agency, the agency has a list of candidates that it can choose from to send over. Temp workers are also useful in cyclical or seasonal work that requires the staff levels be adjusted often. An agency might specialise in a particular field such as the medical field, IT or secretarial work. Some agencies even specialise in providing handy men for odd jobs.

When an applicant has his or her first interview with a temporary agency, he or she will have to complete a set of competency tests to judge the standard of skills. This is especially necessary in the secretarial field. Once the results are known, they are entered into a database. When a company wants to hire someone with a specific set of skills, the agency looks it up in the database and contacts the most likely employee to see if they are interested in the position.

Once the employee agrees to an assignment, she or he will receive instructions relating to the job e.g. work appropriate clothing, work hours, wages, and who to report to. If there are any problems at all, for instance if the employee is asked to perform duties not described to him or her, she or he must call the agency and speak to a representative. They have the option of not continuing with the assignment but they may lose future employment opportunities through that agency.

Temporary employees are never sure how long a job will last or when their next job will come along. It is their responsibility to remain in contact with their agency when they are unemployed, continuously reminding the agency that they are available. In this way they are likely to be given priority when jobs come in over those who did not appear quite as eager to work.

Despite the uncertainties that accompany temporary employment, there are some benefits to be gained from seeking the help of a temporary work agency, they include: 1) easy hire - if the type of work that you are looking for has technical requirements and you are recommended by an agency, you are almost guaranteed the job without the selection process. 2) Flexible hours - you may be able to choose which shifts you want to work, you can take weekends off, go off for holidays, or take time off for personal appointments, you can also choose to work these days for extra money. 3) Wages for temporary workers are sometimes higher than the wages for a permanent worker in a similar post. 4) You are less likely to be fired than if you were in a permanent position, although the company has the right to ask the agency not to send you back for any other assignments.

The disadvantages to going through temporary agencies include: 1) no benefits like health insurance. 2) Reduced liability protection. Without liability insurance temp workers can be held accountable for any errors that result in damage and can be sued for negligence. 3) Lack of references as most employers don’t consider the work period long enough to warrant a recommendation on a resume.

For its advantages and disadvantages temporary work is a lifestyle that either suits you or it doesn’t. Some people really enjoy the freedom to simply pack up and go on a two month trip to the Andes before coming back to earn more money to do it all again in Tibet. Some people crave more stability in their lives, the constant uncertainty and financial worry is too much for them. Some people do it when they are young and in their early twenties and then settle down to a more permanent lifestyle in their thirties. Some people never settle down. The nice thing about living in this day and age is that no matter which category you fall under, no matter which choice you make, the world caters for you.

Recommended site:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporary_work

Sandra wrote this article for the online marketers Pitmans People recruitment agency for temporary staff one of the leading recruitment agencies supplying temporary or contract staff in the UK.

Related : Japan Av

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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Patio Decks - 4 Steps to Consider When Building Deck Stairs

Are the stairs for your patio deck suffering from wear and tear, and maybe even becoming dangerous, causing you to stumble and even fall? Maybe you are thinking about replacing your damaged patio deck stairs, but are put off by the cost of hiring a professional carpenter to do it. By doing the work yourself, you can save yourself a lot of money, and it isn’t actually as hard as you might think.

All you need to do to build a set of stylish, sturdy stairs yourself is to acquire some basic carpentry skills. This will also mean that you can build stairs to your own design and therefore have them just as you want them, rather than having to follow someone else’s ideas. All you have to have is the right plan, some tools and a little guidance.

For any job to be successful, planning is important, and making stairs for your patio deck is no exception to this rule. So have a careful look for the best design for your space, to suit your patio deck and which will be robust. Have a proper plan worked out in your mind, and make up a blueprint for the whole process. This will make the entire building job much easier to carry out. Below is a process you can follow to help you to create this plan.

1) Position:

The first thing to do is to decide exactly where you are going to place your stairs. Think carefully about this, because the location is important. You don’t want the stairs to be placed where they are in the way of where people usually walk, so try to find a spot around your patio deck which is not normally used.

2) Step width:

When deciding how wide your steps should be, take into consideration the amount of traffic the stairs will need to carry. If your family is large, then make the steps wide enough for two people to walk side by side on them.

3) Number of steps:

This is a more complicated decision, because your steps need to be evenly spaced. Measure the overall height of the stairs, and work it out mathematically. For example, if the height is 48 inches, then you could have eight steps, with a six inch gap between them.

4) Space between steps:

This is another important decision, because it will impact on people’s comfort when they walk up and down your stairs. Smaller spacing makes for smoother movement up or down, but it can make stumbling more of a hazard.

These are the main considerations which will help in planning and building your own useful, sturdy and stylish stairs for patio decks. You can improve still further on the appearance of your patio deck stairs by making additions such as attractive railings, or by painting them. Patiodecks.FAQ-guide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Patio Decks.

Visit : Macpress Tw Shop Findsecurity

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Sunday, January 24, 2010

Learn More About How To Find Freelance Photography Jobs


Image : http://www.flickr.com

If you like photography and you would like to find freelance photography

jobs, there are many options in the market. Of course, there are a

lot of professional photography jobs, but there are also other smaller

options for those people who would like to make money from freelance photography

jobs.

Everyone who loves photography can become a photographer, you need to

choose a special field like, family or wedding photographer. You can

make money very easy, by taking pictures of things that you like such

as babies, nature or animals. People who love scuba diving, can become

an underwater photographer if they wish it.

For people who like taking pictures and who would like to start a career

in photography, there are many different ways to find freelance

photography jobs, you can find all variety of jobs depending on the type of

job that you are looking for.

The first thing that you can do is create a resume and portfolio of the

work that you have done. After that you can search on the internet at

work from home photography jobs or freelance photography jobs, there you will

find a lot of opportunities, but you can also join photography forums in

order to meet people who are already making money with freelance photography

jobs. There you can get very helpful information and tips to find

freelance photography jobs.

You can look for freelance photography jobs in your local area and look for

companies or local firms that may need photographers. You can start with small

events like birthday parties or small weddings. Show to your family and friends

samples of the work that you have done and ask them to spread the word. You can

participate in a charitable event so you can boost your portfolio.

Other things that you can do to find freelance photography jobs is submit

your work to magazines and contests to get yourself known and then build your portfolio.

Do not forget that you can also apply to freelance photography jobs directly.

Claim your Free Report on How to make Passive Income Online and Learn how to find the Best Paying Freelance jobs in Just Minutes step by step, you will be shocked when you discover how 99% of people are getting it Wrong when it comes to Making Money Online, Download your Freelance Secrets Report

You can Also check my Blog at articles on freelance jobs online [http://freelancersondemand.com/blog]

Maria Luisa Ayuso

Related : Pacapao

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Saturday, January 23, 2010

Jobs in the Health Care Industry in the United States


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Hi, and welcome to what will probably be many articles about careers in the healthcare industry. This article is designed to give you an overview of the basics of the somewhat embattled US healthcare system. This is not an exhaustive review of the entire industry, but it should give someone who is considering jobs in health care a leg up.

In the US, a diverse selection of individuals and legal entities pay for health care- patients are offered both inpatient and outpatient services by charitable, commercial, or governmental entities. The healthcare system is funded by a mix of public and private funding, with the government picking up about 45% of the total annual cost.

Another example of a health care facility would be a specialty clinic such as a surgical center, whereby patients can have surgical procedures that don’t require a hospital stay performed at their convenience. There are also hospice services, usually provided in the home to those expected to live less than six months; these services are usually funded by charities or the government. There are also other specialty clinics where patients receive care, such as prenatal or family planning clinics which are usually funded by the government and staffed by nurse practitioners.

A small segment of the population (about 9%) chooses to purchase individual health care insurance. The government covers about 80 million Americans, but in the year 2006, approximately 47 million people did not have health insurance at all. 37% of the uninsured live in homes that have annual incomes of over $50,000.

Most health care coverage provided through a person’s work is provided through managed care organizations which pay much lower prices for medical services than an individual would if they paid out of pocket. The thing that makes managed care different from traditional insurance is that the health plan organization has contracts with specific health care providers, as the managed care organization is able to bring their numbers to bear to negotiate price reductions.

There are many individuals that are not covered by private insurance, but are covered by government programs such as Medicaid (which provides care to the poor), Medicare (which provides care for the elderly and disabled), or the Veterans Administration (which provides care to veterans, their families and survivors). In 2006, Medicaid provided coverage for 38 million Americans while Medicare did the same for about 40 million. Another 11 million people are eligible for coverage but are not enrolled in any kind of government program.

The number of physicians accepting Medicaid has decreased over the past decade due to high administrative costs and low levels of reimbursement. Another program, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program was created in 1997 to provide coverage for children in families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid yet can’t afford to buy health insurance- however, this program is already losing funding in may states.

As you move forward in your career, only you can decide if the health care industry is right for you. Be vigilant, don’t get discouraged- and you will find the jobs in health care you’re looking for in no time at all!

GOJobs.com, founded in 1996, is the leading Outsourced Job Posting and Job Distribution service. The GO Jobs Job Search lists over 100,000 new job listings, ranging from Sales Jobs and Part-time Jobs to Accounting Jobs Healthcare Jobs

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Friday, January 22, 2010

Patio Arbor

1. Shade. Shade is extremely important in the summer. While the summer is the time that the most time is spent out of doors, there are days and times of day when the intense summer heat make the outdoors too much to bear. However, a patio arbor can help provide some relief from this intense heat, which means that you will be more likely to spend time out of doors, and enjoy your patio, even during the hottest parts of the day.

2. Protect patio materials. Your patio was likely an investment, whether you have a concrete slab, flagstone, redwood, or some other material for your patio, it likely cost you a nice little sum to put it in. Protecting your patio is important. Often times the hot sun can warp or ruin patios. Building a patio arbor above your patio can protect your investment and at the same time keep your patio more comfortable for your family’s use.

3. Transform space. A patio arbor can take a boring, seldom used space and make it into a place that you use regularly, that you love to spend time in, and that you are proud of. Not only does it make your patio look nicer, and thus make it more appealing that way, it protects the patio from some weather, whether that weather is the heat from the sun, or rain, etc. Thus, a patio arbor can transform an uncomfortable outdoor space into great place to relax anytime.

4. Increase value of your home. A patio arbor does all of the above things, and in doing so makes your home and outdoor spaces more appealing. This increases the value of your home. If you were trying to sell your home, the curb appeal alone would be increased by a beautiful patio arbor, not to mention the appeal of a place that allows for comfortable relaxation, fun entertaining, and a place to be outdoors to watch the children. So, as you can see, a patio arbor is not just for looks, it is for your wallet as well. The money spent to build a patio arbor will be well worth the increased value and satisfaction you get from having one.

5. Adds personal touch. Your home is just that, YOUR home. If you want to make it more personal to you, a patio arbor is just the way to do that. Not only does it give your home just that little extra bit of personal touch, but it creates a space that you can use and decorate in a way that says YOU. Patio arbors create a place to hang beautiful potted plants, grow vines, or simply leave simple as a statement. Patio arbors do not come in one style or material, and through your choice of style and patio arbor material you personalize your home just that much more.

Patio arbors are a great addition to any home, and are likely to be one of the best investments for your enjoyment and comfort you can make. So go to your local home improvement store and take a look at the different styles and options you have for your very own beautiful patio arbor.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information. For free articles delivered daily by email, visit http://www.HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Jobs For Lazy People - Earn Money the Easy Way!


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Are you lazy? Do you not like physical labor? I don’t think anyone likes to work, but unfortunately our money has to come from somewhere! Jobs for lazy people don’t usually pay much, but you can earn good money online, all without having to leave your house!

What is this about?

You can make money online by using whats called online “GPT” services. These websites will pay you money to complete offers for them. An offer could be a survey, signing up for a free website, or even a newsletter. You can even try out new products and free trials, and all while getting paid to do it! Its completely free, so its not like there’s any risk involved in doing this.

How much can I make?

You can expect to make $10+/hr once you get the hang of it. You can earn more if you do the higher paying offers, some paying out up to $20. Each offer takes approximately 2-5 minutes to complete. I am lazy myself, and i can tell you this is the best way to make money in the least amount of work, guaranteed. (Other then playing the lottery - and winning, of course)

How do I get my money?

You receive a check with your full amount of earnings every month. This is one of the perfect jobs for lazy people, because the most work you’ll be doing is walking to the mailbox to retrieve your money!

Is this a scam?

No. GPT Sites have been around for years, and their business plan ensures that they wont shut down. A particular site I use has paid out millions of dollars over its lifetime. Its been around for over 2 years and getting stronger every day. Hundreds of people are making money with this, and so can you!

To get started using a popular GPT site, Click Here!

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Monday, January 18, 2010

Impart a Chic Look to Your Deck With Modern Day Balusters

Installing balusters is the best way to prevent accidents that can occur when children come into close proximity with deck railings. To give a more clear definition of deck balusters, they are basically vertical pieces that are placed between the deck railing posts of the deck. The main intention behind the installation of these balusters has been the safety of kids in the house, but with the advancement of technology and the emphasis on aesthetic appeal, balusters have begun to be made in innovative colors and materials to enhance the look of the deck.

This is a radical change to the conventional balusters which were wooden posts fixed in a vertical line. These kind of balusters needed constant maintenance and would break with the passage of time. Repainting at periodic intervals was another issue with the old type of wooden balusters. If your preference veers towards wooden balusters, there is no need to worry as they are still available in the market. However, for those who want convenience in terms of maintenance and a sense of style in terms of looks, there are plenty of balusters that are being made with contemporary materials that can completely alter the look of your deck. For that matter, even the traditional balusters have started being made in powder-coated aluminum finishes that can be easily installed on the railings of the deck. Depending on your taste, you can get round or square shapes for your balusters.

Another type of balusters is aluminum that bear a close similarity to forged wrought iron material while costing much lower than real wrought iron balusters. Bronze and black are the usual colors for these kinds of balusters and they complement wood railings exceedingly well. Separate designs that can be used as centerpieces also give a sense of definition to the aluminum balusters. Names like colonial, baroque, arc etc. are some of the names designated for the designs of these ornamental aluminum balusters. Since a lot of these are equipped with easy-to-screw connectors, installation is not a problem. If aluminum balusters do not suit your fancy, you can always try out the stainless steel ones that are very low on maintenance and factors like painting.

Glass is yet another option if you are looking for ornamental materials for your balusters. Transparent Perspex glass material or thick safety glass is used while manufacturing glass balusters and these look very trendy on the deck. If your family has small kids, however, glass might not be a great alternative as there is always the danger of rolling balls and swinging bats causing the glass to break.

All in all, modern balusters can be used as a statement of style and you no longer have to be content with drab looking balusters for your deck.

Adam Peters is an online entrepreneur and writes for many consumer magazines. Gather more information and resources on wooden railings at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com/wood-deck-railings.html

Related : E Studiantis Girokonto Studenten

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Friday, January 15, 2010

Warning - Using Composite Decking Can Seriously Improve Your Home’s Value

During the planning stage of building your deck, the first thing you’ll consider is what kinds of materials to use in its construction. Wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But if you’re looking to build a deck that’s maintenance-free, yet retains the great, outdoorsy look of wood, look no further than composite decking.

Composite decking material is simply a combination of cast-off wood by-products, like shavings and wood pulp, and recycled plastic or polyethylene. But don’t let the words “by-products” or “recycled” fool you; much care and craftsmanship goes into the design of a good composite. Decking made from wood, while beautiful and sturdy, requires a level of upkeep that simply isn’t necessary with wood composites.

Composite decking resists decomposition, fading, moisture-seeking fungi and hungry insects. And it does it all by itself - you don’t have to lift a finger. What’s more, all composite decking responds well to standard woodworking tools. When you use composite decking, the result is an attractive, long-lasting deck that never fails to please.

Different brands of composite decking have different strengths. Some feature a broad array of colors. Others are extra-friendly to bare feet, offering a silky-smooth walking surface. Still others put up a stronger fight against elements like precipitation and sunlight. Spend a few hours with a cup of coffee and a search engine; many of the finer brand names have informative Web sites.

Many composite decking materials were developed with reflective pigments that keep them cool to the touch, even on the hottest days. Most are also splinter-free and skid-free, making them an excellent choice for poolside decks or boat docks. TimberTech’s Florizon planking, for instance, is well known for ensuring the authenticity of real wood without the knots or splinters. But TimberTech isn’t the only decking brand that’s comfy on bare feet; when planning your deck, be sure to spend a lot of time making sure the decking you choose is right for you and your family.

Decks spend all of their time outdoors, and are subject to some of Mother Nature’s more unpleasant moods. Procell, for instance, offers composite decking with flax additives that minimize the expansion and contraction that can come about with extremes of heat and cold. Many other decking products feature dense, stain-resistant surfaces that prevent scratching and grain loss.

As a result of all this, the value added to your home by composite decks is much more profound than if the same decks were made of wood; while wood is attractive and durable in its own right, it often requires a greater investment when it comes to upkeep and elbow grease.

Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia here:

http://www.decksupplies.com

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Your First Deck of Tarot Cards - And How to Use Them

You may discover Tarot to be one of the most accessible tools, that can be learned by anyone and use in nearly any situation. In developing the skills of reading the Tarot cards, it will become clear that other extra-sensory sensitivities are also enhanced.

The use of Tarot cards is an integral part of Awareness Engineering. Along with proper philosophical alignment, deep personal self-awareness, consciousness expansion, and behavior aligned with an individual’s highest standards and goals, Awareness Engineering promotes and instructs on the use and development of intuitive techniques, senses, and tools.

Perhaps you are ready to begin learning and using this exquisite, elegant, and universal tool.

Choosing a Deck

While many texts will suggest that Tarot decks have to be a gift, it is my opinion that the style and aesthetic quality of the cards are a highly personal choice.

When choosing a deck, look through the cards and find a set that has artwork that resonates with you. When you find the right deck, you will definitely know it by the energy and connection that is elicited within you.

When first learning to read cards, choose a deck that has pictures on each of the cards, including all the Minor Arcana cards. Many decks have only symbols of these suit cards, which makes it much more difficult to memorize their meanings. Using a deck that is based on the traditional Rider-Waite tarot may make the most sense until you are a confident and seasoned reader.

Then I encourage you to explore and play with many, many decks. I have had my favorites for different periods of time throughout the years, and the variety adds interest and intrigue.

Handling the Cards

Again, you may find sources that will direct you to not let anyone else touch your cards. And, again, I say hogwash. Over the years, I have had great success being the only handler, as when reading over the phone, and with allowing clients to have some tactile input. I have even loaned my decks to friends, and use them in my classes.

I did, however, learn that most people in the general public do not know how to handle the size of the cards, or do not know how to shuffle cards. Therefore, I do the majority of the shuffling while establishing rapport with the client, asking about their concerns, and formulating proper questions for the cards. When I am confident that the cards are sufficiently mixed and infused with the focused energy of the question, I then ask the client to cut the deck. That is the extent of their input.

Shuffling

I will discuss three ways of shuffling that I use intertwined for the most thorough method of mixing the cards.

You may shuffle in the traditional way of dividing the deck in half, and “zipping” the two stacks together. You may also hold the entire stack in one hand, while taking sections and moving them from the front to the back. Additionally, twisting portions of the deck allow the cards to be placed in both upright and reversed positions.

Upright refers to the card appearing in the reading facing in the normal, upright direction in relationship to the reader. While reversed indicated cards in the reading that are upside down in relation to the reader. We will learn to read the cards both ways.

Dividing

When the cards are properly shuffled, the client is offered the deck to be divided. If you are reading for yourself, or when the client is not present, then you will divide the deck.

Divide the cards by simply cutting the deck into three stacks. Some readers prefer only two stacks. When I divide into three stacks, I place the middle portion on top of the top portion, and stack both on top of the bottom third. In essence, I have taken a middle section out of the deck and placed in on top.

You may experiment with various ways of dividing the deck that work best for you.

For instruction on using your Tarot Cards, including the meanings of each of the cards, layouts, card combinations, and more, consider taking a one-day workshop, Learn To Read Tarot Cards, offered by Awareness Engineering. Please take a look at the schedule for the next offering. http://www.seattletarot.com

Author Mary Lee LaBay, Ph.D., has a doctorate in Behavioral Psychology, offers private hypnosis sessions, products, workshops and certification training focusing on hypnosis, self-discovery and alignment with your unique purpose and path. Visit http://awarenessengineering.com or contact her at MaryLee@MaryLeeLaBay.com

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