While this looks like a writing class focused solely on the Tarot, it's not exactly that (but it's also kind of a creative writing workshop focused on this divinatory method, at least as far as the four suits of the minor arcana are concerned). Nevertheless, we are keeping to the tradition of the seasonal workshops we've been offering four times a year since 2014; SUITED SPRING will look at the four suits of the Tarot deck—WANDS, CUPS, SWORDS, and PENTACLES—as incredibly versatile THEMES in which to organize the four Saturdays (look below at the individual descriptions to see what we mean). While Sarah Elizabeth Schantz, the founder of (W)rites of Passage, and the facilitator of most of our workshops, often employs divination as a writing tool, she's designed SUITED SPRING to deliberately utilize the four suits of the Tarot's minor arcana as inspiration, muse, and guide for the writing to come. Each week, for each new suit, each participant will receive a card of their own to work with as a means for generating new text (or as a strategy for revision). Because COURTING SUMMER is the next series (dates TBA), and will cover the court cards of the Tarot (PAGE, KNIGHT, KING, QUEEN), for SUITED SPRING, we will only draw ACE through TEN for each suit per week. If you take more than one week (all four is encouraged, especially for this series), you will leave with a spread of four cards (one from each suit) to further work with as a writer; this will also deepen your understanding of the four suits (or introduce you to the concept). Via assigned readings, research, group discussions, and writing exercises, you will learn the basics regarding WANDS, CUPS, SWORDS, and PENTACLES, while simultaneously enriching your writing, yourself as a writer, and yourself as a writer in a writing community. You do not need to know anything about the Tarot to take this class (if you don't have a Tarot deck, getting the Rider-Waite or Smith-Waite deck is a good idea, but also not necessary). That said, it should be stressed that this is a WRITING WORKSHOP first and foremost. This workshop is for all writers of all levels, from the novice to the seasoned, it is also for poets and prose writers alike—CNF and fiction equally welcome. To guarantee the intimacy and time every artist requires (and deserves), space is limited to eight writers per week. This is a safe space. If you are new (and even if you aren't), you should read the Policies page.

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WEEK 1: WANDS (April 24th) ~ WEEK 2: CUPS (May 1st) 

WEEK 3: SWORDS (May 8th) ~ WEEK 4: PENTACLES (May 15th)

(optional but encouraged: SALON/CELEBRATION/CLOSING CEREMONIES on Sunday, May 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m.)

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