“The tarot connects me to the great spirit of the universe and to my own soul. When I read the cards for a client, I am privileged to connect with them on a very profound level.”
After she drew the Hermit card on a solo vision quest, Donna knew exactly what she has to do – helping people to connect with the wonders of the universe through spiritual guidance! You may ask, why the Hermit card? Delving deeper into the meaning of the card, it shows the Hermit on a mountain, of which symbolises achievement and growth. The Hermit card also carries the meanings of soul-searching and inner guidance; all of which clearly fits in with what Donna was doing at that very moment as she was meditating on spiritual terms alone on a mountain top.
In today’s Host Spotlight, meet Mama Donna, Urban Shaman and Spiritual Teacher, who has been sharing spiritual messages as a task that was given to her by the universe. Read on to learn more about Donna’s vision in spiritual guidance, and how she is providing encouragement and guidance in her classes for her students to understand how they can connect with their inner wisdom.
Hi Donna, can you introduce yourself to our community and tell us more about the experiences that you offer through Verlocal?
Greetings! I’m Donna Henes, affectionately known as “Mama Donna” and I offer my popular Tarot 101 class through Verlocal. I’m an internationally renowned urban shaman, spiritual teacher and counselor. I have been reading and teaching tarot for 30 years. I’m also the author of four books, a column for The Huffington Post and serve as a ritual consultant to the film and television industry
What you do is really special! Tell us about your background: When did you first become inspired to do what you love?
I first fell under the spell of the tarot during a nine-day, solo vision quest. I was sitting in front of a campfire on top of a mountain on my birthday 38 years ago and drew one tarot card to signify my retreat. I got The Hermit! It was a magical moment. And ever since then, I’ve been consistently amazed and awed by the brilliance and accuracy of these simple cards to provide insight, wisdom and guidance.
What does your passion mean to you?
The tarot connects me to the great spirit of the universe and to my own soul. When I read the cards for a client, I am privileged to connect with them on a very profound level. This is an honor.
What is the story that made you want to pursue your passion and become a host?
I’ve hosted numerous events, rituals, ceremonies, celebrations and talks – even ticker tape parades–over the years since 1972. Through my public celebrations of celestial events, I have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to the people of New York City-and the world. My tarot classes allow me to work with much smaller groups in a more intimate setting and I can see the results up close.
How would you describe the link between your classes/what you do and the community around you?
Yes, it is all about the link! I serve as a connector to link people with each other, to the wonders of the universe, and to their own inner wisdom.
Tell us about your favorite moment/ biggest achievement since you started teaching your classes.
Every moment, every student, every class has been wonderful! The last part of the Tarot class is about intuition. After my introduction, I invite the students to share stories of their own magical, intuitive experiences. Most of them had some such experience. but had never given credence before to their own ability to recognize significant signs, symbols and omens. This is a very empowering exercise.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to learn more about your passion?
Take the class, develop your intuition and always follow it! It will never lead you astray.
How long have you been living in New York? What are some insider tips you’d like to recommend to someone who just moved to the city?
I have lived in NYC for 50 years! Do take advantage of being in the most diverse place on Earth. Sample all the foods, music, cultures, rituals and customs that make NY such a special experience.
What is your favorite moment/story you’ve had between you and your customers?
I love facilitating the magic that comes when folks connect to their own intuition and begin to use it to interpret the cards.
What are your goals for the future?
To participate in any way I can to help create a peaceful, sustainable world!
Any recommendations for someone who might want to start their own business?
Have a great idea, hone your skills, be generous and be brave!
What does Verlocal mean to you?
Verlocal is an excellent space/venue, within a social media context, to connect new people to the classes I offer.
Share one quote that resonates with you the most and what it means for you?
“My life is my message.”– Mahatma Ghandi
For me, it means to speak my truth. to walk my talk and put my money where my mouth is.
Share with us the reason why you want to start your journey in tarot card reading below before April 7, 2017! One lucky commenter will have the chance to meet Mama Donna and attend a Tarot Reading Class for FREE.
If you are a host on Verlocal and would love to feature on host spotlight, send us an email at [email protected] with a short paragraph about why you want to be featured!
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