Daughters of Divination

Formed in the misty reaches of a few years ago, Daughters of Divination was formed to explore the "Oracular Universe ™" and all its divinatory possibilities (as well as supporting Thalassa’s mad schemes for global domination through divination-centred events). DOD helps to produce the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium (SF BATS) and the Tarot Rumba Lounge, a divination salon. Through events, The Belfry ("the finest piece of divinatory journalism in the Western world!"), readings, and classes, DOD fosters investigation of the Universe inside and outside the individual.

Like many more august bodies, DOD started informally, growing out of Friday night socials involving divination toys and techniques, pizza and red wine. It has since mutated into the quasi-respectable institution it is today. The Founding Daughters - Thalassa, Miss Patricia Croteau, Miss Monika, Thena MacArthur (The Belfry's Shaman Desk), and Hobbit Dave - have among them several hundred years of divination experience in a broad range of techniques.   Several wonderful Daughters have joined the merry band over the years and add their energy, cheer and hard work to the mix: Anastasia Haysler (Tarot Media Company, Tarot-To-Go), Rose Red and Andrew Robinson, and the long-suffering Rydell Downward are among those who help make SF BATS the terrific event that it continues to be each year.

Anyone may become a Daughter, regardless of gender or other considerations. In fact, the first dues paying DOD member was the late, much-beloved Brian Williams , proving that one can have a gentleman’s equipment and still be a Daughter.  A spirit of play and wry amusement weaves through all of the Daughters’ operations. To truly enjoy one’s membership as a Daughter one must have an active (and, one hopes, informed) interest in divination, an open mind, a soupcon of curiosity and a sense of humour (or a willingness to develop one in short order). We believe in having a good time while exploring the mysteries and poking under the veils.   We've never met an icon we didn't want to clast.

Through its patented "Secret Society Meter," DOD offers sects, cabals, conspiracies, infernal fraternities, and a variety of other esoteric amusements to enhance the membership experience. Belfry Labs, Ltd., the research arm of The Belfry, tirelessly explores the more (perhaps rightfully) obscure outposts of the esoteric frontier and dutifully reports its findings to members through its expository articles in The Belfry.

The Belfry, published ever-so-periodically by DOD, features articles, rants, reviews, information and a calendar of events. A sort of "New Yorker" of the esoteric, each issue is full of well-written original thought on all aspects of the metaphysical, with a focus (but of course!) on matters divinatory. A subscription is included in DOD membership. A subscription sans membership is $15 .

DOD membership is not only fun and informative (or should be, if one is doing it correctly), it also bestows the warm glow of virtue that obtains in expanding one’s horizons and facilitating community among fellow divination practitioners.

Contact Thalassa for more information - including what one needs to know about  joining the DOD - at batqueen@dodivination.com 

Who is Thalassa?

Thalassa is the producer of the San Francisco Bay Area Tarot Symposium – the oldest established, permanent floating Tarot Symposium in the world (actually, the longest continuouslyy produced Tarot event) and founder of the Daughters of Divination (DOD).  She has been living, working and playing with the Tarot for more than 40 years (she was an infant prodigy). 

She is also active in the production of Pagan and Divination events across the country, and her writing has been published in a wide range of publications, including the Llewellyn Tarot Reader almanacs since their inception.  She has been involved in standup comedy, choreography, and stage management, and currently teaches improvisation and physical characterisation for performers of Renaissance and Victorian festivals.

Her other interests include historical recreation, needlework, and plotting global domination.  Thalassa lives in San Francisco with her long-suffering husband, a herd of semi-feral dustbunnies, a sword collection, and more Tarot cards than is safe to assemble in one place.  She is working on a book (on Tarot, of all things).