Daughters of Divination

Once you have been to SF BATS, you know it's a Tarot gathering like no other. However, for those who are new to the concept, it seems like this is a dandy time to share a little background.

History
The first SF BATS took place in the Spring of 1991. What would become the Tarot community was largely isolated, which is hard to conceive of in these internet-rich times times. There were a few magazines to connect enthusiasts, but little else.  There had been a few Tarot conferences before that, but they were structured more along the lines of an academic model, and they were intermittently produced. 

From the start SF BATS was dedicated to being a way for Tarot folk to connect through their one great love: those beautiful, ancient and mysterious pieces of pasteboard;  the wonder, scholarship and uses that have come to be embodied in the idea of Tarot unite enthusiasts in a uniquely special way.

Above all the emphasis has always been on the exchange of information in an environment that is friendly and fun.  Fun has a way of relaxing the mind, and facilitating communication. (science has proven it so it must be true!) and it has been shown that a relaxed mind is more receptive to learning. Humour flies under the radar of preconceptions and enables one to look at things from different and challenging angles.

SF BATS Now
BATS is currently a two day event:

Saturday is a series of 5 workshop periods featuring between 2 and 4 speakers. Each workshop period is a 55 minute hour. Even when there is a theme, each presenter is encouraged to present what their Muse urges them to even if it doesn't coincide with the stated theme. Topics range from very basic to truly esoteric, and everything in between.

On Saturday night the Mystical Magical Mixer happens, which gives presenters, vendors, volunteers and attendees a chance to relax and schmooze before plunging into whatever the rest of the evening holds. The proceedings are enlivened by interactive theatre provided by members of LILAC, Explorers of the Antique Unseen, who portray historical personages from the 19th and early 20th century occult and spiritualistic realms - last year's "special guests" included Arthur Edward Waite, Pamela Colman Smith, and the 19th century medium Florence Cooke. Miss Fox (yes, one of THOSE Fox sisters)tended bar.

Sunday is a shorter day so attendees can get a jump on traveling home. There is usually a lively panel discussion including several of Saturday's presenters, followed by interactive Tarot activities.

The speakers are a mix of local favourites, up-&-coming talent, and some of the most respected and venerable members of the community.

Artists, authors, teachers and readers all come to share their wisdom under the auspices of the Daughters of Divination (DoD). Other divination systems sometimes enter the mix too, just to liven things up.

The Tarot Bazaar, a marketplace of Tarot tools and trinkets, offers a wide array of Tarot themed merchandise for purchase, much of it sold by the presenters. The Tarot Garden is on hand to tempt with their mouthwatering selection of decks, and the retail arm of the DoD, the Millard Fillmore Memorial Spiritualist Temple Garage Sale offers gently used books and decks and other items of interest.

Readings are available by several of the presenters as well as the core production Daughters of Divination in what is known as the Pagan Science Reading Room.

All attendees are encouraged to put flyers, brochures and business cards on the Table of Shameless Plugs to help spread the word about their doings. There is also a Raffle of Fabulous Prizes <tm> featuring delicious offerings from all over the Tarot world.

There is Nothing Like A BATS
One of the most exciting things about a BATS is the tremendous camaraderie - everyone is equal is their love of, and curiosity about, the Tarot. Many books, decks and systems have come out of the effervescent ferment that is a BATS.

All levels of interest and enthusiasm are encouraged to attend. Whether you come for one day, or the whole weekend you will be assured of camaraderie, learning and fun.