Future Tarot

Boddie writes in:

Not to usurp your powers of divining, but I have another question I’d like some clarification on. My job – I’m a temp that’s been in the same position for about 7 months and the big guys are dragging their feet about actually hiring me. Proving myself isn’t necessary as I’ve already shown that I want to stay and they want me to stay but getting the people to make a decision is like pulling teeth.

At first there was rumbling back in September that some hiring in the department might be done. Now, my boss (not the person I heard the September information from) is saying that some major changes are going to come with the new year. It’s what her gut says.

I’ve been holding out since August. Not that I have job options knocking down my door to hire me but I haven’t really actively looked because I want to stay where I am but being a temp and having crappy insurance is starting to wear on me.

So what should I do? Bite the bullet and hold out to the new year or start looking for something else?

Boddie, as long as you keep making us laugh over at Finding Boddie, Miss Michele will keep advising.

Two major arcana and the Ace of Pentacles– a card of new beginnings. The answer *appears* to be very clear, but let’s investigate.

Two major arcanas mean this is a biggie. And before relying on some little cards for major life decisions, let Miss Michele remind everyone these readings are for “entertainment” only.

The cards send us messages– and this power is open to anyone who wants to concentrate and learn their meanings– through the energy of the universe. They can advise, and make us look at situations from different angles, often bringing unseen influences to light. Boddie has some tough decisions ahead of her, but, ultimately, she is the master of her own fate.

Card 1: Past, or what led Boddie to her situation: The Lovers…

This “number six” card shows us Boddie has been comfortable, happy, at her current job. In a state of equilibrium, with life just moving along. The Lovers, the card of Choice, says she’s made the right decisions recently.

In the Present, at the heart of the matter, is Temperance. This is another card of balance and equilibrium. Could Boddie be bored and ready for a shake-up in her life? Things are going almost TOO well.

Again, this card shows the duality of an either / or choice. (Miss Michele hates when the tarot states the obvious!) These two cards seem to be telling Boddie to stay put… don’t shake the boat. Moderation will be the key to success. Intermingling diverse interests will lead to new creations. There may be opportunities on the horizon right here, where you are, Boddie!

Now the third card seems to make more sense. At first glance, the Ace of Pentacles in the Future seemed to indicate a NEW job opportunity. But Temperance and the Lovers seem to point toward keeping the status quo.

The Ace of Pentacles is the card of financial reward, more stability… things are really going to start to go your way. With your finances taken care of and your job secure, you’ll be able to focus on your creative pursuits. Hang in there; positive change is on the horizon, and the cards don’t seem to indicate that you’ll have to hunt it down.

Good luck and, as always, please keep Miss Michele posted on your progress.

Miss Michele may be the “super-powered” aspect of freelancer Dawn Allcot, but her alter ego feels like she needs some superpowers herself, today, to stay motivated and focused.

The holidays are always stressful, but with a work-related to-do list a mile long, I need to know where to start. (Well, okay, I’ve been working for two hours, but I haven’t gotten any greater focus in that time!)

To the Tarot, Miss Michele:

What project(s) should take top priority today? In what direction should I head?

An odd combination of cards…

The Past shows the Hermit, which certainly relates to my introspective weekend in which I did nothing but recharge and relax.

In the present, the Ten of Cups points to an emphasis on happiness, and family and friends. The focus is on completion of a project. It seems like the emphasis today should be on social activities and marketing rather than writing and copyediting. I must be on the right track, then, as I’ve already sent out one query. Maybe I should bite the bullet on this sore throat and start lining up interviews!

The future card, the Nine of Swords, seems to indicate I will push my self too hard and wind up even sicker than I am now. So…moderation and rest? I don’t have time to rest… I will stubbornly push through, but, heeding the advice of the tarot, only work on what makes me happy at this moment.

Heartchakra, too, is asking about her career path. Heartchakra says:

I’m a friend of Joanna’s and I am blown away with how accurate your reading was for her. I am struggling with similar issues. In my case, I am a book designer and published writer struggling with debt and trying to find work. My degree is in fine arts, something I left behind a long time ago and never fully embraced. I would like to go into illustration, while continuing to write and design, as a way to reconnect with that side of myself. I am wondering if illustration is the right path for me.

Miss Michele did another five card reading for Heartchakra. Well, tried to. Some sticky cards made that difficult… (No, they weren’t really sticky, they’re clean! But two kept coming out at a time.) Let’s explore the original five cards, and also see if the clarification cards add greater insight.

In the past, the Six of Swords, Heartchakra began to move away from hard times. She may have taken a literal journey, or this could indicate leaving one path (which she found challenging) for another.

The present shows still more Swords, the Six, (and the Nine, holding on for dear life!) There have been a lot of shake-ups in Heartchakra’s life in the recent past, and she faces the potential for yet another move and career change.

Additionally, she’s been cheated or wronged in some awful way. The Nine of Swords, the Nightmare Card, corresponds to this. The damage was very bad and Heartchakra is left wondering how she will recover.

The Hidden Influences, shown in the Major Arcana, the Hermit, demonstrates a need for isolation, for Heartchakra to be alone with her thoughts. Her desire for solitude to nurture her creativity is influencing her career move. The Hermit is the number nine card, the second nine in this reading, which shows a life cycle coming to an end. The focus is on letting go of the old.

Nines also indicate possible self-deception (supported by the Seven of Swords.) Is this change really what you want, or are you just running away from a bad situation? Make sure you are running toward something, not away. Nines say that this is the time to tie up loose ends.

The Tarot’s Advice is to wait, exemplified in the Hanged Man, the proverbial card of “slow action.” Take time to look at things from a different perspective, re-evaluate goals and priorities, and be true to yourself.

Now, Miss Michele is not saying “don’t follow your heart” if you believe illustration is the path for you. The tarot isn’t written in stone and it only shows one possible outcome. Just explore your motives carefully before making any changes in your life and go slowly. Build a strong groundwork.

Rarely does Miss Michele do a reading where so many cards say the same thing. They are practically screaming answers. The King of Swords, throwing in his two cents in the Advice position with the Hanged Man, is a card of truth, careful consideration, control, rationality and objective judgment. And, again, he speaks of tumultuous change, as shown in the suit of Swords.

The last card, The Lovers, points to a very positive Outcome. Three major arcana in this reading definitely point to a major life change on the horizon! The Outcome says you will make a choice between two divergent paths–it could be an either/or situation in your career–not both–which is why the tarot advises caution. But the Lovers is all about Choice, and you are entirely free to choose.

You will face a test before you discover which choice is correct, and it may be quite an ordeal, but you will know which answer is the right one when the time comes.

Joanna Sandsmark asks:
I want to know if what I’m doing now is going to get my professional life back on track or am I driving down a blind alley headed for more disappointment?

First, Miss Michele would like to thank Joanna for visiting and commenting. She noticed Joanne over at Miss Michele’s not-so-secret identity’s blog, It Had to Be Said and appreciates it!

A little background for our readers. (Since Miss Michele already knew this, it seems fair to share). Joanna is an accomplished author, with multiple titles to her name. (Including books about cats and runes! YAY!) You can check them out at her blog, Life in the Middle.

Still a member of the “book-less” freelance writing community, Miss Michele, and her not-so-secret identity!, hold in great esteem anyone who has completed a book–AND had it published.

Without digressing too much, Joanna’s question was a bit of a reality check for me (wearing my writer hat, rather than my psychic hat!) I’ve always felt once a writer published a book, she’d “made it.” Rationally, I know that’s not true–there’s promotions, marketing, and one book usually can’t sustain a writer, financially speaking, for her whole life.

Even multi-published authors can have “rough years.” Let’s ask the cards if Joanna is on the right track and if 2008 will be any better for her, professionally.

The Two of Cups, when referring to career, indicates a mutually beneficial contract or partnership in the past.

In the present, we move on to the only major arcana card in this reading, indicating major, life-changing events are occurring right now or are just about to. The Chariot indicates conflicting thoughts and feelings. Joanna is on the cusp of a major career decision, and she needs to make that decision and stick with it–stay the course.

The prevalence of two fours, a five and a seven in this reading indicate a struggle that upsets the status quo. In the great life cycle, Joanne is in the middle of a phase–no culmination yet!

Looking at the Hidden Influences, Joanna is just plain tired! The Four of Swords indicates a need and desire for rest, vacation, or even a possible illness that puts Joanne at a standstill for a time. She should use this time to re-group, re-charge and re-energize in order to face the challenges ahead.

The advice the tarot offers, in the fourth slot of this reading, is to not overextend yourself. Don’t get trapped in a deal that you feel may not be in your best interests. This is shown by the Five of Pentacles, the “poverty” card.

It appears from this reading that there are two paths before Joanne: one, if she sticks with it, will lead to happiness and prosperity, but the other will lead to burnout, bad business deals, and financial strain. Let’s draw a clarification card to find a hint as to which path is which.

Another “money” card… this time, the lovely Queen of Pentacles. And it is becoming clear to Miss Michele. One prospect will offer steady income, as well as a chance to nurture your feminine, caring side, focus on family, and use your great creative talents.

The other will make false promises, and will offer all sorts of constraints, sucking up your time and energy.

Select the job which speaks to your heart, talents and strengths. Trust your intuition, which will be in top working form after your rest (which will hopefully be self-imposed and not forced!)

The Outcome, the Four of Pentacles, shows a return to that peaceful “holding” state of security and knowledge. You’ll once again find financial security and ownership of a project. You’ll also be nurturing your creative side and your talents–overall, a fulfilling path!

Stay your path! You may be offered something else that will *seem* more attractive in the short run, but you had the right idea the first time!

Diana asks a question of Miss Michele, about the potential for romance in her life:

Not sure if this is the right place to post a question, but I’d love a reading. I’m going through a really, really difficult time in my life. I’m pretty much alone in the world and that’s because I feel so insignificant that I push everybody away before they find out how “nothing” I am. I had a boyfriend for about a year and a half and he broke up with me over the phone with these exact words “you are nothing and I don’t want that around me.” So obviously I’m not the only one thinking so. I’m emotionally exhausted and I’m honestly losing hope that anything will ever be better. I really want somebody to share my life with and if that’s not coming, I might as well give up hope now than keep waiting. So, where is he?

Before looking at the tarot, Miss Michele would like to say, your ex-boyfriend’s comments are a reflection of himself, not of you, Diana. He broke up with you over the phone. He’s a coward.

Before we begin this reading–and Miss Michele can practically feel your pain and hurting through the computer screen it is so tangible–Miss Michele would like to remind you these readings are for entertainment purposes only. And, regardless of what the tarot says, never give up your dreams.

That old cliche is true: Before you can love open yourself up to love, you have to love yourself.

While the future is never set in stone, our fates not determined, the Tarot can provide valuable insight and guidance into many situations. For this reason, Miss Michele has opted for a five-card spread, in which we can explore Hidden Influences and the Tarot’s advice to Diana.

The card in the past, the Nine of Swords, clearly shows the pain Diana is feeling right now. A majority of swords in the reading (three of them!) symbolize, in this case, not a period of rapid change, but literal, emotional pain and suffering. The Swords are cold cards, unemotional, analytical, and show Diana closed off to any love.

However, the Hidden Influence and Advice cards, in the third and fourth positions (if I may jump ahead) show an emphasis on love and spirituality.

Going back to the first card, the Nine of Swords is often called the Nightmare card. It shows despair, guilt, self-blame… need I say more? Miss Michele doesn’t know exactly what happened, but some outside influences have taken away every shred of self-esteem Diana may once have had.

After such hurt, Diana has closed herself off–exemplified by the Queen of Swords in the present position. Miss Michele has no doubt this card represents Diana. A sharp-witted, intelligent, independent woman who stands alone. Yes, I said sharp-witted, intelligent and independent! That is hardly “nothing.” However, by closing yourself off, emotionally, to avoid pain, you’ve also closed yourself off from the positive emotions–love, friendship, caring.

Now we get back to our third card, Hidden Influences… The only masculine card in this reading, the King of Cups represents the other side of Diana: caring, empathy and friendship. It could also indicate that a wise, older man will figure prominently to help you through these hard times–possibly even a male therapist. You don’t realize it now, but help is on the horizon. You will either help yourself or seek assistance.

The “Advice” card, the Star, represents all things spiritual, the occult, intuition, and inner wisdom. The only major arcana in this reading, this card shows, literally, a light at the end of the tunnel. BUT you have to reach out and grasp it. This is a card of hope, promise and joy. The advice the tarot is offering is don’t give up hope, keep looking, but, more importantly, open yourself up to love.

The Possible Outcome card, the Eight of Swords (back to those tumultuous swords) represents feeling trapped or oppressed. After the optimistic King of Cups and Star, this seems out of place.

However, viewed as a whole, this reading represents the inner battle going on within
Diana. She wants love, but keeps pushing people away. Diana, you are oppressing yourself. You feel limited by your own capabilities (or lack thereof, as you believe), and the only way you will meet someone and form a lasting relationship is to break those self-imposed bonds. The struggle isn’t over yet. The Star card indicates there is hope and lots of potential for happiness. The King of Cups figures as the help you need–all you have to do is accept it. But it’s not going to come to you until you break free of those restrictive thoughts that “you are nothing” and realize you are truly *somebody* with a lot to offer this world.