Future Tarot     -     Tarot Chat: Wednesday 9.30pm EST

I’m starting to have flashbacks of elementary school, where I was always the one to be “It” in tag, because I was slow and fat and easy to catch. Anyway, I guess the five things I revealed about myself over at It Had to Be Said didn’t satisfy Boddie’s curiousity, as I’ve been tagged again.

Kate, over at Finding Boddie, posts:

As lovely as Miss Michele’s reading are, and how wonderful, accurate and enlightening they are, I think it’s time all of us sit back and let Miss Michele talk about herself a little bit. Consider yourself tagged, Darling! Your meme, if you choose to accept it, is to write 5 obscure things about yourself and then pass the meme along to five others. Good luck, Miss Michele.

Since this is a tarot blog, I’m going to approach this assignment with a twist. I will draw five tarot cards and use each card to tell something about myself, my current situation, or my personality. I’m confident the cards that come up will be the information I’m supposed to reveal.

1. Well, at first glance, this first card doesn’t seem like me at all. The Five of Cups indicates emotional poverty, loneliness. Ah, I’ve got it! As much as I come across as a “people person,” I’m actually quite comfortable alone. Large crowds and mayhem make me very tired after a while. I am also much better in one-on-one situations. At a party, I’m far more likely to retreat to a corner and have a deep conversation with one person, even if it’s someone I just met, than to be the center of attention, doing belly shots at the bar.
2. Hmph. Another card I wouldn’t think of as describing me… The Queen of Swords, a cool and analytical woman. When it comes to writing–and mentoring new writers–I can get VERY serious. As an editor, I’m a tough taskmaster. I bet people didn’t know that about me!
3. Okay, the Wheel of Fortune. This card comes up quite a bit in readings for me, and it sometimes predicts the hope of a new car… which doesn’t usually come to fruition. So here’s my secret: I have bad luck with cars! They just don’t like me. I take care of them, and they fall apart on me. Sadly, hubby has the same difficulties. I often say that if I could change one thing in my life, it would be to have a car that runs well and I don’t have to worry about constantly!
4. Temperance… I love this card! It is one of my favorites in the deck. I once used it in a poem. This card warns the querent to practice everything in moderation, which is something I have a problem with. It’s either all or nothing. 18 hours writing or I don’t even turn on the computer. Spending all my time with loved ones, or retreating into the shadows to be alone. Watching everything I eat frantically, or throwing caution to the wind to enjoy all that tastes good. Yup, that’s me!
5. The Ten of Pentacles symbolizes my life as it is now and my future desires. I would like financial security and to start a family. Okay, that’s not an obscure fact, it’s actually kind of run of the mill. But signs I’ve gotten lately show that 2008 will be the year for that to happen! I am a big believer in signs and synchronicity. Another big surprise coming from a tarot reader! LOL

Now, to tag others…
Patti the Wicked! and Miss Virginia Lee, over at I Ain’t Dead Yet.

Miss Michele feels compelled to do Sher’s reading now. She’s not sure if it’s just procrastination to not do anything like ‘real’ work, but, either way, it gets the reading done!

The multi-lingual / multi-career Sher has two competing interests and wants to know which warrants her focus right now.

This is a common question. Writers, especially, seem to have a hard time letting go of their steady income to pursue their dreams. This can be wise, to make sure you have all your ducks in a row before you make the leap to full-time freelancing. But it can often pay to take chat chance.

Let’s look at Sher’s question and see what the cards say:

Hey lady M! Tis moi, Sher from AW.

So … I guess I just ask my question? Ya? ‘Kay, here goes:

I’m feeling betwixt and between and befuddled regarding two competing financial interests – writing and my “day job” as a lawyer (which is also subdivided into various competing interests – criminal, special ed, and bankruptcy to be specific). Being in something of a financial bind due to a death in the family and a divorce (major stress), I’m highly focused on money right now.

So – the question: which of all these competing interests is the best for me to focus on right now to meet my financial goals?

Gracias, amiga!

The first card, the Nine of Swords, shows the stress Sher has experienced of late. Known as the “Nightmare Card” the Nine of Swords shows sleepless nights, worries and despair. It supports what we know about a divorce and a death.

The second card, the Major Arcana Death, indicates the situation is about to change. The Nine of Swords shows a situation nearing the end of its cycle, in which your worst fears are NOT imagined. Things will work out for the better.

Miss Michele must digress for a minute for those unfamiliar with the tarot. The Death card *rarely* symbolizes a real death. In this case, it may, as Sher mentioned a death in the family *and* a divorce.

However, what the Death card really says is that Sher must let go of the past in order to pave the way for new opportunities. You’re nearing the end of the grieving process. Miss Michele can say from experience that coping with loss does get easier as time goes on. For Sher, the cards say, now is that time to start letting go, focusing on the present.

For if she does, good things await. The Queen of Pentacles relates to Sher’s inquiry about finances. The Queen symbolizes a strong businesswoman. But also a creator with a fertile imagination. This emphasis on businessownership, combined with creativity, leads me to believe that writing is the correct path right now. The Queen of Pentacles, however, also shows caregiver instincts, which would relate to Sher’s fields as a lawyer.

Just to be sure, let’s draw a clarification card asking the Tarot for additional advice…

The Three of Swords shows more turmoil and heartbreak and also cutting ties. Again, this is the tarot telling you to let go. Which leads me to believe it’s time to focus on the new path to riches–writing. I don’t think we need any further clarification on this. Keep your day job, but put your heart into your writing so you can make a clean break down the line. If you don’t, the decision could be made for you.

Miss Virginia Lee returns with a follow up from her first reading, some good news and another question.

Oh Miss Michele, you are so wise with your cards. Last week I managed to get us a better apartment come the new year and the Flash Fiction Carnival was, and still is, a great success. Any other wonderments in your cards for me? I’m thinking primarily about getting that which I wish to accomplish professionally done in a timely fashion.

Virginia Lee,
Miss Michele must apologize again for the delay! Her alter ego has been swamped with assignments, Christmas shopping, etc. Tarot is not something that can be snuck in (as so many things are) in the midst of a rushing day!

So here I am, relaxed and ready to read. And I see more good things in the cards for you.

But first, congratulations on your new apartment! I read about it at your blog, and was thrilled for you and Miss Mama. Readers check out Miss Lee’s blog as soon as you’re done here. It’s worth reading!

But back to the cards…

The Page of Pentacles in the past tells us only what we already know – good news about finances and new opportunities, including the Flash Fiction carnival. This young lad also indicates that you have immersed yourself in education… if not a course, reading up on what you need to attain your career goals. You were prepping yourself, making slow and steady progress but not pushing matters. You also received an opportunity (self-created or otherwise) to increase your income.

In the present, the Page of Swords warns of deceit or underhandedness in business dealings. Miss Lee, you sweet Southern belle, someone may not have your best interests at heart. Since the Page of Swords relates to travel, this could indicate you will run into obstacles with your move (I mean, the physical move—as in with moving companies, hired help, well-meaning friends, etc.) It may take longer or be more difficult than you expect. Ultimately, you will wind up in the new place none the worse for the wear.

Also, don’t let the move steer you off course from your career goals. You may have too many irons in the fire. Try to balance it all, somehow. Your fears of not finishing in a timely manner are valid, because this move is going to take a lot out of you.

Finally, the High Priestess, the care-giver, the mother, the creative and the intuitive one, shows up to represent you, Virginia Lee. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. This relates back to the Page of Swords — take care before signing any contracts. If you have misgivings, ask for more time or more facts.

Your professional journey is not complete; you feel like you want to spend more time learning before diving into the deep end. Do so.

The Knight of Pentacles fell out while I was shuffling and, since I feel like the tarot hasn’t fully answered our question, I’m bringing it up now. This card indicates making tangible progress toward your goals. You’ll encounter an unexpected source of income. Be open to all possibilities right now. When one door closes, a window opens!

It sounds like the answer to your question is a straightforward, “Yes,” from the cards. However, first– define timely?

Hi, I’d love a reading! I’m a little lost as to what path I should take next on my career. 2007 was a really good year for me: I consistently made an income from my writing, broke into a series of good markets, landed a few ongoing clients… This sounds all nice and good, but still feels like no major breakthrough.

If I sit back and think about it, I don’t feel any more successful than I did two years ago. Should I change my writing focus in 2008? In what way? Should I work harder on what I’m doing right now or should I focus on something else (for example, working on books rather than freelancing only)?

Where exactly is that major breakthrough in my career and how can I get there?

Thanks so much for doing this!
Sarah

Wow, Sarah, your concerns sound so much like those of many writers! If Miss Michele may “editorialize” a bit before turning to the cards for the answers.

These are the marks of a successful freelancer: 1). consistent income, 2). breakthroughs into good markets and 3). steady clients.

Miss Michele, and her freelance writing alter-ego, is impressed. Remember, freelancing, like so many things in life, is not about that “one big breakthrough”, but about small, daily victories.

Keep acceptance letters, compliments from editors, bylined articles, pay check stubs and other reminders of your success in front of you daily. If it helps, add up your monthly or annual pay and post it in your office.

Let’s see if the Tarot agrees or if Sarah’s “big break” is truly right around the bend.

The King of Swords in the past represents the professional, logical way you have approached your freelance writing business, which has led to great success. However, you are disregarding your success simply because you don’t *feel* successful. Maybe you feel it’s come too easy and are disregarding the hard work you’ve done. You’ve gotten where you are by following the rules and using good business sense, but you want to break the mold, break the rules, and experience that one, indisputable victory that tells the world, “I am a successful writer!”

The Five of Pentacles, in the present, shows not financial poverty (although you do often wonder where all that money you made has gone) but the fact that you are unfulfilled in your work. You had this dream and vision of a “freelance writer” and now that you’re there, it doesn’t live up to your own expectations.

The Queen of Rods shows the Hidden Influences in your situation. The hidden influence, in this case, is none other than you, Sarah! Only you can write your own path to success. This reading includes no Major Arcana, which means matters are in your hands. Change your thoughts, change yourself. (Save the cheerleader… oh wait, wrong blog!)

You are an enterprising, business-minded career woman with an extroverted personality who also knows how to have fun. Your enthusiasm for life takes you far. Editors hire you not only because you are talented, but because you are FUN to work with.

Should you decide to publish a book, your personality will help you build your platform. You are vibrant and energetic and are sure to be successful in *whatever* you try to do.

Having said that, the Tarot Advises you to keep going with the appearance of the Five of Wands. Persevere. Don’t change the path you are on, but set priorities. Focus on a few projects.

This is odd advice for a freelancer– and not the career advice I would personally offer– but the tarot is saying don’t diversify too much. “Divide and conquer” is not the path to success. Focus your goals like a laser beam and your big break will come. Is it a book? Is it glossy, $3/word magazines? Only you can decide.

Maybe this means dropping lower paying clients to concentrate on the goals you really want to achieve? It means doing what makes you happy. It won’t be easy, but prioritize and continue to work hard, and success is around the corner.

The Six of Wands says this is so. In the Outcome slot, this is the card of Victory, success and triumph. You will receive recognition for your work, and, judging by the raw materials you have at your disposal (a winning personality and tons of talent), that recognition will be huge.

Hang in there and come back and visit after you’re on Oprah.

Rebecca Lafar-Smith asks:

I’m currently in a long distance relationship that has become rather chill over the last months. We still love each other dearly but plans keep getting set back for an actual in person meeting. The distance can be heartbreaking and sometimes it is easier to buffer our emotions by getting on with our local lives rather than spending time together but so far apart.

We’ve known each other a number of years (9) and have been ‘dating’ since February but I’m anxious about where things are going. At the moment the current plan/hope is that he will come here in March. Is this likely to happen or will further setbacks create greater distance between us?

In the past, the Tarot brings us the Four of Wads.
Typically symbolic of a marraige or romantic celebration, this card signifies the foundation of a strong relationship. This shows the happiness and love that was previously so strong in your relationship. You were content with the status quo, until the distance got to be too much. You wish you could go back to that past, happier time, when the distance wasn’t so much of a strain and the hope of an in-person meeting was strong, but, alas, you must move forward now.

The Present and the heart of the matter shows the propitious Lovers major arcana. Don’t despair–your love, and his, remain strong. The Lovers represents the ability to transcend difficulties, but also the frustration you feel about this separation.
The Lovers also represent a short trip and romantic meeting. The past year has been a test of your love, but you will prevail!

The Outcome shows that happy, young-at-heart Page of Cups. This marks the beginning of a new phase in your relationship… and a good one! He will be as taken with your children as he is with you. There is an emphasis on family. The trip will happen and, not only that, it will prove to be worth the wait: all you’ve wanted and more.

During the course of this reading, another card was “pulling” at Miss Michele. She pulled it out as a Clarification Card, and it only supports the other three in this reading. The King of Wands further emphasizes that your love is a family man, but also has an intense sexual and sensual side to him. You can expect quite a romantic adventure when that visit happens!

Rods show thought in its final stages, ready to transform to action, so this supports the Four of Rods and further emphasizes that this visit will take place as planned–and possibly even sooner! Things tend to move quickly when Wands show up. Hang in there and prepare yourself for a whirlwind romantic adventure that will grow into a strong and steady permanent relationship.