Future Tarot

Concentrating on the flip of the cards, I make mental notes of the colors, the facial expressions, the attitude of the ones the Universe has chosen fit to show me as I start a new project. Tarot embraces the creative side of seekers, showing us we have unlimited sources for our inspirations. How you choose to express it is as individual as a reading and as unique as the querent. Painting? Writing? Music? All are within the creative scope of Tarot; how can we turn this energy from a reading to a manifestation of art?

I always start with colors. For me, my Gemini yellow stands out immediately in the Knight of Pentacles, Four of Wands and others in my “working” Rider-Waite Deck, demanding my attention. It attracts my eye and I’m drawn to the card to look deeper. The shade of the background color affects the reading, is it vibrant or muted? Is it a pale wash of color or something more sinister? The soft blues depicted in the Three of Cups or the midnight-black of the Devil or Nine of Swords visually invite us to stare into the card and take from it what we can to promote our art. By incorporating these colors into a drawing, we release what we’ve learned from our reading into the world.

If you are starting a new project, use them to determine what is the prevalent mood of the cards. Can they be interpreted as a dark introduction to a piece of music? Are the characters celebrating or despondent? The suits can help to determine the pace of the song: Swords are quick and agile, they lend a sharp, almost aggressive note to the music; Wands seek harmony, a melody is wrapped within its walls; Pentacles show determination and hard work, a perfect accompaniment to a complicated solo and Cups denote joy, love and the mystery of the self.

When writing, take into account the entire spread; weave a story around the beginning, middle and ending inviting the reader to join you on the journey outlined by the cards. The characters within the cards become your heroes and villains, write down their expressions as well to what is embodied in the card to help you develop their background stories. What is their hair color? Manner of dress? Are they alone? What is the most important thing they’re doing in the card: clutching at pentacles (money) or holding the hand of the one they love? By using your spread to map out a story, half the work is done for you, Tarot itself being the ultimate reflection of your own story.

Using Tarot as a tool to delve deep within your natural creativity may open new avenues. Trying journaling about the cards within your spread to see patterns evolve as you learn more about Tarot and how it fits into your life. Take the time to put your reading to work for you as a partner for your imagination as new worlds await. Good luck!

Wynter Moon

Last Wednesday, Miss Michele and Serenity Bly read for Stacey in the Echo of One chat room. Join us Wednesday morning, 10 AM EST for more free readings and Tarot chat.

Stacey wants to know, now that she’s home, what aspects of her career should she focus on?

[Miss Michele] Wow, Stacey… okay I’m using my Rider-Waite Deck.

Serenity Bly is looking forward to the cards.

[Miss Michele] The Hermit in the past shows that you have been in a sort of self-imposed mental exile, learning, planning and plotting.

You achieved some great insights about your self, discovered you want to do something “different” but aren’t quite sure what.

The second card, in the near future, shows you’re very ready to take the leap… it is The Fool. You are very much in the *start* of your journey. Whatever you do, it will be a great departure from what you’ve done in the past.

[Serenity Bly] The Fool is always all about taking risks, Stacey. Don’t be afraid to do a little leaping before you look.

[Miss Michele] It seems that, just as you aren’t sure WHAT you want to do, neither are the cards.

[Serenity Bly] The cards, for those just joining us, are The Hermit in the Past, The Fool in the Present, and Future, MM?

[Miss Michele] The Hermit (past), The Fool (near future), and the Seven of Swords (final outcome). But I’m thinking of drawing a clarification card since that seven isn’t really giving Stacey a definitive answer.

[Stacey] So far you’re right on target

[Miss Michele] The advice from the Tarot would be, be careful of self-deception.

[stacey] LOL– Greeeeeeeeeeeat.

[Miss Michele] Make sure you are going in a direction that is what YOU want… not what is expected of you and if you decide to partner with anyone–be wary.

[Serenity Bly] This moment, and the ones surrounding it have major significance in your life. The Hermit and The Fool being Major Arcana are cards that show your path being mapped. They’re life-changing concepts and the only way to truly accept the direction your life is taking now is to embrace what comes to you. Follow your heart. The Seven Swords of the future insists you also take action. Work at it, set your feet to the ground and start running.

[Miss Michele] Might be a good time to do a personality profile type thing, or simply journal — write down as many things you can think of that you love. That will reveal hints.

[Miss Michele] Yes, Serenity, thank you– I meant to get to that. When I saw the first two majors I was like holy sh–… she’s going through some life-changing stuff.

[Miss Michele] The clarification card is the Two of Cups. Do what you LOVE. Figure out what that is, regardless of how illogical it may seem, and jump in with both feet. Two of Cups is ALL about following your heart–Serenity was typing that before I even revealed the card. She knows.

[Stacey] LOL, very interesting.

[Miss Michele] Remember, with the Two and the Fool and the Hermit–it’s the beginning stages. Don’t expect immediate results, although the Seven of Swords does point toward some measure of success right away. But don’t listen to naysayers.

[Serenity Bly] I want to just also mention that since no Pentacles or money cards came up whatever path you choose probably won’t be the one that appears to be more financially rewarding than other opportunities. Part of the risk taking you need to do as The Fool is to accept what might be less financially rewarding because it will be more emotionally and mentally rewarding.

[Stacey] I was JUST working on opening up a new Tarot business while still writing. I have a talent for doing what I love instead of doing what is $$ rewarding. I love the cards you’ve drawn, they’re right on the money. Thank you!

A freelance writer, Diedre, wants to know:

“Will my latest eBook venture be successful?”

There aren’t many surprises in Diedre’s Five-Card Spread. Diedre, an established freelancer, is also a smart businesswoman. She knows what she has to do, and what it takes for her to achieve success. The client on the eBook project has worked with Diedre in the past; the two make a good team, as shown by several cards in this spread.

Past: The Five of Swords: The Five of Swords represents influences passing out of Diedre’s life. Freelance writing has been a rocky business of late. She’s encountered a few clients who were less than straightforward. And though she’s emerged victorious, she’s been selling herself short in many instances. She’s received the “spoils of war,” and towered over her competition, but she’s yet to reach the next rung of her career.

Present: The Magician: In other spreads (Diedre is a frequent Wednesday morning customer of Future-Tarot’s Tarot Chat at The Echo of One) the Magician has represented Diedre’s client, another entrepreneur Diedre has worked with several times. The Magician in this position reinforces that Diedre is making the right choice in working with this bright young woman, who has the skills, knowledge and wherewithal to promote and market the eBook for maximum success.

Tarot’s Advice: The Six of Cups: The Tarot’s advice often shows us areas that we may not be aware of. In this case, the card is reminding Diedre to go back to her roots – basic writing skills – to make the eBook the best it can be. While Web writing tends to suffer from time constraints and low pay rates, Diedre needs to approach this project from a standpoint of it being her passion, and provide quality work worthy of any top-name print publication. With every keystroke, she needs to remember she is living her dream, being paid to write.

Best Course of Action: The Three of Pentacles: The Three of Pentacles, the “Work card” in this slot offers no surprises. Writing and publishing the eBook will require hard work on the part of all participants, and especially for Deidre. But she has the skills and knows her craft — it will be hard work, but she will often find herself in the “flow” or the “zone,” that time where words spring effortless from her fingertips as she is completely focused on the task. The “three” also indicates that working with the client will be a good business venture, balanced – an effective partnership.

Final Outcome: The Four of Rods: The final outcome looks propitious, but this will not be a life-changing business venture. The only Major Arcana in this spread, the Magician, represents the client, showing what a powerful force she will be in the creation of the product. Rather than just a client, she will be a true partner in this venture; sharing ideas, feedback, and sparking Diedre’s creativity. The Four of Rods tells of a celebration—the eBook will achieve moderate success, perhaps ultimately paying for something Diedre would like but hasn’t had the means to afford. Overall, it’s a wise endeavor and a stepping stone to bigger things.