Future Tarot

Sometimes love is meant to be. And sometimes it is hard work. Have you ever felt the potential for something more in a close friendship? Maribel needed to know how to harness the power of her new feelings for a man she has known a long time; but how do you change a friendship into more without risking the loss of something dear?

Your Present Self – The Chariot

This card indicates the journey of self-discovery you were on when you met Karl. It also shows your connection to him. The Major Arcana indicates the significance of the event, and the Chariot indicates a vision for the future that you both shared. This card also represents conflicting emotions from both of you – to move forward or to stand still – that is the question you both asked.

The Crossing Card – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is, on its surface, an odd card to see in the position of “what blocks you.” I’m getting a sense that you were rushing things in the relationship – not outwardly, but your mind had things moving much faster than they really were. This card typically indicates a union, a marriage, a celebration… On the one hand, you were enjoying the friendship as it was – lighthearted and romantic. On the other, you wanted to rush forward into a deeper commitment. He sensed this and may not have been ready for it. Additionally, the bevy of three girls on this card tells me you may have been facing peer pressure to move the relationship forward faster than it should have been going.

The Crowning Card – The Two of Swords

The Two of Swords, showing a young lady, two swords in her crossed arms, blindfolded, is the perfect card to represent what you see… because, in reality, there are factors about this relationship you are refusing to see, even though you know them deep inside. You ask if perhaps his feelings were your imagination. Not imagination, per se, but certainly you feel more deeply for him than he feels for you. A good relationship needs balance… and the Two of Swords indicates a desire for (but lack of) balance in this relationship.

You stated in your question that when you try to contact him to discuss the situation, “Probably he misunderstands my honest intentions, and he does not give me a chance to explain.” This is exactly right… what he is seeing is intense desire, rather than your actual desire to pursue a strong friendship and see where it leads. It’s very hard for you to keep those below-the-surface romantic feelings hidden.

Aspects You Cannot See – Ace of Pentacles

This position in a Celtic Cross Spread is often called the Base of the Matter. Here, we get to the heart of the problem. He sees you as a friend. The Ace of Pentacles is a card of platonic relationships, business, practicality. The distance between you is a huge sticking point in his mind. It’s nearly pointless to pursue a relationship when you are so far apart.

However, the Ace of Pentacles does represent, as all Aces do, beginnings. There is hope here for a strong friendship, that will blossom like the beautiful white flowers on this card in the Hanson-Roberts tarot deck.

Influences That Are Ending – Ace of Swords

More good news comes in the Ace of Swords. His coldness is passing. He’s beginning to release the intellectual arguments that say it’s pointless to even speak to you, since nothing practical can come of it. He will realize how his words have cut like a knife and hurt you – and he will realize it’s not logical to hurt a friend.

Influences That Are Beginning – Judgment

As he reaches out to you, you will be judging him. Determining if, after the way he’s hurt you, he deserves forgiveness. Likewise, he will be judging your motives. Can you really “settle” for a friendly relationship without pushing (or hinting) for something more? Judgment will fall in favor of both of you.

Attitudes You Need To Change – The Moon

I felt as if this card, The Moon (another Major Arcana, indicating a significant message) supported my intuitive instincts about this reading. Where the Moon appears, self-deception may be involved. You may have misread his original signals. However, the cards following this one indicate his feelings may change in the future into more romantic feelings. Be patient and allow it to happen on its own.

Serenity Bly adds: “With the Moon I get a sense that you might be sending mixed signals to yourself, and therefore to others. It can be confusing to others to have a sense of shifting beneath the surface, one aspect draws them in while another pushes them away, like the tides. You may need to take time to find an inner balance and harmony so that you can lower your defenses, present a unified self to others, and strip away any misleading masks you wear.”

Miss Michelle adds to this: Inner balance is a huge theme in this reading, also represented by Judgement and the Two of Swords. Embrace the powerful Queen of Pentacles within yourself, the woman in control. Both you and Karl seem to be pushing and pulling, but you can set the example here and show certainty and confidence in your friendship.

How Others See You – King of Wands

This card sometimes indicates how others see you, but it can also indicate another person’s point of view or expectations for a situation. Since you asked specifically about Karl’s thoughts and feelings, the Tarot is answering your question with this card, as well as with the earlier Ace of Pentacles. Like the Ace of Pentacles, the King of Wands is practical, yet this practicality is tempered with loving kindness. Right now, Karl feels very warmly to you, but the passion isn’t there. For that reason, he’s putting up walls around his emotions, to avoid disappointment for himself or for you if things do not turn out as you both hope they could be.

There’s the irony of the situation – he wants a relationship with you, yet is afraid of it, afraid of being hurt and afraid it won’t turn into what he wants it to be so he’s running away and avoiding the situation – thereby insuring it won’t be what he wants!

Your Hopes and Fears – The Sun

Again, this Major Arcana shows us the importance you are placing on Karl and on this relationship. Your dreams are for a happy family with him or, at the very least, a return to the passion you first felt in the relationship. The reverse of this, of course, is also true—you wonder, if not Karl, then who? You fear being alone.

Potential Outcome – Queen of Pentacles

This beautiful card, a symbol of fertility, feminine power, love, potential, as well as practicality promises a favorable outcome. This card takes the Ace of Pentacles to its logical conclusion – you and Karl would form a perfect partnership – you already have the solid friendship, the physical attraction is there… all that’s lacking is the realization of what you two could have – and the confidence in yourself to make it happen.

Inside, you ARE the Queen of Pentacles – powerful, strong, wise, loving and competent. But you must first embrace these traits in yourself – and exhibit them to the outside world – before others (including Karl) will see them in you. When you do, the Queen of Pentacles will make the perfect counterpart to his King of Rods. Focus on yourself and the other pieces will fall into place.

Finding love is sometimes all about timing. Are you ready for love? You may think your ready, but are you really? And if you’re ready is the woman you love ready too? Tilanthis often wonders about finding love. He’s “ready”, but does the Tarot offers insight to quell his impatience.

Serenity Bly the cat is attacking me as I draw the cards. I wonder how Basement Cat influence carries on Tarot Cards.

[Tilanthis] Last time I had a reading it shared that I may already know the woman who will become my romance interest. I’d like to ask about love again, should I ask a question or will “general” love work?

[Serenity Bly] General love life works.

[Tilanthis] Alrighty… have at it!

[Serenity Bly] In the past we have The World, I feel this cards meaning is a little different from the norm, while yes, it does indicate a time of achievement and accomplishment I also feel it is pointing out that OTHER aspects of your life have been coming together, you’ve been growing and flourishing, creating harmony and balance within the spheres of your life and are finally able to look at it with a sense of achievement and accomplishment.

[Tilanthis] Absolutely! LOL. And that is my November card from the 12-Month Spread you ladies sent me, too.

[Serenity Bly] The Page of Swords in the Present and the Five of Wands in the future have a different story to tell when it comes to your love life. But, ironically, a similar message to that given in the past. The Page of Swords indicates a sense of arrogance and immaturity. He is literally ‘blowing in the wind, full of hot air”.

[Miss Michele] What deck are you using, Serenity?

[Serenity Bly] The Mythic Tarot, my usual. I rarely get pulled to the one other deck I have and haven’t splurged on new decks despite wanting to.

[Miss Michele] It seems like–HATE to say this–you’re still not *ready* for love. You’re having FUN. Still experimenting with life, finding your way.

[Tilanthis] Odd… I feel like I’m done with that…

[Serenity Bly] The Page is lingering but the Five of Wands feels like a very near future. In it he’s going after what he wants and learning to put thought behind action. Wants are inspiration and passion. But the five of wands feels like an illusion. In the story the Mythic Tarot tells, the young man is going after the golden fleece. But I feel like the fleece is a false reward, it’s like you’re chasing after the insubstantial, something that isn’t real. It’s bluster and, although you may triumph, the enjoyment of ‘winning’ will fade swiftly.

[Miss Michele] hhmmm… Looking at the five of wands in your deck, Serenity, I feel like it tells a story that the man is fighting the dragon WITH the maiden. So in the future, you will find someone similar to yourself, wanting to play, sharing the same values.

[Serenity Bly] It’s the old Myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

[Tilanthis] Well, good thing Rachel doesn’t want to get into anything serious until after the holidays.

[Serenity Bly] What I’m getting here is that any relationship you might go into in the near future won’t give you the fulfillment you’re really looking for. Perhaps you’re looking for love that needs to come from yourself first. Every page is young, immature, this Page of Swords is also arrogant. But he has a strength to harness. What it really comes down to is allowing yourself to self-sustain. If you don’t NEED someone else in your life you’ll find the someone you find will, rather than fill a hole in your life, complement you.

[Tilanthis] You know what… I needed to be told to back off and let things work themselves out… What will happen will happen, the universe gives us what we need, when we need it and are ready for it and that’s what I’m looking for.

[Serenity Bly] Well, what the cards are saying is that no matter what kind of fight you put up, when you get that prize you’ll discover it isn’t what you wanted to begin with. All you can really do is give it more time, learn to be content within yourself, embrace the World as it comes to you.

[Tilanthis] And if I don’t put up a fight? Back off and just let things go?

[Serenity Bly] You’re not giving up anything you need if you choose not to fight, except perhaps the personal thrill in the battle. There is nothing wrong with a good fight, so long as you understand the fight itself is the reward, not the golden fleece at the end of it. The thrill of the chase, not the deer.

[Miss Michele] And if you don’t fight, you don’t fight. Then instead of a playmate there won’t be anything. Which is okay too. You have the choice.

[Tilanthis] I agree. Something to think about… I’ll continue to focus on myself and the steps I’ve been taking in my life and will see what comes my way.

Serenity Bly I’m all for a good fight myself. I don’t WANT the fleece but it’s a lot of fun to take a tumble with the dragon anyway. But then I might be a little wicked.

[Tilanthis] I was looking back at my reading… and it has been SPOT ON and I haven’t really referred to it at all…. you can see it in my Blog! At the start of my life changes. It’s so interesting.

The above transcript is from a Wednesday Live Chat but later that day, as Serenity Bly washed dishes, a follow up message came that she felt compelled to share with Tilanthis:
In your reading we mentioned that it felt like you weren’t ready, but it came to me that “SHE may not be ready”. You may ‘feel’ ready and are growing increasingly frustrated with the waiting without understanding that SHE needs more time to mature and grow within herself (not that your cradle snatching necessarily but that she’s not emotionally available yet either) She is out there already but the timing isn’t right. I was reminded of the quote, “When the student is ready the master will appear.” In this case you are both student and master and while you may be ready, SHE may not be.

Transcript from: November 4, 2009

Cindy asks, “I just recently started a relationship with a new man. What is the significance of this relationship? I’m looking for whatever guidance or insight they want to share. Thanks so much for your help!”

1. Your Present Self – Eight of Cups

You’ve had your share of heartbreaks and love gone wrong. You’ve learned to walk away from pain and sorrow. You’ve developed relationships that grew, for a time, and ended. I get the impression you’re not long out of a deeply emotional relationship and you are still carrying the wounds of that relationship within your heart.

2. The Crossing Card – The Lovers (reversed)

The way your heart it still tied to your past love is also reflected in The Lovers (reversed) as a crossing card. Often, The Lovers represent choice and in this case I feel like you’re doubting your past choices. A part of you reserves your heart because you’re yearning for an old love and feel like your choices are no longer yours to make.

3. The Crowning Card – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups shows clearly this new union. It’s a fond partnership that has the potential to be loving and giving. This new person in your life cares for you but also senses your reserve. He’ll champion for you, and your friends support your union, but you’re still not totally committed within yourself.

4. Aspects You Cannot See – Seven of Swords

Unfortunately, this could mean that your current love interest is shoring up his own defenses and preparing to walk away. He can sense your hesitation and is contemplating his own choices.

5. Influences That Are Ending – Page of Cups

In the past you’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on your own situation. You might have come across to others as being a little self-centered and insensitive but you’ve needed to discover your personal worth and that is one of the things the Page of Wands does best.

6. Influences That Are Beginning – Ten of Wands (reversed)

After spending time in introspection you’re beginning to feel caged and dominated. A part of me feels like your current love interest may be a domineering force but I also get the impression that much of your caged sensation comes from within your own thoughts. You’ve been very hard on yourself and unless you consciously take action to let go of dis-empowering thoughts you’ll continue to create obstacles to your own happiness.

7. Attitudes You Need To Change – Knight of Wands (reversed)

One of the obstacles that come from within is a strange sense of reserve. I’m literally getting a “jolting” sensation, stop, start, stop, start, stop. Like every time you let yourself go and live a little you catch yourself and slam on the breaks. The Knight of Wands needs to be free to chase, free to dream, free to charge forward with his inspiration and ideas. You need to embrace your inner knight and charge forward. Put aside fear or decorum and give into your passions and natural spontaneity.

8. How Others See You – Queen of Wands

You ARE a woman who is in command of her destiny. At least others see this in you. To the outside world you’ve already mastered your desires and you get what you want. You rule the animal kingdom with a core of strength and certainty. If others see this in you then it IS in you. Do you need to believe it of yourself?

9. Your Hopes and Fears – Two of Cups (reversed)

The fears that show up readily in the Two of Cups (reversed) are clearly the cause of past pain and anguish. You’ve felt abandoned and unloved in the past and you’re afraid of rejection and heartbreak. You don’t want to be alone and while you desperately hope to find a lover who can be “the one” you’re thoughts often linger on all the reasons you feel loving others is dangerous.

10. Potential Outcome – Ace of Swords (reversed)

Ultimately, going back to your original question, “What is the significance of this relationship?” the final card in this Celtic Cross Spread tells me that the answer is, “Learning to communicate.” For a very long time you’ve kept your own counsel. You’ve held your tongue instead of sharing your doubts, concerns, and pain. You’ve shown the strength of the Queen of Wands in yourself but hide your weaknesses. Doing this creates a sense of detachment and distance. Your new love interest has one foot on the threshold of your relationship, he’s not sure if he wants to leap in or leap out because he’s not getting clear signals from you.

The Ace of Swords in the final position shows a growing ability to communicate with the people in your life, to let them into your inner sanctum. Learn to let down your guard and open up to the people in your life so that you can embrace the true joy that comes with love. Heartbreak is real, yes, loving can hurt, but if you turn your back on the risk of future pain you’ll miss opportunities in the present to be very happy. Express your fears, talk about what you truly want, what your hopes and dreams for the future are, to this new love. Talking openly will strengthen the bonds of this relationship, but more importantly it will give you the tools you need to deal with all the people in your life that you care about.

What do you do when a friend in trouble asks for advice? What do you do if you read Tarot and your troubled friend asks for a reading? Giving bad news in a Tarot reading is always painful but when that bad news is for a friend it can be truly heart-breaking, it can even damage friendships. But when a friend needs help, is there really a way we can say no?

Deb’s friend needs help and has asked Deb to give her a Tarot reading. Like all of us, Deb isn’t keen to give bad news. Miss Michele and I have our own thoughts on the matter but in this case, the Tarot had it’s own advice to give.

[Miss Michele] Deb first I believe?

[Tilanthis] Yes. I’ll wait my turn.

[Amanda] Yes, go Deb.

[Serenity Bly] What’s up Deb?

[Tilanthis] Can I add my interpretations too?

[Deb] Okay, I’ve been asked to do a Tarot reading for someone tomorrow, and I’m not sure she is gonna be ready for the response. She is in a high-stress situation, and has been dreaming of suicide. I’ve been trying to help her get on her feet, but it’s a lot worse than I had thought at first.

[Amanda] Oh dear!

[Miss Michele] Wow… I’d not do it. Just personally, and based on what you’ve told us so far about this particular situation.

[Deb] She asked me to do a reading for her today, but I begged off until tomorrow.

[Miss Michele] At Future-Tarot we make it clear that Serenity and I are not psychologists, life coaches, therapists, or anything of the sort. You are a better friend than I.

[Serenity Bly] Sometimes, when a situation is out of our depth, it is better to refer the querant to a professional.

[Deb] I’m gonna have to do it sooner or later, and this ties in to my stuff about not doing readings that are will upset people.

[Amanda] You know, in moments of crisis sometimes a reading can be a great way to get some perspective. It’s a cry for help… which means she may not be the suicidal type.

[Deb] Yes, I know. I have already told her what needs to be done to get herself out. She needs to disengage.

[Serenity Bly] I recommend doing a PRE-reading, draw cards before she is there. Prepare in advance for the sort of reading she’ll be getting so that you can temper the reading based on what you already know about her situation. But, I would actually say, GET SOMEONE ELSE to do the reading. Because you already know this person, you have an emotional attachment to the outcome and the result. She won’t be as receptive to your reading as she would be to a strangers and is more likely to be hurt by the home truths that may come up.

[Deb] She is determined that I do it. I’m less worried about the emotional attachment

[Miss Michele] If you’ve already been “counseling” her as a friend to a degree, then it’s good to do the reading. You can back up what you’ve been saying. Both in YOUR mind, that confirmation, plus sometimes hearing it from the cards makes a difference.

[Deb] She’s been listening to me, as best she can but I know that until a person is ready, they won’t jump. I told her already to discuss some of this with our WW leader, since he’s really good at getting people to reframe things.

[Serenity Bly] If you do go ahead with doing the reading yourself, draw cards before she is there so you know in advance if any ‘bad’ news is likely to come up. It’ll give you time to seek deeper into the situation for the good that goes with the bad. And remember, there ALWAYS is some. Every bad situation has a purpose, a reason, an upside. It still sucks but the important thing is to shine the light down the tunnel.

[Deb] I know that — I’m sure this has been presented to me as an opportunity to overcome some of my stuff about doing readings that aren’t happy.

[Serenity Bly] But as Artgra mentioned, she most likely isn’t suicidal. Because those who truly are don’t ask for help.

[Deb] True. I’m less worried about her being suicidal than about her sabotaging herself. Her brother is a real piece of work. He makes my sister look like an amateur.

[Amanda] I think you should do the reading. Like i said earlier, maybe it’ll sink in if conveyed through a ‘third party’ so to speak.

[Serenity Bly] And there would be several (some theorize 9 specific and separate) issues that create the trigger for suicide. Basically, in the mind of someone who will go to that extreme life seriously sucks and there are no other options. It sounds like this woman is still looking for options.

[Deb] Yes, she is, but she still wants a magic fix, and those are few and far between.

[Miss Michele] They exist? Where can I order my fairy dust?

[Serenity Bly] I think you’ll find, the worst that can happen from your reading is absolutely nothing.

[Deb] I refuse to rule them out completely, though – know too many people whose lives changed in a flash.

[Miss Michele] And that may very well BE the worst thing–to do nothing–for this woman.

[Serenity Bly] It’s worth doing the reading because it’ll sink in on some level. Even if she’s not really receptive to the idea of “helping herself”.

[Miss Michele] You know, in a lot of ways, the universe gives us magic when we’re open to it.

[Deb] I’m still sure this has come up because this is my stumbling block when doing readings.

[Tilanthis] That is a powerful statement Miss Michele

[Deb] Any advice from the cards, ladies?

[Miss Michele] Oh! You want a reading, too??? lol Just kidding!

Deb thwaps Miss Michele

Miss Michele giggles.

[Miss Michele] ROFLMAO! (at the cards this time)

[Deb] Oh?

[Miss Michele] Let go of your blocks, they say. (in the form of the Death card.)

[Deb] Gee, how did I know that would come up in a reading for me.

[Serenity Bly] Deb, you might want to read our new Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. It might help empower you to do ANY reading.

[Miss Michele] Followed by Four of Swords, indicating… this card has meant so many things for me over the past few days… I’m not sure how to interpret it anymore. I see this as you’re weighing your options… meditate on it. The card is literally a “rest.”

[Serenity Bly] I suspect the Four of Swords is echoing my earlier advice, to take the time to pre-prepare before the reading. It talks about introspection, pausing, gathering your resources.

[Miss Michele] YES!! The good news is that this WILL be ‘popping the cherry’ so to speak on difficult readings. It will work. And sorry, couldn’t think of a less crude way to phrase that right now.

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* That’s a terrible turn of phrase. How about ‘turning point’, ‘catalyst’, ‘paradigm shift’?

[Tilanthis] Quite matter of factually… it is the hold the reins, gather your forces and focus your mind and intent.

[Deb] That’s okay. So what’s the last card?

[Miss Michele] The Knight of Wands – Knights are messengers and harbingers of change. You will be FREE, Free as the wind, which is the element associated with wands, to do all manner of readings in the future. BUT you need to let go.

[Deb] That is good to know.

[Serenity Bly] I love the Knight of Wands. It’s the “go for it” card! The advice here seems to be to put aside your personal reservations, face the situation from a subjective perspective, and do the reading as you would if you were expecting good news not bad. Who knows, maybe there is good news ahead for her. Good luck Deb and we’ll look forward to hearing how it goes.

The start of a new year is the best time to layout an 12-Month Spread. In January, Jenine asked us to discover what she can expect and prepare for in the year ahead. Lets break it down, month by month.

January: Strength

This month began with personal growth for you, as we’ve seen. You’ve learned how to harness your inner strength to begin making positive changes in your life, and also learned how to capitalize on your own strengths for business success. In the process, you’ve learned you’re stronger than you’ve always believed.

February: Four of Wands

Expect a celebration of your successes in February, gatherings with friends and plenty of social invitations.

March: Justice

This month, you are able to balance discipline with kindness. You have fabulous ideas and are able to view things from unique perspectives. This card represents your getting in better touch with your classroom persona – you are strict, but kind and wise. Remember to maintain balance in all you do. Watch out for responsibilities that may drain you of time and energy, but offer little in return.

April: Two of Swords

The spring, March and April, is also about balance, indicated by the coupling of Justice with the Two of Swords. When I look at May (Four of Cups), and the clarification card I felt called to draw, it all comes together. You may be doing too much! You were on a whirlwind of utter excitement and success, but began neglecting certain health matters. (For instance, pay attention to eating balanced, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar on an even keel?) You may feel as if people – family, clients, your day job, other commitments, are pulling you in too many directions.

As shown by the Two of Swords, a powerfully graphic card showing a woman, arms crossed, blindfolded, there are factors you are choosing not to see. People who may want, want, want, without being willing to give back. And in this case, there is nothing in it for you. You’re better to walk away…for your health.

When I pulled a clarification card, the Four of Swords came out, and the Five of Cups kind of hitched a ride with it. Granted, my Robin Wood deck is smooth and slick, especially on the graphite surface of my new desk, but the meaning is clear… You must be aware of your health or, (Four of Swords) a rest will be forced upon you. The Five of Cups indicates loss, disappointment, poverty and mourning of what may have been. Again, this could be your feelings if you don’t do what’s necessary. Now is a good time to evaluate all your balls in the air and decide what isn’t crucial and most importantly, what doesn’t provide you joy.

As friends and colleagues of yours, both Serenity Bly and Miss Michele would like to remind you of the support system you have here. Turn to us for help, whether for additional readings, professional support or simply a shoulder. You also have other strong support systems… use them. It’s important not to retreat in the spring.

May: Four of Cups

The Four of Cups represents the aftermath of what is admittedly, a rough April. Again, I want to remind you it will only be rough if you make it that way. By being aware of those factors, acknowledging them, and choosing to focus on making things otherwise, you CAN change it! The Cups in the Four of Cups may be empty, but empty cups mean potential to fill them.

June: Ace of Pentacles

That opportunity comes in June when you literally face a new beginning, perhaps a new business idea. It certainly indicates a renewal of your energy. And what better time for a rebirth?!

July: Nine of Cups

I absolutely love this card, the Wish fulfillment card, and it’s perfectly suited for you at this stage. You are seeing that truly, whatever you ask for, the Universe offers. Your job is simply to allow it in and know you deserve it. Conceive – believe – receive… where have you heard that before?

August: Ten of Cups

Success continues in August… there’s hard work ahead, but you are fit and ready for the task.

September: The Devil

There will be more pulling and demands of your time in September… challenges similar to what you faced in the Spring will rear their heads again. You’ll need to stand your ground against people who want a piece of you – and may not deserve it, appreciate you or be willing to pay what you’re worth. Additionally, the Devil indicates a desire to bury your head in the sand, ignore all the work and demands you face, and goof off. Resist that desire, as then tasks will only build. Do what you can, and say “No,” (or, better yet, “Not now, thank you”) to the rest.

October: Tower

You experience a significant breakthrough in October, that begins paving the way to the “new you.” You realize, after that “Devil moment” in September, that things absolutely cannot continue the way they are. I’m wondering if this doesn’t indicate your leaving your day job… under circumstances that surprise you but ultimately, wind up for the best. You definitely do NOT emerge the same woman you were in the beginning of October by month’s end.

November: The Magician

Following your Tower breakthrough, you become a master at harnessing your skills and talents to achieve success. The Magician’s number, 1, indicates you’re still at the beginning of this journey, but that’s okay. The Magician is proficient at what he achieves when he uses his special skills.

December: Queen of Pentacles

An extension of the Magician, with an emphasis on the feminine, you see the fruits of your labors from November. This card also indicates your role as a caregiver of those around you, and a hostess for the holidays. You are in “nesting” mode, preparing your home for the holidays, baking, shopping, and making things.

Overview: 5 of Pentacles

This overview card, often signifying poverty, seems to contradict the positivity in the rest of the reading. In fact, in this case, the card represents Recovery. Rather than showing the year, it shows where you were – in despair, with both health and financial problems, coupled with a dose of self-doubt. Unfortunately, these shadows of your former self still haunt in you—even in the face of your great successes in 2010.

The best way to contradict these feelings is to be aware they are there. Do not forget your roots, or what can happen if you stop working, change paths or give up your dreams. By the same token, it’s important not to harp on it. Acknowledge it as part of your past, and move on. It is no longer you. In the Robin Wood deck, the person with the can, with one leg and a bandage over one eye, is forging ahead, in contrast to the destitute person crumbled on the floor beside them. You, too, must forge ahead in spite of any of your perceived in adequacies – because that is all they are. YOUR perceptions. Other people view you as the Strength card of January, the Queen of Pents, and the Magician – all figures which feature prominently in this year for you.

With all the Cups and Pentacles in this reading, along with Major Arcana, this will be a significant year of you learning to make money doing what you love. It will be about finding personal fulfillment and, from that, the money will follow. Most cards are lower – ones, fours and fives, indicating you are in the beginning stages of this development. However, bright spots include that 9 and 10 of Cups in the summer. It is a year to look forward to, to dive in headfirst and accept all the good the Universe is offering you.