Future Tarot

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.

The freelance life is full of risks– and opportunities. Sometimes it’s hard to tell them apart.

Perhaps that’s why the question of late, for Miss Michele and for others, is whether to diverge onto a new path or continue with what they know works.

Wordsmith seeks the Tarot’s guidance in such a matter:

I got offered a new opportunity to host a radio show, which will be great for my platform. Will doing the show be worth it, or is it a step in the wrong direction?

If we were playing poker instead of doing a Tarot reading, Miss Michele would raise. There are three Kings in this five-card reading. That indicates a strong male influence relating to the matter. Perhaps the associate is a strong male? There are hidden family influences related to this reading, as well. Let’s explore.

The King of Swords sits in the Past spot, relates to the cool rationality with which Wordsmith usually approaches matters. An unemotional evaluation of the offer shows it makes sense to do the show. The offer is fair. However, others may be advising against it, convincing Wordsmith to look deeper than the surface to make the right choice.

The Page of Cups is in the Present slot. This card represents an emphasis on a young child, who is currently the focus of Wordsmith’s attention. The card also represents the invitation Wordsmith received to do the show—the start of a new business relationship. It could also indicate the launch of other creative ventures. The card advises Wordsmith to heed her emotions. She fears this new job will take time away from her primary concern at the moment: her son. It doesn’t have to if you don’t let it, Wordsmith. There will be time and energy for everything in the future you are creating.

The King of Pentacles reveals Hidden Influences relating to the matter. Financial success and status sit behind the decision. All cards, up until now, point to moving forward with the decision. It’s not often Miss Michele turns to her Tarot resource library anymore. Intuition and her knowledge of the cards and their meanings usually serves well. But this one had her stumped…

According to Nancy Garen’s Tarot Made Easy, the King of Pentacles relates to vocations such as “writing, directing, lecturing, fashion… radio” and the ability to do “two or more jobs at one time.”

Certainly, all signs point to “yes.”

The tarot’s Advice is found in the Four of Rods card. Again, this card indicates happy partnerships, and also a much-needed rest. It seems the radio gig will not be as harrowing or time-consuming as Wordsmith fears, and may actually provide inspiration and rejuvenation as she makes new connections and works in a different form of media. She’ll be laying down secure roots for future endeavors with this project.

Finally, the King of Rods shows us the Outcome if she takes the job. Wordsmith will find her associate in this endeavor to be strong, mature, and generous (and very, very male!). He is a true mentor who will play a large role in her life— not romantic, however. Strictly professional!

Incidentally, when no major arcane appears in a reading, it means that the decision is entirely, 100 percent in the querent’s hands. While we are all always in charge of our own destiny, the universe will offer no surprises that Wordsmith has to handle in this situation. Her plans will go exactly as she expects. (And isn’t it nice to have that happen every once in a while?) She will be offered exactly what she wants, all she has to do is seize it.

Whichever decision Wordsmith makes— to take the job or not—will work out because Wordsmith is the captain of her own ship right now. However, the cards seem to be saying there is more to be gained if she takes this particular risk—er, OPPORTUNITY!

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.