Future Tarot

(From the March 10 Future-Tarot chat.)

[Miss Shin] My question is: I am just wondering whether I am at the right place in my life with my recently made decisions (in terms of relationships and friendships) and whether I am going in the right direction in my life

[Serenity Bly] Great question.

[Miss Shin] Thanks

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* Interesting cards.

[Miss Shin] Hmmm.

[Serenity Bly] Two of them have very distinct meanings that differ on the situation, so I’m just taking an extra moment to tune in on the right one.

[Miss Shin] Hmm. Ok.

[Serenity Bly] I’m pretty sure The Devil in this case is a sense of having felt manipulated and controlled in the past. *big hugs* What I feel here is a sense of abuse, perhaps a boyfriend/husband or father figure. For a long time, that influence had you dancing to his tune and feeling dominated by his arrogance and the choices he made for your life.

[Miss Shin] Wow. That’s true. My boyfriend is really particular about my past.

[Serenity Bly] You weren’t in charge of your own destiny. You were managed by this influence and it was his wishes you obeyed and his opinions that mattered. Your life was his to commend. The energy is very domineering and uncomfortable, like you had to shrink the light inside you to avoid the pain he could bring upon it with the hurt and harm he caused.

[Miss Shin] I guess it was more of an emotional abuse of judgments.

[Serenity Bly] The Ace of Swords in the present shows that you’re just starting to learn to talk about that, to bring it out into the open. Perhaps it’s upsetting your friends or family to know, as if they’d seen your light and had no idea that this was going on in that relationship. They’re surprised, but it’s very good that you’re giving voice to what was going on then. And doing so is shaping a beautiful future. I get the impression there is already a new partner in your life, or on the horizon of your life.

[Miss Shin] Yes! Wow! You’re awesome.

[Serenity Bly] The Ace of Swords is helping you in this new relationship because your new partner senses the timidity that’s below the surface. You hold back when he wants you to give; you’re still protecting yourself.

[Miss Shin] Hmmmm. But in terms of coming to terms with the past, I guess my new partner is not doing too well with that.

[Serenity Bly] And the cards here say, “You don’t need to.” This Ten of Cups is a beautiful union. He’s a wonderful, loving, giving man. Using the Ace of Swords as you are, you can open yourself up with him. Let go of the past influences of your former relationship.

[Miss Shin] Okay. That sounds good.

[Serenity Bly] Be free with your new partner. He loves you, but he NEEDS you to be present with him, to at least be open with how you’re feeling in the moment.

[Miss Shin] Okay. How about friendships?

[Serenity Bly] He’s strong. I think he’ll stick it out, but there is a sense of uncertainty in him that stems from him feeling like he needs kid gloves. He needs to be careful how he handles you. You’re like an injured bird and he’s afraid you’ll disappear if he moves to fast around you or says the wrong thing or touches you in the wrong way, so he needs your assurances. The Ace of Swords was talking about your friendships.

[Miss Shin] I guess his uncertainty is how I move on from here and whether I am able to fit into his mold of social norms. I have decided to remove acquaintances in my life.

[Serenity Bly] About your friends being shocked by your revelations. If they can’t get over it, it’s ok to let them go. He’s NOT judging you Miss Shin. You don’t have to fit into his mold. He just wants you to be the real you with him.

[Miss Shin] Okay, thanks, Serenity.

[Serenity Bly] My pleasure, and good luck.

[Miss Shin] It’s just some of his statements interpreted as he was judging my past.

[Serenity Bly] I suspect it’s you judging your past and it feels like him because your past experience was a judgmental man. Don’t let the ex-boyfriend shadow this new man for you. They’re nothing alike.

[Miss Shin] Okay. Thanks.

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.

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.

In a recent Wednesday evening chat, FatesLady wanted to know: I found out my brother is going to do something nice for me and I’d like to ask the tarot how I may return the favor.

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[Serenity Bly] In the past we see The High Priestess. I feel she represents YOU and who your brother sees you as. To him you’re organized, together, you know what you want and you fight for what you believe in. This gift is his way of acknowledging you for being a beacon to him. You’ve shown him a way of existing and he strives to “be more like you.” [Serenity Bly is reading with the Mythic Tarot.]

[FatesLady] Thank you. He does look up to me a lot, and he thinks I really do have it all together, even when I tell him different.

[Serenity Bly] In the present we see the Ace of Swords. Originally, the card would represent a new perspective, new insights, and a new way of seeing. But I feel like this is less about how you see the world or even how your brother sees you or you see him, but a new beginning within your relationship…

[FatesLady] That could be. This may be the first thing that he’s EVER done for me that cost more than $5. It was a big expense, and it was totally unprompted.

[Serenity Bly] There’s a new depth to your communication and connection. You’ve been given an opportunity to really get to know each other better. Ah, there is the connection — it’s the space to really see into each others lives.

[FatesLady] It was also a “knight in shining armor” moment, a new thing for him, which could be why it’s an Ace.

[Serenity Bly] Perhaps something has shifted for either of you. I feel like he is “coming of age” so to speak and you’re able to connect with each other on an adult level that wasn’t there before. As for what you can do for him: we come up with two cards, the King of Wands reversed and the Ace of Cups. My initial instinct when I drew the cards was that you can’t GIVE him someTHING, but someONE. There is a person within your own circle of friends or aquaintances. I feel like he is male, or at least a masculine energy, and you have the power to introduce him to your brother for their mutual benefit.

[Miss Michele] I sense a tangible change in their relationship. Almost like cutting old ties. I feel as if she may be helping to introduce him to the King of Wands within himself. A little of both — this new person is helping him to release his playful nature, too.

[FatesLady] I’m not sure who that could be referring to… I think he’s met almost all of my friends before

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* Ok, well I was going to say nothing, but I have this little tickle that wants to ask, “Is he gay and single?” This feels like setting up a blind date. I don’t know about that and I normally would keep my mouth shut… because, I mean, come on, who can really pick out that sort of thing across oceans? But it FEELS like a playful energy, light, touching, warm, and loving.

[FatesLady] Hehe. He thinks he’s straight, but I am 99% sure that he is at least bi. He has a gay best friend and they call each other “boyfriends” but there’s nothing sexual there at this time.

[Miss Michele] Serenity you are GOOD! My gay-dar doesnt even work across a room, much less the world!

[Serenity Bly] Perhaps that is simply what this relationship is about, discovering a new sense of joy and playfulness.

[FatesLady] I think perhaps what I need to do is be there for him as he discovers that part of himself. It might be saying that things will develop for him soon

[Serenity Bly] Well then go with that. You may know a young man who would be a wonderful friend for your brother. It mightn’t feel as significant as giving a remarkable gift but I honestly thing it’s a better gift than anything you could buy him. Give him the space to explore that potential, the warmth, love, and commitment. He might be afraid of alienation and this is an opportunity to create a stronger bond for your sibling relationship and give him the freedom to discover himself.

[FatesLady] I did my own reading earlier that said I needed to be there for him, but I had no idea WHY. Guess that hits that.

I enjoyed a lovely session with Mandy in a recent Wednesday Tarot Chat. Her warm enthusiasm, gentle excitement, and empowered glimpse into her own future created a harmonious energy in the room that made her a delight to read. Having an opportunity to connect with others, to share their experiences, and offer insight and guidance is one of the reasons I look forward to our weekly chat sessions. I hope you’ll join us in a few ours for this weeks and if you can’t make it but would like me to do a three-card reading* for you please email me at SerenityBly@gmail.com.

[Mandy] The question is: Will I accomplish what I’m hoping through our schedule revamp?

[Serenity Bly] Oh, good question. The Queen of Pentacles and Ace of Swords were wanting to be jumpers. I’m not counting them in your reading unless/until they tie in with what comes out next.

[Mandy] Ok

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* In the past, the Page of Swords shows two things, the first, that you’ve been thinking or even talking about doing this for a very long time but have hesitated taking action. Perhaps that is because of the second, others naysaying your ideas.

[Mandy] And I’ve been quite busy.

[Serenity Bly] For a long time, a sense of doubt, perhaps self-doubt but also more obviously the doubt of others has made it challenging to be confident about making changes and moving forward.

[Mandy] *agrees*

[Serenity Bly] The Knight of Pentacles in the present shows BIG, but profitable (not necessarily in a material sense) changes. You’re undertaking what is going to be a rather significant journey. I feel like this reversal is significant too so I’ll read it in this case. With the horse and rider facing backwards it is likely you’ll be bringing back some of what has worked for you in the past. It might also indicate a need to look at where and how far you’ve come before you will really be sure of the path ahead.

[Mandy] I am hoping to have our daily routine figured within the next couple of days and then will begin moving forward from there. It’s going to take some work, but my ultimate objective is to ensure I have time to write and get back to writing. I miss taking a pen to paper and fingers to keyboard. It’s an amazing feeling when you complete something – and I MISS that feeling!

[Serenity Bly] In the future, the Two of Pentacles shows HARD WORK. But, in this case, it’s a great sign. You’re moving your focus away from family and finding a new balance that allows you to bring in your working life. Yes, you’ll have a lot of new things to learn and it might take time for real money to start coming in again but this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn. In some ways you are beginning again, but you’ve already got the tools and you’re real mastery comes in finding the way to use those tools in the time you have available.

[Mandy] Yes, hard. I’m going to try to write following the school schedule with Johnathan. I want to be free to take the summers off for the most part and keep Shaun in a structured routine to allow time for me to really work. Richard working 4 pm to midnight will help too. He’ll have a set time with Shaun so I can work upstairs without interruption.

[Serenity Bly] It sounds great.

[Mandy] I’m workin’ on it. LOL. It looks like I’ll get it sorted.

[Serenity Bly] Now, lets flash back to those two jumpers and see if they relate. Being Pentacles and Swords I think they probably do. *pauses and nods* The Queen of Pentacles is YOU. She’s gentler than a Queen of Swords. The Queen of Swords would be all business-mode. The Queen of Pentacles is security, building foundations, creating a place that is safe and warm and giving. She is the central figure of material abundance.

[Mandy] Balancing all aspects of home and work.

[Serenity Bly] The Ace of Swords must then be an indication of rethinking the way you work. What has worked for you in the past might not necessarily be what will work for you in the future.

[Mandy] Right. I can’t work until all hours of the morning and still function throughout the day. I have to balance my time, very carefully, to maintain balance, peace and order in all aspects of our lives.

[Serenity Bly] You may find yourself trying new things. If you wrote primarily for magazines you might get into fiction, or etc. The WAY you did it before may not be the way you choose to do it now. Be open to those new ideas and new concepts.

[Mandy] Completely.    

[Serenity Bly] Adjust to what you feel passionate and interested in learning now and don’t feel like you have to do things the way you’ve always done them.

[Mandy] I’ve done a great deal of story writing in the past, most of which as a ghost writer. I’m looking more into helping through experience, sharing meal ideas/plans and health aspects. That’s where I feel most drawn at this point.

[Serenity Bly] That sounds like an excellent direction. Perfect for where you are in life stages right now too. *grins* And as an answer to your original question it sounds like a resounding yes.

[Mandy] Fabulous!!

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