It was great to see so many wonderful people join us for Tarot Chat again. In this session Simone asked about a challenging friend who, after betraying her in the past, was seeking to rekindle their friendship. Sometimes, when it comes to our relationships with others we have to let time heal old wounds. While Simone needed to understand her friend’s motivations the wisdom the cards really wanted to offer was to let it go and let the hands of time do the hard work.
But before we begin with Simone’s reading, Teresa wanted to share a beautiful gift she received over Christmas. Have you ever tried Tarot Journaling? Read on to find out more.
[Teresa] I had something I wanted to share when it’s convenient.
[Serenity Bly] Oh, Teresa has something to SHARE!
[Teresa] My husband got me a book for Christmas: Tarot Journaling: Using the Celtic Cross to Unveil Your Hidden Story by Corrine Kenner on journaling with the Tarot.
[Jen_N] Oh how neat!
[Simone] That sounds awesome!
[Teresa] So I’ve been reading it and setting up a binder for journaling, getting ready to dig back into the Tarot.
[Simone] That sounds exciting!
[Teresa] I just wanted to share it with people, it’s pretty cool so far.
[MoonlitKim] Journaling! Woo! Love it.
[Serenity Bly] Journaling with Tarot? Sounds very interesting. If you ever wanted to blog your Tarot Journal give me a shout, Teresa. We’d love to host you on Future-Tarot.
[Teresa] Oh? I might just do that.
[Serenity Bly] Ok, did Simone get pushed forward for this next reading?
[MoonlitKim] I think so. Go for Simone!
[Serenity Bly] What would you like to ask Simone?
[Simone] Ok, I had a family member… and she contacted me after smearing me online in a really public, really bad way. Can the cards or your empathic zing tell me what the hell her family REALLY wanted from me and my family? It’s eating away at me. Even three years after smearing me or maybe only two years.
[Serenity Bly] We’ll see. I’m not sure I’m good enough to give you motive but who knows. We can at least dig for a bit of piece of mind.
[Simone] I trust you and the cards – you’ll tell me what cards you pull, yes?
[Serenity Bly] lol I said, “Not sure I’m good enough to give you motive”… And then the cards shout “Narcissism.” That sounds like motive to me.
[Simone] Narcissism? I know what that means….the word and the psychological condition…
[Serenity Bly] Ok, lets break it down with the actual cards. In the past the Page of Cups has her totally self-centered and admiring all the wonder that is She. She’s very much in love with her own reflection and has blinded herself to the value of others or the pursuit of a greater divine purpose.
[Miss Michelle] Yes, the Page of Cups is ALL about narcissism.
[Simone] That makes sense because she was tearing me down because she felt untouchable. Is she her own greater divine purpose?
[Serenity Bly] In the present we have the Six of Cups (reversed) which, today, seems to point to her looking to blame someone else for her personal tragedies. It’s a strange twist to this card, I don’t normally see it that way.
[MoonlitKim] Funny, I had never noticed narcissism, guess I thought the fish was in the way of the reflection.
[Miss Michelle] Also, it tells me she could be looking at the past in a different way than Simone sees it. Because the Six of Cups is “halcyon days of old” — this person is seeing things “reversed” from reality…
[Simone] Miss Michelle I’m sure she sees it differently. You have to in order to justify being such a lowlife c-word.
[Serenity Bly] It also points to a sense of jealousy and resentment. She was looking back on lost opportunities and a happier past. Or more specifically “YOU” reminded her of what she’s lost.
[Miss Michelle] it seems to me like she’s contacting you to… like, get back what she feels she lost from you…
[Serenity Bly] In the future we see DEATH! *plays dramatic music*
[Simone] ! Was she going to change?
[Miss Michelle] Oooh… That puts a very new angle on it…
[Serenity Bly] I’m sorry, but I don’t think it means she’s about to die a horrible death, Simone. *winks*
[Simone] lol Oh, I know that. I don’t want her to die. I know her life is revenge enough.
[Serenity Bly] And I don’t think it’s really an indication of her changing but of your relationship with her changing or ending.
[Miss Michelle] It seems, from that, that in her own twisted mind, she really IS looking to put it all behind her… To find a way to “let go” of it. And she’s USING you for that.
[MoonlitKim] Hmm… to at least let you know that her perspective has changed, that now she understands what life with kids is about?
[Serenity Bly] You’re a catalyst for change within her and you’re creating a new vision and purpose for her.
[Miss Michelle] It’s like… in Alcoholics Anonymous, people going through the program are asked to “make amends” to those they hurt. But in seeking forgiveness, it may help the alcoholic but typically only hurts those they confront by pulling up old wounds.
[Serenity Bly] The advice I get from this is to “be a good example”. Lead the way to her enlightenment by showing her the kind of person she could be. Lead by example.
[Miss Michelle] Once again, she’s using you for her gain… but doesn’t even REALIZE it.
[Simone] Should I help her? It would be awful. I hate not helping.
[Serenity Bly] Don’t help her, she’s not open to help, yet.
[Miss Michelle] Hmm… Serenity’s saying yes… but not in an active way.
[Simone] She’s a cousin-in-law and even when we were friends she was the “I’ll be over at 7″ then no call no show.
[Miss Michelle] Lead by example.
[Serenity Bly] Remember, Death is the FUTURE. All you can do is lead by example and let her wallow in her six of cups.
[Miss Michelle] I almost see that the Death card, though, is telling Simone it’s okay to let go of this whole thing.
[Simone] Like I’m not a horrible person for not helping her?
[Miss Michelle] I don’t think so!
[Simone] Is there a “Simone’s a decent human being” card lmao
[Serenity Bly] Go about your own business, live your own life, and leave her on the sidelines. She will change, but you can’t force it and she’s not open to your opinions yet.
[Simone] But if we’re not talking how will I know she’s changed?
[Miss Michelle] I think she WANTS to be changed, which is why she contacted you.
[Serenity Bly] You don’t have to know Simone.
[Simone] Okay.
[MoonlitKim] Basically, it’s her problem, not yours, and when she’s willing to change, then perhaps you can be a more active helper.
[Serenity Bly] Exactly Kim. The Death card says she will, but it doesn’t say you have to be around for it, Simone.
[otherdeb] Simone, you can’t help or fix everyone.
[Simone] Watch me try Deb, watch me try. haha
[Miss Michelle] The Universe has a way of letting us know these things if we need to.
[Simone] This is the first time in my life I said no to someone asking for my friendship. It’s killing me.
[Miss Michelle] You’ll hear it from a family member–or whatever.
[MoonlitKim] Good point Deb! I so get sucked into helping everyone in the world! Which doesn’t work out well for me.
[Serenity Bly] You wanted her motivation, it’s there, self-gratification and resentment. But the action you take on it is entirely up to you. Sometimes you just have to choose not to allow negative influences into your circle.
[Jen_N] Simone, I’ve tried. It wasn’t worth the stress.
[otherdeb] Simone, I suffer from the same thing — ask Miss Michele
[Simone] Awesome. thank you SO much Serenity. I’ll sleep better tonight than I have in two weeks
[Miss Michelle] I think every one of us here does, Deb.
[Simone] I don’t doubt it. You’re all really nice people. Nice people get screwed a lot.
[otherdeb] Mostly because we let ourselves.
[Miss Michelle] That should be on a bumper sticker.
[Serenity Bly] Simone, I don’t think I ever told you about my ex-husbands family. They sent me hate mail and threats when he and I first started dating. So, I just ignored them, got on with living my life, and pretended they didn’t exist. Years later they came to me, they wanted to get to know me and obviously the kids too. Now the relationship I have with them is better than my ex-husbands relationship with his own family.
[Simone] Shut UP! Really??? That’s amazing!
[Miss Michelle] See? There’s hope!
[Serenity Bly] Relationships mend, and in the moment, right now, you don’t have to have an active role in mending it. Let time play its hand.
[Simone] Awesome. Thanks again. It’s good to know!!!

* This offer is limited, on a first come, first served basis, and readings will be shared on the Future-Tarot.com website. If you would prefer a more detailed reading please see those we offer and place your order.
~Transcript from 2010-01-14
I have to say that the Celtic Cross in my favorite spread. Miss Michele loves giving the six card readings but I broke my teeth on these meatier ten card readings and feel a real sense of journey from cards 1 through 10. When Teri asked, “How can I get closer to living my everyday life (job mostly) in a more fulfilling way?“, I thought the Celtic Cross was exactly the kind of spread to shed light on the issue. Lets see what they share with Teri.
The Significator: Knight of Cups
Teri’s life to this point has been an emotional journey, she has come a long way on a hard road and knows that the path continues ahead.
Crossing Card: King of Wands
I get the feeling, this King, while normally a very positive herald of new ideas, indicates a lack of focus. With so many ideas, new projects, and shifting interests it can be hard to give time or mind to any one aspect long enough to make significant progress.
Crowning Card: The Chariot
When I see The Chariot I often think of it as a fork in the road. Teri is at a point where life presents two choices but both create an inner conflict and confusion. Neither is a better or worse choice but remaining at the crossroads is not an option either.
Base of the Matter: Queen of Wands
What Teri cannot see about the choice above is the Queen of Wands who sits in command of her kingdom. The Queen is a warm, considerate, and creative woman, full of life and heart. She often heralds a time of personal growth and is a supportive influence in the near future of which Teri may not yet be aware.
Past Influences: Ace of Pentacles
The past shows a sudden influx of finance perhaps through a legacy or sale of material goods. The windfall is short lived but often comes when most needed.
Forthcoming Influences: Nine of Wands
It has been a challenging few months but there are calm waters just beyond this final hurdle. The Nine of Wands reminds me of the ultimate call of hope. When we are at the edge of reason, exhaustion wearies our features, and life has become weightier than we feel we can bare hope tides us through the final battle. Teri must gather her resources and know that things are about to get a whole lot easier.
Where One Finds Oneself: Seven of Swords
Because of the tough path behind her, Teri has set up barriers to her inner being that wards off those around her. In the past these defenses have served her cause but courage calls for Teri to let down her guard a little, to welcome the Queen of Wands into her heart. It is in taking a chance on others that she will flourish in the future.
View of Others: The Emperor
I suspect in large part because of the barriers Teri has built around her heart those around Teri often think of her as standoffish, high and mighty, even arrogant. What they believe and what is true are rarely the same thing but be careful of keeping apart from others. The Emperor is a powerful being, he wields lightening bolts and shapes the world, but also leads a relatively solitary life that may not give Teri the happiness she is looking for.
Hopes and Fears: The High Priestess
After the earlier cards The High Priestess in this position is rather interesting. In standard divination she is a spiritual being, deeply focused on the occult, seeing beyond the physical world into the heavens. She has a gentle nature and a central order to the way things should be done. I get the feeling that in this position she indicates a fear of structure, order, rules, and restrictions or perhaps an inner need for such things.
Final Outcome: Five of Pentacles
To find a greater fulfillment in life Teri may, ultimately, have to give up what she currently has. Teri, make a sacrifice of your current beliefs or securities rather than clinging to the little you have now. It is easy to feel we have too little and need to horde for the ‘rainy day’. The Five of Pentacles often shows a very real sense of walking away from what you’ve accomplished so far, of giving up what little you have. In a sense, you may need to begin again, to accomplish what you desire.
Congratulations to Rachel, who won the auction at Simon’s Auctions for a Spirituality Package. Rachel asked: Last year, I had a lot of success, work-wise. Will that continue, will I struggle… or will I do even BETTER?
The Knight of Cups in this position shows that you are full of passion and a proud sense of accomplishment. You’ve had great success and are doing what you love. You are on a journey that, with each step, takes you closer to your desires and in knowing the path ahead you feel a great joy, your step is light and all the world is beautiful.
Blended with and inhibiting this buoyant sense of love and harmony is The Tower. It forces you to recognise change. Change is always a positive force but the process can be painful. The Tower reminds us to let go of that which will not aid us in our ultimate goals, they will inevitably fall away no matter how hard you cling to what feels safe and real in the moment. Learn to embrace change rather than fear it.
Your current joy and your fear of change are founded in the King of Pentacles. You’re doing very well, you feel secure in your financial footing and the material world around you is abundant.
The greatest issue you may not see shows itself in The Chariot. This is a conflict, usually a struggle within yourself to find balance between your baser instincts, your competitive nature, your sense of self-righteousness, arrogance and aggression war against a calm, easy-going attitude. Here, you must learn to bring both sides of yourself to a harmony where they can work together.
The Ace of Wands and Ace of Swords come together to show your past, a new and exciting venture. Business that embraces your intelligence and creativity. You have had a great deal to learn and often felt out of your depth but you embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and even excitement. It has been an adventure of new learning.
You’ve come away from those Aces as you gain experience and are coming into the Three of Wands. You have skill and a little experience. The earlier lessons are behind you. You have created a firm footing in your career and go forward knowing there is still much to learn. You continue to grow and as you continue to grow you come to greater knowledge.
The Six of Wands shows that as you and those dearest to you celebrate your successes, you feel as if all eyes are upon you. You’ve attained a glorious victory and have good reason to celebrate but don’t allow this celebration to overcome your forward momentum.
Around you, others see you as The Hierophant. You are the teacher, the mentor, ready to pass on what you know to others. They look to you for guidance and direction, perhaps imitating you in the hopes of achieving similar success.
Serenity’s favorite deck, The Mythic Tarot, describes the Seven of Pentacles in your situation perfectly. Your hopes and fears are highlighted with a question, “whether to continue to develop what one has already built, or to put energy into a new project.”
The final outcome shows me that your fear of needing to start over is unfounded. You are on the right path and swiftly moving toward a greater understanding of your career and all that is involved in being successful. The Queen and King of Wands come together here, united in their dominance of thought and power. Your warmth, loyalty and compassion rise to the surface allowing you to guide others. You will be in a position to teach and to create lasting change for yourself and for those around you.
Miss Michele has a reader question!! Happy dance!
Siddow asks:
What is the best way to deal with the obstacles in the path to my goal?
There is no way around it. Miss Michele feels called to do a simplified Celtic Cross spread to uncover the answer to this question.
Six cards for the price of three, a two-for-one sale.
Consider it a “thank you.”
P.S. to readers… Miss Michele is joking… for the month of November, tarot readings are free! Just post your questions here!
On to Siddow’s question and answer:
At a glimpse, your answer is: hard work and learning.
Patience will help, too. Two major arcana cards in this spread indicate these obstacles are big ones–you are striving for a lifestyle change. You feel like you are almost there, but outside influences are holding you back. That is true–only because you are allowing them to.
Card #1, The Two of Rods, shows your experience to date.
You’ve been given (or created for yourself) some wonderful opportunities that got you on the path to success, perhaps jump-started your quest. But you were restless–change wasn’t (and still isn’t) coming quickly enough.
You’ve paved the way, built a strong foundation.
Card #2, the Eight of Cups, tells us where you are now.
Travel or a move is indicated; this assertion is supported by the Two of Rods and the Wheel of Fortune. This could be a physical change of residence or simply a shedding of your old lifestyle or a change of workplace. (Miss Michele isn’t clear on this!)
With the foundation firmly in place, you’ve said goodbye to your past lifestyle to focus on your new path. And though you feel as if anything would be better than your past situation, you don’t know what you’re walking into, and it’s scary.
Eights indicate progression to a new phase, moving on, and setting new priorities. You have two 8s in this reading! Keep moving forward. The only thing holding you back is fear of the unknown. (The obstacles will take care of themselves when you are ready).
The Near Future, the card in the #3 position, is the Three of Pentacles. You’ve got a grasp on things, now, and are using your talents to move ahead. You begin to enjoy the first rewards of the work you’ve been putting in. Hang in there!
Card #4 symbolizes you, Siddow, in the environment of the future. The Hanged Man, is the #12 Major Arcana–which breaks down to the number three.
That means you’re in a period of personal growth and creativity. But you’re tired of waiting. Things are at a standstill. Your business moves slowly. You’ve put in the work, you’ve reaped some rewards, but you believe it’s time for things to come to a head.
It’s not quite time, though. The Universe knows this. Take this waiting period to look at things from a different perspective.
Card #5 tells us the Best You Can Hope For, if you continue the path you are on. Remember–your fate is not pre-determined. The cards show only one possible path.
However, this isn’t a bad situation at all! The Wheel of Fortune (number 10, then end of a cycle) shows financial and emotional success!
As the Wheel turns, your luck will, too. You’ll need to make a decision and jump full-throttle into this new life, if that is what you want! Grab it, it’s yours!
Finally, card 6, the Outcome, shows more work ahead, in the Eight of Pentacles. The opportunities presented lead to still more chances to learn and improve. Overall, your work will be fulfilling–your time and effort is paying off.
The only obstacles in your path seem to be a desire to have everything today. Keep doing what you’re doing, keep learning, don’t give up.
A change of residence could be indicated to help you better fulfill your goals. If you are contemplating a move, go for it!