Future Tarot

I decided to do this morning’s Card of the Week with The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck. This basic tarot deck (sometimes called a beginner deck) has straightforward imagery. I’ve grown accustomed to the bright colors of Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck or The Robin Wood Tarot, so it’s a challenge for me to glean the true meanings from the washed out yellow and blues of my (admittedly faded) R-W deck.

Nonetheless, the Queen of Cups in today’s reading speaks to me clearly. She looks pensive and somewhat stern holding a yellow chalice; it is as if I can read into her heart and know her thoughts. She is thankful for all she has. She knows her cup is overflowing with good things. A river runs in front of her throne. She sits in front of the riverside amidst brightly colored circles (precious gemstones, gold, riches?) She knows there’s plenty and is holding her cup out for all to share. She knows the way to ensure abundance is to give freely and generously.

What a kind, pleasant thought for this holiday season!

On a Personal Note
The past few weeks have been tight, financially, but the Queen reminds me that is not what’s important. I have a home filled with love, a beautiful daughter, and I make a living (from home) helping others and doing what I love.

Lately, I’ve become even more of a “catalyst” for making things happen between colleagues, seeing connections between business owners and suggesting they chat to see what comes of it. Our Wednesday evening tarot chats help in this regard. Those who drop in get much more than free tarot readings!

More importantly, the Queen reminds me there is always enough for everyone and I have the means to provide it. We get by giving, but that should not be *why* we give. We should give for the pleasure, the emotional rewards and to help others. (It’s so obvious, but still needs to be said.)

This is where the Tarot’s strength lies for me. To remind me of what I already know, to hammer home the point. It’s often that way for our querents, too.

Universal Implications
I wasn’t surprised to see the Queen of Cups today, the week of Thanksgiving in the U.S. We will fill our cups, our plates, and ultimately our bellies with friends and family on Thursday. Hopefully, we will remember to fill our hearts, as well — with love, joy and peace.

While the Queen has plenty of everything, she also knows what’s important. Would she wait in front of Wal-mart at midnight to get 50% off on a Zhu-zhu? Probably not. But if her child wanted one, she’d have faith that the Universe would provide a means to get one — and she’d have it.

Keep the Queen of Cups in your hearts this holiday season. And Happy Thanksgiving to all our U.S.-based readers!

“The Knight of Wands is full of energy and life.” * An adventurous risk-taker, he is eager to get out into the world, to begin a new quest, and to leave behind old ways of doing things. He is vibrant and generous, willing to leap into new opportunities with abandon, and thinks creatively.

“He’s a boisterous, confident card that’s going on a great journey. He may step on some toes, but it’s a wild ride!” ~ Kimberlee Ferrell

This guy has an abundance of confidence and is fearless in the face of adversity. His passionate energy is fantastic when you want to generate momentum and enthusiasm. When he appears he is also a reminder to be aware of details because this fellow is so rambunctious and eager that he hasn’t paused to consider the consequences.

Stacey Graham says, “When I get this card in a spread, I know I’m taking a new turn in my career. He comes in all enthusiasm and excitement so I follow his lead and see where it takes me.”

When the Knight of Wands appears in your life it is the perfect opportunity to do some public speaking, approach investors, share your ideas, embrace social networks, and talk with others. The spark and light you feel toward your project will shine through your voice and demeanor, drawing listeners to you and inspiring them to take action.

As elements go, this knight is “fire of fire.” He is the energy you need to begin a project, or charge forward through an endeavor, but beware because the flame of action he creates burns swiftly. When you’re riding with the Knight of Wands you might only get halfway to your destination. He is easily distracted and sidetracked onto other paths so it is important to use his energy wisely.

This Knight is hasty in all he does and takes action where others would not. He is sudden and impatient, but he is strong and always enthusiastic. He doesn’t like dilly-dallying! ~

The Knight of Wands asks you to leap into adventure. He’s that wild risk-taker who lives on adrenaline but isn’t particularly reliable. When he appears in your spread he often heralds a time of charged action, energy is at its peek, but it is important to temper the flame of this knight to avoid the pitfalls that he commonly stumbles into.

When the Knight of Wands shows up in your reading, it’s time to ask yourself these questions: How am I growing? How much energy am I putting into my own self-growth? Who is radiating creative or sexual energy in my life? How am I changing? What opportunities are entering my life right now that I feel passionate about? *

Jen Nipps says, “I like it when he pops up in a reading because he generally has good news to share.”

Isabel Kliegman’s, “Tarot and the Tree of Life: Finding Everyday Wisdom in the Minor Arcana“, tells us that this Knight knows he is not his choices. When he stumbles along his path, makes a mistake, or goes in the wrong direction he takes it in stride and continues moving onward.

When the Knight of Wands appears he may be asking you to stand up for something that matters, and which is unable to defend itself. He is a compassionate soul, deeply engaged and giving, particularly to his family.

What new adventure are you beginning this week? Where can you feel this Knight’s influence in your life? What else do you know about the Knight of Wands?

Faithful reader Mysti Linne poses a question for the tarot: “Is “By The Fire” the way I should go?”

A three-card spread of The Heart of the Matter, Advice, and Outcome should give Mysti some insight.

The first card, the Heart of the Matter, is the Ten of Pentacles. This project has the potential to give Mysti financial security, enough time with her family, and plenty of cash, but Mysti is concerned that may not be the case. The Pentacles are associated with Earth… Mysti hopes this project will give here some grounding.

The Advice is represented by the King of Swords… The tarot is telling Mysti she should behave as this Court Card would in this situation… analyze all the facts, look before you leap, use your head. Should you decide to take this project, take control as a strong leader, don’t allow others to influence your views too much.

The Outcome is represented by the Five of Wands, the Fire element, which relates to the name of the project. You’ll face an exciting challenge if you do this. There may be others who believe they know the best way–stick to your guns (re: King of Swords). If you do take over the project, be careful. You *may* be taking on too much and will, literally, burn yourself out. This is a fear Mysti’s has mentioned in the past and seems to be a recurring them in her professional life. It could happen again. In relation to the Five of Wands, I’d say the King of Swords is warning you to consider this VERY carefully.

However, all minor arcana in the reading tell us a very important thing: it’s YOUR decision, 100 percent, no one will influence it or present new information that causes you to change your mind. Whether you do or don’t take this on, the results won’t be earth-shattering. If it doesn’t work out, you can withdraw with little consequences and move on.

Interesting… Miss Michele drew a clarification card asking the tarot simply: Yes or No, should she do this.

The Wish card came up, the Nine of Cups. We have a balance of all four suites here… which shows that this decision won’t influence any one area of your life greatly. You won’t get rich–or poor. You won’t get emotionally burnt out. It really seems as if you have nothing to lose, and the tarot, with the Nine of Cups, seems to be saying, “Do what you think is best, you’ll be fine.” (Note I did not say “feel is best.” There were no “intuition” cards in this reading… the Tarot is saying look at the facts, the spreadsheets, and your time, and make a wise decision based on that information).