I always start with colors. For me, my Gemini yellow stands out immediately in the Knight of Pentacles, Four of Wands and others in my “working” Rider-Waite Deck, demanding my attention. It attracts my eye and I’m drawn to the card to look deeper. The shade of the background color affects the reading, is it vibrant or muted? Is it a pale wash of color or something more sinister? The soft blues depicted in the Three of Cups or the midnight-black of the Devil or Nine of Swords visually invite us to stare into the card and take from it what we can to promote our art. By incorporating these colors into a drawing, we release what we’ve learned from our reading into the world.

If you are starting a new project, use them to determine what is the prevalent mood of the cards. Can they be interpreted as a dark introduction to a piece of music? Are the characters celebrating or despondent? The suits can help to determine the pace of the song: Swords are quick and agile, they lend a sharp, almost aggressive note to the music; Wands seek harmony, a melody is wrapped within its walls; Pentacles show determination and hard work, a perfect accompaniment to a complicated solo and Cups denote joy, love and the mystery of the self.

When writing, take into account the entire spread; weave a story around the beginning, middle and ending inviting the reader to join you on the journey outlined by the cards. The characters within the cards become your heroes and villains, write down their expressions as well to what is embodied in the card to help you develop their background stories. What is their hair color? Manner of dress? Are they alone? What is the most important thing they’re doing in the card: clutching at pentacles (money) or holding the hand of the one they love? By using your spread to map out a story, half the work is done for you, Tarot itself being the ultimate reflection of your own story.

Using Tarot as a tool to delve deep within your natural creativity may open new avenues. Trying journaling about the cards within your spread to see patterns evolve as you learn more about Tarot and how it fits into your life. Take the time to put your reading to work for you as a partner for your imagination as new worlds await. Good luck!

Wynter Moon

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Amazingly, it’s been a year since Miss Michele and I joined together to form Future-Tarot. From time to time, Miss Michele and I, consider our direction and purpose with the Future-Tarot website and what better time to seek answers then our first anniversary. Frequently we discuss the site from both a business and spiritual aspect, working together to decide how to proceed and what exactly we want to accomplish. From time to time we also ask the Tarot for guidance and support.

This July, Future-Tarot has been very quiet. Miss Michele and I both have busy lives outside of Tarot that split our focus and when we are away from the site it tends to give us the break we subconsciously seek. Continued growth, however, is a primary interest both for us as Tarot readers and specifically for the difference we want to make in your life.

The Nine of Wands – Past

In the past year we’ve traversed rough waters. The journey of personal growth is often one wraught with dangers. It is a long, difficult path build of ideas and inspiration and steering a ship of this girth with two hands at the helm has not always been easy. The Nine of Wands shows that journey and our progress from our earliest beginnings to the point where we’ve become quietly confident of our purpose and direction.

The Page of Wands – Present

Now we are riding initial inspiration. Perhaps it is a case of holding on and allowing fate to guide our course but I also firmly believe that we are in control of our direction and the way we reach our future path. The flame of our ideas burn brightly, guiding our forward momentum and with all journeys we must be prepared and learn as we go forth.

The Page of Wands also indicates a dissatisfaction with our present being. I feel stagnated and a little guilty that we haven’t updated as frequently this month as we have in past months. I haven’t promoted the site at all or made particular effort to encourage interaction. Admittedly, I’ve been very ill the past two weeks but a commitment to writing regularly, giving readings, and embracing Tarot needs to be a priority if we want to see Future-Tarot flourish and this month I’ve allowed myself to do very little.

Ace of Wands / Two of Wands – Future

*ponders* It is interesting to see four wands come out in this reading. Obviously, our focus is on creativity, inspiration, ideas, and the mental aspect of discipline and dedication to craft for the future success of Future-Tarot. An Ace of Wands indicates a sense of finding new motivation, new passion, for the long road ahead. Opportunity is before us but having the courage to act on that opportunity will require commitment.

The Two of Wands shows this new uprush of energy and commitment formulating into solid plans and goals. Miss Michele and I recently talked with Rebecca Laffar-Smith, our web designer, about some theme changes for the website. This is perhaps part of the new creativity and inspiration the ace and two point to but I also feel like these cards are showing us the importance of taking regular action with promotion.

Perhaps it is also a sign that we need to focus on what YOU want. What brings you to Future-Tarot and what direction would you like the site to take?

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Today’s relaxation will put me in a better state to face all I have to do next week and to complete all the tasks in front of me. (And that’s no small feat!)

My creativity will be flowing and tasks will be fun! Additionally, since the Page can indicate the very early stages of an endeavor, it represents this very blog, which I changed a bit yesterday!

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Miss Michele, 2007 was a horrible year, personally and financially. It’s the financial part that has me discouraged. Hubby hasn’t worked in almost a year, and, well, my job isn’t paying enough (especially with living expenses so high). Plus, the company I work for was just recently bought out, so my job isn’t too secure (I’ll add here that I had to take a fairly big loan on my 401k and needs to be paid back, and that’s scaring me even more). I’ve tinkered with the idea of doing freelancing on a part-time basis, but I’m not sure I have any skills or ideas that someone will pay me for. So…three things: Will I keep my job, or will I have to look for a new one? Should I go into freelancing? Will I bring in enough extra money to pay off the 401k and pay off a major chunk of our credit card debt? Sorry for the ramble. I look forward to your reading – and thank you!

That’s a lot for three cards to reveal, so Miss Michele will ask the tarot: “What is in the future, career-wise, for Nancy?”

The cards indicate 2008 will not be as bad as Nancy fears. The card in the past, Strength, is one of Miss Michele’s favorite Major Arcanas, showing that Nancy weathered the storm with incredible inner strength. She doesn’t realize it, but she has the self-confidence, power, patience and faith to improve her situation. The eight shows the end of a cycle to make way for new growth.

In the Near Future, we see the situation that is ending in the Knight of Swords. Swords show sudden, tumultuous change. New people may be coming into your life with new opportunities. (That’s a good thing!) But beware of “quick fixes” for your problems. Don’t be tempted by a scam. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Now I’m sure Nancy won’t get bamboozled by Publish America, but beware of temptations more subtle that look like a way out of debt.

This card also indicates Nancy’s forthrightness. When she wants something, she goes after it, and this will work in her favor.

The Outcome could not be better: The Nine of Cups. The jolly fellow on the “wish card” arrives to tell us that all Nancy’s worries will be assuaged. She will get what she needs.

Unsatisfied with the conclusion, Miss Michele draws one more card, asking, will there be a career change for Nancy?

It looks like a new job opportunity will come about, with the Page of Swords. There is an emphasis on creativity, paperwork, inspiration and creative writing. I can’t say Nancy will leave her job, but she will definitely pursue her writing with a new vigor, and, in conjunction with the Nine of Cups, I’ll go so far as to say she’ll see income from the endeavor.

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Kate Boddie says:
I’ve always been rather scattered, hopping from project to project. While it’s all in the same realm, I never really finished anything major.

As of late, things have been starting to fall into place, albeit slowly and I wanted to know if I’ve finally found my track.

Am I headed down the right path? Are my aspirations where they should be?

Miss Michele has a confession.

She sat down to do your reading last night, and the Tower fell out of the deck. Thinking this had no relation to your question—and realizing that Miss Michele was quite tired—she put the cards away to do the reading in the morning.

She shuffled and concentrated, focusing and meditating. And chose the Tower. She continued with a five card reading with the Tower as the first card.

The Tower in the Past shows a complete collapse of your old way of life, some catastrophe or upheaval that made you begin anew. Boddie, the disarray and chaos is behind you now.

But whatever it was, Wow! It sure woke you up to get focused and find your path!

The Four of Wands in the Present position shows that, after your tumultuous past, you’ve found refuge, a well-deserved rest. You’re laying the foundation for successful creative pursuits. You’re enjoying the fruits of your labors and resting before you embark on phase two of your project.

The Unconscious Influences behind your decision—card 3 in your reading—shows the Wheel of Fortune. You have a huge yearning for success—monetary and emotional/spiritual. Your desire for it will make it so. Deep down, you are more confident than you realize! Once again, this card shows massive life changes, the end of a phase and start of a new one. You are always on the go, girl—change, change, change, turn, turn, turn!

The Tarot offers Advice in the form of the Three of Wands, the fourth card in this spread. The suite of Wands show creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Though not quite as “active” as Swords, which are sure harbingers of change and tumult, the Wands show lots of action in the thought realm. These are the cards of “ideas,” the beginning of a new project.

The advice offered in the Three of Wands is to “go for it;” you are on the right track in your new creative venture. Business will move forward swiftly. Keep an eye on your goals. Publicize yourself. If a mentor should cross your path, take their advice and rely on their assistance. The emphasis is on cooperation— you don’t have to go it alone.

Miss Michele drew a *very* curious card signifying the Possible Outcome. The Ten of Swords indicates a need for rest, the death of an illusion, plans not working out. Everything will be going well and then, bam, out of nowhere… deception from a business colleague leaves you starting back at square one. This could also indicate (likely!) burnout after working full throttle on a project. Miss Michele warns Boddie to pace herself, tread carefully as your venture reaches its culmination. There is more work ahead. Take a break and look at the situation with fresh eyes after a much-needed rest.

After all, that’s what’s happened in your past projects… burn-out, being unable to run the full course.

Not wanting to end on this sour note, Miss Michele asked the Tarot:

What is Boddie’s Best Course of Action to prevent this Outcome?

The Seven of Wands gives us the answer: Hold firm against the opposition, fight for your ideals and stand your ground. It will take courage. You will feel like giving up. Don’t!
You are on the right track!

And feel free to come to Miss Michele for guidance throughout your journey.

Keep those questions coming, everyone!  Readings are FREE for the rest of 2007!

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TJWriter wants to know:
Should I take the leap to pursue the career path my heart desires?

Without looking at the tarot, Miss Michele can answer this question: Yes. Always pursue your heart’s desires.

For greater insight into the situation, and awareness of some of the challenges TJWriter may face in trying to achieve her dreams, Miss Michele relied on the six-card, simplified Celtic Cross Spread.

A lot of cups in this reading reveals what the wording of the question also tells us: TJWriter relies on emotions.

Her experience to date is shown by the Five of Swords. TJWriter may have been subjected to humiliation, ridicule or deceit in the recent past. She emerged victorious, but did not feel good about the “win.” She was succesful but unfulfilled, so TJWriter began to dream about a different life path.

Putting the past behind her, she has found a support network in her family and friends, as exemplified by the Ten of Pentacles. The emphasis, however, is on major life transitions. A commitment to stay home with children or perhaps just spend more time with loved ones? Family figures prominently.

The near future shows a Major Arcana, the Empress. There’s a lot of emphasis on femininity, caregiving, and the realm of emotions in this reading. The Empress shows still more family commitment and may indicate a birth on the horizon. It also could indicate the start of a new business, especially if that business is related to caregiving or creativity. (The birth of a book?) TJWriter is moving from one stage to another.

TJWriter in the environment of the future is shown by the Ace of Cups. More new beginnings! Follow your heart wherever it leads, TJWriter. You are at your best and most successful when you are following your motherly instincts, your heart and emotions.

Once again, the card indicates pregnancy or birth of a new creative venture. Since you asked about a career path, Miss Michele is inclined to say that the “birth” is figurative only… a new book or other creative venture. This is more than just a new client, however… this is a long-term commitment that can change your life! However, Miss Michele would advise you not to ignore your nurturing side… whatever creative venture you attempt, you’ll find success AND fulfillment helping others!

Now is also a good time to remind TJWriter that the future is not set in stone… these cards show only the most probably outcome if you continue on the current path.

With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s move on to Card 5, the best outcome you can hope for. The Nine of Wands says that, once again, you will be in a position of having to defend yourself and your beliefs. You’ll be faced with one last obstacle before victory (and victory will come!) Don’t be afraid to demand what’s yours. Most importantly, don’t change your course of action; the end of the race is near and you will emerge the winner.

Finally, the Outcome, the Ten of Cups. There are few cards in the deck better than this one, which symbolizes joy and harmony, especially in the realm of family life. You’re going to have the success you want in your career, which will give you the opportunity to focus on your family. Good relationships–business and personal–are on the horizon.

What a positive reading, it makes Miss Michele feel all warm and fuzzy (oh, wait, that’s the cat…sigh)

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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!

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The King of Rods

I can’t make sense of all the masculine (and phallic!) cards in my readings lately. Once again, this card indicates a strong male influence, although more fatherly than strict and dictatorial.

(Note, when I once again drew the King of Swords yesterday, I decided to skip the reading altogether!)

However, the indication of leadership with the King of Rods could point to me. A teacher, an entrepreneur, a creative type. I may encounter a business opportunity during the auction I’m working this evening. In all, a positive forecast for the day.

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To the great and mystically-enhanced Miss Michele, I have a question:

Will my upcoming conference be a positive experience for me, possibly resulting in some new work?

Miss Michele asks the Tarot:

What’s in store for our little Plaid Earthworm at her writer’s conference?

An overview of the cards reveals a highly positive reading. New beginnings, creativity, and wealth! Let’s delve deeper into this three-card spread.

The Ace of Cups appears as the first card, the heart of the matter. It reveals her wishes of new work. Not just any new project, but an emotionally-fulfilling, financially-profitable, steady client.

The Cups suite indicates activity primarily in the realm of emotion. She will leave the conference feeling renewed and invigorated—something she’s needed. Perhaps the daily toil of “submission, rejection, re-write, submission,” with the occasional acceptance letter thrown in, has gotten to our earthy little Worm. But money alone will not satisfy; she wants a project that means something.

The second card, the near future—let’s take that to mean events at the conference—is the major arcane, the Star. The presence of a major arcane indicates this won’t be just any conference, but will mark a significant step in this writer’s life. The Star indicates Plaid Earthworm did the right thing asking for guidance from the Tarot—it’s time for her to rely on her intuition, inner wisdom, and perhaps even psychic abilities.

Incidentally, this card often arises in people who have a renewed or newfound interest in the occult. Perhaps Plaid Earthworm regularly reads her horoscope or meditates. Now would be a good time to take this interest to the next level, in whatever form makes her comfortable. (Which she has, by consulting Miss Michele!)

This conference will not only mark a stage of professional growth, but spiritual growth, as well. The desired results are on their way. Miss Michele encourages you—don’t be afraid to exert yourself. You have the talent, you’ll make the connections… ask and ye shall receive.

The King of Pentacles in the spot of the third card, The Outcome, supports the Star’s assertions. Keep your eyes open for an older, fatherly-type editor, ready to hire you. This person may be blustery, changeable—a strong character—but you’ve impressed him!

Just remember, don’t sell yourself short on the money side just because someone is offering you a “dream project.” Or perhaps, dream projects—the King of Pentacles, corresponding with the Gemini astrology sign, indicates an ability to juggle multiple tasks and do two or more jobs at once. Financial security is important in the future, and it can be yours after this weekend.

Remember, the Tarot points to just one direction the future *may* take. You remain in charge of your destiny!

Readers, post your questions for Miss Michele in the Comments section of today’s post! *For entertainment purposes only*

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