Future Tarot     -     Tarot Chat: Wednesday 9.30pm EST

It was lovely reading for Susie, who has the energy of a vibrant young lady in a learning and transition stage of her life. The next 12 months bring adversity but Susie stands up to it all with a powerful inner strength to come out achieving her dreams. Miss Michele relied on her go-to deck, Hanson-Roberts, for this reading.

August: Temperance: Susie is in a learning period, where she is learning balance, caring, sharing and equality. She’s undergoing a major life change – which may have actually prompted her desire for a tarot reading. She is on the right path with the steps she is taking, and will reap the rewards in September.

September: Four of Rods: Miss Michele is getting a strong vibe of a powerful romantic relationship, and possibly even an engagement in September, represented by the Four of Rods. The Knight of Pentacles as a clarification card, supports this notion. Knights bring a change in status, and this one shows that, moving into the future, Essie will be well-protected, financially-stable and in a much more mature partnership than any she’s experienced in the past.

October: Seven of Swords: Someone may not be straightforward with Susie. Her best bet is to walk away from those she can’t trust. It could be Susie, in fact, who is simply not acting like herself. Has the stress of wedding planning permitted Bridezilla to emerge, or are there other stressors in Susie’s life causing her to act out of character?

November:The Magician: The Magician indicates learning to manipulate your surroundings to your advantage. Susie is growing, and again, learning how to best influence people. When the Bridezilla act fails (and I’m using Bridezilla as a metaphor – it could be any situation in which Susie simply wants her way and doesn’t want to hear the other side), she uses diplomacy to her advantage. Susie may also be learning a new skill to advance her career.

December:Eight of Rods: The Eight of Rods frequently heralds a new job, purchase of a home, or other significant event. Actions move swiftly, leaving Susie with little time to think before she gets exactly what she hoped for. This card also signifies the whirlwind nature of the holidays; Susie will be able to accomplish everything she takes on, with none of that dreaded holiday burn-out.

January: The Tower: The new year brings a Tower moment for Susie, when everything she knows seemingly comes crashing down around her. It’s important to remember, in times like this, that the old guard *must* fall away to make room for new, better opportunities. When one door closes, a window opens — and all those other clichés! Miss Michele also hopes that, with warning that this situation is coming, Susie will have a better chance of handling it. After all, bad things are no fun, but it’s even worse when you’re blindsided. This card could also indicate a complete change in Susie’s thought processes, the next level of her growth. There’s no reason to dread the new year.

February: Five of Cups: January’s “Tower moment” leaves Susie feeling emotionally empty, depressed and distraught. She feels lonely and unsure where to turn. But she’ll get through it.

March: Strength: In March, Susie finds the strength to face everything the Universe has tossed at her in the past few months. She pushes through and comes out a stronger woman for the experience. Miss Michele loves this card, the pure love of the woman petting the lion. The woman in the card gets her strength through unconditional love, a true spiritual and metaphysical acceptance of everything in the world. Hang in there, Susie, you are the woman in the card and you can do it all!

April: Six of Pentacles: April finds Susie feeling stronger and more sure-footed. She’s receiving the rewards she has deserved for her hard work and persistence. Now, she finds it extremely important to be just and fair in her dealings with others. Her fortune will be doled out to those who deserve it.

May: Nine of Pentacles: After such a rough new year, May brings Essie greater fortune and more confidence. Susie is beginning to get in touch even more with her feminine side. Pregnancy may be on her mind, which is supported by the Empress, the overview card for this 12-month time period. Logically placed following the Six of Pentacles, the Nine of Pentacles is a card of “reaping what you sow,” and the Universe owes Susie some very good things.

June: The Lovers: This card often indicates a choice. In this case, however, it indicates a true (and very deep) love relationship. It’s the honeymoon before the wedding. It’s romance and roses. It supports the “fertility” cards in this spread indicating a move toward procreation.

July: Three of Cups: The Three of Cups, like the earlier Four of Cups, can indicate a celebration or a wedding. Miss Michele is reading this card very literally and exactly in that way. If Susie isn’t a June bride, July may be the month.

Overview: The Empress: One of several “fertility cards” in the deck and in this spread, the emphasis this year is not only on Susie actually bearing a child, but also on her building and growing her own world and her family. It’s so inspiring and fun to read about a young woman in this stage of her life.

That Tower card seems extremely out of place in the beginning of 2010 but, not surprisingly, Susie uses her strength, intelligence and all she has learned in the six months prior to overcome the surprising news of change.

Cards: Two cups, three pentacles, two rods, 6 major arcane – The preponderance of Major Arcana show an extremely significant transition year for Susie

Miss Michele and Serenity Bly wish her all the best and hopes she will check back and let us know how the next 12 months are going.

The first to jump in on our March of Dimes Fundraiser, Future-tarot querent Helen requests a C-for-Career Spread and writes:

I want to play with “the big boys”. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. We just went through a major reorganization, at least I have my job. I have two bosses now. I used to feel important, but now it seems as if I’m at the bottom, and kinda like a secretary for my new boss. I never minded doing the grunt work of my job, but I no longer have authority/power.

Is it worth working my butt off? I have great ideas, can put together projects, but I feel “why should I?”. And most of all, I miss my travel budget. I used to travel quite a bit. I think I’ve been grounded. There’s a conference coming up, one of my favorites, I’ve started working on a project that would get me there (no cost to the company) but it would probably go to my boss and not me (he likes attention). 

Miss Michele drew a six-card C-for-Career Spread to provide Helen with career guidance.

You are a strong and intelligent woman with excellent instincts, which will serve you well in business. You know “something isn’t quite right” in your current business – and the cards confirm that your suspicions are, unfortunately, correct.

However, that’s the beautiful thing about Tarot. By being aware of our situation and our possible future, we put ourselves in a better position to change our destinies.

The cards –

Your past experience in your career: The Fool: This card shows the beginning of your career, when you were a fresh-faced newbie, eager to please. What you lacked in knowledge you made up for in enthusiasm. Your can-do attitude paid off, as you quickly advanced up your chosen career path. You are so close to “playing with the big boys” you can almost taste it. Even in your current, less desirable situation, you maintain your positive attitude and this will serve you well.

Your current experience at your job: The Five of Rods: Miss Michele wasn’t very surprised, based on the details you supplied, to see the Five of Rods show up in this position. This card is telling us your instincts are correct. The Five of Rods indicates a battle; egos are involved. You feel forced to stoop to the level of your bosses, to play office politics, but that’s not your style. Stand your ground, like the brave boy on this card fighting off the masses, and you will win — although it may not be the victory you desire. The other option is to refuse to play their game.

What you want from a job: The Nine of Swords: The Nightmare Card, showing up in this spot seems an odd one, as the last thing you would want in a job is problems, problems and more problems.

Instead, this card is showing that your situation has gotten so bad, that what you want at this time is for your worst fears not to materialize. I sense confusion in the woman in this card. She sits up in bed, back of hand pressed against her forehead, unsure where to turn or what to do. However, things are coming to a head, as they always do when the number 9 is present… the worst is nearly over. Right now, you simply aren’t sure what you want.

I drew a clarification card in this spot – if you don’t know, maybe the Tarot does! The Eight of Rods seems to imply a change is in order – and rapidly! This card often represents new opportunities, coming at you faster than the speed of light.

What you need from a job: The Five of Swords: Your needs in a job, right now, again, show us more of what you actually don’t need. The victor in this card represents your boss—he’s standing with the spoils of war, but two figures in the background are sneaking away with the best of what he could have. In other words, leaving your boss for a position which will earn you respect, a true chance to shine, may be the answer.

What you have to offer your employer/your greatest strengths: the Knight of Swords: Your greatest strength is exemplified in the great, ambitious Knight of Swords. Fearless, he charges ahead, knowing he’s prepared for whatever may come!

Possible future experience in your career: The Four of Rods, also shows a bright future for you once you make the decision to make that change. The Four of Rods specifically represents a celebration, but also a new partnership. You will advance to a place where you are treated as an equal partner and given opportunities.

Miss Michele remembers her days of business travel, and there’s always a party to attend. This card in the future, too, shows that you will attend the conference as you wish, but it may not be with your current firm.

While the Knight of Swords represents swift change, don’t be too hasty. The Four of Rods always comes into play following the careful planning of the Three of Rods. Polish off that resume, do some social networking, and spread the word (subtly and quietly) that you are looking for a promotion. If your bosses are smart, they will keep you and treat you the way you deserve. But either way, brighter days await.

We are excited with Helen’s reading and would love the opportunity to answer your Tarot questions too. Please, if you are thinking of ordering a reading, do so now! Ordering before July 31st, 2009 will support a fantastic cause as all proceeds this month are being forwarded to March of Dimes.

Finally, Miss Michele is live on RadioXShow this week. Tune in to find out more about our March of Dimes Fundraiser, call the show for a free live three-card reading, or listen to the show at RadioXShow.com Wednesday night, July 29, from around 11:00 PM.

With travel agents and exotic ideas filling her mind, Stephanie wanted to know what she might expect during her two week cruise through exotic waters and how spending those two weeks ship bound with her oldest daughter might affect their relationship. We drew a Celtic Cross Spread to find out what was in store for Stephanie.

The Three of Cups, the heart of the matter, shows your upcoming holiday with your daughter as a period of growth, an opportunity for you to explore your relationship together and, also, quite literally, just a time of celebration and fun. There’s nothing to worry about in that regard. You will have a good time.

Forces crossing you, in this case, forces working in your favor, shows up in the Nine of Pentacles… The purity of the mother/daughter relationship will be very strong, where your daughter will look to you as her female role model and mentor, and you will have the opportunity to give her what she needs. To plant the seeds that will help her solve her life’s problems and grow as a woman.

The past influences are showing in the third card, the Five of Rods. In the past, you’ve had battles of wills with your daughter. You never fully trusted each other, and there were patterns of trying to “one up” each other. This is your fear this time around, but it should not manifest as long as you keep your awareness of your role as the Nine of Pentacles mother-figure in your mind.

Influences passing out of existence are shown in the King of Rods. This trip, being “just the girls” will actually allow you personal growth, away from your husband. You will re-establish your own sense of independence and your daughter will be happy to see you not only acting on your own, but leading the way. You have the opportunity to temper this leadership with your feminine caring and softness and bring it back to your everyday life. This trip has the potential to change many areas of your life if you grasp the opportunity, which leads us to the fifth card in this spread.

The King of Cups “crowns” you, showing your goals, options and the possibilities that lie ahead. Maintain that sense of responsibility, tempering it with your feminine guidance and abilities as a good listener to maintain the energy of the trip and the strong relationship with your daughter that manifested on this trip.

The Three of Rods sits before you, showing, quite literally, the trip you’re taking, but, much more than that, the possibilities in front of you—both to explore your own independence and to strengthen your relationship with your daughter. Expect deep, potentially life-changing conversations along with fun memories on this trip, incidents you will laugh about for years into the future. Miss Michele loves this card, as it shows a man standing on the seashore, looking out onto the horizon, in awe of the possibilities in front of him, packed, and eager to embark on his journey, both practical and spiritual. This is also a card of detail, so be keenly aware of things like remembering your passport, tickets, following signs so you won’t get lost, confirming reservations, etc. There’s no bad cards in this spread that show hassles on this journey, but the Three of Rods is a well-prepared traveler.

The seventh card, The Chariot, is used to describe yourself and your state of mind. You’ve been looking forward to this journey for a long time. It’s been a major focus of your life and you want to make the most of it.

In the eighth position, the Eight of Rods, shows your environment and those around you. Things are moving rapidly, change is happening. Expect an element of adventure on the trip… be aware not to overextend yourself. Balance fun and activity with relaxation and self-exploration.

In the Ninth Position, the Seven of Cups shows your dreams, hopes and expectations about this relationship. The Seven of Cups is, literally, the daydream card… *nothing* is impossible on this trip! Dream of doing something wild and crazy? Go for it. Sit on the beach all day sipping margaritas? Do that. The world is your playground and nothing is out of reach. This card works with the Eight of Rods to show you will stretch your personal boundaries and try things you’ve always imagined but never had the gumption to do. Your daughter will experience this growth right along with you!

The Four of Swords in the tenth position shows what will come with this trip, and it holds a warning… for starters, you may return tired, possibly ill (nothing serious). Here is where the Three of Rods’ warning comes into play, as well. Don’t neglect the details of taking care of yourself, rest when you need it, balance fun with relaxation to emerge refreshed.

In reference to your relationship with your daughter… there will be a struggle to maintain all you’ve learned together on your trip when the stress and busy-ness of everyday life returns for both of you. Sit back, relax, and bring yourself back mentally to the mind-frame of the trip… remember that whenever things get challenging and you and your daughter fall back into your old behavioral patterns. This trip has the potential to change your lives, but you have to be open to that possibility and allow it to.

Keeping strong reminders of the trip—photographs, a scrapbook, special, wacky souvenirs—will help you maintain perspective.

We have another request for an L-for-Love Spread for Laura–a different Laura this time, Miss Michele should note.

Laura wants to know her future prospects for romance and how she can encourage love into her life.

Overview: A glimpse at the six cards in Laura‘s L-for-Love Spread show a woman who wants a relationship, but is focused more on the practical aspects of “being in a relationship” than on sharing love with someone. Laura, open your heart and what you want will fall into place.

A preponderance of Pentacles and Wands in a love spread show us that either her mind is elsewhere and now is not the time for love, or she views relationships as simply another “thing on her to-do list,” as in Find Career: Check, Find Boyfriend: Check, Get Married…

If love is what you truly want, Laura, we encourage you to open your heart to the many wonderful things romance has to offer.

Serenity Bly comments on the lack of Cups, as well: The lack of ANY cups in this reading has me feeling that you’re not ready to focus on relationships. You’re in a strong creative mode and might be craving family because of it but could find more balance turning your creativity into a new project. And don’t forget, love often finds you when you stop looking.

Your past experience in love: Three of Pentacles: You’re coming at relationships as “work,” and that is understandable based on your past experience. Dating and romance has never been easy for you, and, as a practical person, you approach romance pragmatically, as well. You may have had relationships in the past where it was never easy—and no, love is not easy, you do have to work for it, but it doesn’t always have to be a challenge, either.

Your current experience in love: Eight of Wands. In your current relationship, things are moving rapidly… too fast for your practical mind to accept, and it’s scary. Slow down a bit. You have time. (I say this with no hint at your age… whatever age you are, there is still (always) time!

What you want from a love relationship: Six of Pentacles Again. The practical aspects of your personality are coming out in your needs for a love relationship. You want a husband, father and, above all else, a provider. You want stability.

What you need from a love relationship: Three of Rods: Issues and conflict occurs when what we think we want, what we are seeking, and what we NEED differ. You need something fresh, and someone who will be a ‘life partner’ for you, nurturing your creativity. You need someone intelligent, strong, and who will complement you in every way.

Serenity Bly adds: Laura, your best course of action is to let go of your expectations and accept what comes into your life without judging it too soon.

What you have to give your lover: Two of Pentacles Laura, you are a well-balanced, strong woman who is adept and keeping many balls in the air. As a head of household, you will keep things running smoothly and give your lover a “safe haven.”

But the lack of Cups in this reading leads Miss Michele to remind you not to forget about passion. Embrace the fire shown in the Eight of Rods. Let your lover take you to new places, take chances, embrace love.

Possible future experience in love: King of Pentacles: The outcome card tells us you are on the right path… you will settle down with the man who complements you in every way, who is a strong leader, father figure and steady provider. Just be careful not to be dominated by this powerful “king”—you are a strong woman yourself and have plenty to offer in a relationship/partnership.

Serenity Bly adds: Regarding the King of Pentacles: While you might be looking for a man who is well off, settled into his career and comfortable/confident in his life, try to relax the hunt. You have nothing to worry about, whoever comes into your life will be the person you need and sometimes ‘looking’ for it blinds you to the qualities you don’t know you need in a man. Sometimes the beer goggles come into play and you may be fooled into seeing something in a date that isn’t really there. For example, if you’re looking for someone who lives in a trick apartment you’ll find someone who lives in a trick apartment, but you WON’T see the double mortgage and the gambling debts.

Open up your mind to the idea of loving, giving, FIRST. Being open and unconditional in your expectations brings your energy to the level where positive, healthy relationships can come in and return that love.

Miss Michele would like to start off this morning by stating how *thrilled* she is to read for Amy Mullis, the Erma Bombeck of the 21st Century. If you’re a woman between the ages of, oh, about 20 to 200, you’ll love Mind Over Mullis. Amy’s personal essays have also appeared in Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover’s Soul and on the Christian Science Monitor web site.

Knowing Amy’s penchant for turning her own life into humor and inspiration, Miss Michele is hardly surprised about a possible entanglement between Amy’s professional and personal lives. She suspects, by the tone of Amy’s question, that this entanglement goes a bit deeper than talking about her son sharing the same ranking as Hannibal Lector on a personality test.

Amy writes:
I’m worried about an entanglement and possible collision between my professional life, my personal life, and my writing career. The decisions I make in the next few days will set the course for what could be a benchmark year or a big, smelly mess. Also, I’m cheap. So, please start me off with a freebie, and perhaps we can tell if I need to delve deeper to get out of this tangled mess without serious damage to life and limb (mine or anybody else’s). Thanks! AmyDoodle

Since this is Amy’s first reading–and as a thank you for keeping us all entertained over at Mind Over Mullis–Miss Michele is going for a bit extra with a free five-card reading for Amy. Let’s see what the cards have to say about Amy’s predicament.

The card in the past, The High Priestess, gives us insight into Amy’s character. An intuitive woman, she has searched her subconscious for answers on whether or not to proceed with this project. She has laid the foundation to proceed, studying and learning her craft, but past experience forces her to hesitate.

The present card, The Hermit, shows that Amy is still deep in an introspective phase and this is right where she needs to be now. Amy will receive advice from a variety of well-meaning sources, but a dear, old friend from her past comes along with good advice. Listen to this individual, but, most importantly, listen to your heart. The cycle is in the final stages before its culmination. You will be forced to make a move shortly.

Dual swords show up in the Hidden Influences and Advice spots: The Five of Swords tells us that if Amy pursues her desires, she may come out ahead, but it could be an empty victory. She will achieve financial and career success but hurt those close to her.

This is not Amy’s fault, however! Those close to her are acting out of jealousy and spite. Deceitful, hurtful influences make this worse than it has to be. It’s not as big a deal as they are making it out to be. Unfortunately, Amy can’t control the behavior of other people, only herself, but there are influences trying to control her and her career decisions.

Through the Page of Swords, the Tarot advises Amy to outsmart these negative influences. She will have to act quickly. After the period of introspection, things will move rapidly. Amy is prepared to sign papers, but the tarot advises her to read them carefully and make sure it is absolutely what she wants. Amy should continue to be on guard against malicious individuals who spread rumors and want to see her fail. The project may be delayed, but that is as it should be.

When things get going, the final outcome will be the project, perhaps in a slightly different form, coming to fruition and leading to great, unprecedented success for Amy. Yes, a landmark year to be sure. The Eight of Rods indicates job opportunities, great success, recognition–even fame. This does not have to come at the price of hurting those close to you, as long as you weigh all your options. Once things are in motion, they will move rapidly.

Miss Michele will even go out on a limb with a time frame and say that this will manifest within the next two to three months.