Concentrating on the flip of the cards, I make mental notes of the colors, the facial expressions, the attitude of the ones the Universe has chosen fit to show me as I start a new project. Tarot embraces the creative side of seekers, showing us we have unlimited sources for our inspirations. How you choose to express it is as individual as a reading and as unique as the querent. Painting? Writing? Music? All are within the creative scope of Tarot; how can we turn this energy from a reading to a manifestation of art?
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
Our brave reader, Plaid Earthworm, asks:
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*