Future Tarot

[Jen.N] This one’s a perennial that crops up from time to time. The timing never seems to be right, though. Work and/or relocation.

[Miss Michelle] As in leaving your job and relocating?

[Jen.N] Stress is getting to me again. I know it’s because I let it. More than the actual work, though, it’s more … too much togetherness and bringing emotional junk to work. My coworker (an aunt) is annoyed with her husband and brings it to work. Grandma and her husband both work for us. They are always bringing junk with them. I find myself not caring and wanting a major change.

[Miss Michelle] Very interesting cards… you ARE reaching the end of a cycle; you’re getting to the point where you’re throwing your hands up and saying enough is enough.

[Jen.N] Very much so.

[Miss Michelle] The Nine of Wands in the past shows you felt mastery of the situation, previously. You really thought you had this under control, settled, and were celebrating, albeit cautiously. He’s the victory card, but on some level you were waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[Jen.N] That’s pretty accurate. lol. Things had really been going well work-wise.

[Miss Michelle] It was as if you were saying “yay” while looking around, like “Um, Yay, right?”

[Jen.N] Oh so VERY true. lol

[Miss Michelle] I’ve always had that same problem Jen, I can relate.

[Jen.N] I always get a sense of… “Am I coming back this time or not?” when I go out of state for an extended time.

[Miss Michelle] But in the present to near future, the Judgement card  shows you actually assessing your situation. You’re passing judgement on others but also taking inventory, as it were, of your own life. If you’re still doing Secret Abundance Files, this makes even more sense.

[Jen.N] I’ve been looking realistically at job possibilities.

[Miss Michelle] Lessons three and eight are all about judgement of yourself.

[Jen.N] Yes, I’m still doing SAF.

[Miss Michelle] Which chapter?

[Jen.N] Finished the original course, actually. Starting again with chapter one this week because I really feel like I need to do it again.

[Miss Michelle] With the tools you’ve learned — and I do this myself too — you’re having less tolerance for other people’s bull.

[Jen.N] …and being more vocal about it, which probably isn’t a good thing in this particular setting.

[Miss Michelle] That comes partly with increased self-confidence and partly from just KNOWING our own potential now… and seeing untapped potential in others. YES! Well… It is a good thing if you make it work for you. Ha–the Angel on the judgement card is literally–blowing her own horn. So basically, you are (finally) judging yourself favorably while judging others poorly. Never saw that element of the card before, but it’s very obvious in this case. And with that… the scales are going to tip so you will MAKE that judgement. Now, I’d love to say it will be easy…

[Jen.N] In this setting, true. I typically work at not judging anyone in a negative light.

[Serenity Bly] The trouble with using “Judgement” in that way is that it’s like telling an alcoholic they need help. You can’t help them until they come to that realization for themselves, telling them, judging their way of life and the people they are only serves to damage relationships. You have to accept loved ones, faults and all, and, when they ARE ready to change, THEN step in with answers for them.

[Miss Michelle] Or–in the case of co-workers, simply not accept them. You have the power to manifest them out of your lives at this point.

[Jen.N] I don’t try to change anyone. Especially after last July.

[Serenity Bly] Co-workers ARE family in this case, thus part of the difficulty. But I remember past readings recommended a change of job too.

[Jen.N] Yeah. In this case, coworkers are literally family: aunt, grandma, step-grandfather, cousin, and mom.

[Miss Michelle] Yes… I was going to say, I’d love to say the road will be easy, but whatever you choose, you have your work cut out for you. I’m reminded of Robert Frost, “miles to go before I sleep.”

[Serenity Bly] And the Ten of Wands gives a clear sense of feeling “trapped” here. I get the impression that the ten shows that even if you change jobs you can’t change your family. You’ll STILL have to deal with their “issues”.

[Jen.N] Yeah. I do. I definitely feel trapped. And if I don’t work with them, it’s easier to handle their issues. I know that one from past experience.

[Miss Michelle] I agree with that. Also, if you do strike off on your own, it will be MORE work than you’ve ever dreamed possible. I would say, don’t just “take another job.” It’s TIME to follow your passion. And whatever you’re doing, don’t PERCEIVE it as work. Perceive it as a love and passion, and bring the same enthusiasm you do for your writing and teaching to whatever you decide to do to pay the bills.  I have a friend who, even when she’s doing fun things, phrases it as, “I have to….” I swear, the girl would say in a whiny voice, “I have to go to Disneyworld this week.” LOL

[Jen.N] “I have to” for fun? That should be “I want to” or “I am…”

[Miss Michelle] Yes… and I’m not saying you’re like that.

[Serenity Bly] There is no such thing as “have to.” Choose to, or choose not to.

[Miss Michelle] Yes. AND, if you’re CHOOSING to do something, you may as well enjoy it.

[Jen.N] Very true.

[Miss Michele] My point is actually that, whatever you CHOOSE to do, approach it with the “I want to…” attitude. Also make sure it fits into your 5-year plan and helps you move toward your goal.

[Serenity Bly] Anything you “choose” to do, you choose to do because NOT doing it is worse than doing it.

[Miss Michelle] I think I can honestly say, this time, the timing IS right.

[Jen.N] That would be such a good thing!

[Miss Michelle] Trudge out of there.

[Jen.N] Lately, I’ve been viewing all the transcription as research for writing since I tend to be so fond of throwing everything I can at my characters.

[Serenity Bly] Do you enjoy doing transcription Jen? Because that’s a job you could Freelance. If you wanted to do transcription for OTHER people.

[Jen.N] Actually, no. Not medical anyway. I have a USB pedal so I could accept digital files now if anyone could/would send them.

[Miss Michelle] Well, you know, Jen… too… the cards don’t set the time. YOU DO. It’s time when YOU decide it’s time. You now have that power.

[Serenity Bly] You might find taking on other types of transcription jobs, and editing jobs (where you’re rewriting transcripts) could give you more for your characters. And it wouldn’t all be medical.

[Jen.N] True, on all counts. And it would be a filler/standby until the creativity coaching/consulting and other things in the works takes off.

[Serenity Bly] You could even approach people so that you get transcription work on topics you WANT to know more about. Imagine, for example, being the one who transcribes writer’s conferences and workshops.

[Jen.N] That would be pretty cool.

[Serenity Bly] Yes, and since you’d be freelancing you could give it as much or as little time as you need to make ends meet while you build your creativity coaching business.

[Jen.N] I’m getting a handle on that side of things. I just haven’t been sure about the timing of it all.

[Serenity Bly] But, decide what it is you WANT to do, then manifest that into your life. If things are coming to a head then it’s time.

Sometimes love is meant to be. And sometimes it is hard work. Have you ever felt the potential for something more in a close friendship? Maribel needed to know how to harness the power of her new feelings for a man she has known a long time; but how do you change a friendship into more without risking the loss of something dear?

Your Present Self – The Chariot

This card indicates the journey of self-discovery you were on when you met Karl. It also shows your connection to him. The Major Arcana indicates the significance of the event, and the Chariot indicates a vision for the future that you both shared. This card also represents conflicting emotions from both of you – to move forward or to stand still – that is the question you both asked.

The Crossing Card – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is, on its surface, an odd card to see in the position of “what blocks you.” I’m getting a sense that you were rushing things in the relationship – not outwardly, but your mind had things moving much faster than they really were. This card typically indicates a union, a marriage, a celebration… On the one hand, you were enjoying the friendship as it was – lighthearted and romantic. On the other, you wanted to rush forward into a deeper commitment. He sensed this and may not have been ready for it. Additionally, the bevy of three girls on this card tells me you may have been facing peer pressure to move the relationship forward faster than it should have been going.

The Crowning Card – The Two of Swords

The Two of Swords, showing a young lady, two swords in her crossed arms, blindfolded, is the perfect card to represent what you see… because, in reality, there are factors about this relationship you are refusing to see, even though you know them deep inside. You ask if perhaps his feelings were your imagination. Not imagination, per se, but certainly you feel more deeply for him than he feels for you. A good relationship needs balance… and the Two of Swords indicates a desire for (but lack of) balance in this relationship.

You stated in your question that when you try to contact him to discuss the situation, “Probably he misunderstands my honest intentions, and he does not give me a chance to explain.” This is exactly right… what he is seeing is intense desire, rather than your actual desire to pursue a strong friendship and see where it leads. It’s very hard for you to keep those below-the-surface romantic feelings hidden.

Aspects You Cannot See – Ace of Pentacles

This position in a Celtic Cross Spread is often called the Base of the Matter. Here, we get to the heart of the problem. He sees you as a friend. The Ace of Pentacles is a card of platonic relationships, business, practicality. The distance between you is a huge sticking point in his mind. It’s nearly pointless to pursue a relationship when you are so far apart.

However, the Ace of Pentacles does represent, as all Aces do, beginnings. There is hope here for a strong friendship, that will blossom like the beautiful white flowers on this card in the Hanson-Roberts tarot deck.

Influences That Are Ending – Ace of Swords

More good news comes in the Ace of Swords. His coldness is passing. He’s beginning to release the intellectual arguments that say it’s pointless to even speak to you, since nothing practical can come of it. He will realize how his words have cut like a knife and hurt you – and he will realize it’s not logical to hurt a friend.

Influences That Are Beginning – Judgment

As he reaches out to you, you will be judging him. Determining if, after the way he’s hurt you, he deserves forgiveness. Likewise, he will be judging your motives. Can you really “settle” for a friendly relationship without pushing (or hinting) for something more? Judgment will fall in favor of both of you.

Attitudes You Need To Change – The Moon

I felt as if this card, The Moon (another Major Arcana, indicating a significant message) supported my intuitive instincts about this reading. Where the Moon appears, self-deception may be involved. You may have misread his original signals. However, the cards following this one indicate his feelings may change in the future into more romantic feelings. Be patient and allow it to happen on its own.

Serenity Bly adds: “With the Moon I get a sense that you might be sending mixed signals to yourself, and therefore to others. It can be confusing to others to have a sense of shifting beneath the surface, one aspect draws them in while another pushes them away, like the tides. You may need to take time to find an inner balance and harmony so that you can lower your defenses, present a unified self to others, and strip away any misleading masks you wear.”

Miss Michelle adds to this: Inner balance is a huge theme in this reading, also represented by Judgement and the Two of Swords. Embrace the powerful Queen of Pentacles within yourself, the woman in control. Both you and Karl seem to be pushing and pulling, but you can set the example here and show certainty and confidence in your friendship.

How Others See You – King of Wands

This card sometimes indicates how others see you, but it can also indicate another person’s point of view or expectations for a situation. Since you asked specifically about Karl’s thoughts and feelings, the Tarot is answering your question with this card, as well as with the earlier Ace of Pentacles. Like the Ace of Pentacles, the King of Wands is practical, yet this practicality is tempered with loving kindness. Right now, Karl feels very warmly to you, but the passion isn’t there. For that reason, he’s putting up walls around his emotions, to avoid disappointment for himself or for you if things do not turn out as you both hope they could be.

There’s the irony of the situation – he wants a relationship with you, yet is afraid of it, afraid of being hurt and afraid it won’t turn into what he wants it to be so he’s running away and avoiding the situation – thereby insuring it won’t be what he wants!

Your Hopes and Fears – The Sun

Again, this Major Arcana shows us the importance you are placing on Karl and on this relationship. Your dreams are for a happy family with him or, at the very least, a return to the passion you first felt in the relationship. The reverse of this, of course, is also true—you wonder, if not Karl, then who? You fear being alone.

Potential Outcome – Queen of Pentacles

This beautiful card, a symbol of fertility, feminine power, love, potential, as well as practicality promises a favorable outcome. This card takes the Ace of Pentacles to its logical conclusion – you and Karl would form a perfect partnership – you already have the solid friendship, the physical attraction is there… all that’s lacking is the realization of what you two could have – and the confidence in yourself to make it happen.

Inside, you ARE the Queen of Pentacles – powerful, strong, wise, loving and competent. But you must first embrace these traits in yourself – and exhibit them to the outside world – before others (including Karl) will see them in you. When you do, the Queen of Pentacles will make the perfect counterpart to his King of Rods. Focus on yourself and the other pieces will fall into place.

Serenity Bly wonders if she should break her first come first served rule to let Vinnie get the first shot at the cards since she’s brand new to Tarot Chat.

[Vinnie] are you doing readings?

[MoonlitKim] Doesn’t bother me any!

[Jen] Me neither. I’m basically here to hang out & chat between readings.

[Serenity Bly] That is if you wanted a free 3-card reading. We can just talk about it instead but most of the time we do readings.

[Vinnie] Awesome! I would love a free 3-card.

[Serenity Bly] Great, do you have anything in particular you’d like to ask?

[Vinnie] I am looking on info on a move.

[Serenity Bly] Ok, Vinnie asks about Moving… In the past, the Six of Swords indicates that you’ve either recently moved or have experienced a move in the past that was a bit of a whirlwind affair, chaos that took time to settle.

[Vinnie] I’ve just recently moved in the past two weeks and am staying with friends for now.

[Serenity Bly] I feel like this recent move was a “necessity” rather than a choice to move. And your self-esteem took a hit.

[Vinnie] Yes.

[Serenity Bly] The present situation, indicated by Judgment, seems to point to a continuing struggle. Whatever pushed you out of your former home has made it very difficult to find something new and you’re having to deal with the repercussions of past mistakes.

[Vinnie] I am trying to decide if I should move to New Mexico. I do not want to stay in Arizona.

[Serenity Bly] Because of the Pentacles in the future I’m guessing it’s financial, either you’ve recently declared bankruptcy, been foreclosed, or had your credit rating significantly messed with. You’re needing to downgrade and struggling to find an acceptable alternative to what you had in the past. It’s a hard pill to swallow. The Five of Pentacles in the future does show you making a choice to walk away from what is left of your security. Given the energy I’m getting from this card the odds are you will move to New Mexico, you’ll feel a little lost and out of your depth there. You won’t have the friends and support you’ve got at the moment but you’ll have room to begin again.

[Vinnie] I am on social security right now the choice would be to go back to work or restart my reading practice self employed. I have friends in New Mexico.

[Serenity Bly] I drew a clarifying card because I didn’t like the dearth the Five left us with. It was room to grow but it comes from letting go of what you already have. The Knight of Wands appears to give you direction. Use the fire and energy you have for a creative project. Going into business for yourself can be a very powerful move for you. I’m drawn back to Judgment for a moment, in the present he reminds you to get your ducks in a row. Get all the legal details sorted, do everything by the book, get organized before you begin, write lists, etc. It sounds like you can feel good about making a leap, taking a risk, Vinnie. It will pay off.

[Vinnie] Okay. Well I have been self employed before. As a psychic. I went back to school, got a degree and worked in Social services with kids. I do not want to go back to work in that arena again. I do not mind doing readings again. I like helping people. Arizona is just not the place to be. So am looking at other places.

[Serenity Bly] The wands shows you doing something you LOVE, Vinnie. The words, “do not mind”, don’t have the passion to fire up the knight. Look more closely for something you can truly love doing. You’ll find it lifts your spirits and gives you the courage you need to face the unknown.

[Vinnie] Thanks.

[Serenity Bly] My pleasure. BTW, for anyone who doesn’t know, you can check out our site http://www.future-tarot.com. You can even join our mailing list, like Jen did the other day. And she saved money on her 12-Month Spread because of it.

* 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

The 2009/2010 year will be a busy one for Dawn. Ultimately, there is balance within her focus but, as is so often the case, balance is rarely found in a single moment. Balance tends to be seen in hindsight or from a distance. The coming months will be a mixture of excitement and hard work with the new year offering an emotional start to 2010 and an opportunity to grow and learn. Lets look more closely at what the year ahead has in store for Dawn.

June: The Fool

June heralds a new beginning, a brand new venture, or a new youth and energy to your existing projects. I feel like you’ve opened your eyes to a new way of living and rediscovered the joy that can be found in each simple breath. The Fool is young and exuberant. He rushes blindly, taking risks, and is just beginning his journey. Like the Fool, Dawn has had the opportunity to begin again and to approach life with a fresh, untarnished perspective.

July: Judgment

With inside knowledge I have a strong impression that this card foretells the successful financial and legal settlement of Dawn’s new home. Judgment often implies dealing with paperwork and the finer details involved in closing a deal. In some ways it is an end to one process but as one ends a new adventure begins.

August: Five of Swords

After two highly charged months, August brings forced reflection, pause, and confusion with the Five of Swords. You’ll be facing daunting choices and may find that you’re not in a position to know which option is the best. Adjusting to the recent changes in your life is going to be a greater challenge then you expected and you may feel like you’ve lost power and momentum as you’re forced to reestablish balance and security.

September: Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles in September shows that you’ll soon find your feet, rebuilding your home and family around you. The knight begins establishing a more permanent place in the world and brings his skills to the fore creating an environment that suits his needs and those of his loved ones.

October: King of Pentacles

You’ve done everything right and will reap the rewards of your earlier planning and careful consideration. The King of Pentacles is blessed with all he desires in the material world and in October you’ll be in a position to truly appreciate your situation in life. October may introduce a positive influence who will be a role model or guide you want to emulate for continued success.

November: Three of Wands

In November you’ll again begin looking ahead at all there is still to do. The Three of Wands reminds you that you’ve completed one stage of the grander project but it is not time to rest upon your laurels. More work is ahead of you but you have the knowledge and the inspiration to flourish.

December: King of Swords

When I first picked up this card he came out on his head but I got the sense that this King of Swords is a masculine influence that will come into your life. Coming in December he could be Santa Claus, or perhaps, he simply brings the gift of new knowledge and an opportunity to learn. He may even be offering you the chance to teach what you already know but more likely is a teacher himself who brings you new understanding.

January: Five of Wands and Ten of Wands

The mix of these two wands is interesting. January brings with it a challenge that will spark your passions and bring out your fighting spirit. There is no way you’ll let this latest hurdle frighten you. The Five of Wands shows you making strategic battle plans but the Ten of Wands leaves you feeling deflated. After the excitement and adrenaline of conquest the prize is less than you expected.

February: Eight of Pentacles

And so, you take your Eight of Pentacles back to the work station, returning to what you know best. You’ve done well in the past and have solid skills that give you success in business. February may feel repetitive but the solidity of steady work you are familiar with is exactly what you need after the chaos January presented.

March: Five of Cups

For ten months you’ve been focused primarily on home and business. You’ve been clear-headed and professional, facing down any challenge with determination and reveling in your success with dignity and calm. The Five of Cups in March shows emotional upset that could be related to the tragic loss of a cherished relationship. This separation leaves you grieving for what you once had and the turmoil of emotion will linger through the months ahead.

April: Knight of Swords

The supportive encouragement of a friend, The Knight of Swords, gives you strength to charge onward through the melancholy of March and into April. This friend may make life a little unruly but the chaos and disruption keep your mind busy. Ultimately, this friend’s purpose is to shake you out of a rut and bring change and action back into your life.

May: Seven of Cups

May finds you quietly seeking guidance and advice. You’ll find yourself reflecting on past choices and reevaluating the direction you’ve taken with an eye to future happiness. The Seven of Cups asks you to listen carefully and head the warnings and direction you’ll be given at this time.

June/Outcome: Queen of Wands

I felt a need to draw another card making this 12-Month Spread actually 13 months. This final card brings us full circle which allows me to draw on the strongly positive and empowered influences of this Queen of Wands who has come through stronger, inspired, and empowered from the last few challenging months. She is you, Dawn, embodied in confidence and in command of her environment. Her message is clear, you’re a beautiful and intelligent woman who has the inner strength to face any of life’s challenges. Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and all you are today whenever you feel daunted by the future.

A few months ago I asked the lovely Miss Michele to do my 2009, 12-Month Spread. I’ve had Miss Michele do these spreads for me a couple of times now and am always amazed in hindsight at how accurately they reflect the year’s activities. Looking back at April, May, and June 2009 I have to admit this reading is coming up with almost spooky accuracy. I just couldn’t resist sharing my reading with you.

In a long overdue 12-month, 13-card spread for my partner Serenity Bly (it’s the old shoemaker’s children situation!) Miss Michele has discovered that April 2009 is Serenity’s month to conquer the World. Whether that “world” is a video game, the blogosphere or some other endeavor, time will tell. But even better things are to come!

Overview: 2009 will be/is a year of learning and profit, during which time Serenity’s worst fears will be the stuff nightmares are made of. However, fearing and worrying is a waste of time as the worst will not materialize. (Ah, it so rarely does!) Serenity Bly takes time this year to learn how to manipulate her environment and hone her skills. She is studying, with an emphasis on the occult (well, go figure!) to get what she has a right to financially. (Don’t worry, dear readers, we’re not raising our rates here at Future-Tarot.) Serenity’s biggest worry will be working too hard. The word “possibilities” is literally whispering to Miss Michele during this reading.

April: The World

As already stated, April will present Serenity Bly with The World at her fingertips. Possibilities are ripe for, well, anything.

May: The Magician

By May, Serenity learns how to manipulate her environment and use the tools at her disposal to conquer the World, which presented itself in April. Although The Magician in Miss Michele’s preferred deck, Hanson-Roberts, is a man, Miss Michele detects a feminine energy in this card. It represents none other than the querent, who will use her intuition, intelligence and technical skills to keep her business going strong.

June: Seven of Pentacles

June brings additional emphasis on business and financial possibilities. With the Seven of Pentacles, she will begin to reap the rewards of several newly-launched passive income businesses and affiliate marketing Web sites, and will be afforded the opportunity to sit back and watch them grow. Just as things are taking off, now, she may consider a change of direction, as well.

July: King of Pentacles and Three of Swords

The King of Pentacles and Three of Swords stuck together during this reading to appear in July, leaving Miss Michele to draw one conclusion: a man will break Serenity’s heart. It will be someone she views as a mentor—perhaps even someone she meets in the business world. While it may not be a romantic encounter, the end result of a broken heart will sting as much as a love lost.

August: The Star

In August, The Star appears reminding Serenity of the power and strength of her intuition. There is a strong emphasis on the occult and, once again, great possibilities in front of her.

September: Six of Cups

The Six of Cups represents a joyful past. Serenity begins considering what she did right – in business and romance – in the past and begins longing for the way things were. What can she do to bring back elements of a happier time?

October: Eight of Pentacles

2009, for Serenity, is characterized by periods of learning and growth, followed by time to relax and enjoy those rewards. This continues with the Eight of Pentacles in October, when she may take a course or class, which will help grow her business further.

November: Judgment

And again, in November, she will rest to reap the rewards, this time characterized by the major arcane Judgment. She will be judged favorably by peers and may receive a cash settlement, related to real estate, an outstanding lawsuit, or money owed from a client.

December: Page of Swords

The Page of Swords comes bearing a message, and once again, the emphasis is on matters of business, learning and financial success. Serenity works hard to increase her intellect, but fears it is not enough. Pessimism rears its ugly head… the phrase for this hot Australian summer is: “This too shall pass.”

January: Ten of Swords

It all gets to be a bit too much come January, with the Ten of Swords heralding a forced rest. Two pages in the spread, along with the star and King of Pentacles may foretell of a pregnancy and, if that’s the case, there may be forced bed-rest in January. Otherwise an illness, or perhaps just sheer exhaustion, will force Serenity into a phase of withdrawal. She may feel as if all she wants to do is surrender to the Universe. Remember, Serenity, your state of mind is your worst enemy. Rely on your friends and support network to get you through… Change is around the corner!

February: Knight of Pentacles

Knights herald change, so the Knight of Pentacles reveals yet another change in financial status—once again, for the better. (Ah, the life of a freelancer.) Serenity’s health issues pass without serious incident, placing her in a position to face whatever the Universe will throw at her next. Perseverance and hard work prevail.

March: Page of Cups

The Page of Cups in March 2010 marks a birth… a literal (albeit slightly premature?) birth of a child, or birth of yet another business? The emphasis is on creative energy and growth—and exactly what Serenity needs at this point in her life.

Serenity, Miss Michele has tossed a lot at you in this spread. Please follow-up and let me know if you’d like clarification on any points.