Future Tarot

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.

A year later it is wonderful to welcome back, Maisy, with another 12-Month Spread. Maisy’s husband and his strength figures *very* prominently for her this year. Her over-riding theme for the year is the King of Cups, and this is definitely Maisy’s husband; her protector, watching over her with love and kindness, but also strict when he needs to be about certain situations.

I feel like deception is a major force in Maisy’s life… I pointed this out last year, and I’m wondering, now, if it’s not self-deception in some way. The Five of Swords, Eight of Cups and The Moon all show up in this reading at different times, and they all *can* indicate deception, subterfuge or holding back the truth. (Maybe not intentional deceit, but concealing the truth.) I wonder if there’s someone in Maisy’s life who keeps returning – or even a “type” of client she keeps encountering – who is less than trustworthy? If not, it’s quite possible that Maisy has been concealing the truth from herself in a certain matter.

The Four of Pentacles, which was last year’s theme, shows himself in December, too. That’s the time of year when we should be most giving and generous, but Maisy may feel as if she does not have enough and so clings tightly to what she does have.

There’s no over-riding emphasis on any of the suites. We have two swords, three cups, two rods, one pentacle and five major arcana—another big year with lots of ups and downs, but a lot less emphasis on business and finance. Is Maisy undergoing fertility treatments? Certain cards in this spread, including the wands and swords, lead me to believe that may be the case. She has many cards showing transitions through a cycle – fours, fives, sixes and sevens. But The Magician in July shows the start of something big.

Okay, month-by-month:

June: Knight of Swords

Springtime brings the Knight of Swords, a card heralding rapid change. Maisy is jumping head-first into a project and I think that project may be what sparked her to get this tarot reading. As the flowers bloom and the Earth undergoes re-birth, Maisy is enacting change. She is not contemplating it, she is charging forward headfirst.

July: The Magician

This card, represented by the Number 1 and showing the start of a cycle, shows that Maisy’s “go for it” attitude in June has paid off. Now she is learning to use her talents to get what she wants and manipulate forces to her advantage. If this Magician indicates the decision to undergo fertility treatments, it could be successful.

August: Seven of Cups

This card, coupled with a fertility card (the Moon) in September *could* indicate a pregnancy. I’m not getting a strong feeling of that, though, and the cards nine months down the line don’t correspond. I suggest Maisy keep it in the back of her mind as a possibility. The Seven of Cups is the daydream card … the sky’s the limit for Maisy’s imagination. This card also sometimes indicates a spacey feeling, where she is in a surreal state (sometimes common in pregnancy). It could also indicate a period of planning for a business or any other aspect of life, and that’s what I am getting here. Maisy is having fun imagining all the possibilities ahead of her. Some people may call her a dreamer, but that’s okay. Let them laugh. Maisy knows what she is doing.

September: The Moon

This card indicates many things – self-deception, fertility, feminine intuition. I’ll take “door number 3” in this case. Maisy’s feminine intuition is just so strong, nothing can hold her back. It’s a good thing that Maisy’s husband, the King of Cups keeps her somewhat grounded in reality. The Moon and king together make a great partnership!

October: Six of Rods

As Autumn approaches, the Six of Rods indicates reaping your harvest. Known as the Victory card, the Six of Rods in the Hanson-Roberts deck shows a man on a horse and his younger sidekick riding off into the blazing sun, victorious, his bags full with the spoils of war. You’ve done it! Something tells me Maisy is on a spiritual voyage and this card marks a huge milestone for her in personal growth and development.

November: Wheel of Fortune

With victory comes good fortune, shown by the Major Arcana Wheel of Fortune in November. After the mid-year struggles, everything has fallen into place. Maisy, be generous with your wins.

December: Four of Pentacles

This greedy little gentleman in December, holding tight to his pentacles so no one steals them, knows plenitude but not true abundance. Abundance means having so much that you’re not afraid to let it go – you know the Universe has more to deliver your way. The Four of Pentacles often serves as a reminder, “give and you will receive; stop keeping score.” For Maisy, this could apply to money, gifts or even her time and energy. The holidays always seem stressful. Take a deep breath, act as if you have all the time in the world – and you will, Maisy!

January: Eight of Cups

This card indicates that Maisy is nearing the end of her spiritual journey, but is afraid to let it go. She has learned all she needs to in this cycle and winter 2010 is the time to reinvent herself completely. With the Eight of Cups, Maisy has learned to stop lying to herself—or purged the people from her life who have been lying to her, now it is time to move on because better things await.

February: Death

This card strongly reinforces the Eight of Cups. In fact, as the Number 8 Major Arcana, it is simply the Eight of Cups in its strongest incarnation. The Death card demands you to let go of a situation that isn’t working… step forward. Maisy must do this, to pave way for much better things. (Didn’t I say that already?) Seriously, this winter, get ready to let go – perhaps kicking and screaming – to old beliefs, people, tasks, places… whatever isn’t working for you, Maisy, get rid of it.

March: Four of Rods

The Four of Rods provides great incentive to listen to the tarot’s advice to let go. This card indicates a happy celebration. A birth. The purchase of a home. A wedding, anniversary, party.

April: Five of Swords

Miss Michele had trouble reconciling this card with the rest of the reading… earlier in the year, it would have made sense, as it represents Maisy still clinging tightly to things – material or beliefs. The only thing I can say is that she has taken a few steps forward, and now she is taking one back. This is the storm AFTER the calm, if you will. The Five of Swords may also indicate empty victory – Maisy thought she had achieved all she wanted, and now discovers there are other paths to conquer.

May: The Chariot

You’ll do it… when Maisy sets her mind to it, things will move rapidly and she will regain the spiritual and emotional ground she lost – and then some. The Chariot also indicates a much-needed journey, a change of scenery. It might indicate an actual trip, or another change of mind that puts Maisy in a different “place,” so to speak.

Again, the King of Cups as the over-riding theme is Maisy’s anchor, her sanity, in a year characterized by many emotional ups and downs and personal growth. Maisy, you will not be the same person in May 2010 as you are today, but you will like – ACCEPT – the new “you” much better.

Teri writes:

Dear Miss Michele: I’d like some insight into the themes I will be
working with in my love life. Specifically, I’d like some insight into the chance of reuniting with an old love (2006 old!). Thank you.

Past experience in love: Two of Wands: Referring specifically to your old love, this partnership worked well and you thought it would have longevity. Then one of you moved away and the distance was too much to bear. You had to make the painful decision of separating.

Current experience in love: King of Cups: Now, you view this past lover, once again, as your ideal mate. In fact, no other person has lived up to the standards you set. He is kind, loving, thoughtful—your ideal pair in every way. However, you currently have a sense of security in your life you could lose if you pursue your past lover. You feel a reconciliation may not be “a sure thing.”

What you want from a love relationship: Queen of Pentacles: This card of fertility and growth shows you are seeking a steady, committed “grown-up” relationship—a home and family. You want someone who will bring out the best in you, both your nurturing side and your fierce intelligence.

What you need from a love relationship: Ace of Swords: Again, supporting the fact that an intellectual match is even more important than a physical or romantic match, the Ace of Swords shows you need an equal partner in life. The double-edged sword foretells a “new beginning,” albeit with an old flame.

What you have to offer in a relationship: 6 of Swords: You can offer a sense of adventure. Paired with the Two of Wands, Miss Michele wants to interpret this card—showing a traveler rowing a boat toward shore—quite literally. You are now willing to travel, even relocate, to be with this person.

Possible future experience: 6 of Pentacles: Yet another six in this reading  shows your desire to settle down. Six is also a number representing choice; you are at a crossroads. To try again or not?

With no Major Arcanas in this reading, the decision lies entirely in your hands, Teri. That may not be what you want to hear, as you are clearly torn about the matter, but if you pursue this relationship it should give you what you need… but it may take time.

The wealth of Pentacles in this romance reading tells Miss Michele that you value platonic friendship – a true cerebral and well-grounded connection – with a lover over lust and romance. You are ready for a mature love.

Serenity Bly adds: The King of Cups is more how Teri views her past love, not necessarily how he really is. The Ace and the Two, which are “young” cards, represent him, and he’s not quite ready for the commitment she’s dreaming of.  If she wants him, she’ll have to be patient.

The Tarot cautions Teri to beware of rose-tinted visions of the past. It is important that she look at WHY they didn’t work in the past and if anything has changed.

* Miss Michele used the Robin Wood Tarot Deck for this reading, with intuitive insight from Serenity Bly. *

Each week, we offer free tarot readings and talk all things tarot at The Echo of One, a site dedicated to the exploration of spiritual topics with open-minded acceptance.

I love doing readings with Miss Michele which makes our Wednesday Tarot Chat all the more exciting. Our energy keys together and we develop a synergy that enhances both our abilities to connect with the cards and the querient. Below is a transcript from a recent Wednesday Tarot Chat.

Bexg asked: “My husband is trying to start his own business, do you see that being successful?”

[MissMichele] I’m using the Hanson-Roberts Deck for now. Wow… (sidenote, I love how visual this deck is…) Three is heading off into a new venture, and you have two of those in this reading, which is propitious. The three cards (because Serenity doesn’t like to wait, LOL) are King of Cups, Three of Rods, and Three of Pentacles. To cut to the chase, because this card is just screaming to me, he’s going to have a lot to learn. That is shown by the three of Pentacles.

[SerenityBly] mmm very nice cards. It shows a young business that is finding its feet.

[MissMichele] He may want to take a course to bone up in areas he’s not familiar with, as there are many aspects related to running a business, not all of which may be his expertise, but overall, things look very very good. What prompted him to start the business is a strong desire to help people, and you can’t argue with those motives. (Shown in the King of Cups). He will bring gentle leadership and… genuineness… to the business. He’s very trustworthy and that will work to his benefit.

[MissMichele] It is important to note, with three minor arcana, the success of the business depends ENTIRELY on him. He’s going about this the right way. In the near future, the Three of Rods shows him writing a business plan, lining up capital… doing everything with a solid plan and foundation.

[SerenityBly] He’s invested emotionally in this business and I think it’s wonderful that you’re showing support, Bexg. He’ll need your support because it means a lot to him that he makes this a success. With all business it’s going to be a challenging road but I really do think he has great footings, a firm foundation, and the commitment to this to make it work.

[MissMichele] I feel like he left his corporate job/day job because the people there were less than scrupulous and also he was overworked, doing too much. He couldn’t trust people. But he hasn’t let that sour him, just means he has learned to dot his is and cross his ts better.

[BEXG] hasn’t quite left his day job yet but that’s next on the horizon

[MissMichele] What he has to do is not let his need for perfection delay him… planning is good, but he needs to take that step toward action. I don’t see a lot of “action” in this reading, and that will be the next step. He’s in the VERY early stages, but he shouldn’t procrastinate. Take long enough to do things right, learn what he needs to learn, but then make a move!

[BEXG] I agree, I keep telling him that.

[SerenityBly] He’s probably very aware of the impact his choices will have on you, his family. As a King of Cups he’s very home oriented and will worry about this kind of choice because it risks your security. Make sure he knows you support his choices. See what you can do to make things feel more stable for him. Help him bouy up that courage with your faith in his abilities.

[MissMichele] EXACTLY what Serenity said and he’s concerned about making the move because of how it will affect you, and others. The King of Cups is caring and thinking about others, in this case, almost to a fault.

[BEXG] YES I agree totally

[SerenityBly] Certainly to the detriment of his own happiness if he feels his loved ones needs don’t mesh with his own. So, he’s really going to need your support. He has the tools to build on the foundations he already has in place. He’s got room to grow but he has to take those steps, begin instead of holding back.

[BEXG] YES

[MissMichele] What Serenity said before about Strength… The Three of Pentacles felt “unfinished” to me, so I drew another card… Strength. He needs the COURAGE to move. And you need to give him that. (Serenity is more true psychic than I and sees the themes emerge and the cards before I even draw them.)

[SerenityBly] *blushes*

[MissMichele] In the imagery on the Hanson-Roberts Deck, Strength, is a woman stroking a lion, with the infinity symbol over her head. The female counterpart to the Magician. ANYTHING is possible for your husband, WITH you by his side.

[MissMichele] Any additional questions Bexg?

[BEXG] Can I ask you about our home, do you see us living here for long, changing houses, or even changing countries where we live?

[MissMichele] Ace of Pentacles… (Serenity requested one card on that…) And that would definitely signify a new beginning.

[SerenityBly] Wow, ok, NOT the card I was expecting. I was getting set to say, I doubt you’ll be moving, your King of Cups is steady, he likes where he’s at. But that ace says there is definitely a new beginning on the horizon. So a move is entirely possible. And given how firm a new beginning it is it will be a big one.

[MissMichele] I’m seeing that’s part of it… the NEED for a move and to move forward in the business. King of Cups doesn’t *want* to move, but it’s best–for the business, for him and for you, Bexg.

[BEXG] Super, thanks guys.

I hope you’ll join us 10am EST this week!