From Future-Tarot Chat on March 10:
[easy] My question is about a holiday. My husband and I are planning a holiday, but he wants a short holiday and I want a long one. We are newly married but we didn’t have a proper honeymoon, so this is like another.
[Serenity Bly] Ok, easy, I’m not loving the look of these cards. I’ll probably draw a fourth, but lets explore these three first and see what comes up. In the past, we have the Five of Cups reversed. It indicates a sense of “rocky start” to the relationship you have with your husband. The lack of a true honeymoon had a lot to do with the sense of closeness (or lack thereof) you felt.
[easy] He works a lot, so I feel like a widow. I think he wants this holiday to mend how things are now.
[Serenity Bly] It’s possible you felt awkward in each other’s company, alone, and he chooses to find ways to avoid being alone with you because of his inability to feel open and communicate with you. The King of Swords feels like him. He’s a very dominant, focused person. He’s grounded and perhaps a little narrow-minded. He has a strong sense of what is right and just and true.
[easy] That sounds about right.
[Serenity Bly] He has trouble expressing himself clearly and finds it difficult to see from someone else’s perspective. In a way, this is affecting your holiday plans. He doesn’t like the sense of “idle time” or “wasted time.” The very idea of a holiday puts him on edge. It’s NOT relaxing to him and an extended holiday would stress him out. But he’s a kind man, easy, and he really does want what is good for you, so he’s looking for compromises.
[easy] He NEEDS a holiday
[Serenity Bly] Unfortunately, the Ten of Swords in the future looks like a can of worms. It definitely called for a clarification card which is The Hermit. The impression I get is “don’t try to force him to extend his vacation.” Enjoy the time you’ll have alone and let him return home without you. If you make an issue of his need to stay busy and not take a true break, it may lead to arguments and resentment.
[easy] This sounds like we need separate holidays.
[Serenity Bly] He doesn’t want to feel tied to your choices for him and he has a strong sense of responsibility to what he does in his everyday life. He doesn’t feel free to leave that for too long. And you shouldn’t push the issue. The Hermit shows that you’ll both benefit from the time apart, and even that, with you vacationing and him at home, will strengthen your relationship.
[easy] On a side then, is my being on holiday going to be a problem for him if he is only part of it?
[Serenity Bly] You’re both called to use your strengths. He’ll find it calming to be at home and knowing that you’re having fun and happy. When you return from vacation, you’ll be refreshed and warm from the relaxation, which will further benefit the relationship. Does that make sense? I don’t see it being a problem. To be honest, it sounds like he’s a little looking forward to a break from you. For him, being home without you is a holiday. It sounds terrible for newlyweds, but I feel like he is often treading very carefully around you. He knows YOU need the holiday and wants you to enjoy it, so I don’t see any issue with you extending your holiday beyond his.
[easy] Phew. Thank you.
[Serenity Bly] The Ten of Swords wants me to add something. “Too many questions” is the message. What it means is “he’s a man and really not that interested in details.” You know how women always want their grooms to help with all the little details? He doesn’t WANT to deal with all the little details of this trip. He doesn’t want to be questioned about every minute little thing. He’s NID, not into details. So, don’t put him with those or it could flare up that Ten of Swords. Use your own excitement. He’ll enjoy that energy.
[easy] Point taken. Thanks for letting me jump in ahead. I have to go to work now. Your site rocks.
We seem to have created a tradition where Miss Michele and I “get around” to giving each other our 12-month spreads at the close of March, beginning of April. Those first three months of each year are a mystery to us so we enjoy drawing three cards to see, “what was” along with the “what will be” of the following months.
The Strength card (reversed) in January, shows Miss Michele’s continuing journey of self-empowerment. Since May last year, Michele has been discovering her personal power to manipulate her environment, to manifest her desires, and to influence the world around her. What Miss Michele discovers in January is that her internal well-being is also influenced by her thoughts and emotions. This realization shifts her earlier paradigms and as the month unfolds she continues to learn how to harness the power of her thoughts and emotions to shape her inner and outer reality.
The Knight of Pentacles (reversed) appears in February, he heralds a developing friendship with a very business-minded person. The influence of this strengthening relation encourages Miss Michele in her own business endeavors, pushing her to consider new or greater goals. But, while the reversal of this card clearly defines the increasing mutual benefit of this friendship it also indicates a sense of insecurity. Miss Michele may be allowing fear to hold her back from reaching her true potential.
However, March brings a sense of freedom from the tension that developed in February and a strong focus on family. The Ten of Cups shows Miss Michele’s happy marriage, balanced partnership, and maternal instinct. There is a new depth and caring in her marriage and a the bond with her daughter is stronger than ever.
Another Knight, this one baring a cup, comes into the scene in April. Again, his reversal shows a sense of unwarranted restraint that invites Miss Michele to throw off the shackles of her insecurity and embrace the change the Knight brings with him. Don’t let “reality” hold you back from doing, having, or being what you most want. The knight encourages you to chase the things about which you feel most passionate. When you do, your glowing presence will affect the people you care about. An abundance of emotional and physical love will naturally follow.
May, the one year anniversary of your experiences with the Secret Abundance Files offers another leap forward in the development of your mental and spiritual beliefs. You’ll have the opportunity to take a course or receive personal coaching but it’s not going to be cheap. The expense of this opportunity will concern you but the experience will be worth every penny. Start saving now, so that you’re prepared and won’t feel financially burdened by the expense in May!
I feel like the Ten of Swords in June wants to assure you that you are not alone. Usually, the Ten of Swords is a rather foreboding card. There is a strong sense of overwhelm, abuse, and hurt in this card that can be scary to consider but there is a clear message that this card brings with it today, “champion”. If you look at the Ten of Swords in the Mythic Tarot Deck, the querent is the young person curled up on the floor. A wall of swords stands between that person and the malicious Medusa-women. But another figure, heralded by a rising sun stands ready to champion the fallen.
In June, you may feel defeated, fallen, but the Tarot reminds you that you are not alone. You and your causes are championed by someone who loves you very deeply. You can feel safe in that persons care and allow them to fight on your behalf while you recover and tend to your wounds.
The Wheel of Fortune turns and in July, the pain and worries that troubled you in June pass. The Wheel reminds us that this, too, is a part of your personal journey of growth and discovery. You come away from every experience stronger and wiser. Allow the universe to guide you in July and don’t fight against signs that are pointing you toward the best choices.
July’s Wheel of Fortune was a precursor for August’s Two of Swords. If you stubbornly refuse to follow the signs you’ll be faced with difficult choices and tension. The reversal on this card shows me that the tension involved is easily diffused but that YOU that must bend and change rather than expecting others to come to your point of view.
After a few rocky months, the King of Cups brings a highlight to the throne of your family. This card is pointing to your partner. In September, he will need your support and faith. A choice he makes may lead to rising pressure.
I get a strong sense of the water in this card rising, flooding. Beware of physical dangers involved with water this month. Be ready to rescue your partner but also know that the waters will recede and that he needs your love and support rather than you judgment, opinion, or reprimands at this time.
The Queen of Pentacles following the danger to your King of Cups may indicate a sense of role reversal. If your husband was injured in September you may find the weight of your financial responsibilities fall to you. Even if your partner is well you may have expenses, damage to property, etc. that requires you to increase your earning expectations this month. The Queen of Pentacles handles this, she’s capable and motivated. She rises to the occasion and “brings home the bacon”.
November calls forth your mastery of words and language. You’ll have the chance to use your communication skills to influence others and to portray a fair and informed point of view. This may be an opportunity to write an article or book about one of your “expert” topics or you may decide to promote and endorse a cause.
You may be concerned that the past months have led you in the wrong direction. You feel you have lost something that is dear to you. I feel, despite the cups in this card, December focuses on your career, your business. You may feel as if you’ve sacrificed your love and passion for financial security.
The reversal of this card reminds us that it’s never too late to change course. You can learn from and correct mistakes and reclaim what you have lost.
When we reflect on the experience 2010 has in store, a strong theme of “choices” emerges. As you learn how your personal thoughts and emotions influence your life you may feel a strong sense of regret for past choices. In the journey of the Fool, Judgment is the realization that you create your destiny with your thoughts and choices. This knowledge and understanding that comes with Judgment will play an important role in the year ahead.
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This is a year Chryselle’s youthful exuberance pays off in big ways. She’ll find fortune comes her way. Her biggest challenges will be in remaining true to herself. She may encounter a man, possibly a love interest, who wants to dominate her but should never let it happen.
In the latter half of this year, people attempting to deceive Chryselle will be a recurring theme. The events of last year really shook Chryselle’s trust and faith in people. However, the more she expects people to do wrong by her, the more mistrust, she attracts into her life. Your beliefs are proven true, until you begin to change that belief system. It’s hard when those we trust betray us. But the expression of “not letting a few bad apples spoil the bunch” is very true in this case. Chryselle, don’t let these brief dark spots put a damper on your year – overall, you can look forward to fun, celebrations and good times, with little struggle (and those struggles you do have will be minor, and self-made.) Don’t be afraid to take a chance this year; it will work out for you!
The year began with a change in your fortune from 2009. You may have experienced a windfall of money, or a new, fun opportunity.
You are feeling trapped by circumstances, as if there’s no way out. It could be this winter weather getting to you, too many commitments that you’re not enjoying, or an overall sense of restlessness (or all three.) This card shows a woman tied up, with a blindfold over her face, surrounded by eight swords that create a sort of prison. What’s holding you back?
These feelings pass with the arrival of the Empress in March… when you are learning to harness your feminine intuition, kindness and nurturing nature to create pleasant things around you. The focus is on creativity. You may have found work that is fulfilling. If you are in school, you’re taking classes that inspire you. Ideas run rampant – the key is to focus your energies. But after February’s stagnant feelings, you are moving forward.
This card represents a powerful male influence coming into your life. He may try to dominate; you’ll need to harness the inner strength of last month’s Empress to stand up against him. This is important, as, based on the cards surrounding it, this person could be a new love. I drew a clarification card, the Three of Wands, and it indicates that yes, this person is either a new love or perhaps a business partner. In either case, equality and balance are important in this relationship.
This Page supports the fact that the new person in April could slowly grow into a love interest. You approach this new relationship with vigor and enthusiasm. This also represents continued interest in creative endeavors. You are at a great age – the enthusiasm of youth, but also with wisdom beyond your years that you are just beginning to use. You’re developing greater self-confidence this year. In 2010, I see a young woman blossoming into adulthood, becoming more certain of her abilities, and a brilliant future beginning to fall into place!
June wedding? Maybe not for you, but it’s definitely a month of celebration. You may be a maid of honor or bridesmaid for a friend, and that suits you perfectly well at this stage of your life. You bring something special to every celebration you attend, whether it’s a wedding or just a small dinner party. You’ll look to hosting your own events this month, too. You are the consummate organizer, getting everyone together for that awesome beach trip, and packing the lunches for everyone, too!
Your talents, abilities and creativity pays off in July. You’re enjoying the summer to its fullest, with plenty of everything – sun, friends, money, fun! This Major Arcana symbolizes the fulfillment of everything you could possibly want in life and, for the moment, that’s exactly what you have. Don’t forget to take a few moments to be grateful for it all, to absorb it in silent (or vocal) appreciation. Truly, the better it gets, the better it gets!
It’s a powerful summer for you with these two Major Arcana cards in a row. Major Arcana symbolize important – often life-changing—events. Often, the Magician represents our own ability to use our special skills and talents to get what we want. The Magician is a master salesman, manipulator (in both the positive and negative sense), politician, and business success, with the creativity and intelligence to attract success. In this case, I believe you will encounter a very strong Magician type person. Just be sure this person doesn’t overpower your own strong personality or steal the spotlight. There’s more than enough for everyone; there’s no reason for you to shrink into the shadows just because someone else has come on the scene.
My intuition tells me September’s happenings have to do with that Magician. Remember I said the Magician is a Master Manipulator? You’re going to be getting plain old Bad Vibes about this guy. Trust your intuition. Remain on your guard and seek out positive, trustworthy people with which to spend your time.
Yes, another vacation may be in the cards for you… after summer’s celebration, you have another opportunity to enjoy sun, surf and sand. Take the opportunity – there’s absolutely no reason not to! You’ll find the getaway, however short it may be, will give you a boost in creativity and a second wind to face the impending winter.
Once again, you have to contend with factors you may not WANT to see… these people (I don’t know if there’s more than one) are still coming into your life – ones you can’t quite trust. I don’t think you’re fully rid of the Magician, or the King of Swords. You feel trapped. This card also indicates a need for balance… after all the partying, it’s time to focus on your goals.
The holidays have you worn out, plain and simple. On top of all the partying and the drama with other people, you’re ready to simply lie down and rest. That’s a good idea. The Four of Swords tells us if we don’t take a break, it will be forced on us. Say no – to social invitations, commitments, etc. — especially if you can’t come up with a compelling reason that you want to attend! Surround yourself with peaceful, spiritual people who have your best interests at heart.
With the New Year (and possibly new semester) it’s time to hunker down. The emphasis is on work and learning, possible internships, and action that will help you advance on your chosen career path. You’re ready for a mentor, and you’ll find one. After all, this reading shows the Universe gives you what you want.
This card typically indicates an amazing job offer. Things are once again moving quickly – what you learned in your Three of Pentacles time paid off. Don’t stop learning, even as you begin to profit from your skills.
The Page of Swords as our year overview shows you charging full-speed ahead into everything you do. This is a great attitude to have. Most times, it works out well for you!
The Tarot would warn, throughout 2010, to be aware of those “ups-and-downs.” Things are great, then, Crash! Only, the crash isn’t really as bad as you perceive it to be when you’re in the thick of it. Take the time to count your blessings when things are going well, and you’ll encounter more blessings. You are someone other people may consider “lucky.” But there’s really no such thing as luck. You create everything you receive, because you believe you deserve it. When you let self-doubt creep in or begin to take things for granted, that’s when you experience that emotional crash.
Stephanie is entering a phase of learning this year. She will be learning balance, discipline, money-making techniques and a stick-to-it-iveness that will serve her well throughout life. The Six of Pentacles in the year’s theme, while not a Major Arcana, Stephanie’s victories will be small but significant. Think: one step at a time.
A powerful man is a strong influencer, or perhaps it is a woman with male-dominant traits who figures prominently. This person is Stephanie’s inspiration as well as her drill sergeant, who gives her the strength and energy to keep going when she’d just rather not.
The person referenced above makes his first appearance in June, ruling with a bit of an iron fist, sword poised not so much for battle as to let Stephanie know it is there. The King of Swords will poke her with it if appropriate, if only to get her moving “for her own good.”
And move Stephanie does, straight into good things. The Wheel of Fortune heralds an unexpected windfall of time, money and energy puts Stephanie on the path toward what she wants to accomplish.
This card indicates a journey of learning, honing a craft or skill into profits. It may also indicate a business endeavor with others, where the other person takes the lead in many areas. Just because Stephanie is behind the scenes, however, does not mean her contribution is inconsequential. To the contrary, the Three of Pentacles shows she is learning all she can, absorbing like a sponge, so she can take over.
This card indicates the fruition of that which was begun. Sometimes called the “Happy Family” card, the Ten of Pentacles is a Minor Arcana version of the Wheel of Fortune, which we saw earlier in the year. Hard work has paid off and profits are flowing in.
After a season of success, Stephanie is pulling back to re-evaluate her goals and ambitions. It may be time for a complete change of focus, or perhaps just a rest. Based on the cards surrounding this Major Arcana, The Hermit, too many people are counting on you for you to stay away long.
It’s a young man! Or woman! With a great idea!
Miss Michele’s tongue-in-cheek exclamation points reflect the Page of Swords’ enthusiasm. There is no room for pessimism or naysayers here. Change is in the air, and it’s all for the better. Perhaps a new business idea, or a new direction for the existing business. Either way, this youngsters enthusiasm (and when we say youngster here at Future-Tarot, we mean the young at heart) will lift Stephanie out of October’s doldrums and won’t take no for an answer.
Here’s that strong male influence again, only he’s softened around the edges this time. The King of Wandssees the progress Stephanie has made and he’s willing to step back and gently guide her this time around.
This card, more than any other in the reading, represents Stephanie and her evolution over the past six months. She went from being a person easily led down whatever path others saw as best for her, to stepping up to be a queen in her own right, ruling with that sword. Miss Michele’s only warning would be to not lose touch of the softness that makes her uniquely Stephanie. Strength is good, so long as it’s tempered by tenderness. The Queen of Swords is sharp and shrewd, but it’s wise to remember she doesn’t know everything – yet.
Just as Stephanie steps into her own, The World is waiting for her. Quite literally, February sees the culmination of everything she has worked so hard for in 2009. With her business going strong, it’s time to sit back, relax, and await the next challenge.
And, as always, life moves in cycles and the change of seasons brings the start of a new cycle. The Two of Swords reflects a need for balance and factors Stephanie may not have considered in the past. For instance, with this reading for the last half of 2009 so filled with Swords and Pentacles, there wasn’t much time for romance, tenderness or even fun. What areas of her life was Stephanie neglecting and how can she make room for them?
The Chariot holds the answer, as this Major Arcana predicts a journey. The journey is literal in this case, as well as figurative. Stephanie seeks direction – a cosmic and spiritual GPS if you will – to tell her what’s next in her life. A clarification card, the Four of Pentacles, provides that direction. Now that the Universe has been so kind as to grant your wishes, it’s time to let go a bit. You can afford to be generous – with your time, money and emotions. Take The Chariot, enjoy your vacation, let all your worries drift away… and tip generously. The Universe has plenty more where that came from.
May brings a time when Stephanie wants to reinvent herself once again her trip brought new perspective, but she came home to a perhaps unwelcome surprise. Like the phoenix rising out of the ashes – that’s the preferred analogy for The Tower Major Arcana – everything will only be stronger with the rebuilding. She may come home from her trip to startling news, a home break-in, or simply changes beyond her imagination.
The emphasis is on balance, learning and, above all, fairness. Her karmic lesson for the year, shown in the Six of Pentacles is to think more about others than about herself and, from that, good things will come.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.