Future Tarot

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.

In a recent Wednesday evening chat, FatesLady wanted to know: I found out my brother is going to do something nice for me and I’d like to ask the tarot how I may return the favor.

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[Serenity Bly] In the past we see The High Priestess. I feel she represents YOU and who your brother sees you as. To him you’re organized, together, you know what you want and you fight for what you believe in. This gift is his way of acknowledging you for being a beacon to him. You’ve shown him a way of existing and he strives to “be more like you.” [Serenity Bly is reading with the Mythic Tarot.]

[FatesLady] Thank you. He does look up to me a lot, and he thinks I really do have it all together, even when I tell him different.

[Serenity Bly] In the present we see the Ace of Swords. Originally, the card would represent a new perspective, new insights, and a new way of seeing. But I feel like this is less about how you see the world or even how your brother sees you or you see him, but a new beginning within your relationship…

[FatesLady] That could be. This may be the first thing that he’s EVER done for me that cost more than $5. It was a big expense, and it was totally unprompted.

[Serenity Bly] There’s a new depth to your communication and connection. You’ve been given an opportunity to really get to know each other better. Ah, there is the connection — it’s the space to really see into each others lives.

[FatesLady] It was also a “knight in shining armor” moment, a new thing for him, which could be why it’s an Ace.

[Serenity Bly] Perhaps something has shifted for either of you. I feel like he is “coming of age” so to speak and you’re able to connect with each other on an adult level that wasn’t there before. As for what you can do for him: we come up with two cards, the King of Wands reversed and the Ace of Cups. My initial instinct when I drew the cards was that you can’t GIVE him someTHING, but someONE. There is a person within your own circle of friends or aquaintances. I feel like he is male, or at least a masculine energy, and you have the power to introduce him to your brother for their mutual benefit.

[Miss Michele] I sense a tangible change in their relationship. Almost like cutting old ties. I feel as if she may be helping to introduce him to the King of Wands within himself. A little of both — this new person is helping him to release his playful nature, too.

[FatesLady] I’m not sure who that could be referring to… I think he’s met almost all of my friends before

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* Ok, well I was going to say nothing, but I have this little tickle that wants to ask, “Is he gay and single?” This feels like setting up a blind date. I don’t know about that and I normally would keep my mouth shut… because, I mean, come on, who can really pick out that sort of thing across oceans? But it FEELS like a playful energy, light, touching, warm, and loving.

[FatesLady] Hehe. He thinks he’s straight, but I am 99% sure that he is at least bi. He has a gay best friend and they call each other “boyfriends” but there’s nothing sexual there at this time.

[Miss Michele] Serenity you are GOOD! My gay-dar doesnt even work across a room, much less the world!

[Serenity Bly] Perhaps that is simply what this relationship is about, discovering a new sense of joy and playfulness.

[FatesLady] I think perhaps what I need to do is be there for him as he discovers that part of himself. It might be saying that things will develop for him soon

[Serenity Bly] Well then go with that. You may know a young man who would be a wonderful friend for your brother. It mightn’t feel as significant as giving a remarkable gift but I honestly thing it’s a better gift than anything you could buy him. Give him the space to explore that potential, the warmth, love, and commitment. He might be afraid of alienation and this is an opportunity to create a stronger bond for your sibling relationship and give him the freedom to discover himself.

[FatesLady] I did my own reading earlier that said I needed to be there for him, but I had no idea WHY. Guess that hits that.

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.

June: King of Swords

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.”

July: Wheel of Fortune

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.

August: Three of Pentacles

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.

September: Ten of Pentacles

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.

October: The Hermit

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.

November: Page of Swords

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.

December: King of Wands

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.

January: Queen of Swords

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.

February: The World

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.

March: Two of Swords

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?

April: The Chariot and Four of Pentacles

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: The Tower

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.

Theme: Six of Pentacles

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.

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.

I have to say that the Celtic Cross in my favorite spread. Miss Michele loves giving the six card readings but I broke my teeth on these meatier ten card readings and feel a real sense of journey from cards 1 through 10. When Teri asked, “How can I get closer to living my everyday life (job mostly) in a more fulfilling way?“, I thought the Celtic Cross was exactly the kind of spread to shed light on the issue. Lets see what they share with Teri.

The Significator: Knight of Cups
Teri’s life to this point has been an emotional journey, she has come a long way on a hard road and knows that the path continues ahead.

Crossing Card: King of Wands
I get the feeling, this King, while normally a very positive herald of new ideas, indicates a lack of focus. With so many ideas, new projects, and shifting interests it can be hard to give time or mind to any one aspect long enough to make significant progress.

Crowning Card: The Chariot
When I see The Chariot I often think of it as a fork in the road. Teri is at a point where life presents two choices but both create an inner conflict and confusion. Neither is a better or worse choice but remaining at the crossroads is not an option either.

Base of the Matter: Queen of Wands
What Teri cannot see about the choice above is the Queen of Wands who sits in command of her kingdom. The Queen is a warm, considerate, and creative woman, full of life and heart. She often heralds a time of personal growth and is a supportive influence in the near future of which Teri may not yet be aware.

Past Influences: Ace of Pentacles
The past shows a sudden influx of finance perhaps through a legacy or sale of material goods. The windfall is short lived but often comes when most needed.

Forthcoming Influences: Nine of Wands
It has been a challenging few months but there are calm waters just beyond this final hurdle. The Nine of Wands reminds me of the ultimate call of hope. When we are at the edge of reason, exhaustion wearies our features, and life has become weightier than we feel we can bare hope tides us through the final battle. Teri must gather her resources and know that things are about to get a whole lot easier.

Where One Finds Oneself: Seven of Swords
Because of the tough path behind her, Teri has set up barriers to her inner being that wards off those around her. In the past these defenses have served her cause but courage calls for Teri to let down her guard a little, to welcome the Queen of Wands into her heart. It is in taking a chance on others that she will flourish in the future.

View of Others: The Emperor
I suspect in large part because of the barriers Teri has built around her heart those around Teri often think of her as standoffish, high and mighty, even arrogant. What they believe and what is true are rarely the same thing but be careful of keeping apart from others. The Emperor is a powerful being, he wields lightening bolts and shapes the world, but also leads a relatively solitary life that may not give Teri the happiness she is looking for.

Hopes and Fears: The High Priestess
After the earlier cards The High Priestess in this position is rather interesting. In standard divination she is a spiritual being, deeply focused on the occult, seeing beyond the physical world into the heavens. She has a gentle nature and a central order to the way things should be done. I get the feeling that in this position she indicates a fear of structure, order, rules, and restrictions or perhaps an inner need for such things.

Final Outcome: Five of Pentacles
To find a greater fulfillment in life Teri may, ultimately, have to give up what she currently has. Teri, make a sacrifice of your current beliefs or securities rather than clinging to the little you have now. It is easy to feel we have too little and need to horde for the ‘rainy day’. The Five of Pentacles often shows a very real sense of walking away from what you’ve accomplished so far, of giving up what little you have. In a sense, you may need to begin again, to accomplish what you desire.