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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Last month, RadioXShow listener, Beth asked:
Is he going to be happy, now that he’s given up his chance to be here with me?
In the past, the Six of Pentacles shows this young man has had to ask for what he wants from life. He has lived a life around dependency, needs, and security outside of himself. Being at the mercy of what others will lower themselves to grant him has taken a tole on his emotional sense of self and it took a great deal of courage to step away, to step out on his own.
The Ace of Cups in the present indicates his starting again. New opportunities are on the horizon and his personal relationships are given opportunity to flourish having let go of old ties. He is starting fresh and making a way for himself. Joined with the Four of Pentacles reversed I see this as a very young, immature man, almost a boy. He is developing emotional skills for the first time.
He is learning how to love and be loved and while this is scary those skills are building into a foundation that takes him into the future, the Knight of Cups. The months ahead are an emotional journey. It is almost like a quest. He carries with him his emotional cups, looking for sources from which to fill them.
Ultimately, I sense that while he is feeling a little lost and insecure at the moment, this change in his life is leading him toward greater growth and personal development. He will come out stronger, happier, and more in control of the person he wants to become.
Don’t forget, Tarot Chat, presented by The Echo of One is at an all new time 9.30pm EST each Wednesday. Join us for free three card Tarot readings and discussion. Then tune in from 11pm EST this Wednesday, the 23rd of September as Miss Michele joins John on the RadioXShow offering free live three card readings.

Sometimes making choices that are in your families best interest isn’t as straight-forward as one might originally believe. At one of our recent Future-Tarot Live Chat Sessions, our good friend and host at The Echo of One, Mysti, was faced with just such a choice. To stay with a job that was demanding more of her time than originally promised or to spend more time with her children…
As a mother, I know how difficult it can be to weigh up considerations like income and me-time with the needs of two small children and Mysti’s decision could influence her life in so many ways. What advice would the Tarot offer for this difficult question?
[Mysti] Am I making the right choice in this job.
[Serenity Bly] *ponders* Interesting, lots of introspection, thinking, choices, right now especially. You’re examining your options, carefully and I feel like that’s the right way to go about it. Six of Cups in the past. Four of Swords in the present. Knight of Cups in the future.
[Mysti] I’m struggling with this as the agreement made when I took the job isn’t being upheld. One person has made changes and I can’t adjust my schedule.
[Miss Michele] YES… you’re WISHING it could have been differently, back to what it was before.
[Serenity Bly] You’ve had to seriously consider your… I want to say ‘moral’… outlook. You want to be true to what you believe is right and good and you’ve embraced that, letting things happen as they will but really wearing your heart when it comes to your decisions.
[Mysti] Given the situation in our home with J, it is a very emotional decision to make.
[Serenity Bly] The cups is very much your focus being on your family and wanting to keep that for yourself. You got into it because it was something you could bend around your families needs, not the other way around. The four of swords brings you to the point where you’re looking at your options.
[Mysti] My time is truly more valuable at home with the kids than in a paycheck. That’s exactly it!
[Miss Michele] About the cups–was just going to say exactly that! I think it also indicates a need for rest. So family first, decisions second & family in the future. Step back and look at what is lacking in your life and how you can best fill that void.
[Serenity Bly] And just from the vibe I’m getting from you and the knight of cups odds are you’re going to choose to walk away from the swords and really return your focus back to the family. But that doesn’t really mean giving up an income. The knight isn’t all on the home front. He’s in transition, on the move, making choices that will bring the family to a firmer ground.
[Mysti] You’re right about the income thing.
[Serenity Bly] It’s time now to look at what the best choices are for your family, where do they need you most. Can you make this job work around that? Because the swords shows that you really do have the chance now to turn things to your favor. If what their asking you to do doesn’t suit what you need to be doing, negotiate. These minor arcana puts everything in your hands.
[Mysti] So I’m very much on the right path in the choice I will make. I just need to prepare everything so that it’s an easy transition with full instruction. As it was stated, there would be no room to negotiate. And I absolutely cannot spend 8-10 hours in the office in one day. Especially not with all that’s going on, and that’s okay.
[Serenity Bly] With today’s technology 8-10 hours in an office is a waste of time. Get them a copy of Tim Ferriss’ book, The Four-Hour Work Week. If they gave you 2 hours in the office you’d get as much done as you would in 8. Tighter deadlines often lead to increased productivity. And everything else you don’t have to do IN the office.
[Mysti] Considering what I do and their fear of any info getting out about the business they won’t work out an arrangement like that. I can’t do billing at home and payroll must be done in office. It’s really ridiculous!! But that’s my boss for ya. lol
[Serenity Bly] What kind of environment is the office? If it’s closed (not public), and clean, you could always set up the kids to come into the office with you.
[Mysti] I did that… On Monday afternoon and it was HELL. There ended up being all the kids that work on the crew in the office… DOGS in the office… I was going WTH!
[Serenity Bly] *raises eyebrow* Wow, sounds like a nightmare.
[Mysti] I’m going to carry through with my plan for the week then. I’ll get everything organized (as they really stink at that! They had 2008 files in with 2009!!!!) leave full instruction in the work holy grail and leave it ready for transition.
[Serenity Bly] I guess it comes back to following your heart. Things in your family changed for very serious reasons recently so they’ll understand if you opt to put your focus 100% back to the boys.
[Mysti] Yes, Serenity! Major changes and complete disruption in our own family. Not to mention lack of sleep for me = a much harder time focusing on small details like this position entails.
[Serenity Bly] Some things you just can’t plan for, Mysti. And you’ve had an experience, you know going back to work won’t be so daunting next time you do it because you’ve done it and survived. Sometimes we just have to roll with the punches life is giving out.
[Mysti] Thank you!!! I know all about rolling with the punches!! Mr. S assured me of that!
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.
Cici has ordered a 12-month spread from Miss Michele and good things are in the cards for her.
The year 2009 is shaping up to be characterized by: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Your dreams know no limits, and you have the power, strength, intelligence, and skills to realize every dream you have, everything you can possibly imagine. Miss Michele wouldn’t be surprised, with the plethora of Cups in this spread, if you’ve been searching for Mr. Right for some time – perhaps may have given up hope of ever sharing your life with someone special. If that is the case, this will be the year for romance for you!
Rarely have I seen so many Major Arcanas in a 12-month spread, which means this is a BIG year for you. Lots of significant changes are on the horizon. The year’s overview is represented by the 7 of Cups, the card of Daydreams. You may feel somewhat “off,” as if you can’t focus your mind on reality. That’s okay, though, because it is your wild imagination and ability to “dream big” that will bring you success this year – in career fulfillment and matters of the heart. Don’t worry if the money isn’t forthcoming this year; 2009 and the beginning of 2010 is all about emotional and spiritual fulfillment, which you will receive.
May: Knight of Pentacles: This month kicked off with preparations for some major changes in finance and career, which could have sparked your ordering this spread. You want to see which direction is best to take. Knights indicate changes on the horizon, but still in the early planning stages. Based on surrounding cards, moving forward will serve you well at this time.
June: Strength: You’ll need to harness your strength and most importantly, your feminine intuition, loving nature and above all, strength in character in order to succeed in your new – or simply expanded – business endeavors. The card Strength represent feminine strength of character rather than brute force. You can finesse your way into positive situations.
July: Eight of Wands: Things are moving full speed ahead for you. This card typically represents a new job offer or incredible business success. You may just be swamped with orders – so much that you need to hire help for certain aspects of you’re business. Your business is growing, and your income with it.
August: The Emperor: Come August, you’ll want to do things by the book, to avoid any issues or legal hassles. Someone may question the validity of your business, but you will be able to prove its worth with logic and calm grace. Also look for a male to figure prominently, perhaps in a management role; he can help take your business to the next level.
September: The Chariot: This card often indicates literal travel – perhaps for business or it could be time for a vacation. It also indicates, in this spread, that things are moving quickly for you. This entire year represents rapid growth and development.
October: The Magician: You are becoming a master at using your skills and talents to manipulate situations the way you want them. If you can visualize it, you can complete it this year. Lots of masculine energy in this reading makes me believe a male mentor will come into your life, probably showing up as the Emperor in August, and you will really begin to apply what he has been teaching you come October.
November: Four of Cups: The approach of the holiday season leaves you feeling a bit “off.” All these celebrations seem empty and devoid of meaning, and you don’t have any desire to be lifted out of your doldrums. This isn’t how you usually act – you may be missing someone who was close to you. Perhaps the strong male influence has stepped out of your life for reasons you don’t quite understand. The tarot’s advice? Step back to the roots of it all, why you do what you do. Devote time to a favorite charity and then step back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. You may have simply lost direction in your life… step back and consider what it is you really desire.
December: Knight of Cups: Things turn around with the Knight of Cups – Knights literally represent change, and Cups show an emotional change, a complete turn-around from November’s mood. You’ve re-connected with your dreams and goals and begin pursuing them again without hesitation or doubts.
January 2010: Nine of Cups: The New Year brings the fulfillment of the dreams you began to pursue with the Knight of Cups in December. The Knight may also represent a new love, and January’s Nine of Cups signifies the development of that relationship.
February 2010: Ace of Wands: As the Nine of Cups indicated the fulfillment of your dreams, you enter the next phase of your development with the Ace of Wands in February. Combined with the High Priestess in March, I wonder if a marriage, pregnancy or birth could be in the cards. You are bursting with ideas and the discipline and energy to execute them! It’s an exciting time of year for you.
March 2010: High Priestess: The High Priestess, shows that your feminine intuition serves you well in making upcoming decisions, in both business and your personal life. Don’t be afraid to open your heart and reach out, particularly in the realm of personal relationships – it is time! Do your research, though, and the answers will come easy.
April 2010: The Lovers: You’ll face a crucial decision this month, perhaps in regard to a new love. You will make the right choice.