Future Tarot

It’s Friday the 13th, and unlike the series of popular movies and television shows of the same name, today will be a normal, uneventful day for most people. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, between 17 and 21 million people in the US* suffer some degree of paraskevidekatriaphobia (a fear of Friday the 13th). Have you ever wondered where these superstitions begin or how they affect our lives?

While some people believe Friday the 13th is unlucky, superstitions also exist to support the idea of good luck falling on this day. Some believe black cats bring misfortune, others (like myself) believe black cats offer omens of protection. So, what exactly IS a superstition? Lets look at the definition of superstition as given by dictionary.com:

su⋅per⋅sti⋅tion –noun
Pronunciation [soo-per-stish-uhn] /ˌsupərˈstɪʃən/

1. a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.
2. a system or collection of such beliefs.
3. a custom or act based on such a belief.
4. irrational fear of what is unknown or mysterious, esp. in connection with religion.
5. any blindly accepted belief or notion.

Did you know that Tarot, by the definitions given above, could also be considered superstition? There is no tangible, definitive proof that would give credibility to our belief in the insight and potential for foresight we glean from Tarot.

So how do superstitions become plausible? Why do more than 17 million Americans believe Friday the 13th bodes ill? I believe the Law of Attraction plays a large part in the perpetuation of superstitions. If we believe Friday the 13th is unlucky, we attract ill fortune into our lives on this day. If we believe our black cat offers protection, we feel protected when he is around. If we believe seven is a lucky number, we’ll win on this number more frequently simply because we play it more than any other number.

In the same way, the meanings and definitions we’ve given the 78 Tarot Cards represent our belief, our superstition, as to their meaning and the impact they have in our lives. If, as theorized by the Law of Attraction, our thoughts attract our reality perhaps we can surmise that our interpretation of Tarot, and the choices and actions we take because of those beliefs, create the future that unfolds. Miss Michele and I firmly believe that the insight Tarot offers empowers us to create a future for ourselves. To be forewarned is an opportunity to prepare and prevent challenging outcomes and to explore and enhance positive experiences.

Imagine for a moment, that Friday the 13th was a particularly lucky day. Can you imagine good fortune and great joy befalling you on this day? If you can conjure positive superstitions your positive thoughts could influence your future. Your positive thoughts create a positive outcome.

Have you experienced events unfolding due to your own personal superstitions or those of people around you? Which superstitions do you hold and what do you think their influence has been on the life you’ve lived?

Sometimes in tarot, cards leap out of the deck as we shuffle. I barely got a chance to shuffle my Hanson-Roberts deck this evening when the Six of Swords escaped.

I recall this card coming up in several readings last week… which could point to a universal trend or a particular message the card has for me, as the reader. This happens sometimes. It is not that the card isn’t meant for the querent, per se — it fits their situation well — but often when I see a card show up time and again in readings, it has a message for the reader, too.

Before I discuss my personal connection with the card, however, let’s explore the universal implications.

Universal Implications
After the full moon last Monday, we now see a waning moon, with a new moon on the 16th. Many people believe in a phenomenon called “Full moon madness.” Some hospitals report more accidents (and deaths) and, of course, mythology is steeped in lore about the full moon and creatures like werewolves.

Here at Future-tarot, we do not subscribe to superstitions and we believe we create our own destiny. However, we also believe in the Law of Attraction. If so many people in the world believe strange things happen when the moon is full — could those universal beliefs not make it so? The energy people put into worrying about a full moon transforms into negative energy, and strange things do happen (or perhaps we are just more attuned to them.)

So… let’s breathe a sigh of relief and say the full moon is over. Not only that, our friend the Six of Swords, in his boat as he rows toward shore, tells us we are escaping our problems and traveling toward something better.

We welcome fall, a new season, the harvest, and the coming happy holidays — filled with expectations of parties, time with family, love, peace and happiness. (Right? That’s what we all expect of the holidays, isn’t it??? Are you with me here?)

On a Personal Note

As I move into the next phase of my personal and career transformation through The Secret Abundance Files, I can attest to a definite sense of moving toward something better.

I’ve been on this self-improvement journey since June, however. I think this card is reminding me that life is a constant journey. Or, as Miley Cyrus so eloquently puts it: “Ain’t about how fast I get there / Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side / It’s the climb…”

May there be many more Six of Swords moments in your own future as you always move toward better, brighter, more fruitful shores.

Miss Michele is taking a life-changing program called “The Secret Abundance Files.” It is a 12-week class. She knew when she started it was life-changing — but had no idea how much so!

Last week, week 10 of the course, during our regular Tarot Chat at The Echo of One, Miss Michele asked Serenity Bly to do a reading. Chat host Mysti also provided her own intuitive insight.

[Miss Michele] What life changes can I expect when I complete the Secret Abundance Files?

[Serenity Bly] Want me to draw cards?

[Mysti] *whispers* As long as YOU keep moving forward with the process, you will find many successes. Those moments that feel less than perfect, you must remember are building blocks to bigger and better.

[Miss Michele] Yes, please.

[Serenity Bly] OMG Wow! I need to do this course!
 
[Miss Michele] Why is that? <--dying to hear!

[Serenity Bly] In the past we have The Tower. Your question is future-focused so, the END of the course is when your ‘past’ card is focusing.
Before you get to that end you’re going to really rock your world. Normally we’d think of a past card as something you’ve already done.

[Miss Michele] I only have two weeks left to the course, BUT the course also provides 1 year of counseling… and networking through the International Masterminds Forum.

[Serenity Bly] Because the question is focused on something you’ll finish down the line the past is actually our present.

You have two weeks of having things shifting, changing, feeling a little scary but ultimately bringing down the walls of the old you to allow for firmer foundations, stronger walls, new beginnings.

[Miss Michele] This also coincides with the move.

[Serenity Bly] Yes, and the move is a part of the changes brought about by the course. So, it’s a very literal, ‘bringing down the walls.

In the present we see the Page of Wands.
You’re running with the ideas and inspiration you’ve been given.

[Miss Michele] <--dying to know the third card   

[Serenity Bly] *grins* I should torture you.

[Miss Michele] Maybe this Tower is why I'm supposed to hold off on the [new project]

[Serenity Bly] But I can't really draw out the Page of Wands more than that. You know it's meaning as well as I do. It's moving forward, making things happen, letting the fire burn bright and really getting into it. In the future, we see The Hierophant. – Serenity Bly waits for the ohhs and ahhs

[Miss Michele] Not what I expected.

[Serenity Bly] What, did you expect the Empress?

[Miss Michele] Based on your reaction of “I have GOT to take this course.” Hierophant, to me, is structure, organization, following rules. Works in conjunction with the Hermit to indicate a period of “thinking and planning.”

[Serenity Bly] Ah, see, the Hierophant isn’t structure and organization to me. That’s where the Tarot reader comes into affect with the cards.  

[Miss Michele] Yes, Page of Wands is inspiration… I will feel renewed… bright ideas, creativity. But it’s tempered by the Hierophant, knowledge and experience. From your reaction, expected World, Wheel of Fortune or Ten of Pentacles.
   
[Serenity Bly] In the Mythic Tarot, the Hierophant is a Centaur. He’s standing in the door of a cave, light from above, wearing a crown with his fingers poised to the sky and a scroll in one hand.

[Miss Michele] AHHH!… Totally different than my perception from the Hanson Roberts deck.

[Serenity Bly] The Hierophant is knowledge, particularly the kind that is spiritually fulfilling. It’s connection with a higher power, self-empowerment, inner growth and dominance of yourself as a spiritual and physical being. It’s about finding your inner power and seeking the wisdom within you.

[Miss Michele] OMG!! Okay!! So, once I break down the foundations of what was, I will receive the spiritual fulfillment I’ve been seeking. NOW I get your reaction.

[Serenity Bly] Well, you’re on the right path anyway. I don’t believe in ‘spiritual fulfillment’ – it implies that you’ll reach a high point from which you can’t continue to grow. Fulfilling… is an ‘in progress’ word. I think what this Hierophant is really saying is that this course is going to let you learn about who you are, what you want, and how to make that a reality. Which, is exactly what the course is designed to do.

Note: You can learn more about the program Serenity Bly and Miss Michele are discussing at The Secret Abundance Files.

Miss Michele is in contract on a new home. Feeling too close to the matter to do an accurate, unbiased reading, she asked a friend to draw cards for her: “What will be so regarding the house purchase and move?” Miss Michele’s friend LaRae asked the Tarot.

She used the Gilded Tarot deck for the reading. While Miss Michele typically doesn’t used reversed cards, the reversed cards LaRae drew added a new dimension and depth to the reading.

Past / Heart of the Matter: The World, Reversed: While the World upright in a spread indicates the culmination of all good things, the querent’s every dream coming true, the World reversed indicates a blockage or delay.

Near Future: The Nine of Pentacles: This card, one of Miss Michele’s favorites and one in the deck she identifies strongly with, shows a woman tending her garden. The Gilded Tarot Deck features a beautiful woman in blue beneath a filigree arch. Her left hand is raised and a hooded bird of prey sits perched on it. The card, in any deck, indicates reaping the fruits of labor. It shows that if Miss Michele listens to the people in charge – lets the lawyers, brokers and real estate agents tend to their business, transactions will go smoothly.

Additionally, it indicates the necessary money will come for closing, but Miss Michele will work for it.

Final Outcome: Two of Wands, Reversed: Again, while Miss Michele doesn’t typically read reversed definitions, this one revealed the exact insight she needed. The Two of Wands reversed indicates a need for organization. After stagnating in one place for too long, she is ready to make a change, and she has the energy to move forward. The new environment will open up new choices and opportunities. Miss Michele needs only pick a direction and begin moving.

What LaRae didn’t know when she began the reading is that Miss Michele has started a life and business improvement course rooted in the philosophies of the Law of Attraction. Within a month of beginning the program, she manifested a new home. Organization, wealth and freedom are three more aspects of life she is manifesting – the new home represents all three. It goes to show – reversed cards aren’t always negative!

If you would like to learn more about the 12-week e-course that is changing Miss Michele’s life, please click here: The Secret Abundance Files.

And don’t forget to join us each Wednesday for our tarot chat and free readings in The Echo of One chat room.

Wednesday, at the Echo of One tarot chat, Miss Michele, Serenity, and I were discussing the Law of Attraction (LOA). Now, I had heard of this system before, where we draw positive energy into our lives via our positive thoughts and attitudes. I was a little curious, and a little confused about how it worked.

Then I ran across a Life Coach who was willing to walk me through the process, step by step. I’m just in the groundworks of this new project, and I wanted to see how all of this positive thinking would help me in my life. So I did a quick Past, Present, Future spread with my trusty Gilded Tarot to get a quick overview of the situation.

Past: Five of Cups

This is one of the things I love about the tarot: sometimes, it is painfully obvious in its answers! In this scene, an older man with long, raven black hair is kneeling in a field, his head resting against his hands. There are three toppled cups in front of him, and two glowing golden cups behind. Further in the background is a tree and two bushes, and two black birds flying against the orange sunset.

This shows the despair that my life has been wrapped up in previously. I have faced depression and hardships, and in the LOA, it is (apparently) best to dismiss all the negative thoughts from the past, and focus on a bright future. Personally, I have a very hard time letting go of the past influences. This card reminds me that there is more to life than this – after all, there are five more cards to go!

Present: Three of Cups

I love the beauty and joy of this three of cups! In a golden pool of water, one cups stands, overflowing from the two other cups pouring their riches into it. Above the cups are three women, dressed in sheer greens, reds, and blues. In one hand, each of the women have glowing orbs of light. On the other wrist, they each have green and red ribbons tied and flowing in the breeze.

In the Present, the three of cups shows that I have a lot to celebrate right now! I have great family and friends, and their support will help me even more. It signifies joy, abundance, and spending time with those I love. Along with the LOA, surrounding myself with positive people will definitely help me out.

Future: Ten of Pentacles

This one showed up in last Friday’s post! The field mouse sitting atop the treasure, while the turtle reaps a portion of the rewards. Today, however, I am more drawn to the six glowing pentacles within the treasure chest. This symbolizes the riches that are within reach, that are mine by right. Obviously, since no one can have all the riches of the world, we only need worry about our portion in life.

I find this card extremely funny in the Future position! One of the things I’ve heard most frequently about the LOA is that money can be drawn to you by your positive thinking. While I am not completely convinced of this possibility, I am also not one to rule it out. I possess a dose of healthy skepticism with a willingness to try anything. So seeing the bountiful ten of pentacles here makes me think that I am on the right track, finding what is rightfully mine for this life.

What do you think? Any insights on the Law of Attraction? Overall, these cards look like an exact duplication of the steps of LOA to me!