Future Tarot

Your Past Experience = Five of Pentacles

Over the years you’ve worked hard to build your skills but often felt like you should give up one path to follow another. The Five of Pentacles shows a man walking away from a job that paid well and offered a sense of satisfaction but no real joy. He feels a sense of loss and has sacrificed the hard work of the past.

Your Current Experience = Page of Cups

Now you spend a great deal of your time in reflection and, perhaps, regret. The Page of Cups (reversed) knows how talented he is and believes that he deserves to do something remarkable with his life and with the direction of his career. You want to make lasting change but by spending so much of your time and energy looking into your own reflection you may be missing the opportunities for growth and development that are around you.

What You Want = Ace of Pentacles (reversed) & Knight of Wands (reversed)

You’re either starting to feel the penny pinching, the tightening of belts, and want to feel more financial freedom, or are afraid to lose the income you currently have. The Ace of Pentacles (reversed) represents and almost miserly sense of financial instability. You may find that the way you ‘cling’ to what you have prevents you from feeling the sense of true abundance you desire.
Tied together with the Knight of Wands (reversed) in this position I get the impression that you want the freedom of choosing your own goals and outcomes. You’d rather not work for ‘the man’. You want to set your own path and be able to create new and interesting opportunities. You don’t want to be tied down but I suspect you also fear too much freedom.

What you Need = The Tower (reversed)

The Tower tells me that what you truly need is to give up your old perceptions, your old realities, and take a chance on a new direction. You may have been clinging to a position that hasn’t made you happy simply because it’s all that has kept food on the table. If you’re considering taking the plunge to freelancing or going into business for yourself rather than keeping your day job this Tower says it could be exactly what you need. Change, while scary, is always an adventure that brings new and exciting potential into your life.

What You Offer = The Devil & Nine of Wands

You’re passionate and have the ability to set in single-minded pursuit of your goals and interests. The Devil is highly charged, he’s emotional and earthy, he’s in command of his reality and understands how to influence and manipulate other people and situations to suit his own interests.
When the Nine of Wands joins the Devil we see bright new ideas and a potential for successful inspirations and ventures. Out of rough seas you’re generating new concepts and approaching what feels like a new business venture with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Your Action Plan = Nine of Swords (reversed)

The Tarot suggests that you trust your instincts and ignore the negativity others are throwing at you. Choose not to let those who express concerns and disbelief in your abilities or in the global economy to sustain new opportunities. You may be feeling dragged down by the ‘logic’ and ‘rationale’ arguments being presented and the Nine of Swords (reversed) expresses a need to tune out those discouraging influences. Choose your path based on what you feel within yourself to be the right course of action. Trust your own judgment and take chances based on your gut despite what others might think.

A few weeks ago, Plaid returned to Future-Tarot and joined us in our Wednesday Chat. She asked: What can I do to improve my current situation? An INCREDIBLE Chat session followed that saw four talented women come together with synergistic ideas and insights that inspired and excited Plaid, moved her into action and began the upward swing to improve her situation.

Experiences like this are rare and special but I’ve noticed our Wednesday Tarot Chat often evolves into creative, empowering sessions that offer incredible value for all those who participate. If you want a reading with the energy and dynamic back-and-fourth then Tarot Chat is the best place to start. I hope you’ll join us this week!

Plaid: Or, more exactly I should ask: Will Plaid’s finances and luck improve very very soon? We’ve had a run of bad luck lately, the TV quit, one of my cats died, I can’t get paid, we replaced brakes on the van, and I posted the whole laptop rant on Absolute Write, etc…

Miss Michele: Wow, you wanted empowering… We have… I drew 4 cards… The Emperor, The High Priestess, Death and the Nine of Swords… (because Serenity likes to see the cards first). *Disclaimer: Ashley bent the Death card today… so it’s interesting to see how it plays out in this reading. I may have drawn it because it WAS sticking out. That’s why I drew the fourth card.*

Miss Michele: My overall impressions, Plaid, was that for some reason, you NEEDED this shakeup. The Emperor in the past is very by the book, things are going smoothly.

Serenity Bly: *nods* I like to avoid ‘timing’ questions when it comes to “will my situation improve” because the cards like to provide a ‘when’ for me anyway. That Death and then 9 of Swords indicates having to make a sacrifice to avoid continued challenges. The when is empowered by your action, if you take no action, difficulty will continue.

Miss Michele: I agree… It indicates that you need to let go of what isn’t working. Essentially, Plaid, things were going smoothly but it was lulling you into complacency. You wanted to “control” a bit too much of your life.

Serenity Bly: I feel like you are The High Priestess, Plaid. Are you trying to control everything? lol I must be in Miss Michele’s head.

Miss Michele: (and is more diplomatic about it.) lol

Plaid: I’m a flipside card… I’m in control of some things, but nothing I plan ever goes accordingly.

Miss Michele: Yes! It doesn’t for The Emperor either–not all the time BUT the High Priestess tells us you CAN control that which you are good at controlling–ie, yourself, your skills, your business. And you can NURTURE others.

Serenity Bly: Needing to have a sense of order could lead you to micro-managing which will increase your stress. You may find that this need for control is holding you back. Releasing control, going with the flow, and allowing others to fill the void gives you the freedom to approach life differently.

Miss Michele: I’d say what Serenity talks about is what got you into this fix–on some level.

Serenity Bly: True control comes from developing trust and responsibility in those around you.

Miss Michele: And THAT is shown in the High Priestess, in the near future. Death indicates the need to get rid of that desire to micromanage–along with anything else in your life that isn’t serving you. I mean, obviously, mourn the cat. (I’m sorry for your loss!) But the TV and the rest of it-including the whole “I’ve had bad luck lately” meme – discard it.

Plaid: I’ve spent a lot of time lately doing things for other people, but I haven’t had enough time and resources for my own work. I do have a serious problem with trust. I always feel like I’m left holding the bag, and have to come through for everyone.

Serenity Bly: The Emperor can use a heavy hand, and that is shown in the past but I also feel like this is outside of you. Someone else in your life has had you under thumb which is perhaps why you feel a need to maintain control over those things you can. Having felt like someone’s puppet makes you cling to your sense of self-identity, your sense of managing your own future. I feel this is a knee-jerk reaction from fear; having come out of that situation into this one you’re instinct is to wrap your hands around your freedom which in truth creates a whole new kind of prison.

Plaid: Very true.

Miss Michele: Well said, Serenity.

Mysti: Plaid – just my thought process here, but is Demand Studios holding you back?

Miss Michele: DS, that whole type of work, can BE the Emperor, too. Rigid, not a lot of room to expand or room for growth. Very by-the-book.

Plaid: Not really, Mysti. But it’s a double-edged sword. It takes a lot of time, but it’s been the only thing buying groceries, since hubby’s check is swallowed instantly by other bills. I am beginning to resent the feeling that I have to work every. single. day. just to earn a living. The stress of it is wearing me down.

Serenity Bly: I’m not familiar enough with how Demand Studios work, but that sense of over-responsibility and feeling trapped into this job because you don’t have choices could be what the Nine of Swords in this reading is all about. Especially since “it’s the only thing buying groceries”.

Plaid: I had planned to take tomorrow ‘off’ and work on my book proposal and Sat. Evening Post submission.

Miss Michele: Ok, I went off on a whim here and drew a fifth card… I don’t know if I’m ‘cheating’ but I wasn’t satisfied. And the fifth card is the Nine of Pentacles… You are tending your garden, Plaid, and from it, things will grow.

Plaid: Geez, I never learn things the easy way, do I? lol

Mysti: If DS is what is buying the groceries, it’s quite the proverbial thumb.

Miss Michele: There’s a powerful feminine energy here fighting with the rigidity of that schedule, the burden of earning money, and the whole lack of creativity involved with work like DS. (No offense to it, at all! I find content work enjoyable, too!)

Serenity Bly: Ah, and the fifth card makes all the difference, Plaid. If you can release and give up the things in your life that create stress you WILL come out in a better financial and material position.

Miss Michele: Becca, I literally felt my hand guided to draw that final card. It was quite strange actually. lol

Serenity Bly: If Demand Studios IS the Emperor, if you are hating the gig and finding it oppressing you but are worried because it is all that’s paying the bills the Nine of Pentacles shows you that there are other financial opportunities and you may have to let go of the false sense of security DS offers to take on these other opportunities.

Miss Michele: From a practical (non-tarot) standpoint, I’d see if there are areas in your life you can cut back a bit financially in order to take less DS work to pursue other things.

Plaid: That’s possible. I enjoy writing for them at my own pace, and I’ve learned a lot, but the pressure is making me a little crazy. Not much I can cut back on at this point, though.

Miss Michele: If the bills are credit cards, can you call for lower interest rates? Consolidate? Downgrade anything?

Plaid: LOL, I wish. I’m even washing clothes by hand.

Serenity Bly: *chuckles* I love coupling Dawn’s ‘practicality’ with my ‘trusting fate’. *grins*

Mysti: Here’s what I’m getting. If you can spend 45 minutes a day applying for gigs that will produce a better (time/income ratio) living, you will open the doors while continuing to push forward with DS.

Miss Michele: Wow, okay you’ve cut back as much as you can. So yes… now’s when you have to simply trust fate. Even if you make one day a week, or 30 minutes a day too look for other things.

Serenity Bly: *ponders* Washing clothes by hand may be counter-productive. Does it take you more time to wash by hand? Could you have used that time to make more money? Would what you have made in the time it took to wash clothes have more than covered the expense of running the washing machine?

Miss Michele: Now I’m in Mysti’s in my head. lol

Plaid: I feel that a cork will pop open when Stamats finally pays me for the work I’ve done. I’m wondering if it’s time to end my nine-year relationship with them.

Serenity Bly: That’s where leverage and outsourcing really finds its head. In learning the value of your time. Sometimes it really does make more sense to spend a little so that someone or something else can do jobs you can’t do as effectively as you can do others.

Mysti: And Beth – it feels to me that there’s something out there – feels to be blogging related, by the way, that you are missing or need to really look for. It’ll bring in a steady income, won’t take too much of your time and will allow for more balance between writing and living

Miss Michele: Are you continuing to work for Stamats without pay? I mean, with them not paying you yet?

Plaid: Nope, they just owe me for 2 stories. My assignments through them have dropped to a trickle this year, I know my professional landscape is changing

Serenity Bly: You could get very persistent about the money they owe you.

Miss Michele: Ouch… Yeah, that will help a lot I’m sure. As far as whether you continue for them — YES! Spend at LEAST 15 minutes each day harassing them in one way or another.

Serenity Bly: Well, I’d spend 5 every other day. Because don’t forget, your time is valuable. If you spend 15 minutes every day over four days that’s an hour you could have spent earning money elsewhere. But an email, two days later, a reminder, two days later, reconfirm any specific aspects mentioned in your contract, two days later, specify your intention to take legal action, etc. And keep stepping up the pressure depending on their response or lack of. The trouble is, yes, money is tight (that’s universally true at the moment btw) but their integrity and good relations is on the line. By not paying you money owed they are devaluing you. YOU are worthy of being a priority on their books.

Miss Michele: I wouldn’t say tell them you quit… but certainly drift away from them… as seems to be happening anyway.
-> Serenity is right. There is no need to burn a bridge or even step back. If they’ve always paid in the past, be honest with them; tell them WHY you need the money. It totally depends the relationship you had w/ the editor beforehand, but do whatever it takes.

Plaid: I’ve emailed my editor… again. Hopefully, something will break soon! Their downturn is due to the economy, our relationship remains good.

Miss Michele: I’d love to pursue a little of what Mysti said about blogging… Plaid, are you considering any prospects like that?

Plaid: Good ideas, all. I’ll keep hammering. Maybe if I sent them a pic of the kitties staring into a food dish, LOL. Who am I kidding? They’ll always get fed, one way or the other. I haven’t looked into any blog openings. But I can see now that I MUST rework my writing schedule so I can have full days to myself again.

Mysti: It’s vital for your well being, Beth

Miss Michele: And the potential is out there. That Nine of Pentacles on the horizon, combined with the High Priestess, shows you always DO take care of it all, and will continue to.

Plaid: This is true. I’ve tried to adopt the thought, Life flows as it goes, and just ride it out. Then I get stressed. But at this point, my Panic Button is broken. I’m right at that point, where I’m ready to jump off the cliff into the next adventure. That calm before the bungee. lol

Mysti: By blog related, looks like a site that’s constantly building, growing, increasing information – can see new pieces added often, check b5media. I see linking on the right side of the site, seeing greens, blacks, touch of purples, text and images on the left side. It is constantly being added to. It feels very much like b5 — there’s strong structure and a stable calendar that goes with what is required. There is some pressure with it, but far less than you’ve felt with other positions of the writing type. It seems to be a close group, working together.

Miss Michele: Wow you’re actually SEEING it? That’s so cool.

Mysti: Okay, apparently I’m not allowed to search out the particular blog for you. Four times I’ve tried – four times it’s crashed.

Plaid: Ah well, the universe has always wanted me to find my own path, but thanks for trying, Mysti! It would be awesome if I could make this happen. So many people in power have dangled opportunities in front of me and they’ve never materialized. It is time to take hold of my own camel knees and make them work for me!

Serenity Bly: YES! BETH! Definitely!

Plaid: Thanks, guys, for the encouragement. I was beaten as low as I could go today, I really needed this.

Concentrating on the flip of the cards, I make mental notes of the colors, the facial expressions, the attitude of the ones the Universe has chosen fit to show me as I start a new project. Tarot embraces the creative side of seekers, showing us we have unlimited sources for our inspirations. How you choose to express it is as individual as a reading and as unique as the querent. Painting? Writing? Music? All are within the creative scope of Tarot; how can we turn this energy from a reading to a manifestation of art?

I always start with colors. For me, my Gemini yellow stands out immediately in the Knight of Pentacles, Four of Wands and others in my “working” Rider-Waite Deck, demanding my attention. It attracts my eye and I’m drawn to the card to look deeper. The shade of the background color affects the reading, is it vibrant or muted? Is it a pale wash of color or something more sinister? The soft blues depicted in the Three of Cups or the midnight-black of the Devil or Nine of Swords visually invite us to stare into the card and take from it what we can to promote our art. By incorporating these colors into a drawing, we release what we’ve learned from our reading into the world.

If you are starting a new project, use them to determine what is the prevalent mood of the cards. Can they be interpreted as a dark introduction to a piece of music? Are the characters celebrating or despondent? The suits can help to determine the pace of the song: Swords are quick and agile, they lend a sharp, almost aggressive note to the music; Wands seek harmony, a melody is wrapped within its walls; Pentacles show determination and hard work, a perfect accompaniment to a complicated solo and Cups denote joy, love and the mystery of the self.

When writing, take into account the entire spread; weave a story around the beginning, middle and ending inviting the reader to join you on the journey outlined by the cards. The characters within the cards become your heroes and villains, write down their expressions as well to what is embodied in the card to help you develop their background stories. What is their hair color? Manner of dress? Are they alone? What is the most important thing they’re doing in the card: clutching at pentacles (money) or holding the hand of the one they love? By using your spread to map out a story, half the work is done for you, Tarot itself being the ultimate reflection of your own story.

Using Tarot as a tool to delve deep within your natural creativity may open new avenues. Trying journaling about the cards within your spread to see patterns evolve as you learn more about Tarot and how it fits into your life. Take the time to put your reading to work for you as a partner for your imagination as new worlds await. Good luck!

Wynter Moon

The first to jump in on our March of Dimes Fundraiser, Future-tarot querent Helen requests a C-for-Career Spread and writes:

I want to play with “the big boys”. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. We just went through a major reorganization, at least I have my job. I have two bosses now. I used to feel important, but now it seems as if I’m at the bottom, and kinda like a secretary for my new boss. I never minded doing the grunt work of my job, but I no longer have authority/power.

Is it worth working my butt off? I have great ideas, can put together projects, but I feel “why should I?”. And most of all, I miss my travel budget. I used to travel quite a bit. I think I’ve been grounded. There’s a conference coming up, one of my favorites, I’ve started working on a project that would get me there (no cost to the company) but it would probably go to my boss and not me (he likes attention). 

Miss Michele drew a six-card C-for-Career Spread to provide Helen with career guidance.

You are a strong and intelligent woman with excellent instincts, which will serve you well in business. You know “something isn’t quite right” in your current business – and the cards confirm that your suspicions are, unfortunately, correct.

However, that’s the beautiful thing about Tarot. By being aware of our situation and our possible future, we put ourselves in a better position to change our destinies.

The cards –

Your past experience in your career: The Fool: This card shows the beginning of your career, when you were a fresh-faced newbie, eager to please. What you lacked in knowledge you made up for in enthusiasm. Your can-do attitude paid off, as you quickly advanced up your chosen career path. You are so close to “playing with the big boys” you can almost taste it. Even in your current, less desirable situation, you maintain your positive attitude and this will serve you well.

Your current experience at your job: The Five of Rods: Miss Michele wasn’t very surprised, based on the details you supplied, to see the Five of Rods show up in this position. This card is telling us your instincts are correct. The Five of Rods indicates a battle; egos are involved. You feel forced to stoop to the level of your bosses, to play office politics, but that’s not your style. Stand your ground, like the brave boy on this card fighting off the masses, and you will win — although it may not be the victory you desire. The other option is to refuse to play their game.

What you want from a job: The Nine of Swords: The Nightmare Card, showing up in this spot seems an odd one, as the last thing you would want in a job is problems, problems and more problems.

Instead, this card is showing that your situation has gotten so bad, that what you want at this time is for your worst fears not to materialize. I sense confusion in the woman in this card. She sits up in bed, back of hand pressed against her forehead, unsure where to turn or what to do. However, things are coming to a head, as they always do when the number 9 is present… the worst is nearly over. Right now, you simply aren’t sure what you want.

I drew a clarification card in this spot – if you don’t know, maybe the Tarot does! The Eight of Rods seems to imply a change is in order – and rapidly! This card often represents new opportunities, coming at you faster than the speed of light.

What you need from a job: The Five of Swords: Your needs in a job, right now, again, show us more of what you actually don’t need. The victor in this card represents your boss—he’s standing with the spoils of war, but two figures in the background are sneaking away with the best of what he could have. In other words, leaving your boss for a position which will earn you respect, a true chance to shine, may be the answer.

What you have to offer your employer/your greatest strengths: the Knight of Swords: Your greatest strength is exemplified in the great, ambitious Knight of Swords. Fearless, he charges ahead, knowing he’s prepared for whatever may come!

Possible future experience in your career: The Four of Rods, also shows a bright future for you once you make the decision to make that change. The Four of Rods specifically represents a celebration, but also a new partnership. You will advance to a place where you are treated as an equal partner and given opportunities.

Miss Michele remembers her days of business travel, and there’s always a party to attend. This card in the future, too, shows that you will attend the conference as you wish, but it may not be with your current firm.

While the Knight of Swords represents swift change, don’t be too hasty. The Four of Rods always comes into play following the careful planning of the Three of Rods. Polish off that resume, do some social networking, and spread the word (subtly and quietly) that you are looking for a promotion. If your bosses are smart, they will keep you and treat you the way you deserve. But either way, brighter days await.

We are excited with Helen’s reading and would love the opportunity to answer your Tarot questions too. Please, if you are thinking of ordering a reading, do so now! Ordering before July 31st, 2009 will support a fantastic cause as all proceeds this month are being forwarded to March of Dimes.

Finally, Miss Michele is live on RadioXShow this week. Tune in to find out more about our March of Dimes Fundraiser, call the show for a free live three-card reading, or listen to the show at RadioXShow.com Wednesday night, July 29, from around 11:00 PM.

[gcgal] We’ve had some issues with work and I feel we are very dependent on my income. What should I know to help us create a more stable financial future?

[Serenity Bly] mmm interesting cards. In the past we have the Five of Pentacles. It denotes the struggle you’ve had in the past. I get an impression that it represents multiple short-lived jobs and a general sense of insecurity. Whatever you managed to earn didn’t feel enough, especially since you worked so hard for every dime.

[Miss Michele] You’re not looking for a free lunch but for a more ‘beneficial’ way. Poverty–lacking, and a desire to change that!

[gcgal] True there, I don’t want a free ride. Wow Serenity Bly… that’s so fascinating and does tally with how things have been.

[Serenity Bly] In the present the Seven of Swords supports this. But it also shows a sense of gathering your resources, building your ramparts so to speak. You’ve got your defenses built up but you are concerned that you’re uncertainty and desperation forces you to make choices that go against your inner desires and personal beliefs and mantras.

[gcgal] That is how it’s felt for a couple of months.

[Miss Michele] You’re in the planning stages right now w/ the Seven of Swords. Ready for a change, but don’t feel quite brave enough to charge into battle (so to speak).

[gcgal] I have to agree with that.

[Serenity Bly] Right now you’re doing what you can to prepare for what is coming but you might be creating a bunker for yourself out of fear. Remember, even when you feel like you have nothing you will gain from giving more than you will from hording what little you have. I don’t know WHY it works that way, but you don’t need to be afraid that everything is falling out from under you.

[gcgal] That makes so much sense.

[Serenity Bly] Finally, the Ace of Cups in the future shows the start of something new. It’s prompting you to follow your heart, follow your passion. Don’t settle for something that pays the bills when holding out just a little longer will give you the chance to work in a field where you can really enjoy working on a personal level.

[gcgal] I would rather do something that gives me personal satisfaction.

[Miss Michele] That’s on the horizon with the Ace of cups.

[Serenity Bly] This ace of cups may also represent a need to be open and honest about how you’re feeling or a need to express your concerns with others so that they can help you. A clarifying card, the Nine of Swords, is warning you to be careful of gossip and rumor. Don’t allow others to manipulate you and don’t listen to the naysayers who want to pull you down. Follow your heart and trust your instincts.

[gcgal] You don’t know what that means to me that you said that!

[Miss Michele] I would also say, with the nine of swords, don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one. Regroup emotionally. You are almost “there.” Nine is coming toward the end of a cycle. And the nine means your worst fears WON’T come true. It will be a lot better than you are imagining. The phrase “Do what you love, the money will follow,” rings true in this case.

[gcgal] Thank you. Wow, I am totally blown away.

[Serenity Bly] One more aspect to note is that these are all Minor Arcana which puts your future firmly in your own hands. You’re 100% in control of your destiny, shape it the way you want it.

[gcgal] Now THAT is music to my ears. You know, those cards… it was like someone just looked into my head!

[Miss Michele] Cool! My greatest advice… and based on the Tarot, too, would be don’t sell yourself short. Treat everything as a business (there’s the Seven of Swords telling you to get your ducks in a row, etc.) and you will succeed!

[gcgal] thank you. great advice! I was just looking at your Future-Tarot.com site too while we’ve been chatting and I see you offer some great readings at a really reasonable price! You’ve just found a new customer (especially after this reading!)

[Serenity Bly] *grins* Always love to hear that. Thank you so much, gcgal. We love doing this so it’s always a pleasure.

[gcgal] I’m just sitting here in stunned silence, you two are just amazing at what you do and I’ve never in my life experienced something so accurate

[Miss Michele] awww… wow, thank yoU! That makes our day to hear that.

[Serenity Bly] *blushes* Thank you, gcgal. It does us amazing things to hear that.

[gcgal] hahaha it’s a sincere compliment, you two and the cards just seemed to tap into all the hurdles and fears

[Serenity Bly] Thank YOU, gcgal. Made our Wednesday chat this week way better than the two of us sitting about twiddling our thumbs. *grins* It really was a pleasure and I look forward to seeing you again.