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This is an interesting question, as the tarot typically doesn’t excel in revealing specifics like this and Miss Michele is no super-sleuth, but an intuitive tarot reader. However, when we drew the cards, (Serenity Bly was on hand as well) we gained some insight into both the querent AND the thief that will help Christie move forward.

The Past: King of Pentacles

This shows the hard work, diligence and discipline Christie had to save the money. She was focused on her goal and doing very well with it.

The Present: Five of Pentacles

This card, the archetypal “poverty card,” shows that Christie not only feels impoverished now, but betrayed. That person stole not only money, but her faith and a certain level of her idealism. She feels betrayed and has even lost faith in humanity. The person in crutches in the image in the Rider-Waite tarot deck tells us that Christie has been letting this cripple her in a number of ways. Mostly, it’s hurt her relationships with those she suspects.

The Near Future: Page of Cups

This card actually gives insight into the “who.” It is someone too immature to know better, to know how deeply their actions really affected Christie. The person took it as a folly, not knowing how important it really was. At the same time, this card is telling Christie to let it go… recapture that idealism. “Don’t worry, be happy.” The Page of Cups is a new beginning, emotionally, and his cup is full, as hers will be again.

The Tarot’s Advice: Seven of Pentacles

This card indicates she’ll have to work hard once again to reap the fruits of her labor, but she will do it.

Best Course of Action: Ace of Wands

Christie’s best course of action is just to let this go and rebuild what was lost. Whoever did it, it didn’t mean that much to them. She’s giving them too much power over herself, her thoughts and feelings, by harping on it. The Ace of Wands is yet another card of new beginnings, full speed ahead. It also indicates, to some degree, success and speed. Christie, you’ll get your birthday money back. More importantly, your faith in humanity will be re-stored.

Cindy asks, “I just recently started a relationship with a new man. What is the significance of this relationship? I’m looking for whatever guidance or insight they want to share. Thanks so much for your help!”

1. Your Present Self – Eight of Cups

You’ve had your share of heartbreaks and love gone wrong. You’ve learned to walk away from pain and sorrow. You’ve developed relationships that grew, for a time, and ended. I get the impression you’re not long out of a deeply emotional relationship and you are still carrying the wounds of that relationship within your heart.

2. The Crossing Card – The Lovers (reversed)

The way your heart it still tied to your past love is also reflected in The Lovers (reversed) as a crossing card. Often, The Lovers represent choice and in this case I feel like you’re doubting your past choices. A part of you reserves your heart because you’re yearning for an old love and feel like your choices are no longer yours to make.

3. The Crowning Card – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups shows clearly this new union. It’s a fond partnership that has the potential to be loving and giving. This new person in your life cares for you but also senses your reserve. He’ll champion for you, and your friends support your union, but you’re still not totally committed within yourself.

4. Aspects You Cannot See – Seven of Swords

Unfortunately, this could mean that your current love interest is shoring up his own defenses and preparing to walk away. He can sense your hesitation and is contemplating his own choices.

5. Influences That Are Ending – Page of Cups

In the past you’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on your own situation. You might have come across to others as being a little self-centered and insensitive but you’ve needed to discover your personal worth and that is one of the things the Page of Wands does best.

6. Influences That Are Beginning – Ten of Wands (reversed)

After spending time in introspection you’re beginning to feel caged and dominated. A part of me feels like your current love interest may be a domineering force but I also get the impression that much of your caged sensation comes from within your own thoughts. You’ve been very hard on yourself and unless you consciously take action to let go of dis-empowering thoughts you’ll continue to create obstacles to your own happiness.

7. Attitudes You Need To Change – Knight of Wands (reversed)

One of the obstacles that come from within is a strange sense of reserve. I’m literally getting a “jolting” sensation, stop, start, stop, start, stop. Like every time you let yourself go and live a little you catch yourself and slam on the breaks. The Knight of Wands needs to be free to chase, free to dream, free to charge forward with his inspiration and ideas. You need to embrace your inner knight and charge forward. Put aside fear or decorum and give into your passions and natural spontaneity.

8. How Others See You – Queen of Wands

You ARE a woman who is in command of her destiny. At least others see this in you. To the outside world you’ve already mastered your desires and you get what you want. You rule the animal kingdom with a core of strength and certainty. If others see this in you then it IS in you. Do you need to believe it of yourself?

9. Your Hopes and Fears – Two of Cups (reversed)

The fears that show up readily in the Two of Cups (reversed) are clearly the cause of past pain and anguish. You’ve felt abandoned and unloved in the past and you’re afraid of rejection and heartbreak. You don’t want to be alone and while you desperately hope to find a lover who can be “the one” you’re thoughts often linger on all the reasons you feel loving others is dangerous.

10. Potential Outcome – Ace of Swords (reversed)

Ultimately, going back to your original question, “What is the significance of this relationship?” the final card in this Celtic Cross Spread tells me that the answer is, “Learning to communicate.” For a very long time you’ve kept your own counsel. You’ve held your tongue instead of sharing your doubts, concerns, and pain. You’ve shown the strength of the Queen of Wands in yourself but hide your weaknesses. Doing this creates a sense of detachment and distance. Your new love interest has one foot on the threshold of your relationship, he’s not sure if he wants to leap in or leap out because he’s not getting clear signals from you.

The Ace of Swords in the final position shows a growing ability to communicate with the people in your life, to let them into your inner sanctum. Learn to let down your guard and open up to the people in your life so that you can embrace the true joy that comes with love. Heartbreak is real, yes, loving can hurt, but if you turn your back on the risk of future pain you’ll miss opportunities in the present to be very happy. Express your fears, talk about what you truly want, what your hopes and dreams for the future are, to this new love. Talking openly will strengthen the bonds of this relationship, but more importantly it will give you the tools you need to deal with all the people in your life that you care about.

[Cyn] Thanks for your time. It’s the usual sort of question- will a significant other enter into my life in the next few months?

[Serenity Bly] Oh, yay! Relationship question to tie off the night’s chat. I love keeping the balance. Have we got three cards for Cyn’s relationship prospects?

[Miss Michele] No, I drew 10 of Pentacles again and it did NOT feel right. I’m getting similar cards… Serenity, can you draw? I’m just not trusting the deck…

[Serenity Bly] Ok, just a sec then, they’re over –> THERE.

[Miss Michele] I’m sorry Cyn. I’m getting cards that I feel aren’t meant for you, if that makes sense. And rather than give a faulty reading we can have Serenity draw.

[Cyn] That sounds fine. There’s a lot to be said for intuition.

[Serenity Bly] Oh, Ace of Pentacles jumper!

[Miss Michele] The Ace of Pentacles for Cyn… I’d say that shows a focus on career and finance rather than actively looking for love.

[Cyn] I have been focused a lot on my career the past year

[Serenity Bly] Ok, these cards look around about right. In the past you had a King of Pentacles, but he wasn’t everything you thought he was. He was a sound provider who was very earthy and probably worked too hard. But he wasn’t particular affectionate or giving so, now you’re on your own again.

[Cyn] I was hoping things would turn towards finding a mate. Yes, the man was more of a friend than anything else. And you’re right- he was a taker, and very stubborn.

[Serenity Bly] More recently, you’ve been looking at yourself, your own motivations, examining who you are, what you truly want and what you offer to others. The Page of Cups does this in a rather self absorbed way, it’s like you can’t see others while you’re own reflection is in the way. And you might have been looking for love, trying to find someone who is a reflection of who YOU are, not an equal that will balance your strengths and weaknesses with his own.

[Miss Michele] What are the other cards?   

[Serenity Bly] In the future, the Four of Wands points to a new adventure. Instead of focusing on love and romance you’re living life. You’re probably spending more time with your friends and are (or about to be) excited by a new opportunity or seeing an old opportunity in a new way.

[Cyn] Well, this does give me something to think about.

[Serenity Bly] MM, any thoughts on the reversal of a Four of Wands? I’m trying to wrap my head around what additional meaning it gives the card to have it come out backwards.

[Jen] Reversed/inverted can sometimes be a new beginning.

[Miss Michele] I don’t usually read reversals, but I’d say there may be a delay to commitment. Because Four of Wands IS often a marriage, engagement or other celebration. But I feel like her celebrating, in this case, is delaying the commitment Cyn really seeks.

[Cyn] So I need to rein in the partying? (Because we librarians know how to party…)

[Miss Michele] Only when you meet the person.   

[Serenity Bly] I think the reversal indicates that sense of delay, as MM points out. Instead of leaping into it like The Fool would, you’re given time to think about what you’re doing.

[Cyn] Ah, so perhaps there is a person?

[Miss Michele] Becuase conventional wisdom tells us you’re doing exactly the right thing to invite romance into your life.   

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* Actually, I think it’s encouraging the partying. But not as a means for developing a relationship. It’s a reminder that you have time to enjoy life NOW, and get serious later.

[Miss Michele] Having fun, focusing on yourself…but there’s a mindset there, where you need to be OPEN to a relationship. Watch out for the pack of girls in the corner, that the guys are afraid to approach, you know?

[Cyn] I understand, not to be too judgmental, to exercise good sense.

[Serenity Bly] Oh, that’s a good point. About the ‘pack of girls’.

[Miss Michele] I think that’s where the page of cups comes in, too. It’s the ladies preening in the corner, looking out for their sisters… Guys will approach women in groups of 2 – 3, no more. I actually heard that on a radio show. Someone did a study.

[Serenity Bly] And yes, have fun but don’t go into it with expectations. There is nothing wrong with experiencing that “girl-power” and unity now. But the environment you’re in isn’t necessarily the right one to attract the kind of man you want.

[Cyn] It would be intimidating for a guy. Who wants to be turned down in front of an audience?

[Miss Michele] Yes. And having our girls around gives the ladies more bravery to turn down the guy.

[Serenity Bly] The other thing is, if you’re ready for commitment and seriousness, that man probably isn’t out partying.

[Miss Michele] If you’re alone or with one friend and a guy is chatting you up, it’s like, what have you got to lose… let him buy you a drink. But if he’s pulling you away from the fun time, you’ll think twice.

[Cyn] And I’m not a partier. That’s why I’m having problems finding someone.

[Serenity Bly] Then maybe it’s an invitation to get out there. Let your hair down and socialize. Enjoy it from a social aspect, with a female friend or two.

[Miss Michele] I think that party card/delays is saying something here… it’s totally fine to keep partying if you’re getting fulfillment and enjoyment from that. Nothing wrong with that. BUT if you want a relationship… join other things.

[Serenity Bly] *nods* Yes, that’s what it sounds like it comes down to.

[Miss Michele] Groups that take part in similar hobbies you like, art shows, whatever…

[Cyn] So I’ll get back out there and see what I can do. Things are going well otherwise… but it would be nice to just see things fall into place. But that takes the challenge out of things, doesn’t it?

[Serenity Bly] Yes, put yourself out there, but don’t look for all the traits you already see in yourself. Keep an eye out for those you might normally look past. Because he may not be someone you’d normally consider.

[Cyn] Well, I thank both of you very much for the reading. It was very insightful- especially that part about looking for someone like myself instead of someone who will compliment me.

[Serenity Bly] Our pleasure Cyn. Check out our site http://www.future-tarot.com Chat happens here every week so we’d love to see you again some time.

[Cyn] Thank you. I hope both yourself and Miss Michele have a good evening. And really, thank you again for taking the time to share your talent with me.

[Serenity Bly] Thank you so very much for coming.

Have you ever wondered which road to take in a yellow wood? In 1920, Robert Frost did. And, at a recent Tarot Chat (9.30pm EST every Wednesday), Jen is at a similar crossroads, torn between two passions and not sure which to pursue. Is it possible that two roads that seem to diverge are intertwined and constantly intersecting each other?

Let’s find out what the Tarot’s advice is for Jen, which road should she take?

[Serenity Bly] Ok, Jen, Kim, Deb, Teresa, who’s up next?

[Jen] Good question. Who is?   I *think* mine’ll be relatively quick…

[Serenity Bly] Lets do yours next then Jen.

[Jen] I’m wondering if teaching is a viable supplement to other things I have going on (writing, crafty-type things, etc.) and, if so, should I *really* put myself out there for it. (The 2nd go-round of the class I’m teaching through the public service dept of the local college started back up last night).

[Miss Michelle] Hmmm… We have the Page of Cups saying something very different than the narcissism it represented in Simone’s reading earlier. But that’s the second card… First, we have the Two of Pentacles, representing all you do have going on right now, and have had in the past. I’ve gotten to really LIKE the Two of Pentacles because, you know, he’s JUGGLING those balls… he’s DOING it. It’s nothing to fear. He’s excelling.

[Serenity Bly] If you’re getting a Page of Cups in the present he’s probably telling you to look at yourself, Jen. Examine what makes you happy, what do you love about yourself. Examine your motivations and your self-perceptions. Do YOU think you can do it? Do YOU want to?

[Miss Michelle] The Page of Cups, in this case, is telling us that you will like the attention of teaching too… Serenity, you interpreted the Page as I’m interpreting the third card, The Moon!!

[Jen] I don’t know about liking the attention of it, but I do like helping people grow in whatever they want to do — in this case, it’s writing.

[Miss Michelle] I think both the Moon and the Page are asking: Does teaching play to your strengths?

[Serenity Bly] I like your “enjoy the attention” aspect of the Page. I’ve always felt the Page was a little too self-absorbed to really feel the eyes of others on him. Which is a good thing in a public speaking / teaching arena. Because if you see only yourself you don’t get stage fright.

[Miss Michelle] Fulfillment might be a better word… But you’re LIKING being in a leadership role.

[Jen] Yeah. Oddly enough. I never thought I’d like doing anything like this until Toastmasters.

[Miss Michelle] Rather than fading into the background… that’s what I meant. Not like, “hurrah, hurrah,” but you’re ENJOYING people paying attention to what you have to say, caring about it.

[Jen] You’re right. I am.

[Serenity Bly] And yes, that’s it, fulfillment. You’ll feel enriched and rewarded knowing you’re helping others. Again, it’s in a serving self sense. You help others to feel better about yourself. Or rather the Page does. The Moon’s whispering to me that it MAY create a little conflict. A sense of split personalities.

[Miss Michelle] (And that’s a great thing!) YES! I feel like the Moon is telling us to watch out for the balance thing… what will GO if you pursue teaching?

[Jen] That’s a good question.

[Miss Michelle] And are you being honest with yourself about doing it all?

[Serenity Bly] You’ll have an extra hat to wear and you need to be careful to bring together all of these aspects of yourself, develop a unity from your strengths.

[Miss Michelle] Which also ties into the split personality thing…

[Serenity Bly] lmfao I love how MM and I both went in the same direction at the same time totally independent of each other. Our higher selves must be talking above our heads.

[Jen] I’m trying to be honest with myself about it. The reason for this is the director of the program asked if I wanted to be included in the spring schedule. I’m trying to decide.

[Miss Michelle] I drew a fourth card, because (before Serenity’s interpretation of the Moon) I had no where to go with it. And the card is the Wheel of Fortune.

[Simone] I love that card! I always have to say WHEEL…..OF…..FORTUNEEEEE….doo doo doo doo dododo doo doo do…

[Miss Michelle] I think that means… If you are MEANT to get it, you will, but if you’re not… Regardless of being *offered* the position, once you listen to the Universe, you will either get it or not, if you are meant to have it (or not.)

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* That’s MM’s way of saying pay attention to signposts.

[Miss Michelle] (Yes, exactly!)

[Simone] The everything happens the way it’s supposed to whether you like it or not card.

[Miss Michelle] I also think if you keep your eyes open to signs… and possibly journal your concerns and thoughts about this reading… The Universe will TELL you the right course of action.

[MoonlitKim] It seems kind of systematic to me… like you are fitting into a school schedule. Or that everything will fall into place over time.

[Serenity Bly] If everything is leading you in this direction, follow.

[Miss Michelle] everything will…

[Jen] Being in the spring schedule will mean less writing gets done. But… I ultimately really do want to teach, preferably at a college level (hence I want/need an MFA eventually).

[Miss Michelle] I forget where I read/heard it, but when you are working WITH the will of the Universe, it is as if you are moving with the current. When you’re going against it… salmon upstream.

[Jen] Hmm…. There is actually a bit of both (against and with the current) going on here.

[Serenity Bly] Writing is an important part of teaching and your path as a writer may have been laying groundwork for your career as a teacher. If teaching is what you find most gratifying, rewarding, satisfying, follow that road. It doesn’t mean you have to let go of your writing, it means bring your writing hat under the management of your teaching hat, write as a teacher. Not teach as a writer.

[Jen] The class (this time and last) actually didn’t make (upstream), but the people in it both times were excited about it (with current). But that’s where the enjoyment of it comes from, I think, teaching as a writer. lol.

[Miss Michelle] Hmm… yeah… you need to look at teaching as a whole, not just that one experience I think. I think that’s part of the conflict… WHICH persona is stronger? THAT fits in w/ the wheel of fortune, too. Your teaching experience, overall, will turn around.

[Serenity Bly] Jen, I’m being prompted to pass on a message regarding your earlier “against the current” experience with teaching. The message is, “Just getting your feet wet.” Which I interpret to mean, the universe gave you a small group of motivated people who could inspire you to give you the initial thrill, the getting your feet wet experience. It didn’t want to throw you in the deep end. It’s giving you an opportunity to move deeper as you become more comfortable with the wet.

[Jen] OK. I get that. (This group seems more motivated than the last.)

[Miss Michelle] (I love how those messages from beyond so often come as cliches–for me too. LOL)

[Serenity Bly] It comes as a cliche because THEY need to give me something I can interpret. If it’s totally unique and never been used before I have no frame of reference to understand how it applies.

[Miss Michelle] OH!Serenity–that makes sense on the cliches. It always bugged me that my messages came that way–as if my subconscious were full of cliches.

[Jen] Hmm… So now (for some strange reason), I’m thinking along the possibility of “teaching” as in seminars and workshops rather than actual formal teaching with that. (These classes I’m doing are kind of a combination formal/seminar-ish.)

[MoonlitKim] Oooo that’s a good one to consider! And tends to be rather profitable as well.

[Miss Michelle] Jen, that is a GREAT idea!

[Serenity Bly] And teach online, so I can come to your classes.

[Jen] Heh. ANd that fits in with the creativity coaching better, too.

[Miss Michelle] Absolutely. And your whole… persona/business plan.

[Jen] Actually, Serenity, I’m getting an online class together basically as we speak, too.

[Miss Michelle] ooohhH!! Awesome!

[Jen] Miss Michelle, you’re right, it does.

[MoonlitKim] Oh! I think I got it! You were in this position to show you how much interest there is in lonely Oklahoma, so you’d realize how much more interest there would be online for seminars/coaching!   

[Jen] It’s this current group that’s pushing me towards that. Last night, I forgot a list of resources I intended to give them. So they say “Just put it on your website.” You know what? This has actually helped me quite a bit. I think I will be in the spring schedule, but not with any classes I’m teaching this go-round. (Unless popular demand comes along. Thinking creativity-centered.)

* This offer is limited, on a first come, first served basis, and readings will be shared on the Future-Tarot.com website. If you would prefer a more detailed reading please see those we offer and place your order.

~Transcript from 2010-01-14

Maribel wrote in for a L-for-Love Spread. She offered no details on her current relationship or situation, but the tarot revealed insight into her deepest thoughts and desires, along with her best course of action to avoid the future she does not want.

Past Experience in Love – Page of Wands

The reading begins with our Page of Wands standing on the seashore looking off into a bright future ahead. Love was new, pleasant and full of surprise and wonder. Maribel spent hours planning the future with her lover, down to the minute detail, and had every expectation it would go as planned.

Current Experience in Love – The Sun

Things are still currently good and in a growth stage, as shown by the major arcana, The Sun. This card often indicates fertility, a birth or family planning, but can also relate to a spiritual breakthrough.

Maribel is ready to move on from the fresh new Page of Wands stage of the relationship to something more intense and serious. She seeks a spiritual connection from her lover but he is still only interested in “fun in the sun.”

Factors you’re not seeing currently – King of Pentacles

Maribel is not seeing the “King of Pentacles” traits in her lover. In her eyes, he hasn’t grown up. The tarot would urge Maribel to take a second look – perhaps he is the mate you dream of, a strong influence, a financial provider, a caregiver and partner in all things – spiritual and material. He could be the perfect partner to “set up shop” and maintain a home with – but you’re not giving him that chance to be. This is revealed in greater depth later, when we see that what you offer a relationship, Maribel, are the traits of the Hermit: deep thoughts, pensiveness, introspection. Don’t let your partner’s lighthearted ways fool you – he’s deeper than he lets on. I want to say “still waters run deep,” but your partner is anything but still waters. On the contrary, he is the Page of Wands in action – he’s poetry and dance and energy and fire.

What you Need from a Love Relationship – Three of Cups

More than anything else in this spread, this card tells us you’re so ready for marriage, children – that greater commitment. In fact, that need is so strong, you’re willing to sacrifice what you do have in the pursuit of the commitment your current partner has been, so far, unwilling to make. With the Three of Cups tarot asks you to examine things from all angles. A wedding is one day. A ring, only a symbol of love. Can your partner, perhaps, be your King of Pentacles even without those things?

Your greatest strengths in a relationship/What you Offer – The Hermit

No doubt, Maribel, you bring maturity to the relationship. More so, this card indicates your discontent, even restlessness. But The Hermit tells us now is not the time for hasty decisions – more thought and consideration is needed. The Hermit in the Robin Wood Tarot Deck is on a quest, his lantern above his head illuminating the way. Continue seeking what you need. It may be time, in the future, to move on, but don’t be too quick to give up what you have.

Maribel’s Hermit is a strong counterpoint to her lover’s Page of Wands. He’s in the spotlight, she prefers the dark corners of her mind. He loves action. She likes to think. Rather than being a bad thing, though, this could strengthen their relationship. Vive la Difference!

Possible Future Outcome – Three of Swords

Maribel, your restlessness, if things continue on this path, could end in break-up. It will be painful but, like cutting away a dead branch so the rest of the plant will thrive, you feel it would be necessary. In this case, the Three of Swords indicates that sacrificing this relationship is not necessarily the best course of action, though. There’s a thread going through this reading – psychic intuition, if you will – that the two of you are meant to be together.

Serenity Bly corroborates my thoughts on this: “The Three of Swords indicates the contention going on simply because he’s fundamentally unchangeable and she’s unsettled by his liveliness. But I don’t get any sense that this relationship is doomed. I actually feel like this man is perfect for her. She NEEDS his sunshine. Without it she’ll disappear into the darkness. She is more of herself, she reaches higher, goes further, and becomes greater, because of his influence.”

Clarification Card – Page of Cups

With this in mind, Miss Michele couldn’t let the reading rest in this way. She drew a final card to determine how Maribel may best avoid this outcome if careful thought shows it’s not what she truly wants.

A card that has been sharing many different messages with us lately comes up: the Page of Cups. And so we’ve come full circle with yet another new beginning, another Page. Like the Page of Wands, the Page of Cups is full of adventure and wonder. Highly-creative, he is also as pensive as the Hermit at times. This Page of Cups is telling Maribel to look outside herself, and to also look at her lover with new eyes. Is he giving you what you need? Let loose, have fun. Remember how to play again.

Serenity Bly adds: “The Page of Wands might be difficult to tie down but he will listen if she can communicate without blame. Yes, she needs to experience the Page of Cups first, introspection, look within herself for any issues she might have that are internal rather than external. When she’s come to terms with what she truly needs from him, talk to him about those needs because he has the fire and love to want to make her world beautiful and he will do everything in his power to make her happy.”