Future Tarot

It was great to see so many wonderful people join us for Tarot Chat again. In this session Simone asked about a challenging friend who, after betraying her in the past, was seeking to rekindle their friendship. Sometimes, when it comes to our relationships with others we have to let time heal old wounds. While Simone needed to understand her friend’s motivations the wisdom the cards really wanted to offer was to let it go and let the hands of time do the hard work.

But before we begin with Simone’s reading, Teresa wanted to share a beautiful gift she received over Christmas. Have you ever tried Tarot Journaling? Read on to find out more.

[Teresa] I had something I wanted to share when it’s convenient.

[Serenity Bly] Oh, Teresa has something to SHARE!

[Teresa] My husband got me a book for Christmas: Tarot Journaling: Using the Celtic Cross to Unveil Your Hidden Story by Corrine Kenner on journaling with the Tarot.

[Jen_N] Oh how neat!

[Simone] That sounds awesome!

[Teresa] So I’ve been reading it and setting up a binder for journaling, getting ready to dig back into the Tarot.

[Simone] That sounds exciting!

[Teresa] I just wanted to share it with people, it’s pretty cool so far.

[MoonlitKim] Journaling! Woo! Love it.

[Serenity Bly] Journaling with Tarot? Sounds very interesting. If you ever wanted to blog your Tarot Journal give me a shout, Teresa. We’d love to host you on Future-Tarot.

[Teresa] Oh? I might just do that.

[Serenity Bly] Ok, did Simone get pushed forward for this next reading?

[MoonlitKim] I think so. Go for Simone!

[Serenity Bly] What would you like to ask Simone?

[Simone] Ok, I had a family member… and she contacted me after smearing me online in a really public, really bad way. Can the cards or your empathic zing tell me what the hell her family REALLY wanted from me and my family? It’s eating away at me. Even three years after smearing me or maybe only two years.

[Serenity Bly] We’ll see. I’m not sure I’m good enough to give you motive but who knows. We can at least dig for a bit of piece of mind.

[Simone] I trust you and the cards – you’ll tell me what cards you pull, yes?

[Serenity Bly] lol I said, “Not sure I’m good enough to give you motive”… And then the cards shout “Narcissism.” That sounds like motive to me.   

[Simone] Narcissism? I know what that means….the word and the psychological condition…

[Serenity Bly] Ok, lets break it down with the actual cards. In the past the Page of Cups has her totally self-centered and admiring all the wonder that is She. She’s very much in love with her own reflection and has blinded herself to the value of others or the pursuit of a greater divine purpose.

[Miss Michelle] Yes, the Page of Cups is ALL about narcissism.

[Simone] That makes sense because she was tearing me down because she felt untouchable. Is she her own greater divine purpose?

[Serenity Bly] In the present we have the Six of Cups (reversed) which, today, seems to point to her looking to blame someone else for her personal tragedies. It’s a strange twist to this card, I don’t normally see it that way.

[MoonlitKim] Funny, I had never noticed narcissism, guess I thought the fish was in the way of the reflection.

[Miss Michelle] Also, it tells me she could be looking at the past in a different way than Simone sees it. Because the Six of Cups is “halcyon days of old” — this person is seeing things “reversed” from reality…

[Simone] Miss Michelle I’m sure she sees it differently. You have to in order to justify being such a lowlife c-word.

[Serenity Bly] It also points to a sense of jealousy and resentment. She was looking back on lost opportunities and a happier past. Or more specifically “YOU” reminded her of what she’s lost.

[Miss Michelle] it seems to me like she’s contacting you to… like, get back what she feels she lost from you…

[Serenity Bly] In the future we see DEATH! *plays dramatic music*

[Simone] ! Was she going to change?

[Miss Michelle] Oooh… That puts a very new angle on it…

[Serenity Bly] I’m sorry, but I don’t think it means she’s about to die a horrible death, Simone. *winks*

[Simone] lol Oh, I know that. I don’t want her to die. I know her life is revenge enough.

[Serenity Bly] And I don’t think it’s really an indication of her changing but of your relationship with her changing or ending.

[Miss Michelle] It seems, from that, that in her own twisted mind, she really IS looking to put it all behind her… To find a way to “let go” of it. And she’s USING you for that.

[MoonlitKim] Hmm… to at least let you know that her perspective has changed, that now she understands what life with kids is about?

[Serenity Bly] You’re a catalyst for change within her and you’re creating a new vision and purpose for her.

[Miss Michelle] It’s like… in Alcoholics Anonymous, people going through the program are asked to “make amends” to those they hurt. But in seeking forgiveness, it may help the alcoholic but typically only hurts those they confront by pulling up old wounds.

[Serenity Bly] The advice I get from this is to “be a good example”. Lead the way to her enlightenment by showing her the kind of person she could be. Lead by example.

[Miss Michelle] Once again, she’s using you for her gain… but doesn’t even REALIZE it.

[Simone] Should I help her? It would be awful. I hate not helping.

[Serenity Bly] Don’t help her, she’s not open to help, yet.

[Miss Michelle] Hmm… Serenity’s saying yes… but not in an active way.

[Simone] She’s a cousin-in-law and even when we were friends she was the “I’ll be over at 7″ then no call no show.

[Miss Michelle] Lead by example.

[Serenity Bly] Remember, Death is the FUTURE. All you can do is lead by example and let her wallow in her six of cups.

[Miss Michelle] I almost see that the Death card, though, is telling Simone it’s okay to let go of this whole thing.

[Simone] Like I’m not a horrible person for not helping her?

[Miss Michelle] I don’t think so!

[Simone] Is there a “Simone’s a decent human being” card lmao

[Serenity Bly] Go about your own business, live your own life, and leave her on the sidelines. She will change, but you can’t force it and she’s not open to your opinions yet.

[Simone] But if we’re not talking how will I know she’s changed?

[Miss Michelle] I think she WANTS to be changed, which is why she contacted you.

[Serenity Bly] You don’t have to know Simone.

[Simone] Okay.

[MoonlitKim] Basically, it’s her problem, not yours, and when she’s willing to change, then perhaps you can be a more active helper.

[Serenity Bly] Exactly Kim. The Death card says she will, but it doesn’t say you have to be around for it, Simone.

[otherdeb] Simone, you can’t help or fix everyone.

[Simone] Watch me try Deb, watch me try. haha

[Miss Michelle] The Universe has a way of letting us know these things if we need to.

[Simone] This is the first time in my life I said no to someone asking for my friendship. It’s killing me.

[Miss Michelle] You’ll hear it from a family member–or whatever.

[MoonlitKim] Good point Deb! I so get sucked into helping everyone in the world! Which doesn’t work out well for me.

[Serenity Bly] You wanted her motivation, it’s there, self-gratification and resentment. But the action you take on it is entirely up to you. Sometimes you just have to choose not to allow negative influences into your circle.

[Jen_N] Simone, I’ve tried. It wasn’t worth the stress.

[otherdeb] Simone, I suffer from the same thing — ask Miss Michele

[Simone] Awesome. thank you SO much Serenity. I’ll sleep better tonight than I have in two weeks

[Miss Michelle] I think every one of us here does, Deb.

[Simone] I don’t doubt it. You’re all really nice people. Nice people get screwed a lot.

[otherdeb] Mostly because we let ourselves.

[Miss Michelle] That should be on a bumper sticker.   

[Serenity Bly] Simone, I don’t think I ever told you about my ex-husbands family. They sent me hate mail and threats when he and I first started dating. So, I just ignored them, got on with living my life, and pretended they didn’t exist. Years later they came to me, they wanted to get to know me and obviously the kids too. Now the relationship I have with them is better than my ex-husbands relationship with his own family.

[Simone] Shut UP! Really??? That’s amazing!

[Miss Michelle] See? There’s hope!

[Serenity Bly] Relationships mend, and in the moment, right now, you don’t have to have an active role in mending it. Let time play its hand.

[Simone] Awesome. Thanks again. It’s good to know!!!

* 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

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 months ago I asked the lovely Miss Michele to do my 2009, 12-Month Spread. I’ve had Miss Michele do these spreads for me a couple of times now and am always amazed in hindsight at how accurately they reflect the year’s activities. Looking back at April, May, and June 2009 I have to admit this reading is coming up with almost spooky accuracy. I just couldn’t resist sharing my reading with you.

In a long overdue 12-month, 13-card spread for my partner Serenity Bly (it’s the old shoemaker’s children situation!) Miss Michele has discovered that April 2009 is Serenity’s month to conquer the World. Whether that “world” is a video game, the blogosphere or some other endeavor, time will tell. But even better things are to come!

Overview: 2009 will be/is a year of learning and profit, during which time Serenity’s worst fears will be the stuff nightmares are made of. However, fearing and worrying is a waste of time as the worst will not materialize. (Ah, it so rarely does!) Serenity Bly takes time this year to learn how to manipulate her environment and hone her skills. She is studying, with an emphasis on the occult (well, go figure!) to get what she has a right to financially. (Don’t worry, dear readers, we’re not raising our rates here at Future-Tarot.) Serenity’s biggest worry will be working too hard. The word “possibilities” is literally whispering to Miss Michele during this reading.

April: The World

As already stated, April will present Serenity Bly with The World at her fingertips. Possibilities are ripe for, well, anything.

May: The Magician

By May, Serenity learns how to manipulate her environment and use the tools at her disposal to conquer the World, which presented itself in April. Although The Magician in Miss Michele’s preferred deck, Hanson-Roberts, is a man, Miss Michele detects a feminine energy in this card. It represents none other than the querent, who will use her intuition, intelligence and technical skills to keep her business going strong.

June: Seven of Pentacles

June brings additional emphasis on business and financial possibilities. With the Seven of Pentacles, she will begin to reap the rewards of several newly-launched passive income businesses and affiliate marketing Web sites, and will be afforded the opportunity to sit back and watch them grow. Just as things are taking off, now, she may consider a change of direction, as well.

July: King of Pentacles and Three of Swords

The King of Pentacles and Three of Swords stuck together during this reading to appear in July, leaving Miss Michele to draw one conclusion: a man will break Serenity’s heart. It will be someone she views as a mentor—perhaps even someone she meets in the business world. While it may not be a romantic encounter, the end result of a broken heart will sting as much as a love lost.

August: The Star

In August, The Star appears reminding Serenity of the power and strength of her intuition. There is a strong emphasis on the occult and, once again, great possibilities in front of her.

September: Six of Cups

The Six of Cups represents a joyful past. Serenity begins considering what she did right – in business and romance – in the past and begins longing for the way things were. What can she do to bring back elements of a happier time?

October: Eight of Pentacles

2009, for Serenity, is characterized by periods of learning and growth, followed by time to relax and enjoy those rewards. This continues with the Eight of Pentacles in October, when she may take a course or class, which will help grow her business further.

November: Judgment

And again, in November, she will rest to reap the rewards, this time characterized by the major arcane Judgment. She will be judged favorably by peers and may receive a cash settlement, related to real estate, an outstanding lawsuit, or money owed from a client.

December: Page of Swords

The Page of Swords comes bearing a message, and once again, the emphasis is on matters of business, learning and financial success. Serenity works hard to increase her intellect, but fears it is not enough. Pessimism rears its ugly head… the phrase for this hot Australian summer is: “This too shall pass.”

January: Ten of Swords

It all gets to be a bit too much come January, with the Ten of Swords heralding a forced rest. Two pages in the spread, along with the star and King of Pentacles may foretell of a pregnancy and, if that’s the case, there may be forced bed-rest in January. Otherwise an illness, or perhaps just sheer exhaustion, will force Serenity into a phase of withdrawal. She may feel as if all she wants to do is surrender to the Universe. Remember, Serenity, your state of mind is your worst enemy. Rely on your friends and support network to get you through… Change is around the corner!

February: Knight of Pentacles

Knights herald change, so the Knight of Pentacles reveals yet another change in financial status—once again, for the better. (Ah, the life of a freelancer.) Serenity’s health issues pass without serious incident, placing her in a position to face whatever the Universe will throw at her next. Perseverance and hard work prevail.

March: Page of Cups

The Page of Cups in March 2010 marks a birth… a literal (albeit slightly premature?) birth of a child, or birth of yet another business? The emphasis is on creative energy and growth—and exactly what Serenity needs at this point in her life.

Serenity, Miss Michele has tossed a lot at you in this spread. Please follow-up and let me know if you’d like clarification on any points.

I have to admit that knowing nothing about Erica makes this reading an intriguing one for me to give. I find myself being more cautious about my responses (*blushes* Yes, even I am still wary to trust outright my intuition and instinct).

Being tuned into Erica was a warm and touching experience. I know she’s a generally empowered, positive woman who stands tall in the world. She is bright and I feel like she represents a great lake. Her surface is smooth, calm, unruffled but beneath she is shifted by emotional currents of uncertainty.

I feel like it is these deeper elements that manifest the challenges the cards reveals through the second half of the year. Thankfully, overcoming inner demons is one of this years greatest universal elements. We will all be forced to gaze upon ourselves and account for our true being.

I can tell that Erica will grow and that this year she’ll overcome some of the greater challenges she has found recurring through her past. She’ll inspire others with her courage and confidence and go into 2010 with a new sense of purpose and an exciting new opportunity.

January: The King of Cups: The year begins on a solid foundation of emotional strength and warmth. A firm, capable masculine influence creates a harmony in the home, filling Erica’s life with a loving atmosphere and a strong sense of security. He encourages her to seek out the healer within and turn her thoughts to being a positive influence in the lives of others.

February: The Sun: Having discovered her inner potential for bringing light and happiness to others and in doing so bringing about peace within herself, Erica is blessed with The Sun in February, ordaining light and joy.

March: Three of Cups: In March the warmth, love, and romantic happiness the surrounded Erica in the earlier months of the year founds a new beginning, perhaps a marriage or romantic commitment. March gives an emotional gift that is both the culmination of a joyous occasion and the beginning of a greater journey with greater emotional depths to explore.

April: Eight of Wands: My first thoughts on seeing this card after the original three was Honeymoon. While a marriage may not have been the Three of Cups intentions in March, April’s atmosphere has a relaxed get away in mind. The Eight of Wands usually indicates travel, a new adventure, a journey.

May: Six of Swords: After the upheaval and changes through March and April, Erica will finally be able to move at a slower pace. May brings with it calm serenity and the opportunity to find her footing as her new reality settles about her.

June: Two of Cups: June’s cups point to a new relationship or new depths for an existing relationship after times of trouble. It’s possible that Erica will welcome someone into her life. If she is planning a family then it wouldn’t surprise me if a child is on the way in June.

July: Five of Pentacles: Thoughts of family and romance turn to finance in July. Erica may find her financial footing is not as secure as she once thought and needs to reconsider the way her finances are managed. It is important to evaluate past mistakes but know that this period will lead to greater security if she chooses to make sensible choices.

August: Page of Swords: The winds of changing thoughts and personal growth flow from the Page of Swords in August. From an almost boyish sense of petty self-mindedness it’s time to reach a new level of awareness that is outside of one’s self. Erica might feel a sense of self-loathing or frustration. When the mind seeks to disable us it is important to learn from our past mistakes but do not allow them to shield us from making future choices.

September: Five of Cups: September will be washed in a haze of regret and a sense of betrayal, perhaps because of the depression and turmoil blown up by the Page of Swords. It is important to remember that this misunderstanding does not foretell an ending. It is a speed bump in Erica’s happiness that can be overcome with patience, love, and communication.

October: Eight of Swords: Things seem to be just getting worse. From regret and betrayal Erica sinks deeper through October until she feels trapped. A choice must be made but there is no single choice that feels right and every choice brings with it trouble and risk.

November: Page of Cups: November offers release from the frustrations of the past months. The Page of Cups plants a seed of emotional warmth and tenderness into the situation and from that grows a new strength in your relationships, both with yourself and with others.

December: Eight of Pentacles: Erica’s year ends on a positive note with an exciting and exhilarating opportunity to hone and harvest her craft. She may discover a new hobby and forges a great sense of achievement. This could be the foundation for a business venture.

Overview: Ten of Swords: When it comes down to it, 2009 is about letting go and creating something new and beautiful from past hardship and grief. Erica has faced her own struggles and unfortunately they are not all behind her but her strength of being and purpose remains. There are challenges ahead and I feel that Erica needs to know she does not go into battle alone. Her loved ones stand close and want to be given an opportunity to help. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Erica, enjoy the tranquility and warmth in the beginning of the year. The happiness in those earlier months will strengthen you for the challenges to come. Remember, that every difficulty you face is transient, you will overcome and there are new joys just beyond the horizon.

All the best for 2009!

Back on December 28, 2007, Miss Michele did a 13-card reading for 2008. Now that the year is 1/4 of the way over (can you believe it’s spring already?) let’s look back and see how she’s done so far…

The year begins with the Three of Pentacles, an emphasis on work and learning in January. This card shows a financial endeavor off to a good start. With new bookkeeping and tracking software and a clear vision and goals for 2008, this card makes a lot of sense already. Miss Michele may also undertake a small home renovation project, such as painting.

Miss Michele had a very productive month in January, so it’s safe to say this reading was true. Except for the home renovation–that may have been wishful thinking!

February’s card warns Miss Michele to rest or she will once again fall ill. The Ten of Swords indicates forced rest or illness, as well as the possibility of a friend’s betrayal, which will, in turn, make me extremely weary and tired, and perhaps even physically ill.

This card scared Miss Michele when she pulled it back in December. She got the impression the illness would be more serious than a cold or flu. Well, she discovered on January 30 that she was pregnant. Most of February was spent lying on the couch with the laptop, fighting off queasiness and fatigue. Everything was an effort… easily, the worst this tarot reader has ever felt!

Things get better in March with the Two of Cups. Either I will reconcile with the friend from February, or things will get a lot better in terms of career and business partnerships. Things with RECON may begin to come to fruition in terms of profitability as we complete our third issue under new ownership. This one will be on time and as close to perfect as three people can make a magazine!

This month’s card came true on both counts. Admittedly, I knew in December I was having issues with a close friend. Through a series of e-mails and a few phone discussions, we finally cleared things up in March. Also, around March 20, morning sickness subsided and I started to feel better.

Let’s skip ahead to October… with an odd little card that Miss Michele wasn’t sure how to interpret at the time:

October brings the Page of Cups. Could indicate news of a birth or a wedding.

This card confused me at the time of the reading, but this one little sentence may have been my most accurate reading to date! My estimated due date is October 2.

Would you like your own reading from Miss Michele? Three-card spreads are free, with a variety of other spreads available at low prices to fill your specific needs. (See sidebar for ordering information.)