Future Tarot

The Queen of Pentacles emphasizes material possessions, “nesting” – that is, getting your home ready for guests or to host a party – as well as the acquisition of material goods. This Queen, though, does not seek material goods merely to own them. She appreciates the finer things in life and wants to make her home more comfortable for herself and her family.

This card resonates with me personally, as I plan to take the first half of next week to emphasize cleaning house and also to organize my home-based office. What could be more “Queen of Pentacles” than to make my office – devoted to the acquisition of wealth through doing what I love – comfortable, beautiful and functional? That’s a true Queen of Pentacles moment!

Universal Message
On a global level … the “start” of the holiday season, with prompting from retailers, seems to begin the day after Halloween rather than the day after Thanksgiving, as it used to! People everywhere are getting their homes ready for the holidays, checking their bank accounts to create their holiday budgets, and perhaps deciding on new ways to make money for the holidays.

It’s sad that the Queen of Pentacles can be interpreted to represent the holidays, with her emphasis on material goods, but let’s not forget the maternal aspects of this card. After all, the Pentacles also signify “getting back to earth.”

The Queen of Pentacles is the family manager, perhaps the breadwinner. But she’s also a caregiver and the perfect party host. She is Martha Stewart without the scandal, Rachael Ray without the bubbly-ness, Mrs. Claus without Santa overshadowing her! She wants to build a safe, friendly and comfortable home for her loved ones, and knows that money isn’t the only way to do it! On the other hand, the Queen never focuses on lack, and, because of that, the money is always there when she needs it!

Tarot’s Advice
The lesson we can take away from the Queen of Pentacles for the week of November 1? Seek to build a safe, comfortable and joyous haven for your family this coming holiday season, but remember it’s about more than who has the biggest blow-up Santa in their front yard!

I enjoyed a lovely session with Mandy in a recent Wednesday Tarot Chat. Her warm enthusiasm, gentle excitement, and empowered glimpse into her own future created a harmonious energy in the room that made her a delight to read. Having an opportunity to connect with others, to share their experiences, and offer insight and guidance is one of the reasons I look forward to our weekly chat sessions. I hope you’ll join us in a few ours for this weeks and if you can’t make it but would like me to do a three-card reading* for you please email me at SerenityBly@gmail.com.

[Mandy] The question is: Will I accomplish what I’m hoping through our schedule revamp?

[Serenity Bly] Oh, good question. The Queen of Pentacles and Ace of Swords were wanting to be jumpers. I’m not counting them in your reading unless/until they tie in with what comes out next.

[Mandy] Ok

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* In the past, the Page of Swords shows two things, the first, that you’ve been thinking or even talking about doing this for a very long time but have hesitated taking action. Perhaps that is because of the second, others naysaying your ideas.

[Mandy] And I’ve been quite busy.

[Serenity Bly] For a long time, a sense of doubt, perhaps self-doubt but also more obviously the doubt of others has made it challenging to be confident about making changes and moving forward.

[Mandy] *agrees*

[Serenity Bly] The Knight of Pentacles in the present shows BIG, but profitable (not necessarily in a material sense) changes. You’re undertaking what is going to be a rather significant journey. I feel like this reversal is significant too so I’ll read it in this case. With the horse and rider facing backwards it is likely you’ll be bringing back some of what has worked for you in the past. It might also indicate a need to look at where and how far you’ve come before you will really be sure of the path ahead.

[Mandy] I am hoping to have our daily routine figured within the next couple of days and then will begin moving forward from there. It’s going to take some work, but my ultimate objective is to ensure I have time to write and get back to writing. I miss taking a pen to paper and fingers to keyboard. It’s an amazing feeling when you complete something – and I MISS that feeling!

[Serenity Bly] In the future, the Two of Pentacles shows HARD WORK. But, in this case, it’s a great sign. You’re moving your focus away from family and finding a new balance that allows you to bring in your working life. Yes, you’ll have a lot of new things to learn and it might take time for real money to start coming in again but this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and learn. In some ways you are beginning again, but you’ve already got the tools and you’re real mastery comes in finding the way to use those tools in the time you have available.

[Mandy] Yes, hard. I’m going to try to write following the school schedule with Johnathan. I want to be free to take the summers off for the most part and keep Shaun in a structured routine to allow time for me to really work. Richard working 4 pm to midnight will help too. He’ll have a set time with Shaun so I can work upstairs without interruption.

[Serenity Bly] It sounds great.

[Mandy] I’m workin’ on it. LOL. It looks like I’ll get it sorted.

[Serenity Bly] Now, lets flash back to those two jumpers and see if they relate. Being Pentacles and Swords I think they probably do. *pauses and nods* The Queen of Pentacles is YOU. She’s gentler than a Queen of Swords. The Queen of Swords would be all business-mode. The Queen of Pentacles is security, building foundations, creating a place that is safe and warm and giving. She is the central figure of material abundance.

[Mandy] Balancing all aspects of home and work.

[Serenity Bly] The Ace of Swords must then be an indication of rethinking the way you work. What has worked for you in the past might not necessarily be what will work for you in the future.

[Mandy] Right. I can’t work until all hours of the morning and still function throughout the day. I have to balance my time, very carefully, to maintain balance, peace and order in all aspects of our lives.

[Serenity Bly] You may find yourself trying new things. If you wrote primarily for magazines you might get into fiction, or etc. The WAY you did it before may not be the way you choose to do it now. Be open to those new ideas and new concepts.

[Mandy] Completely.    

[Serenity Bly] Adjust to what you feel passionate and interested in learning now and don’t feel like you have to do things the way you’ve always done them.

[Mandy] I’ve done a great deal of story writing in the past, most of which as a ghost writer. I’m looking more into helping through experience, sharing meal ideas/plans and health aspects. That’s where I feel most drawn at this point.

[Serenity Bly] That sounds like an excellent direction. Perfect for where you are in life stages right now too. *grins* And as an answer to your original question it sounds like a resounding yes.

[Mandy] Fabulous!!

* 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.

The other night while doing a spread for a reader, my daughter, a six-month old Libra, selected a card of her own. I managed to grab it and interpret it before it went in her mouth.

Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be the perfect card to describe her, right now: The Ace of Swords. I’m not sure what card I would have selected on my own to represent my daughter if you had asked me. For myself, I heavily identify with the Queen of Pentacles.

But she selected the Ace of Swords for herself and I’m not going to argue – it’s not smart to argue with anyone holding a sword

Swords represent intellect, while an Ace in this situation represents as-yet-untapped potential. Without going off on a boastful “my daughter is so advanced” tangent, (because doesn’t every parent feel that way?) let me just say I definitely see the untapped intellect in her eyes. The Ace of Swords is double-edged, however; she can use her power for good or evil and at some point she will have to make that decision.

The Ace of Swords is about balancing sharp intellect without cutting yourself off emotionally. Libras, represented by scales, should be masters of balance but, instead, often struggle with it.

Libras are very open-minded, mainly because they want to see and weigh all sides of a situation before making the decision. This can make them great diplomats, but also easily swayed by “the next big thing.” The Ace of Swords shows my daughter won’t be as easily swayed as many Libras by folly.

In fact, she’ll have the knack for condescending to people she knows are wrong to avoid an argument if it is in her best interests to do so. She will have the potential to easily manipulate others; whether or not she chooses to do so may depend largely on her upbringing. It is my job to sharpen this sword to a fine edge but not so sharp it cuts anyone who approaches. Definitely a challenge.

Then again, the question exists: This is what I see in her, but will I help this personality to manifest merely by foreseeing it? Remember, the tarot guides us but we always make our own future and, in some cases, the future of those around us. How many times have people met your expectations? Were you simply right about them, or did their actions manifest from your thoughts?

But I digress: Readers, what card do you use to represent yourself? Please post a comment to tell us which card and why!

Teri writes:

Dear Miss Michele: I’d like some insight into the themes I will be
working with in my love life. Specifically, I’d like some insight into the chance of reuniting with an old love (2006 old!). Thank you.

Past experience in love: Two of Wands: Referring specifically to your old love, this partnership worked well and you thought it would have longevity. Then one of you moved away and the distance was too much to bear. You had to make the painful decision of separating.

Current experience in love: King of Cups: Now, you view this past lover, once again, as your ideal mate. In fact, no other person has lived up to the standards you set. He is kind, loving, thoughtful—your ideal pair in every way. However, you currently have a sense of security in your life you could lose if you pursue your past lover. You feel a reconciliation may not be “a sure thing.”

What you want from a love relationship: Queen of Pentacles: This card of fertility and growth shows you are seeking a steady, committed “grown-up” relationship—a home and family. You want someone who will bring out the best in you, both your nurturing side and your fierce intelligence.

What you need from a love relationship: Ace of Swords: Again, supporting the fact that an intellectual match is even more important than a physical or romantic match, the Ace of Swords shows you need an equal partner in life. The double-edged sword foretells a “new beginning,” albeit with an old flame.

What you have to offer in a relationship: 6 of Swords: You can offer a sense of adventure. Paired with the Two of Wands, Miss Michele wants to interpret this card—showing a traveler rowing a boat toward shore—quite literally. You are now willing to travel, even relocate, to be with this person.

Possible future experience: 6 of Pentacles: Yet another six in this reading  shows your desire to settle down. Six is also a number representing choice; you are at a crossroads. To try again or not?

With no Major Arcanas in this reading, the decision lies entirely in your hands, Teri. That may not be what you want to hear, as you are clearly torn about the matter, but if you pursue this relationship it should give you what you need… but it may take time.

The wealth of Pentacles in this romance reading tells Miss Michele that you value platonic friendship – a true cerebral and well-grounded connection – with a lover over lust and romance. You are ready for a mature love.

Serenity Bly adds: The King of Cups is more how Teri views her past love, not necessarily how he really is. The Ace and the Two, which are “young” cards, represent him, and he’s not quite ready for the commitment she’s dreaming of.  If she wants him, she’ll have to be patient.

The Tarot cautions Teri to beware of rose-tinted visions of the past. It is important that she look at WHY they didn’t work in the past and if anything has changed.

* Miss Michele used the Robin Wood Tarot Deck for this reading, with intuitive insight from Serenity Bly. *

Our one-year spread is always a big seller this time of year, and Tilanthis kicks it off with our first reading.

In 2008, he experienced a new job, a major move and several other life changes related to his associates and hobbies, predicted here by Miss Michele.

Let’s see what 2009 holds in store…

Overview: Looking at the year as a whole, by this time next year, Tilanthis will once again experience intense changes. His life will be very different. Lasting love was not in the cards in 2008, but January kicks off with a new love interest. The Hermit, the card for the year, indicates introspection and Tilanthis “reinventing” himself.

January: Queen of Pentacles: Tilanthis will meet a nurturing, strong-minded career women who complements him perfectly.

February: Three of Cups: This will be a honeymoon period (though not in the literal sense) for Tilanthis and his new love, marked by celebration, happiness and getting to know one another better.

March: Ace of Swords: Tilanthis faces a turning point in the relationship, when his lady’s strong wit and independence “cuts” him. There will be disagreements. It’s that magical “three-month mark” of a new relationship, and they will enter a new phase.

April: Three of Swords: March’s love problems may result in a break-up or broken heart. The combination of the Ace and Three of Swords indicates a rough spring for Tilanthis.

May: Five of Swords: May looks brighter as Tilanthis and his love interest begin talking again, but there are trust issues. Miss Michele would also like to introduce the possibility that this card doesn’t relate at all to his love relationship. Tilanthis’ “karmic debt” is that he attracts gossipers and backstabbing people. In 2009, he can begin to better deal with these personality types, taking the higher ground in all his relationships and also being more aware of this force in his life.

This assertion is supported by June’s card…
June: Nine of Wands: Tilanthis repeatedly finds himself in a game of one upmanship with people, but he will win by taking the higher ground.

July: Knight of Swords: Positive change comes in July with this Knight. Knights are action just beginning. Tilanthis is tired of sitting around waiting for what he wants to come to him. He takes initiative to go after it. However, in mid-year, he begins to lose his focus on all things romantic. Things come easily to him in career and social matters, but not in love. When it gets hard, he steps back and re-prioritizes his life.

But he’s taking some positive steps to get what he wants in Summer 2009, by going after it. Miss Michele keeps thinking of the phrase: “Storming the Castle.” But Tilanthis needs to learn balance between love and life.

August: Ace of Rods: The summer’s changes began violently, but by August, he begins to draw an effective plan, taking a systematic approach to his life changes. Miss Michele sees a new job or a promotion, or possibly even a new hobby and a whole new group of friends. Think lifestyle overhaul.

September: The Magician: This card has come up frequently in Miss Michele’s readings for Tilanthis, and is the first Major Arcana in this spread. Tilanthis will begin using his talents to the best of his abilities, taking on a leadership role or possibly even starting a new business endeavor. His networking abilities are effective and that is a key part of his life come the fall. In the spring, he felt restless and unfulfilled… he desires control, leadership and social activities and goes after them in the fall.

October: The Hanged Man: The second Major Arcana in this reading shows Tilanthis re-evaluating his life. He’s gotten what he thought he wanted, but is it really him? He tends to be a chameleon but, as such, has lost touch with his true self. The Hanged Man indicates a period of waiting in which Tilanthis looks at things from a different angle. He’s going to find a new life, new friends, new job or hobbies… but it’s really just what he had before, albeit with a fresh coat of paint. It’s not true change. Is it what he wants? Is this the path he’s destined to walk or is there something more, something different he can manifest?

November: The World: When Tilanthis makes the choice, the “World” is his for the taking.

December: Page of Rods: The Page of Rods in December shows Tilanthis looking at everything with a child’s eyes. With everything else in place, Tilanthis can once again begin his search for true love, opening his heart to the opportunities.

It’s going to be a significant fall and winter for Tilanthis. The overall theme for the year is indicated by the Hermit… it will be a year of introspection which will benefit Tilanthis come year’s end.

Please come back and tell us how the Tarot’s observations manifest!