Future Tarot

Sometimes love is meant to be. And sometimes it is hard work. Have you ever felt the potential for something more in a close friendship? Maribel needed to know how to harness the power of her new feelings for a man she has known a long time; but how do you change a friendship into more without risking the loss of something dear?

Your Present Self – The Chariot

This card indicates the journey of self-discovery you were on when you met Karl. It also shows your connection to him. The Major Arcana indicates the significance of the event, and the Chariot indicates a vision for the future that you both shared. This card also represents conflicting emotions from both of you – to move forward or to stand still – that is the question you both asked.

The Crossing Card – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is, on its surface, an odd card to see in the position of “what blocks you.” I’m getting a sense that you were rushing things in the relationship – not outwardly, but your mind had things moving much faster than they really were. This card typically indicates a union, a marriage, a celebration… On the one hand, you were enjoying the friendship as it was – lighthearted and romantic. On the other, you wanted to rush forward into a deeper commitment. He sensed this and may not have been ready for it. Additionally, the bevy of three girls on this card tells me you may have been facing peer pressure to move the relationship forward faster than it should have been going.

The Crowning Card – The Two of Swords

The Two of Swords, showing a young lady, two swords in her crossed arms, blindfolded, is the perfect card to represent what you see… because, in reality, there are factors about this relationship you are refusing to see, even though you know them deep inside. You ask if perhaps his feelings were your imagination. Not imagination, per se, but certainly you feel more deeply for him than he feels for you. A good relationship needs balance… and the Two of Swords indicates a desire for (but lack of) balance in this relationship.

You stated in your question that when you try to contact him to discuss the situation, “Probably he misunderstands my honest intentions, and he does not give me a chance to explain.” This is exactly right… what he is seeing is intense desire, rather than your actual desire to pursue a strong friendship and see where it leads. It’s very hard for you to keep those below-the-surface romantic feelings hidden.

Aspects You Cannot See – Ace of Pentacles

This position in a Celtic Cross Spread is often called the Base of the Matter. Here, we get to the heart of the problem. He sees you as a friend. The Ace of Pentacles is a card of platonic relationships, business, practicality. The distance between you is a huge sticking point in his mind. It’s nearly pointless to pursue a relationship when you are so far apart.

However, the Ace of Pentacles does represent, as all Aces do, beginnings. There is hope here for a strong friendship, that will blossom like the beautiful white flowers on this card in the Hanson-Roberts tarot deck.

Influences That Are Ending – Ace of Swords

More good news comes in the Ace of Swords. His coldness is passing. He’s beginning to release the intellectual arguments that say it’s pointless to even speak to you, since nothing practical can come of it. He will realize how his words have cut like a knife and hurt you – and he will realize it’s not logical to hurt a friend.

Influences That Are Beginning – Judgment

As he reaches out to you, you will be judging him. Determining if, after the way he’s hurt you, he deserves forgiveness. Likewise, he will be judging your motives. Can you really “settle” for a friendly relationship without pushing (or hinting) for something more? Judgment will fall in favor of both of you.

Attitudes You Need To Change – The Moon

I felt as if this card, The Moon (another Major Arcana, indicating a significant message) supported my intuitive instincts about this reading. Where the Moon appears, self-deception may be involved. You may have misread his original signals. However, the cards following this one indicate his feelings may change in the future into more romantic feelings. Be patient and allow it to happen on its own.

Serenity Bly adds: “With the Moon I get a sense that you might be sending mixed signals to yourself, and therefore to others. It can be confusing to others to have a sense of shifting beneath the surface, one aspect draws them in while another pushes them away, like the tides. You may need to take time to find an inner balance and harmony so that you can lower your defenses, present a unified self to others, and strip away any misleading masks you wear.”

Miss Michelle adds to this: Inner balance is a huge theme in this reading, also represented by Judgement and the Two of Swords. Embrace the powerful Queen of Pentacles within yourself, the woman in control. Both you and Karl seem to be pushing and pulling, but you can set the example here and show certainty and confidence in your friendship.

How Others See You – King of Wands

This card sometimes indicates how others see you, but it can also indicate another person’s point of view or expectations for a situation. Since you asked specifically about Karl’s thoughts and feelings, the Tarot is answering your question with this card, as well as with the earlier Ace of Pentacles. Like the Ace of Pentacles, the King of Wands is practical, yet this practicality is tempered with loving kindness. Right now, Karl feels very warmly to you, but the passion isn’t there. For that reason, he’s putting up walls around his emotions, to avoid disappointment for himself or for you if things do not turn out as you both hope they could be.

There’s the irony of the situation – he wants a relationship with you, yet is afraid of it, afraid of being hurt and afraid it won’t turn into what he wants it to be so he’s running away and avoiding the situation – thereby insuring it won’t be what he wants!

Your Hopes and Fears – The Sun

Again, this Major Arcana shows us the importance you are placing on Karl and on this relationship. Your dreams are for a happy family with him or, at the very least, a return to the passion you first felt in the relationship. The reverse of this, of course, is also true—you wonder, if not Karl, then who? You fear being alone.

Potential Outcome – Queen of Pentacles

This beautiful card, a symbol of fertility, feminine power, love, potential, as well as practicality promises a favorable outcome. This card takes the Ace of Pentacles to its logical conclusion – you and Karl would form a perfect partnership – you already have the solid friendship, the physical attraction is there… all that’s lacking is the realization of what you two could have – and the confidence in yourself to make it happen.

Inside, you ARE the Queen of Pentacles – powerful, strong, wise, loving and competent. But you must first embrace these traits in yourself – and exhibit them to the outside world – before others (including Karl) will see them in you. When you do, the Queen of Pentacles will make the perfect counterpart to his King of Rods. Focus on yourself and the other pieces will fall into place.

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.”

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

A few weeks ago, Miss Michele wanted to take advantage of a quiet Tarot Chat to ask a question about her friendship with a particular person. Over the past several months, Miss Michele has been transforming her life with tools from the Secret Abundance Files. To live a happier, healthier life, we sometimes need to choose to sacrifice that which is not good for us, or at least cut down on how much of ourselves we give over to that thing. This friendship had become one of those things that seemed to do more harm than good so Miss Michele was considering her options.

The Tarot had something important to reveal to Miss Michele, that made her consider this friendship in a new light and empowered her choice to preserve or abandon the relationship. Have you considered the significance of the people in your life?

[Miss Michele] Is it worth my time and energy to preserve a friendship with a certain person?

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* That’s an interesting question. So many people choose to stay in a friendship or relationship that isn’t healthy for them without ever considering the value of doing so. Lets see what the cards have to say.

In the past we have the Ten of Swords, indicating a sense of having been manipulated into an unpleasant situation. But it’s tied with a Wheel of Fortune jumper. The difficulties you’ve faced with this friendship are part of “the plan”. It’s MEANT to be this hard, this friendship is significant and presents an experience you’re intended to have and to learn from.

[Miss Michele] It makes sense as we both believe so strongly in karma and being given challenges, etc.

[Serenity Bly] The Sun! is in the present. You’ve been learning to harness your strengths, you’re energy, and your inspirations. You’re looking from a power position now, knowing you can CHOOSE how this friendship exists in your life.

[Miss Michele] YES. That is true with everything in my life lately. I need to keep it from making me arrogant though. Let me rephrase, I choose NOT to be arrogant about it.

[Serenity Bly] At this point you feel like it is an either or choice and I feel like the Seven of Wands offers you other options. You mightn’t have realized that you make the battles, that is part of the choices you have the power over.

[Miss Michele] Oh I know I do.   We know what buttons to push. But… I feel like I can’t stand around and watch a friend be miserable. Even if on some level she’s enjoying it. She always says, “If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s wasted potential,” and doesn’t see that in herself.

[Serenity Bly] In this position I feel like you’ll choose to keep this friendship and will have future battles. I drew a clarifying card since the Seven felt like it wasn’t finished and came up with an Eight of Pentacles. This is a growing/learning experience, persevering with this friendship is difficult but you are coming out stronger, you’re mastering your ability to influence others and the control you have over your own destiny. The friendship is giving you experience and tools necessary to create a stronger, powerful future. And perhaps, it is that for HER too.

[Miss Michele] It’s true. Without our endless whine sessions I would not have had, I’m done with this. I’m changing. But essentially, it IS worth it? Because that’s where I am. I think I KNOW the friendship CAN be preserved, the question *really* was/is… is it worth preserving? Because it will take time and energy on my part… being that I am the one in a position of power right now.

[Serenity Bly] That’s what it comes down to, YES, it is worth it. It may not get any easier but you both have something to gain from the friendship and would be better served by keeping it instead of discarding it.

[Miss Michele] I also fear that part of me is… “using” her for superiority. Like, we were both given the same tools, and look what I did with them and look what she *didn’t*. And that’s not right. It’s not a nice thing to be.

[Serenity Bly] I think the Wheel of Fortune wants me to tell you that there is something MORE that you don’t see in this relationship yet. The strings that are woven now will be pulled again further down the line. Like there is still a part to play, which could also be a “not now but maybe later” sense, you’ll be ready to release the friendship AFTER whatever part it has to play is done.

[Miss Michele] I agree. I feel a sort of *destiny* with her… I mean, seriously. Would anyone obsess this much over someone they’re not in a love relationship with? Unless they’re tied to cosmic karma in some way.

Have you ever had a friendship you felt was a challenge to maintain? How do you decide if the time and energy you give into a relationship has a fair balance in value for you? Have you ever given up an unhealthy relationship? What happened when you let go? What lessons have you learned from the relationships you’ve worked hard to keep?

* 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.

Hyna says:
“I’m unsure on how much info I need to tell you to get the most accurate reading. But anyway. My ex and I had been friends and neighbors since 2005. Then we became lovers around 2007 and everything went so fast from then. We move in together after just being bf/gf for 3months and it was fine at first but went downhill. We stopped living together but still tried to work things out. And still keep trying at this moment and just think its getting old and need some change. I just need some guidance. I love him and I think he feels the same way that’s why we keep going back and forth on this.”

Past Experience in Love

Page of Swords
This card shows how the relationship was tumultuous from the beginning. You were both young, full of fire and passion and adventure. This worked well for a time, as you had a fun relationship many people would envy, but when “real-life” set in, no one was the balancing aspect or the adult in the relationship.

Current Experience in Love

Knight of Pentacles
Currently, you’re ready for that adult relationship. You’re putting a lot of “work” into the relationship in the hopes it will change, but the key factor missing in this love reading, which is conspicuously lacking any cups and filled with swords and pentacles, is missing. It does not have to – should not – be this hard. That’s not to say relationships don’t take work — they do. But it’s work you should love doing because of your love for the person you’re with. That’s sorely lacking here. This has turned into – to continue the analogy – that job you work just for the paycheck, dreading every Monday morning when the alarm clock rings. It’s tedious.

Factors you’re not seeing currently

Three of Swords
You are ready for the break. He may not be, but you know, instinctually, that this is not a true love relationship and you deserve so much more. He’s scared to let you go. In the past few years, you’ve matured beyond him, both emotionally and as far as outside factors are concerned. You are living a different life than you were when you met him, and there may not be any place for him as a lover in your new world.

What you Need from a Love Relationship

Three of Pentacles
You need someone willing to work in the same way you are at a relationship. You can work really hard at something, but if you’re doing things incorrectly, you won’t get the outcome you desire. Or, you can work in the “right” way and things get easier. This is where you are now.

Your greatest strengths in a relationship/What you Offer

Four of Swords
You offer kindness, understanding, patience, and a balancing, adult influence on your partner. Additionally, this card shows that you are simply “tired” of working and fighting. It reiterates that you need a break.

Possible Future Outcome

Knight of Swords
If you continue as you are, this will end in a messy way, with you charging out of his life. On the other hand, if you heed the tarot’s advice and make a clean break, there’s a chance you’ll resurrect the friendship and remember the things you both enjoy about each other. In the future, I see another relationship that will begin, as this one did, as a firestorm of passion. Learn from the past and take it slowly to prevent repeating history.

I want to note a few significant aspects of this reading:

1. All these Pages and Knights tell me you are still, emotionally, very young. Being young at heart (or even young in reality!) is admirable and wonderful – traits to hang onto. It’s okay if your ex is not the one for you. Take the youthful aspects of your personality and nurture them but remember it’s okay to grow up in certain ways, as well…I see you on the path to maturity and letting go of things and people in your life that aren’t working to make way for new ones is okay!
2. The lack of Cups in this reading shows just how much this relationship has gone stale. Pentacles are the work cards, showing how much “work” this relationship has become, and swords represent the tumult within the relationship that I suspect was there from the start. At one point, it made things exciting. But one cannot live in a “Sword” mindset – always prepared for a fight – constantly. It becomes tiring and the Four of Swords (a need for rest and respite) is the result. I suspect you’re almost ready to live your next relationship from a “Cup” place, filled with love and understanding, but your ex isn’t there yet.
3. The lack of major arcana cards in this reading tells me the decision is entirely in your hands. I know you will make the best choice for both of you, to preserve the friendship and to make way for better things in your life.

Serenity Says: I just want to add a quick word to Miss Michele’s deeply tuned reading. I get an impression from the swords and pentacles in this reading that a part of the struggles you’ve had in the past revolve around your sense of security. When in a relationship financial and material burdens are, in an ideal world, the shared responsibility of both partners. A lack of balance or support creates emotional dependence and a destroying sense of insecurity. In this reading, I get the impression you’ve felt this with your ex.

If you choose to step away from the relationship you’ll be giving yourself the opportunity to build a firm foundation of security and independence for yourself. When you can approach your relationships without feeling like you NEED your partner you’ll find yourself able to rejoice in the joy, the desire and wanting of the relationship. A relationship that is out of balance tends to need work through desperation. Where as, if you feel a sense of balance and security within the relationship the ‘work’ involved in making it work is inspired by passion.

Best wishes from the Future-Tarot team!