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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.

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.

Ellen requested an L-for-Love spread with no specific question. Miss Michele’s Hanson-Roberts deck revealed some interesting insights and a positive outlook where Ellen will see her needs fulfilled as she gets what she has worked for.

Past Experience in Love: Two of Swords: Ellen may have been the victim of cheating in the past or, at the very least, a situation she didn’t like. The blindfolded woman, swords crossed, shows a strong sense of balance but also hidden factors that Ellen isn’t seeing. She removed the blinders which, based on the next card, brought forth a transformation. I’m getting a strong feeling that perhaps Ellen was with a man her family and friends disapproved of, but she failed to see his faults for a long time.

Current Experience in Love: Judgment: It’s put-up or shut-up for Ellen’s lover, as she’s passed judgment on him and the case is closed. He can either right past wrongs or hit the road. Once Ellen opened her eyes, she saw the problems but is working to forgive him and trying to work things out.

What You Want in a Love Relationship: Two of Cups: Simply stated, Ellen wants a fair partnership, filled with love. She’d like marriage in the future, with someone who returns her passion. Ellen is an extremely loving person and just wants someone who can give that back to her.

What You Need in a Love Relationship / Hidden Influences: Page of Pentacles: Ellen may need not only a new perspective — often indicated by this card — but a new relationship. Miss Michele gets a strong sense that this isn’t one of those situations where it just feels like a new relationship because both parties have changed so much. Once Ellen starts seeing things in a different way, she will get a fresh start with a new lover and it will feel very much like young love. The pentacles also indicate that they will match each other on a platonic and intellectual level as well as romantically, which is always an ideal situation in a relationship!

What You Have to Offer in a Relationship: The Nine of Cups: Ellen is ready to share all her love, her whole life and her dreams with the right person. The “Wish card” in this spot indicates that Ellen is ready to grant someone’s wishes while her own will come true. Ellen is extremely nurturing, loving and kind, as well as generally upbeat. She deserves – to put it bluntly – a man who deserves her, and nothing less!

Possible Future Outcome: Justice: She will get exactly that, while her potentially former partner will also get what he needs and wants out of life, what he was truly seeking all the while. It seems to me that, while he’s not a bad person, he just wasn’t a fit for Ellen. Her friends and family picked up on this before she did; it took a dramatic turn of events for Ellen to see what she was sacrificing by standing in an unbalanced and love-less relationship. Prospects on the horizon for Ellen are much happier; she’s a stronger person as a result of her turmoil and even better prepared for her true love to find her.

Yet another RadioXShow listener came to use seeking answers to love. I’m starting to wonder if John is really hosting a dating service rather than a radio station. *grins* But what insight can we offer Becky in regard to love in her life?

Overview: Love is a new adventure for you, Becky. I sense a great deal
of insecurity, an inability to trust and a need to feel loved and
protected. These cards show that while you might want to cling to the
people in your life you’ll find greater happiness in seeking a greater
sense of freedom and independence. Independence doesn’t mean being a
hermit, but rather finding the love within yourself that makes it ok
to be with others but not needing to be with them. Love is another of
life’s experiences and it’s time to let go of your fears and embrace
adventure.

Becky’s past experiences in love: The Star
Love has been an adventure of faith and blind hope. With an eagerness
to love and be loved it is easy to ignore signs of discord and to
wallow in the bliss of a new romance without building the solid
foundation a lasting relationship needs to survive. Becky’s
experiences in love have released their share of confusion and pain
but Becky has clung firmly, perhaps unfulfilling relationships, in the
hope that love will find a way.

Becky’s current romantic state: The Hierophant
Now you’ve come to accept a need for greater depth and understanding.
You’re seeking answers and looking for meaning. Perhaps you’ve tired
of the more youthful ‘fling’ and want to discover what love can truly
be like in a relationship that is committed and fulfilling. You’re
seeking a guide to these emotions, someone who can share his
understanding of the heart and show you how to let love blossom in
your life.

What Becky wants from love: Nine of Swords
I feel like this card is telling us that you’ve been manifesting your
greater fears in your search for love. Anxiety, guilt, and envy can
color your true desires, overshadowing what you want and deserve in
your relationships. If your focus is constantly one of worst possible
outcomes, or what you don’t want, you’ll find these aspects coming
into your life. The Nine of Swords tells us to examine your feelings,
to seek out their source, but to ultimately let them go and allow
yourself to seek what you DO want, rather than trying to avoid pain.

What Becky needs from love: Ace of Swords
Inspired challenges and a sense of determination are what you truly
need from love. I get the feeling you’re used to getting your own way
but the man who will truly light the fire within will have the
strength to stand up to you. It can create some interesting sparks of
contention, particularly early in a relationship, but as depth grows,
so too will harmony and balance.

Why Becky deserves love: The Fool
You’re young, vibrant, and full of life! You want to leap out into the
world and explore. Love is perhaps life’s greatest adventure. It’s
time to explore the depth of emotions you’re capable of. I get the
feeling that relationships, deeper, meaningful, enriching
relationships are new to you and now is the perfect time to learn the
importance of giving. The Fool, who thinks only of himself learns that
the needs and desires of others, and more importantly taking part in
fulfilling those needs and desires are what make life worth living.

Becky’s Romantic Future: Knight of Wands
The Knight of Wands embraces adventure. It tells us that you’re not
ready for commitment and now is the time to be enjoying yourself and
experiencing life. Don’t settle for dull, solid, stable, you need
excitement! For the moment, love isn’t about finding that special
someone, it’s about embracing the wonder of life, of sharing that
wonder with others.
Right now, You are your one true love and everyone
else is just the chocolate cake of life.

Melissa, a regular listener to the RadioXShow, where Miss Michele and Serenity Bly appear to offer free readings on the fourth Wednesday of every month, wrote in requesting an L-for-Love Spread.

Overview: We have an L-for-Love spread with only one cup in the reading, which indicates that you are approaching romance with an analytical mind. Two Major Arcanas in this reading, however, tell Miss Michele that your current relationship might be “the big one.” There is significance here beyond just a fling!

Your past experience in love: Five of Swords: When we look at your past experience, revealed by the Five of Swords, it makes sense why you’re approaching romance in such a philosophical manner. You have been tricked in the past—hurt—when things were not what you expected and your lover turned out to be much more selfish and cunning than you imagined. Now, you are always counting the cards in the game of love, afraid to trust.

Your current experience in love: Seven of Cups: You are currently in the beginning stages of a very happy romance, one that seems almost too good to be true. Or, you may be involved in a romantic fantasy, perhaps with an Internet acquaintance, with dreams of something more. Either way, right now you are floating on clouds, heady with the possibilities in your future. However, because of your past experience, you are waiting for it all to come crashing down. Remember the Law of Attraction; you attract what you fear. In the sentence, “I don’t want him to leave me,” the Universe hears only the word “leave.”

What you want from a love relationship: Two of Swords: At first, this card seemed an odd draw for this position. Why would someone want to close their eyes, to not see things as they are? But the Two of Swords has dual meanings and both apply. You want to continue living in your fantasy land of the Seven of Cups… you want everything to remain perfect, even if it means keeping your eyes closed to your lover’s flaws. (While at the same time, you worry that he will be like your past lover and deceive you.) On the other end of the spectrum, what you seek in this relationship is balance, plain and simple. Someone who compliments your best traits and adds to your life without allowing you to lose yourself in the relationship.

What you need from a love relationship: The High Priestess: The High Priestess represents, once again, the number two, a need for balance. You need someone who will match you intellectually. Since the High Priestess represents a platonic relationship, friendship, trust and a strong partnership are much more important to you right now than carnal pleasures.

What you have to give your lover: Death: This is another card that seems unusual at first glance, but as we put the pieces of the puzzle together, it makes sense. You have it in yourself to give your lover a new beginning in life; the Death card, more so than a sad goodbye, welcomes a new beginning—a position, frame of mind, or life event. For this relationship to work, you must let go of your past, your fears, your relationship baggage. You have this potential. What you have to give your lover, quite literally, is a “new you!”

Possible future experience in love: Page of Wands: The outlook is good as Wands reveal action and pages are messengers, so we see a future relationship with a man who will make you feel “young at heart.” As indicated by the Seven of Cups you have jumped into the relationship head-on and it just feels right. Enjoy this time. The tarot does not want to reveal anything further than the start of your relationship, which could mean that you will have the feeling of “young love” for a long time before it transforms into a more mature relationship.

Remember, Melissa, let go of the past to manifest this great future!