Future Tarot

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

1. Your Present Self – Eight of Cups

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

2. The Crossing Card – The Lovers (reversed)

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

3. The Crowning Card – Three of Cups

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

4. Aspects You Cannot See – Seven of Swords

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

5. Influences That Are Ending – Page of Cups

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

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

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

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

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

8. How Others See You – Queen of Wands

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

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

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

10. Potential Outcome – Ace of Swords (reversed)

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

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

It was lovely reading for Susie, who has the energy of a vibrant young lady in a learning and transition stage of her life. The next 12 months bring adversity but Susie stands up to it all with a powerful inner strength to come out achieving her dreams. Miss Michele relied on her go-to deck, Hanson-Roberts, for this reading.

August: Temperance: Susie is in a learning period, where she is learning balance, caring, sharing and equality. She’s undergoing a major life change – which may have actually prompted her desire for a tarot reading. She is on the right path with the steps she is taking, and will reap the rewards in September.

September: Four of Rods: Miss Michele is getting a strong vibe of a powerful romantic relationship, and possibly even an engagement in September, represented by the Four of Rods. The Knight of Pentacles as a clarification card, supports this notion. Knights bring a change in status, and this one shows that, moving into the future, Essie will be well-protected, financially-stable and in a much more mature partnership than any she’s experienced in the past.

October: Seven of Swords: Someone may not be straightforward with Susie. Her best bet is to walk away from those she can’t trust. It could be Susie, in fact, who is simply not acting like herself. Has the stress of wedding planning permitted Bridezilla to emerge, or are there other stressors in Susie’s life causing her to act out of character?

November:The Magician: The Magician indicates learning to manipulate your surroundings to your advantage. Susie is growing, and again, learning how to best influence people. When the Bridezilla act fails (and I’m using Bridezilla as a metaphor – it could be any situation in which Susie simply wants her way and doesn’t want to hear the other side), she uses diplomacy to her advantage. Susie may also be learning a new skill to advance her career.

December:Eight of Rods: The Eight of Rods frequently heralds a new job, purchase of a home, or other significant event. Actions move swiftly, leaving Susie with little time to think before she gets exactly what she hoped for. This card also signifies the whirlwind nature of the holidays; Susie will be able to accomplish everything she takes on, with none of that dreaded holiday burn-out.

January: The Tower: The new year brings a Tower moment for Susie, when everything she knows seemingly comes crashing down around her. It’s important to remember, in times like this, that the old guard *must* fall away to make room for new, better opportunities. When one door closes, a window opens — and all those other clichés! Miss Michele also hopes that, with warning that this situation is coming, Susie will have a better chance of handling it. After all, bad things are no fun, but it’s even worse when you’re blindsided. This card could also indicate a complete change in Susie’s thought processes, the next level of her growth. There’s no reason to dread the new year.

February: Five of Cups: January’s “Tower moment” leaves Susie feeling emotionally empty, depressed and distraught. She feels lonely and unsure where to turn. But she’ll get through it.

March: Strength: In March, Susie finds the strength to face everything the Universe has tossed at her in the past few months. She pushes through and comes out a stronger woman for the experience. Miss Michele loves this card, the pure love of the woman petting the lion. The woman in the card gets her strength through unconditional love, a true spiritual and metaphysical acceptance of everything in the world. Hang in there, Susie, you are the woman in the card and you can do it all!

April: Six of Pentacles: April finds Susie feeling stronger and more sure-footed. She’s receiving the rewards she has deserved for her hard work and persistence. Now, she finds it extremely important to be just and fair in her dealings with others. Her fortune will be doled out to those who deserve it.

May: Nine of Pentacles: After such a rough new year, May brings Essie greater fortune and more confidence. Susie is beginning to get in touch even more with her feminine side. Pregnancy may be on her mind, which is supported by the Empress, the overview card for this 12-month time period. Logically placed following the Six of Pentacles, the Nine of Pentacles is a card of “reaping what you sow,” and the Universe owes Susie some very good things.

June: The Lovers: This card often indicates a choice. In this case, however, it indicates a true (and very deep) love relationship. It’s the honeymoon before the wedding. It’s romance and roses. It supports the “fertility” cards in this spread indicating a move toward procreation.

July: Three of Cups: The Three of Cups, like the earlier Four of Cups, can indicate a celebration or a wedding. Miss Michele is reading this card very literally and exactly in that way. If Susie isn’t a June bride, July may be the month.

Overview: The Empress: One of several “fertility cards” in the deck and in this spread, the emphasis this year is not only on Susie actually bearing a child, but also on her building and growing her own world and her family. It’s so inspiring and fun to read about a young woman in this stage of her life.

That Tower card seems extremely out of place in the beginning of 2010 but, not surprisingly, Susie uses her strength, intelligence and all she has learned in the six months prior to overcome the surprising news of change.

Cards: Two cups, three pentacles, two rods, 6 major arcane – The preponderance of Major Arcana show an extremely significant transition year for Susie

Miss Michele and Serenity Bly wish her all the best and hopes she will check back and let us know how the next 12 months are going.

Last Wednesday, Miss Michele and Serenity Bly read for Stacey in the Echo of One chat room. Join us Wednesday morning, 10 AM EST for more free readings and Tarot chat.

Stacey wants to know, now that she’s home, what aspects of her career should she focus on?

[Miss Michele] Wow, Stacey… okay I’m using my Rider-Waite Deck.

Serenity Bly is looking forward to the cards.

[Miss Michele] The Hermit in the past shows that you have been in a sort of self-imposed mental exile, learning, planning and plotting.

You achieved some great insights about your self, discovered you want to do something “different” but aren’t quite sure what.

The second card, in the near future, shows you’re very ready to take the leap… it is The Fool. You are very much in the *start* of your journey. Whatever you do, it will be a great departure from what you’ve done in the past.

[Serenity Bly] The Fool is always all about taking risks, Stacey. Don’t be afraid to do a little leaping before you look.

[Miss Michele] It seems that, just as you aren’t sure WHAT you want to do, neither are the cards.

[Serenity Bly] The cards, for those just joining us, are The Hermit in the Past, The Fool in the Present, and Future, MM?

[Miss Michele] The Hermit (past), The Fool (near future), and the Seven of Swords (final outcome). But I’m thinking of drawing a clarification card since that seven isn’t really giving Stacey a definitive answer.

[Stacey] So far you’re right on target

[Miss Michele] The advice from the Tarot would be, be careful of self-deception.

[stacey] LOL– Greeeeeeeeeeeat.

[Miss Michele] Make sure you are going in a direction that is what YOU want… not what is expected of you and if you decide to partner with anyone–be wary.

[Serenity Bly] This moment, and the ones surrounding it have major significance in your life. The Hermit and The Fool being Major Arcana are cards that show your path being mapped. They’re life-changing concepts and the only way to truly accept the direction your life is taking now is to embrace what comes to you. Follow your heart. The Seven Swords of the future insists you also take action. Work at it, set your feet to the ground and start running.

[Miss Michele] Might be a good time to do a personality profile type thing, or simply journal — write down as many things you can think of that you love. That will reveal hints.

[Miss Michele] Yes, Serenity, thank you– I meant to get to that. When I saw the first two majors I was like holy sh–… she’s going through some life-changing stuff.

[Miss Michele] The clarification card is the Two of Cups. Do what you LOVE. Figure out what that is, regardless of how illogical it may seem, and jump in with both feet. Two of Cups is ALL about following your heart–Serenity was typing that before I even revealed the card. She knows.

[Stacey] LOL, very interesting.

[Miss Michele] Remember, with the Two and the Fool and the Hermit–it’s the beginning stages. Don’t expect immediate results, although the Seven of Swords does point toward some measure of success right away. But don’t listen to naysayers.

[Serenity Bly] I want to just also mention that since no Pentacles or money cards came up whatever path you choose probably won’t be the one that appears to be more financially rewarding than other opportunities. Part of the risk taking you need to do as The Fool is to accept what might be less financially rewarding because it will be more emotionally and mentally rewarding.

[Stacey] I was JUST working on opening up a new Tarot business while still writing. I have a talent for doing what I love instead of doing what is $$ rewarding. I love the cards you’ve drawn, they’re right on the money. Thank you!

[gcgal] We’ve had some issues with work and I feel we are very dependent on my income. What should I know to help us create a more stable financial future?

[Serenity Bly] mmm interesting cards. In the past we have the Five of Pentacles. It denotes the struggle you’ve had in the past. I get an impression that it represents multiple short-lived jobs and a general sense of insecurity. Whatever you managed to earn didn’t feel enough, especially since you worked so hard for every dime.

[Miss Michele] You’re not looking for a free lunch but for a more ‘beneficial’ way. Poverty–lacking, and a desire to change that!

[gcgal] True there, I don’t want a free ride. Wow Serenity Bly… that’s so fascinating and does tally with how things have been.

[Serenity Bly] In the present the Seven of Swords supports this. But it also shows a sense of gathering your resources, building your ramparts so to speak. You’ve got your defenses built up but you are concerned that you’re uncertainty and desperation forces you to make choices that go against your inner desires and personal beliefs and mantras.

[gcgal] That is how it’s felt for a couple of months.

[Miss Michele] You’re in the planning stages right now w/ the Seven of Swords. Ready for a change, but don’t feel quite brave enough to charge into battle (so to speak).

[gcgal] I have to agree with that.

[Serenity Bly] Right now you’re doing what you can to prepare for what is coming but you might be creating a bunker for yourself out of fear. Remember, even when you feel like you have nothing you will gain from giving more than you will from hording what little you have. I don’t know WHY it works that way, but you don’t need to be afraid that everything is falling out from under you.

[gcgal] That makes so much sense.

[Serenity Bly] Finally, the Ace of Cups in the future shows the start of something new. It’s prompting you to follow your heart, follow your passion. Don’t settle for something that pays the bills when holding out just a little longer will give you the chance to work in a field where you can really enjoy working on a personal level.

[gcgal] I would rather do something that gives me personal satisfaction.

[Miss Michele] That’s on the horizon with the Ace of cups.

[Serenity Bly] This ace of cups may also represent a need to be open and honest about how you’re feeling or a need to express your concerns with others so that they can help you. A clarifying card, the Nine of Swords, is warning you to be careful of gossip and rumor. Don’t allow others to manipulate you and don’t listen to the naysayers who want to pull you down. Follow your heart and trust your instincts.

[gcgal] You don’t know what that means to me that you said that!

[Miss Michele] I would also say, with the nine of swords, don’t be afraid to take a break if you need one. Regroup emotionally. You are almost “there.” Nine is coming toward the end of a cycle. And the nine means your worst fears WON’T come true. It will be a lot better than you are imagining. The phrase “Do what you love, the money will follow,” rings true in this case.

[gcgal] Thank you. Wow, I am totally blown away.

[Serenity Bly] One more aspect to note is that these are all Minor Arcana which puts your future firmly in your own hands. You’re 100% in control of your destiny, shape it the way you want it.

[gcgal] Now THAT is music to my ears. You know, those cards… it was like someone just looked into my head!

[Miss Michele] Cool! My greatest advice… and based on the Tarot, too, would be don’t sell yourself short. Treat everything as a business (there’s the Seven of Swords telling you to get your ducks in a row, etc.) and you will succeed!

[gcgal] thank you. great advice! I was just looking at your Future-Tarot.com site too while we’ve been chatting and I see you offer some great readings at a really reasonable price! You’ve just found a new customer (especially after this reading!)

[Serenity Bly] *grins* Always love to hear that. Thank you so much, gcgal. We love doing this so it’s always a pleasure.

[gcgal] I’m just sitting here in stunned silence, you two are just amazing at what you do and I’ve never in my life experienced something so accurate

[Miss Michele] awww… wow, thank yoU! That makes our day to hear that.

[Serenity Bly] *blushes* Thank you, gcgal. It does us amazing things to hear that.

[gcgal] hahaha it’s a sincere compliment, you two and the cards just seemed to tap into all the hurdles and fears

[Serenity Bly] Thank YOU, gcgal. Made our Wednesday chat this week way better than the two of us sitting about twiddling our thumbs. *grins* It really was a pleasure and I look forward to seeing you again.

I have to say that the Celtic Cross in my favorite spread. Miss Michele loves giving the six card readings but I broke my teeth on these meatier ten card readings and feel a real sense of journey from cards 1 through 10. When Teri asked, “How can I get closer to living my everyday life (job mostly) in a more fulfilling way?“, I thought the Celtic Cross was exactly the kind of spread to shed light on the issue. Lets see what they share with Teri.

The Significator: Knight of Cups
Teri’s life to this point has been an emotional journey, she has come a long way on a hard road and knows that the path continues ahead.

Crossing Card: King of Wands
I get the feeling, this King, while normally a very positive herald of new ideas, indicates a lack of focus. With so many ideas, new projects, and shifting interests it can be hard to give time or mind to any one aspect long enough to make significant progress.

Crowning Card: The Chariot
When I see The Chariot I often think of it as a fork in the road. Teri is at a point where life presents two choices but both create an inner conflict and confusion. Neither is a better or worse choice but remaining at the crossroads is not an option either.

Base of the Matter: Queen of Wands
What Teri cannot see about the choice above is the Queen of Wands who sits in command of her kingdom. The Queen is a warm, considerate, and creative woman, full of life and heart. She often heralds a time of personal growth and is a supportive influence in the near future of which Teri may not yet be aware.

Past Influences: Ace of Pentacles
The past shows a sudden influx of finance perhaps through a legacy or sale of material goods. The windfall is short lived but often comes when most needed.

Forthcoming Influences: Nine of Wands
It has been a challenging few months but there are calm waters just beyond this final hurdle. The Nine of Wands reminds me of the ultimate call of hope. When we are at the edge of reason, exhaustion wearies our features, and life has become weightier than we feel we can bare hope tides us through the final battle. Teri must gather her resources and know that things are about to get a whole lot easier.

Where One Finds Oneself: Seven of Swords
Because of the tough path behind her, Teri has set up barriers to her inner being that wards off those around her. In the past these defenses have served her cause but courage calls for Teri to let down her guard a little, to welcome the Queen of Wands into her heart. It is in taking a chance on others that she will flourish in the future.

View of Others: The Emperor
I suspect in large part because of the barriers Teri has built around her heart those around Teri often think of her as standoffish, high and mighty, even arrogant. What they believe and what is true are rarely the same thing but be careful of keeping apart from others. The Emperor is a powerful being, he wields lightening bolts and shapes the world, but also leads a relatively solitary life that may not give Teri the happiness she is looking for.

Hopes and Fears: The High Priestess
After the earlier cards The High Priestess in this position is rather interesting. In standard divination she is a spiritual being, deeply focused on the occult, seeing beyond the physical world into the heavens. She has a gentle nature and a central order to the way things should be done. I get the feeling that in this position she indicates a fear of structure, order, rules, and restrictions or perhaps an inner need for such things.

Final Outcome: Five of Pentacles
To find a greater fulfillment in life Teri may, ultimately, have to give up what she currently has. Teri, make a sacrifice of your current beliefs or securities rather than clinging to the little you have now. It is easy to feel we have too little and need to horde for the ‘rainy day’. The Five of Pentacles often shows a very real sense of walking away from what you’ve accomplished so far, of giving up what little you have. In a sense, you may need to begin again, to accomplish what you desire.