Future Tarot

(From the March 10 Future-Tarot chat.)

[Jen.N] With regard to writing, particularly the Kat O’Reilly novels and associated things: I wonder if I’m putting the cart before the horse and trying to rush things too much. Am I being too impatient in that area?

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* Well, it’s an interesting future card, but the others are making sense so we’ll wait and see what that one has to say later.

[Jen.N] Interesting can be good. (Last week, I thought the answer would be a resounding YES I’m being too impatient, but now I’m not so sure.)

[Serenity Bly] In the past, we see the Seven of Wands (reversed) and tied to the Four of Wands in the present. I see this as a clear sense of “if not now, when?” You’ve had the ideas and inspirations vying for your attention. They’re demanding and they won’t wait. You HAD to do this now, and there was nothing else you could have done. Those men have been at you and at you making you write their stories and they wouldn’t take no for an answer.

[Jen.N] Oh yeah. I’m writing these books (the Maguire Men series) as fast as I can get them done.

[Serenity Bly] It’s been a bit of a battle knowing which to write when, what to work on, how one story comes together apart from the others, etc.

[Jen.N] I’m already planning the next one. It’ll be the 5th.

[MoonlitKim] You are really on fire, Jen!

[Serenity Bly] In a way, part of me wonders if you need to consider the whole and make sure you haven’t got anyone’s stories mixed up with anyone else’s. That bustle and confusion could have taken a toll on the manuscripts.

[Jen.N] Kim, sometimes I feel like it. I go to bed and they keep me awake. I kind of resent the day job for keeping me from writing.

[Serenity Bly] The Sun shows that continuing fire of inspiration and creativity. Keep writing and writing. Let them guide you while you get it down on paper.

[Jen.N] I’ve actually considered that [possibility of confusion]. I have separate file folders on the computer and 3-ring notebooks for each one to minimize that happening.

[Serenity Bly] I feel like the writing process is where you’re at now, so perhaps the sense of impatience is knowing you have those “finished” books and wanting to push through to publication.

[Jen.N] Defintely!

[Serenity Bly] What I sense here is that the men need you to finish writing them and THEN consider them as a whole when you edit the series.

[Jen.N] Whoo boy.

[Serenity Bly] Yep, that sounds daunting.

[Jen.N] Which could be why they’re overlapping so much now—meaning writing one & planning the next.

[MoonlitKim] Yep, and present them as a whole too. I love your multi-century concept, but a publisher might not be able to “see” it until you can show him what you’re talking about.

[Serenity Bly] What it’s really saying is stay with this energy now, stay in the frame where you’re focusing primarily on getting it written.

[Jen.N] Yeah. Daunting describes it. The series will ultimately be about 15 books.

[Serenity Bly] Worry about what comes next after they’re written.

[Jen.N] OK. So I am being too impatient in that regard.

[Serenity Bly] The Devil in the Future is reversed, warning you against inviting outside influences in at this point. To me, it’s another indication that you might be moving too soon with finding an agent and publisher. Those external influences will want to make changes. They won’t necessarily see the greater picture and they might push you around more than you’re ready for at this point.

[Jen.N] Ah. OK. Which might also actually explain why I haven’t heard anything from anyone yet even though their published response times have come & gone.

[Serenity Bly] They’re going to want to change your concepts, to make new stories out of the ones you’ve written and you don’t want to bring that into your life.

[Jen.N] Very true.

[Serenity Bly] You’ve not, technically, finished the books yet, even the earlier ones, because when the men all come together those earlier ones will change. It’s in seeing the WHOLE picture that you’ll be able to finish putting the pieces together. You don’t want people coming in early to be stealing pieces of the puzzle before you even know what the big picture is. Does that make sense?

[Jen.N] The last book will take it full circle. During the potato famine, they’ll come to the United States. Then in the last book, which will be modern times, they’ll go back to Ireland.

[Serenity Bly] Ah, in that case it sounds very much like it makes sense.

[Jen.N] It does. I’ve made myself a bit anxious a time or two not wanting too much of it changed when it goes through the publication process.

[Serenity Bly] Try imagining if the first three got published, when you’re writing that final book you’d be STUCK to the “facts” presented in those stories, you can’t change anything then; it’s too late. By holding back and writing the entire series first, you’re free to let that final story tell its story, and then tweak the inconsistencies that might come up. You know how those darn characters sometimes like to say, “Nope, don’t want it done like that do it this way instead.”

[Jen.N] Honestly? I’ve even considered going an e-book self-pub route using Amazon for the Kindle. Don’t know that I will, but…. Very true.

[Serenity Bly] So, I think what it’s saying here is don’t push for publication on any of them yet. Get them written, stay in that energy and space, and let the ideas all come together as a whole before moving on to the next stage. Even if you published the manuscripts as is, right now, when you’ve finished the final book you may wish you could change things.

[Jen.N] I have considered giving the character in the last book the same name as the one in the first book if that wouldn’t make things too confusing. What I might consider, then, is pushing the non-Maguire books, like NAVAJO ROSE. Er… OK. That’s the only one I have right now that’s not in the series.

[Cyn] Not at all. He keeps the papers of his ancestors from Ellis Island and the one he was named after.

[Serenity Bly] Yes. I can see you pushing ahead with non-Maguires in the meantime. You might even find the Maguire men step aside to let you write another book or two off-series in the meantime.

[Jen.N] I’ll be taking a week—maybe 2—off from the day job in May to work just on writing. I can’t wait until September/October. Ack!

[Serenity Bly] But, for their series at least, they need you do do the writing first.

[Jen.N] That makes a *lot* of sense and goes along with what I’ve known in the back of my mind but have ignored..

[Serenity Bly] Of course, I can understand the frustration because you want to spend your time writing but until you’re getting an income from writing you can’t quit your day job.

[Jen.N] That’s a bit of an understatement, but I’ll get there. Thanks so much, Serenity!

[Serenity Bly] And you can’t get an income from writing unless you either publish what you’ve already got or change writing tact and therefore use your energy writing non-fiction, which is worse than the day job in the sense that after writing non-fiction all day, you have no energy left to write fiction. *hugs Jen* I’m glad I could offer some clarity on your uncertainties.

[Jen.N] “Some” clarity?

[MoonlitKim] Oh, yeah, and don’t forget, that even if you publish Navajo Rose, you have to market it and that takes you out of the writing state of mind.

[Jen.N] Yup. That’s definitely a consideration too. But, I’ll be having to do that soon anyway. DEVOTED TO CREATING will be out around the first of May.

[MoonlitKim] Woohoo! Great news, Jen!

[Cyn] Wonderful news!

[Jen.N] I’m excited! And maybe money from that can go to paying for my residency in October.  It’s a book of devotions centered around creativity.

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.

“The Seven of Wands is all about taking a stand.”*

In the Rider-Waite Deck, The Seven of Wands depicts a young man taking stance against six unseen others. When I see this card, it reminds me of the training involved in martial arts. The six wands are practice targets with whom we build our skills. By this time, we know what it is we are fighting for and are honing the craft, mastering the grip required, the balance needed, and the various techniques involved, for a battle of wits and determination that may be on the horizon. In this way we become prepared.

It also involves repeating an activity out of necessity. Just as one must continue to practice martial arts every day to maintain the body and mind in peak condition, so do we commit to routine tasks that strengthen and maintain our external world. We take a stand, commit to action, and carry out the steps involved on a regular basis.

The Seven of Wands can also indicate strong convictions. In order to take a firm stand, you must believe in your position and yourself. You’ll need integrity and strength of character to see you through. If your cause is just, use the energy of the Seven of Wands to make a difference. ~

Just as you train against invisible opponents so too might you be fighting against a foe that is not there. In this case, the Seven of Wands reminds us to acknowledge the true battle, evaluate its worth, and consider the sacrifices involved. The Seven of Wands asks, “Is this true? Is this just?” Learn to put aside those things that are not for the greater good or for which you fail to find passion. Your time is better spent accomplishing the goals that inspire you.

Jan Shepherd of Angel Paths says, “Life is full of challenges. And sometimes we find it difficult to seize the moment, grasp our opportunities and live life to the full. The Seven of Wands comes up to indicate that you are facing one of those momentous happenings in life, and advises you to believe in yourself, grab your courage in both hands and go forward.”

Generally, Wands focus on intellectual aspects; the power of the mind and the creativity of the spirit. The Seven of Wands asks us to stand up for what we believe in. With these wands we embrace our fears and discover our courage. With this Seven of Wands we have all we need to face what is ahead of us, others may be jealous of our accomplishments, or talents, but we are able to walk our own path despite any petty attempts they make to undermine us.

The Mythic Tarot describes the Seven of Wands as “a struggle with other people’s creative ideas – stiff competition. The individual is challenged to improve upon and develop his or her project in the face of an envious and competitive world and needs to learn to value his or her ambition and competitive instinct.”

“Objectives must be defined – it is time to know exactly what they are. And then go for it. In fact, if you’ve already reached the seven (a sacred number), then you already know what they are -so the time is ripe to develop them. What is the point of having a strategy and then not following it up?” says Diana in a discussion about the Seven of wands on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum

At this time of year, the Seven of Wands reminds us that we must remain determined. We’ve set new goals for the year ahead and with commitment and dedication we will accomplish those goals. Your path is laid out ahead of you but only you can take each step along it to your destination. You are self-empowered and ready.

What does the Seven of Wands mean to you?

Although this blog has been quiet, Miss Michele has been quite busy, offering private readings and scheduling public appearances.

You can hear her at www.radioxshow.com next Wednesday, May 21, at 10 PM, and at the Business & Learning Expo June 4 – 7, where she will offer free readings and talk a bit about the business and workings of tarot.

Miss Michele also gives readings 9.30pm EST every Wednesday at Tarot Chat. All of these appearances provide free, public readings, but, of course, you can always get a personal Tarot reading from Miss Michele, on any topic, nearly any length, Order a Tarot Reading online now!

I seem to be on a roll with two readings this morning, so it’s time to draw a card of the day for Miss Michele!

Why am I not surprised that the Five of Cups has come up? This card, quite simply, shows my exhaustion today. Not so much physical (although that’s an element) but emotional exhaustion.

While I still get fulfillment from reading Tarot for others, none of my other jobs are inspiring me at the moment. I know this is a temporary, passing influence, but that is not making it easier to swallow.

Miss Michele drew another card to see how she could best get out of this frame of mind. And once again, the Tarot is telling her what she already knows: hold firm and fight your way out of this mess, exemplified by the Seven of Wands. The competition is tough, but I am in a position to win out. (In this case, the competition seems to be just myself, and that artist’s great opponent, “Resistance.”)

So, it’s off to work for MM!

Auria Cortes is taking advantage of the last four days of the New Year Spread sale.

It will be a balanced year, with lots of action and activity in the areas of career and learning. As is a Universal theme this year, things will get done for Auria–not considered, not planned, but accomplished!

Miss Michele is struck by one particular card in this reading, the Devil in July. For some reason, this card resonated with Miss Michele from the second she pulled it. She double-checked Auria’s blog, because, although she didn’t know why, she had a feeling this card had a very different meaning from the standard interpretation, and the answer might be found there.

The working title of Auria’s book is The Devil’s Playground. This fact was buried deep in Miss Michele’s subconscious. Looking at the card surrounding it, Miss Michele is going to jump ahead and say Auria will complete her novel in July.

But let’s start at the beginning.

January – It’s been a month of rapid, unexpected change for Auria, exemplified by the Ace of Swords. 2008 is a significant year for many people; more so than any other year in recent history, there was a marked change in the Universe’s energy from 2007 to 2008. People around me have seen it… I’ve never witnessed so many people sticking to their New Year’s Resolutions!

This same energy is strong in Auria’s life this year, and it all started with the Ace of Swords, a struggle to start a new project or switch directions (quite unexpectedly) on an existing endeavor.

February – The launch in January leads, not surprisingly, to new opportunities and new responsibilities, with the Knight of Pentacles. Knights can represent, quite literally, a person coming into your life to spark this change, or the end of a long-term condition to enter the new phase of a journey.

March – March brings Auria with an important choice to make in her life. The lack of cups in the reading tells Miss Michele this is not related to love, but in the overall way Auria lives her life and makes her income. Her very political, moral and sociological beliefs may be called into question, and she will have to either defend or deny everything she has stood for in her life.

April – April’s card, the Seven of Wands supports the Lover’s meaning, and, following 6 to 7, shows the continuation of this cycle. Auria may find herself battling with colleagues or co-workers, but it won’t be for naught. She will come out a changed woman.

May – In May, she emerges from the fight battle-scarred but stronger for it, shown by the Nine of Wands. Victorious, in fact, for the moment. But the cause of the fight (and Miss Michele wants to say this fight is an ongoing feud with someone very close to Auria) still haunts.

June – Auria is haunted because there’s something she’s still not seeing about the situation, represented in the haunting 8 of Swords card. The powerful image depicts a woman bound and blindfolded. Auria feels trapped by convention, perhaps by someone who started arguing against her chosen lifestyle in the Spring.

July – In context, now the Devil makes even more sense. The card of debauchery and immorality (or merely that which society frowns upon) Auria will feel tempted to say, “the heck with it all!” and do what she believes is right, go back to what she fought so hard for and follow it through to fruition. As noted earlier, she could reach a major turning point in her novel, either completing or selling the manuscript. If she gets a request from an agent to see the full manuscript, this will mean a lot to Auria (more than any non-writer would understand!)

August – The Six of Pentacles indicates Auria will finally get money, or a raise, she has been waiting for. But money’s not that important to Auria–as long as she has enough to live, she’s happy. She’ll donate to a charity, or donate time to charitable causes, or buy practical but appreciated for those close to her.

September – In September, Auria finds the inner Strength necessary to finally leave all the conflict of the Spring and Summer behind her. She’ll forgive those who wronged her and find greater compassion moving forward.

October – October will find Auria busy, juggling multiple projects, shown by the Two of Pentacles. It could indicate she’s still on the fence about a major life decision… now is not yet the time to make the move, but weigh all your options and consider the consequences.

November – November will bring happiness and fulfillment, with the only Cup card in this entire spread. The Ten of Cups indicates support from family and close friends, which Auria will need as she exits one phase of her life to enter another.

December – The holidays are a time of learning for Auria, as the Three of Pentacles shows up. She’ll be studying to decide on her next phase of life/project, and may even be feeling emptiness after having completed her novel, which took up so much of her life for so long.

The overall theme for the year is shown in the Page of Wands, an active little messenger. This will be the year Auria takes on any challenge, grabs life with both hands, nurtures her creativity and brushes self-doubt aside!

Please come back and let us know how things go, Auria, and thank you!