Future Tarot

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 freelance writer, Diedre, wants to know:

“Will my latest eBook venture be successful?”

There aren’t many surprises in Diedre’s Five-Card Spread. Diedre, an established freelancer, is also a smart businesswoman. She knows what she has to do, and what it takes for her to achieve success. The client on the eBook project has worked with Diedre in the past; the two make a good team, as shown by several cards in this spread.

Past: The Five of Swords: The Five of Swords represents influences passing out of Diedre’s life. Freelance writing has been a rocky business of late. She’s encountered a few clients who were less than straightforward. And though she’s emerged victorious, she’s been selling herself short in many instances. She’s received the “spoils of war,” and towered over her competition, but she’s yet to reach the next rung of her career.

Present: The Magician: In other spreads (Diedre is a frequent Wednesday morning customer of Future-Tarot’s Tarot Chat at The Echo of One) the Magician has represented Diedre’s client, another entrepreneur Diedre has worked with several times. The Magician in this position reinforces that Diedre is making the right choice in working with this bright young woman, who has the skills, knowledge and wherewithal to promote and market the eBook for maximum success.

Tarot’s Advice: The Six of Cups: The Tarot’s advice often shows us areas that we may not be aware of. In this case, the card is reminding Diedre to go back to her roots – basic writing skills – to make the eBook the best it can be. While Web writing tends to suffer from time constraints and low pay rates, Diedre needs to approach this project from a standpoint of it being her passion, and provide quality work worthy of any top-name print publication. With every keystroke, she needs to remember she is living her dream, being paid to write.

Best Course of Action: The Three of Pentacles: The Three of Pentacles, the “Work card” in this slot offers no surprises. Writing and publishing the eBook will require hard work on the part of all participants, and especially for Deidre. But she has the skills and knows her craft — it will be hard work, but she will often find herself in the “flow” or the “zone,” that time where words spring effortless from her fingertips as she is completely focused on the task. The “three” also indicates that working with the client will be a good business venture, balanced – an effective partnership.

Final Outcome: The Four of Rods: The final outcome looks propitious, but this will not be a life-changing business venture. The only Major Arcana in this spread, the Magician, represents the client, showing what a powerful force she will be in the creation of the product. Rather than just a client, she will be a true partner in this venture; sharing ideas, feedback, and sparking Diedre’s creativity. The Four of Rods tells of a celebration—the eBook will achieve moderate success, perhaps ultimately paying for something Diedre would like but hasn’t had the means to afford. Overall, it’s a wise endeavor and a stepping stone to bigger things.

Sometimes making choices that are in your families best interest isn’t as straight-forward as one might originally believe. At one of our recent Future-Tarot Live Chat Sessions, our good friend and host at The Echo of One, Mysti, was faced with just such a choice. To stay with a job that was demanding more of her time than originally promised or to spend more time with her children…

As a mother, I know how difficult it can be to weigh up considerations like income and me-time with the needs of two small children and Mysti’s decision could influence her life in so many ways. What advice would the Tarot offer for this difficult question?

[Mysti] Am I making the right choice in this job.

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* Interesting, lots of introspection, thinking, choices, right now especially. You’re examining your options, carefully and I feel like that’s the right way to go about it. Six of Cups in the past. Four of Swords in the present. Knight of Cups in the future.

[Mysti] I’m struggling with this as the agreement made when I took the job isn’t being upheld. One person has made changes and I can’t adjust my schedule.

[Miss Michele] YES… you’re WISHING it could have been differently, back to what it was before.

[Serenity Bly] You’ve had to seriously consider your… I want to say ‘moral’… outlook. You want to be true to what you believe is right and good and you’ve embraced that, letting things happen as they will but really wearing your heart when it comes to your decisions.

[Mysti] Given the situation in our home with J, it is a very emotional decision to make.

[Serenity Bly] The cups is very much your focus being on your family and wanting to keep that for yourself. You got into it because it was something you could bend around your families needs, not the other way around. The four of swords brings you to the point where you’re looking at your options.

[Mysti] My time is truly more valuable at home with the kids than in a paycheck. That’s exactly it!

[Miss Michele] About the cups–was just going to say exactly that! I think it also indicates a need for rest. So family first, decisions second & family in the future. Step back and look at what is lacking in your life and how you can best fill that void.

[Serenity Bly] And just from the vibe I’m getting from you and the knight of cups odds are you’re going to choose to walk away from the swords and really return your focus back to the family. But that doesn’t really mean giving up an income. The knight isn’t all on the home front. He’s in transition, on the move, making choices that will bring the family to a firmer ground.

[Mysti] You’re right about the income thing.

[Serenity Bly] It’s time now to look at what the best choices are for your family, where do they need you most. Can you make this job work around that? Because the swords shows that you really do have the chance now to turn things to your favor. If what their asking you to do doesn’t suit what you need to be doing, negotiate. These minor arcana puts everything in your hands.

[Mysti] So I’m very much on the right path in the choice I will make. I just need to prepare everything so that it’s an easy transition with full instruction. As it was stated, there would be no room to negotiate. And I absolutely cannot spend 8-10 hours in the office in one day. Especially not with all that’s going on, and that’s okay.

[Serenity Bly] With today’s technology 8-10 hours in an office is a waste of time. Get them a copy of Tim Ferriss’ book, The Four-Hour Work Week. If they gave you 2 hours in the office you’d get as much done as you would in 8. Tighter deadlines often lead to increased productivity. And everything else you don’t have to do IN the office.

[Mysti] Considering what I do and their fear of any info getting out about the business they won’t work out an arrangement like that. I can’t do billing at home and payroll must be done in office. It’s really ridiculous!! But that’s my boss for ya. lol

[Serenity Bly] What kind of environment is the office? If it’s closed (not public), and clean, you could always set up the kids to come into the office with you.

[Mysti] I did that… On Monday afternoon and it was HELL. There ended up being all the kids that work on the crew in the office… DOGS in the office… I was going WTH!

[Serenity Bly] *raises eyebrow* Wow, sounds like a nightmare.

[Mysti] I’m going to carry through with my plan for the week then. I’ll get everything organized (as they really stink at that! They had 2008 files in with 2009!!!!) leave full instruction in the work holy grail and leave it ready for transition.

[Serenity Bly] I guess it comes back to following your heart. Things in your family changed for very serious reasons recently so they’ll understand if you opt to put your focus 100% back to the boys.

[Mysti] Yes, Serenity! Major changes and complete disruption in our own family. Not to mention lack of sleep for me = a much harder time focusing on small details like this position entails.

[Serenity Bly] Some things you just can’t plan for, Mysti. And you’ve had an experience, you know going back to work won’t be so daunting next time you do it because you’ve done it and survived. Sometimes we just have to roll with the punches life is giving out.

[Mysti] Thank you!!! I know all about rolling with the punches!! Mr. S assured me of that!

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.

This week on RadioXShow we had an anonymous listener request a free three-card reading asking about her love situation. Reading for ‘anon’ can be challenging. We have no details, we don’t even know their gender and it can be harder to ‘tune in’ to a querient without their name. After the show, anonymous ordered the more detailed L-for-Love Spread. With more cards, more detail, and a greater connection the three-card spread makes complete sense but here is what the six-card spread tells us.

The Lovers as the last card indicates a choice and now I see what choice you have to make. Hopefully this L-for-Love Spread will shed additional light on the situation for you.

Your past experience in love: Judgment: The Major Arcana, Judgment, supports the fact that you have a difficult choice to make. You may be judging your current lover as someone (your ex) judged you in the past.

Your current experience in love: Queen of Swords: You are being very analytical about your situation, perhaps to try to mask your true feelings. Your emotions for your ex are also making you feel cold toward your current lover.

What you want from a love relationship: The World: There is no compromising your expectations or settling for second best when it comes to romance. You want “all that and a barrel of monkeys, too!” A lover, a partner, a best friend… someone who, quite literally, completes your world.

What you need from a love relationship: Eight of Pentacles: You need someone who will put up with your demanding nature, who will fulfill all your needs but will also “school” you—teach you the art of compromise, give and take, and mature love. At the same time, the Eight of Pentacles is the “work” card — you need someone willing to work as hard as you are at the relationship.

What you have to give your lover: Six of Cups: The Six of Cups calls to mind the phrase, “The Halcyon Days of Old.” Are you idealizing your past with your ex, at the expense of your relationship with your fiancé? This card shows that what you have to give your lover is “the way things were,” but better, because you have learned from your mistakes. If you choose to stay with your fiancé, you will be entering the relationship smarter; you won’t repeat the same mistakes. In fact, as a result of your resurfacing feelings from your ex, if you work through the problems with your fiancé, your relationship will grow stronger. However, the Tarot seems to indicate that is not the choice you will make…

Possible future experience in love: The Fool: The Fool represents jumping headfirst into the future, new experiences (or old experiences revisited) with little regard to feelings or emotions of those left behind. You don’t mean to hurt your fiancé, but you must do what is best for you. If you do leave your fiancé, you can expect a fun and passionate relationship with your ex that feels, in fact, more like a “new love” than your current romance does.