Future Tarot

I have to admit that knowing nothing about Erica makes this reading an intriguing one for me to give. I find myself being more cautious about my responses (*blushes* Yes, even I am still wary to trust outright my intuition and instinct).

Being tuned into Erica was a warm and touching experience. I know she’s a generally empowered, positive woman who stands tall in the world. She is bright and I feel like she represents a great lake. Her surface is smooth, calm, unruffled but beneath she is shifted by emotional currents of uncertainty.

I feel like it is these deeper elements that manifest the challenges the cards reveals through the second half of the year. Thankfully, overcoming inner demons is one of this years greatest universal elements. We will all be forced to gaze upon ourselves and account for our true being.

I can tell that Erica will grow and that this year she’ll overcome some of the greater challenges she has found recurring through her past. She’ll inspire others with her courage and confidence and go into 2010 with a new sense of purpose and an exciting new opportunity.

January: The King of Cups: The year begins on a solid foundation of emotional strength and warmth. A firm, capable masculine influence creates a harmony in the home, filling Erica’s life with a loving atmosphere and a strong sense of security. He encourages her to seek out the healer within and turn her thoughts to being a positive influence in the lives of others.

February: The Sun: Having discovered her inner potential for bringing light and happiness to others and in doing so bringing about peace within herself, Erica is blessed with The Sun in February, ordaining light and joy.

March: Three of Cups: In March the warmth, love, and romantic happiness the surrounded Erica in the earlier months of the year founds a new beginning, perhaps a marriage or romantic commitment. March gives an emotional gift that is both the culmination of a joyous occasion and the beginning of a greater journey with greater emotional depths to explore.

April: Eight of Wands: My first thoughts on seeing this card after the original three was Honeymoon. While a marriage may not have been the Three of Cups intentions in March, April’s atmosphere has a relaxed get away in mind. The Eight of Wands usually indicates travel, a new adventure, a journey.

May: Six of Swords: After the upheaval and changes through March and April, Erica will finally be able to move at a slower pace. May brings with it calm serenity and the opportunity to find her footing as her new reality settles about her.

June: Two of Cups: June’s cups point to a new relationship or new depths for an existing relationship after times of trouble. It’s possible that Erica will welcome someone into her life. If she is planning a family then it wouldn’t surprise me if a child is on the way in June.

July: Five of Pentacles: Thoughts of family and romance turn to finance in July. Erica may find her financial footing is not as secure as she once thought and needs to reconsider the way her finances are managed. It is important to evaluate past mistakes but know that this period will lead to greater security if she chooses to make sensible choices.

August: Page of Swords: The winds of changing thoughts and personal growth flow from the Page of Swords in August. From an almost boyish sense of petty self-mindedness it’s time to reach a new level of awareness that is outside of one’s self. Erica might feel a sense of self-loathing or frustration. When the mind seeks to disable us it is important to learn from our past mistakes but do not allow them to shield us from making future choices.

September: Five of Cups: September will be washed in a haze of regret and a sense of betrayal, perhaps because of the depression and turmoil blown up by the Page of Swords. It is important to remember that this misunderstanding does not foretell an ending. It is a speed bump in Erica’s happiness that can be overcome with patience, love, and communication.

October: Eight of Swords: Things seem to be just getting worse. From regret and betrayal Erica sinks deeper through October until she feels trapped. A choice must be made but there is no single choice that feels right and every choice brings with it trouble and risk.

November: Page of Cups: November offers release from the frustrations of the past months. The Page of Cups plants a seed of emotional warmth and tenderness into the situation and from that grows a new strength in your relationships, both with yourself and with others.

December: Eight of Pentacles: Erica’s year ends on a positive note with an exciting and exhilarating opportunity to hone and harvest her craft. She may discover a new hobby and forges a great sense of achievement. This could be the foundation for a business venture.

Overview: Ten of Swords: When it comes down to it, 2009 is about letting go and creating something new and beautiful from past hardship and grief. Erica has faced her own struggles and unfortunately they are not all behind her but her strength of being and purpose remains. There are challenges ahead and I feel that Erica needs to know she does not go into battle alone. Her loved ones stand close and want to be given an opportunity to help. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Erica, enjoy the tranquility and warmth in the beginning of the year. The happiness in those earlier months will strengthen you for the challenges to come. Remember, that every difficulty you face is transient, you will overcome and there are new joys just beyond the horizon.

All the best for 2009!

“The Ten of Swords is the Dark before the Dawn.” *
Any hardship culminates in an apex of fatigue and horror. One is surrounded by the sense of the insurmountable, faced with what feels like an inevitable failure and crushing defeat. The Ten of Swords embodies this darkness. When all the odds seem turned against you and you cannot see beyond this moment to the brightness beyond.

When I see the Ten of Swords in a reading it reminds me of a great battle. Surrounded by the enemy, the remaining troops are torn between throwing down their swords and ultimately feel that their fight is one that ends in their death and has been for naught. From this perspective, we are the men, gazing into the maniacal faces of our enemy, our muscles heavy, blood seeping, swords an half-height, weary with fatigue and awash in hopelessness.

What we fail to see, hidden from us by the shadows of the army on every flank is the golden gleam of fresh armor, bronzed horses, glimmering swords, and the banners of long awaited reinforcements just cresting the horizon. Here, in the darkness of what seems like imminent defeat we fail to see our salvation.

That, is the Ten of Swords.

Kimberlee Ferrell describes the Ten of Swords as, “hitting rock bottom, being a martyr, or having a “woe is me” attitude. Things couldn’t be worse, but the bright side is that the only way left to go is up.”

This card shares similar qualities to the Major Arcana, Death. The card itself shows that in it’s most literal sense and offers a dark image of hopelessness and defeat. Yet on the horizon is a bright new day and we are reminded that every ending is a new beginning as the circle turns.

In a reading, the Ten of Swords might indicate a need to find acceptance within yourself and to allow change to occur. Often, the greatest pain is caused by attempting to hold back the winds of change. One must create room for new life by letting go of that which no longer aids.

The Ten of Swords portends a difficult experience of loss or release, but a new awareness and a positive sense of relief that the difficulty is finally finished will eventually follow the pain of this experience. Though this card may seem negative at first glance, it is a card of hope and an indication that our troubles will not be permanent. ~

This card might also be telling us that things are not as bad as they seem. The Ten of Swords often appears as melodrama or even hypochondria. It is the making of a mountain out of a molehill. When the card appears in a spread it may be advising us to reevaluate our position and to look at the bare facts without emotional excess.

The Ten of Swords appears to be a card of terrible misfortune, but surprisingly, it often represents troubles that are more melodramatic than real. The man on this card has quite a few swords in his back. Wouldn’t one be enough? Isn’t ten a little excessive? Perhaps this gentleman’s suffering – though sincere – is exaggerated as well. *

On the other hand, it may mean “you need to convince someone that it IS that bad while they are insisting that you are exaggerating.”

What are you letting go of this week? Have you felt hopeless and fatigued by your situation? Perhaps you can see the light of a new dawn on the horizon. What insights do you feel the Ten of Swords brings?

Back on December 28, 2007, Miss Michele did a 13-card reading for 2008. Now that the year is 1/4 of the way over (can you believe it’s spring already?) let’s look back and see how she’s done so far…

The year begins with the Three of Pentacles, an emphasis on work and learning in January. This card shows a financial endeavor off to a good start. With new bookkeeping and tracking software and a clear vision and goals for 2008, this card makes a lot of sense already. Miss Michele may also undertake a small home renovation project, such as painting.

Miss Michele had a very productive month in January, so it’s safe to say this reading was true. Except for the home renovation–that may have been wishful thinking!

February’s card warns Miss Michele to rest or she will once again fall ill. The Ten of Swords indicates forced rest or illness, as well as the possibility of a friend’s betrayal, which will, in turn, make me extremely weary and tired, and perhaps even physically ill.

This card scared Miss Michele when she pulled it back in December. She got the impression the illness would be more serious than a cold or flu. Well, she discovered on January 30 that she was pregnant. Most of February was spent lying on the couch with the laptop, fighting off queasiness and fatigue. Everything was an effort… easily, the worst this tarot reader has ever felt!

Things get better in March with the Two of Cups. Either I will reconcile with the friend from February, or things will get a lot better in terms of career and business partnerships. Things with RECON may begin to come to fruition in terms of profitability as we complete our third issue under new ownership. This one will be on time and as close to perfect as three people can make a magazine!

This month’s card came true on both counts. Admittedly, I knew in December I was having issues with a close friend. Through a series of e-mails and a few phone discussions, we finally cleared things up in March. Also, around March 20, morning sickness subsided and I started to feel better.

Let’s skip ahead to October… with an odd little card that Miss Michele wasn’t sure how to interpret at the time:

October brings the Page of Cups. Could indicate news of a birth or a wedding.

This card confused me at the time of the reading, but this one little sentence may have been my most accurate reading to date! My estimated due date is October 2.

Would you like your own reading from Miss Michele? Three-card spreads are free, with a variety of other spreads available at low prices to fill your specific needs. (See sidebar for ordering information.)

Tina Samuels, at Confused and Undone asks for some insight into her writing projects. She posts:

I’d love a three card reading, mainly to focus on my writing projects. I’ve about.com prep running from 2-1 to 2-18. I’m worried and seeking insight.

The tarot is advising that focus is the key.

The Heart of the Matter shows the Ten of Swords. This card indicates sheer exhaustion and possibly even physical pain. You may have given up other projects in the hopes of becoming an About.com guide… and now you feel as if there’s no turning back. What’s worse, you feel as if you’re not getting any support, not having your questions answered, and have no idea what your Guide thinks of your work. Still you felt as if this promise of steady money was your only choice. You want “in” with a need that is close to desperation.

The Tarot’s advice manifests in the Three of Swords. Let go of what is not working. Cut loose projects that aren’t providing emotional fulfillment. Focus your current energies on About.com if that is what you truly want. If you have doubts, however, don’t do it.

The Ten of Swords and Three of Swords combine to tell me that something significant in your past happened and you are having trouble letting go of it. You won’t be able to focus fully on your About training and freelance career until you do so.

Note: Thinking, “Wow, Confused and Undone is the perfect name for your blog based on this reading,” I checked it out. I didn’t know you applied to be the Guide for Chronic Pain… but the cards did. Also, that you’re sick going into prep! The Ten of Swords frequently shows pain, surgery, etc., which applies to this situation to a tee, and allows me to make better sense of the cards.

The final card, the Seven of Cups, shows a much brighter outlook. The three minor arcana show it’s all in your hands. You’ll be able to work through your illness to complete prep. However, halfway through, you’ll begin to wonder if it’s what you really want.

The answer is clear, if you want it, it’s yours for the taking. Merely focus on your wishes and they will come true. The danger is in being unfocused, scatterbrained, throughout prep. Stay organized and focused and it will all be fine.

The issue lies in the self-doubt. Do you even want the position? Will you be able to do it, on top of your other new job? Only you know the answer in that regard.

Tina, please come back and let us know how it goes! And best of luck with Prep!

Kate Boddie says:
I’ve always been rather scattered, hopping from project to project. While it’s all in the same realm, I never really finished anything major.

As of late, things have been starting to fall into place, albeit slowly and I wanted to know if I’ve finally found my track.

Am I headed down the right path? Are my aspirations where they should be?

Miss Michele has a confession.

She sat down to do your reading last night, and the Tower fell out of the deck. Thinking this had no relation to your question—and realizing that Miss Michele was quite tired—she put the cards away to do the reading in the morning.

She shuffled and concentrated, focusing and meditating. And chose the Tower. She continued with a five card reading with the Tower as the first card.

The Tower in the Past shows a complete collapse of your old way of life, some catastrophe or upheaval that made you begin anew. Boddie, the disarray and chaos is behind you now.

But whatever it was, Wow! It sure woke you up to get focused and find your path!

The Four of Wands in the Present position shows that, after your tumultuous past, you’ve found refuge, a well-deserved rest. You’re laying the foundation for successful creative pursuits. You’re enjoying the fruits of your labors and resting before you embark on phase two of your project.

The Unconscious Influences behind your decision—card 3 in your reading—shows the Wheel of Fortune. You have a huge yearning for success—monetary and emotional/spiritual. Your desire for it will make it so. Deep down, you are more confident than you realize! Once again, this card shows massive life changes, the end of a phase and start of a new one. You are always on the go, girl—change, change, change, turn, turn, turn!

The Tarot offers Advice in the form of the Three of Wands, the fourth card in this spread. The suite of Wands show creative and entrepreneurial spirit. Though not quite as “active” as Swords, which are sure harbingers of change and tumult, the Wands show lots of action in the thought realm. These are the cards of “ideas,” the beginning of a new project.

The advice offered in the Three of Wands is to “go for it;” you are on the right track in your new creative venture. Business will move forward swiftly. Keep an eye on your goals. Publicize yourself. If a mentor should cross your path, take their advice and rely on their assistance. The emphasis is on cooperation— you don’t have to go it alone.

Miss Michele drew a *very* curious card signifying the Possible Outcome. The Ten of Swords indicates a need for rest, the death of an illusion, plans not working out. Everything will be going well and then, bam, out of nowhere… deception from a business colleague leaves you starting back at square one. This could also indicate (likely!) burnout after working full throttle on a project. Miss Michele warns Boddie to pace herself, tread carefully as your venture reaches its culmination. There is more work ahead. Take a break and look at the situation with fresh eyes after a much-needed rest.

After all, that’s what’s happened in your past projects… burn-out, being unable to run the full course.

Not wanting to end on this sour note, Miss Michele asked the Tarot:

What is Boddie’s Best Course of Action to prevent this Outcome?

The Seven of Wands gives us the answer: Hold firm against the opposition, fight for your ideals and stand your ground. It will take courage. You will feel like giving up. Don’t!
You are on the right track!

And feel free to come to Miss Michele for guidance throughout your journey.

Keep those questions coming, everyone!  Readings are FREE for the rest of 2007!