Future Tarot

[Jen.N] This one’s a perennial that crops up from time to time. The timing never seems to be right, though. Work and/or relocation.

[Miss Michelle] As in leaving your job and relocating?

[Jen.N] Stress is getting to me again. I know it’s because I let it. More than the actual work, though, it’s more … too much togetherness and bringing emotional junk to work. My coworker (an aunt) is annoyed with her husband and brings it to work. Grandma and her husband both work for us. They are always bringing junk with them. I find myself not caring and wanting a major change.

[Miss Michelle] Very interesting cards… you ARE reaching the end of a cycle; you’re getting to the point where you’re throwing your hands up and saying enough is enough.

[Jen.N] Very much so.

[Miss Michelle] The Nine of Wands in the past shows you felt mastery of the situation, previously. You really thought you had this under control, settled, and were celebrating, albeit cautiously. He’s the victory card, but on some level you were waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[Jen.N] That’s pretty accurate. lol. Things had really been going well work-wise.

[Miss Michelle] It was as if you were saying “yay” while looking around, like “Um, Yay, right?”

[Jen.N] Oh so VERY true. lol

[Miss Michelle] I’ve always had that same problem Jen, I can relate.

[Jen.N] I always get a sense of… “Am I coming back this time or not?” when I go out of state for an extended time.

[Miss Michelle] But in the present to near future, the Judgement card  shows you actually assessing your situation. You’re passing judgement on others but also taking inventory, as it were, of your own life. If you’re still doing Secret Abundance Files, this makes even more sense.

[Jen.N] I’ve been looking realistically at job possibilities.

[Miss Michelle] Lessons three and eight are all about judgement of yourself.

[Jen.N] Yes, I’m still doing SAF.

[Miss Michelle] Which chapter?

[Jen.N] Finished the original course, actually. Starting again with chapter one this week because I really feel like I need to do it again.

[Miss Michelle] With the tools you’ve learned — and I do this myself too — you’re having less tolerance for other people’s bull.

[Jen.N] …and being more vocal about it, which probably isn’t a good thing in this particular setting.

[Miss Michelle] That comes partly with increased self-confidence and partly from just KNOWING our own potential now… and seeing untapped potential in others. YES! Well… It is a good thing if you make it work for you. Ha–the Angel on the judgement card is literally–blowing her own horn. So basically, you are (finally) judging yourself favorably while judging others poorly. Never saw that element of the card before, but it’s very obvious in this case. And with that… the scales are going to tip so you will MAKE that judgement. Now, I’d love to say it will be easy…

[Jen.N] In this setting, true. I typically work at not judging anyone in a negative light.

[Serenity Bly] The trouble with using “Judgement” in that way is that it’s like telling an alcoholic they need help. You can’t help them until they come to that realization for themselves, telling them, judging their way of life and the people they are only serves to damage relationships. You have to accept loved ones, faults and all, and, when they ARE ready to change, THEN step in with answers for them.

[Miss Michelle] Or–in the case of co-workers, simply not accept them. You have the power to manifest them out of your lives at this point.

[Jen.N] I don’t try to change anyone. Especially after last July.

[Serenity Bly] Co-workers ARE family in this case, thus part of the difficulty. But I remember past readings recommended a change of job too.

[Jen.N] Yeah. In this case, coworkers are literally family: aunt, grandma, step-grandfather, cousin, and mom.

[Miss Michelle] Yes… I was going to say, I’d love to say the road will be easy, but whatever you choose, you have your work cut out for you. I’m reminded of Robert Frost, “miles to go before I sleep.”

[Serenity Bly] And the Ten of Wands gives a clear sense of feeling “trapped” here. I get the impression that the ten shows that even if you change jobs you can’t change your family. You’ll STILL have to deal with their “issues”.

[Jen.N] Yeah. I do. I definitely feel trapped. And if I don’t work with them, it’s easier to handle their issues. I know that one from past experience.

[Miss Michelle] I agree with that. Also, if you do strike off on your own, it will be MORE work than you’ve ever dreamed possible. I would say, don’t just “take another job.” It’s TIME to follow your passion. And whatever you’re doing, don’t PERCEIVE it as work. Perceive it as a love and passion, and bring the same enthusiasm you do for your writing and teaching to whatever you decide to do to pay the bills.  I have a friend who, even when she’s doing fun things, phrases it as, “I have to….” I swear, the girl would say in a whiny voice, “I have to go to Disneyworld this week.” LOL

[Jen.N] “I have to” for fun? That should be “I want to” or “I am…”

[Miss Michelle] Yes… and I’m not saying you’re like that.

[Serenity Bly] There is no such thing as “have to.” Choose to, or choose not to.

[Miss Michelle] Yes. AND, if you’re CHOOSING to do something, you may as well enjoy it.

[Jen.N] Very true.

[Miss Michele] My point is actually that, whatever you CHOOSE to do, approach it with the “I want to…” attitude. Also make sure it fits into your 5-year plan and helps you move toward your goal.

[Serenity Bly] Anything you “choose” to do, you choose to do because NOT doing it is worse than doing it.

[Miss Michelle] I think I can honestly say, this time, the timing IS right.

[Jen.N] That would be such a good thing!

[Miss Michelle] Trudge out of there.

[Jen.N] Lately, I’ve been viewing all the transcription as research for writing since I tend to be so fond of throwing everything I can at my characters.

[Serenity Bly] Do you enjoy doing transcription Jen? Because that’s a job you could Freelance. If you wanted to do transcription for OTHER people.

[Jen.N] Actually, no. Not medical anyway. I have a USB pedal so I could accept digital files now if anyone could/would send them.

[Miss Michelle] Well, you know, Jen… too… the cards don’t set the time. YOU DO. It’s time when YOU decide it’s time. You now have that power.

[Serenity Bly] You might find taking on other types of transcription jobs, and editing jobs (where you’re rewriting transcripts) could give you more for your characters. And it wouldn’t all be medical.

[Jen.N] True, on all counts. And it would be a filler/standby until the creativity coaching/consulting and other things in the works takes off.

[Serenity Bly] You could even approach people so that you get transcription work on topics you WANT to know more about. Imagine, for example, being the one who transcribes writer’s conferences and workshops.

[Jen.N] That would be pretty cool.

[Serenity Bly] Yes, and since you’d be freelancing you could give it as much or as little time as you need to make ends meet while you build your creativity coaching business.

[Jen.N] I’m getting a handle on that side of things. I just haven’t been sure about the timing of it all.

[Serenity Bly] But, decide what it is you WANT to do, then manifest that into your life. If things are coming to a head then it’s time.

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.

The 2009/2010 year will be a busy one for Dawn. Ultimately, there is balance within her focus but, as is so often the case, balance is rarely found in a single moment. Balance tends to be seen in hindsight or from a distance. The coming months will be a mixture of excitement and hard work with the new year offering an emotional start to 2010 and an opportunity to grow and learn. Lets look more closely at what the year ahead has in store for Dawn.

June: The Fool

June heralds a new beginning, a brand new venture, or a new youth and energy to your existing projects. I feel like you’ve opened your eyes to a new way of living and rediscovered the joy that can be found in each simple breath. The Fool is young and exuberant. He rushes blindly, taking risks, and is just beginning his journey. Like the Fool, Dawn has had the opportunity to begin again and to approach life with a fresh, untarnished perspective.

July: Judgment

With inside knowledge I have a strong impression that this card foretells the successful financial and legal settlement of Dawn’s new home. Judgment often implies dealing with paperwork and the finer details involved in closing a deal. In some ways it is an end to one process but as one ends a new adventure begins.

August: Five of Swords

After two highly charged months, August brings forced reflection, pause, and confusion with the Five of Swords. You’ll be facing daunting choices and may find that you’re not in a position to know which option is the best. Adjusting to the recent changes in your life is going to be a greater challenge then you expected and you may feel like you’ve lost power and momentum as you’re forced to reestablish balance and security.

September: Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles in September shows that you’ll soon find your feet, rebuilding your home and family around you. The knight begins establishing a more permanent place in the world and brings his skills to the fore creating an environment that suits his needs and those of his loved ones.

October: King of Pentacles

You’ve done everything right and will reap the rewards of your earlier planning and careful consideration. The King of Pentacles is blessed with all he desires in the material world and in October you’ll be in a position to truly appreciate your situation in life. October may introduce a positive influence who will be a role model or guide you want to emulate for continued success.

November: Three of Wands

In November you’ll again begin looking ahead at all there is still to do. The Three of Wands reminds you that you’ve completed one stage of the grander project but it is not time to rest upon your laurels. More work is ahead of you but you have the knowledge and the inspiration to flourish.

December: King of Swords

When I first picked up this card he came out on his head but I got the sense that this King of Swords is a masculine influence that will come into your life. Coming in December he could be Santa Claus, or perhaps, he simply brings the gift of new knowledge and an opportunity to learn. He may even be offering you the chance to teach what you already know but more likely is a teacher himself who brings you new understanding.

January: Five of Wands and Ten of Wands

The mix of these two wands is interesting. January brings with it a challenge that will spark your passions and bring out your fighting spirit. There is no way you’ll let this latest hurdle frighten you. The Five of Wands shows you making strategic battle plans but the Ten of Wands leaves you feeling deflated. After the excitement and adrenaline of conquest the prize is less than you expected.

February: Eight of Pentacles

And so, you take your Eight of Pentacles back to the work station, returning to what you know best. You’ve done well in the past and have solid skills that give you success in business. February may feel repetitive but the solidity of steady work you are familiar with is exactly what you need after the chaos January presented.

March: Five of Cups

For ten months you’ve been focused primarily on home and business. You’ve been clear-headed and professional, facing down any challenge with determination and reveling in your success with dignity and calm. The Five of Cups in March shows emotional upset that could be related to the tragic loss of a cherished relationship. This separation leaves you grieving for what you once had and the turmoil of emotion will linger through the months ahead.

April: Knight of Swords

The supportive encouragement of a friend, The Knight of Swords, gives you strength to charge onward through the melancholy of March and into April. This friend may make life a little unruly but the chaos and disruption keep your mind busy. Ultimately, this friend’s purpose is to shake you out of a rut and bring change and action back into your life.

May: Seven of Cups

May finds you quietly seeking guidance and advice. You’ll find yourself reflecting on past choices and reevaluating the direction you’ve taken with an eye to future happiness. The Seven of Cups asks you to listen carefully and head the warnings and direction you’ll be given at this time.

June/Outcome: Queen of Wands

I felt a need to draw another card making this 12-Month Spread actually 13 months. This final card brings us full circle which allows me to draw on the strongly positive and empowered influences of this Queen of Wands who has come through stronger, inspired, and empowered from the last few challenging months. She is you, Dawn, embodied in confidence and in command of her environment. Her message is clear, you’re a beautiful and intelligent woman who has the inner strength to face any of life’s challenges. Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and all you are today whenever you feel daunted by the future.

The utterly patient Virginia Lee has asked a question of Miss Michele.

And Miss Michele stalled and waited, dallied and dawdled.

But she responds well to poking so now, here it is.

Virginia Lee asks:
Is now the time for me to be focusing on my writing and will such come to fruition before too horribly long?

An interesting reading, to be sure… Wands, Wands and another Wand. Let’s keep it clean! The presence of many Wands simply indicates an emphasis on career, power, business opportunities and entrepreneurship. Activities are in the “idea realm” right now, but moving forward quickly. You are in the early stages of achieving your goals.

Looks good so far, Virginia Lee!

The fourth card in this three-card reading (Stay with us, Miss Michele will explain) is of the Pentacles suit —an emphasis on money and learning.

The suit of Wands also corresponds to spring time. It may be that long before Virginia Lee’s efforts come to fruition. But the time to start is NOW.

Card by card…

The first card, which indicates situations in the Past or the Heart of the Matter, is the Ten of Wands. You’ve had a lot on your plate. Heavy work burdens, financial loads, and all of it creating stress. You see writing as a way out of it, but proceed only to find even more work in front of you.

The Present, exemplified by the Four of Pentacles, shows a good business sense and financial security. Something may have happened recently that puts you in a more secure situation to take a chance on freelance writing. But your fear of returning to that past state may be holding you back. Now’s the time to take that chance.

When Miss Michele pulled the third card, indicating the Future, she selected the Nine of Wands. But stuck to that card was the tricky little Eight of Wands. Yes, Miss Michele shuffled the deck well. Sometimes these things happen.

Miss Michele is proud to say she has a 100 percent record— whenever the Eight of Wands has revealed itself, that person has gotten a new job opportunity, raise or promotion.

The Eight of Wands shows things are moving swiftly, and for the best!

The Nine of Wands?

This shows a need to stand up for yourself or your principles. It represents your final challenge before the success shown in the Eight of Wands. Don’t make any major changes, just plunge ahead with your plan and success will follow. And stand your ground against any naysayers. The Eight of Wands shows rapid success— weeks instead of months.