Future Tarot

(From the Future-Tarot March 10 chat.)

[Jen G] I got the lease on the building. My husband got a full-time out-of-the-house contract gig and he’s got clients coming into the marketing business. What the HELL? Yes, my question is technically, “What the hell?”

[Serenity Bly] Yeah, I’m with you on the What the Hell???

[Jen G] Uh oh. Weird cards? Just please, for the love of Jehosephat, no Seven of Cups. *fingers crossed*

[Serenity Bly] Not even shuffled yet, but I couldn’t make heads or tails of your question. lol

[MoonlitKim] So busy your head is spinning, Jen?

[Jen G] With so much going on, what needs to be my main priority? He has a full time job and a business and I have a business and we have three kids 5 and under. Something’s got to give, methinks, but I’m not sure. Maybe we really can do it all.

[Serenity Bly] Why don’t you want a Seven of Cups?

[MoonlitKim] Wasn’t it in last week’s reading?

[Jen G] Because that would represent my fear and I don’t want to know about my fear. We’re already well acquainted. lol

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* What were the cards from your last reading again?

[Jen G] Chariot, um, King of Pentacles. The first one is escaping me.

[Serenity Bly] Ok, not these cards then, but these are funny.

[Jen G] What are they?

[MoonlitKim] I could be wrong too. It just sounded familiar.

[Serenity Bly] In the past you’ve got my favorite, Page of Wands. Ideas, fire, energy, running with it, and get a complete mess of everything going on in your life because it’s all exciting and filled with passion.

[Jen G] Check.

[Serenity Bly] But, now you’re pregnant again. *hopes she’s joking because Miss Michele is the one who does pregnancy predictions not me*

[Jen G] Not pregnant, so that’s a bonus.

[Serenity Bly] The Empress comes up in the present, and, assuming you’re NOT actually pregnant again, it shows a sense of nurturing, growth, and development.

[Jen G] Or just owning all the chaos in my queen-like way, but probably more what you said.

[Serenity Bly] You are cultivating what you already have, harnessing your strengths in the feminine to make your existing ideas flourish and become something great and mighty in their own right.

[Jen G] True.

[Serenity Bly] Your Queen-like way is the Queen of Wands in the future.

[Jen G] SWEET! YES!

[Serenity Bly] It’s showing you really and truly harnessing all that, taking charge, and pulling everything into line. “I am woman, hear me roar,” Jen G style.

[Jen G] Less whiny wife and more my normal self.

[Serenity Bly] And, despite you saying Miss Michele and I don’t know you as well as we think, what I see here is the Jen G. I THINK I know.

[Jen G] I had a discussion with hubby last night that this new biz was MINE not his.

[Serenity Bly] The one who knows how to make things happen and get things done.

[Jen G] I have a split personality that’s pretty dramatic. Not like Sybil or anything, but two sides that are way different.

[MoonlitKim] You’re going to rock it all! Bam-pow!

[Jen G] Most people only know the one half.

[Serenity Bly] There is definite take charge going on here and I’m not sensing any negative from you using your strengths to make this happen. There isn’t a sense of stealing his thunder or stepping on his toes.

[Jen G] Oh, thank goodness!

[Serenity Bly] So, I’m not really sure how to tie all that into “What The Hell?”, but hopefully you’ve already figured it out. lol

[Jen G] So I’ll either get a part time nanny or take the kids to the office. Whatever. It will all be good. That was the most perfect reading ever. Not just because you said exactly what I needed to hear, but hey, it doesn’t hurt.

[Serenity Bly] I see this as you juggling those priorities beautifully, Jen. You can do it all.

[Jen G] Not needed, more like desperately craved.

[Serenity Bly] It’s the kind of superwoman the rest of us working mothers aspire to be.

[Jen G] Thank you so much!

[Serenity Bly] And, Jen, whatever this is, The Empress wants me to remind you, “It’s your baby.” That’ll make more sense to you than me.

[Jen G] Ok. I’ll keep it in mind. I called the business my baby last night, but that’s probably not it.

[Serenity Bly] Actually, that’s probably exactly it.

This is a year Chryselle’s youthful exuberance pays off in big ways. She’ll find fortune comes her way. Her biggest challenges will be in remaining true to herself. She may encounter a man, possibly a love interest, who wants to dominate her but should never let it happen.

In the latter half of this year, people attempting to deceive Chryselle will be a recurring theme. The events of last year really shook Chryselle’s trust and faith in people. However, the more she expects people to do wrong by her, the more mistrust, she attracts into her life. Your beliefs are proven true, until you begin to change that belief system. It’s hard when those we trust betray us. But the expression of “not letting a few bad apples spoil the bunch” is very true in this case. Chryselle, don’t let these brief dark spots put a damper on your year – overall, you can look forward to fun, celebrations and good times, with little struggle (and those struggles you do have will be minor, and self-made.) Don’t be afraid to take a chance this year; it will work out for you!

January: Wheel of Fortune

The year began with a change in your fortune from 2009. You may have experienced a windfall of money, or a new, fun opportunity.

February: Eight of Swords

You are feeling trapped by circumstances, as if there’s no way out. It could be this winter weather getting to you, too many commitments that you’re not enjoying, or an overall sense of restlessness (or all three.) This card shows a woman tied up, with a blindfold over her face, surrounded by eight swords that create a sort of prison. What’s holding you back?

March: The Empress

These feelings pass with the arrival of the Empress in March… when you are learning to harness your feminine intuition, kindness and nurturing nature to create pleasant things around you. The focus is on creativity. You may have found work that is fulfilling. If you are in school, you’re taking classes that inspire you. Ideas run rampant – the key is to focus your energies. But after February’s stagnant feelings, you are moving forward.

April : King of Swords

This card represents a powerful male influence coming into your life. He may try to dominate; you’ll need to harness the inner strength of last month’s Empress to stand up against him. This is important, as, based on the cards surrounding it, this person could be a new love. I drew a clarification card, the Three of Wands, and it indicates that yes, this person is either a new love or perhaps a business partner. In either case, equality and balance are important in this relationship.

May: Page of Wands

This Page supports the fact that the new person in April could slowly grow into a love interest. You approach this new relationship with vigor and enthusiasm. This also represents continued interest in creative endeavors. You are at a great age – the enthusiasm of youth, but also with wisdom beyond your years that you are just beginning to use. You’re developing greater self-confidence this year. In 2010, I see a young woman blossoming into adulthood, becoming more certain of her abilities, and a brilliant future beginning to fall into place!

June: Four of Wands

June wedding? Maybe not for you, but it’s definitely a month of celebration. You may be a maid of honor or bridesmaid for a friend, and that suits you perfectly well at this stage of your life. You bring something special to every celebration you attend, whether it’s a wedding or just a small dinner party. You’ll look to hosting your own events this month, too. You are the consummate organizer, getting everyone together for that awesome beach trip, and packing the lunches for everyone, too!

July: The World

Your talents, abilities and creativity pays off in July. You’re enjoying the summer to its fullest, with plenty of everything – sun, friends, money, fun! This Major Arcana symbolizes the fulfillment of everything you could possibly want in life and, for the moment, that’s exactly what you have. Don’t forget to take a few moments to be grateful for it all, to absorb it in silent (or vocal) appreciation. Truly, the better it gets, the better it gets!

August: The Magician

It’s a powerful summer for you with these two Major Arcana cards in a row. Major Arcana symbolize important – often life-changing—events. Often, the Magician represents our own ability to use our special skills and talents to get what we want. The Magician is a master salesman, manipulator (in both the positive and negative sense), politician, and business success, with the creativity and intelligence to attract success. In this case, I believe you will encounter a very strong Magician type person. Just be sure this person doesn’t overpower your own strong personality or steal the spotlight. There’s more than enough for everyone; there’s no reason for you to shrink into the shadows just because someone else has come on the scene.

September: Eight of Cups

My intuition tells me September’s happenings have to do with that Magician. Remember I said the Magician is a Master Manipulator? You’re going to be getting plain old Bad Vibes about this guy. Trust your intuition. Remain on your guard and seek out positive, trustworthy people with which to spend your time.

October: The Sun

Yes, another vacation may be in the cards for you… after summer’s celebration, you have another opportunity to enjoy sun, surf and sand. Take the opportunity – there’s absolutely no reason not to! You’ll find the getaway, however short it may be, will give you a boost in creativity and a second wind to face the impending winter.

November: Two of Swords

Once again, you have to contend with factors you may not WANT to see… these people (I don’t know if there’s more than one) are still coming into your life – ones you can’t quite trust. I don’t think you’re fully rid of the Magician, or the King of Swords. You feel trapped. This card also indicates a need for balance… after all the partying, it’s time to focus on your goals.

December: Four of Swords

The holidays have you worn out, plain and simple. On top of all the partying and the drama with other people, you’re ready to simply lie down and rest. That’s a good idea. The Four of Swords tells us if we don’t take a break, it will be forced on us. Say no – to social invitations, commitments, etc. — especially if you can’t come up with a compelling reason that you want to attend! Surround yourself with peaceful, spiritual people who have your best interests at heart.

January 2011: Three of Pentacles

With the New Year (and possibly new semester) it’s time to hunker down. The emphasis is on work and learning, possible internships, and action that will help you advance on your chosen career path. You’re ready for a mentor, and you’ll find one. After all, this reading shows the Universe gives you what you want.

February 2011: Eight of Wands

This card typically indicates an amazing job offer. Things are once again moving quickly – what you learned in your Three of Pentacles time paid off. Don’t stop learning, even as you begin to profit from your skills.

Overview: Page of Swords

The Page of Swords as our year overview shows you charging full-speed ahead into everything you do. This is a great attitude to have. Most times, it works out well for you!

The Tarot would warn, throughout 2010, to be aware of those “ups-and-downs.” Things are great, then, Crash! Only, the crash isn’t really as bad as you perceive it to be when you’re in the thick of it. Take the time to count your blessings when things are going well, and you’ll encounter more blessings. You are someone other people may consider “lucky.” But there’s really no such thing as luck. You create everything you receive, because you believe you deserve it. When you let self-doubt creep in or begin to take things for granted, that’s when you experience that emotional crash.

AJ writes:

I have nothing specific other than “what does this year hold for me?” I have to add that the latter half of last year sucked, though not as hard as some years I’ve had. Life has been hard up until four years ago.

Overview: In spite of your proclamation to Miss Michele that acclaim is what brings you satisfaction, the cards show a huge emphasis on emotions, and seeking “parent figures,” mentors. Although Miss Michele hates to say it, based on the placement of the cards, your parents *may* be returning into your life, leaving you with a difficult choice to make. Let’s go month by month and see what the Tarot has to say.

January – Five of Cups – Not surprisingly, the Five of Cups starts off the year. This shows a certain emptiness in your life, perhaps still recovering from years of hurt or just starting to show these feelings. Whatever happened in the latter half of the year that “sucked” continues.

February – the Fool – February will bring you out of your doldrums in a *big* way. I see the last half of the year’s events letting go to bring you into a new phase, in which you really let your ‘inner teenager’ out, but with positive consequences, rather than having people view you as immature. Your thoughts and words will be put into action, and you may even see some opportunities, as a direct result of your personality, pop up.

March – The Six of Cups – often described as the “good old days” card. AJ admitted himself that he missed out on “fun” teenage years. February and March will blur into one adventure of fun and immaturity, but with little danger of negative consequences.

April – The Three of Rods further reinforces the Fool, urging you to take action on the opportunities offered. You won’t plunge blindly, but will take time to consider how best to proceed and will do so with knowledge, perhaps taking on a leadership role in your chosen community, be it the blogosphere or the office.

May – The Empress reveals that a female mentor may step up to help you in this role… She will, additionally, help you confront your own feelings about your mother, and your very definition of the word as you perceive it. Very appropriate, in the month of Mother’s Day. Additionally, you will be enjoying the bounty that the opportunities in April have presented you. The two consecutive Threes in this reading show your ability to enjoy life, and the Spring will give you the means to do so…everything will come together as you begin to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It’s going to be a good Spring!

June – King of Pentacles - June brings us a curious card, a father figure/mentor card in the Court Card, King of Pentacles. So funny that the exact cards you wished not to see appeared in this throw. That which we think about manifests… in the positive or negative. When you say, “I don’t want to see my parents,” the Universe hears “parents” and acts accordingly… giving you lots of parent substitutes and cards that leave Miss Michele shouting, “mother and father!”

The King of Pentacles follows our theme of grasping opportunities and seeing them through to completion to bring you wealth, satisfaction and career success. Oddly, once again, June is Father’s Day. This card could indicate a male mentor who assists you on your quest. You are ready and eager to learn all that he can teach.

July – July brings us the Lovers, another major arcane indicating a choice must be made. The scenario as I see it: your parents come back into your life, you make a choice to either repair or not repair the damage done. (Too much information often clouds the interpretation… )
Alternately, you may have a decision to make about this opportunity… in either event, the decision leaves you…

August – Feeling lonely in August, as the Four of Cups surfaces. Far from your gregarious self this month, you have retreated for careful contemplation. The decision in July has left you closing your emotions off again. However, this contemplation is opening the door for a better future. The up-turned, yet empty, cups shown on the card show a willingness to receive love and acceptance once you release the hurt you’re feeling.

September – Seven of Swords – The Seven of Swords indicates a lack of trust. You opened yourself up in the spring and summer, only to find yourself alone and more cynical come the fall. Be wary of a depression that will cloud your thoughts, creativity and abilities to work creatively.

October – Six of Pentacles – October brings you out of your doldrums, where you find yourself repaying a karmic debt. After the help given to you in the Spring, you decide to “give back” by helping others in a similar way and will feel fulfilled by it. You realize there is more to life than just yourself and what you can get from others, and learn the beauty in giving and sharing, mentoring others with your own wealth of knowledge. Or you don’t. That’s your choice. But the Tarot advises that fulfillment awaits if you do.

November – Seven of Cups – November finds you with your head in the clouds a bit, with big dreams and visions but not sure how to put them into place.

December – Knight of Swords – It becomes clear in December, when you employ logic to fulfill your pie-in-the-sky visions. After a turbulent “emo” year of letting your emotions get the best of you, you take positive action. The danger is in become too serious and focus on facts.

Overall, the year’s focus is represented in the Queen of Pentacles. This will be a pivotal year for you in terms of learning how to give and take—tangible objects, advice and information, as well as love and acceptance. You’ll be more sensible in business manners—earning enough to pay that killer mortgage and then some, but will learn the rules of “the Secret,” you give back what you put out to the Universe.
I see you in the ‘middle phase” of your learning experience with the universe. No high-number cards have come up, but you started with “zero” in the fool and worked up to a seven, with ideas in the intangible thoughts phase. This is supported by the cups in the reading.

Please come back often, and tell us how the year is progressing for you!

TJWriter wants to know:
Should I take the leap to pursue the career path my heart desires?

Without looking at the tarot, Miss Michele can answer this question: Yes. Always pursue your heart’s desires.

For greater insight into the situation, and awareness of some of the challenges TJWriter may face in trying to achieve her dreams, Miss Michele relied on the six-card, simplified Celtic Cross Spread.

A lot of cups in this reading reveals what the wording of the question also tells us: TJWriter relies on emotions.

Her experience to date is shown by the Five of Swords. TJWriter may have been subjected to humiliation, ridicule or deceit in the recent past. She emerged victorious, but did not feel good about the “win.” She was succesful but unfulfilled, so TJWriter began to dream about a different life path.

Putting the past behind her, she has found a support network in her family and friends, as exemplified by the Ten of Pentacles. The emphasis, however, is on major life transitions. A commitment to stay home with children or perhaps just spend more time with loved ones? Family figures prominently.

The near future shows a Major Arcana, the Empress. There’s a lot of emphasis on femininity, caregiving, and the realm of emotions in this reading. The Empress shows still more family commitment and may indicate a birth on the horizon. It also could indicate the start of a new business, especially if that business is related to caregiving or creativity. (The birth of a book?) TJWriter is moving from one stage to another.

TJWriter in the environment of the future is shown by the Ace of Cups. More new beginnings! Follow your heart wherever it leads, TJWriter. You are at your best and most successful when you are following your motherly instincts, your heart and emotions.

Once again, the card indicates pregnancy or birth of a new creative venture. Since you asked about a career path, Miss Michele is inclined to say that the “birth” is figurative only… a new book or other creative venture. This is more than just a new client, however… this is a long-term commitment that can change your life! However, Miss Michele would advise you not to ignore your nurturing side… whatever creative venture you attempt, you’ll find success AND fulfillment helping others!

Now is also a good time to remind TJWriter that the future is not set in stone… these cards show only the most probably outcome if you continue on the current path.

With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s move on to Card 5, the best outcome you can hope for. The Nine of Wands says that, once again, you will be in a position of having to defend yourself and your beliefs. You’ll be faced with one last obstacle before victory (and victory will come!) Don’t be afraid to demand what’s yours. Most importantly, don’t change your course of action; the end of the race is near and you will emerge the winner.

Finally, the Outcome, the Ten of Cups. There are few cards in the deck better than this one, which symbolizes joy and harmony, especially in the realm of family life. You’re going to have the success you want in your career, which will give you the opportunity to focus on your family. Good relationships–business and personal–are on the horizon.

What a positive reading, it makes Miss Michele feel all warm and fuzzy (oh, wait, that’s the cat…sigh)