Future Tarot

From Future-Tarot Chat on March 10:

[easy] My question is about a holiday. My husband and I are planning a holiday, but he wants a short holiday and I want a long one. We are newly married but we didn’t have a proper honeymoon, so this is like another.

[Serenity Bly] Ok, easy, I’m not loving the look of these cards. I’ll probably draw a fourth, but lets explore these three first and see what comes up. In the past, we have the Five of Cups reversed. It indicates a sense of “rocky start” to the relationship you have with your husband. The lack of a true honeymoon had a lot to do with the sense of closeness (or lack thereof) you felt.

[easy] He works a lot, so I feel like a widow. I think he wants this holiday to mend how things are now.

[Serenity Bly] It’s possible you felt awkward in each other’s company, alone, and he chooses to find ways to avoid being alone with you because of his inability to feel open and communicate with you. The King of Swords feels like him. He’s a very dominant, focused person. He’s grounded and perhaps a little narrow-minded. He has a strong sense of what is right and just and true.

[easy] That sounds about right.

[Serenity Bly] He has trouble expressing himself clearly and finds it difficult to see from someone else’s perspective. In a way, this is affecting your holiday plans. He doesn’t like the sense of “idle time” or “wasted time.” The very idea of a holiday puts him on edge. It’s NOT relaxing to him and an extended holiday would stress him out. But he’s a kind man, easy, and he really does want what is good for you, so he’s looking for compromises.

[easy] He NEEDS a holiday

[Serenity Bly] Unfortunately, the Ten of Swords in the future looks like a can of worms. It definitely called for a clarification card which is The Hermit. The impression I get is “don’t try to force him to extend his vacation.” Enjoy the time you’ll have alone and let him return home without you. If you make an issue of his need to stay busy and not take a true break, it may lead to arguments and resentment.

[easy] This sounds like we need separate holidays.

[Serenity Bly] He doesn’t want to feel tied to your choices for him and he has a strong sense of responsibility to what he does in his everyday life. He doesn’t feel free to leave that for too long. And you shouldn’t push the issue. The Hermit shows that you’ll both benefit from the time apart, and even that, with you vacationing and him at home, will strengthen your relationship.

[easy] On a side then, is my being on holiday going to be a problem for him if he is only part of it?

[Serenity Bly] You’re both called to use your strengths. He’ll find it calming to be at home and knowing that you’re having fun and happy. When you return from vacation, you’ll be refreshed and warm from the relaxation, which will further benefit the relationship. Does that make sense? I don’t see it being a problem. To be honest, it sounds like he’s a little looking forward to a break from you. For him, being home without you is a holiday. It sounds terrible for newlyweds, but I feel like he is often treading very carefully around you. He knows YOU need the holiday and wants you to enjoy it, so I don’t see any issue with you extending your holiday beyond his.

[easy] Phew. Thank you.

[Serenity Bly] The Ten of Swords wants me to add something. “Too many questions” is the message. What it means is “he’s a man and really not that interested in details.” You know how women always want their grooms to help with all the little details? He doesn’t WANT to deal with all the little details of this trip. He doesn’t want to be questioned about every minute little thing. He’s NID, not into details. So, don’t put him with those or it could flare up that Ten of Swords. Use your own excitement. He’ll enjoy that energy.

[easy] Point taken. Thanks for letting me jump in ahead. I have to go to work now. Your site rocks.

[knittingbrow] What do you need from me? A question?

[Serenity Bly] A question helps give us a direction for the reading, knittingbrow. And it helps us tune into your specific situation. There is a lot of emotional energy in this room and the cards will be drawn too the strongest energy without a clear purpose and direction.

[knittingbrow] Ok. I need a next step for my spiritual exploration. I’m a bit too close right now.

[Miss Michelle] That sounds like a question for Serenity Bly. She’s great with those!

[knittingbrow] Ok. I’m ready to hear what needs to be said.

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* Well on first impression the words “going solo” come to mind.

[knittingbrow] Oh?

[Serenity Bly] In the past The Lovers indicate a kind of uneasy partnership, very different people all with their own ideas and opinions have been working together, sort of, to make things happen but it’s uneasy and a bit of a “too many hands in the kitchen” feeling.

[knittingbrow] True. That has been the experience.

[Serenity Bly] The Two of Swords in the present shows that sort of thing coming to a head at the moment, conflict, and it’s possible you’ve been closing yourself off, trying to block out the battle. The Hermit in the future is the “going solo”. Making your own path and choosing what is right for YOU. Doing things your way, even if it means giving up the help and guidance of others. The good news is, the hermit is well equipped for his journey. He is guided by the light of his own inspiration and knowledge. It’s not a particularly spiritual card, and the tools he holds show a need to be committed to the work involved.

[knittingbrow] *big grin*  My favorite card (and the one that is my numerology) is the hermit.

[Serenity Bly] The Hermit has a core of strength and shows that you don’t NEED to lean on others, and their opinions and choices don’t need to hold you back any longer. You’ve learned enough to move forward on your own. And while I say “he” what I really mean is You. Because this hermit IS you, despite the man I feel is under the wraps of the hermit on my card.

[knittingbrow] Does the Hermit give you a feeling of being lonely in this reading?

[Serenity Bly] No. It’s focused, one minded, and capable of doing it without help.

[knittingbrow] Ah. That’s insightful. And do I ever reach “it”?

[Serenity Bly] It?

[knittingbrow] The spiritual quest. Not quest, really but the goal.

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* There is no “it” on a spiritual quest. The QUEST is the whole point. Not the destination. And the hermit is all about walking the path.

[Miss Michelle] Well, I would say the quest IS the quest… you’re on it. And yes, precisely what Serenity said.

[knittingbrow] Yes, yes yes. As soon as I typed it, I got hit. I’m surprised I got that one so quickly.

[Miss Michelle] One thing I’d say with the Two of Swords: You’re very concerned about balance BEFORE you strike off. Balancing the mundane with the spiritual. People not understanding. You’d do best to be rid of those people who don’t “get it.”

[knittingbrow] Yes. Walking the path. I am very concerned about balance.

[Serenity Bly] I get the impression that you’ve had “other” paths in the past, so you know from walking those that you never really reach the end, you seek new destinations and are constantly progressing onward and upward. Ultimately, death is the only transition that takes you out of LIFE’s spiritual question and even that is only a step onto the next path.

[Miss Michelle] I feel more relaxed just tapping into your energy, knittingbrow. You ARE more advanced, spiritually, than you know.

[knittingbrow] I’ve walked other paths, but not been truly connected. Miss Michele, tap away. I wonder about that Two of Swords.

[Miss Michelle] It’s about balance and also–I don’t know the imagery in Serenity Bly’s deck, but in the Hanson Robert’s it’s a girl blindfolded. You weren’t, previously, seeing what you just GOT. That the quest IS the “it”. You’re also not opening your eyes to your full spiritual potential. You feel like you’re not there, because you’re waiting for some tangible sign.

[Serenity Bly] In mine the querent has his hands over his ears and his eyes clenched shut while a man and woman are fighting each other in front of him. But you ARE there. It’s like, “mom and dad are arguing and the child is trying to tune it out”. Which is a whole new spin on that card, never seen it that way before.

[knittingbrow] I’m making this harder than I need, aren’t I?  I should just trust.

[Miss Michelle] YES, thank you. You took the words out of my mouth. Don’t over-think it. And, also, shut out the outside world if you have to. Make the effort to surround yourself with like-minded people.

[Serenity Bly] Or at least to remove yourself from the people who are conflicting against what you want and need.

[knittingbrow] I’m finding it a bit hard to discover those like-minded people. I think I’ll be working on removing those.

[Serenity Bly] The Hermit doesn’t really indicate moving into a circle of like-minded people at the moment. But it is a moving away from the battles and conflict to make your own way. In a spiritual sense it’s like having two religions, you like something of both of them but they don’t exist together harmoniously. The devout of both are always fighting with the devout of others.

[knittingbrow] Serenity, that makes sense to me.

[Serenity Bly] The Hermit makes his own religion, blending what he liked of the two, discarding what he didn’t, and moving into that without the “politics” that standard religion creates.

[Miss Michelle] Yes. Essentially, what the Hermit is saying is if you can’t find others like you, you are truly better off alone!

[knittingbrow] What was the first card again?

[Serenity Bly] The Lovers was in the past. This is the community of very different minds.

[knittingbrow] So if I sum this up… I have to stop holding on to the past attempts, get out of my way, and start walking the path because I have the strength to do my own thing. I have to trust myself and my connection to Spirit.

[Miss Michelle] YES.

[Serenity Bly] *ponders* You are walking the path, even if you think you aren’t. The message I get from this is that you need to strike out on your own. Put aside the opinions and beliefs of others and follow your own conclusions.

[knittingbrow] It has always been there and I’m the block.

[Miss Michelle] You’re only the block because you believe you are and are saying you are. There is no block.

[knittingbrow] Thanks for the insight Serenity Bly and Miss Michele. This has been very affirming.

Maribel wrote in for a L-for-Love Spread. She offered no details on her current relationship or situation, but the tarot revealed insight into her deepest thoughts and desires, along with her best course of action to avoid the future she does not want.

Past Experience in Love – Page of Wands

The reading begins with our Page of Wands standing on the seashore looking off into a bright future ahead. Love was new, pleasant and full of surprise and wonder. Maribel spent hours planning the future with her lover, down to the minute detail, and had every expectation it would go as planned.

Current Experience in Love – The Sun

Things are still currently good and in a growth stage, as shown by the major arcana, The Sun. This card often indicates fertility, a birth or family planning, but can also relate to a spiritual breakthrough.

Maribel is ready to move on from the fresh new Page of Wands stage of the relationship to something more intense and serious. She seeks a spiritual connection from her lover but he is still only interested in “fun in the sun.”

Factors you’re not seeing currently – King of Pentacles

Maribel is not seeing the “King of Pentacles” traits in her lover. In her eyes, he hasn’t grown up. The tarot would urge Maribel to take a second look – perhaps he is the mate you dream of, a strong influence, a financial provider, a caregiver and partner in all things – spiritual and material. He could be the perfect partner to “set up shop” and maintain a home with – but you’re not giving him that chance to be. This is revealed in greater depth later, when we see that what you offer a relationship, Maribel, are the traits of the Hermit: deep thoughts, pensiveness, introspection. Don’t let your partner’s lighthearted ways fool you – he’s deeper than he lets on. I want to say “still waters run deep,” but your partner is anything but still waters. On the contrary, he is the Page of Wands in action – he’s poetry and dance and energy and fire.

What you Need from a Love Relationship – Three of Cups

More than anything else in this spread, this card tells us you’re so ready for marriage, children – that greater commitment. In fact, that need is so strong, you’re willing to sacrifice what you do have in the pursuit of the commitment your current partner has been, so far, unwilling to make. With the Three of Cups tarot asks you to examine things from all angles. A wedding is one day. A ring, only a symbol of love. Can your partner, perhaps, be your King of Pentacles even without those things?

Your greatest strengths in a relationship/What you Offer – The Hermit

No doubt, Maribel, you bring maturity to the relationship. More so, this card indicates your discontent, even restlessness. But The Hermit tells us now is not the time for hasty decisions – more thought and consideration is needed. The Hermit in the Robin Wood Tarot Deck is on a quest, his lantern above his head illuminating the way. Continue seeking what you need. It may be time, in the future, to move on, but don’t be too quick to give up what you have.

Maribel’s Hermit is a strong counterpoint to her lover’s Page of Wands. He’s in the spotlight, she prefers the dark corners of her mind. He loves action. She likes to think. Rather than being a bad thing, though, this could strengthen their relationship. Vive la Difference!

Possible Future Outcome – Three of Swords

Maribel, your restlessness, if things continue on this path, could end in break-up. It will be painful but, like cutting away a dead branch so the rest of the plant will thrive, you feel it would be necessary. In this case, the Three of Swords indicates that sacrificing this relationship is not necessarily the best course of action, though. There’s a thread going through this reading – psychic intuition, if you will – that the two of you are meant to be together.

Serenity Bly corroborates my thoughts on this: “The Three of Swords indicates the contention going on simply because he’s fundamentally unchangeable and she’s unsettled by his liveliness. But I don’t get any sense that this relationship is doomed. I actually feel like this man is perfect for her. She NEEDS his sunshine. Without it she’ll disappear into the darkness. She is more of herself, she reaches higher, goes further, and becomes greater, because of his influence.”

Clarification Card – Page of Cups

With this in mind, Miss Michele couldn’t let the reading rest in this way. She drew a final card to determine how Maribel may best avoid this outcome if careful thought shows it’s not what she truly wants.

A card that has been sharing many different messages with us lately comes up: the Page of Cups. And so we’ve come full circle with yet another new beginning, another Page. Like the Page of Wands, the Page of Cups is full of adventure and wonder. Highly-creative, he is also as pensive as the Hermit at times. This Page of Cups is telling Maribel to look outside herself, and to also look at her lover with new eyes. Is he giving you what you need? Let loose, have fun. Remember how to play again.

Serenity Bly adds: “The Page of Wands might be difficult to tie down but he will listen if she can communicate without blame. Yes, she needs to experience the Page of Cups first, introspection, look within herself for any issues she might have that are internal rather than external. When she’s come to terms with what she truly needs from him, talk to him about those needs because he has the fire and love to want to make her world beautiful and he will do everything in his power to make her happy.”

Stephanie is entering a phase of learning this year. She will be learning balance, discipline, money-making techniques and a stick-to-it-iveness that will serve her well throughout life. The Six of Pentacles in the year’s theme, while not a Major Arcana, Stephanie’s victories will be small but significant. Think: one step at a time.

A powerful man is a strong influencer, or perhaps it is a woman with male-dominant traits who figures prominently. This person is Stephanie’s inspiration as well as her drill sergeant, who gives her the strength and energy to keep going when she’d just rather not.

June: King of Swords

The person referenced above makes his first appearance in June, ruling with a bit of an iron fist, sword poised not so much for battle as to let Stephanie know it is there. The King of Swords will poke her with it if appropriate, if only to get her moving “for her own good.”

July: Wheel of Fortune

And move Stephanie does, straight into good things. The Wheel of Fortune heralds an unexpected windfall of time, money and energy puts Stephanie on the path toward what she wants to accomplish.

August: Three of Pentacles

This card indicates a journey of learning, honing a craft or skill into profits. It may also indicate a business endeavor with others, where the other person takes the lead in many areas. Just because Stephanie is behind the scenes, however, does not mean her contribution is inconsequential. To the contrary, the Three of Pentacles shows she is learning all she can, absorbing like a sponge, so she can take over.

September: Ten of Pentacles

This card indicates the fruition of that which was begun. Sometimes called the “Happy Family” card, the Ten of Pentacles is a Minor Arcana version of the Wheel of Fortune, which we saw earlier in the year. Hard work has paid off and profits are flowing in.

October: The Hermit

After a season of success, Stephanie is pulling back to re-evaluate her goals and ambitions. It may be time for a complete change of focus, or perhaps just a rest. Based on the cards surrounding this Major Arcana, The Hermit, too many people are counting on you for you to stay away long.

November: Page of Swords

It’s a young man! Or woman! With a great idea!
Miss Michele’s tongue-in-cheek exclamation points reflect the Page of Swords’ enthusiasm. There is no room for pessimism or naysayers here. Change is in the air, and it’s all for the better. Perhaps a new business idea, or a new direction for the existing business. Either way, this youngsters enthusiasm (and when we say youngster here at Future-Tarot, we mean the young at heart) will lift Stephanie out of October’s doldrums and won’t take no for an answer.

December: King of Wands

Here’s that strong male influence again, only he’s softened around the edges this time. The King of Wandssees the progress Stephanie has made and he’s willing to step back and gently guide her this time around.

January: Queen of Swords

This card, more than any other in the reading, represents Stephanie and her evolution over the past six months. She went from being a person easily led down whatever path others saw as best for her, to stepping up to be a queen in her own right, ruling with that sword. Miss Michele’s only warning would be to not lose touch of the softness that makes her uniquely Stephanie. Strength is good, so long as it’s tempered by tenderness. The Queen of Swords is sharp and shrewd, but it’s wise to remember she doesn’t know everything – yet.

February: The World

Just as Stephanie steps into her own, The World is waiting for her. Quite literally, February sees the culmination of everything she has worked so hard for in 2009. With her business going strong, it’s time to sit back, relax, and await the next challenge.

March: Two of Swords

And, as always, life moves in cycles and the change of seasons brings the start of a new cycle. The Two of Swords reflects a need for balance and factors Stephanie may not have considered in the past. For instance, with this reading for the last half of 2009 so filled with Swords and Pentacles, there wasn’t much time for romance, tenderness or even fun. What areas of her life was Stephanie neglecting and how can she make room for them?

April: The Chariot and Four of Pentacles

The Chariot holds the answer, as this Major Arcana predicts a journey. The journey is literal in this case, as well as figurative. Stephanie seeks direction – a cosmic and spiritual GPS if you will – to tell her what’s next in her life. A clarification card, the Four of Pentacles, provides that direction. Now that the Universe has been so kind as to grant your wishes, it’s time to let go a bit. You can afford to be generous – with your time, money and emotions. Take The Chariot, enjoy your vacation, let all your worries drift away… and tip generously. The Universe has plenty more where that came from.

May: The Tower

May brings a time when Stephanie wants to reinvent herself once again her trip brought new perspective, but she came home to a perhaps unwelcome surprise. Like the phoenix rising out of the ashes – that’s the preferred analogy for The Tower Major Arcana – everything will only be stronger with the rebuilding. She may come home from her trip to startling news, a home break-in, or simply changes beyond her imagination.

Theme: Six of Pentacles

The emphasis is on balance, learning and, above all, fairness. Her karmic lesson for the year, shown in the Six of Pentacles is to think more about others than about herself and, from that, good things will come.

Welcome all! My name is Kimberlee (aka MoonlitKim among tarot circles) and I have been invited to contribute here for Miss Michele and Serenity. I’m happy to be a part of the excellent tarot studies and readings they are doing here.

Today, I am going to share my three card reading of the day. My technique is to draw one card from each of my three tarot decks: the Gilded, the Deviant Moon, and the Fenestra, using these meanings for each card:

1. Gilded – Daily Focus

2. Deviant Moon – Subconscious Influences

3. Fenestra – Source of Healing

Today’s draw: Queen of Wands – The Hermit IX – Nine of Cups

Queen of Wands: This lady could easily be me today, as I did wake up with more energy than I have in the past few weeks. She is dressed in an opulent orange gown, with gold sleeves and a purple cape trimmed with blue. At first, I thought her hair was the same orange highlighted with gold, but it is actually a hood, completely masking her hair. She stands next to a giant flaming wand, a tall pedestal with a golden disk set aflame. In her hand is another wand, which she is holding at an angle, as if she were expecting the flame to come out of the bottom of the wand instead of the top.

Her message is to harness the energy that I’ve been given, to reach my goals with enthusiasm. Use the tools I have in whatever way is necessary to get the job done. I am to expect that things will go my way, through my own efforts. I can feel rich and confident, because I am fully capable of doing what needs to be done. The light comes from within me, not from inside the wand.

The Hermit: This Hermit is unclothed, sitting under a bridge in an industrial city. He reminds me of a homeless person, who is down on their luck. He is curled up, knees together, one arm over his head. His other hand covers his eye with the fingers spread, as though he were merely peeking out in fear. Beside him, there is a dead fish, with a skull, which could have been his companion or his evening meal. He looks both afraid, and withdrawn, as if the outside world were too much for him to handle. However, his eye that is closed looks at peace as he reflects on his inner self.

His message is to not be afraid of what I find today. I need to take the time to reflect, to do the interior work needed to get through the day. Explore the depths within myself to find peace of mind. The world outside may be scary, and present me with lots of challenges. Yet if I withdraw and find myself, I will be able to face them at my own pace.

Nine of Cups: This lady looks very smug and sure of herself. She is sitting on a plush blue pillow, with the nine cups on ledges behind her. She is wearing a simple red robe, yet it is lined with a thick fur collar. She wears three necklaces and three bracelets on each arm. Her dark hair is flowing down around her face. Her hands are folded, one atop the other. Her eyes are turned up ever so slightly, as though she knew a secret that I don’t. Her mouth is in a slight smile. She reminds me of the Mona Lisa, very mysterious and satisfied with her secrets.

She is giving me the chance to be just as satisfied as she is today. I can be perfectly comfortable in my own skin and circumstances. Although life is often not extravagant, there are many simple pleasures I can be happy with and proud of. I can relax, and be at peace.