Future Tarot

From Future-Tarot Chat on March 10:

[Mindy] Lately everything has been piling up on me, including work (aka babysitting), school/web design, writing, etc. I am just wondering if all of this stuff keeps piling up on me, am I going to break? If so, is it going to be bad? I’m having a hard time stopping the continuous pile up.

[Serenity Bly] I’m going to rephrase your question Mindy, because YOU WON’T BREAK. I already know that. Perhaps you’d rather have insight into calming the overwhelm and bringing a sense of order into the chaos you’re feeling now. Focus.

[Mindy] Yes, that’s right.

[Serenity Bly] OK, bringing Mindy’s life into balance. I want your life.

[Mindy] lol

[Serenity Bly] In the past, you’ve been fired up with the Page of Wands. IDEAS OUT THE WAZOO! It’s energy and excitement and creativity. And you’ve run with ALL of them.

[Mindy] That is so true. My mind never stops.

[Serenity Bly] That’s the “go for it” card. I LOVE the Page of Wands. Now of course, you have The World (reversed). Everything is possible for you right now and that can be a little heady. You’re learning to harness this amazing energy and right now need to work on developing systems to make doing all of this easier, more orderly. It’s also advising you to “finish” at least a few things. Be steadfast enough to take one thought to completion.

[Mindy] Serenity, you’re too good. I have so much I want to finish.

[Serenity Bly] You have the resources around you to do amazing things with the information and ideas you’re having. Your sense of influence is fantastic and the energy is wonderful. Use it.

[Jen.N] Not only use it (for The World), but also enjoy it.

[Serenity Bly] The Ace of Wands (reversed) in the future shows that new ideas are going to keep coming, so it’s vital that you learn to streamline your ideas to get them to work with each other. Find out how each of your strengths work together to create the whole. While each of these projects feel disjointed, they’re part of something greater and they come together to play off each other. And, yes, lots of fire in this reading means HAVE FUN. Let the fires of energy, intuition, and creativity burn. Enjoy the inferno and relish in the energy and excitement without fear. Don’t let “will I crash” hang over your head. Fires do ebb, but the coals will still be warm and you can continue like this for as long as you want to or feel comfortable doing.

[Mindy] Okay. Good to hear. Thanks.

[MoonlitKim] Do I get a turn tonight? I lost track.

[Miss Michelle] Yes, Kim.

[MoonlitKim] Okay, then I’ll ask about the outcome of my ‘latest’ new project – the creation of a tarot deck!

[Miss Michelle] Oooh! Fun!

[MoonlitKim] Yes. I have no clue how to go about publishing, but I’ve got two cards completed so far. Only 76 more!

[Miss Michelle] I’d venture to say you’re doing the right thing here.

[MoonlitKim] Okay, what do we get?

[Miss Michelle] Very right. Two of Pentacles, The World, Six of Swords.

[MoonlitKim] *happy dance*

[Miss Michelle] This will be your “Harry Potter” so to speak. The endeavor that gets you completely out of any financial difficulties and makes life “easy.” You’re going to find yourself struggling in the beginning. The deck will take longer to create than you’d hoped, especially as you’re pulled to other projects.

[MoonlitKim] Really? Harry Potter?

[Miss Michelle] As in the thing that will make you filthy rich. Yes. I know this almost sounds too good to be true, but I have to trust the cards.

[MoonlitKim] I do need to buy a boat with all them riches…

[Miss Michelle] That Two of Pentacles is a passing influence. It won’t stick around and it’s not like a “sheer exhaustion” card. It’s just “juggling too much for right now.” You’re going to work through it… get it done. And then by some amazing networking connection, find a publisher. One of those ‘right place, right time’ things.

[MoonlitKim] Yeah, I’ve got to keep finances rolling until I get it all done. Some days I’m just wiped out and can’t focus.

[Miss Michelle] Yes… But The World shows, once you cross that plateau it will get easier. And the Six of Swords is just smooth sailing away from trouble.

[MoonlitKim] I am! I will! He’ll make sure of that. It’s a lot of work already, and as I said I have no clue on publishing.

[Miss Michelle] Serenity Bly, anything to add because that’s “all” I’m getting from these cards.

[Serenity Bly] Nope, nothing really to add. You’ve given Kim the reassurance she needed.

[MoonlitKim] Big yay! And big thank you!

Finding love is sometimes all about timing. Are you ready for love? You may think your ready, but are you really? And if you’re ready is the woman you love ready too? Tilanthis often wonders about finding love. He’s “ready”, but does the Tarot offers insight to quell his impatience.

Serenity Bly the cat is attacking me as I draw the cards. I wonder how Basement Cat influence carries on Tarot Cards.

[Tilanthis] Last time I had a reading it shared that I may already know the woman who will become my romance interest. I’d like to ask about love again, should I ask a question or will “general” love work?

[Serenity Bly] General love life works.

[Tilanthis] Alrighty… have at it!

[Serenity Bly] In the past we have The World, I feel this cards meaning is a little different from the norm, while yes, it does indicate a time of achievement and accomplishment I also feel it is pointing out that OTHER aspects of your life have been coming together, you’ve been growing and flourishing, creating harmony and balance within the spheres of your life and are finally able to look at it with a sense of achievement and accomplishment.

[Tilanthis] Absolutely! LOL. And that is my November card from the 12-Month Spread you ladies sent me, too.

[Serenity Bly] The Page of Swords in the Present and the Five of Wands in the future have a different story to tell when it comes to your love life. But, ironically, a similar message to that given in the past. The Page of Swords indicates a sense of arrogance and immaturity. He is literally ‘blowing in the wind, full of hot air”.

[Miss Michele] What deck are you using, Serenity?

[Serenity Bly] The Mythic Tarot, my usual. I rarely get pulled to the one other deck I have and haven’t splurged on new decks despite wanting to.

[Miss Michele] It seems like–HATE to say this–you’re still not *ready* for love. You’re having FUN. Still experimenting with life, finding your way.

[Tilanthis] Odd… I feel like I’m done with that…

[Serenity Bly] The Page is lingering but the Five of Wands feels like a very near future. In it he’s going after what he wants and learning to put thought behind action. Wants are inspiration and passion. But the five of wands feels like an illusion. In the story the Mythic Tarot tells, the young man is going after the golden fleece. But I feel like the fleece is a false reward, it’s like you’re chasing after the insubstantial, something that isn’t real. It’s bluster and, although you may triumph, the enjoyment of ‘winning’ will fade swiftly.

[Miss Michele] hhmmm… Looking at the five of wands in your deck, Serenity, I feel like it tells a story that the man is fighting the dragon WITH the maiden. So in the future, you will find someone similar to yourself, wanting to play, sharing the same values.

[Serenity Bly] It’s the old Myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece.

[Tilanthis] Well, good thing Rachel doesn’t want to get into anything serious until after the holidays.

[Serenity Bly] What I’m getting here is that any relationship you might go into in the near future won’t give you the fulfillment you’re really looking for. Perhaps you’re looking for love that needs to come from yourself first. Every page is young, immature, this Page of Swords is also arrogant. But he has a strength to harness. What it really comes down to is allowing yourself to self-sustain. If you don’t NEED someone else in your life you’ll find the someone you find will, rather than fill a hole in your life, complement you.

[Tilanthis] You know what… I needed to be told to back off and let things work themselves out… What will happen will happen, the universe gives us what we need, when we need it and are ready for it and that’s what I’m looking for.

[Serenity Bly] Well, what the cards are saying is that no matter what kind of fight you put up, when you get that prize you’ll discover it isn’t what you wanted to begin with. All you can really do is give it more time, learn to be content within yourself, embrace the World as it comes to you.

[Tilanthis] And if I don’t put up a fight? Back off and just let things go?

[Serenity Bly] You’re not giving up anything you need if you choose not to fight, except perhaps the personal thrill in the battle. There is nothing wrong with a good fight, so long as you understand the fight itself is the reward, not the golden fleece at the end of it. The thrill of the chase, not the deer.

[Miss Michele] And if you don’t fight, you don’t fight. Then instead of a playmate there won’t be anything. Which is okay too. You have the choice.

[Tilanthis] I agree. Something to think about… I’ll continue to focus on myself and the steps I’ve been taking in my life and will see what comes my way.

Serenity Bly I’m all for a good fight myself. I don’t WANT the fleece but it’s a lot of fun to take a tumble with the dragon anyway. But then I might be a little wicked.

[Tilanthis] I was looking back at my reading… and it has been SPOT ON and I haven’t really referred to it at all…. you can see it in my Blog! At the start of my life changes. It’s so interesting.

The above transcript is from a Wednesday Live Chat but later that day, as Serenity Bly washed dishes, a follow up message came that she felt compelled to share with Tilanthis:
In your reading we mentioned that it felt like you weren’t ready, but it came to me that “SHE may not be ready”. You may ‘feel’ ready and are growing increasingly frustrated with the waiting without understanding that SHE needs more time to mature and grow within herself (not that your cradle snatching necessarily but that she’s not emotionally available yet either) She is out there already but the timing isn’t right. I was reminded of the quote, “When the student is ready the master will appear.” In this case you are both student and master and while you may be ready, SHE may not be.

Transcript from: November 4, 2009

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.

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.