Sometimes love is meant to be. And sometimes it is hard work. Have you ever felt the potential for something more in a close friendship? Maribel needed to know how to harness the power of her new feelings for a man she has known a long time; but how do you change a friendship into more without risking the loss of something dear?

Your Present Self – The Chariot

This card indicates the journey of self-discovery you were on when you met Karl. It also shows your connection to him. The Major Arcana indicates the significance of the event, and the Chariot indicates a vision for the future that you both shared. This card also represents conflicting emotions from both of you – to move forward or to stand still – that is the question you both asked.

The Crossing Card – Three of Cups

The Three of Cups is, on its surface, an odd card to see in the position of “what blocks you.” I’m getting a sense that you were rushing things in the relationship – not outwardly, but your mind had things moving much faster than they really were. This card typically indicates a union, a marriage, a celebration… On the one hand, you were enjoying the friendship as it was – lighthearted and romantic. On the other, you wanted to rush forward into a deeper commitment. He sensed this and may not have been ready for it. Additionally, the bevy of three girls on this card tells me you may have been facing peer pressure to move the relationship forward faster than it should have been going.

The Crowning Card – The Two of Swords

The Two of Swords, showing a young lady, two swords in her crossed arms, blindfolded, is the perfect card to represent what you see… because, in reality, there are factors about this relationship you are refusing to see, even though you know them deep inside. You ask if perhaps his feelings were your imagination. Not imagination, per se, but certainly you feel more deeply for him than he feels for you. A good relationship needs balance… and the Two of Swords indicates a desire for (but lack of) balance in this relationship.

You stated in your question that when you try to contact him to discuss the situation, “Probably he misunderstands my honest intentions, and he does not give me a chance to explain.” This is exactly right… what he is seeing is intense desire, rather than your actual desire to pursue a strong friendship and see where it leads. It’s very hard for you to keep those below-the-surface romantic feelings hidden.

Aspects You Cannot See – Ace of Pentacles

This position in a Celtic Cross Spread is often called the Base of the Matter. Here, we get to the heart of the problem. He sees you as a friend. The Ace of Pentacles is a card of platonic relationships, business, practicality. The distance between you is a huge sticking point in his mind. It’s nearly pointless to pursue a relationship when you are so far apart.

However, the Ace of Pentacles does represent, as all Aces do, beginnings. There is hope here for a strong friendship, that will blossom like the beautiful white flowers on this card in the Hanson-Roberts tarot deck.

Influences That Are Ending – Ace of Swords

More good news comes in the Ace of Swords. His coldness is passing. He’s beginning to release the intellectual arguments that say it’s pointless to even speak to you, since nothing practical can come of it. He will realize how his words have cut like a knife and hurt you – and he will realize it’s not logical to hurt a friend.

Influences That Are Beginning – Judgment

As he reaches out to you, you will be judging him. Determining if, after the way he’s hurt you, he deserves forgiveness. Likewise, he will be judging your motives. Can you really “settle” for a friendly relationship without pushing (or hinting) for something more? Judgment will fall in favor of both of you.

Attitudes You Need To Change – The Moon

I felt as if this card, The Moon (another Major Arcana, indicating a significant message) supported my intuitive instincts about this reading. Where the Moon appears, self-deception may be involved. You may have misread his original signals. However, the cards following this one indicate his feelings may change in the future into more romantic feelings. Be patient and allow it to happen on its own.

Serenity Bly adds: “With the Moon I get a sense that you might be sending mixed signals to yourself, and therefore to others. It can be confusing to others to have a sense of shifting beneath the surface, one aspect draws them in while another pushes them away, like the tides. You may need to take time to find an inner balance and harmony so that you can lower your defenses, present a unified self to others, and strip away any misleading masks you wear.”

Miss Michelle adds to this: Inner balance is a huge theme in this reading, also represented by Judgement and the Two of Swords. Embrace the powerful Queen of Pentacles within yourself, the woman in control. Both you and Karl seem to be pushing and pulling, but you can set the example here and show certainty and confidence in your friendship.

How Others See You – King of Wands

This card sometimes indicates how others see you, but it can also indicate another person’s point of view or expectations for a situation. Since you asked specifically about Karl’s thoughts and feelings, the Tarot is answering your question with this card, as well as with the earlier Ace of Pentacles. Like the Ace of Pentacles, the King of Wands is practical, yet this practicality is tempered with loving kindness. Right now, Karl feels very warmly to you, but the passion isn’t there. For that reason, he’s putting up walls around his emotions, to avoid disappointment for himself or for you if things do not turn out as you both hope they could be.

There’s the irony of the situation – he wants a relationship with you, yet is afraid of it, afraid of being hurt and afraid it won’t turn into what he wants it to be so he’s running away and avoiding the situation – thereby insuring it won’t be what he wants!

Your Hopes and Fears – The Sun

Again, this Major Arcana shows us the importance you are placing on Karl and on this relationship. Your dreams are for a happy family with him or, at the very least, a return to the passion you first felt in the relationship. The reverse of this, of course, is also true—you wonder, if not Karl, then who? You fear being alone.

Potential Outcome – Queen of Pentacles

This beautiful card, a symbol of fertility, feminine power, love, potential, as well as practicality promises a favorable outcome. This card takes the Ace of Pentacles to its logical conclusion – you and Karl would form a perfect partnership – you already have the solid friendship, the physical attraction is there… all that’s lacking is the realization of what you two could have – and the confidence in yourself to make it happen.

Inside, you ARE the Queen of Pentacles – powerful, strong, wise, loving and competent. But you must first embrace these traits in yourself – and exhibit them to the outside world – before others (including Karl) will see them in you. When you do, the Queen of Pentacles will make the perfect counterpart to his King of Rods. Focus on yourself and the other pieces will fall into place.

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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.

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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.”

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August: Temperance: Susie is in a learning period, where she is learning balance, caring, sharing and equality. She’s undergoing a major life change – which may have actually prompted her desire for a tarot reading. She is on the right path with the steps she is taking, and will reap the rewards in September.

September: Four of Rods: Miss Michele is getting a strong vibe of a powerful romantic relationship, and possibly even an engagement in September, represented by the Four of Rods. The Knight of Pentacles as a clarification card, supports this notion. Knights bring a change in status, and this one shows that, moving into the future, Essie will be well-protected, financially-stable and in a much more mature partnership than any she’s experienced in the past.

October: Seven of Swords: Someone may not be straightforward with Susie. Her best bet is to walk away from those she can’t trust. It could be Susie, in fact, who is simply not acting like herself. Has the stress of wedding planning permitted Bridezilla to emerge, or are there other stressors in Susie’s life causing her to act out of character?

November:The Magician: The Magician indicates learning to manipulate your surroundings to your advantage. Susie is growing, and again, learning how to best influence people. When the Bridezilla act fails (and I’m using Bridezilla as a metaphor – it could be any situation in which Susie simply wants her way and doesn’t want to hear the other side), she uses diplomacy to her advantage. Susie may also be learning a new skill to advance her career.

December:Eight of Rods: The Eight of Rods frequently heralds a new job, purchase of a home, or other significant event. Actions move swiftly, leaving Susie with little time to think before she gets exactly what she hoped for. This card also signifies the whirlwind nature of the holidays; Susie will be able to accomplish everything she takes on, with none of that dreaded holiday burn-out.

January: The Tower: The new year brings a Tower moment for Susie, when everything she knows seemingly comes crashing down around her. It’s important to remember, in times like this, that the old guard *must* fall away to make room for new, better opportunities. When one door closes, a window opens — and all those other clichés! Miss Michele also hopes that, with warning that this situation is coming, Susie will have a better chance of handling it. After all, bad things are no fun, but it’s even worse when you’re blindsided. This card could also indicate a complete change in Susie’s thought processes, the next level of her growth. There’s no reason to dread the new year.

February: Five of Cups: January’s “Tower moment” leaves Susie feeling emotionally empty, depressed and distraught. She feels lonely and unsure where to turn. But she’ll get through it.

March: Strength: In March, Susie finds the strength to face everything the Universe has tossed at her in the past few months. She pushes through and comes out a stronger woman for the experience. Miss Michele loves this card, the pure love of the woman petting the lion. The woman in the card gets her strength through unconditional love, a true spiritual and metaphysical acceptance of everything in the world. Hang in there, Susie, you are the woman in the card and you can do it all!

April: Six of Pentacles: April finds Susie feeling stronger and more sure-footed. She’s receiving the rewards she has deserved for her hard work and persistence. Now, she finds it extremely important to be just and fair in her dealings with others. Her fortune will be doled out to those who deserve it.

May: Nine of Pentacles: After such a rough new year, May brings Essie greater fortune and more confidence. Susie is beginning to get in touch even more with her feminine side. Pregnancy may be on her mind, which is supported by the Empress, the overview card for this 12-month time period. Logically placed following the Six of Pentacles, the Nine of Pentacles is a card of “reaping what you sow,” and the Universe owes Susie some very good things.

June: The Lovers: This card often indicates a choice. In this case, however, it indicates a true (and very deep) love relationship. It’s the honeymoon before the wedding. It’s romance and roses. It supports the “fertility” cards in this spread indicating a move toward procreation.

July: Three of Cups: The Three of Cups, like the earlier Four of Cups, can indicate a celebration or a wedding. Miss Michele is reading this card very literally and exactly in that way. If Susie isn’t a June bride, July may be the month.

Overview: The Empress: One of several “fertility cards” in the deck and in this spread, the emphasis this year is not only on Susie actually bearing a child, but also on her building and growing her own world and her family. It’s so inspiring and fun to read about a young woman in this stage of her life.

That Tower card seems extremely out of place in the beginning of 2010 but, not surprisingly, Susie uses her strength, intelligence and all she has learned in the six months prior to overcome the surprising news of change.

Cards: Two cups, three pentacles, two rods, 6 major arcane – The preponderance of Major Arcana show an extremely significant transition year for Susie

Miss Michele and Serenity Bly wish her all the best and hopes she will check back and let us know how the next 12 months are going.

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I always start with colors. For me, my Gemini yellow stands out immediately in the Knight of Pentacles, Four of Wands and others in my “working” Rider-Waite Deck, demanding my attention. It attracts my eye and I’m drawn to the card to look deeper. The shade of the background color affects the reading, is it vibrant or muted? Is it a pale wash of color or something more sinister? The soft blues depicted in the Three of Cups or the midnight-black of the Devil or Nine of Swords visually invite us to stare into the card and take from it what we can to promote our art. By incorporating these colors into a drawing, we release what we’ve learned from our reading into the world.

If you are starting a new project, use them to determine what is the prevalent mood of the cards. Can they be interpreted as a dark introduction to a piece of music? Are the characters celebrating or despondent? The suits can help to determine the pace of the song: Swords are quick and agile, they lend a sharp, almost aggressive note to the music; Wands seek harmony, a melody is wrapped within its walls; Pentacles show determination and hard work, a perfect accompaniment to a complicated solo and Cups denote joy, love and the mystery of the self.

When writing, take into account the entire spread; weave a story around the beginning, middle and ending inviting the reader to join you on the journey outlined by the cards. The characters within the cards become your heroes and villains, write down their expressions as well to what is embodied in the card to help you develop their background stories. What is their hair color? Manner of dress? Are they alone? What is the most important thing they’re doing in the card: clutching at pentacles (money) or holding the hand of the one they love? By using your spread to map out a story, half the work is done for you, Tarot itself being the ultimate reflection of your own story.

Using Tarot as a tool to delve deep within your natural creativity may open new avenues. Trying journaling about the cards within your spread to see patterns evolve as you learn more about Tarot and how it fits into your life. Take the time to put your reading to work for you as a partner for your imagination as new worlds await. Good luck!

Wynter Moon

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With travel agents and exotic ideas filling her mind, Stephanie wanted to know what she might expect during her two week cruise through exotic waters and how spending those two weeks ship bound with her oldest daughter might affect their relationship. We drew a Celtic Cross Spread to find out what was in store for Stephanie.

The Three of Cups, the heart of the matter, shows your upcoming holiday with your daughter as a period of growth, an opportunity for you to explore your relationship together and, also, quite literally, just a time of celebration and fun. There’s nothing to worry about in that regard. You will have a good time.

Forces crossing you, in this case, forces working in your favor, shows up in the Nine of Pentacles… The purity of the mother/daughter relationship will be very strong, where your daughter will look to you as her female role model and mentor, and you will have the opportunity to give her what she needs. To plant the seeds that will help her solve her life’s problems and grow as a woman.

The past influences are showing in the third card, the Five of Rods. In the past, you’ve had battles of wills with your daughter. You never fully trusted each other, and there were patterns of trying to “one up” each other. This is your fear this time around, but it should not manifest as long as you keep your awareness of your role as the Nine of Pentacles mother-figure in your mind.

Influences passing out of existence are shown in the King of Rods. This trip, being “just the girls” will actually allow you personal growth, away from your husband. You will re-establish your own sense of independence and your daughter will be happy to see you not only acting on your own, but leading the way. You have the opportunity to temper this leadership with your feminine caring and softness and bring it back to your everyday life. This trip has the potential to change many areas of your life if you grasp the opportunity, which leads us to the fifth card in this spread.

The King of Cups “crowns” you, showing your goals, options and the possibilities that lie ahead. Maintain that sense of responsibility, tempering it with your feminine guidance and abilities as a good listener to maintain the energy of the trip and the strong relationship with your daughter that manifested on this trip.

The Three of Rods sits before you, showing, quite literally, the trip you’re taking, but, much more than that, the possibilities in front of you—both to explore your own independence and to strengthen your relationship with your daughter. Expect deep, potentially life-changing conversations along with fun memories on this trip, incidents you will laugh about for years into the future. Miss Michele loves this card, as it shows a man standing on the seashore, looking out onto the horizon, in awe of the possibilities in front of him, packed, and eager to embark on his journey, both practical and spiritual. This is also a card of detail, so be keenly aware of things like remembering your passport, tickets, following signs so you won’t get lost, confirming reservations, etc. There’s no bad cards in this spread that show hassles on this journey, but the Three of Rods is a well-prepared traveler.

The seventh card, The Chariot, is used to describe yourself and your state of mind. You’ve been looking forward to this journey for a long time. It’s been a major focus of your life and you want to make the most of it.

In the eighth position, the Eight of Rods, shows your environment and those around you. Things are moving rapidly, change is happening. Expect an element of adventure on the trip… be aware not to overextend yourself. Balance fun and activity with relaxation and self-exploration.

In the Ninth Position, the Seven of Cups shows your dreams, hopes and expectations about this relationship. The Seven of Cups is, literally, the daydream card… *nothing* is impossible on this trip! Dream of doing something wild and crazy? Go for it. Sit on the beach all day sipping margaritas? Do that. The world is your playground and nothing is out of reach. This card works with the Eight of Rods to show you will stretch your personal boundaries and try things you’ve always imagined but never had the gumption to do. Your daughter will experience this growth right along with you!

The Four of Swords in the tenth position shows what will come with this trip, and it holds a warning… for starters, you may return tired, possibly ill (nothing serious). Here is where the Three of Rods’ warning comes into play, as well. Don’t neglect the details of taking care of yourself, rest when you need it, balance fun with relaxation to emerge refreshed.

In reference to your relationship with your daughter… there will be a struggle to maintain all you’ve learned together on your trip when the stress and busy-ness of everyday life returns for both of you. Sit back, relax, and bring yourself back mentally to the mind-frame of the trip… remember that whenever things get challenging and you and your daughter fall back into your old behavioral patterns. This trip has the potential to change your lives, but you have to be open to that possibility and allow it to.

Keeping strong reminders of the trip—photographs, a scrapbook, special, wacky souvenirs—will help you maintain perspective.

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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!

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In 2008, he experienced a new job, a major move and several other life changes related to his associates and hobbies, predicted here by Miss Michele.

Let’s see what 2009 holds in store…

Overview: Looking at the year as a whole, by this time next year, Tilanthis will once again experience intense changes. His life will be very different. Lasting love was not in the cards in 2008, but January kicks off with a new love interest. The Hermit, the card for the year, indicates introspection and Tilanthis “reinventing” himself.

January: Queen of Pentacles: Tilanthis will meet a nurturing, strong-minded career women who complements him perfectly.

February: Three of Cups: This will be a honeymoon period (though not in the literal sense) for Tilanthis and his new love, marked by celebration, happiness and getting to know one another better.

March: Ace of Swords: Tilanthis faces a turning point in the relationship, when his lady’s strong wit and independence “cuts” him. There will be disagreements. It’s that magical “three-month mark” of a new relationship, and they will enter a new phase.

April: Three of Swords: March’s love problems may result in a break-up or broken heart. The combination of the Ace and Three of Swords indicates a rough spring for Tilanthis.

May: Five of Swords: May looks brighter as Tilanthis and his love interest begin talking again, but there are trust issues. Miss Michele would also like to introduce the possibility that this card doesn’t relate at all to his love relationship. Tilanthis’ “karmic debt” is that he attracts gossipers and backstabbing people. In 2009, he can begin to better deal with these personality types, taking the higher ground in all his relationships and also being more aware of this force in his life.

This assertion is supported by June’s card…
June: Nine of Wands: Tilanthis repeatedly finds himself in a game of one upmanship with people, but he will win by taking the higher ground.

July: Knight of Swords: Positive change comes in July with this Knight. Knights are action just beginning. Tilanthis is tired of sitting around waiting for what he wants to come to him. He takes initiative to go after it. However, in mid-year, he begins to lose his focus on all things romantic. Things come easily to him in career and social matters, but not in love. When it gets hard, he steps back and re-prioritizes his life.

But he’s taking some positive steps to get what he wants in Summer 2009, by going after it. Miss Michele keeps thinking of the phrase: “Storming the Castle.” But Tilanthis needs to learn balance between love and life.

August: Ace of Rods: The summer’s changes began violently, but by August, he begins to draw an effective plan, taking a systematic approach to his life changes. Miss Michele sees a new job or a promotion, or possibly even a new hobby and a whole new group of friends. Think lifestyle overhaul.

September: The Magician: This card has come up frequently in Miss Michele’s readings for Tilanthis, and is the first Major Arcana in this spread. Tilanthis will begin using his talents to the best of his abilities, taking on a leadership role or possibly even starting a new business endeavor. His networking abilities are effective and that is a key part of his life come the fall. In the spring, he felt restless and unfulfilled… he desires control, leadership and social activities and goes after them in the fall.

October: The Hanged Man: The second Major Arcana in this reading shows Tilanthis re-evaluating his life. He’s gotten what he thought he wanted, but is it really him? He tends to be a chameleon but, as such, has lost touch with his true self. The Hanged Man indicates a period of waiting in which Tilanthis looks at things from a different angle. He’s going to find a new life, new friends, new job or hobbies… but it’s really just what he had before, albeit with a fresh coat of paint. It’s not true change. Is it what he wants? Is this the path he’s destined to walk or is there something more, something different he can manifest?

November: The World: When Tilanthis makes the choice, the “World” is his for the taking.

December: Page of Rods: The Page of Rods in December shows Tilanthis looking at everything with a child’s eyes. With everything else in place, Tilanthis can once again begin his search for true love, opening his heart to the opportunities.

It’s going to be a significant fall and winter for Tilanthis. The overall theme for the year is indicated by the Hermit… it will be a year of introspection which will benefit Tilanthis come year’s end.

Please come back and tell us how the Tarot’s observations manifest!

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Miss Michele was half right. She discovered, the day after she drew the Three of Cups, that she’s pregnant. It’s been tough fighting fatigue and keeping up with her daily work.

Today’s card of the day is the Eight of Rods. Things are moving full speed ahead, once again, related not to health, family or emotions, but career. Today marks a turning point where I will start exercising to keep my energy up and try eating healthier.

And, of course, I will continue to throw Daily Cards and provide free, three-card spreads to faithful readers!

Additionally, Miss Michele makes her second appearance on the RadioX show, Wednesday night at 10:20 (or thereabouts).

Be sure to tune in for your FREE *live* readings!!

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Today’s energy, once again, will focus on celebration and relaxation, although I know I want to finish up several projects in order to be able to focus on interviews on Monday.

It makes sense, as I can practically feel the love in the house this weekend–we are just enjoying each other’s company, not talking a lot, just liking the chance to be in the same room together on our respective computers.

Since today’s entry is short, I want to remind everyone that time is running out to get your 13-card reading for 2008 at the special discounted price of $10. Miss Michele will introduce a new special for February shortly!

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