Future Tarot

Tom’s job position was made “redundant” in January and, since then, he’s been depressed and struggling. What do Tom’s career prospects look like in the near future?

Your Past Experience in your Career: The Knight of Swords supports our mundane knowledge that Tom was laid off. Swords indicate unexpected change and rapid action. We can tell that he had no idea it was coming. In fact, by the look of this Knight – which represents Tom’s boss — as he charges forward on his horse, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision and possibly not in anybody’s best interests.

Your Current Job Experience: The Major Arcana, Judgment in this slot tells us that Tom has been looking for work. His professional life, lately, involves a lot of assessment by others. They are gauging his resume, comparing him to other candidates. Tom feels this on a very subconscious level, too, and doesn’t particularly care for others examining his work under a microscope.

What You Want From a Job: A court card – the Queen of Rods – in this slot actually reveals characteristics of Tom’s ideal boss. He would do better under a woman, who would nurture his talents and abilities. Since this Queen often finds herself doing charitable work, something in the non-profit sector may suit Tom well – a situation where he knows what he is doing is for the greater good; a paycheck is secondary.

What You NEED From a Job: Three of Pentacles. Right now, in Tom’s depressed frame of mind, he shouldn’t try to stretch himself beyond his capabilities. Now is not the time to become the high-rolling corporate workaholic. Look for “wood-cutting” jobs that will put food on the table while you learn and grow and decide what you really want. It’s impossible, of course, to think clearly when money is a concern. Take whatever you can find for that steady pay and benefits, and invest whatever you have left in courses or professional training to help you find your passion.

What you have to offer – Your Greatest Strengths: Eight of Cups / Two of Cups. Tom’s strengths include keen intuition, but a lack of faith in himself is holding him back. Miss Michele drew a clarification card to help assess the meaning of this odd Cup card in this position and drew the Two of Cups. This only reinforces that Tom’s ideal job involves helping people and finding emotional fulfillment over a hefty paycheck. His ability to relate to people means he’ll do well in any job working with the public, whether it’s service industry or psychology.

Your Career Future – Your Action Plan: The Page of Swords and Eight of Cups both stand as cards indicating deception. Miss Michele wonders if Tom was actually a spy, as unlikely as this scenario might be. More likely, Tom needs to watch out for those in his career who are trying to pull one over on him. This may have been what happened in his last jobs – things were not as he expected them to be. Moreover, he’s encountering more than his fair share of people who are less than honest in his job search.

Again, however, people skills figure prominently in the Page of Swords, who is a skilled diplomat. Perhaps a career in customer service for Tom? Pages are messengers and swords indicate change so, whatever field it may be in, a job offer will come soon.

Each week, we offer free tarot readings and talk all things tarot at The Echo of One, a site dedicated to the exploration of spiritual topics with open-minded acceptance.

I love doing readings with Miss Michele which makes our Wednesday Tarot Chat all the more exciting. Our energy keys together and we develop a synergy that enhances both our abilities to connect with the cards and the querient. Below is a transcript from a recent Wednesday Tarot Chat.

Bexg asked: “My husband is trying to start his own business, do you see that being successful?”

[MissMichele] I’m using the Hanson-Roberts Deck for now. Wow… (sidenote, I love how visual this deck is…) Three is heading off into a new venture, and you have two of those in this reading, which is propitious. The three cards (because Serenity doesn’t like to wait, LOL) are King of Cups, Three of Rods, and Three of Pentacles. To cut to the chase, because this card is just screaming to me, he’s going to have a lot to learn. That is shown by the three of Pentacles.

[SerenityBly] mmm very nice cards. It shows a young business that is finding its feet.

[MissMichele] He may want to take a course to bone up in areas he’s not familiar with, as there are many aspects related to running a business, not all of which may be his expertise, but overall, things look very very good. What prompted him to start the business is a strong desire to help people, and you can’t argue with those motives. (Shown in the King of Cups). He will bring gentle leadership and… genuineness… to the business. He’s very trustworthy and that will work to his benefit.

[MissMichele] It is important to note, with three minor arcana, the success of the business depends ENTIRELY on him. He’s going about this the right way. In the near future, the Three of Rods shows him writing a business plan, lining up capital… doing everything with a solid plan and foundation.

[SerenityBly] He’s invested emotionally in this business and I think it’s wonderful that you’re showing support, Bexg. He’ll need your support because it means a lot to him that he makes this a success. With all business it’s going to be a challenging road but I really do think he has great footings, a firm foundation, and the commitment to this to make it work.

[MissMichele] I feel like he left his corporate job/day job because the people there were less than scrupulous and also he was overworked, doing too much. He couldn’t trust people. But he hasn’t let that sour him, just means he has learned to dot his is and cross his ts better.

[BEXG] hasn’t quite left his day job yet but that’s next on the horizon

[MissMichele] What he has to do is not let his need for perfection delay him… planning is good, but he needs to take that step toward action. I don’t see a lot of “action” in this reading, and that will be the next step. He’s in the VERY early stages, but he shouldn’t procrastinate. Take long enough to do things right, learn what he needs to learn, but then make a move!

[BEXG] I agree, I keep telling him that.

[SerenityBly] He’s probably very aware of the impact his choices will have on you, his family. As a King of Cups he’s very home oriented and will worry about this kind of choice because it risks your security. Make sure he knows you support his choices. See what you can do to make things feel more stable for him. Help him bouy up that courage with your faith in his abilities.

[MissMichele] EXACTLY what Serenity said and he’s concerned about making the move because of how it will affect you, and others. The King of Cups is caring and thinking about others, in this case, almost to a fault.

[BEXG] YES I agree totally

[SerenityBly] Certainly to the detriment of his own happiness if he feels his loved ones needs don’t mesh with his own. So, he’s really going to need your support. He has the tools to build on the foundations he already has in place. He’s got room to grow but he has to take those steps, begin instead of holding back.

[BEXG] YES

[MissMichele] What Serenity said before about Strength… The Three of Pentacles felt “unfinished” to me, so I drew another card… Strength. He needs the COURAGE to move. And you need to give him that. (Serenity is more true psychic than I and sees the themes emerge and the cards before I even draw them.)

[SerenityBly] *blushes*

[MissMichele] In the imagery on the Hanson-Roberts Deck, Strength, is a woman stroking a lion, with the infinity symbol over her head. The female counterpart to the Magician. ANYTHING is possible for your husband, WITH you by his side.

[MissMichele] Any additional questions Bexg?

[BEXG] Can I ask you about our home, do you see us living here for long, changing houses, or even changing countries where we live?

[MissMichele] Ace of Pentacles… (Serenity requested one card on that…) And that would definitely signify a new beginning.

[SerenityBly] Wow, ok, NOT the card I was expecting. I was getting set to say, I doubt you’ll be moving, your King of Cups is steady, he likes where he’s at. But that ace says there is definitely a new beginning on the horizon. So a move is entirely possible. And given how firm a new beginning it is it will be a big one.

[MissMichele] I’m seeing that’s part of it… the NEED for a move and to move forward in the business. King of Cups doesn’t *want* to move, but it’s best–for the business, for him and for you, Bexg.

[BEXG] Super, thanks guys.

I hope you’ll join us 10am EST this week!

We have another request for an L-for-Love Spread for Laura–a different Laura this time, Miss Michele should note.

Laura wants to know her future prospects for romance and how she can encourage love into her life.

Overview: A glimpse at the six cards in Laura‘s L-for-Love Spread show a woman who wants a relationship, but is focused more on the practical aspects of “being in a relationship” than on sharing love with someone. Laura, open your heart and what you want will fall into place.

A preponderance of Pentacles and Wands in a love spread show us that either her mind is elsewhere and now is not the time for love, or she views relationships as simply another “thing on her to-do list,” as in Find Career: Check, Find Boyfriend: Check, Get Married…

If love is what you truly want, Laura, we encourage you to open your heart to the many wonderful things romance has to offer.

Serenity Bly comments on the lack of Cups, as well: The lack of ANY cups in this reading has me feeling that you’re not ready to focus on relationships. You’re in a strong creative mode and might be craving family because of it but could find more balance turning your creativity into a new project. And don’t forget, love often finds you when you stop looking.

Your past experience in love: Three of Pentacles: You’re coming at relationships as “work,” and that is understandable based on your past experience. Dating and romance has never been easy for you, and, as a practical person, you approach romance pragmatically, as well. You may have had relationships in the past where it was never easy—and no, love is not easy, you do have to work for it, but it doesn’t always have to be a challenge, either.

Your current experience in love: Eight of Wands. In your current relationship, things are moving rapidly… too fast for your practical mind to accept, and it’s scary. Slow down a bit. You have time. (I say this with no hint at your age… whatever age you are, there is still (always) time!

What you want from a love relationship: Six of Pentacles Again. The practical aspects of your personality are coming out in your needs for a love relationship. You want a husband, father and, above all else, a provider. You want stability.

What you need from a love relationship: Three of Rods: Issues and conflict occurs when what we think we want, what we are seeking, and what we NEED differ. You need something fresh, and someone who will be a ‘life partner’ for you, nurturing your creativity. You need someone intelligent, strong, and who will complement you in every way.

Serenity Bly adds: Laura, your best course of action is to let go of your expectations and accept what comes into your life without judging it too soon.

What you have to give your lover: Two of Pentacles Laura, you are a well-balanced, strong woman who is adept and keeping many balls in the air. As a head of household, you will keep things running smoothly and give your lover a “safe haven.”

But the lack of Cups in this reading leads Miss Michele to remind you not to forget about passion. Embrace the fire shown in the Eight of Rods. Let your lover take you to new places, take chances, embrace love.

Possible future experience in love: King of Pentacles: The outcome card tells us you are on the right path… you will settle down with the man who complements you in every way, who is a strong leader, father figure and steady provider. Just be careful not to be dominated by this powerful “king”—you are a strong woman yourself and have plenty to offer in a relationship/partnership.

Serenity Bly adds: Regarding the King of Pentacles: While you might be looking for a man who is well off, settled into his career and comfortable/confident in his life, try to relax the hunt. You have nothing to worry about, whoever comes into your life will be the person you need and sometimes ‘looking’ for it blinds you to the qualities you don’t know you need in a man. Sometimes the beer goggles come into play and you may be fooled into seeing something in a date that isn’t really there. For example, if you’re looking for someone who lives in a trick apartment you’ll find someone who lives in a trick apartment, but you WON’T see the double mortgage and the gambling debts.

Open up your mind to the idea of loving, giving, FIRST. Being open and unconditional in your expectations brings your energy to the level where positive, healthy relationships can come in and return that love.

Back on December 28, 2007, Miss Michele did a 13-card reading for 2008. Now that the year is 1/4 of the way over (can you believe it’s spring already?) let’s look back and see how she’s done so far…

The year begins with the Three of Pentacles, an emphasis on work and learning in January. This card shows a financial endeavor off to a good start. With new bookkeeping and tracking software and a clear vision and goals for 2008, this card makes a lot of sense already. Miss Michele may also undertake a small home renovation project, such as painting.

Miss Michele had a very productive month in January, so it’s safe to say this reading was true. Except for the home renovation–that may have been wishful thinking!

February’s card warns Miss Michele to rest or she will once again fall ill. The Ten of Swords indicates forced rest or illness, as well as the possibility of a friend’s betrayal, which will, in turn, make me extremely weary and tired, and perhaps even physically ill.

This card scared Miss Michele when she pulled it back in December. She got the impression the illness would be more serious than a cold or flu. Well, she discovered on January 30 that she was pregnant. Most of February was spent lying on the couch with the laptop, fighting off queasiness and fatigue. Everything was an effort… easily, the worst this tarot reader has ever felt!

Things get better in March with the Two of Cups. Either I will reconcile with the friend from February, or things will get a lot better in terms of career and business partnerships. Things with RECON may begin to come to fruition in terms of profitability as we complete our third issue under new ownership. This one will be on time and as close to perfect as three people can make a magazine!

This month’s card came true on both counts. Admittedly, I knew in December I was having issues with a close friend. Through a series of e-mails and a few phone discussions, we finally cleared things up in March. Also, around March 20, morning sickness subsided and I started to feel better.

Let’s skip ahead to October… with an odd little card that Miss Michele wasn’t sure how to interpret at the time:

October brings the Page of Cups. Could indicate news of a birth or a wedding.

This card confused me at the time of the reading, but this one little sentence may have been my most accurate reading to date! My estimated due date is October 2.

Would you like your own reading from Miss Michele? Three-card spreads are free, with a variety of other spreads available at low prices to fill your specific needs. (See sidebar for ordering information.)

Auria Cortes is taking advantage of the last four days of the New Year Spread sale.

It will be a balanced year, with lots of action and activity in the areas of career and learning. As is a Universal theme this year, things will get done for Auria–not considered, not planned, but accomplished!

Miss Michele is struck by one particular card in this reading, the Devil in July. For some reason, this card resonated with Miss Michele from the second she pulled it. She double-checked Auria’s blog, because, although she didn’t know why, she had a feeling this card had a very different meaning from the standard interpretation, and the answer might be found there.

The working title of Auria’s book is The Devil’s Playground. This fact was buried deep in Miss Michele’s subconscious. Looking at the card surrounding it, Miss Michele is going to jump ahead and say Auria will complete her novel in July.

But let’s start at the beginning.

January – It’s been a month of rapid, unexpected change for Auria, exemplified by the Ace of Swords. 2008 is a significant year for many people; more so than any other year in recent history, there was a marked change in the Universe’s energy from 2007 to 2008. People around me have seen it… I’ve never witnessed so many people sticking to their New Year’s Resolutions!

This same energy is strong in Auria’s life this year, and it all started with the Ace of Swords, a struggle to start a new project or switch directions (quite unexpectedly) on an existing endeavor.

February – The launch in January leads, not surprisingly, to new opportunities and new responsibilities, with the Knight of Pentacles. Knights can represent, quite literally, a person coming into your life to spark this change, or the end of a long-term condition to enter the new phase of a journey.

March – March brings Auria with an important choice to make in her life. The lack of cups in the reading tells Miss Michele this is not related to love, but in the overall way Auria lives her life and makes her income. Her very political, moral and sociological beliefs may be called into question, and she will have to either defend or deny everything she has stood for in her life.

April – April’s card, the Seven of Wands supports the Lover’s meaning, and, following 6 to 7, shows the continuation of this cycle. Auria may find herself battling with colleagues or co-workers, but it won’t be for naught. She will come out a changed woman.

May – In May, she emerges from the fight battle-scarred but stronger for it, shown by the Nine of Wands. Victorious, in fact, for the moment. But the cause of the fight (and Miss Michele wants to say this fight is an ongoing feud with someone very close to Auria) still haunts.

June – Auria is haunted because there’s something she’s still not seeing about the situation, represented in the haunting 8 of Swords card. The powerful image depicts a woman bound and blindfolded. Auria feels trapped by convention, perhaps by someone who started arguing against her chosen lifestyle in the Spring.

July – In context, now the Devil makes even more sense. The card of debauchery and immorality (or merely that which society frowns upon) Auria will feel tempted to say, “the heck with it all!” and do what she believes is right, go back to what she fought so hard for and follow it through to fruition. As noted earlier, she could reach a major turning point in her novel, either completing or selling the manuscript. If she gets a request from an agent to see the full manuscript, this will mean a lot to Auria (more than any non-writer would understand!)

August – The Six of Pentacles indicates Auria will finally get money, or a raise, she has been waiting for. But money’s not that important to Auria–as long as she has enough to live, she’s happy. She’ll donate to a charity, or donate time to charitable causes, or buy practical but appreciated for those close to her.

September – In September, Auria finds the inner Strength necessary to finally leave all the conflict of the Spring and Summer behind her. She’ll forgive those who wronged her and find greater compassion moving forward.

October – October will find Auria busy, juggling multiple projects, shown by the Two of Pentacles. It could indicate she’s still on the fence about a major life decision… now is not yet the time to make the move, but weigh all your options and consider the consequences.

November – November will bring happiness and fulfillment, with the only Cup card in this entire spread. The Ten of Cups indicates support from family and close friends, which Auria will need as she exits one phase of her life to enter another.

December – The holidays are a time of learning for Auria, as the Three of Pentacles shows up. She’ll be studying to decide on her next phase of life/project, and may even be feeling emptiness after having completed her novel, which took up so much of her life for so long.

The overall theme for the year is shown in the Page of Wands, an active little messenger. This will be the year Auria takes on any challenge, grabs life with both hands, nurtures her creativity and brushes self-doubt aside!

Please come back and let us know how things go, Auria, and thank you!