[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.
[Justine] I want to ask about my ex-bf. Just around December last year, we were trying to be friends again, but I cut him off when I learned that he is dating someone new. And just around last month he emailed one of my close friends and was asking about me. I guess I’m just curious how his doing and his new relationship.
[Serenity Bly] Ok, Justine, in the past the Three of Wands (reversed) makes me feel like your relationship with your ex never really got a good start. Things always seemed to come up that would kill the mood and it never felt “right” to be with him.
[Justine] True.
[Serenity Bly] I get a very “young” feeling, from you both as people and from the manner in which you both approach your friendships/relationships. It’s as if you’re both quite new to this and don’t know how to act with each other. The Two of Pentacles in the present shows that he wants to work on that with you. There are no cups here so I don’t think he’s looking for a romantic relationship with you, he wants a friend.
[Justine] Ok.
[Serenity Bly] And he’s willing to work at being your friend. He’s ready to take a more mature stance and approach your friendship with a more adult eye. Know that even friendship is hard work because of your past together. The Two of Swords in the future indicts a very strong potential for conflict. Because he isn’t looking for a romantic relationship with you, chances are he IS still going to be dating others. And your personal feelings might be in conflict with that. If you’re attached to the outcome of this relationship and you WANT to be romantically involved with him you may have trouble seeing him with other women. Especially if you allow yourself to become his shoulder to cry on when things aren’t going well with him which is what I really feels this card is about.
[Justine] Does it say anything about him being happy with the relationship that he has now with this other person?
[Serenity Bly] It’s possible he’s looking for you now because things are rocky with his current relationship and he “needs” a friend who understands and will listen and take his side.
[Justine] I seem to be that friend that he turns to starting from his divorce and a break up
[Serenity Bly] There is no sense here of the future outcome of his current relationship. But I get a very strong impression that he takes advantage of you. That’s not healthy.
[Justine] Then we dated and didn’t work out but it’s weird how he keeps coming back when I keep cutting him off because I can’t be a friend anymore.
[Serenity Bly] “Port in a storm.” To me the message that comes with those words is a very real sense of how young and immature he is. When things aren’t working the way he wants he’ll pull into any port in the storm. You deserve better than that, Justine.
[Justine] Yes, thank you, that’s why I searched for answer in different way rather than letting him in so he can pour out his problems.
[Serenity Bly] As a friend, you can be a friend, be his shoulder to cry on, but if you want more than friendship with him his interest in other women will tear down your self esteem.
[MoonlitKim] If he only comes around when things aren’t working out, it will bring you down with him. That’s not a healthy relationship, even as friends.
[Justine] He always says he is looking for a lasting love and I always felt bad for him when things aren’t working out for him.
[Serenity Bly] From what I see in the cards, Justine, he IS looking for love, but not with you. And he’s too young for any of his relationships to be “lasting” at this point.
[Justine] Do you think the cards that you drew for me says if he will be pushing his way back in my life as a friend in need or let me be?
[Serenity Bly] HE will push for friendship. You have to decide if you want to be only a friend. You get to choose if his wants influence yours. You might find it better for you to turn down his friendship and give up the idea of being with him.
[Justine] Ok. The question just popped in my head while reading through. Thank you.
We seem to have created a tradition where Miss Michele and I “get around” to giving each other our 12-month spreads at the close of March, beginning of April. Those first three months of each year are a mystery to us so we enjoy drawing three cards to see, “what was” along with the “what will be” of the following months.
The Strength card (reversed) in January, shows Miss Michele’s continuing journey of self-empowerment. Since May last year, Michele has been discovering her personal power to manipulate her environment, to manifest her desires, and to influence the world around her. What Miss Michele discovers in January is that her internal well-being is also influenced by her thoughts and emotions. This realization shifts her earlier paradigms and as the month unfolds she continues to learn how to harness the power of her thoughts and emotions to shape her inner and outer reality.
The Knight of Pentacles (reversed) appears in February, he heralds a developing friendship with a very business-minded person. The influence of this strengthening relation encourages Miss Michele in her own business endeavors, pushing her to consider new or greater goals. But, while the reversal of this card clearly defines the increasing mutual benefit of this friendship it also indicates a sense of insecurity. Miss Michele may be allowing fear to hold her back from reaching her true potential.
However, March brings a sense of freedom from the tension that developed in February and a strong focus on family. The Ten of Cups shows Miss Michele’s happy marriage, balanced partnership, and maternal instinct. There is a new depth and caring in her marriage and a the bond with her daughter is stronger than ever.
Another Knight, this one baring a cup, comes into the scene in April. Again, his reversal shows a sense of unwarranted restraint that invites Miss Michele to throw off the shackles of her insecurity and embrace the change the Knight brings with him. Don’t let “reality” hold you back from doing, having, or being what you most want. The knight encourages you to chase the things about which you feel most passionate. When you do, your glowing presence will affect the people you care about. An abundance of emotional and physical love will naturally follow.
May, the one year anniversary of your experiences with the Secret Abundance Files offers another leap forward in the development of your mental and spiritual beliefs. You’ll have the opportunity to take a course or receive personal coaching but it’s not going to be cheap. The expense of this opportunity will concern you but the experience will be worth every penny. Start saving now, so that you’re prepared and won’t feel financially burdened by the expense in May!
I feel like the Ten of Swords in June wants to assure you that you are not alone. Usually, the Ten of Swords is a rather foreboding card. There is a strong sense of overwhelm, abuse, and hurt in this card that can be scary to consider but there is a clear message that this card brings with it today, “champion”. If you look at the Ten of Swords in the Mythic Tarot Deck, the querent is the young person curled up on the floor. A wall of swords stands between that person and the malicious Medusa-women. But another figure, heralded by a rising sun stands ready to champion the fallen.
In June, you may feel defeated, fallen, but the Tarot reminds you that you are not alone. You and your causes are championed by someone who loves you very deeply. You can feel safe in that persons care and allow them to fight on your behalf while you recover and tend to your wounds.
The Wheel of Fortune turns and in July, the pain and worries that troubled you in June pass. The Wheel reminds us that this, too, is a part of your personal journey of growth and discovery. You come away from every experience stronger and wiser. Allow the universe to guide you in July and don’t fight against signs that are pointing you toward the best choices.
July’s Wheel of Fortune was a precursor for August’s Two of Swords. If you stubbornly refuse to follow the signs you’ll be faced with difficult choices and tension. The reversal on this card shows me that the tension involved is easily diffused but that YOU that must bend and change rather than expecting others to come to your point of view.
After a few rocky months, the King of Cups brings a highlight to the throne of your family. This card is pointing to your partner. In September, he will need your support and faith. A choice he makes may lead to rising pressure.
I get a strong sense of the water in this card rising, flooding. Beware of physical dangers involved with water this month. Be ready to rescue your partner but also know that the waters will recede and that he needs your love and support rather than you judgment, opinion, or reprimands at this time.
The Queen of Pentacles following the danger to your King of Cups may indicate a sense of role reversal. If your husband was injured in September you may find the weight of your financial responsibilities fall to you. Even if your partner is well you may have expenses, damage to property, etc. that requires you to increase your earning expectations this month. The Queen of Pentacles handles this, she’s capable and motivated. She rises to the occasion and “brings home the bacon”.
November calls forth your mastery of words and language. You’ll have the chance to use your communication skills to influence others and to portray a fair and informed point of view. This may be an opportunity to write an article or book about one of your “expert” topics or you may decide to promote and endorse a cause.
You may be concerned that the past months have led you in the wrong direction. You feel you have lost something that is dear to you. I feel, despite the cups in this card, December focuses on your career, your business. You may feel as if you’ve sacrificed your love and passion for financial security.
The reversal of this card reminds us that it’s never too late to change course. You can learn from and correct mistakes and reclaim what you have lost.
When we reflect on the experience 2010 has in store, a strong theme of “choices” emerges. As you learn how your personal thoughts and emotions influence your life you may feel a strong sense of regret for past choices. In the journey of the Fool, Judgment is the realization that you create your destiny with your thoughts and choices. This knowledge and understanding that comes with Judgment will play an important role in the year ahead.
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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?
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
The start of a new year is the best time to layout an 12-Month Spread. In January, Jenine asked us to discover what she can expect and prepare for in the year ahead. Lets break it down, month by month.
This month began with personal growth for you, as we’ve seen. You’ve learned how to harness your inner strength to begin making positive changes in your life, and also learned how to capitalize on your own strengths for business success. In the process, you’ve learned you’re stronger than you’ve always believed.
Expect a celebration of your successes in February, gatherings with friends and plenty of social invitations.
This month, you are able to balance discipline with kindness. You have fabulous ideas and are able to view things from unique perspectives. This card represents your getting in better touch with your classroom persona – you are strict, but kind and wise. Remember to maintain balance in all you do. Watch out for responsibilities that may drain you of time and energy, but offer little in return.
The spring, March and April, is also about balance, indicated by the coupling of Justice with the Two of Swords. When I look at May (Four of Cups), and the clarification card I felt called to draw, it all comes together. You may be doing too much! You were on a whirlwind of utter excitement and success, but began neglecting certain health matters. (For instance, pay attention to eating balanced, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar on an even keel?) You may feel as if people – family, clients, your day job, other commitments, are pulling you in too many directions.
As shown by the Two of Swords, a powerfully graphic card showing a woman, arms crossed, blindfolded, there are factors you are choosing not to see. People who may want, want, want, without being willing to give back. And in this case, there is nothing in it for you. You’re better to walk away…for your health.
When I pulled a clarification card, the Four of Swords came out, and the Five of Cups kind of hitched a ride with it. Granted, my Robin Wood deck is smooth and slick, especially on the graphite surface of my new desk, but the meaning is clear… You must be aware of your health or, (Four of Swords) a rest will be forced upon you. The Five of Cups indicates loss, disappointment, poverty and mourning of what may have been. Again, this could be your feelings if you don’t do what’s necessary. Now is a good time to evaluate all your balls in the air and decide what isn’t crucial and most importantly, what doesn’t provide you joy.
As friends and colleagues of yours, both Serenity Bly and Miss Michele would like to remind you of the support system you have here. Turn to us for help, whether for additional readings, professional support or simply a shoulder. You also have other strong support systems… use them. It’s important not to retreat in the spring.
The Four of Cups represents the aftermath of what is admittedly, a rough April. Again, I want to remind you it will only be rough if you make it that way. By being aware of those factors, acknowledging them, and choosing to focus on making things otherwise, you CAN change it! The Cups in the Four of Cups may be empty, but empty cups mean potential to fill them.
That opportunity comes in June when you literally face a new beginning, perhaps a new business idea. It certainly indicates a renewal of your energy. And what better time for a rebirth?!
I absolutely love this card, the Wish fulfillment card, and it’s perfectly suited for you at this stage. You are seeing that truly, whatever you ask for, the Universe offers. Your job is simply to allow it in and know you deserve it. Conceive – believe – receive… where have you heard that before?
Success continues in August… there’s hard work ahead, but you are fit and ready for the task.
There will be more pulling and demands of your time in September… challenges similar to what you faced in the Spring will rear their heads again. You’ll need to stand your ground against people who want a piece of you – and may not deserve it, appreciate you or be willing to pay what you’re worth. Additionally, the Devil indicates a desire to bury your head in the sand, ignore all the work and demands you face, and goof off. Resist that desire, as then tasks will only build. Do what you can, and say “No,” (or, better yet, “Not now, thank you”) to the rest.
You experience a significant breakthrough in October, that begins paving the way to the “new you.” You realize, after that “Devil moment” in September, that things absolutely cannot continue the way they are. I’m wondering if this doesn’t indicate your leaving your day job… under circumstances that surprise you but ultimately, wind up for the best. You definitely do NOT emerge the same woman you were in the beginning of October by month’s end.
Following your Tower breakthrough, you become a master at harnessing your skills and talents to achieve success. The Magician’s number, 1, indicates you’re still at the beginning of this journey, but that’s okay. The Magician is proficient at what he achieves when he uses his special skills.
An extension of the Magician, with an emphasis on the feminine, you see the fruits of your labors from November. This card also indicates your role as a caregiver of those around you, and a hostess for the holidays. You are in “nesting” mode, preparing your home for the holidays, baking, shopping, and making things.
This overview card, often signifying poverty, seems to contradict the positivity in the rest of the reading. In fact, in this case, the card represents Recovery. Rather than showing the year, it shows where you were – in despair, with both health and financial problems, coupled with a dose of self-doubt. Unfortunately, these shadows of your former self still haunt in you—even in the face of your great successes in 2010.
The best way to contradict these feelings is to be aware they are there. Do not forget your roots, or what can happen if you stop working, change paths or give up your dreams. By the same token, it’s important not to harp on it. Acknowledge it as part of your past, and move on. It is no longer you. In the Robin Wood deck, the person with the can, with one leg and a bandage over one eye, is forging ahead, in contrast to the destitute person crumbled on the floor beside them. You, too, must forge ahead in spite of any of your perceived in adequacies – because that is all they are. YOUR perceptions. Other people view you as the Strength card of January, the Queen of Pents, and the Magician – all figures which feature prominently in this year for you.
With all the Cups and Pentacles in this reading, along with Major Arcana, this will be a significant year of you learning to make money doing what you love. It will be about finding personal fulfillment and, from that, the money will follow. Most cards are lower – ones, fours and fives, indicating you are in the beginning stages of this development. However, bright spots include that 9 and 10 of Cups in the summer. It is a year to look forward to, to dive in headfirst and accept all the good the Universe is offering you.