Future Tarot

Have you ever wondered which road to take in a yellow wood? In 1920, Robert Frost did. And, at a recent Tarot Chat (9.30pm EST every Wednesday), Jen is at a similar crossroads, torn between two passions and not sure which to pursue. Is it possible that two roads that seem to diverge are intertwined and constantly intersecting each other?

Let’s find out what the Tarot’s advice is for Jen, which road should she take?

[Serenity Bly] Ok, Jen, Kim, Deb, Teresa, who’s up next?

[Jen] Good question. Who is?   I *think* mine’ll be relatively quick…

[Serenity Bly] Lets do yours next then Jen.

[Jen] I’m wondering if teaching is a viable supplement to other things I have going on (writing, crafty-type things, etc.) and, if so, should I *really* put myself out there for it. (The 2nd go-round of the class I’m teaching through the public service dept of the local college started back up last night).

[Miss Michelle] Hmmm… We have the Page of Cups saying something very different than the narcissism it represented in Simone’s reading earlier. But that’s the second card… First, we have the Two of Pentacles, representing all you do have going on right now, and have had in the past. I’ve gotten to really LIKE the Two of Pentacles because, you know, he’s JUGGLING those balls… he’s DOING it. It’s nothing to fear. He’s excelling.

[Serenity Bly] If you’re getting a Page of Cups in the present he’s probably telling you to look at yourself, Jen. Examine what makes you happy, what do you love about yourself. Examine your motivations and your self-perceptions. Do YOU think you can do it? Do YOU want to?

[Miss Michelle] The Page of Cups, in this case, is telling us that you will like the attention of teaching too… Serenity, you interpreted the Page as I’m interpreting the third card, The Moon!!

[Jen] I don’t know about liking the attention of it, but I do like helping people grow in whatever they want to do — in this case, it’s writing.

[Miss Michelle] I think both the Moon and the Page are asking: Does teaching play to your strengths?

[Serenity Bly] I like your “enjoy the attention” aspect of the Page. I’ve always felt the Page was a little too self-absorbed to really feel the eyes of others on him. Which is a good thing in a public speaking / teaching arena. Because if you see only yourself you don’t get stage fright.

[Miss Michelle] Fulfillment might be a better word… But you’re LIKING being in a leadership role.

[Jen] Yeah. Oddly enough. I never thought I’d like doing anything like this until Toastmasters.

[Miss Michelle] Rather than fading into the background… that’s what I meant. Not like, “hurrah, hurrah,” but you’re ENJOYING people paying attention to what you have to say, caring about it.

[Jen] You’re right. I am.

[Serenity Bly] And yes, that’s it, fulfillment. You’ll feel enriched and rewarded knowing you’re helping others. Again, it’s in a serving self sense. You help others to feel better about yourself. Or rather the Page does. The Moon’s whispering to me that it MAY create a little conflict. A sense of split personalities.

[Miss Michelle] (And that’s a great thing!) YES! I feel like the Moon is telling us to watch out for the balance thing… what will GO if you pursue teaching?

[Jen] That’s a good question.

[Miss Michelle] And are you being honest with yourself about doing it all?

[Serenity Bly] You’ll have an extra hat to wear and you need to be careful to bring together all of these aspects of yourself, develop a unity from your strengths.

[Miss Michelle] Which also ties into the split personality thing…

[Serenity Bly] lmfao I love how MM and I both went in the same direction at the same time totally independent of each other. Our higher selves must be talking above our heads.

[Jen] I’m trying to be honest with myself about it. The reason for this is the director of the program asked if I wanted to be included in the spring schedule. I’m trying to decide.

[Miss Michelle] I drew a fourth card, because (before Serenity’s interpretation of the Moon) I had no where to go with it. And the card is the Wheel of Fortune.

[Simone] I love that card! I always have to say WHEEL…..OF…..FORTUNEEEEE….doo doo doo doo dododo doo doo do…

[Miss Michelle] I think that means… If you are MEANT to get it, you will, but if you’re not… Regardless of being *offered* the position, once you listen to the Universe, you will either get it or not, if you are meant to have it (or not.)

[Serenity Bly] *chuckles* That’s MM’s way of saying pay attention to signposts.

[Miss Michelle] (Yes, exactly!)

[Simone] The everything happens the way it’s supposed to whether you like it or not card.

[Miss Michelle] I also think if you keep your eyes open to signs… and possibly journal your concerns and thoughts about this reading… The Universe will TELL you the right course of action.

[MoonlitKim] It seems kind of systematic to me… like you are fitting into a school schedule. Or that everything will fall into place over time.

[Serenity Bly] If everything is leading you in this direction, follow.

[Miss Michelle] everything will…

[Jen] Being in the spring schedule will mean less writing gets done. But… I ultimately really do want to teach, preferably at a college level (hence I want/need an MFA eventually).

[Miss Michelle] I forget where I read/heard it, but when you are working WITH the will of the Universe, it is as if you are moving with the current. When you’re going against it… salmon upstream.

[Jen] Hmm…. There is actually a bit of both (against and with the current) going on here.

[Serenity Bly] Writing is an important part of teaching and your path as a writer may have been laying groundwork for your career as a teacher. If teaching is what you find most gratifying, rewarding, satisfying, follow that road. It doesn’t mean you have to let go of your writing, it means bring your writing hat under the management of your teaching hat, write as a teacher. Not teach as a writer.

[Jen] The class (this time and last) actually didn’t make (upstream), but the people in it both times were excited about it (with current). But that’s where the enjoyment of it comes from, I think, teaching as a writer. lol.

[Miss Michelle] Hmm… yeah… you need to look at teaching as a whole, not just that one experience I think. I think that’s part of the conflict… WHICH persona is stronger? THAT fits in w/ the wheel of fortune, too. Your teaching experience, overall, will turn around.

[Serenity Bly] Jen, I’m being prompted to pass on a message regarding your earlier “against the current” experience with teaching. The message is, “Just getting your feet wet.” Which I interpret to mean, the universe gave you a small group of motivated people who could inspire you to give you the initial thrill, the getting your feet wet experience. It didn’t want to throw you in the deep end. It’s giving you an opportunity to move deeper as you become more comfortable with the wet.

[Jen] OK. I get that. (This group seems more motivated than the last.)

[Miss Michelle] (I love how those messages from beyond so often come as cliches–for me too. LOL)

[Serenity Bly] It comes as a cliche because THEY need to give me something I can interpret. If it’s totally unique and never been used before I have no frame of reference to understand how it applies.

[Miss Michelle] OH!Serenity–that makes sense on the cliches. It always bugged me that my messages came that way–as if my subconscious were full of cliches.

[Jen] Hmm… So now (for some strange reason), I’m thinking along the possibility of “teaching” as in seminars and workshops rather than actual formal teaching with that. (These classes I’m doing are kind of a combination formal/seminar-ish.)

[MoonlitKim] Oooo that’s a good one to consider! And tends to be rather profitable as well.

[Miss Michelle] Jen, that is a GREAT idea!

[Serenity Bly] And teach online, so I can come to your classes.

[Jen] Heh. ANd that fits in with the creativity coaching better, too.

[Miss Michelle] Absolutely. And your whole… persona/business plan.

[Jen] Actually, Serenity, I’m getting an online class together basically as we speak, too.

[Miss Michelle] ooohhH!! Awesome!

[Jen] Miss Michelle, you’re right, it does.

[MoonlitKim] Oh! I think I got it! You were in this position to show you how much interest there is in lonely Oklahoma, so you’d realize how much more interest there would be online for seminars/coaching!   

[Jen] It’s this current group that’s pushing me towards that. Last night, I forgot a list of resources I intended to give them. So they say “Just put it on your website.” You know what? This has actually helped me quite a bit. I think I will be in the spring schedule, but not with any classes I’m teaching this go-round. (Unless popular demand comes along. Thinking creativity-centered.)

* This offer is limited, on a first come, first served basis, and readings will be shared on the Future-Tarot.com website. If you would prefer a more detailed reading please see those we offer and place your order.

~Transcript from 2010-01-14

Tina Samuels, at Confused and Undone asks for some insight into her writing projects. She posts:

I’d love a three card reading, mainly to focus on my writing projects. I’ve about.com prep running from 2-1 to 2-18. I’m worried and seeking insight.

The tarot is advising that focus is the key.

The Heart of the Matter shows the Ten of Swords. This card indicates sheer exhaustion and possibly even physical pain. You may have given up other projects in the hopes of becoming an About.com guide… and now you feel as if there’s no turning back. What’s worse, you feel as if you’re not getting any support, not having your questions answered, and have no idea what your Guide thinks of your work. Still you felt as if this promise of steady money was your only choice. You want “in” with a need that is close to desperation.

The Tarot’s advice manifests in the Three of Swords. Let go of what is not working. Cut loose projects that aren’t providing emotional fulfillment. Focus your current energies on About.com if that is what you truly want. If you have doubts, however, don’t do it.

The Ten of Swords and Three of Swords combine to tell me that something significant in your past happened and you are having trouble letting go of it. You won’t be able to focus fully on your About training and freelance career until you do so.

Note: Thinking, “Wow, Confused and Undone is the perfect name for your blog based on this reading,” I checked it out. I didn’t know you applied to be the Guide for Chronic Pain… but the cards did. Also, that you’re sick going into prep! The Ten of Swords frequently shows pain, surgery, etc., which applies to this situation to a tee, and allows me to make better sense of the cards.

The final card, the Seven of Cups, shows a much brighter outlook. The three minor arcana show it’s all in your hands. You’ll be able to work through your illness to complete prep. However, halfway through, you’ll begin to wonder if it’s what you really want.

The answer is clear, if you want it, it’s yours for the taking. Merely focus on your wishes and they will come true. The danger is in being unfocused, scatterbrained, throughout prep. Stay organized and focused and it will all be fine.

The issue lies in the self-doubt. Do you even want the position? Will you be able to do it, on top of your other new job? Only you know the answer in that regard.

Tina, please come back and let us know how it goes! And best of luck with Prep!

Nancy, who runs an informative writer’s blog over at Writerly Stuff, wants to know about her financial state in the new year.

Miss Michele, 2007 was a horrible year, personally and financially. It’s the financial part that has me discouraged. Hubby hasn’t worked in almost a year, and, well, my job isn’t paying enough (especially with living expenses so high). Plus, the company I work for was just recently bought out, so my job isn’t too secure (I’ll add here that I had to take a fairly big loan on my 401k and needs to be paid back, and that’s scaring me even more). I’ve tinkered with the idea of doing freelancing on a part-time basis, but I’m not sure I have any skills or ideas that someone will pay me for. So…three things: Will I keep my job, or will I have to look for a new one? Should I go into freelancing? Will I bring in enough extra money to pay off the 401k and pay off a major chunk of our credit card debt? Sorry for the ramble. I look forward to your reading – and thank you!

That’s a lot for three cards to reveal, so Miss Michele will ask the tarot: “What is in the future, career-wise, for Nancy?”

The cards indicate 2008 will not be as bad as Nancy fears. The card in the past, Strength, is one of Miss Michele’s favorite Major Arcanas, showing that Nancy weathered the storm with incredible inner strength. She doesn’t realize it, but she has the self-confidence, power, patience and faith to improve her situation. The eight shows the end of a cycle to make way for new growth.

In the Near Future, we see the situation that is ending in the Knight of Swords. Swords show sudden, tumultuous change. New people may be coming into your life with new opportunities. (That’s a good thing!) But beware of “quick fixes” for your problems. Don’t be tempted by a scam. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Now I’m sure Nancy won’t get bamboozled by Publish America, but beware of temptations more subtle that look like a way out of debt.

This card also indicates Nancy’s forthrightness. When she wants something, she goes after it, and this will work in her favor.

The Outcome could not be better: The Nine of Cups. The jolly fellow on the “wish card” arrives to tell us that all Nancy’s worries will be assuaged. She will get what she needs.

Unsatisfied with the conclusion, Miss Michele draws one more card, asking, will there be a career change for Nancy?

It looks like a new job opportunity will come about, with the Page of Swords. There is an emphasis on creativity, paperwork, inspiration and creative writing. I can’t say Nancy will leave her job, but she will definitely pursue her writing with a new vigor, and, in conjunction with the Nine of Cups, I’ll go so far as to say she’ll see income from the endeavor.

The day is nearly over. Although I’ve got at least six hours of transcription and writing ahead of me, I don’t think it pays to draw a tarot card for the day. Anything it can tell me, I already know.

The radio show over at RadioX went really well. Miss Michele had a few dear friends stop by, did some three-card readings for listeners, and everyone seemed happy with what the cards told them, and the validity of the readings.

After the show, a friend did a reading for me and it gave me great insight into my current situation. The details are too personal to print, but that is really what the tarot is about. Gaining insight.

The future is not set in stone. We make our own destiny, as all the disclaimers point out. But sometimes, a certain card, especially one that, at first glance, seems to make no sense, helps us look at things from a different perspective, to see influential factors we didn’t even realize were there, or to see connections between situations that, on the surface, don’t seem connected at all.

I am going to select a card for today. But I’m not going to pull it out of the deck.

It is The Hanged Man, again… the ability to see things in new ways. Sometimes, insight takes time, and I’m gaining greater clarity each day. The Hanged Man is also a card of waiting for the right time. And that, too, is appropriate right now.

Also, I’m not so scared of the Tower anymore, so that’s progress, right?

Joanna Sandsmark asks:
I want to know if what I’m doing now is going to get my professional life back on track or am I driving down a blind alley headed for more disappointment?

First, Miss Michele would like to thank Joanna for visiting and commenting. She noticed Joanne over at Miss Michele’s not-so-secret identity’s blog, It Had to Be Said and appreciates it!

A little background for our readers. (Since Miss Michele already knew this, it seems fair to share). Joanna is an accomplished author, with multiple titles to her name. (Including books about cats and runes! YAY!) You can check them out at her blog, Life in the Middle.

Still a member of the “book-less” freelance writing community, Miss Michele, and her not-so-secret identity!, hold in great esteem anyone who has completed a book–AND had it published.

Without digressing too much, Joanna’s question was a bit of a reality check for me (wearing my writer hat, rather than my psychic hat!) I’ve always felt once a writer published a book, she’d “made it.” Rationally, I know that’s not true–there’s promotions, marketing, and one book usually can’t sustain a writer, financially speaking, for her whole life.

Even multi-published authors can have “rough years.” Let’s ask the cards if Joanna is on the right track and if 2008 will be any better for her, professionally.

The Two of Cups, when referring to career, indicates a mutually beneficial contract or partnership in the past.

In the present, we move on to the only major arcana card in this reading, indicating major, life-changing events are occurring right now or are just about to. The Chariot indicates conflicting thoughts and feelings. Joanna is on the cusp of a major career decision, and she needs to make that decision and stick with it–stay the course.

The prevalence of two fours, a five and a seven in this reading indicate a struggle that upsets the status quo. In the great life cycle, Joanne is in the middle of a phase–no culmination yet!

Looking at the Hidden Influences, Joanna is just plain tired! The Four of Swords indicates a need and desire for rest, vacation, or even a possible illness that puts Joanne at a standstill for a time. She should use this time to re-group, re-charge and re-energize in order to face the challenges ahead.

The advice the tarot offers, in the fourth slot of this reading, is to not overextend yourself. Don’t get trapped in a deal that you feel may not be in your best interests. This is shown by the Five of Pentacles, the “poverty” card.

It appears from this reading that there are two paths before Joanne: one, if she sticks with it, will lead to happiness and prosperity, but the other will lead to burnout, bad business deals, and financial strain. Let’s draw a clarification card to find a hint as to which path is which.

Another “money” card… this time, the lovely Queen of Pentacles. And it is becoming clear to Miss Michele. One prospect will offer steady income, as well as a chance to nurture your feminine, caring side, focus on family, and use your great creative talents.

The other will make false promises, and will offer all sorts of constraints, sucking up your time and energy.

Select the job which speaks to your heart, talents and strengths. Trust your intuition, which will be in top working form after your rest (which will hopefully be self-imposed and not forced!)

The Outcome, the Four of Pentacles, shows a return to that peaceful “holding” state of security and knowledge. You’ll once again find financial security and ownership of a project. You’ll also be nurturing your creative side and your talents–overall, a fulfilling path!

Stay your path! You may be offered something else that will *seem* more attractive in the short run, but you had the right idea the first time!