I am using a Problem Solving Spread presented by Jeanne Mayell in a _blog post_ from April 4, 2015. Jeanne Mayell does not provide a layout for this spread, so I decided to place the cards in this manner:
1………..2
…....3……
4………..5
…....6……
(1) Nature of the problem: FIVE OF CUPS
The suit of Cups tells me that the nature of this problem is rooted in my own feelings, emotions, and subconscious attitudes. With the Five, we are looking at a sense of loss or a perspective that sees the glass as “half empty.” As Karen Mahony puts it, “unnecessary pessimism… looking on the down side.” In other words, this problem is a problem because I feel it’s a problem.
(2) What led up to the current problem: FOUR OF SWORDS
Retreat and reflection, a “time out” of sorts, seems to have led up to this problem. I stopped “doing” and focused on thinking, analyzing, and critiquing (suit of Swords). This has caused me to focus on the perceived problem.
(3) Current attitude/actions that preserve the status quo: HERMES
This card is a “rogue card” that doesn’t fit into the traditional Tarot structure. Karen Mahony tells us that “Hermes put himself into the deck last-minute and totally unexpectedly. That's why there is nothing about him in the book - when I wrote the book (and indeed when it was printed) I had no idea that this trickster god was about to barge his way in.”
So what can we say about Hermes that might explain how a current attitude or actions preserve the status quo (the problem)? Hermes is primarily seen as Messenger of the gods, a Roman equivalent of Mercury. Now, Mercury is associated in traditional Tarot decks with The Magician. Like The Magician, Hermes can be seen as a cunning, clever, trickster character. He served as a psychopomp, or an escort for the dead to help them find their way to the afterlife (the Underworld in the Greek myths). Hermes is the patron of commerce, thieves, travelers, sports, athletes, and border crossings.
It’s really the “trickster” quality of Hermes that stands out to me in this reading. He is a messenger, of course, but do I really understand where (or whom) his messages come from? Is he delivering false information that feeds my misperceptions? As long as I continue to buy what he is selling, I will feel that there is a problem.
(4) Secondary gains from staying in the situation: QUEEN OF CUPS
If I decide to remain in this situation (as opposed to walking away), secondary gains can be found in the Queen of Cups, a double-Water lady with what Mahony describes as “sensibility matched with common sense, a productive creativity. . . ability to combine artistry with real-world success, a love of beauty and the arts.” This resonates with me quite perfectly. Creative but grounded, emotionally open yet never neurotic or out of control. This is what I can evolve into if I stay in the situation while also heeding the messages of the other cards. Her energy is certainly the type I need to embrace and develop if I am to solve this problem while remaining in the situation.
(5) Necessary changes in attitude/actions: EIGHT OF WANDS
One major change that needs to take place is a shift from discouragement and disappointment (Five of Cups) to activity and a “full speed ahead” approach. I need to become excited, optimistic, enthusiastic – and proceed accordingly towards my goal(s).
(6) Outcome: FIVE OF PENTACLES
I must say, this is not the sort of Outcome I wanted to see in this reading. The Five of Pentacles tends to suggest poverty and deprivation, perhaps at a physical or material level. The feeling harkens back to the Five of Cups in the sense of being exhausted, disappointed, and anxious about that “half empty” glass. Perhaps the cards are saying that this is where I’m headed if I do NOT heed the messages of the preceding cards. The Five of Pentacles can also allude to help that is available, that I am not aware of. I have to have the confidence and determination to look for it before it can be given. Family members and friends can be supportive, or there may be an “institution” that can be of assistance.
All of this makes sense to me. I think the most difficult thing is to be “excited, optimistic, and enthusiastic” when I just don’t see a reason for it. I am hoping the Eight of Wands is, in fact, telling me that there IS a reason to have that positive outlook and attitude!
This was very interesting, not knowing the problem you speak of specifically, I can only talk in general terms.
ReplyDeleteI was certainly taken by your first three cards. It seems that second card tells of your problem in that your thinking pattern has led you to this, sometimes we talk ourselves out of all other things and focus only on one, perhaps this problem has had too much attention in those quiet moments you have found for yourself. 4 as you know, as a number, can apart from it's positive meanings also represent entrapment, stagnation. Perhaps your thoughts in those time out periods have been trapped into focusing on this situation in not the most positive way. This has as you say in card no. 1, created the problem of focusing more on the negative qualities of the situation rather than on the positive. Having Hermes (equivalent to the Magician) as card number 3 really jumps out at me as your mind playing tricks on you. It wants you to believe there is no resolution when there is. The Queen of Cups reminds you that there is a solution, all you have to do is following your intuition, that higher knowledge that knows the right path. I think what the 5 of Pents could also be saying here is that if you are attentive to all areas of your life that is physical, emotional and spiritual you will find a balance and not loose sight of what is really important in this situation. Just my take on these interesting cards.
That all makes sense to me, Helen. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
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