How Can I Help Myself to Leave This Relationship?

A sample reading using

The Animal-Wise Tarot
by Ted Andrews
(Dragonhawk Publishing)

QUESTION

How can I help myself to leave this relationship in terms of getting a job and so forth?

ANSWER

Here are the cards that came forward for you. Below the cards are the positions I used, the cards I drew into those positions, and my interpretation.

(1) This is what you need to know about leaving the relationship: NINE OF SHAPESHIFTERS / Ladybug (Wish Fulfilled)

The suit of Shapeshifters represents the emergence of energy into form. It is comparable to the suit of Cups in many tarot decks. This is the suit of Water (emotion, relationships, subconscious influences). The number Nine represents a basis for completion, endings, preparation for new cycle, growth through experience, perfection, integration, and fruition. The appearance of the Ladybug often signals new happiness or a renewed sense of well-being, a time when worries begin to dissipate and you have an opportunity to pursue and attain what you truly want in life.

(2) This is what you need to know about finding a job: SEVEN OF FOUR-LEGGEDS / Rabbit (Proper Use of Cycles and Rhythms)

The suit of Four-Leggeds represents the completion of energy into form. It is the suit of Earth (material or physical realm, practicality, work). The number Seven often relates to evolving or extending, pulling back and pushing ahead, a temporary cessation, a victory, solitude and contemplation, complexity, assessment, and wisdom gained from experience. This suggests that finding a job is going to be a process with ups and downs. It will require patience, perseverance, and flexibility. Growth and change come in their own time and cannot be forced. 

(3) This will help you take the first step toward a new life: THE EMPRESS / Dolphin (Creativity, Fertility, New Promise)

This card is traditionally associated with the planet Venus, planet of love and appreciation. The Empress appearance signals the approach of a highly creative and productive time. The Dolphin emphasizes the importance and power of communication, and is also commonly seen as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration.

I feel the Nine of Shapeshifters is telling you that the time is right to end this stage of your life and begin a new one. The suit of Shapeshifters is commonly seen to represent relationships, which makes it even more meaningful in this context. The Ladybug encourages you not to limit your wishes and dreams and not to let others dissuade you from your intentions. This is a very promising card to draw in position 1. 

In position 2, once again the suit matches the topic of discussion perfectly. The Seven of Four-Leggeds encourages you to go about finding a job in a down-to-earth, practical manner. There is a procedure that must be followed and things must be done in the right order. You are more likely to have success by thinking things through, using your instincts and common sense, and being willing to adapt and adjust as matters develop. The suit of Four-Leggeds also suggests that although the jobs you attract may not be glamorous or exciting, they are likely to be regular, steady, and secure. 

In position 3, The Empress helps you take the first step toward a new life by encouraging you to believe in yourself, to believe that you have the power and creativity to accomplish what you set out to do, to "give birth" to a new life for yourself. The Empress is a "mother figure," representing the ability to nurture and nourish that which we value. This includes nurturing and nourishing ourselves. When you have many responsibilities, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. However, you will not be able to give to others if you do not replenish your own energy supply regularly. Spend time with people who build you up, whose company you enjoy, and make time to take part in activities that relax and energize you. Pay attention to your own thoughts and words, and what they can create for you.

I hope this is helpful to you. My purpose is to help you examine and explore the area you have asked about. I don't have all the answers. Some parts of the reading may make more sense to you or be more useful to you than others. Your own interpretation of the cards is as important as or more important than mine.

My goal in providing this reading is to help you feel empowered to make practical, life-affirming decisions or changes. Always remember that your future lies in your hands.