Special Offer: Five-Card Reading

SPECIAL OFFER

I am offering FREE “Star” readings with the Otherworld Tarot 

(like the reading below)

to two people who comment on this blog post between now and April  21. 

If you want to be considered for a reading, please provide an email address 

where I can contact you. Or – if you are on Facebook – 

just provide the name you use on Facebook and I’ll find you.

* ~ *

For the Basic Tarot class I teach over at the Magical Circle School, the textbook is the Complete Book of Tarot Spreads by Evelin Burger and Johannes Fiebig (Sterling). While grading a student’s work, I was reminded of how much I like many of the spreads featured in this book.

So guess what? I’m going to do one of them for the blog today. This spread is in the section of the book titled “Searching & Finding” and it’s called “The Star.” The layout looks like this:

……. 1 …….

2……5……4

……. 3 …….

I am reading for an imaginary client using the Otherworld Tarot by Alison Williams, with artwork by Sarah Nowell (Schiffer). I have chosen not to use reversals for this reading.

(1) Where you are: FIVE OF PENTACLES (Poverty)

Otherworld Tarot (Schiffer)

This may not feel like a good place to be, and it isn’t. Something has been lost, most likely related to the physical, material realm. This could refer to finances, possessions, or even health. You may be so focused on this hardship that you don’t realize that help and support are available – perhaps from an unlikely source. While you are in this difficult place, focus on what is truly important in your life and what is not. You can free yourself and move on to a happier place.

(2) Your task: TWO OF WANDS (Opportunity)

Otherworld Tarot (Schiffer)

Your task is to find the opportunity (or opportunities) that might be available. The most likely place to find opportunity is currently in the area of business and work/career. The number Two  tells us that you do not have to perform this task alone. In fact, it may be necessary for you to join forces with someone else to do it. Will power, action, and optimism will take you a long way.

(3) Your difficulties: FOUR OF SWORDS (Recovery)

Otherworld Tarot (Schiffer)

As you pursue your task, you also need to resolve inner conflicts and restore balance. Recovery is best achieve through rest and relaxation, peace and quiet. It may seem difficult to you to make time for this rest and relaxation, so that is a challenge you need to address. Re-examine your priorities and give yourself the gift of regular “downtime.”

(4) Your strengths: THREE OF CUPS (Celebration)

Otherworld Tarot (Schiffer)

It appears that you are one of those people who can and do see the Cup as half full instead of half empty. You have the ability to celebrate the little things, the day-to-day delights and pleasures that are yours, free for the taking. If you can find something to celebrate every day, even during difficult times, you are much more likely to meet and overcome challenges that arise.

(5) Your goal: STRENGTH (Courage)

Otherworld Tarot (Schiffer)

This Major Arcana card is your ultimate – and very fitting – goal. Strength is about taming your inner “beast,” which can refer to bad habits, lack of self-control, impulses, negative attitudes, and any tendency to allow your baser nature to take charge of what you do and the choices you make. The key with Strength is not to do this in a forceful, aggressive way. Instead, acknowledge and accept your baser nature or inner “beast” – and enlist its help. This does require courage and determination, and a willingness to listen to your innermost needs and wants. Repressing or denying that these exist will not work. It done gently yet firmly, you can transform negatives into positives, leading you towards a happier, more successful life.

It is interesting to see that all four elements are represented in this set of cards: Earth (Pentacles / Physical and Material), Fire (Wands / Will), Air (Swords / Mind), and Water (Cups / Emotions). Strength, as a Major Arcana card, suggests powerful spiritual energy. You clearly have many tools available to use in your efforts to improve your situation.

Free Cat-Themed Reading #3

This is the third reading request I received in response to my offer of three _free cat-themed readings_:

The Seeker asked: "Are there anymore babies for my partner and me?"

If you read Free Cat-Themed Reading #2, you may already know what I'm going to say about this question. I hope you will forgive me for repeating myself.

Let me begin by noting that this question is what we call a "yes-or-no" question. In other words, the answer can only be "yes" or "no" (or "maybe"?). Second, this question calls for a prediction of the future.

Now, I always caution my clients that I don't feel the Tarot does too great a job with yes-or-no questions. There is a 50-50 chance of being right or wrong. I also remind clients that the Tarot cannot predict the future with any certainty. There are simply too many variables, not the least of which is the free will of each person involved in a situation.

My years of experience have taught me that while I cannot predict the future with certainty or guarantee 100% accuracy on yes-or-no questions, I can at least provide a sense of whether the answer to the question is "very likely," "somewhat likely," "somewhat unlikely," or "very unlikely." And the client needs to understand that I am looking at trends or tendencies based on current conditions, not a future carved in stone.

Having said all that, here we go!

Spirit has led me to use the Cat's Eye Tarot by Debra M. Givin, DVM (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) for this reading. While shuffling the cards, I meditated on the question, asking that only enlightened insight come through from the Highest Source. Next, I drew three cards, which I will read as a group rather than assigning positional definitions. Here are the cards that came forward for this Seeker to answer the question: "Are there anymore babies for my partner and me?"

KING OF WANDS, reversed
JUDGMENT
FIVE OF SWORDS, reversed
Beginning with elemental associations, we see that all three cards are from active, positive ("masculine") suits -- two Fire cards and one Air card. If we use the elemental method for answering this question, the answer is that it's "very likely" that there will be more babies for the Seeker and her partner.

At the same time, let's consider the fact that we have two Reversed cards in the set vs one Upright. That suggests the answer "somewhat unlikely."

So how might we use the meanings of the cards to help us understand?

The KING OF WANDS is typically viewed as representing big, bold, brave energy -- power, authority, and force. But the card was drawn Reversed. That suggests pessimism, lack of confidence, and ineffectiveness. Could this refer to the Seeker or the Seeker's partner? Or does it indicate an overall tone or energy that could delay or block the Seeker's desires?

JUDGMENT suggests to me the involvement or influence of a higher energy or spirit in this matter. I'm also getting the sense that a critical decision needs to be made that will have an impact on this matter. It is important that this couple consult their Higher Selves in order to make a careful, honest evaluation and decision.

The FIVE OF SWORDS, Reversed, may indicate a slightly softer or shorter-lasting version of the discord, defensiveness, and defeat the Upright card often represents.  There is a chance that self-interest will yield to mutual support, and that fear and anger will be offset by rationality. Yet there is still a feeling of antagonism in thought and word, if not in deed.

As I mentioned above, the elemental associations of these three cards offer a lot of support for the Seeker's desire for more babies. At the same time, there are factors that might cause delay or obstruction. If the Seeker and her partner want more babies, they will need to do whatever they can to address and overcome any potential problems or roadblocks.

_Free Cat-Themed Reading #1_

 

_Free Cat-Themed Reading #2_

Free Cat-Themed Reading #2

This is the second reading request I received in response to my offer of three _free cat-themed readings_:

The Seeker asked: "Will J---- and I ever work it out?"
Tarot of the White Cats by Severino Baraldi (Lo Scarabeo) was requested for this reading.
Let me begin by noting that this question is what we call a "yes-or-no" question. In other words, the answer can only be "yes" or "no" (or "maybe"?). Second, this question calls for a prediction of the future (any question beginning with the word "will" is asking for a prediction of the future).

Now, I always caution my clients that I don't feel the Tarot does too great a job with yes-or-no questions. There is a 50-50 chance of being right or wrong. I also remind clients that the Tarot cannot predict the future with any certainty. There are simply too many variables, not the least of which is the free will of each person involved in a situation.

So what can I do for this client? My years of experience have taught me that while I cannot predict the future with certainty or guarantee 100% accuracy on yes-or-no questions, I can at least provide a sense of whether the answer to the question is "very likely," "somewhat likely," "somewhat unlikely," or "very unlikely." And the client needs to understand that I am looking at trends or tendencies based on current conditions, not a future carved in stone.

I think the best way to do this reading is to pull three cards and read them as a group, rather than assigning a positional definition to each card. As always, while shuffling the cards, I meditated on the question, asking that only enlightened insight come through from the Highest Source.

Here are the cards that came forward for this Seeker:

FIVE OF WANDS, reversed
THE MOON, reversed
THE STARS
First, let's look at the elemental associations for these three cards. We have Fire, Water, and Air. Using the elemental association method, the answer to the yes-or-no question is that it is "somewhat likely" that the Seeker and J---- will work it out. Another method uses upright vs reversed cards, and if we use that method, it appears that it is "somewhat unlikely." So we're not getting a strong, 100% endorsement of "yes" or "no" here. It's falling in the "maybe" category.

Now, let's see what else the cards can tell us. To begin with, two of the three cards are from the Major Arcana. This suggests a strong, deep connection between these two people -- perhaps even a soulmate or past life connection. Of course, that doesn't guarantee that the relationship will work out in this life, but it still represents a powerful connection.

The FIVE OF WANDS, reversed, suggests to me the end of conflict or competition, which leads to harmony and cooperation. A positive sign, to be sure.

THE MOON, reversed, can be seen as representing revelation, realization, and insight -- clear vision and an understanding of what is real and what is illusion. The question is: Will this help or harm the relationship? That depends on what is revealed or discovered, and what the Seeker and J---- decide to do about it. The card doesn't really tell us whether the truth(s) being revealed could be considered positive or negative.

Finally, THE STARS card is usually thought to indicate hope, including the promise of a new start that grows from a positive change of mind. I feel this card strongly supports the possibility that the Seeker and J----- will work things out.

If pressed to predict, I would have to say that the answer to the original question -- "Will J---- and I ever work it out?" -- is that there is a good chance that yes, you will.

_Free Cat-Themed Reading #1_

_Free Cat-Themed Reading #3_

Free Cat-Themed Reading #1

This is the first reading request I received in response to my offer of three _free cat-themed readings._

For this reading, the Seeker is looking for guidance and insight related to a friend's spiritual life. Spirit led me to use Tarot of the Pagan Cats by Lola Airaghi & Magdelina Messina (Lo Scarabeo) for this reading.

While shuffling the cards, I meditated on the request, asking that only enlightened insight come through for the Seeker from the Highest Source. I then drew cards to answer the question: What does the Seeker need to understand about this friend's spiritual life?

Note that I asked the cards what the Seeker "needs to understand" about the friend's spiritual life rather than asking the cards to grant me complete access to that person's mind, heart, and spirit. I typically avoid doing readings about people other than the Seeker. Rather than ask the cards to take me where I have not been invited, I prefer to let the cards decide what the Seeker needs to understand.

I am using a 3-card progressive (storytelling) spread wherein the first card sets the theme and the other two cards flesh out the reading.

(1) Theme: FOUR OF SWORDS
(2) QUEEN OF SWORDS
(3) FIVE OF WANDS

As a Theme card, the FOUR OF SWORDS offers a sense of respite or rest from challenging or draining thoughts, circumstances, and situations. In this situation, I am getting the sense that the Seeker's friend is learning or needs to learn how an appropriate amount of retreat and restoration can enhance his spiritual development. Notice I said "appropriate amount" -- not too little or too much. The number FOUR emphasizes stability and balance.

Let's see what the other two cards can add to this story. The QUEEN OF SWORDS offers a blend of emotion (water) and intellect (air). She could represent a person who is willing to help the Seeker's friend in his spiritual life. She might also represent aspects of the friend's own personality. Traditionally, the Queen of Swords at her best is seen as a skilled communicator who is usually able to contain or control her emotions, even though past and present sorrows weigh heavily upon her. It is important that the person represented by the Queen of Swords guard against being overly judgmental, critical, or even deceitful. The Seeker's friend may need to subdue his own inner critic and judge in order to make progress in his spiritual quest.

The image on the FIVE OF WANDS is a huge departure from the other two cards. The cats on the 5 of Wands represent conflict and hysteria, as opposed to the calm, contained feeling we get from the felines on the other two cards. The 5 of Wands is about competition, rivalry, and discord. This suggests to me that the Seeker's friend may be experiencing internal confusion or conflict about his spiritual life -- or perhaps there are people in his life who are giving him a hard time about spiritual matters, challenging him or contradicting him. Here we see the reason why the retreat represented by the 4 of Swords could be helpful. The Seeker's friend needs to withdraw from the fray, so to speak, to center himself and replenish his spiritual energy.

In this set of three cards we are dealing with Swords and Wands -- the positive, active, energetic, "masculine" suits of the Tarot. With the theme card and one other card being Swords, I feel the emphasis is on a reasoned, logical, cool-headed approach. The suit of Wands is about passion, but on the 5 of Wands we see that this can be taken too far, creating an atmosphere of conflict that may interfere with spiritual development.

Free Cat-Themed Reading #2

_Free Cat-Themed Reading #3_

Reading for Violet

In this post I am sharing a reading that Violet, one of my blog readers, did for herself. She used a 7-card spread that I shared on this blog: the Sleeping Beauty Relationship Spread designed by ArwenNightstar. My version substitutes the word "love" for the word "romance" in the original spread. I also changed the last positional definition to "Best Possible Outcome" instead of "Final Outcome." The layout looks like this: 

.................................7
~1~2~3~4~5~6

Violet used The Mary-El Tarot* for her reading (to read my review of this deck, click HERE).

Violet asked for my interpretations of her cards, and I asked her to give me her initial impressions of them first. Below you will see the positional definition, the card Violet drew into that position, Violet's first impressions, and my interpretation.

Please know that I have no intention of disputing Violet's impressions or interpretations of the cards. My purpose is to offer options, possibilities, and perspectives for her to consider. It is my hope that blog readers will also gain something from this reading.

Thank you, Violet, for permitting me to share this reading! I hope my comments are useful to you.

1] Why are you asleep to a new relationship?

King of Swords - Rx

Violet: faith in a false king. not what he seemed.

Zanna: With the King of Swords drawn reversed, I think we are looking at the upright energy of this card being blocked or delayed, causing you to be asleep to a new relationship. The King of Swords is a master thinker and communicator. His sword is especially sharp, designed to cut through illusions and separate the wheat from the chaff. He controls his own thoughts and uses them to create the reality he wants. So these are the powers or qualities that are blocked or delayed in your case. Instead of demonstrating clear intent, sharp focus, and self-confidence, you may be allowing fears and doubts to dictate your behavior and thoughts. These fears and doubts are keeping you from waking up to a new relationship.

2] What is keeping you asleep to potential love?

The Tower - Rx

Violet: i have truly been shaken to my foundation in love- romantic love at least. but i deny that it perhaps my own doing and un-doing which electrified my tower... i also think that mr. thought i was perhaps a damsel, which i am not. do i project damsel?

Zanna: The energy of The Tower is that of liberation, destruction of illusions, and freedom from unnecessary or deceptive views, perceptions, and ways of life. The card was drawn reversed, suggesting that currently this energy is blocked or delayed in your life. Even though you feel your foundation has been shaken and you have gone through what feels like a "Tower" experience, there is more that needs to be questioned, that needs to be changed, that needs to be cast aside. The real benefits of The Tower experience have not yet made themselves apparent to you, which is why you are asleep to potential love. There is a sense that you need to completely emerge from the "wreckage" of beliefs or assumptions that have collapsed or are still crumbling.

3] What do you need to know about your dreams of love?

The Fool - Rx

Violet: am i delusional and jump in too eagerly? or do i hold on to false foolishness when my wisdom is needed? patience is called for.

Zanna: The Fool is a free spirit who leaps before he looks, who sets out on a journey into the unknown without hesitation or fear. The card was drawn reversed, suggesting that although your dreams of love may be free spirited, daring, and fearless -- that energy is blocked or delayed at the moment due to worry, regret, or fear. You hesitate to take that first step toward your dreams because it feels like you are stepping off a cliff into the air. There is always a bit of faith involved when we seek to fulfill our dreams. Dreams themselves are of the air, difficult to depend on, difficult to interpret at times. The journey may seem like folly at first, but if nothing is ventured, nothing is gained.

4] What or who will awaken you to love?

Knight of Cups

Violet: hope. feels like a pisces male. on point but on the same page as i am. easy flowing communication- perhaps platonic.

Zanna: What a great card to draw here! Court Cards can represent actual people in the Seeker's life, a quality the Seeker possesses (or needs to possess), or the energy surrounding a situation. I think it is very possible that the Knight of Cups in this position refers to a person who can awaken you to love and help you find your heart's desire. The Golden Dawn associates this card with the segment of the heavens from above 20 degrees Aquarius to 20 degrees Pisces.

5] What is needed from you for love to work?

King of Wands - Rx

Violet: stop fighting for what i know is and will be- love arrives in its own time- if i let go... it will come.

Zanna: Like the King of Swords, the King of Wands is a master. He controls his own energy, life force, passion, and spirituality.  The card is reversed, which to me suggests the need to relinquish control in some way so that love can work. If we are trying too hard to be in control, we are not open to receiving love. Our efforts to remain in control act as a barrier. I don't believe that you need to be "out of control" in order for love to work. But there seems to be a need for letting go just enough.

6] What do you need for love to work?

8 of Wands

Violet: support and honesty. let go of jealousy and envy of the love- i think- others' possess.

Zanna: In this deck, the 8 of Wands is about knowing yourself and creating your reality. Surround yourself with art, music, poetry, colors, and patterns that nourish and support you mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This will help you be responsive to deep inner knowledge. You may realize something you did not know or remember something you had forgotten about yourself.

7] What is the best possible outcome (if obstacles are overcome and opportunities are taken advantage of)?

3 of Cups - Rx

Violet: perhaps i celebrated love too soon... OR i need to celebrate love i do not know yet!

Zanna: It is always interesting to see a reversed card in the "best possible outcome" position. We tend to think of reversals as "negative" -- yet they do not have to be. When we look at the 3 of Cups upside down, the three waterfalls flow uphill to their source. Our normal tendency might be to resist this as "wrong" or "unnatural." But it seems to me that in this case, you are being encouraged to reach upward (or inward) and connect with your "source." The best possible outcome is that you will go back to the beginning, to the place from which your feelings about love originated.  You can reverse your direction temporarily and receive the emotional nourishment you need. Then your emotions will be free to flow downward or outward again, toward your world and the people in it.

* The Mary-El Tarot by Marie White

Schiffer Publishing

Copyright 2012 Marie White

Reading for Manuela

The following reading was done as part of a special, limited free reading offer in 2009. If you would like a free reading, I suggest the American Tarot Association's Free Reading Network or Free Tarot Network web sites.


Manuela, your question concerns a huge disappointment that lead to the end of a relationship. You are wondering how you should proceed in this situation.

For your reading I am using a 7-card spread designed to help people cope with the breakup of a relationship. The layout for this spread is:

1.................2
3........4.......5
6.................7

While shuffling the cards, I meditated on your question. Using the Sharman Caselli deck, I pulled the following cards for you (please note -- although some of the cards were drawn reversed, I am showing them upright here so that it will be easier for you to understand what is on the card):

1: The main issue that broke up this relationship.
SIX OF PENTACLES -- To me, this card suggests that the main reason for the break-up could have been an unwillingness or inability to give (and receive) in a manner that fosters a strong relationship. Perhaps one person gave much more than the other. The number Six can refer to an adjustment in thoughts, attitudes, or conditions. An unwillingness or inability to make such an adjustment could also have contributed to the break-up.

2: The part you may have played in bringing this about.
SIX OF WANDS -- This card indicates that you may have contributed to the break-up because you tried to forge ahead, to take the relationship "onward and upward." The timing wasn't right, and your efforts were not appreciated.

3: What you need to let go of right now.

TWO OF CUPS -- This card typically represents a cooperative, harmonious, mutually beneficial relationship. It seems that you are being advised to let go of idealized expectations concerning the relationship that ended. You imagined or hoped for a special bond with this person, and you experienced great disappointment. You need to stop dwelling on how things should have been or could have been with this person.

4: How you feel about this.
EIGHT OF WANDS -- The Eight of Wands suggests that you truly believed that you and this person were on a common path headed toward a common goal. It may be difficult to step back and take a more detached or objective view. Your emotions are still strong and focused on where you hoped the relationship would go.

5: How you can begin to move past this.
FIVE OF PENTACLES (reversed) -- You can begin to move past this by refusing to see yourself as abandoned or undervalued. What this other person thinks is not as important as your own self-image and level of self-confidence.

6: What you need to be aware of as you move on.
TEN OF WANDS (reversed) -- What you need to be aware of as you move on is that it's time for you to release the burden that has weighed heavily on you concerning this relationship. You have carried it long enough. The number Ten signifies coming to terms with the past and making a new beginning.7: The way forward.
TEN OF CUPS (reversed) -- Again we have the number Ten, reinforcing the idea of a new beginning. The relationship did not live up to your hopes and expectations. It was a huge disappointment. But your chances of experiencing the kind of relationship you want, need, and deserve can only improve after you turn the corner and put the failed relationship behind you.

Manuela, I notice that nearly all of these cards are even-numbered cards (six, eight, two, ten). While even numbers do suggest stability, they can also indicate being stuck in one place. The only odd number is the Five of Pentacles in Position Five: "How you can begin to move past this." Odd numbers represent change. It seems that it is time for you to move beyond the pain of your disappointment and start a fresh chapter in your life.

My purpose in doing this reading to help you gain awareness and clarity about your situation by offering options, possibilities, and perspectives for you to consider. I hope I have succeeded in doing that. Always remember that you are in charge of your destiny and only you can decide the best way to act in your situation.

Thank you for letting me read for you. I wish you the very best. I am very interested in your thoughts about the reading, or how the situation progresses.

Best wishes,
Zanna

Free Reading for Puppy

The following reading was done as part of a special, limited free reading offer in 2009. If you would like a free reading, I suggest the American Tarot Association's Free Reading Network or Free Tarot Network web sites.

Hello Puppy,

It's nice to meet you. I appreciate this opportunity to do a free reading for you. I see that you are wondering what you need to know in order to find the loving relationship you seek. I decided to use a 7-card spread called the Sleeping Beauty Relationship Spread, designed by ArwenNightstar. I changed the word "romance" in this spread to "love," because I feel you are looking for a relationship that is more than "romantic." I also changed the last position to "Best Possible Outcome" rather than "Final Outcome" because I do not predict the future in my readings. Also, I find it difficult to define "Final" in this context. The layout looks like this:

............................7
~1~2~3~4~5~6

I'm using the Fantastical Creatures Tarot (illustrated by Lisa Hunt, book written by D.J. Conway) for your reading. This unusual deck draws its characters from the world of mythology and folklore, bringing them to life through captivating imagery. While shuffling the cards, I meditated on your question. Here are the cards I pulled for you (remember: the spread is called the Sleeping Beauty Relationship Spread):

(1) Why are you asleep to a new relationship?
TWO OF SWORDS: On this card we see the ancient hero Gilgamesh, disrupting the reflection in a pool of water. We get a sense of underlying tension and perhaps a stalemate in which neither party has the power to win. With respect to your situation, it seems that inner conflict or tension may be preventing you from awakening to a new relationship. Perhaps you tend to dwell on something that happened in the past, which keeps your emotions and thoughts in turmoil. You are of two minds about something, and this inner battle keeps you from moving forward.


(2) What is keeping you asleep to potential love?
THREE OF WANDS: On this card we see the Middle Eastern Djinn, a being known for his high level of magickal strength and ability. Calm yet alert, the Djinn is also patient. He suggests that more patience and planning -- and perhaps assistance from another -- are needed before you can awaken to potential love. Three things he advises you to do: keep control of this "project" (to find love), stabilize your life, and accept help from other people.



(3) What do you need to know about your dreams of love?
FOUR OF WANDS: On the Four of Wands in this deck we have the Egyptian Ba, the heart-soul of every human being. In general, this card represents the gift of rebirth after a time of rest. It suggests that your dreams of love reflect your desire and need for inner harmony. In order to attract the love of another, we need to be at peace with ourselves.








(4) What or who will awaken you to love?
THREE OF SWORDS: Here a fearsome creature called Jenny Greenteeth emerges from a swamp. She is quite eager to drag you into the dark place she calls home, a place of sorrow, loss, and separation. The three swords represent the consciousness, the subconscious mind, and the higher consciousness (universal state of mind). What will help awaken you to love is to refuse to allow yourself to be dragged down by emotional losses and pain.


(5) What is needed from you for love to work?
JUSTICE (Trump 20): The Lion-Dogs of ancient China are symbols of protection from evil. What is needed is for you to realize that you are protected, and unpleasant events do not have the power to do you any real harm. Karma is being balanced in your life, and this works to your advantage.








(6) What do you need for love to work?
JUDGMENT (Trump 11): The Eastern and Western Dragons symbolize a balance of physical and emotional energies needed to create spiritual justice. This energy is available to you to protect you from negative happenings.


(7) What is the best possible outcome (if obstacles are overcome and opportunities are taken advantage of)?
TEN OF SWORDS: Here we see the Indian goddess Kali Ma, who governs both love and death. She is ready to create or destroy, whichever is necessary. The best possible outcome here is that you will keep things from getting any worse. You do this by heeding the messages of the preceding cards. Once again there is a sense that you need to make a clean break with the past, so that an old cycle can end and a new one can begin.

Puppy, the first thing I notice about this group of cards is that they are all associated with active elements (either Air or Fire). This suggests that there is activity taking place concerning this issue at some level, even if you are not aware of it. There is an indication of movement and opportunity for change, if you will seize that opportunity.

Secondly, we see a progression of numbers from two to three to four, then back to three then two (both Trump 20 and Trump 11 reduce to the number 2) and finally to one (the number 10 reduces to 1). This intrigues me. There is a sense that retracing your steps in some way will lead to the new beginning you desire. You are being advised to "leave the past behind" yet perhaps there are areas of the past that you still need to acknowledge, face, and deal with before you can start the new cycle that will attract love into your life.

Puppy, I hope this has at least given you food for thought concerning your situation and perhaps has even helped you in some way.

Bright blessings,
Zanna

Free Reading for Mum's the Word

The following reading was done as part of a special, limited free reading offer in 2009. If you would like a free reading, I suggest the American Tarot Association's Free Reading Network or Free Tarot Network web sites.

Hello Mum's the Word,

It's good to meet you! Thank you for this opportunity to do a free reading for you. Your question is: How can I best support my two children' development in terms of finding the right services for them?

Spirit has led me to use The Enchanted Tarot for this reading. I am using a spread from my vast collection of spreads. Unfortunately, I do not know the origin of this spread, or I would give credit to the person who designed it.

I will post the images of the cards first, followed by the positional definitions and my interpretation with respect to your situation.


























(1) Where you are now, the current situation:
THE EMPRESS (Trump 3)
Mum's the Word, this card clearly seems to represent you as your children's mother and caregiver. You understand your role and its importance in their lives, and you are concerned about how best to nurture their development.

(2) What lies on the other side (the outcome):
THE WORLD (Trump 21)
The message here is simple: The World can be yours in this situation. Hard work is required and it is important that you view your life in the context of the whole of life itself -- rather than focusing on tiny details or temporary setbacks. If you heed the messages of these cards, you can achieve real success and gain a better understanding of the "big picture."

(3) and (5) Issues you need to consider or actions you need to take:

NINE OF PENTACLES
Mum's the Word, the woman on this card is often seen as being related to The Empress. She encourages you to follow your heart and trust the universe to provide for your needs. At the same time, she is practical and self-reliant. Even as she looks for assistance from unexpected sources, she trusts her own judgment and common sense in making decisions.

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE (Trump 10)
Here we see a message that you need to think ahead and consider the impact today's choices and actions will have on tomorrow. Trusting the universe (as mentioned under the Nine of Pentacles) does not mean sitting back and letting Fate rule your life. Take responsibility and, if it seems necessary, take risks. Be open to new or unexpected opportunities.

(4) Influence that impacts the steps being taken:
THE DEVIL (Trump 15)
The influence suggested by this card comes from the material, physical realm. Financial concerns and health concerns have a major impact. The Devil also suggests that our own limited beliefs about the world might be keeping us down or binding us. By changing our emphasis from the physical or material to the spiritual, we open the door to all that the universe can provide. The key here is to challenge any belief you have that something can't be done or that you have no power to accomplish something. Believe that you have within you the strength, power, and ability to see through and beyond any illusion of restriction and limitation.

What strikes me first of all, Mum's the Word, is the abundance of Major Arcana cards in this reading. Four of the five cards are Trumps. This indicates that this issue is of major importance in your life, perhaps at a high spiritual level. While finding the right services for your children may seem like a mundane, practical matter -- the cards suggest that your overall spiritual state plays a significant role.

The sense I get is that while you are being encouraged to actively seek help for your children, you are also being advised that you have support from a higher power and that if you are open to assistance from this power, you will receive what you need.

It is easy for someone in your position to feel that the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Yet truly, it is not. Being anxious or fearful about your children is not likely to help you support their development. You can think more clearly and take more effective action if you are centered and confident within yourself, believing that the universe is ready to support you.

Mum's the Word, my purpose is to help you gain awareness and clarity about your situation by offering options, possibilities, and perspectives for you to consider. I hope I have succeeded in doing that. Thank you for letting me read for you. I wish you the very best. I am very interested in your thoughts about the reading, or how the situation progresses.

Best wishes and brightest blessings,
Zanna