OPTIONS Tarot Reading

After a long period of deliberately not acquiring new decks, I treated myself to Elemental Power Tarot by Melinda Lee Holm (Cico Books, 2020). I was intrigued by this deck because there are no people on the cards. The deck’s creator explains that this is “because you are the people. Each card is designed to invite you in and give you a starring role in your reading.”

This seems like an excellent deck to use for a situation I am currently experiencing.
This situation is, in many ways, not of my making and not under my control. It’s big. Very big. My Sagittarius Sun wants to take action NOW. Do something NOW. My Virgo Ascendant prefers to analyze the options, partly to determine whether doing something or taking action NOW is likely to have a positive effect – or any effect at all – and at what risk?

To address this, I designed a four-card reading, as follows:
 
OPTIONS TAROT READING
The Request: Please offer some options for me to consider when deciding what I might do about this difficult situation.
1) Option 1
2) Option 2
3) Option 3
4) Something to keep in mind when making a decision about this situation

************ 

1) THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE: “Time moves at multiple rates simultaneously. The one you are experiencing was chosen by the Universe just for you.”

Associated with the planet Jupiter (ruler of my Sun Sign, Sagittarius), this card indicates that one option is for me to trust that the Universe will reveal to me my appropriate role in this situation. I find these words from the guidebook to be particularly meaningful to me: “Whether you feel pushed too quickly or held back needlessly, know that what is happening at this moment is being presented to you because the Universe has deemed this the correct time. Maybe you need to feel pushed to prove to yourself how capable you are under pressure, or maybe you need to wait to receive information that will alter your feelings about your situation.”

From my personal experience with the cards, I also feel that The Wheel of Fortune is pointing out that “What goes around, comes around.” In other words, nothing remains the same forever. Things change, and will continue to change.
 

2) THE HIEROPHANT: “Your Divine nature is reaching out for guidance. Heed the call and step into the Universal flow of wisdom.”

This card is associated with the zodiac sign Taurus, which happens to be my Moon Sign. Meaningful comments from the guidebook: “A tradition, institution, book, or person is calling you. . . Be open to learning, stretching your thinking, and trying new ways of approaching your conception of and connection with the Divine.”

My connection with the Divine – or perhaps I should say my perception of that connection -- has undergone dramatic changes over the years. Some of the “social structures” typically represented by this card (notably organized religion) do not mean the same thing to me that they once did. This option encourages me to examine my spiritual state and inclinations as they relate to the situation I face.
 

3) PAGE OF CUPS: “Earth of Water, the Novice of Emotion.”

This option seems to me to stand in contrast to the “heavy hitters” who appeared as the first two options. There is a lightness here (to me) represented by the Page of Cups, an invitation to be emotionally “open” and “unjaded,” to build or rebuild trust in myself, others, and the Universe. As the guidebook points out, this doesn’t mean ignoring my instincts or ceasing rational thought. I need to keep my eyes open, but also allow my heart to become more open in this situation. The guidebook advises, “Take small steps and remind yourself that you are safe.”
 

4) EIGHT OF CUPS: “Overcoming doubt in Elemental Water”

This card was drawn to represent “Something to keep in mind when making a decision about this situation.” As with the Page of Cups in Option 3, my attention is directed towards my emotions. The guidebook urges me to “take an honest inventory of how you act and react emotionally in your life...” In this difficult situation, I may find myself losing emotional stability or letting emotions overwhelm me. As the guidebook points out, “It can be difficult to accept our ability to shape our emotional reactions to the world around us.”

In looking at this version of the Eight of Cups, I see an opportunity to reach up and take the Cup in the upper right corner or to stoop down and grasp the upside Cup in the lower left corner, perhaps turning it right-side up. An equal number of upright and overturned Cups on the card does speak of balance and stability.

*******************

In summary, I want to first say that I do not see the options presented in this reading as “either/or” or “all or nothing” options. In other words, I can choose a combination of the options presented, depending on which one(s) resonated most strongly with me. At the heart of this (and of myself), emotional balance is key.

Family Tree Tarot Spread

I’ve been wanting to try this spread for awhile, but kept putting it off. I found this layout at WikiHow.

The layout is as follows:

1…2…3…4

  5…6…7

     8…9

       10

The Fenestra Tarot by Chatriya volunteered enthusiastically for this reading, and I’m happy to oblige. Here we go!

1. Blessing from my mother’s bloodline: FOUR OF CUPS

My mother’s bloodline has blessed me with deep emotions and creativity, but at the same time, there is a sense of weariness or apathy, detachment or withdrawal. I definitely feel these things in spite of the fact that I do experience deep emotions and enjoy creative activity. I think this could be an indication of depression, which can make it difficult to truly appreciate the blessing I have received.

2. Challenge from my mother’s bloodline: FIVE OF PENTACLES

My mother’s bloodline presents me with a challenge in the area of the material world (possessions, finances, work). This actually makes sense combined with the Four of Cups as a blessing. Feelings of being impoverished or marginalized or abandoned affect my ability to appreciate the blessings.

3. Blessing from my father’s bloodline: PAGE OF PENTACLES

My father’s bloodline offers me the blessings that can be derived from diligence, enthusiasm, and education. I get a youthful optimism that rewards will come in the physical, material realm if I apply myself.

4. Challenge from my father’s bloodline: FIVE OF WANDS

My father’s bloodline presents me with a challenge in terms of how I handle competition or disputes. There is a sense of conflict that is not easily resolved and a reluctance to compromise that might interfere with growth and development.

5. Talent I’ve been gifted with from my mother’s bloodline: 

SIX OF PENTACLES

The talent I’ve been gifted from my mother’s bloodline seems to relate to an ability to share, contribute, and give to others, based in the physical, material realm. My contributions over the years of my life involve sharing musical abilities, talent in writing and communication, and creative inspiration. 

6. Talent I’ve been gifted with from my father’s bloodline: THE WORLD

From my father’s bloodline I have been gifted a talent for discovering the potential for anything and everything, fulfillment and prosperity as an outcome of my life’s journey. 

7. How can I cultivate these talents? SIX OF WANDS

I can cultivate these talents by building on any success or achievement with a goal of continuing to grow and develop.

8. What advice do my ancestors want to give me about my family? 

ACE OF SWORDS

The advice my ancestors want to give me about my family is that I need to recognize opportunities for change, for new directions and alterations in ways of thinking and communicating. 

9. What is my ancestors’ overall perspective about my family? 

THE HIGH PRIESTESS

My ancestors’ overall perspective about my family is based in wisdom, intuition, and enlightenment. The ancestors take a “big picture” view as if “above” the rest of us, looking down and seeing things from a higher level.

10. How well am I aligned with my ancestors? Do I need to work harder to connect with them? 

KING OF PENTACLES

My alignment with my ancestors is solid, basic, and firmly established. This alignment is particularly noticeable in the physical, material realm of my life. Connecting with my ancestors further can help me develop the traits I need in order to continue to improve my state of being.

Six-Card Spread for Clarity

This spread is provided in The Sacred Sisterhood Tarot Guidebook by Ashawnee Dubarry (Red Wheel Books). I am using The Sacred Sisterhood Tarot (illustrated by Coni Curi) for the reading. You can see my review of this deck _HERE_. 

I found this reading with this deck to be very insightful, helpful, and true for me.

The Sacred Sisterhood Tarot

Positional Definitions

(1) Feelings

(2) Needs

(3) Concerns

(4) The Present Moment

(5) The Obstacle

(6) The Future Outcome

My Cards and Interpretations

(1) Feelings: THE TOWER

Trying to be honest here, I am not sure I understand how The Tower represents my feelings. However, I realize that lately (more than usual), I am keenly aware that everything can turn upside down suddenly, without apparent warning. That is the nature of life itself, and as I grow older, I am somewhat fearful of the types of unexpected changes that could occur. I would like to be prepared for “anything” to happen, but I don’t feel prepared. I am ever so slightly on edge at all times, subconsciously if not consciously. 

(2) Needs: SIX OF PENTACLES

I need to feel that I am secure and stable, and can afford to be generous to those I view as less secure/stable. As one might expect with the suit of Pentacles, I experience this primarily as an “Earth” issue – finances, health, possessions, security. Interestingly, this is a card I often associate with my husband, as it appeared long ago in connection to him. I think it is very true that I need what he offers and provides on many levels, particularly at an “Earth” level (physical, material realm), as indicated by the suit of Pentacles.

(3) Concerns: THE STAR

The positive traits represented by The Star include faith, hope, peace, inspiration, and renewal. I think perhaps my concern is that (as seen in The Tower), the things in which I have faith and hope can be upturned and changed at any time. It’s as if having something just makes me realize that it can be lost, and that is concerning.

(4) The Present Moment: KING OF SWORDS

Interestingly, I often see this card as representing my husband, a Gemini with his Moon in Libra (both Air signs, and Swords being the suit of Air in the system I use). It is certainly true that I rely on my husband’s intelligence and judgment in many, many ways. Any sudden change in his role in my life would be a “Tower” situation for sure. 

(5) The Obstacle: TEN OF SWORDS

I tend to interpret this as something I “can’t get past” for some reason. In other words, I am stuck irrationally clinging (mentally) to a difficult, painful cycle in my life, and this affects my ability to feel safe and secure. I need to figure out how to let go and move on.

(6) The Future Outcome: TEN OF CUPS

When I use a “future outcome” position in a reading, I bear in mind that the Tarot cannot predict the future with any certainty. There are simply too many variables that influence the future. What I do see here is that there is a strong possibility that I am likely to experience a positive, emotionally fulfilling outcome, due in part, perhaps, to family support and connections with those who matter to me. There is a sense of innocent trust in this card, perhaps indicating that the “concerns” represented by The Star will be overcome. My fears about a “Tower” experience may or may not be well founded. What matters is that ultimately, going forward, the helpful, positive energy is strong.

A Poetic Reading for All Hallows Eve 2021

 A few years ago, I shared “A Poetic Reading for All Hallows Eve” based on some rhyming lines that I wrote. I thought it would be fun to do this reading for 2021 using The Forgotten Tarot by Siri Soderblom.

Here are the rhyming lines (positional definitions):

Something that stands on the threshhold

Something that waits within

Something I need to banish

Something I need to let in

Something I need not fear

Something I need to begin

The layout looks like this:

……1…….

2………..3

4………..5

…….6

(1) Something that stands on the threshhold: THREE OF CUPS

I love seeing this card here, as it typically signifies camaraderie, celebration, and joy shared. The photo reminds me of myself and my two closest friends from elementary school on through high school. We are still in touch, interacting on Facebook. I feel this card may also be alerting me to avoid a falling out or miscommunication between close friends and myself.

(2) Something that waits within: KNIGHT OF CUPS

With Cups being the suit of emotions and intuition, it makes sense that a Cups card would be “something that waits within.” This could refer to the most desirable qualities of this Knight, such as intuitiveness, imagination, charisma, and kindness, or it could be a caution that perhaps some of his less-appealing qualities “wait within,” such as immaturity, moodiness, jealousy, or a disconnection from reality.

(3) Something I need to banish: QUEEN OF SWORDS

I love that the suit of “Swords” (Air) in this deck is represented by a fountain pen (“the pen is mightier than the sword”). This Queen will not take kindly to the idea that she should be “banished” – but it is really her most unhelpful or negative qualities that need to be discarded, such as a tendency to be cutting or cruel, to suppress or bottle emotions, and being too wrapped up in other people’s emotions. There is a feeling of deep sorrow associated with this Queen, and I may need to explore how that applies to me. (I don’t know about you, but this image reminds me a bit of “Miss Gulch” in The Wizard of Oz…)

(4) Something I need to let in: PAGE OF SWORDS

In contrast with the Queen of Swords, the Page reaches for the sky, awash in new thoughts and ideas. He is optimistic and exhilerated, ready to expect the best of everyone and everything. This fresh, new way of looking at things or approaching things is something I need to “let in.”

(5) Something I need not fear: THE WORLD

“I need not fear The World.” That’s one heck of a sentence, with some pretty profound implications. In any case, The World represents a major turning point in life, the end of one phase or stage and the beginning of a new phase or stage. The World can also represent a sense that “all things are possible” or the end of a period of difficulty.

(6) Something I need to begin: THE MOON

As a Major Arcana card (like The World), The Moon indicates something significant or far-reaching in my life that I need to begin. To me, The Moon suggests that I need to begin to see things more clearly than I have before, to illuminate deep areas of myself so that I can perhaps see something in a new way. The Moon is always one of my favorite cards in any deck, so I tend to get a positive vibe from the card, even though it can represent illusions, ignorance, or fear of the unknown. 

The Seven Day Show: A Reading

Today's reading uses the Cirque du Tarot by Leeze Robertson, Illustrated by Josh Tufts, and published by Llewellyn. The spread  -- called "The Seven Day Show" -- is from the guidebook that comes with that deck.

Intended to reveal the upcoming week "at a glance," this spread uses one card for each day of the week. Leeze Robertson points on that it is helpful to look for cards that present challenges first (so you can plan for them), then cards that show big bursts of energy (with the potential to interrupt our day). Finally, the mundane cards are likely to indicate the most productive days.

Let's see what's in store for me!

(1) Monday: KNIGHT OF WANDS

The Knight of Wands brings lots of energy to my Monday, energy that I will need to use wisely and well. I may feel overwhelmed at some point, and I may need to get out and get away for a few minutes to regroup.

(2) Tuesday: THE DEVIL

Tuesday, I may find myself dealing with the idea of power – as in where does my power lie? Am I giving my power to someone or something else? Who is pulling the strings?

(3) Wednesday: SIX OF SWORDS

The opportunity for a journey or forward movement of some kind is indicated for Wednesday. A chance for growth is possible, but perhaps only if I can move out of my comfort zone.

(4) Thursday: NINE OF PENTACLES

Feelings of contentment and security are likely on Thursday as I become aware of how my hard work is finally paying dividends. Perhaps I will receive a welcome boost to my self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.

(5) Friday: THREE OF PENTACLES

Teamwork is highlighted on Friday, and I have an opportunity to reach out to others to manifest a dream. Or perhaps someone will be reaching out to me to join forces.

(6) Saturday: STRENGTH

Mutual trust and respect create conditions in which I can support someone else or be lifted up by someone. The absence of power struggles is an important key to achieving balance and success. 

(7) Sunday: ACE OF SWORDS

Although it’s the end of the week, the Ace of Swords indicates new ideas or flashes of inspiration that can point me in a new direction based on new thinking or a change in mindset. 

It will be interesting to see how the week unfolds!

"Letting Go" Spread from Tarot by the Moon

As promised in _my review_, I am doing a few readings using spreads provided by Victoria Constantino in her book Tarot by the Moon (Llewellyn). 

Since this is July, I am choosing one of the spreads in Chapter 7 – July: The Buck Moon. Constantino writes: “In the month of July, we can witness new antlers sprouting from the heads of bucks running wild through the forest, lending this month’s moon its name, The Buck Moon. July’s moon is also referred to as the Thunder Moon, the Hay Moon or the Wort Moon.”

I have chosen the “Letting Go” spread, a 9-card spread with the following positional defintions:

(1) Where do I need to loosen my grip?

(2) What do I need to let go of?

(3) How can I let go?

(4) How will letting go benefit me?

(5) Where do I need to surrender?

(6) Where do I need to shift my beliefs?

(7) How will this impact me?

(8) How can I better trust the universe?

(9) How should I move forward?

Here is a picture of the layout:

For this reading, Spirit has led me to use Tarot of the Mystic Spiral by Giovanni Pelosini, with Artwork by Giuseppe Palumbo (Lo Scarabeo)

(1) Where do I need to loosen my grip? 

THE CHARIOT (Key 7)

What a fascinating card to see here! If anything, The Chariot seems to encourage us to “tighten our grip” or our control, rather than loosening it. We see the charioteer on the card battling creatures that point their twisted horns in opposite directions. Is it possible that I am “trying too hard” to exert or maintain control of my direction in life, when I actually need to loosen my grip?

(2) What do I need to let go of? 

THE HIEROPHANT (Key 5)

The Hierophant is structure, tradition, and organization. Saying that I need to “let go of” this type of energy is quite compatible with The Chariot in Position (1). In both cases, a structure or level of control is being questioned as to its effectiveness in my life at this time. 

(3) How can I let go? 

TWO OF WANDS

I can “let go” by allowing my creative nature, my passions, and my impulses to intertwine and unite like the trees on this card. This can free me from the restrictions, desire to control, or “rules” represented by The Chariot and The Hierophant.

(4) How will letting go benefit me? 

SIX OF PENTACLES

By letting go, I open myself to receiving wealth and freedom in the physical, material world (Pentacles). 

(5) Where do I need to surrender? 

THE MOON (Key 18)

The Moon suggests to me that I need to surrender emotionally or subconsciously, deep within my Self, through dreams or meditation, perhaps also to surrender to my intuition.

(6) Where do I need to shift my beliefs? 

ACE OF WANDS

Instead of two trees intertwining (as on the Two of Wands), the Ace gives us two snakes intertwining their tails in a knot of love. The creative energy in this card is powerful and signals the birth or beginning of something new about which I can be passionate.

(7) How will this impact me? KNAVE OF CHALICES

This will impact my emotional state primarily, particularly as it might apply to my artistic sensitivity. There may also be an impact at a subconscious level (Chalices = Water).

(8) How can I better trust the universe? 

KNIGHT OF CHALICES

I can better trust the universe by being emotionally accessible, by opening my heart to the universe as a power that is higher or greater than myself. 

(9) How should I move forward? 

NINE OF PENTACLES

I should move forward looking for abundance and expecting prosperity or success in the physical, material world. With each step, I can experience the benefits of wealth in real time, building a sense of security and accomplishment in my life.

Major Arcana cards came forward to answer the questions, “Where do I need to loosen my grip?”, “What do I need to let go of?” and “Where do I need to surrender?” This suggests to me that those three questions are of particular importance and deserve extra attention. 

It is interesting that there are no Air/Swords cards in this reading. The focus is on Fire, Earth, and Water (two of each) rather than my mind or intellectual activity.

Travelers Spread

In these days of “Covid confinement,” I am not doing any literal “travel” – but that doesn’t mean I can’t take a journey of the mind and spirit. The itinerary for this voyage is provided by the Sacred Sites Tarot (Massimiliano Filadoro, Federico Penco / Lo Scarabeo).

The positions are simply indications of the stages of the trip – i.e., card (1) is the first stop on the journey. To decide how many places I am visiting, I am drawing a random card from the deck. Ah, the THREE of Swords. It seems there will be three stops on this trip. Let’s see where we go…

(1) The KNIGHT OF SWORDS takes me to Mount Tabor in Galilee, Israel.

“Although it is not named in the New Testament, Mount Tabor is the traditional site of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The first churches on the mountain were built in the 4th century AD. At the summit of the mountain there are a Franciscan church and hospice and a Greek Orthodox church. From atop the summit, there is a panoramic view of Upper Galilee. Ruins of crusader fortifications are numerous.” (https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Tabor)

I have never traveled to the Holy Land and don’t have a particular desire to do so. But I think perhaps I would find a visit to Mount Tabor to offer a powerful sense of history.

 

(2) Next stop: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, courtesy of THE HANGED MAN, who invites me to visit Christ the Redeemer, a statue that stands about 38 meters (over 124 feet) tall according to the LWB for the Sacred Sites Tarot. Another source places the height of the statue at 98 feet/30 meters but in any case, it is one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Obviously this statue has tremendous religious significance. 

One of the things I always think about is that some people say this was the inspiration for Paul McCartney’s song “The Fool on the Hill.” There are several other interpretations of the song, but I didn’t know about the statue until I read that explanation, so I tend to associate the two.

 

(3) Last stop: Speaking of fools, THE FOOL escorts me to my third and final stop on this trip: Mount Graham in Arizona, USA.

For generations this mountain has been a fundamental sacred site for the indigenous San Carlos Apache tribe. For astronomers from the University of Arizona, the mountain was a prime location for their new observatory. In 1990 the Apache Survival Coalition was formed to save the sacred mountain; however, in spite of their efforts, a telescope was erected and dedicated there in 1994. Some San Carlos Apache still place their trust in medicine men, who journey to Mt. Graham to look for healing herbs—special plants and plant parts that can only be found there—and to learn healing techniques from the mountain spirits. (Source: https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/san-carlos-apache)

Although I am not Native American, I still feel drawn to the culture and spiritual practices of many tribes. I enjoy reading the legends and visiting places that are associated with Native beliefs and folk lore. I lived for many years near Cherokee land in North Carolina.

 

This has been a fascinating trip! Stay tuned for more adventures with The Sacred Sites Tarot.

Using "Sentence Structure" with Lenormand

Today I’m doing an exercise I have seen in several places using one of my Lenormand decks. As an English major and writer, naturally I love working with parts of speech (nouns, adjectives, adverbs, etc.) so this just sounds like fun to me.

INSTRUCTIONS
(1) Ask a question. Shuffle your deck and pull out 4 cards.
(2) The Adjective for card 1
(3) Subject for card 2
(4) Verb for card 3
(5) Adverb for card 4
(6) Interpretation in regards to the Question

My deck for this exercise is the Gilded Reverie Lenormand by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) I’m asking the cards what factors, issues, or forces I need to be aware of next week (January 20-26).

Adjective: MOON (32)

spiritual, emotional, mysterious, subconscious, romantic, creative

Subject: CROSS (36)

grief, burden, guilt, suffering, possible redemption, religion

Verb: MICE (23)

whittle away, destroy, gnaw, cause anxiety, cause doubt, lie

Adverb: PARK (20) 

publically, socially, harmoniously, pleasantly

INTERPRETATION: Next week, I need to be aware of deep, subconscious feelings of grief or guilt that cause anxiety or doubt, possibly in a social or public setting that is supposed to be pleasant and harmonious.

I can imagine one or two scenarios that would fit this description perfectly, but I’m not aware that any of those are taking place next week. It will be interesting to see what this might mean.