Kipper Reading for the Week Ahead

For today’s post I am going to revisit a spread I used back in 2015. Commonly used with Lenormand decks, it’s called 3+1.

The far left card gives background, the center card reveals the current situation, and the far right card is the probable future/outcome. The 4th card drawn is the Clarification card.

Instead of a Lenormand deck, I am using the Fin de Siecle Kipper Fortune Telling Deck by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.)

My question: What area(s) do I need to be especially mindful of this coming week?

(1) BACKGROUND: Imprisonment / 29
Clearly, this card suggests feelings of being trapped, lonely, and isolated. Limitations, restrictions, and barriers can all be part of the scenario.

(2) CURRENT SITUATION: Concern / 33
Anxiety and fear, pessimism, or lost hope all come to mind when looking at this card. There is a sense of being stymied, unable to focus or determine what to do.

(3) OUTCOME: Change / 9
With Imprisonment and Concern as the other two cards, I can certainly see the need for Change! The message seems to be “Get out, and get out now.”

(4) CLARIFICATION: Occupation / 34
As the Clarification card, Occupation suggests to me that this may be the area of life referenced by the preceding three cards. I am self-employed, so if I am feeling trapped or filled with anxiety, needing a change, it’s probably my own fault – and only I can fix the problem.

This does give me food for thought. Certainly, at various times in my life, I have felt trapped or "imprisoned" in my occupation/job but it's been a long time since I felt that way. I honestly don’t think I am feeling worried about any of several “occupations” I currently work at. I have chosen to do them and I enjoy all of them. These cards tell me that it would be worth my time to consider how some aspect or aspects of these occupations could be limiting or worrying, and perhaps try to find out a way to change that.

Week at a Glance: Judgement

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

I seem to have missed my usual “Listen to the Animals” entry, so I decided to use an animal deck for Week at a Glance this week! My choice is The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung (Rainbow Crazy). To read my review of this deck, click HERE.

My card for the week is JUDGEMENT (XX).

The Animism Tarot by Joanna Cheung

Well, a cat is appropriate for any week, given that my home has four feline residents. Here we have a Siamese cat perched atop a pedestal, regarding us with clear, knowing blue eyes. In the background a brilliant sun blazes forth, forming a glowing halo around the cat’s upper body.

Unlike the “Judgement Day/Resurrection” images that appear on Rider-Waite style decks, this image has a much more solitary, inwardly directed vibe. The cat seems to gaze into the mind, heart, and soul of the person looking at the card – very much a one-on-one experience. And I get the sense that if I gaze back directly into this cat’s eyes, I will see my own mind, heart, and soul reflected.

This week I have an opportunity to explore my inner thoughts, virtues, and transgressions – not so that I can pass some sort of “final judgement” but so that I can assess the ways I might go about healing, releasing, or changing. The keywords provided by Joanna Cheung can serve as a guide: “protection, fortune, freedom, observance, wisdom, healing.”

Week at a Glance: Gentleman, Fox, Sun

I had so much fun last week with the 3-card Lenormand Mystery Spread from Donnaleigh de LaRose’s website, I decided to use it again this week. This time, I’m using the Mystical Lenormand deck by Regula Elizabeth Fiechter, with cards painted by Urban Trösch.

For this spread, two cards are drawn and placed side by side. After reading this pair of cards, I will turn over the third card, positioned above the pair, for information on what the pair of cards relates to more specifically.

Gentleman (28) . . . . . . . . . Fox (14)

Mystic Lenormand

The Gentleman probably represents my husband. The Fox could indicate that something is wrong or that I’m being deceived – or perhaps that the truth is hidden, or my assumptions are false. It is interesting that the Gentleman holds a weasel, a creature who, like the Fox, has a reputation for cunning and sneakiness.

The card that tells me what this pair relates to specifically: Sun (31)
This is a card of courage, success, optimism, and overcoming adversity.

Mystic Lenormand

My husband and I will be meeting with his doctor this week to discuss the type of medication that is most appropriate for him to take to prevent future strokes (he had a stroke last month).

I am inclined to think that the Gentleman-Fox combination refers to a hidden or “sneaky” medical condition that the doctor is trying to treat. So much goes on inside our bodies and brains that we cannot see. We often have no clear warning that something is amiss. I feel that the Sun card is telling me the likelihood of treating my husband’s “sneaky” condition successfully is high, and the doctor will offer some encouragement.

Week at a Glance: Meeting Place, Journey, Stars

For Week at a Glance this week I am using a 3-card Lenormand Mystery Spread featured on Donnaleigh de LaRose’s web site: http://www.divinewhispers.net/lenormandlessons.htm.

Two cards are drawn and placed side by side. After reading this pair of cards, I will turn over the third card, positioned above the pair, for information on what the pair of cards relates to more specifically. I am using the _Freshly Squeezed Lenormand_ deck by Jean Hamilton-Fford. I removed the cards labeled YES, NO, NOW, and LATER.

The Meeting Place, Card 20 (Park/Garden). . . . . . . Journey, Card 3 (Ship)
A gathering of people for business or pleasure involving travel or a journey, on my part or someone else’s part.

What is this about?

Stars, Card 16: This is about the spiritual realm, astrology, intuitive abilities, and self-understanding. The outcome of the gathering/journey is a positive, successful one at a high level.

Interestingly, I recently agreed to write a monthly horoscope column for the Magical Circle School newsletter. The deadline for the February installment is this week. This involves collaboration (gathering) of various people, and we are physically located in different areas of the country.

Week at a Glance: Ship, Anchor, Mountain, Stars

For my Week at a Glance this week, let’s see what we can find out using Tierney Sadler’s _Deck of Lenormand Houses_ with the French Cartomancy deck (Lo Scarabeo).

My two draws from Tierney’s deck will show me areas that may require my attention or focus this week, and the draws from the Cartomancy deck will provide additional information. I will also explore the interaction between the cards.

As suggested in Marcus Katz and Tali Goodwin’s Learning Lenormand (Llewellyn Publications), I decided in advance how I would interpret the relationship between the two cards. I am reading the second card drawn as impacting the first card drawn.

From the Deck of Lenormand Houses:

In this pair, ANCHOR impacts SHIP. I see the Anchor exerting a stabilizing influence on the Ship, which signifies travel and movement. In a very literal sense, an Anchor holds a Ship back, keeps it in place, prevents it from moving forward. This can be seen as a handicap, yet also can be seen as providing needed security and safety.

Now let’s add two cards from the French Cartomancy deck:

THE STARS impact MOUNTAIN. In brief, optimism, clarity, and focus on the destination exert influence on obstacles to progress or thwarted ambitions.

Using Learning Lenormand, I explore the relationship between each Cartomancy card and the House in which it is placed.

The House of the Ship (Adventure) “is about your purpose and the processes you will go through to fulfill your true destiny.” To me MOUNTAIN in the House of the Ship suggests an obstacle to a departure or travel, an adventure curtailed, limited, or blocked in a discouraging way. I may need to “climb a mountain” in order to get where I want to go.

The House of the Anchor (Standstill) “is where the reading may be held firm or fastened, depending on the questions and the interpretation’s context.” To me THE STARS in the House of the Anchor suggests dreams, hopes, and desires being tethered, stabilized, or held back. It’s as if the Stars are held in place or “fastened” where they are. But isn’t it interesting that there is a ship at the bottom of The Stars card?

I find it fascinating that the relationships between these cards reinforce the same message, i.e., limitations or obstacles impacting travel, adventure, and the fulfillment of dreams -- and vice versa. I see both the Anchor and Mountain as representing steady, strong, secure energy as well as the concept of obstacle or limitation. Interestingly, if I can climb to the top of the Mountain, I will (in a sense) be closer to The Stars than before.

Week at a Glance: Garden, Snake, Bouquet

Last week’s Lenormand pair – Choices (22) + Rings (25) – did not seem to relate to any actual event in my life, at least not that week. As an author, I do have book contracts with publishers, and I am married, so there is that “contract.” But I was not aware of any decisions or choices that needed to be made.

This week I am continuing my exploration of Lenormand style decks using Shaheen Mirro’s Tattered Nomad Oracle. (My spellcheck program insists that his name should be "Shaken Mirror"…)

I am drawing a line of three cards this time.

THE GARDEN (20). . . THE SNAKE (7). . . THE BOUQUET (9)
Okay, my very first reaction to the first two cards has to be the story of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve, and the Snake (serpent)! Then we add The Bouquet, which goes very nicely with The Garden. Yet there is that Snake in the middle. I get a sense of a lovely setting filled with flowers in which something false or deceptive hides, waiting for a chance to cause trouble. Instead of a “snake in the grass,” it’s a “snake in the garden.”

Let’s see what Shaheen says about each of these cards:

• The Garden (20) – gatherings, celebration, meetings, social events, public property, creation
• The Snake (7) – deception, attach, difficulties, envy, wisdom, bad omen
• The Bouquet (9) – gifts, offerings, affection, encouragement, happiness aesthetic

Well, here we are in the holiday season, with Christmas just ten days away, certainly a time of gatherings, celebration, gifts, etc. A lot of that going on all around me. But there’s that Snake. What is he up to, exactly?

In The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle, Sylvia Steinbach offers similar interpretations of my three cards:

• The Garden (20) – the general public, groups and crowds, parties, meetings, social activities
• The Snake (7) – difficulties, disappointments, jealousy, manipulations and tricks brought on by familiar people
• The Bouquet (9) – beauty, grace, joy, gift, strong positive vibrations

Sylvie also provides possible interpretations for card combinations:

• Garden + Snake = trouble makers, disturbances, gang
• Snake + Bouquet = positive turnaround, repairs, corrections
• Garden + Bouquet = happiness, contentment, bliss

I like the overall “vibe” of these cards because they give me the sense that even though trouble may lurk, it is not likely to overthrow the happiness and beauty of the week, and that any damage is probably going to be repaired.

Week at a Glance: Choices + Rings

This week I am continuing my exploration of Lenormand style decks by using a pair of cards from the Freshly Squeezed Lenormand by Jean Hamilton-Fford.

CHOICES (22) + RINGS (25)

Traditionally, card 22 is called Paths or Roads. Jean Hamilton-Fford calls it Choices because the main theme of the card is about needing to make a choice about which way to go. Of course we all make many choices every day, and perhaps this card is simply alerting me to pay attention to choices that come up this week, as they may be more important than I realize at first.

The Ring is about partnerships, including marriage. Hamilton-Fford added red and white roses to this card – the red for desire, the white for knowledge.

CHOICES plus RINGS could mean that I am likely to face a decision concerning a partnership or agreement this week.

From The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle by Sylvie Steinbach:
The Crossroad (22) = choices, decisions, serious evaluation, exercising free will
The Ring (25) = contracts, agreements, committed relationship, satisfying solution (full circle)
The Crossroad + Ring = commitment, settling down, agreement, reunion

I would love to hear your thoughts on how these two cards might be interpreted as a pair.

Week at a Glance: Sun + Ring

After a busy weekend, I am finally able to draw cards for Week at a Glance! This week I am continuing my exploration of Lenormand style decks by using a pair of cards from my French Cartomancy deck with instructions by Laura Twan (Lo Scarabeo).

French Cartomancy (Lo Scarabeo)

SUN (31) + RING (25)
Twan:

Sun = Use your talents and trust yourself
Ring = Before accepting a concrete offer, demand clarity from yourself and others.

The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle by Sylvie Steinbach:

Sun = success, happiness, victory, fame, ego
Ring = contracts, agreements, committed relationship, satisfying solution (full circle)
Sun + Ring = happy marriage, powerful partnership, successful contract

All of this sounds very nice! I am celebrating Thanksgiving this week with family, including my mother, brother, sister, nieces and nephews and their children. As the descendants of my parents’ committed relationship, we form a powerful family circle that continues a legacy passed down through generations.

Week at a Glance: Owls & Lilies

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week. I also use this opportunity to become more familiar with decks I don't work with a lot, so you will often see me quoting the creator of the deck or someone who has a closer relationship with the deck than I do at this time.

This week I am continuing my exploration of Lenormand style decks by using a pair of cards from the Mystical Lenormand by Regula Elizabeth Fiechter, with pictures by Urban Trösch (AGMüller).

OWLS (12) + LILIES (30)
Feichter:

Owls = nervousness, mad rush, sorrows, telephone calls, two elderly women
Lilies = family, family life, harmony, support, sexuality

The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle by Sylvie Steinbach:

Birds (12) + Lily (30) = seniors, experienced consultant, serious discussions
Birds (12) -- winter, December or Sagittarius/Capricorn cycle, Mercury (communication)
Lily (30) -- winter, Capricorn, Saturn (wisdom), weeks or years in development

In view of the fact that the Mystical Lenormand uses the more specific "Owls" instead of the general "Birds," I looked into the symbolism of owls using the Dictionary of Symbols by Jack Tresidder (Chronicle Books). These days, we tend to think of owls as representing wisdom, but many ancient cultures viewed the owl as sinister, even ferocious, linking it with death and occult powers. It was the bird of death in numerous ancient cultures, but also seen as a guardian of the night or guide to the afterlife. The "wise owl" image comes from the Greeks, who made owls sacred to their goddess of wisdom and learning, Athene Pronoia.

As a side note, Tresidder refers to the Lily as "one of the most ambiguous of all flower symbols," simultaneously representing purity or innocence and erotic love. The white lily can sometimes symbolize death as well as purity. The Mystical Lenormand Lilies card depicts purple flowers. Purple is the traditional color of royalty and dignity. Because the person and the setting on this version of the card are clearly Japanese, I did an internet search for "Japanese purple lilies." I learned a little about Hanakotoba, the Japanese language of flowers, but nothing about purple lilies specifically.

This is all very interesting when you consider that I pulled the Lilies and Birds for my Nov. 3 Week at a Glance. I think it very likely that the Lily (Lilies) card refers to my elderly mother and her care, which at this stage is pretty much ongoing. She is independent to a degree, but often needs assistance, usually for health reasons, as she did this past week and into the weekend and beyond.

It seems clear to me that the Lenormand cards may or may not limit themselves to the week ahead. Although I think it is very possible that something relevant to the weekly cards is going to take place this week, I also get a sense of messages that relate to situations down the road. The emphasis seems to be on my mother and clear communication with her, my siblings, her doctors, and so forth.

Follow up on _Nov. 10 reading_

Based on last week's draw -- the Scythe and the Lady from Ciro Marchetti's Gilded Reverie Lenormand (U.S. Games) -- I was on alert for the possibility that I would need to "make a decision this week, a decision that could lead to 'cutting something away' or 'cutting through something'" or possibly (as suggested by Ellen) "decision making with a female soft touch to prevent hurt and soothe the disappointment." I don't recall any specific incidents or situations this past week that seem to relate to these cards.

Week at a Glance: Scythe and Lady

Follow up on Nov. 3 reading

Click _HERE_ to read last week's post if you wish.

My cards for the week of Nov. 3 from the Gilded Reverie Lenormand by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games) were LILIES (30) and BIRCH/BROOM (11). I also drew a clarification card: BIRDS (12). From my own interpretation combined with the comments on the blog entry, I watched for an argument [Birch/Broom] or misunderstanding [Birds] with someone I consider to be wise or perhaps an older person [Lilies].

The only incident that I see as possibly related is a very minor disagreement I had with my elderly mother about whether she should be trying to push a large couch across the garage floor by herself. (She wanted to sweep the floor -- hahaha -- BROOM, get it?) I live three minutes from her house and would have been happy to come and help her (something I have told her many, many times). So this type of conversation has occurred before, with me scolding Mom and her arguing that she doesn't want to "bother" me. Interesting.

Reading for Nov. 10

Now, let's see what the Gilded Reverie Lenormand says about the coming week.

Gilded Reverie Lenormand

We have SCYTHE (10) and LADY (29).

Like the suit of Swords in the Tarot, the SCYTHE cuts "both ways." It can be used as a tool or a weapon. Ciro Marchetti notes that it can represent "a call to action."  The LADY could represent me or a woman I am going to encounter or interact with. In her book The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle, Sylvie Steinbach writes that "Scythe + woman = decisive person, surgeon, leader."

It is interesting that based on the placement of these two cards, the Lady is gazing at the Scythe with a contemplative expression on her face, as if considering what she might do with that particular tool/weapon. I think perhaps I am going to be faced with the need to make a decision this week, a decision that could lead to "cutting something away" or "cutting through something." How will I choose to wield the Scythe?

Week At a Glance: Lilies and Birch/Broom

First, allow me to follow up on my Oct 27 Week At a Glance reading.

Looks like I need more practice with the Lenormand (not surprising, as I've only just recently started trying to read with it). I say I need more practice because not much that happened this past week seems to relate to the cards I drew on the 27th (at least not to my knowledge).

I'll go through and make a few comments. If you want to read everything I wrote about these cards, the original post is _HERE_.

1. Someone I will meet, what comes out of that meeting.
Book (26) + Rider (1)
My interpretation: I am tempted to take the Book card literally, as I expect my first self-published book to be printed this week -- or at least to come very close. However, this could refer to any of my previously published books and someone I might meet related to one of them. I hope the "unexpected situation" is pleasant rather than unpleasant.

Although I didn't actually *meet* anyone new or have a *meeting* per se, I did receive unexpected, unpleasant news concerning my self-published book. Fortunately, the problem was relatively minor and the illustrator and I figured out a way around it. But it was disappointing nevertheless, and time was lost.

6. Something that will help me.
Bear (15) + Anchor (35)
My interpretation: Being in a financially stable, secure position will help me.

This is pretty much true every week of my life but this past week I did something really stupid to the car that required expensive repairs, and being financially stable and secure certainly made that experience "bearable." (Get it? LOL)

9. Something nice.
Fox (14) + Child (13)
My interpretation: Since this is supposed to refer to "something nice," perhaps my suspicions about someone being "tricky" or "deceptive" will turn out to be wrong, and I'm being encouraged to believe the best and stop looking at things with a jaundiced eye. I also have plans to go to a restaurant called "The Fox" with my sister this week, where we will sing karaoke and presumably have a nice time.

I think this definitely referred to singing karaoke with my sister at The Fox. The Child card is perfect, since our connection naturally goes back to childhood (she is 7 years younger than I, so I remember her clearly as a very young child). Singing together also brought out the "inner child" in both of us, and we had a very nice time. I was also introduced to a song that is apparently an internet sensation, though I had never heard of it: _What Does the Fox Say?_

After giving the other cards and their interpretations a lot of thought, I don't see a connection to the events of the past week for me. Perhaps I am just not seeing something that is there, or perhaps more practice with the Lenormand will sharpen my interpretation skills so that I can deduce what the cards actually refer to.

So.... not to be defeated, I am going to do a smaller Week at a Glance reading with the Gilded Lenormand (Ciro Marchetti / U.S. Games Systems Inc.), using just two cards. I am asking the deck to show me what sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I need to be aware of during the upcoming week. Here we go!

My cards are LILIES (30) and BIRCH/BROOM (11)

From a personal perspective, I associate lilies with death and rebirth or resurrection. I can relate to the interpretations I have seen elsewhere that include peace, contentment, satisfaction, purity, and nurturing. This card can also be seen to represent a "father figure" or even an older woman or "mother figure." The Lily can represent sexuality. Astrological references are Saturn (wisdom) and the sign Capricorn.

Personally, when I see Birch/Broom (traditionally known as The Whip), I think of sweeping or cleaning (with a broom), tidying things up, and/or punishment or an attack (the birch whip). Traditionally, this card tends to represent conflict, strife, arguments, violence, exercise, or sports. Apparently it is also seen to represent sexual power and possible misuse of that energy. Astrological references are Mars (sex) and Pluto (deviance) and the sign Scorpio.

These two cards seem to me to represent opposing energies: peace vs. conflict, nurturing vs. abuse, calm vs. agitated, and so forth. In her book The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle, Sylvie Steinbach describes this card combination as "passive aggressive, stubborn pain, yoga, tai chi."

I think I can rule out yoga and tai chi here, as I have no interest in either one. It seems that both cards are associated with sexuality, but I honestly don't see that as a primary focus for me. Perhaps this pairing simply alerts me that there are likely to be ups and downs this coming week, "a time for war and a time for peace" and all that. Perhaps I will need to be a "lily" that diffuses a "birch/broom" moment, or maybe I will need to wield the whip myself to address an undesirable situation?

Week at a Glance Lenormand Style

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of October 27, 2013 I am doing something a little different, using the Gilded Reverie Lenormand by Ciro Marchetti (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.) The spread (available in the Little White Book that comes with the deck) is called The Fortune-Telling Day Spread by Tali Goodwin. Of course, in this case, it becomes The Fortune-Telling Week Spread.

The first step (after shuffling) is to lay out the top nine cards in a row facedown from left to right. Next, we lay out the next nine cards one at a time on top of each of the laid out cards, making nine piles of two cards. Starting from the left, I will read each pair together as a divination for the following aspects:

1. Someone I will meet, what comes out of that meeting.
2. Someone I care about, what they will do.
3. Someone who annoys me, what they will do.
4. Something that will happen to console me.
5. Something that awaits me.
6. Something that will help me.
7. Something that will happen, which is a surprise to me.
8. Something that I desire, whether it will happen or not.
9. Something nice.

Let's see what I get!

 
1. Someone I will meet, what comes out of that meeting.
Book (26) + Rider (1)
My first impression: news about a book or learning something new about news I have already received
Sylvie Steinbach*: "revelations, additional facts, new unexpected situations"
My interpretation: I am tempted to take the Book card literally, as I expect my first self-published book to be printed this week -- or at least to come very close. However, this could refer to any of my previously published books and someone I might meet related to one of them. I hope the "unexpected situation" is pleasant rather than unpleasant.

2. Someone I care about, what they will do.
Choice (22) + Flower (9)
My first impression: choosing which direction to take (which door to open), wishes for well being and happiness
Sylvie Steinbach: "multiple hobbies and interests, large network"
My interpretation: Someone I care about -- perhaps someone I know through my hobbies and interests -- is trying to make a decision or choice. I can offer my support and encouragement.

3. Someone who annoys me, what they will do.
Scythe (10) + Letter (27)
My first impression: cutting to the essence of a communication with precision, slicing a document open to reveal the core
Sylvie Steinbach: "request, notice of action, divorce papers"
My interpretation: Someone who annoys me may make a request or give me notice of something that cuts to the core to reveal the truth.

4. Something that will happen to console me.
Key (33) + Moon (32)
My first impression: finding an answer (the key) to something that has eluded or confused me
Sylvie Steinbach: "prophecies, predictions, psychic messages, apparitions"
My interpretation: Consolation may come through dreams, reflection, or intuition that leads me to an important discovery.

5. Something that awaits me.
Clover (2) + Dog (18)
My first impression: happiness and beauty related to a close friend or pet
Sylvie Steinbach: "good friendships, helpful people, positive influences"
My interpretation: Opportunities to experience happiness and pleasure with close friends or pets await me.

6. Something that will help me.
Bear (15) + Anchor (35)
My first impression: powerful protection, security, stability
Sylvie Steinbach: "financial stability, long-term financial goals, planning"
My interpretation: Being in a financially stable, secure position will help me.

7. Something that will happen, which is a surprise to me.
Man (28) + Tree (5)
My first impression: my partner or other important male figure in my life, putting down roots, growing, healing
Sylvie Steinbach: "religious or spiritual, health conscious individual"
My interpretation: Something surprising may happen related to a male friend or relative who is digging deep into his inner Self as well as reaching upward in search of spiritual freedom.

8. Something that I desire, whether it will happen or not.
Clouds (6) + Lilies (30)
My first impression: an unhappy, "stormy" time followed by healing and renewal
Sylvie Steinbach: "senior dependants, mental confusion, meditation"
My interpretation: An encouraging message concerning a desire to emerge from uncertainty or confusion (or to help someone else do so). Healing and renewal are possible.

9. Something nice.
Fox (14) + Child (13)
My first impression: trickery and innocence, a manipulative child
Sylvie Steinbach: "childcare provider, school employee, nanny"
My interpretation: Since this is supposed to refer to "something nice," perhaps my suspicions about someone being "tricky" or "deceptive will turn out to be wrong, and I'm being encouraged to believe the best and stop looking at things with a jaundiced eye. I also have plans to go to a restaurant called "The Fox" with my sister this week, where we will sing karaoke and presumably have a nice time.

* from The Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle by Sylvie Steinbach

Week at a Glance: 10 of Cups

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of October 20, 2013 I am using the Hanson-Roberts Tarot illustrated by Mary Hanson-Roberts (U.S. Games Systems, Inc.). My card is the TEN OF CUPS.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot

This is such a sweet deck. I really should use it more often. On the 10 of Cups, two precious children cavort as their (presumably happy) parents gaze at a castle over which spreads a rainbow of ten golden chalices.

Although it is tempting to assume this card augurs a "happy family" scenario for the week, I know from experience that it can simply point to the importance of family relationships and perhaps the need to think about where we have been as a family and where we would like to go from this point forward.

The number TEN (which reduces to ONE in numerology) often represents a turning point or entrance into a new stage or phase of things. In this case, I could be looking at a new stage or phase related to a relationship within my family.

I also see this card as representing the importance of focusing on and appreciating achievement and success to date, especially within the family.

Week at a Glance: Queen of Swords

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of October 13, 2013 I am using the Elemental Tarot with artwork by Marco Turini (Lo Scarabeo). My card is the QUEEN OF SWORDS.

Elemental Tarot

First of all, I absolutely love this card, which shows a woman in a confident stance, one arm upraised and the other on her hip. Several open books are in the air around her, pages fluttering, and a large sword is placed point down in front of her. My first impression was that she is commanding the books to rise up and fly around. Awesome.

Her pose reminds me of the term "multi-tasking" or the expression "keeping a lot of balls (or books!) in the air." I may need this Queen's energy to keep up with everything coming at me this week, including a visit from my husband's relatives and various ongoing obligations.

From an element standpoint, this lady balances Water (Queens) and Air (Swords). Book T tells us the Queen of Swords rules from 20 degrees Virgo (Earth) to 20 degrees Libra (Air) -- so perhaps there is a tri-element influence going on here. I can certainly see Virgo (ruled by Mercury, planet of the mind and communication) in this card as well as Libra (ruled by Venus, planet of affection and beauty).

Focusing on Swords -- communication, understanding, truth (LWB) -- I feel that this week I will benefit from keen observation and sharp perceptions stemming from underlying knowledge.

Taking a quick peek at Kate Warwick-Smith's book The Tarot Court Cards (Destiny Books), I see the importance of being an Exactor (modeling clear communication skills, setting boundaries) and using Discrimination (weeding things out, retaining mental clarity) while I avoid dispensing criticism or judgment (of self or others) without compassion.

Week at a Glance: The Fool

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of October 6, 2013 I am using Tarot of the Masters by James Ricklef. My card is THE FOOL.

In my experience, The Fool can advise us to take a chance or "leap of faith" OR to exercise caution, to "look before you leap." For this card, James has chosen a painting called "Le Trapeziste Et La Clown" by Charles Giron. The Clown, presumably with both feet on the ground, appears to be mocking the trapeze artist, who is getting ready to let go of one trapeze in order to fly through the air to another trapeze. Although this activity seems dangerous to me, I know that the trapeze artist is trained. He has practiced his craft and, risky as it may be, he is not unprepared.

I am thinking that a situation or opportunity may arise this week that requires me to decide whether to jump in with both feet or take a more careful approach. Because this is a Major Arcana card, this situation/decision could be significant in my life or have long-range implications, perhaps at a high spiritual level.

Will I be the Clown or the Trapeze Artist?

Week at a Glance: The Star, Rx

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of September 29, 2013 I am using The Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot by Karen Mahony (Magic Realist Press). My card is THE STAR, reversed -- the same card I drew on _September 8_ from Tarot of the Origins.

The Baroque Bohemian Cats' Tarot

On this card, we see a garden at twilight. All is quiet and peaceful. A white cat pours water from two vessels. One streams into a pool, the other onto the ground. As Karen Mahony puts it, this can represent bringing hope or optimism where there was none before ("watering the dry land") and/or "adding to a general pool of love and charity." The cat is white, suggesting light, purity, healing, and spiritual strength.

With the card being drawn reversed, I get a sense of being reluctant or unable to do either of those things -- possibly because of fear, anxiety, or insecurity. I see this card encouraging me NOT to lose hope, not to give in to uncertainty. Whatever has happened or will happen, I need to rise above any tendency to under-value what I can be or what I can do.

Week at a Glance: King of Cups

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of September 22, 2013 I am using _The Animism Tarot_ by Joanna Cheung (Rainbow of Crazy). My card is the KING OF CUPS.

The Animism Tarot

A humpback whale plays the role of King of Cups in this beautiful deck (watch this blog for my upcoming review). In addition to being a huge, powerful creature (48 to 62.5 ft long, weighing 40 tons), the humpback whale is known for its complex "songs," which are believed to be a method of communication.

It appears that the personal qualities I might need to be aware of this week include gentleness, patience, serenity, and harmonious communication. I must remember to play one of my whale song CDs while I'm in my office this week!

Week at a Glance: Ace of Cups

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week.

For the week of September 15, 2013 I am using The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery by Robert M. Place (Hermes Publications). My card is the ACE OF CUPS.

The Tarot of the Sevenfold Mystery

On this version of the Ace of Cups, I am drawn first to the central window at the top of the castle, and secondly to the waves of water below. This week, I will be working with a creative team to bring a chapter book I wrote further towards publication. There is a castle in that book and, specifically, an upper level window that figures prominently in the story. It is interesting that there is a bird on the card, as a bird also plays an important role.

The waves speak to me of deep emotions and the subconscious -- sources for many a good story, I think. As I enter this new phase of development (Ace) with my book, I will want to listen to my subconscious and follow my intuition. The water in this image is not flat or calm, so I think there may be emotional turbulence or uneasiness involved in some way.

Those are my first impressions. It is possible that the card refers to some new opportunity or path I may encounter in the area of emotions and relationships. My reaction to the window at the top-center of the castle may represent a new lens or filter through which I experience that area of life.

Week at a Glance: The Star RX

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week. I also use this opportunity to become more familiar with decks I don't work with a lot, so you will often see me quoting the creator of the deck or someone who has a closer relationship with the deck than I do at this time.

For the week of September 8, 2013 I am using Tarot of the Origins by Sergio Toppi (Lo Scarabeo). My card is THE STAR (Key 17), reversed.

Tarot of the Origins

This is the second week in a row I am getting a super-positive Major Arcana card -- reversed. (Last week it was The Sun, reversed.)

The LWB that comes with Tarot of the Origins does not interpret reversals. Manfredi Toraldo offers this interpretation of the upright Star: "The primordial spark rediscovered. Represents a Wish, the Dream, a Direction."

The dominant color in this card is blue, which I view as representing spirituality, the unconscious, tranquility, truth, and thoughtfulness. In numerology, the number 17 reduces to 6, which I view as representing adjustment in thoughts or attitudes, peace, harmony, and balance.

In the upright version of this card, two large hands coming from above break open a rock, sending a shower of sparks downward, where they seem to burst into a large star. When we turn the card upside down, the hands rise up from the bottom of the card, and when the rock breaks, the sparks fly upwards, bursting into a star high above.

To me, this suggests a "wish, dream, direction" being released into the heavens, becoming a starburst in the night sky. (Wish I may, wish I might... have the wish I wish tonight.) Yet this is more than a mere "wish." With the upright card, it's as if a superior being is showering us with magic from above. Reversed, the hands could be my hands, working to break open the rock to release the magic, to create a shining star -- symbol of wishes come true. I find the reversed position of this card to be quite inspirational!

As I work on various creative projects this week, I will visualize my energy opening the treasures that lie within, sending them upward and outward into the stars.

Week at a Glance: The Sun Rx

The purpose of drawing a "Week at a Glance" card is to get a sense of the sort of energy, circumstances, or personal qualities I might need to be aware of during the upcoming week. I also use this opportunity to become more familiar with decks I don't work with a lot, so you will often see me quoting the creator of the deck or someone who has a closer relationship with the deck than I do at this time.

For the week of September 1, 2013 I am using Zolar's Astrological Tarot (U.S. Games Systems, Inc. under exclusive license from Zolar, Inc.)

My card is THE SUN (Key 19), reversed. Key phrases are printed on each card in this deck. For the reversed Sun, these are: "Broken engagement. Canceled contract. Loss of valuables."

Not exactly great news! Here's how I am going to interpret this: I need to be especially aware and alert this week to the possibility that something may not work out as I intended or hoped. The Sun is a Major Arcana card, so this could refer to a significant situation or relationship. The atmosphere surrounding me may contain contrary, difficult energies swirling about at one level or another -- clouds obscuring the face of the sun, if you will. I might be able to prevent or at least mentally prepare for the "break," "cancellation," or "loss" suggested by the card. In any case, I know that I can eventually overcome any challenges that arise this week.