New Year Tarot Spread

I created this Tarot spread to help you bring in the New Year. I hope it brings you clarity and anticipation for the approaching year.

A New Year Tarot Spread

2019

1. Your biggest accomplishment for the past year.
2. What you need to leave behind.
3. What you need to carry forward.
4. A main focus for the year.
5. A running theme for the year.

Optional: Add together the numerical value of the cards to get a Word for the year.

I had wonderful results with this spread. I used the Dream of Gaia Tarot for my reading, which will be January's deck. I'm not going to go into details on my own reading, but I wanted to share the results of my Word for the year.

XII. LOVE

self-love, confidence, open-heart, joy of life

Please feel free to share your own Word, along with your experience of the spread or any questions you might have in the comments.

Have a wonderful New Year and blessings to you all.

A Few of My Favorite Things Spread

A couple of weeks ago, Ellen of Greylady's Hearth shared this spread on her blog. She picked it up from Magpie Tarot. I felt it was a spread worth sharing further. And, feel free to continue the chain of sharing, or try the spread in private.

You need to separate the cards into piles: Wands, Cups, Swords, Pentacles, and Major Arcana. The fifth position is optional, but it does pull the spread together nicely. Shuffle each stack and pull a card for the following questions:

Wands: Where does my confidence shine?
Cups: What brings me joy?
Swords: Where do I feel wise?
Pentacles: What makes me feel safe & secure?
Major Arcana: Which underlying energy will make it all possible?

For an additional bonus: the Quintessential Card - Overall Theme of the Reading - You can visit an earlier post for a more detailed explanation on how to do this. Basically, you add the numerical values of the cards, reduce to a number between 1-22, and match the number with its Major Arcana Card.

My Results:

Wands: Where does my confidence shine? Queen of Wands - When I'm in control of my circumstances and aware of the next action which needs to be taken. Totally me. As long as I know what I'm doing, why and when, I can do just about anything I go after.

Cups: What brings me joy?  6 of Cups - Sharing knowledge and skills obtained in my past with others. Love this. When I write a story, my past is right there with me, between the lines, within the words. Not enough to be a biography, but enough to give it direction, a little spice.

Swords: Where do I feel wise? Knight of Swords - When I am active and committed to a concrete goal. If you can see it, you can be it. So, true. If you can put the flag post in the ground, all you have to do is work as hard as you can to reach it.

Pentacles: What makes me feel safe & secure? 3 of Pentacles - Using my skills, talent and knowledge to create, with the chance to share with others. True. There's no safer place to be than lost in your own creations, as long as you remember to come up for air every now and again.

I love how all four of these seem to sync with who I am and what I want to do with my life. It also gives me a needed push to get back on track. All I've ever wanted to do is write and share my creations, my novels and stories with others. So, I need to get committed and in control. :)

Now...
Major Arcana: Which underlying energy will make it all possible?  Justice - Balance, maintaining a proper balance and calmness in my commitments. Most of you are aware of my many interests. Between those and normal day to day obligations, I find it difficult to establish a good balance. Perhaps that should be my first goal: to establish a balance, create boundaries.

Bonus...
Quintessential Card - Overall Theme - Lovers - Choice - a life decision - deciding which path to follow. All of it comes down to picking the path I want to take. Where do I want to be in a year? Or, 5 to 10 years down the road? That is the question which needs answered, and then the goal will be clear and the balance will come.

Hope you all don't expect me to answer that here and now, lol. I have a vague idea, but it's not clear enough to narrow it down to a single goal. Guess I need to work on that.

Hope you enjoy the spread.

Happy Halloween Tarot Spread

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Pumpkins

Once a year, there comes a day of celebration for things that go bump in the night.

Children parade through neighborhoods disguised in various costumes and collect candy in large orange bags. Adults become witches, nurses and chainsaw wielding psychopaths. For many this is a day of fun, surprise, and delight. However, a few will stir havoc through pranks and fear.

Porches display carved pumpkins, spider webs, and lounging skeletons. Parties supply delightful treats - fingers floating in punch, bleeding chocolate cakes, and a trough of floating apples.

On the other side of the celebration, many myths and/or truths rise up on this day. The veil separating the living from the dead becomes thin. Evil walks upon the earth. Spells and rituals gain extra power.

Halloween is a day many individuals seek out fear and anticipate the rush provided by innocent danger - haunted houses and mazes, joyrides and such.

Trick or Treat

My treat to you this holiday season is a Halloween Themed Tarot Spread and a peek at Tarot of the Night by Richard ShadowFox.

The Spread:

1) The Costume - the situation
2) The Trick - the unexpected
3) The Treat - the opportunity
4) The Sidewalk - the journey
5) The Doorway - the outcome

A Sample Reading (featuring Tarot of the Night by Richard ShadowFox)

1) The Costume - the situation - 2 of Cups is all about relationships and partnerships. Although the main emphasis is on romantic unions, it may also show platonic partnerships.

The current situation is one of harmony and union. You may be in a loving relationship, an emotionally charged partnership, or a faithful friendship.

2) The Trick - the unexpected - 3 of Wands is about looking into the future, having expectations due to past preparations.

The unexpected is how well the above relationship is going. You see a future here, you have high expectations, dreams you never expected to wish for.

3) The Treat - the opportunity - 2 of Wands is about preparations, planning and progression.

You have an opportunity here to go further, to capitalize on the dream that's already in progress.

4) The Sidewalk - the journey - Ace of Wands represents new actions, growth, and creation.

Your passion set this journey into motion and it is your passion which will keep you on course to greater heights and deeper love.

5) The Doorway - the outcome - 10 of Swords brings to mind, "It's all over, I give up," but the thing about Swords is there's a mental game involved. It's usually not as bad as you THINK it is.

The outcome is undesired, not at all what you expected or wanted. This doesn't always mean a bad outcome. It may only be different than what you'd planned on.

Notice the two 2's signifying balance of emotions (cups) and creativity (wands), and the abundance of Wands igniting passion and action within the spread.

Overview - An important message here is simple. The journey is so much more important than the destination, the outcome. Things are always changing. You may not reach the exact location or result you had in mind, but you still moved forward, you still challenged yourself and you accomplished something. Now it's time to ignite your passion, make more plans, and move forward. Keep striving for your dreams.

Hope you all have a Happy Halloween!

Get Your Mojo Back

Last week, Ellen of Greylady's Hearth wrote a post about a three card spread to help find and get back your Mojo. I decided to steal the spread and give it a test run. The results were pretty amazing.

To do this spread, you will need to separate the Majors from the Minors. The first card is pulled from the Major pile and represents your Mojo, in hiding. The second and third are pulled from the Minor pile. The second crosses the first, revealing what is blocking your Mojo. And, the third suggests the action needed to recover your Mojo.

My Mojo - 17 The Star - My personal power can be found within my faith, hope, and generous soul. This card signifies a blessing from the universe, being open to the healing process, and the ability to go on no matter what. As I looked at the image, the distribution of the water drew my attention. Notice the stream going into the pool is thicker than the one flowing onto the earth. This made me think, "To get your wish, you must put your heart and soul into the process, which will make the physical part easier." Do what you love and it won't feel like work.

What's blocking my Mojo - 10 of Swords - A unexpected failure or blow to my esteem is blocking me from using my personal power. The image shows a man on the ground stabbed by ten swords. Swords represent the thought process. "This man has been taken down by his own thoughts." Negative thinking, feeling like 'the victim', and letting it all get me down.

What to do - King of Wands - "Just do it!"  This King sets his goals and sticks to them. He accepts opportunities presented to him and doesn't shy away from a healthy challenge. As he looks back at The Star, he's evaluating and studying his wish. He plans for what needs to be done and starts working toward the goal he's set for himself. So, what I need to do is follow this King's lead, become him.

Check out Daily Tarot Girl's forecast for the week - June 9-15. It's amazing how similar the advice of what to do in this spread matches her forecast.

Have you lost your Mojo? Give this spread a try and make some steps to get it back. Need some Tarot Guidance? 

Hope you all have a wonderful week.

5 of Wands - The Conflict Spread

When you practice or connect with your cards, what do you do if you have nothing to ask?

Here's one solution. Ask the cards. Shuffle the deck, pull one card, and form a question or create a spread based on the card you pull.

The Five of Wands presents conflict, tension, and competition. A lot of energy is being used, or wasted, by the boys as they compete with one another.

But wait, are they fighting?

Perhaps, they are brainstorming on how to accomplish something together. Conflict and tensions rise as they devise a plan. Each boy has a separate idea and a different role to play, but for it all to work they must join together and agree.

This made me think of internal conflicts.

As you approach a new project, a new relationship, or even take a trip to a new location, do you weigh the options of the approach and sometimes even the possible outcomes?

At the beginning of the year, I found myself struggling for the best approach to certain areas of my life. I've come away with the knowledge that all the worry in the world won't change the direction or outcome. If anything, it slows the progression. Now when I find myself fretting over things I have no 'real' control over, I close my eyes and say, "Let it go, Let it be." It's working at the moment, keeping me balanced and sane.

All of this leads us to a tarot spread based on the 5 of Wands.

Positions - 1.Where am I wasting energy, 2. Where should I focus my energy, 3. What is my greatest weakness, 4. What is my greatest strength, 5. How can I end the conflict.

I've laid the cards out in a horseshoe shape. You should have a focus topic for this spread.

Focus: My Creative Writing

1) Where am I wasting energy - 2 of Wands reversed

I'm wasting energy by doubting my plan, over-thinking the situation, and being unsure of my direction. Basically, I'm thinking too far ahead, worrying over the outcome.

2) Where should I focus my energy - 7 of Pentacles

I should focus my energy on getting the job done, take short breaks to assess the progress, and acknowledge my past achievements.

3) What is my greatest weakness - 9 of Cups

My greatest weakness is wanting too much, putting too much focus on the rewards.

4) What is my greatest strength - 6 of Cups

My greatest strength is my ability to look at the past and recognize how far I've come. Or, this could signify my inner child, my creativity. Either way, I'm strong because of my past and my ability to create.

5) How can I end the conflict - Strength

To end the conflict, to bring it all together, I need to be patient, be strong, and have faith in myself.

Overview- I waste energy thinking about the situation. I should focus my energy on doing the first task, and then I can take a moment to assess the situation and plan for the next step.  I need to quit focusing on the possible rewards and future. Instead I should recognize how far I've come and allow my inner child to lead the way. I have the strength to achieve success, but I must be patient when it comes to progress and have faith in my abilities. Building a writing career takes a lot of work, patience, and faith. Only the strong can survive.

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What question do you get when looking at the 5 of Wands? Did you develop a Tarot Spread from this card? I'd love to hear what you did with exercise.

Understanding the Celtic Cross Tarot Spread

The Celtic Cross is one of the oldest and most used Tarot spreads, yet many new readers avoid this complicated looking layout. Once you understand the positions, learn patterns to look for, and discover which cards to connect, the Celtic Cross can supply you with a wonderful interpretation with amazing insights.

There are different versions floating around, with different positions and positional meanings. Once you’ve decided upon the version you wish to follow, practice and you will soon see how easy it is to master this spread.

The version I’m using feels right to me, but you may prefer one of the others. The best advice I can give is pick one and stick with it. The learning curve is much easier when your brain can automatically recall the positions and their meanings.

 1. Present, where you stand.

 2. Block, what stands in your way.

 3. Foundation, motivation, the why.

 4. Past, what has happened.

 5. Expectations, what could happen.

 6. Future, what will happen.

 7. Fear, what you don’t want.

 8. Environment, outside influences.

 9.  Hope, what you want.

10. Outcome


Question: A general reading for the week - April 7-13.

The first thing that draws my attention about this spread is the fact that six out of ten cards are in the reversed position. This shows a lot of suppressed energies.

The next thing I look for is the abundance or absence of suits. They are all present, giving the reading an elemental balance.  

Now, let’s look at some positions.

The first position shows where you are at this moment, with the second position revealing what’s standing in your way and holding you back.

The 9 of Cups reversed indicates a delay in satisfaction. What should be a success, a dream come true, shown in the upright position of this card, has been put on hold. The 9 of Swords reveals what is keeping you in this position, blocking your movements. I usually term this card ‘the Nightmare Card’. It shows mental distress, raw fear, but it’s usually not as bad as it seems. Things go bump in the night, but it is rarely a monster creeping up on you.

With ‘the Nightmare Card’ showing up as the block, I move to look at the seventh position to reveal the fear. The Fool reversed instantly makes me think of not being able to take a leap of faith, holding back rather than jumping forward. You are afraid to take that step without knowing what will come next.

Let’s take a look at past, present, and future. The fourth position shows what has happened to put you where you are now. The 3 of Pentacles, which I see as ‘the Artist Card’, falls in a reversed position. This reveals the lack of using your skills and knowledge to complete your work. It’s not that you don’t have them, or that you are not capable, you just aren't using them, or applying them to the best of your ability.

Your inactivity has left you unsatisfied and unsuccessful, because you fear what will come after you take that leap. Sounds like procrastination in its truest state.

Position six shows the future with the 7 of Swords reversed. ‘The Thief Card’ indicates something being stolen, but when reversed it is returned. Notice in its position the figure looks back at the Nightmare card. I see this as the release of fear, the return of peace of mind. Clarity will come as the clouds and worries dissipate.

Position five shows what you expect to happen; it may or may not come into play. The 2 of Swords reversed reveals renewed action, making a move rather than denying yourself choice. Looking from the 2 of Swords to the 7 of Swords, notice her two swords have been stabbed into the ground, the block diminished. He has grabbed up the new swords, new thoughts and ideas. I believe the expectations of moving forward will come to play out in the return of new ideas and thoughts.

Position three shows the foundation of the situation, the why of your current position. The Knight of Pentacles reversed expresses boredom with routine. There’s a need to shake things up and try new ways, but with this Knight routine, reliability, and commitment are his platform, it is the way he is. It may be a hard task to bring this guy right-side up and moving forward.

Outside influences are revealed with position eight. Here we have the Knight of Cups. I normally look at the Court Cards as reflections on the client, but in this position of environmental aspects it is outside of that person. In this case, we have a male influence over the client.

The Knight of Cups is a loving, emotional, and supportive man. He’s the one you want around when you've given up and have no need to return to reality. The only problem I see here is he may not be able to help pull the Knight of Pentacles back into action. He may not even understand what the problem is. His view on life is more emotional, while yours may be more practical and driven.

The ninth position reveals hopes, desires, attitude, and state of mind. The Ten of Wands usually screams overburdens, but here I’m seeing it as the burdens of success, the steady forward movement filled with activity. You want the responsibility which comes with achievement; you want to be busy and active.

The Outcome comes in the form of the 6 of Wands, ‘the Victory Card’. The rider has achieved his goals and is returning for his rewards. Success is clear in this outcome card. It’s always nice to have this sort of card fall into this position.

Overview: You are in a state of stress, worry, and dissatisfaction. Boredom with routine and lack of activity has put you here. To move forward, you will need to rid yourself of the fear and take the first step, let down your guard and allow yourself to experience new thoughts and seek out a new way of doing things. This will lead you to heavy responsibilities and many tasks, but in the end it will all come together in success. And when you need a break from reality, seek out your supportive knight and enjoy the emotional, loving side of life. It doesn’t always have to be work and progress. Sometimes you just need to live and love.

Jumping Into Spring

Ellen over at Greylady's Hearth presented a Rebirth Spread last week, which she discovered from Chloe of Inner Whispers. I recommend both blogs for your reading pleasure.

As we move out of Winter into Spring, it seems only natural for us to go through a re-birthing of sorts. Shedding the coats, we jump head first into Spring.

Here is a spread to discover what awaits you on the other side of your rebirth.

1)What darkness am I leaving behind?
2)What new hope is approaching?
3)What can help me find my bearings at this time?

Here's what I discovered about my own re-birthing:

1)What darkness am I leaving behind? The Page of Wands is the messenger of creativity and inspiration. I see this card's appearance as a sign of the arrival of this messenger. The darkness has draped over me, clouding my creative senses. The time has passed. The Page will lead me forward, out of the darkness.

2)What new hope is approaching? The High Priestess sits upon her throne waiting at the doorway to the higher realm. All who arrive shall be allowed to pass, but one must have the desire to go beyond this doorway. My new hope will come from my inner and higher self. All I need to do is allow the connection to be.

3)What can help me find my bearings at this time? I LOVE this card. The 3 of Pentacles is all about using your skills and knowledge to create. This is the ultimate ARTIST card. The lesson within this card is practice makes perfect, use your talents to create anything you wish. Getting more involved with my work and creations will help me in my journey at this time.

Overview - Follow your creative inspiration, listen to you inner voice, and get to work on your creative projects.

Thanksgiving Harvest Tarot Spread

Scythe User

We celebrate Thanksgiving Day in many ways: such as football, parades, movie marathons, and don't forget all the glorious food. It is a day of family gatherings, giving thanks and forgiveness.

My fondest childhood memories of Thanksgiving Day include:

• Turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Yum!
• Macy's Day Parade
• Family television watching - Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone at the top of the viewing list. (We are not, for the most part, Football people.)

As an adult, sad to say, Thanksgiving Day doesn't offer much on tradition. It is, however, a day of reflection, gratitude, thankfulness and prayer.

Last year, I offered a Thanksgiving Tarot Spread focused on the balancing of the elements.

This year, with a little helper, I've designed a Thanksgiving Tarot Harvest Spread. See my little helper? That's Mr. Tike, one of my two kitty children. The spread below is intended to be a Scythe, as pictured above. Notice the one position is one handle, the five position is the other. Okay, it's not perfect, but it works.

1) Seeds purposely planted

2,3,4) Growth

5) Seeds subconsciously planted

6,7,8) Growth

9,10,11) Harvesting of the seeds

12) A seed for the next harvest

An Example Reading

1) Seed purposely planted – 3 of Cups (reversed) - overindulgence

You wanted it all, so you set out to grasp it all.

2,3,4) Growth - 10 of Swords (reversed) - emerging from turmoil, 18 Moon - self-deception, 5 of Swords (reversed) - clearing of negativity, end of battle

As the seed grew, you found strength within the goal, emerging from feelings of defeat, deceived yourself of your progress, but then realized your mistake.

5) Seed subconsciously planted - 7 of Cups – daydreams, lack of focus

You chose too many directions and scattered your focus.

6,7,8) Growth - 0 Fool – leaping into unknown, 8 Strength – self-confidence, 7 of Wands – having an advantage and courage

As the seed grew, you jumped in, with self-confidence. You knew without a doubt you could do it all.

9,10,11) Harvesting of the seeds - 14 Temperance (Reversed) – overdoing it, unbalanced, 13 Death (Reversed) – resisting change, King of Cups (Reversed) – selfish, emotionally self-absorbed

Now that harvest time is here you come face to face with the imbalance, yet you continue to resist the needed changes and find yourself lost within your own emotions.

12) A seed for the next harvest – 6 of Wands – Victory

The seed to plant is one of victory, success, and recognition.

Overview – Notice the reflections of the two seeds. Both consciously and subconsciously, you wanted it all and went in too many directions. On both levels, you went after the goals with strength and determination, and obviously you still intend to get it all. But now, you see what you did wrong, even if you continue to resist the need to find a balance in goals. Learn from the mistakes, the scattered energies, and focus on the main goal – plant a seed of victory and find next year’s harvest one of success and recognition.

Plant your seeds wisely.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Happy April Fools’ Day

Today, in tradition, is a day to pull pranks and jokes, but I’d like to take this day in a different direction – a tarot direction.

What could be a better day for new directions, leaps into the unknown, and taking a chance? In the tradition of The Fool, I ask that you take a moment to test new waters, stretch your wings, and do something new today.

This is what we are about to do here at Tarot Guidance - new material, new directions, a jump off the ledge – destination unknown. Comments from my last posting indicated the desire to see more personal posts, more tarot reviews, and more self-discoveries through the tarot.

Please join us as we begin a new journey.

In celebration of April Fools’ Day, I’ve created a new spread – The Fool’s Spread. Unique name, right?

In the Rider-Waite version of The Fool, he is about to step off the edge of a cliff, with his companion close at his heels. He carries a bag, which holds all he will need for his journey. Within his left hand, he holds a white rose, a reminder of his desired goal. In the background, the snow-covered mountain offers a reminder that the road will not be without challenges. The sunshine at his back offers reassurance of his success, if he only makes that first step.

The Fool is all about taking chances, beginning a new journey, and having blind faith in your desires.

The Fool’s Spread

What is my desired goal (the rose)?

What is my first step toward a new direction (the cliff)?

What is the most important item to carry along (the bag)?

Who will be my companion, who will follow (the dog)?

What obstacles can I expect (the mountain)?

What successes await me (the sun)?

Sample Reading:

My desired goal, indicated by the reversed 4 of Cups, is to bring an end to my stagnant situation. Over the last few weeks, I’ve felt as if I’m spinning my wheels in place. It’s time to get up, and get moving forward. My interests and attentions are being scattered in too many directions. I must put my focus on a tighter target to find a forward motion.

My first step, indicated by the Knight of Cups, is to be open to new experiences, offers, and invitations. Something is coming, but I must be available to accept this gift. Notice the cloud within the 4 of Cups and the Knight both extend a cup outward. The opportunity is there for me, all I have to do is accept it.

The reversed Magician indicates I have the tools needed to achieve my goals, yet I’m not using them. Within my bag, I can find the elements, the magic, and the skills I need to move forward in my journey. If I don’t use the tools I already possess, my goal will remain unattainable.

The reversed Chariot indicates an unbalance, going astray from the main path and a lack of control. Rather than going straight, the horses are fighting against one another, very possibly spinning the wheels of the chariot, allowing me to stay in one spot – the stagnant situation. In the position of the companion, this may be an indicator to be careful who I trust. A helping hand is not always helpful. Be cared to lead, not to follow, and concentrate on the goal.

The obstacles, presented by the Queen of Swords, will be my independence, my natural desire to go it alone. If I can’t put aside this part of my personality, I may not be prepared to accept the opportunities being offered. This may also be a reminder to allow emotions to help in discovering desires, rather than rational thinking.

The success, offered by the reversed Ten of Pentacles, will be delayed. This is a card of great abundance, but it will not come easily or very soon. There’s a lot of work to be done to turn this card upright and reach success.

Also notice the absence of the fire element, another indication of no forward motion.

Overview – My goal is clear, as is the reasons the success continues to be a far reach. By taking each element of this reading and adjusting my thinking and actions, I can begin stepping forward toward my desired goal and eventually find success, a huge success with the Ten of Pentacles representation of such.

Have a wonderful April Fools’ Day, and don’t forget to try something new. Till next time, may your blessings be plentiful.

The Four Mode Spread

Another helpful spread offered in Mary K. Greer's Understanding the Tarot Court is The Four Mode Spread.

What are the four modes?

Who - Court Cards, What - Minor Arcana, Why - Major Arcana, and Where - Aces

To learn more about how these modes work and correspond, purchase a copy of Understanding the Tarot Court. Discover yourself through your new understanding of the Court Cards.

To start, we are going to divide the deck into four groups: Court, Minors, Majors, and Aces. Shuffle the individual piles and select one card randomly from each.

First discover what you are experiencing, and then how to deal with the situation.

My Cards:

Who - characteristics of your current self - King of Wands - A King is in control of his life and his elemental focus. He has achieved mastery and puts it into play within his daily life. The element of Wands brings the desire of creativity and self-growth into his focus. He knows what he wants and proceeds as planned.

What - the situation - 6 of Cups - The situation presented by this card is one of sharing past experiences and lessons. The older figure offers the flower to the younger figure, sharing his delight for the experience of smelling nature.

Why - archetypal energies in play - 14 Temperance - The energies of the Temperance card is of balancing and moderation.

Where - elemental realm of consciousness - Ace of Pentacles - The elemental realm of the Pentacles is Earth - representing the physical things in life. Such would include finances, skills, career, the body, etc.

What am I experiencing?

I am in control of my current situation and step forth in my journeys of discover. I reach out to share my own experiences with others, because I need balance in my world. This all occurs on the physical realm of skills and career.

Interesting - As you all know, my 'official' Tarot Guidance website launched very recently, with hopes of sharing more with you through the tarot. This little exercise confirms I'm on the right path, wouldn't you think?

How should I deal with the situation?

• Looking at the cards in a different order from a different perspective - Mary K. Greer offers sentence to complete, filling in your chosen card as you do so.

1. In the realm shown by the Ace of Pentacles, where life and lessons find their way into the physical world through your skills and choices, I can use the attributes of Temperance to find a balance and learn moderation throughout my life, in order to deal with the 6 of Cups, which expresses my desire to share with others what I have discovered within my past and present, as experienced by the court card, the one who is a master of his creativity and his self-growth.

Looking at it all from a new perspective, I see this as more than my tarot journey, but also my fictional writing. The Temperance is no stranger to my readings. Here I may have discovered the how to find the balance needed - by sharing my knowledge and experiences with you through tarot information and fiction stories.

Have you stopped by the website? Great new things are coming. Check out the new tarot reading prices while you are there.

Tarot Guidance - personal insight gained through the tarot

A Thanksgiving Tarot Spread

Thanksgiving presents us with time to share great food, love, and conversation with our relatives and loved ones. On this Thanksgiving Day, I offer you a moment to look upon yourself and discover your current blessings through the way of tarot elements.

The Thanksgiving Tarot Spread offers a look of what you have to be thankful for and an additional look at how to accomplish an elemental balance.

Card 1: Water/Cups - What fulfills you emotionally?
This card represents blessings in the area of relationships and emotions.

Card 2: Earth/Pentacles - What sustains you physically?
This card represents blessings in the area of money and material resources.

Card 3: Fire/Wands - What feeds your passions?
This card represents blessings of work, career, and creative interests.

Card 4: Air/Swords - What are your thoughts, ideas, and challenges?
This card represents what you think about your life, ideas to explore, and challenges you face.

Card 5: Spirit/Major Arcana - What is your greatest blessing?
The card represents the greatest blessing in your life right now. This could also be an important life lesson.

In a perfect world, each card in this spread would correspond with its position. Although, you may have a perfectly balanced spread, for the most part it is unlikely. No need to worry.

If you find there are missing elements in your spread, this may mean you need to work a little harder in that element to find balance.  To further explore this, draw from the remaining deck for the first card representing the missing element. Use these cards to see 'HOW' to work on getting more of that element into your life.

My Thanksgiving Tarot Spread

Deck - The Rider Tarot Deck

Card 1: Water/Cups (Relationships, Emotions) - 7 of Cups - The Dreamer's Card - This card shows a lack of focus and a sense of confusion. But, it is also the card for visionaries, artists and creative people. One may be thinking unrealistically, or her imagination may be in over-drive.

How am I fulfilled emotionally? I fulfill myself emotionally by allowing myself to dream, to imagine, and to create.

Card 2: Earth/Pentacles (Money, Material Resources) - 10 of Wands - This card represents the burdens of success, the weight of ambition, and the task of doing it all. It is the card for ambitious individuals, overworked or hardworking individuals.

What sustains me? My work and ambition sustains me in my physical world. I am no stranger to hard work, or carrying the load. The burden I carry is by choice.

Card 3: Fire/Wands (Work, Career, Creative Interests) - 3 of Pentacles - I've always thought of this as the Writer's Card. I even have an image of this, from the Mystic Dreamer Deck hanging at my workstation. I've written below the image: Accomplishments. The act of turning plans into creative results.

What feeds my passions? My fiction writing feeds my passions. As I put my talents to use, learn new skills, and write more words, I become even more passionate about my writing journey.

Card 4: Air/Swords (Thoughts, Ideas, Challenges) - 5 of Swords - This card speaks of empty victories and negative energies. I look upon this card as a challenge to defeat negative thoughts concerning my life. Everyone has them from time to time. In the creative zone, the voice of negativity can be a strong distraction when it comes to working on one's craft.

What are my thoughts and ideas? My challenge is to accept the negativity is only a way out, a road away from my goals. I will need to reinforce positive thoughts when this challenge appears. Squash the pest.

Card 5: Spirit/Major Arcana (Greatest Blessing) - 9 The Hermit - Searching within. When this card appears, it shows a time of inward searching, connecting with one's higher source, and solitude.

What is my greatest blessing? My greatest blessing is my ability to connect with my higher source and the opportunity to grab moments alone.

As all the elements appeared in my reading, no additional cards are required in this case. If you have missing elements, this would be the time to pull for additional guidance, beginning with the first missing element and then moving to the next (if more than one.)

As a quick overview of this spreads results, I look upon the cards and find myself much more balanced than I'd believed myself to be. If I'd done this spread months ago, I believe the results would have been very different.

Reading Summary - My imagination fulfills me emotionally, my ambition sustains my physical security, and my creative skills feed my passion. My challenge is to quiet the negative voice which sometimes slips through. My Greatest Blessing is found within the Hermit - the ability to see beyond the physical, to look within myself, and the rewards of solitude and meditation.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a balanced life.

Tarot SWOT Analysis

Christy of Tarot Girl Next Door offers a wonderful spread for planning with the tarot in the form of the 'SWOT Analysis System'. Below is an image of the SWOT diagram and a sample reading.

SWOT Analysis

My objective of the reading is to view my options and opportunities in my writing world and tarot world. First, I have to say WOW! 4 Major Arcana cards in sequence 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Artwork © Jennifer Galasso, 2011
Crystal Visions Tarot

Strengths - energies working in my favor - 10 Wheel of Fortune (reversed)

Weaknesses - energies working against me - 8 Strength (reversed)

Opportunities - external energies working in my favor - 9 The Hermit

Threats - external energies working against me - 11 Justice

Wheel of Fortune reversed represents the feeling of no forward movement, a stalled position. My strength is my determination to succeed. No matter how much it feels like I'm walking through quicksand, I'll continue to push forward. The Hermit reveals the need to search within, a time for soul searching. As I look upon the card, I think of 'searching the horizon'. The opportunity for success is there, but the first steps are to decide upon the direction best for me.

Strength reversed signifies the lack of self-confidence, doubt and fear.  My weakness is my lack of confidence in my ability to succeed, a fear of the power found in the upright position of the Strength card.  Justice represents a need for balance, time needed to make the best decision. The threat is of not taking the time to balance the factors and making hasty decisions. 

The figure in The Hermit looks directly at the figure in Justice, but she is turned away, eyes closed. The Hermit waits for the decision to be decided upon. The figure in Strength looks upon the wheel, as if waiting for movement.

Overall - By overcoming my weakness (doubts and fear in my own abilities), I can put my strength (my determination to succeed) into forward motion. By taking the time to reflect internally, the threat of hasty decisions resolves into no threat at all.

Affirmation: I believe in my abilities to move forward and succeed. I will take the time to be patient and search my soul for direction.

The Hula Hoop Spread

The hula hoop spread was introduced to me by a fellow blogger and tarot reader. To view more on this spread and a reading using the spread visit:  Arwen at Musing on the Tarot.

We control many things in our lives, but there are aspects out of our control. Knowing the difference is a great step in better understanding our life. The hula hoop spread gives you an insight into both areas and helps guide you toward a better comprehension of what’s going on around you.

The focus of today’s reading is on a current relationship in my life.

The question: What do I need to know about my hula hoop as far as X is concerned?
The deck: Legacy of the Divine Tarot
The spread: The Hula Hoop Spread - 10 Cards
The layout:
2 8 5
3 1 6
4 9 7
10

Legacy of the Divine

1 – What do I need to focus on the most in the situation?

King of Cups (reversed) – The King of Cups reversed is a sweet talker who doesn’t always follow through on his promise. Step lightly around this person and be aware that what seems true may not always be the truth.

My focus should be on the reality of the situation.

2, 3, 4 – What are the three things I do have control over?

4 of Coins – represents financial security, but it also warns against holding on too tight. There is a necessary balance between financial growth and emotional growth.

Page of Swords – The Pages bring news. This Page brings unexpected or upsetting news. Something you believed to be one thing turns out to be something entirely different.

6 of Coins (reversed) – represents a loss of money or property due to carelessness or dishonesty.

I have control over the financial situation, but I must not let it get in the way of other issues. I control my reaction to unexpected news about to be revealed. I control the event that may result in a loss of money or property. (I must keep myself balanced, eyes open, and step cautiously.)

5, 6, 7 - What are three things I think I have control over but don’t?

Knight of Coins – This Knight represents tangible progress.

The Empress (3) – The Empress represents the qualities of a mother: caring, giving, understanding. The card shows motherhood, fertility, and creativity.

10 of Coins – represents family support; a strong family, security and traditions.

I don’t have control of the relationship or the progress it makes. I don’t have control of who I am; I will continue to love and nurture because it’s just who I am. I don’t have control of the ones around me, who will continue to support me. (These are some nice things not to be in control of.)

8 – What balances me?

Ace of Wands – represents energy, new interests, and new directions. A time of inventions and creativity is present.

My creative writing balances me.

9 – What unbalances me?

King of Wands – This King represents the planning of adventures, the ability to understand others’ point of view, clear communications, and emotional connections.

The energies I use to ponder over events and try to understand the actions around me unbalance me. (I tend to over think everything.)

10 – What is the Universe’s message for me in this situation?

7 of Cups (reversed) – represents a veil being lifted, the ability to focus and clear thinking. Taking a new perspective and looking at the realities.

The Universe’s message is to step out from behind the veil which casts shades upon the reality of my situation. Put matters into perspective and take a hard look at the realities.

Interesting reading:

First, my focus should be on reality, and my message is to look hard at that reality. It seems I have control over financial aspects and my reaction to the situation, while I have no control over my relationship’s tangible progress, my caring personality toward the person, or the people who make up my family. My creative writing balances me, while my over thinking of the situation unbalances me. On another note, it seems there are aspects of the relationship that are not what they appear, but this stems back to the over thinking of the situation doesn’t it. The more you think on something, the more tangled it can become.

This reading, using the hula hoop spread, was definitely worth the time. Thank you again, Arwen, for sharing the spread. It was very helpful.

So, what do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts on this spread and/or the reading itself.

The Open Spread

During Tarot Tuesday, I used an interesting new technique. A comment was made wanting more explanation on how the reading was performed and which cards were selected.

As a result, this new spread gained a name.

The Open Spread has no set number of cards or positions.

First, you should shuffle the cards in your normal procedure and concentrate on the question you wished to be answered.

Once you feel that you are ready to lay out the cards, turn the deck over to reveal the number of cards that will be used. (In the Tarot Tuesday, The Hanging Man (12) was revealed, indicating twelve cards.

Choose the cards in you normal manner. Place your cards in a line. The way you read the cards is up to you. I read from left to right.

Here are the cards that were used in Tuesday's Tarot: 5 Faith(reversed), 18 Moon(reversed), 6 of Cups(reversed), Queen of Cups, 2 of Wands(reversed), King of Coins(reversed), Ace of Coins, 7 of Wands, 5 of Wands, 4 of Coins, 4 of Swords, 3 of Cups(reversed).

The spirit of this reading, discovered by adding the numerical values of the cards, was 10 The Wheel.

As you read the spread, some cards will present themselves with more importance than the others. In this case, the Queen of Cups demanded attention and showed me that this was me after I opened myself up to the first three cards. The 2 of Wands pointed the direction I should take, while the rest of the cards gave information on the journey.

Enjoy this spread and feel free to let me know how it works for you.

Tarot Tuesday

Deck: Legacy of the Divine Tarot
Spread: Planetary Spread
Question: General

Legacy of the Divine Tarot

1-Moon - Home Matters - 10 of Swords (reversed) - In the upright position, this card represents mental anguish and pain. In the reversed position, it signifies the release of this pain, overcoming the suffering.

2-Mercury - Business Matters/Skills- 2 of Coins - This card signifies the juggling of finances, while moving forward in life. One must tread lightly to stay afloat in this world.

3-Venus - Love and Relationships - 4 of Cups - This card represents daydreaming, wanting more than what you already have. Thinking the grass is greener on the other side comes to mind. If truth be told, you have everything you need.

4-Sun - Fame/Achievements - King of Swords - The King of Swords is one who has control over his thoughts and goals.

5-Mars - Adversity/Opposition - 5 of Cups - This card speaks of loss and disappointments. Crying over spilt milk comes to mind.

6-Jupiter - Gain/Expansion - 12 The Hanged Man (reversed) - In the upright position, the energies of this card is of self-sacrifice and re-evaluations. In the reversed position, it signifies gains and forming a new perspective on life.

7-Saturn - Restrictions - 9 of Wands - This card signifies standing your ground and not giving in. You've made your choices and intend to stand by them.

The Quintessential Card - the spirit of the reading - 6 The Lovers - The energies of this card is of relationships, love, and choices.

Reading Overview - The spirit of this reading tells me that my main focus is my relationship. I am going through a painful transition period, letting go of the past. Financial security is a great concern to me and it is important that I continue to watch my finances closely. I tend to wish for more in a relationship, not realizing how good it actually is. I am in control of how far I go in life, and should realize that reflecting on the past will get me nowhere fast. I am in the position to gain a new perspective on life but I must open myself up to this rather than blocking it with my strong convictions.

Tarot Tuesday

The Gilded Tarot

Deck: Gilded Tarot
Spread: Yes/No - 1 card
Question: Am I on the right road in life?


The upright card indicates the answer to be yes.

11 Justice - The energies of this card are of fair outcome and getting what you deserve. The blindfold denies the woman in the card prejudicial views. She uses her intuition to guide her in choices and decisions. There is a message of karma within this card. The energies you put out will return to you.

Overview - I am on the right road in life and I should continue to let my intuition guide the way.

Tarot Tuesday

My Pendulum © Cher Green

For today's post I will be using an amazing tarot spread created by Nancy Hendrickson. You can find her reading the tarot over at TarotExplorer.

To your left you will see a picture of my pendulum used during this spread.

Now, I introduce you to The Pendulum Spread.

How it works: The cards are shuffled in the usual manner while thinking of your question. They are then divided into two stacks, and then divided once more, giving you four stacks. You then hold your pendulum over each stack. The one that receives the largest response will be your first stack. This movement may be major or minor, but one will get a larger response than the others.

You will read the cards starting with your first stack and then going from right to left. So your first stack will provide you with your first card, then the one to the left will provide your second card and so on.

Don't move your stacks just yet. There's more.

With your cards placed next to each stack, turn over each stack revealing the bottom card. These cards will reveal the deeper level of each position.

The positions: 1. Core of question/focus, 2. key/root of situation, 3. challenge, 4. actions to deal with situation, 5-8 corresponds with these positions but with a deeper level.

That's it!

To make this reading easier to read, I have moved the cards into their positions, rather than leaving them as is. My pendulum chose the third stack, so my first card came from the third stack, my second from the second stack and so on.

Deck: Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti
Spread: The Pendulum Spread
Question: What is going on in my life?

Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti

Surface Positions:

Six of Swords - This card represents moving forward, leaving the past behind. The waters have calmed around you. Stress and anxiety are a thing of the past.

• Focus- My focus in life at this moment is on keeping the past behind me and staying focused on the future.

Six of Pentacles (reversed) - In the upright position this card represents getting financial help or giving it. In the reversed position, it represents the lack of financial support. Financial struggles.

• Key- I fear financial losses and of becoming overburdened. This fear keeps me connected to my past.

Four of Cups - This card represents boredom and withdrawal. A fresh cup is offered, while a mouse sniffs around your cups sitting close by. It is important to stay focused and resist temptations that my lead you astray.

• Challenge - I may find myself bored with life because everything is going so well, but I should pay close attention for someone may be trying to steal my happiness.

Ten of Cups - This card represents happiness and family. You have reached a completion stage where everything is good. This is a card of emotional sharing.

• Actions to deal with situation - I should enjoy life and recognize the happiness and joy that presently surrounds me.

Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti

Deeper Level Positions:

The Tower (reversed) - In the upright position the energy of this card is sudden change. This may be devastating, but can be rebuilt. In the reversed position, the change has already occurred and you are in the process of rebuilding.

• Focus - My focus is on rebuilding the foundation of my life.

Three of Pentacles (reversed) - In the upright position this card represents earning recognition for your skills. In the reversed position, it signifies the need to learn more and work harder to earn recognition.

• Key - I have a deep need to be recognized for my skills, but I will need to work harder and hone my skill.

0 The Fool (reversed) - In the upright position the energy of this card is innocence and jumping into life with no fear. In the reversed position, it shows fear of the unknown and of the jump itself.

• Challenge - I must overcome my fears and take a leap of faith.

1 The Magician - The energies of this card are of having the tools and abilities to achieve your goals.

• Actions to deal with situation - I need to take my skills and abilities and set about achieving my goals.

Quintessential Card - the spirit of the reading - 10 Wheel of Fortune - The energies of this card are changes for the better, fate, and a new phase.

I am entering a new phase in life which will bring about changes for the better.

Reading Overview- On the surface, I am moving forward in life, but the fear of becoming financially unstable holds me to my past. I must stay focused on now and enjoy this moment of happiness and joy. On a deeper level, I am rebuilding my life's foundation, but need to put more effort into my goals. I need to free myself of fear and take a leap of faith. I possess the skills and ability to accomplish what I wish, but I must take that first step.

On both levels, you can see the movements of a new phase in life. Both show a recovering process, and movement forward. Enjoying life and stepping toward my goals in life.

I found this spread amazing!