Time to focus

Past: 4 of Wands
This card shows us a union or celebration. Things were coming together well and moving forward with a positive force. You used that momentum to get what you wanted and needed. Family was brought together and you felt secure that things would work out. Your creative side flourished and you were inspired to dream again, making plans for the future. Spiritually, you have found a groove that works for you (the most important thing!) and within that structure, you're able to branch out and receive more love and insight.

Present: The High Priestess (r)
You have two Major Arcana cards in your short spread today. The High Priestess and the World. Both are messages from the universe that change is coming so get prepared. How you deal with these changes will set the precedent for the next few months. The High Priestess embodies the mystery of life and how we need to step back and know ourselves before we can be of assistance to others. She reminds us that it's not always good to be completely open to others, to reserve some of our energy for ourselves, lest we fall from our paths too early and not reach its potential. She relies on intuition to get her messages across, since this card is reversed, it's a gentle nudge for you to spend some time in meditation and calm your busy mind.

You may be blocking the signs that are there to help guide you to your true path; what have you turned down lately? This card asks you to focus - develop the parts of your life that are truly meaningful and what you need to progress. Other ideas may find their perfect time later, so be patient. The High Priestess also shows that something is hidden, something you may find the answer for in your dreams so keep a journal next to your bed and write down the messages that come to you while you sleep.

Future: The World (r)
The World card shares its perfection with you, it's ready to heap loads of goodies onto your plate and wants you to dig in. Since it's reversed, you may need to ask for seconds though. A long-term project is coming to an end but you may feel unsatisfied with its outcome. Take notes on what you liked and what you could do better next time so you'll be prepared if this opportunity appears again.

It's time to move onto a new phase so assess what works for you and focus your energy on those things, not the fun-suckers. Travel is associated with this card, so plan a day trip (or longer) when you're able. Enjoy the process of planning the trip as much as getting there, you need the break to balance what has been a long internal journey.

Tarot for Writers

When I'm not tripping the tarot cards fantastic, you can find me buried under books or writing them. I'm lucky enough to have found Tarot for Writers to help with some sticky plotlines. November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNo for short) and this method of using the cards to help with plot, character development and challenges will be a great help!

Join me at my writing blog, Flibbity Gibbet, to track my progress or better yet, join me!

French spread

Question: My path is so muddled right now, what should I be focusing on for the big picture?
-----------------------------------------

Hey there!

I thought we’d branch out a little with a new spread, I chose one called the French Spread (just to be saucy). Because you’re feeling a bit lost, I wanted to focus on something you can really sink your teeth into and work with. Let’s see what I came up with! Let me know if there's something you'd like more clarification on or if you'd like another spread to dig a little deeper on some aspect. :)



Card one: Things happening now
The Hierophant

This card is all about da man. Organization, orderly conduct, rules and regulations that may drive you crazy but it does help you to zero in on what needs to be done to clear a cluttered mind. There may be so much flying around you that you feel you want to scream but this card reminds you that you can handle it – you just need to do it your way. Fill out the forms, talk to the morons behind the desk and remember that what you’re doing is for YOUR greater good (be it financial, social or spiritual). Take a deep breath and face this period with a smile, it’ll be over soon and you’ll be the wiser for it.

Card two: Hopes and Dreams
The World

Well of COURSE you want the card of ultimate perfection, who wouldn’t? The World shows me that after all the Hierophant put you through, you’re still dreaming of peace within the chaos and a time of reflection. Hold onto this card, it’s never far out of reach, even if just for a minute. I know you’re searching for answers, while meditating, take a minute out of asking for enlightenment and recognize what you have inside that is already perfect.

Card three: Strength and Security
Seven of Wands

This one doesn’t surprise me at all, in fact, most of the wands reflect who you are. The seven of wands shows a man whaling away with a staff at anyone who opposes his will, but he never harms a fly. Wands show me a crazy strong work ethic plus the brains to get it accomplished. You get nothing done by brute force, it’s sheer bullheadedness. ;) Your strength is your conviction to do well by your family, nothing will stand in your way to make sure they’re taken care of. This card is the self-employment card – you know how to run a business and having someone stand over you makes your teeth stand on edge. This card also reflects a propensity for teaching or writing, you have a lot to share with others, now if only they’d stand still long enough to hear it!

Card four: Support or Opposition
Wheel of Fortune (reversed)

Reversed cards usually mean “just a little less so” so you’d be looking at a “little less” drama or a “little less” money. In this case, you’re looking at a “little less” luck. Sometimes we just can’t get luck on our side no matter how hard we work for it. Make things that seem like a problem an opportunity to try it a different way, you’ll get the experience points and it will most likely help you in the future. It’s that whole door vs. window analogy: when a door closes… ;)

This is also a nudge card from the universe, it’s telling you to pay attention to coincidences – they may not be so random after all.

Card five: Something in the future that may surprise you
Six of Swords

Now I know you have your heart set on living in **** forever and ever but this card shows me a journey. The card shows a man ferrying a woman and child over water (the subconscious), on the one side is rough water and the other – smooth. This journey may or may not be a physical move, you may be moving from a rough patch emotionally or spiritually to a calm one. Once you make the decision to move away from what you know is stressing you out, your mind will become clear once more and you’ll see what you need to do.

The ferryman is taking you away from strife and into a new phase in your life; take advantage of the trip to identify what changes need to be made to make your life the way you want it to be.

Tara

Prosperity spread

Question: What is the outcome of future work/career?


The area in your life where you prosper now:
3 of Cups
As you know, cups are of love and family. You have a strong core around you with your children and those friends you think of as family, the circle is tight as you demand loyalty and you try to surround yourself with those whose values match your own. The three of cups shows me a celebration; you will find success near the end of the year at holiday time (Thanksgiving or Christmas). Continue to build the bonds between your family as they are your source of strength. Money right now is in flux, you earn a great deal then turn around and out it goes on something else. That's your rhythm right now, keep track of your spending to see what can be cut back and what can be cut loose.

The area in which you'd like to prosper in the future:
Judgement
This is an important card for you, it tells you that you are shrugging off the past and embracing your real calling. There is still work to be done to release some of the bothersome bits of old business but nothing you can't take care of and are fully aware that they exist. You are making strides towards your goals every day in a healthy and positive way. Take the lessons you have learned from the past and apply them to your future. Experience can be a tough teacher but you're able to put things into perspective and recognize the truly unique from the drab.

There are some money issues that are popping up here. Your earnings will increase but at a price. Be careful not to unintentionally cross the line on some matter, it will be brought up later. You'll come out of it smelling like a rose and with some good contacts, however, you don’t want to make enemies down the road because of it.

What you need to do to cultivate that future prosperity:
King of Cups
Kings are the end of a cycle; they represent the culmination of hard work and in this case, it's coming up roses. Financially, the King of Cups brings you prosperity from your home business while building on tomorrow's ideas. Start believing that money is simply energy that you can manifest, your hard work always pays off and you make strides by moving forward every day -- not standing still. As you look towards your new goals, think back to what you have learned from this experience and take that with you. If it helps, write down your goals and have them right out in front of you as a reminder.

As you need to enjoy your work, not just profit from it, start making local contacts in your chosen career via volunteer work or attending their conferences. Commitment is key. You need to believe it to achieve it. I can't believe I just wrote that.


Who or what will help or hinder you:
4 of Wands
This card is a rite of passage symbol. Birth, death, a move, a child growing up and moving out of the house. Within this card is a deeper meaning of happiness and how it affects our lives. You choose how to interpret your world and those you deal with. How you create your life, affects others. Take the gifts that are being offered every day, a small kindness that you can pass on to someone else may mean the world. In your calling, you are doing just that. You have recognized the best in yourself and are taking steps to share it with others. People are there to help you move forward, we just need to keep our eyes open to see them. ;)


Something you need to be aware of:
2 of Pentacles
You're a master at juggling all the different aspects of your life. However, be aware of the signs that you are spreading yourself too thin. I know you're already taking a step back and re-evaluating business and how to keep that flowing while still being an excellent mom. Don't worry on that score, they're doing great. However, you may be happier focusing on one or two businesses at a time until you find your purpose instead of thirty.

Now is the time to take a calculated risk. When the time is right, cut off the dead weight and focus on what makes you happy. Your energy will blast them out of the water. Use your enormous multi-tasking abilities to your advantage and play them up when talking to prospective organizations.

Your ultimate attainment:
10 of Cups
Well, I couldn't have picked a better card to draw for the conclusion of this spread. The 10 of Cups denotes happiness, family life is thriving and business is excellent. You have the power to make it happen when the time is right. You are moving towards your goal every day and you're making a difference in not only your life but others. Trust yourself. Listen to what the universe is desperately trying to tell you and don't shrug off the signs. Your path has many twists so enjoy the experience and learn from it.

Pamela

Writer's spread
Question: Am I going to be finally paid the big bucks for one of my movie scripts?

LOL, there is no easy answer to this one as we both know the time and sacrifice it takes to get a script to fruition. Your spread shows me a bumpy path that while it may take longer to get to satisfaction, you've earned each bruise.

Cards 1-2: Past pertaining to this project
King of Wands reversed - Queen of Pentacles reversed
You have an interesting pair of cards here, the first is the King of Wands and the second is the Queen of Pentacles. Wands represent creativity and entrepreneurship; you know you need to sell yourself as well as the stories. You have a core of this in your past but didn’t develop it until later. Kings are the end of a cycle, with this one reversed, the cycle may have passed but you hadn't learned all of the lessons therefore we are doomed to repeat it.

The Queen of Pentacles reversed is a lack of money in your early years but not a lack of support. She is the sign of the writer and it is she who sends flashes of inspiration when we need it most. Sometimes the signs aren't as forthright as we'd wish nor easy to interpret but she guides us gently to where we're supposed to be. The Queen is also reversed in this spread telling me you weren't ready for a nudge. Yet.

Cards 3-4: Something you need to know about this project that may not be apparent to you now
10 of cups reversed - 2 of cups
You have no idea how much support you really have out there. The 10 of cups shows me content and happiness yet it's reversed so you haven't accepted it yet. Be kind to yourself, you have talent and you have time so let both develop.

The 2 of cups is a happy relationship be it with your work or your husband. Don't forget the big picture, if mama's not happy - no one is happy. Take time for your husband and know that he's always thinking of you even if it's not right out in front of you. ;)

Card 5-6: Forces working on this project
Star - 6 of Wands
The Star is a good luck card if I've ever seen one. It denotes happiness, success, wealth and forward movement. To have it in this position bodes very well that something you're working on and/or promoting could do well in the future. The key is to not let the Star out of your sight. Print out a copy or tack one to your wall, keep this card close as a reminder that you're closer than you think to obtaining your goals.

The 6 of Wands is a victory card, your hard work is beginning to pay off. Someone out there has noticed you or will soon and you'll be recognized for the talent you are. Be ready for the call!

Card 7-8: Personal meaning of this project
Fool - High Priestess
These are great cards; it shows the blank slate of the Fool when you started your journey into writing to the all-knowing of the High Priestess. You haven't finished your path by any means but you are coming to a junction; you feel comfortable with what you've learned so far and realize there's always more to accomplish so you're always striving to push yourself a little bit harder and a little bit farther.

The High Priestess keeps her mystery by making you rely on your intuition to delve into secrets. Take time for yourself to daydream about possibilities, open your eyes to opportunities and embrace the gifts she's ready to bestow (boy, that sounds right out of psycho friends network, eh?).

Card 9: Ultimate outcome
7 of Swords reversed
This is a warning card about unscrupulous behavior. You're not going to Publish America, are you? ;) While negotiating any deal pertaining to your work, ask the advice of a lawyer well versed in publishing law first. It looks like there is a chance someone isn't on the up and up involving contracts. It's always best to be cautious (but not paranoid) so keep your eyes open and read the fine print!

Michelle

Michelle asked via the internet about a free Past-Present-Future spread. These are great quick guides to keep you on your path or show you what's coming around the bend! These readings, when purchased, are more detailed than what you'll find below.

-----------------------------------

Past: Queen of Wands reversed
Queens represent the inner-fire that burns within all women; the Queen of Wands takes that energy and displays it as unbounding enthusiasm for a project, sometimes at the expense of other things in her life. In this position and reversed, it shows me that you had a project or deadline at work that you felt in charge of finishing you were not quite satisfied with how it turned out. Take the lessons learnt from that experience and apply them towards future endeavors, nothing learned is ever wasted.

Present: The Hanged Man
Having a Major Arcana card in the Present position is a strong message for you to come to a decision -- whether you think you're ready or not. The Hanged Man shows up when you're at a crossroads, not sure which way to turn but eventually you do need to pick and move on. Look at all of your options, if it helps, write them down. You will choose the right path if you trust your instincts.

Future: Justice reversed
Hmmm, I may have spoke too soon. ;)
Take a look at that list again, Justice reversed tells me that your decision, while fair, may not work out exactly as you planned. Be sure you have all of the facts first before moving forward. Does it impact other people? How will this help you in your relationships/career/etc? Legal issues may be at work here, if so they will be resolved soon.

Justice is also the card of balance. Balance is what the universe strives for, your decision in the present will help restore what is slightly wonky in the future.

Rituals

Smoke from sage incense fills the small room where in darkness I throw the spread that will tell me all secrets hidden from the light of consciousness. Secret words pass my lips as I glance furtively towards the door hoping my children won’t dare to enter my private sanctuary. Alone I gaze at the cards and ask for enlightenment to help those who need the answers immediately, those who cannot wait against slow moving time to see if their love is true or not. My answer is always the same, “Eh, it’s only love…” ;)

Rituals surrounding tarot reading vary as much as humanly possible, I personally do not revere my cards as fortune telling gods but more as a working extension of my intuition. Many books share their rituals to influence their psychic vibes but I find that I don’t have the time to cleanse my cards under a full moon and wrapped in silk. A little heavy breathing and focus before I start seems to do the trick~

Mystery seems to be the surrounding inspiration for many to start rituals. Television and film perpetuate the need for silence and absolute control over the environment but many of us are reading while the kids are fighting over which Rugrat is balder, Phil or Tommy. This isn’t to say that I don’t give my entire attention to the reading at hand, only that life intercedes. I’ll leave the hand waving and crystal gazing to those who have the talent and the time to clean the peanut butter off the glass…

I would love to hear what others do regarding their personal rituals. Many of us out there are just beginning to explore the cards, what do you find helps you get in the mood? Candlelight? Janis Joplin? A groovy light show that your dad set up in the 70s and you found in the garage last summer along with the ouija board and some odd-looking herbs?