Tag Archives: 0-The Fool

Tarot 5 Pointed Star Spread Addresses Creativity Issue: 4 of Cups, 0-The Fool, Knight of Wands, Queen of Swords, XIX-The Sun, Page of Swords

For the last twenty years or so, I’ve been the victim of a love-hate relationship with my artistic endeavors.

I’ll go through prolific periods where I’m producing artwork on an almost daily basis only to have it all come to a screeching halt, catapulting me into a bottomless, artless pit where it feels like I’ll never pick up a colored pencil or paintbrush again.

When I find myself in one of these dry, artless spells, I literally feel dried up and, frankly, a little bit dead.

Tarot Self-Empowerment Overcoming Artist's Block http://livingwithcards.com
Tarot Self-Empowerment Overcoming Artist’s Block

 

Earlier this month, after suffering through a dry spell that had gone on so long I couldn’t even remember how long it’d been since I held a pencil in my hand for more than a minute, I decided to consult the Tarot cards.

My question was simple enough: What do I need to do to get the creative juices flowing again? I decided to use the 5 Pointed Star with Significator spread because it provides clear and practical information.

 

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 5 Pointed Star Tarot Spread 4 of Cups - 0-The Fool - Knight of Wands - Queen of Swords - XIX-The Sun - Page of Swords
5 Pointed Star Tarot Spread: 4 of Cups – 0-The Fool – Knight of Wands – Queen of Swords – XIX-The Sun – Page of Swords

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck (c) 1985 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

 

Significator Card  (Theme): 4 of Cups

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 4 of Cups
4 of Cups

The significator card gives information about the theme of the reading. This is important information that should not be ignored and the five cards that make up the actual 5 Pointed Star should be delineated in light of the information contained within the theme.

The theme expressed by 4 of Cups pulls no punches: it bleakly speaks of the devaluation of one’s gifts and talents. It is a card of depression, discontent and self-pity.

Ouch.

The problem isn’t that I’m not talented enough, it’s that I am not recognizing the skills, gifts and talents I’ve been blessed with. I am suffering from a serious lack of gratitude.

 

Position #1 (Basis, Reason or Cause of the Question): 0-The Fool

Position #2 (Mindset, Motivation, Expectations): Knight of Wands

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 0-The Fool
0-The Fool

 

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Knight of Wands
Knight of Wands

If I look at 0-The Fool in light of the theme card, 4 of Cups, I can easily see the reason why I am feeling empty and unfulfilled: I haven’t been valuing my gifts, skills and talents. A quick look at Position #2 (mindset) shows I want to take swift action (Knight of Wands) to reduce or eliminate this feeling of emptiness and lack of progress (0-The Fool).

 

Position #3 (Additional Information or Comment): Queen of Swords

Position #4 (Answer, Solution, Advice): XIX-The Sun

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Queen of Swords
Queen of Swords
Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck XIX-The Sun
XIX-The Sun

Before I discuss what kind of information or comment Queen of Swords may be providing, keep in mind this card is my personal Tarot significator. When it comes up in a spread I cast for myself, it always refers to me and not to some other random logical, loner-type, probably divorced or widowed, sharp-tongued woman who may or may not wear glasses…

I think I have to read Queen of Swords in tandem with Position #4, XIX-The Sun. Those two cards seem to be telling me that whether or not I’m successful (XIX-The Sun) is entirely up to me (Queen of Swords).

Recall the question was: What do I need to do to get the creative juices flowing again? Queen of Swords in the additional information position clearly suggests it is under my control. Maybe I should stop being so judgmental of myself. The suit of swords suggests the problem is likely mental or intellectual. Since thoughts can be changed, perhaps I should consider changing my thoughts, which would ultimately change my results. XIX-The Sun in the answer, solution, advice position confirms success is at hand if that’s what I decide (swords) I want.

 

Position #5 (Probable Outcome): Page of Swords

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Page of Swords
Page of Swords

Here we have a double edged sword (pun intended), for this Page has a tendency not to take himself seriously when perhaps that’s exactly what he should do. I suppose that’s something that can happen frequently when one does not value the skills, gifts and talents (4 of Cups) they inherently possess.

See how all the cards in this spread play together to give a cohesive, empowering and practical answer? Basically, by not valuing my gifts and talents (4 of Cups) and not taking myself seriously (Page of Swords), I’m shooting myself in the foot. In reality, it’s all up to me (Queen of Swords as my personal significator card) and the decisions (swords) I choose or decline to make.

There is nothing “out there” that is preventing me from taking action (Knight of Wands) towards starting anew (0-The Fool) and getting or having what I want (XIX-The Sun).

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Tarot Spreads: The Tarot de Marseille Veil Spread Discusses Job Loss

I continue to be amazed at the quality of information a tarot reader can obtain from The Veil Spread with Extra Positions layout. As I mentioned in a previous post, The Veil Spread is a three card tarot spread outlined in the LWB (little white book) that accompanies the Tarot de Marseille tarot deck. I added two extra positions to this spread and have repeatedly found them useful, as shown in the following tarot reading:

A female querent (person asking the question) in her early 60s contacted me regarding a job loss. Her company eliminated her position and, while not a complete surprise (there were warning signs), she feels at a loss as to what to do next. She asked:

What do I need to consider going forward?

Using only the Majors from the Tarot de Marseille tarot deck, I pulled the following cards:

Tarot de Marseille Veil Spread with Extra Positions: XVIII-Moon Rx - 0-Fool - XVI-Tower Rx - XXI-World Rx - I-Magician
Tarot de Marseille Veil Spread with Extra Positions: XVIII-Moon Rx – 0-Fool – XVI-Tower Rx – XXI-World Rx – I-Magician

 

Position #1: What You Are Seeing

XVIII-The Moon Rx

Tarot de Marseille - XVIII-The Moon Rx
Tarot de Marseille – XVIII-The Moon Rx

XVIII-The Moon in its reversed position focuses on emotional turmoil and suggests the querent is overwhelmed by the feelings the job loss has engendered to a degree where she really can’t seem to focus on anything else. It is difficult to gain clarity when the emotions are jumbled up and rational decision making seems impossible.

Position #2: The Veil, or What You Are Not Seeing, or the Reason You Are Not Able to See the Truth

0-The Fool

Tarot de Marseille - 0-The Fool
Tarot de Marseille – 0-The Fool

0-The Fool appears when a person is required to start a new phase of his or her life. What the querent is not seeing — or what she may be failing to recognize — is that the past is behind her and now she must step forward, even though she may not know exactly where she is heading. Faith is required.

Position #3: The Truth

XVI-The Tower Rx

Tarot de Marseille - XVI-The Tower Rx
Tarot de Marseille – XVI-The Tower Rx

XVI-The Tower in its upright position signifies shock and upset. In its reversed position, the shock or upset has already happened and the worst of it is over. No amount of rehashing the past or agonizing over whether a different result may have occurred if she’d done things differently will change the dynamics of her situation. The truth of the matter is that things will never be the same and that it’s time for the querent to pick up the pieces and begin rebuilding her life.

Position #4: The Advice

XXI-The World Rx

Tarot de Marseille - XXI-The World Rx
Tarot de Marseille – XXI-The World Rx

While XXI-The World is a card of success and fulfillment, in its reversed position it shows fear of change, insecurity and a refusal or inability to face the future. By pointing this out to the querent, XXI-The World Rx acknowledges that while it might be difficult to change her mindset and prepare for new experiences by setting new goals, that is exactly what she should do to begin moving forward.

Position #5: The Probable Outcome

I-The Magician

Tarot de Marseille - I-The Magician
Tarot de Marseille – I-The Magician

I was excited to see this empowering card in the Probable Outcome position because it indicates that the querent has the ability to use her will and imagination to create a new direction for herself. I-Magician suggests the querent may have a specialized knowledge in some area or special skills or talents she may use to achieve her goals. It is an excellent indication that the querent has the ability to compete in the marketplace if that’s the direction she decides to take, or successfully pursue self employment.

 

In summary, The Tarot de Marseille Veil Spread with Extra Positions clearly indicates that the querent’s prospects for resolving her job loss issue are excellent, once she gets past the emotional entanglement and feelings of victimization the job loss has likely triggered.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Tarot Card Advice on Asking Questions

When it comes to reading tarot cards, a good rule of thumb to follow is:

If you don’t really want to know the answer, don’t ask the question.

If you choose to ignore this advice, one of three things will surely happen.

1. The cards will pick up on your subconscious hopes and wishes and reflect back to you what you want to hear. At first glance, you might feel joy and relief. Then you’ll get that “hey, wait a minute…that can’t be right” feeling and self doubt will kick in…

Q: Does X like me the way I like him?

A: You are the sunshine of his life. He sees you two as a couple. Your dreams will come true.

Your gut response: “Yeah, right…”.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck XIX-The Sun - 2 of Cups - 9 of Cups
XIX-The Sun – 2 of Cups – 9 of Cups

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck (c) 1985 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

 

2. The cards will pick up on your subconscious worries and fears and deliver worst case scenarios, sending you screaming for that carton of rocky road ice cream stashed at the back of the freezer (or for whatever your go-to comfort food happens to be).

Q: Does X like me the way I like him?

A: No way. He is lying to you. He will break your heart and leave you crying.

Your gut response: “Aw, come on … it couldn’t possibly be this bad…”

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 7 of Swords - 3 of Swords - 5 of Cups
7 of Swords – 3 of Swords – 5 of Cups

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck (c) 1985 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

 

3. The cards, having picked up on your subconscious, vibrational broadcast that you don’t really want to know the answer, will arrange themselves in some gobbly-gook fashion, all but indecipherable, no matter how many times you reshuffle and draw again.

Q: Does X like me the way I like him?

A: Insights, inspirations, hopes fulfilled, new enterprise or beginning, success, completion, goals achieved, job well done .

Your gut response: “Huh??!!”

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck XVII-The Star - Ace of Wands - XXI-The World
XVII-The Star – Ace of Wands – XXI-The World

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck (c) 1985 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

 

You can avoid the above scenarios by only asking questions for which you are ready to hear the answer. Another approach would be to rephrase your questions — especially about subjects in which you may have an emotional investment — in ways that feel more empowering and less fated.

The tarot is exceptionally good at providing deep insight into your situation/ circumstance/ issue. Instead of asking questions that can be answered “Yes” or “No,” practice phrasing your questions in empowering ways. Empowering questions such as “What’s the most important thing I need to know about [situation/ circumstance/ issue]?” or “What’s the best approach I can take regarding this [situation/ circumstance/ issue]?” are much more helpful and considerably less stress-provoking than the typical yes-or-no questions people tend to ask.

 * * * * * * * * * *

A great spread for ascertaining helpful advice and guidance is a variation of “The Veil” spread described in the Tarot de Marseille LWB (little white book). The first three positions are per the instructions. I added positions 4 and 5 because I think the additional information is helpful.

Position #1: What you are seeing.

Position #2: The Veil, or what you are not seeing, or the reason you are not seeing the entire truth.

Position #3: The truth, or how things really are.

Position #4: The advice.

Position #5: The Probable Outcome if you follow the advice.

 

Example:

Pertinent background leading up to the question: Recent blood work shows my cholesterol’s too high and the doctor’s scale confirms my bathroom scale is accurate (sigh).

My question: “What am I seeing / not seeing concerning my health and what is the truth?”

 The Veil Spread with Extra Positions

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Queen of Pentacles - 8 of Pentacles - II-The High Priestess - Ace of Swords - 0-The Fool
Queen of Pentacles – 8 of Pentacles – II-The High Priestess – Ace of Swords – 0-The Fool

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck (c) 1985 U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Position #1: What I am seeing.

Queen of Pentacles - Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck
Queen of Pentacles – Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

QUEEN OF PENTACLES: I am seeing myself as healthy. After all, my cholesterol is not that high, and my weight is not that excessive.  The doctor didn’t even lecture me about either one. I want to believe I am healthy enough.

Position #2: The Veil, or what I am not seeing.

8 of Pentacles
8 of Pentacles – Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

8 OF PENTACLES: Eight is the number that signifies balance vs. imbalance, and pentacles are physical. As such, they are often related to health issues. There is some type of imbalance going on, likely physical, whether I want to admit it or not.

Position #3: The truth, or how things really are.

II-The High Priestess - Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck
II-The High Priestess – Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

II-THE HIGH PRIESTESS: I am not listening to my gut feelings surrounding this issue. I am ignoring the inner voice that keeps nagging me that all is not well and that I really need to start doing something about it, preferably sooner rather than later.

Position #4: The Advice.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Ace of Swords
Ace of Swords – Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

ACE OF SWORDS: I need to find ways to release pent-up emotions, stress, anxieties and worries. Working out on a regular basis will go a long way in helping me bring my physical and mental energies back into balance. Exercise needed!

Position #5: The Probable Outcome if I follow the Advice.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 0-The Fool
0-The Fool – Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

0-THE FOOL: A new beginning, starting afresh. All things are possible, jump in with both feet. Improved health.

 

I had to admit the cards were right. I told myself, the next time I got a flyer from a local gym offering promotional pricing, I’d join. And wouldn’t you know it, a flyer from the fitness center closest to my house arrived in the afternoon mail…

 * * * * * * * * * *

I’d really like to encourage you to ask questions that help you sort things out, empower you, and lead you to your own conclusions. The answers you’ll receive by taking this approach will be much more insightful and helpful than any yes-or-no answers could ever hope to be.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Tarot Guidance Using the 5 Pointed Star Spread

The querent is a female artist who’s hit a dry spell. Lately she’s been worrying, thinking maybe she’s lost her edge. She fears she’ll never be able to produce the quality of work she’s produced in the past.

“It feels like my creative well is dry,” she confided. “At first I thought I could shake this off, but it’s been a few weeks now and it’s starting to scare me.”

Her question was simple: How Can I Replenish the Well?

I decided to cast a 5 Pointed Star tarot spread to address her question. This is a positional spread where each point of the Star discusses a certain aspect of the problem/ situation/ circumstance of concern.

After thoroughly mixing the cards, I selected the following cards to address her question:

 

5 Pointed Star Tarot Spread - Replenish the Well
5 Pointed Star Tarot Spread – Replenish the Well

 

Position 1: The nature or basis of the situation/ issue/ circumstance, or the reason for the question:

Page of Cups as the nature or basis of the situation suggests a couple of things to me. First, it literally suggests creative (Cups) thoughts (Pages). Second, it gives a sense of perhaps being overly emotional about the situation and not trusting her own intuitions, which certainly could put a damper on generating new ideas.

Position 2: The querent’s thoughts or mindset, conscious or unconscious:

Quite literally, 0-The Fool is zero. Nothing. Coupled with Page of Cups as creative thoughts, we see the querent’s situation capsulized in the first two cards: as far as creative thoughts / new inspirations are concerned (Page of Cups), there are none (0-The Fool).

Position 3: Additional information or comment that may impact the situation (can be known or unknown):

2 of Pentacles in the third position suggests a sense of uneasiness/ imbalance, and perhaps a fear of disappointing self or others. There is also a sense of discouragement. These feelings could be causing her to bounce back and forth, between hope and despair, accomplishment and the lack thereof, which could be stifling her creative faculties and affecting her ability to make careful, balanced decisions.

Position 4: The Answer, Advice or Solution:

Knight of Cups suggests the real problem is a lack of faith in herself and her abilities. She needs to re-develop her self confidence. Knight of Cups suggests she should learn to recognize whether she’s acting on fear-based emotions or out of genuine enthusiasm for her passions and interests.

Position 5: The Probable Outcome based on the current energies surrounding the situation/ issue/ circumstance:

Queen of Pentacles furthers the advice of Knight of Cups. If the querent follows the advice of Knight of Cups and resurrects her faith in herself and her abilities, she’ll be better equipped to take on her challenges and figure out effective ways to deal with them.

Clarification Card: Ties the reading together and often gives a direction to consider for achieving a suitable outcome:

V-Hierophant is a card of tradition, encompassing specific, daily routines and rituals. Instead of worrying about a lack of inspiration or a dearth of ideas, perhaps the querent could set a daily schedule that would put her in front of the computer (she does digital design) whether she feels inspired or not. Sometimes the Hierophant can represent an older or more experienced person who passes his or her knowledge on to a student or apprentice. Perhaps the querent could consider offering online classes to beginners who would love to learn the basics of digital design, and in doing so, recover some of the spark and excitement she believes she’s lost.

Hopefully, one or more of the insights provided by this reading will help the querent in resolving this issue.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins