Tag Archives: 2 of Cups

Tarot Card Spread Reveals How to Get Your Wish

In my family, regardless of age, the “Birthday Boy” (or Girl) always makes a wish before blowing out the candles. The kids believe their wishes will come true. The adults, not so much.

The simple explanation for why this is so is that making wishes (and expecting them to come true) is a form of “make-believe,” a.k.a. magickal thinking. Children (usually) believe in magick. Grown-ups (usually) do not. (I’ll admit there were years when I only pretended to make a wish so as not to spoil the festive mood…)

The Wish Card: 9 of Cups

Alchemical Tarot Revisited by Robert M. Place 9 of Cups - The Wish Card http://livingwithcards.comAlchemical Tarot Renewed by Robert M. Place 9 of Cups - The Wish Card

The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed Fourth Edition

Although I’m not sure what prompted the thought, earlier this week my mind drifted to a recent family birthday party where the “Birthday Boy,” excited and smiling, squeezed his eyes shut and made what looked to be a very important wish. It was clear from the expression on his face that he expected his wish to come true. The memory made me smile.

It then occurred to me that the Tarot could explain how the whole “wish-getting” thing works, which made me smile even more. All I had to do was ask!

I decided to use The Alchemical Tarot Renewed tarot deck by Robert M. Place. After a thorough shuffle while concentrating on my question, I pulled seven cards and placed them according to the layout shown below:

Q: How Can I Get My Wish (What is the Formula)?

 

Alchemical Tarot 7 card Wish Spread: 9 of Cups - Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles - XII-The Hanged Man - 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups http://livingwithcards.comAlchemical Tarot 7 card Wish Spread: 9 of Cups - Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles - XII-The Hanged Man - 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups

The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed Fourth Edition

 

Position 1 – The Subject or Focus: 9 of Cups

9 of Cups tarot card from The Alchemical Tarot Renewed http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Position 1: 9 of Cups - The Wish Card

To my amazement, the first card drawn was the Wish Card itself — 9 of Cups. It seemed to be a clear confirmation that the Tarot was in tune with my question.

 

Positions 2, 3, 4 – The Answer: Page of Wands, Queen of Cups, 3 of Pentacles

 

Tarot Wish Spread Positions 2, 3, 4: Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Positions 2, 3, 4: Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles

Thoughts (Page of Wands) immersed in feelings/ emotions (Queen of Cups) manifest into things (3 of Pentacles). Notice that a Page is a “beginner” — lower in order than a Queen. Thoughts (Pages) come first. Page of Wands shows the inspirations, hunches and messages that develop into “wishes.” Queens denote a deeper, more mature energy. The Queen of Cups symbolizes developed feelings and emotions. Together, the cards suggest that a considerable amount of feeling/ emotion (Queen of Cups as a more developed energy) has to be infused into the thoughts (Page) to make the spark catch fire (Wands). The result would be a physical manifestation (Pentacles).

 

Position 5 – Caution, Challenge, Obstacle: XII-The Hanged Man

XII-The Hanged Man tarot card from Alchemical Tarot Renewed http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Position 5: XII-The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man suggests the need to look at things from a different perspective and illuminates the need to change one’s perception. The card reminds us that it all starts on the inside. Inner reality creates outer reality, not the other way around. I find it interesting that the only Major Arcana card in the spread happens to be the Challenge Card: its message cannot be ignored or worked around.

 

Positions 6, 7 – Considerations, Additional Information, Advice: 2 of Pentacles, 2 of Cups

Tarot Wish Spread Positions 5, 6: 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Positions 6, 7: 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups

When it comes to manifestation, 2 of Pentacles suggests if one is “juggling and struggling,” flip-flopping back and forth between wanting something and then doubting they can get it, eventually they’ll wind up “dropping the ball.” Full alignment, harmonization and connection with the desire is essential (2 of Cups).

To summarize:

The Tarot reveals that the “Formula” for getting your wish is to recognize that thoughts start the process and deeply-felt emotion grows it.  This may require a change in your perception: the realization that “inner reality creates outer reality,” and not the other way around. Inconsistent thinking/ actions tends to cancel each other out — you can’t be wishing for (or working towards) what you want one minute then doubting your ability to get what you want the next and still expect success. Full vibrational alignment with your desire is essential.

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If the Formula seems simple, that’s because it is. Simple, however, doesn’t necessarily mean easy, as any Student of the Law of Attraction can attest. 🙂

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My suggestion is to try this spread with a particular “Wish” in mind. For Position 1, you can pre-select the Wish Card (9 of Cups) or use another card that symbolizes your desire, whichever you prefer. Or, you can simply let the deck pick the card for you… If you pre-select a card, remove the card of your choice from the deck before thoroughly shuffling the remaining cards while asking the Tarot “How Can I Get My Wish?” (or some variation of that question).

Position #1 – Focus card (describes or represents what you are wishing for)
Positions #2, 3, 4 – The Answer (how-to instructions, what you need to do or not do to get what you are wishing for)
Position #5 – The Caution, Challenge or Obstacle
Position #6, 7 – Additional Information, Considerations, Advice

You can lay out the spread like I did in the diagram above or in any way that makes sense to you. Give it a try and see what you come up with. You might be amazed at how accurately the Tarot provides the answers you seek.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Tarot and the Law of Attraction Part 2

You don’t have to work with Tarot cards for very long before you begin noticing that, for the most part, they are reflecting the energies and vibrations surrounding the situation and circumstances at the time of the question. If you are somewhat skeptical that this is true, try throwing a Tarot spread when you are feeling out-of-sorts and/or conflicted. Betcha a buck the cards you pull will be just as out-of-sorts and/or conflicting as you are feeling.

This is a good thing. It is instant confirmation that you are focused on something you do not want. You say you want the tarot cards to give you an objective, clear, comprehensible answer to your question but all you have gotten back from them is gobbley-gook. A reading that makes no sense at all. This immediately tells you that you are focused on the lack of what you want.

In Part 1 of this series, I told you I would show you a simple Tarot card spread that could help you identify what you are really focusing upon. This knowledge can help you consciously direct your thoughts so that you may get better at creating deliberately rather than by default. And once you really start getting the hang of how to do that, you’ll find you’ll be bringing more of what you want (and less of what you don’t want) into your life.

 

The Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread

The Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread works best when you’ve been living with a situation or circumstance long enough to determine that things just don’t seem to going the way you wish they would and you’d like a fresh insight on what you need to do to get the energy flowing in a more positive direction.

While shuffling a favorite deck of Tarot cards, think about the situation or circumstance upon which you are seeking guidance. The question should be open-ended, such as “What’s going on for me in this situation and where am I headed?”

When you feel ready, cut the shuffled deck into six separate piles and place the top card of each pile into the corresponding slot shown on the diagram below:

 

Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread http://livingwithcards.com
Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread – Living with Cards

 

 

Q: What’s Going On for Me in this Situation and Where Am I Headed?

Position 1 – What-Is: This card will reflect the dynamics of your current situation. Sometimes this card will be quite literal, such as pulling the 10 of Swords while wondering why you just can’t seem to get past a devastating break-up that occurred a few months ago.

Robin Wood Tarot: 10 of Swords
Robin Wood Tarot: 10 of Swords

Other times, you might have to think about what the card is saying to you.  Consider the suit of this card. Cups could be pointing to an emotional aspect of the situation, Pentacles to a physical aspect, Swords to a mental aspect, and Wands to a spiritual aspect.

Position 2 – What You Want: The card in this position will show you an aspect of what you’d like to see happen. Again, the card could be quite literal. In keeping with the devastating break-up theme, perhaps VI-The Lovers or 2 of Cups may show up.

Robin Wood Tarot: 2 of Cups
Robin Wood Tarot: 2 of Cups

Typically, you will pull a card that points out some aspect or quality of what you are telling yourself you want to happen.

Position 3 – Where You Are Focused: This is the critical card to pay attention to. It will show you whether you are focused on what you say you want or upon the lack of what you say you want. Continuing with the devastating break-up example, 5 of Cups in Position 3 suggests you may be focused on what you’ve lost and not upon being part of the happy couple depicted by the 2 of Cups in Position 2.

Robin Wood Tarot: 5 of Cups
Robin Wood Tarot: 5 of Cups

Position 4 – Where Your Focus is Taking You: You shouldn’t have much trouble interpreting the card that lands in this position. Using the devastating break-up example, drawing the 7 of Swords, II-The High Priestess or XVIII-The Moon could clearly point to the probability that you are deceiving yourself on some level, or refusing to listen to your inner knowing.

Robin Wood Tarot: 7 of Swords - II-The High Priestess - XVIII-The Moon
Robin Wood Tarot: 7 of Swords – II-The High Priestess – XVIII-The Moon

Position 5 – Advice or Comment: The card that shows up in this position will often emphasize what action you need to take or avoid in order to get back on track. 9 of Cups could be as simple as the suggestion to find more things in your life to focus on that would make you happy, while 3 of Cups may give you the idea that reaching out to friends could be helpful. Don’t be afraid to follow your intuitive promptings as you examine this card.

Robin Wood Tarot - 9 of Cups - 3 of Cups
Robin Wood Tarot – 9 of Cups – 3 of Cups

Position 6 – Something Worth Considering: This is a card of additional assistance and/or insight from your Inner Being. Perhaps the 9 of Pentacles for this position could suggest a focus on self-sufficiency. Even though you may prefer to be in a relationship, cultivating a belief that you are whole (and not broken) with or without a partner could be the first step on your road to recovery and, eventually, a more fulfilling relationship.

Robin Wood Tarot: 9 of Pentacles
Robin Wood Tarot: 9 of Pentacles

Because the Tarot is masterful at identifying and mirroring back to you the thoughts and feelings you are putting out to the universe, the essence of which, by the Law of Attraction, must be returned back to you, it is an excellent tool for self-discovery and self-empowerment.

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.

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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…

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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

Lenormand and Tarot Combo Reading: Employment Advice

Male X is a 29 year old husband and father who’s been working as a maintenance man at a property management company for the past two years. When he became frustrated and disillusioned with his job, he applied for, and was offered, a similar position at better pay, with a competitor. When he told his company he was leaving, they counter-offered, matching the competitor’s pay. After going back and forth, unable to come to a decision, his worried wife contacted me for a reading. She wanted to know which job was the better choice, for both her husband and their family.

I decided to consult the Lenormand and the Tarot to see what advice and insights they could supply concerning the two jobs.

First, let’s see what the Lenormand cards had to say:

Job #1 (current job)

Blaue Eule Lenormand 9 Bouquet - 35 Anchor - 28 Gentleman
9 Bouquet – 35 Anchor – 28 Gentleman

 

Job #2 (potential new job)

Blaue Eule Lenormand 30 Lilies - 20 Garden - 6 Clouds
30 Lilies – 20 Garden – 6 Clouds

Blaue Eule (Blue Owl) Lenormand (c) 2008 Konigsfurt-Urania

 

Lenormand was quite direct about Job #1, showing Male X’s professional skills (Bouquet) as a maintenance man (Anchor + Gent). The cards also reflected that the company appreciated his skills (Bouquet) and that there was likely longevity (Anchor) for him at their company. The overall impression I got about Job #1 was that of stability (Anchor) and appreciation for his services (Bouquet).

Lenormand was equally descriptive regarding Job #2. While the company seemed to have pure motives (Lilies) in presenting itself as a pleasant and enjoyable workplace (Lilies + Park), such a presentation was deceptive or not what it seemed to be (Clouds). I got the impression things might change here (and not for the better), and a future with this company was unpredictable at this time (Clouds).

Wanting to get additional information and insight, I consulted the Tarot:

I decided to cast an Options Spread where three cards for each option are drawn. Underneath each option, I drew a card to give insight or advice on what Male X should consider before making a decision. The final card suggests the Probable Outcome.

 

Options Tarot Spread Employment Advice
Options Tarot Spread Employment Advice

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

 

Job #1 is shown by VII-Chariot, XIX-Sun and Knight of Cups, while what should be considered is signified by the 4 of Swords.

All three cards describing Job #1 are positive, giving the sense of a reputable (XIX-Sun), take-charge (VI-Chariot) type of company that has Male X’s best interests at heart (Knight of Cups).

The 4 of Swords as insight or advice suggests Male X might feel stuck in neutral at Job #1. He may feel tired and discouraged and long for a change of pace.

Job #2 is shown by 2 of Cups, 10 of Swords and 7 of Swords. What should be considered is described by 4 of Pentacles.

I almost had to slap my head at how literal these cards spoke to me: “First they woo you (2 of Cups), then they stab you in the back (10 of Swords). There is deception (7 of Swords) surrounding Job #2. Beware.”

The 4 of Pentacles as insight or advice suggests Male X, despite the discouragement he feels about Job #1, may feel too scared to make a change at this time. Perhaps he will want to hold on to what he already has.

Ace of Wands as the Probable Outcome suggests that a new chapter will begin. This could be a raise or promotion (Job #1), or a new job (Job #2). You can see the Tarot did not make the decision for Male X, but rather, leaves it up to him after he considers the advice and insights in the spread.

 

What actually happened?

Before consulting with the wife, I also ran a horary astrology chart which indicated Job #1 was more stable and that Job #2 possibly might not be able to live up to its promises. The chart also suggested that Male X may have “pre-decided” on Job #2 (probably due to his frustrations with Job #1). I gave this information to the wife, along with my interpretations of the Lenormand and Tarot cards, being very careful not to paint Job #2 in a totally negative light, because I did not want to influence Male X’s decision. I did suggest, however, that perhaps Male X could talk things out with his current employer, since the cards seemed to indicate the company was reputable and had his best interests at heart.

I counseled that in the long run, bettering himself either via specialized education or moving up in the company was more important than either one of these jobs. She agreed, and the consultation ended.

I heard back from Male X’s wife a few days later. She told me not only did Male X ultimately decide to stay with Job #1, but he also wanted to pursue an educational program that would enable him to earn more money in an entirely different profession in which he had genuine interest.

As of this date, Male X has taken the first step to a new career by attending an informational workshop for the educational program he is interested in pursuing, and seems satisfied with his decision to stay with Job #1.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins