Tag Archives: 36 Cross

Forensic Astrology & Cartomancy: Missing Child A.J. Freund

It may come as no surprise to some of you that it took a Missing Child case to drag me back to Living with Cards.

Little five year old A.J. Freund from Crystal Lake, Illinois has been dead for two weeks now and I’m still brooding over the disturbing facts surrounding his case. I didn’t know A.J. There was nothing I could have done to prevent his death. Still, the little guy got to me. Enough to make me draw up his Reported Missing and Last Seen charts last week and throw a few cards. I didn’t like what I saw but as I said, there was absolutely nothing I could have done about it. Andrew (A.J.) Freund was already dead by then, murdered by his parents. That’s what the charts and cards said. The police confirmed a day later via televised press conference.

Missing child A.J. Freund, age 5, reported missing from his Crystal Lake, Illinois home on April 18, 2019. Found dead April 24, 2019 in a shallow grave, wrapped in plastic. http://livingwithcards.com
Andrew “A.J.” Freund, age 5 reported missing from his Crystal Lake, IL home on April 18, 2019. Found dead April 24, 2019 in a shallow grave, wrapped in plastic.

 

The Facts

For those of you who are into facts, here’s the timeline:

  1. June 2012: first family contact with the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services – more than a year before A.J. was born – when his mother was investigated for drug abuse and neglect of a foster child.
  2. October 2013: two days after A.J. was born both he and his mother tested positive for opiates and benzodiazepines  causing DCFS to remove A.J. from the home for the first two years of his life.
  3. After his return to the family, DCFS intervened multiple times, responding to reports of abuse and neglect of A.J. and his siblings. All of these investigations were “closed … due to lack of evidence.”
  4. December 2018: four months before his disappearance and death, A.J. wound up in the Emergency Room with “cuts, welts and bruises” that were, at first, attributed to a snarl-up with the family dog. But an ER doctor who had examined A.J. told DCFS what the child had allegedly told him: “Maybe someone hit me with a belt. Maybe Mommy didn’t mean to hurt me.” Eventually, similar to previous investigations, the abuse allegation was deemed unfounded due to lack of evidence.
  5. DCFS was called in again when A.J. allegedly went missing. According to Freund Sr.’s 911 call to police on Thursday, April 18, 2019, the last time he saw his son was the evening before, Wednesday, April 17th, “around 9:30” when the child went to bed.
  6. After determining a kidnapping was unlikely, police attention turned to the parents. By Tuesday, April 23rd, public reports came out that canine units had hit on A.J.’s scent in the trunk of his parents’ car. By the next morning media outlets reported that multiple police vehicles had converged in Woodstock, IL, seven miles northwest of A.J.’s home. They removed a mattress and a shovel. They found the little boy’s body in a shallow grave, wrapped in plastic.
  7. On April 24, 2019, both parents were arrested and charged with first degree murder and are being held in jail on $5 million bond. A.J.’s younger brother was placed in a relative’s care. Court documents allege that A.J.’s parents killed him by making him take long, cold showers and beating him. An autopsy determined A.J. died of blunt force trauma to his head. He had been struck multiple times. Date of death was determined to be on or about April 15, 2019, three days prior to the 911 call.

[Sources: WTTW Chicago, USA Today ]

It was just as hard for me to write out the timeline above as it probably was for you to read it. I had to step away from the keyboard and collect my thoughts. Now that I’ve had a moment to clear my head, I’ll go over some of the astrological highlights, followed by the cartomancy of this case:

Astrological Highlights

A.J. had already been missing for a few days when I decided to draw up the charts. I really didn’t want to go there. Just from the news that had already been released, I had a bad feeling, made even worse when I learned that canine units had picked up A.J.’s scent in the trunk of his parents’ car. With so many reports of abuse already public and made factually available, who needed an astrology chart or a card deck to figure out what had probably happened? Despite this, I felt compelled to cast the charts.

The first chart I cast was the Reported Missing to Police, for which I had an exact time due to the fact the 911 call was released to the public. A.J.’s father called the Crystal Lake, IL Police at 9:04 a.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2019 to report his son missing. He stated that he had last seen A.J. the night before, “around 9:30 when he went to bed.”

A.J. Freund Reported Missing Astrology chart. Missing child astrology chart, forensic horary astrology. http://livingwithcards.com
A.J. Freund, age 5, Reported Missing from Crystal Lake, Illinois 9:04 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019 forensic astrology chart with markups – Living with Cards © 2019.

 

I am not going to go into microscopic detail regarding this chart, but I do want to point out a few things. For those of you who are not astrologically oriented I will highlight in red plain English observations. First, notice the degree on the ASCENDANT, 22 Gemini. This is the Kill or Be Killed degree according to Serbian astrologer Nikola Stojanovic (22° of any sign). I have seen this degree prominent in other cases involving death/ murder. [The Ascendant degree is associated with death/ murder.]

In a Reported Missing chart for children I usually assign the ruler of the 5th House to the child. This is because the 5th House rules children. In this chart, A.J. is symbolized by Mercury, the ruler of the 5th House of Children. A missing child (or person) can also be signified by the Moon. Here, the Moon is intercepted (hidden) in the 5th House of Children and quindecile (165°, an aspect of obsession/ compulsion) both the Sun (the event) and Mercury, the ruler of the 5th House of Children. [The Moon, which symbolizes the child, is “hidden” in the chart and thus the child may be “hidden” in reality since in astrology, “As above, so below.”]

Notice Mercury (A.J.) is conjunct Chiron, an asteroid symbolizing woundedness. In forensic astrology charts Chiron often is connected with death.

Further, Sun (the event) is conjunct Uranus (accidents) in the 11th House of Circumstances Beyond One’s Control. This gives me the sense some sort of “accident” happened. With the MARS/SATURN midpoint at 01° Aries smack conjunct Lord 5 the Child Mercury, I fear the “accident” involved a brutal attack. (MARS/SATURN is a cruel, heartless, brutal testimony in forensic astrology.)

The Arabic Part of Death at 19 Virgo is exactly opposite Black Moon Lilith 19 Pisces and parallel Chiron, two more strong death testimonies.

But it is the nodal axis and attending planets that disturb me the most: the Nodes are at 21 Cancer/Capricorn, with the South Node in Capricorn conjunct Saturn and Pluto. All three of these are death indicators — South Node, Saturn and Pluto. And this entire aspect pattern is exactly square A.J.’s natal Sun at 21° Libra. This is compelling evidence of death.

Usually, the Reported Missing chart will tell the tale. I also look at the Last Seen chart, if available, which should agree with and/or at least complement the Reported Missing chart. I’m not going to show that chart but would like to mention that the alleged Last Seen time of “around 9:30” p.m. when the child supposedly went to bed had me beyond suspicious that the father was fabricating a tale. 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 in Crystal Lake, Illinois gives an ASCENDANT of 20°31′ Scorpio — mere minutes past the malefic (evil) 19th degree of Scorpio. This degree is referred to as Serpentis, “the accursed degree of the cursed sign.” In over 20 years of examining astrology charts from a forensic perspective, I have never seen a positive ending when this degree is prominent.

 

The Lenormand Card Reading

After evaluating the testimonies given by the charts I decided to throw a few Lenormand cards. I was rattled enough to ask a compound question, which can be tricky to evaluate.

Exact question: “Where Is He? / What Happened?”

 

Lenormand cards drawn for Missing Child A.J. Freund, reported missing from Crystal Lake, Illinois April 18, 2019: 17 Storks - 08 Coffin - 36 Cross - 04 House - 11 Whip http://livingwithcards.com
Lenormand cards drawn for Missing Child A.J. Freund, reported missing from Crystal Lake, Illinois April 18, 2019: 17 Storks – 08 Coffin – 36 Cross – 04 House – 11 Whip

 

Card deckMlle Lenormand Cartomancy Deck of 36 Cards

I have to admit Storks threw me off a bit. Generally a positive card, it couldn’t be here. Not with Coffin, Cross and Whip in the spread. I decided it referred to repeated abuse (Storks + Whip) since Storks can indicate repetitions and recurrences according to Anna K., a published Lenormand deck creator. The rest of the cards told me that abuse (Whip) in the home (House) led to death (Coffin, Cross).

Andy Boroveshengra, author of Thirty Six Cards: An Introduction to the Petit Lenormand, suggested that Storks + Coffin would indicate grief over a change or past error and Coffin + Cross would be a total loss as a consequence.

Andy’s interpretation really hit me hard and I appreciate that he took the time to offer his insight on my reading. Now, in retrospect and knowing the outcome, I can also see Storks as an indicator of a change of location, which actually is what happened. I think this was Lenormand’s answer to the “Where Is He?” portion of my question. Storks is connected to moving, moving house. The parents moved A.J. to another location after allegedly killing him within the premises. So the cards gave Storks + Coffin, change of location necessitated by death.

Concluding Thoughts

In the hope that perhaps in some small way I could help prevent even one tragedy similar to what happened two weeks ago in Crystal Lake, Illinois, I’d like to call your attention to one more astrological testimony I observed in the charts: little A.J. was born with the asteroid Dejanira partile conjunct (in the same degree) his natal Sun. Dejanira is an asteroid of victimhood and the Sun represents one’s very life. So what we have here is potential for a lifetime of victimization. While this particular conjunction does not and would not result in such a horrible outcome for everyone having the placement, it could be a serious indicator of abuse that perhaps should be investigated should it be noted in someone’s chart. I’ll go as far as to suggest that such investigation could be critical in helping save some other child’s life.

 

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

 

 

Lenormand Cards Progress Report: 9 Bouquet, 12 Birds, 36 Cross, 35 Anchor, 27 Letter, 15 Bear

One of the things I most appreciate about Lenormand cards is their ability to provide practical, down-to-earth information about the question at hand. Unlike the Tarot, Lenormand cards illuminate the nitty-gritty. They “tell it like it is” and rarely pull any punches. Unlike the Tarot, Lenormand cards do not confuse with esoteric and/or psychological insights and are less prone to being misinterpreted. Lest you surmise I prefer Lenormand cards over Tarot cards, be assured that I do not. Each has its own strengths, weaknesses and place in the grand scheme of divination. Tarot cards were my first cartomantic love and there are plenty of times when I’ll go to them first, and/or use them to elaborate on a Lenormand card spread.

This morning, however, I chose my go-to Lenormand deck, the Piatnik Jeu de destin #194115 for some quick insight.

I simply wanted an objective progress report, a “how am I doing?” if you will, regarding my art which I’ve pursued with renewed commitment since the first of the year.

Q: How am I doing (regarding my artistic endeavors)?

Piatnik Lenormand 9 Bouquet - 12 Birds - 36 Cross - 35 Anchor - 27 Letter - 15 Bear livingwithcards.com
9 Bouquet – 12 Birds – 36 Cross – 35 Anchor – 27 Letter – 15 Bear

Piatnik Jeu du destin Mlle Lenormand Cartomancy Deck of 36 Cards

 

I did not like seeing 36 Cross as the central card. It suggested, at best, a challenge, one that possibly has existed for a lifetime, seeing that Cross is followed by Anchor. Despite the “ouch” this information elicited, I had to admit the cards had shown me a personal truth. After a sigh, I looked further into the spread.

9 Bouquet represents my art (and sometimes represents me as an artistic person). Followed by Birds which is a relationship card, I get the sense the cards are discussing the relationship (Birds) I have with my art/ myself as an artistic person (Bouquet).  As alluded to above, this relationship has been a lifelong challenge for me (Cross + Anchor). 27 Letter as the final card in a Lenormand Line of 5 refers to the process of documentation I so strictly adhere to* and seems to suggest that my continuation of this process will benefit me.

The saving grace of this Lenormand card spread was intuited from the base card (bottom card of the shuffled deck), 15 Bear. In the context of the question, Bear represents power, strength, authority and protection. “Keep the faith, Baby” comes to mind. Stay strong (Bear) and grounded (Anchor) in the face of difficulties/ challenges (Cross).

So while the difficulties are clearly not over (Cross as central card), I have the power (Bear) to persevere. The continued (Anchor) documentation (Letter) of my artistic journey (Bouquet) is recommended.

And while the main topic of Living with Cards is not my artistic journey, I thought you might enjoy a peek:

Art journal page (c) 2015 Mary Hawkins http://livingwithcards.com
Art journal page (c) 2015 Mary Hawkins

 

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

*I’ve been recording my card readings in daily journals since March 2012. Earlier this year, after consciously recommitting to pursuing my art work, I began drawing and sketching in various sketchbooks and journals on a daily basis as well.

Lenormand Relationship Advice: Online Dating?

 

A divorced female who’s been out of the dating scene for a few years is being nagged by her adult children to sign up for an online dating service.

She’s been resisting the idea but admits it sounds intriguing. Can the cards tell her if this is a good idea for her or not?

Lenormand Advice Relationship Issue: Online Dating? http://livingwithcards.com
Lenormand Advice Relationship Issue: Online Dating?

 

Since there are few decisions or choices in life that are irreversible, as I mixed the cards, I certainly wasn’t anticipating the answer would be particularly negative.

On the contrary, after turning over the first four cards in a Line of 5 layout, the commentary seemed quite positive.

The fifth card, 36 Cross, however, brought my thought process to a screeching halt, and the base card, 11 Whip, offered no comfort.

 

Lenormand Cards Piatnik 27 Letter - 20 Garden - 24 Heart - 35 Anchor - 36 Cross - 11 Whip http://livingwithcards.com
27 Letter – 20 Garden – 24 Heart – 35 Anchor – 36 Cross – 11 Whip

Mlle. Lenormand Jeu de destin No. 194115 (c) 1986 Piatnik

 

Ouch.

How cruel of this Line of 5 to end in 36 Cross, a card of grief, pain and burdens, when the preceding cards pointed to social interactions and dates (Letter + Garden) and love (Heart), possibly even long-lasting or permanent love (Heart + Anchor).

The cards, however, clearly suggested the “permanency” (Anchor) of the relationship would become a burden (Cross) and the querent would ultimately regret her foray into the social world of online dating (Anchor to the left of Cross).

Whip as the base card (bottom card of the shuffled deck) spoke of arguments, strife, animosity and perhaps even emotional abuse (Heart + Whip) on the increase.

I pulled one final card to illuminate the result and 12 Birds showed up, suggesting worry, stress, anxiety and disappointment with a relationship started via online dating.

Lenormand Piatnik 12 Birds
12 Birds

 

When I explained what the cards were saying, the querent was silent for a moment. Then she thoughtfully replied that she wasn’t really that surprised, for the cards had mirrored her inner conviction that another relationship (whether initiated online or through more conventional means) would ultimately prove to be oppressive and burdensome.

She actually seemed somewhat relieved that the cards didn’t give her a green light!

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Lenormand Daily Draw: Coffin, Cross, Storks

We each have our crosses to bear. Mine include frequent morning headaches which I rate in my daily journal on a scale of 1 (not so much) to 5 (just shoot me now).

This morning I got hit with a 4.

The headache, which had started around 4:00 a.m., was so painful I almost didn’t pull cards (the key word being ‘almost’). The ibuprofen I’d taken (chugged down with the requisite cup of black coffee) hadn’t made a dent. How I even  managed to shuffle the deck can only be explained by sheer force of habit.

Here’s what I drew:

8 Coffin 36 Cross 17 Storks
8 Coffin – 36 Cross – 17 Stork

Mlle. Lenormand Jeu de destin No. 194115 (c) 1986 Piatnik

 

The first two cards were appropriately literal. COFFIN can indicate a headache and COFFIN + CROSS certainly can suggest a headache of monumental proportions. The third card, STORK, was hopeful, indicating relief, as this card often indicates changes, usually for the better.

I wound up going back to bed for a couple hours, and by the time I got back up, thankfully, the headache had dissipated, allowing me to continue on with my day.

In retrospect, I’m glad the daily draw hadn’t been more complicated. My head was hurting way too much to bother trying to figure out much more information than these three cards provided.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Lenormand Cards Daily Draw: Garden, Ship, Cross

One bitterly cold, dreary day last month, I awoke with one of my usual morning headaches (3.5 on a scale of 1 to 5). After chugging down two ibuprofens with a cup of black coffee, I proceeded to do my daily draw using the (rather enchanting) Enchanted Lenormand oracle cards by Caitlin Matthews & Virginia Lee.

Too unmotivated to ask a focused question, I simply asked the cards to tell me how my day would go.

I drew:

20 Garden - 3 Ship - 36 Cross
20 Garden – 3 Ship – 36 Cross

The Enchanted Lenormand Oracle – Caitlin Matthews & Virginia Lee

 

Here is the meaning I scribbled down in my journal that made the most sense:

Socializing/ frivolity (Garden), taking a break / moving away from (Ship) responsibilities / hardships/ duties / deadlines (Cross).

In other words, just goofing off….

Ha! I smirked. We’ll see about that! There were plenty of items on my to-do list I could tackle — if I set my mind to it.

 

Feedback: Wouldn’t you know, this is exactly what happened. I didn’t do anything I was “supposed” to do. I frittered the day away and completely avoided my duties/ responsibilities, despite knowing in advance the day was likely to play out this way and I could have changed the outcome through awareness.

This is part of the beauty of being able to read cards. You can increase your awareness of the prevailing energies and with this knowledge, if you make conscious choices and decisions, you have the opportunity to alter the outcome.

Obviously, I did not practice what I preach on that particular gloomy day.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins