Tag Archives: 4 of Swords

Reading with the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards Part 3

In Part 1 of this series, I described the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards as quirky and strange. In Part 2, I told you that the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards do not follow the rules.

Despite this, the cards seem to possess a curious ability to get under one’s skin, so to speak, possibly because of their ability to convince you (don’t ask me how!) that they are capable of imparting a depth of information not readily available from other divination decks.

If you let yourself work with the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards, you may be surprised at their uncanny ability to bring forth information in provocative ways, like they did in a recent spread I performed with them — using Tarot clarification cards per their “instruction”!!

Here’s what happened:

Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards

Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards

I had been thinking and thinking about a certain heart’s desire that on one hand, is growing stronger by the day and on the other hand, appears to be impossible to manifest in 3D reality. Your not knowing exactly what it is won’t affect the integrity of this post and as you read on, if you want, you can go ahead and substitute any strongly held heart’s desire of your own that appears to be “impossible” for you to achieve in your own 3D reality.

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So there I was, thinking away about my heart’s desire, when the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards‘ garish orange box came to mind, calling my name from the storage container in which I had last stuffed them. On the spur of the moment, I decided to give them a whirl, using the 5 Pointed Star with Significator spread, which seemed as good as any.

My exact question was:

Q: If I Continue Focusing on My Heart’s Desire, How Likely Am I to Manifest It?
Five Pointed Star Spread using the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards: 9 of Clubs, Queen of Spades, 8 of Clubs, 7 of Clubs, Queen of Hearts, 8 of Spades
Five Pointed Star Spread using the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards: 9 of Clubs, Queen of Spades, 8 of Clubs, 7 of Clubs, Queen of Hearts, 8 of Spades

Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards

A quick assessment of the card suits suggested a considerable amount of work or action needed (three clubs) and some problems or delays (two spades). Seeing the Snake (8 of Clubs) in Position #2 (Expectations, Mindset, Beliefs) and the Mountain (8 of Spades) in Position #5 (Probable Outcome) did not give me a warm, fuzzy feeling, but I decided to press forward, regardless.

Later in this post I’ll show you how rearranging the cards into an Answer Spread gave additional clarity and insight, but first I’ll start by reading the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards as Lenormand cards.

Significator or Theme Card: The Park (9 of Clubs)

 

Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards 9 of Clubs - The Park
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards – The Park – 9 of Clubs

As the Significator or Theme card, The Park (a.k.a. The Garden) symbolized my heart’s desire. It brought to mind the sense of an actual garden, or growth. Suppose, for example, your heart’s desire was to plant a beautiful rose bush in your garden so that you could ultimately enjoy its luxurious blooms and scents. First, you would have to decide you wanted to plant it. Then, you’d have to select a good spot to put it, where it would get the correct amount of sun. You’d have to make sure it got watered on schedule, and maybe you’d need to sprinkle it with plant food every now and again. If nasty little weeds cropped up around it, you’d have to pull them out, ideally, as soon as you saw them sprouting. If you did all this, in time, your rose bush would bloom.

The Park as Significator or Theme card accurately paralleled the process involved in manifesting a heart’s desire, and I thought it was an interesting and appropriate card selection, confirming that the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards deck was attuned to my question.

Position 1 – Basis, Reason, Cause : Amor (Queen of Spades)
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards Queen of Spades Amor
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards – Amor – Queen of Spades

 

Amor does not exist as a Lenormand card. Based on the “fortune” inscribed on the card, ‘Amor is a sign that someone is looking at you with great love and longing,’ it seemed it might be alluding to the love and longing one might feel when focusing on a heart’s desire. It suggested that my desire (which I thought was purely positive, by the way) might be tinged with longing, which actually is a feeling of lack. So the card made me question myself. Was I focusing on what I wanted (which is what I thought I was doing) or upon not having what I wanted?

Position 2 – Expectations, Mindset, Beliefs: The Snake (8 of Clubs)
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards - The Snake - 8 of Clubs
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards – The Snake – 8 of Clubs

 

Ouch, ouch, and further ouch! The Snake is deceit, problems, complications, a long and winding road, snarl-ups and manipulations. It certainly indicated my expectations and beliefs were way out of whack with my heart’s desire, and gave further emphasis to the probability that whether I knew it or not, I was focusing more on the lack of what I wanted. As painful as it was to “hear” this, I appreciated that the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards had pointed it out.

Position 3 – Additional Information or Factors to Be Considered: The Lilies (7 of Clubs)
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards - The Lilies - 7 of Clubs
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards – The Lilies – 7 of Clubs

As additional information or factors to be considered, The Lilies gave the connotation of maturation. Just as a newly planted rose bush does not transform into its blooming glory overnight, the fulfillment of my heart’s desire would require time to develop and mature from a seedling idea into a full-blown manifestation. The “fortune” on the card, ‘the Lilies forecast a happy life,’ hinted at success, but later rather than sooner. Still, I sensed encouragement and eventual success was possible.

Position 4 – Answer, Solution, Advice: The Ring (Queen of Hearts)
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards - The Ring - Queen of Hearts
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards – The Ring – Queen of Hearts

In general, the Lenormand Ring indicates contracts, commitments or chronic conditions that tend to repeat themselves. Surrounded by negative cards, it can suggest “going round and round,” or finding oneself stuck in a rut. If I consider the cards in the order in which I drew them, The Ring is flanked by The Lilies on its left and The Mountain on its right. While maturation (Lilies) and delays (Mountain) seem to be indicated, The Ring itself as the Answer, Solution or Advice suggested commitment and steadfastness would be required if I were to have any chance at manifesting my goal. The “fortune” on the card reads in part, ‘The Ring…is an unerring indication of a rich and happy marriage;’ which suggested to me that a “marriage” of my thoughts, expectations and beliefs regarding my desire was an essential component of fulfillment. Because The Ring fell in the Answer, Solution or Advice position, I felt it was possible I could “catch the brass ring” so to speak, and prevail.

Position 5 – Probable Outcome: The Mountain (8 of Spades)
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards - The Mountains - 8 of Spades
Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards – The Mountain – 8 of Spades

Recall my question: If I Continue Focusing on My Heart’s Desire, How Likely Am I to Manifest It? With The Mountain as the Probable Outcome, I could only conclude that at this time, there are obstacles to overcome and delays should be expected. Perhaps my commitment (The Ring) will waiver due to the length of time it will seemingly take to get from seed idea to fulfillment (The Lilies).

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Additional Notes:

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If I lay the six cards out in a straight line in the order in which I pulled them, I see Clubs – Spades – Clubs – Clubs – Hearts – Spades which gives the sense of fruitless work. Five BLACK cards and one RED card (with a BLACK card in the final position) suggests ‘probably not.’

If I re-position the six cards in the order in which I pulled them into an Answer Spread*, I get additional valuable information:

9 of Clubs - Queen of Spades - 8 of Clubs - 7 of Clubs - Queen of Hearts - 8 of Spades
Answer Spread: 9 of Clubs – Queen of Spades – 8 of Clubs – 7 of Clubs – Queen of Hearts – 8 of Spades

Column 1 is the Recent Past or Current Influences. In essence, the cards confirmed I was working (7 of Clubs) on success (9 of Clubs). They could also signify working (7 of Clubs) on something that will take a long time to accomplish, especially because a Spade sits to the right of the 9 of Clubs. (This certainly seemed accurate.)

Column 2 is The Answer. I could only conclude that the two Queens must be aspects of myself, since the fulfillment of my heart’s desire is in no one’s hands but my own. Perhaps clarity (Spades) will be instrumental in getting what I desire (Hearts). And while I noted a RED Queen topping a BLACK Queen was positive, the 8 of Spades to the right of the Queen of Hearts suggested a disappointment.

Column 3 Clarifies the Answer. The bottom card in this column is called the Pivot Card because the Answer seen in Column 2 can “pivot” on whatever this card signifies. 8 of Spades is a card of disappointment and restriction and further suggests that something is out of balance. With 8 of Clubs above it, I got the sense that I needed to re-evaluate my mindset, expectations and beliefs (8 of Clubs in Position 2 of the Five Pointed Star Spread). Apparently they are not in alignment with my heart’s desire and that is what is likely causing the problems (Snake) and delays (Mountain) I am seeing in the cards.

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*I learned The Answer Spread from Kapherus, The Art of Cartomancy. Please see my blogroll for a link to his website.

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As I mentioned above, the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards “instructed” me to pull Tarot clarification cards. Per my usual method, I counted up the numerical values and reduced them to a number equaling 22 or below:

9 + 12 + 8 + 7 + 12 + 8 = 56 = 5 + 6 = 11 = XI-JUSTICE.

I then shuffled my Tarot cards, found XI-JUSTICE in the deck and selected it along with the card before and the card after, giving me a three-card clarification:

Tarot Clarification Cards: Ace of Pentacles - XI-Justice - 4 of Swords
Tarot Clarification Cards: Ace of Pentacles – XI-Justice – 4 of Swords

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

The information seemed clear to me: I could focus on bringing my heart’s desire into manifestation (Ace of Pentacles) or “cancel my order” (4 of Swords) through non-alignment of thoughts, expectations and beliefs. The Major Arcana XI-Justice reminded me that harmony and balance are a requirement and  that for all intents and purposes, we get what we expect to get, whether we want it or not.

Even though I combined two entirely different card divination systems, I was impressed at how seamlessly they interacted with each other. And while the reading along with its clarification showed a negative outcome for now, it also clearly illuminated the probable reasons for the negative outcome and suggested an action plan that, if followed, could lead to another, more desirable, probable outcome in the future.

All in all, I was favorably impressed with the quality of information elicited from this unusual card combination and felt pleased that I had allowed myself to follow the Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling Playing Cards’ quirky instruction to mix it up with Tarot cards.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

 

Tarot Clarification Cards Address Relationship Issue

You can almost always glean additional and helpful information from a Tarot spread by pulling clarification cards. While there are many ways to select clarification cards, below I will outline my preferred method.

First, let’s take a look at a simple 7 card Overview Spread* that reads fairly straightforwardly. Later, we’ll add the clarification cards.

 

Tarot spread, overview spread, card positions, livingwithcards.com
The Overview Spread – card positions

Card 1: Significator or Theme Card (Represents the Querent or describes an important aspect about the topic under consideration)

Cards 2 & 6: The Recent Past / Current Influences

Card 3: What is Above You (Describes what’s weighing on the Querent’s mind at the time of the reading)

Cards 4 & 7: Near Future/ What Happens Next

Card 5: What is Below You (Describes what the Querent dreads, doesn’t want to think about or wants to avoid)

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The template above shows how to lay out the spread once you’re done shuffling the cards in your usual manner while thinking about the topic you’d like the cards to discuss. You can preselect Card 1 if you like (for example, choose the King or Queen who normally represents you, or choose VI-The Lovers for a relationship overview), or let the deck choose for you. I usually let the deck pick the Significator or Theme Card, but please do whatever feels comfortable to you. You’ll still get a valid reading.

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In the following example, the Querent (person asking the question) was a single female who found herself unexpectedly pregnant. She wanted to know if marriage (which she and the man had discussed as an option) was a good idea. I drew the following cards:

Overview tarot spread Universal Waite tarot deck
Overview Spread – Universal Waite Tarot Deck

Universal Waite Tarot Deck

Card 1 – Significator or Theme Card: III-The Empress

Cards 2 & 6 – The Recent Past / Current Influences: 10 of Wands + 2 of Wands

Card 3 – What is Above You (What’s Weighing on Your Mind at the Time of the Reading): 8 of Swords

Cards 4 & 7 – Near Future/ What Happens Next: 3 of Pentacles + 4 of Swords

Card 5: What is Below You (What You Are Avoiding, Dreading or Don’t Want to Think About): 7 of Wands

 

Since the Querent was indeed pregnant, III-Empress as the Significator or Theme Card was certainly appropriate. I quickly noted, however, a lack of cards in the spread suggesting marriage and/or happiness.

10 of Wands and 2 of Wands in the Recent Past position (Cards 2 + 6) suggested feelings of overwhelm and off-centeredness. 8 of Swords in the Above position (Card 3) suggested a sense of entrapment, awkwardly countered by the independent, go-it-alone vibe presented by 7 of Wands in the Below “Don’t Want to Think About It” position (Card 5).

I noted that the Wands cards, which in general can indicate hope and inspiration, were in the Recent Past and Below positions (Cards 2, 6 and 5) while cards from the suit of Swords (indicating fear and worry) showed up in the Above position (Card 3) and as the last card of the Near Future (Card 7).

The child itself did not seem to factor in (no Pages), and once again I’ll mention the lack of cards indicating love, marriage, cooperation and/or happiness.

The Overview Spread confirmed the Querent’s sense of feeling conflicted. With 3 of Pentacles and 4 of Swords in the Near Future position (Cards 4 + 7), it seemed likely that any potential growth of the relationship between her and the baby’s father would come to a halt. Perhaps they would agree to take a break from each other. This interpretation seemed to be supported by 7 of Wands in the “Don’t Want to Think About It” Below position (Card 5) which speaks to what one is avoiding, dreading or not wanting to consider. I got the sense the querent didn’t want to admit to herself (let alone the baby’s father) that she would prefer to remain independent.

Before I went any further, I wanted to see the clarification cards, knowing they would either support or refute my intuitions.

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How I Use Numerology to Calculate Tarot Clarification Cards

Each Major Arcana card has its own value, 0 – 22.

Each Minor Arcana card 1 – 10 has its own value.

In my system, Kings = 11, Queens = 12, Knights =13 and Pages = 14. Some readers do the reverse. Either way it’s up to you, just be consistent.

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In this reading there were no court cards so the math was easy enough. I added up the numerical values of the cards in the layout and reduced the total to a number equaling 22 or below. Here, the cards added up to 37, which equals 3 + 7 = 10 = X-Wheel of Fortune.

The next step was to find X-Wheel of Fortune in the remaining deck and pull it out, along with the card before and the card after, giving me a three-card clarification:

Tarot clarification cards VII-Chariot, X-Wheel of Fortune, 5 of Pentacles
Tarot Clarification Cards

 

VII-The Chariot continued with the theme of independence and wanting to do one’s own thing while 5 of Pentacles suggested hardship and more restriction. X-Wheel of Fortune in the middle suggested to me the course had not yet been set. While I felt the fate of this relationship was in the querent’s hands (Chariot), that didn’t guarantee the change would be positive (especially with 5 of Pentacles following the Wheel). “Sleeping on it” (4 of Swords) was not bad advice. She owed it to herself to carefully consider her options and desires in light of what would ultimately prove best for all parties.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

*I learned the Overview Spread from The Art of Cartomancy website by Kapherus, which is now back online, I’m happy to say 🙂

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