Tag Archives: Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

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 and the Law of Attraction Part 1

When you throw a Tarot spread, whether for yourself or someone else, the cards typically pick up on the prevailing energies or vibrations surrounding the issue, circumstance or situation at the time of the question. Any probable outcome or prediction shown by the cards is usually what you or your querent may expect to happen based on the energies or vibrations in play at the time of the reading. Because energies or vibrations are always in flux and can be changed through deliberate and conscious intention, the probable outcome or prediction shown in the Tarot cards can usually change as well.

Herein lies the real value of the Tarot or any other divination system. Rather than focusing on predicting the future, consider using the Tarot to delve below the surface and shine a spotlight on the prevailing energies and vibrations that are in play at the time of the question, attracting a particular probable outcome, wanted or unwanted, into manifestation in your life.

Simply defined, the Law of Attraction states ‘Like attracts like’. Without going into layers of detail, the Law of Attraction boils down to you get what you think about whether you want it or not.

The problem is, it’s not always easy to figure out what you are thinking about or how you are thinking (and feeling) about it. Here’s where the Tarot comes in. Because the Tarot uncannily and consistently picks up on the energies and vibrations surrounding the issue, circumstance or situation, it can be a highly valuable and effective tool that can help you figure out what you are thinking and feeling, what you are in the process of attracting, and what strategies can you develop to get more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.

I asked the Tarot cards to describe a strategy of how one might proceed in order to manifest more of what they want and less of what they don’t want into their lives. Using the Five Pointed Star with Significator spread, I pulled the following cards:

Q: What Strategy Will Best Support Desired Manifestation?
Five Pointed Star Tarot Spread: Page of Pentacles, 6 of Pentacles, 6 of Cups, 6 of Wands, Queen of Swords, Knight of Pentacles
Five Pointed Star Tarot Spread: Page of Pentacles, 6 of Pentacles, 6 of Cups, 6 of Wands, Queen of Swords, Knight of Pentacles

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

I immediately note there are no Major Arcana cards in the spread which suggests the matter at hand is under one’s control. “Fate” (majors) has nothing to do with it. I also note there are three 6’s in the spread, drawing attention to the fact that balance and harmony are important characteristics to consider. Everything must work together.

Significator or Theme: Page of Pentacles
tarot page of pentacles
Page of Pentacles

In the context of the question, the Significator or Theme card describes the strategy.  Page of Pentacles suggests a willingness to learn. The card seems to suggest one might approach the subject from a student’s perspective, remaining open-minded and willing to study the process.

Position 1 – Basis, Reason, Cause: 6 of Pentacles
tarot 6 of Pentacles
6 of Pentacles

Again, keep in mind that according to the context of the question, the cards are describing a strategy that can help one begin to manifest more of what they want and less of what they don’t want. The 6 of Pentacles is the “attitude of gratitude” card. It suggests that appreciation and gratitude for what one already has is the starting point for attracting more of the same.

Position 2 – Mindset, Expectations: 6 of Cups
tarot 6 of Cups
6 of Cups

When attempting to manifest a desire, one must expect to receive that which they are asking for. 6 of Cups suggests happy anticipation will go a long way in helping one manifest their heart-felt desires.

Position 3 – Additional Information or Comments: 6 of Wands
tarot 6 of Wands
6 of Wands

The Tarot 6 of Wands, also known as the Victory card, suggests that another part of the process is to envision success and enjoy how that feels.

Position 4 – Answer, Solution, Advice: Queen of Swords
Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Queen of Swords
Queen of Swords

Of all the Tarot Queens, the Queen of Swords is a solitary figure. She reminds us that working on one’s ability to manifest is a solitary endeavor. No one else can do it for you. The Queen of Swords also counsels that clarity is essential. The clearer one can describe, visualize, and joyously anticipate the arrival of a desire or goal, the more likely a positive manifestation will take place.

Position 5 – Probable Outcome: Knight of Pentacles
tarot Knight of Pentacles
Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles indicates slow, steady progress with tangible results. This is the “plan the work, work the plan” card. By putting the procedure outlined by the previous cards into play, positive results may be expected.

The clarification cards (not shown) that I pulled for this reading further suggest to take the process one day at a time. Believe in yourself and your ability to learn a new trick or two. 🙂 Keep at it and you’ll be rewarded.

In Part 2, I’ll share a simple tarot card spread that may help you keep yourself on track should you desire to work on improving your manifestation ability.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

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 Card Reading Reveals Truth of the Matter: 5 of Pentacles, XVI-The Tower, XVII-The Star, 5 of Cups, XXI-The World

The subconscious mind is a curious thing. If you fill it with fear, doubt and apprehension, it will tend to bring frightening and perhaps undesirable situations, circumstances and events back to you. If you’re successful at adopting a more positive attitude, it will be happy to deliver more positive situations, circumstances and events to your doorstep.

Another way to put this: You will (probably) get what you think about all day long.

Tarot card advice self empowerment http://livingwithcards.com
Tarot card advice – self empowerment

 

Sometimes it’s hard to know what kind of messages you’re feeding your subconscious mind. That’s where the Veil Spread proves itself useful. I just love how this spread gets to the heart of the matter and helps you to see what’s really going on behind the scenes of your thought process.

As I’ve mentioned here and here, I added extra positions to this spread because I’ve found the information they provide to be quite helpful. The Veil Spread with Extra Positions is a five card spread that can be adapted to many card systems. Here, I’ll use the Tarot to demonstrate.

 

Annie’s Dilemma

Annie is a long-time tarot reading friend of mine. She’s creative, artistic and imaginative. I’ve disguised her name to protect her privacy.

One day Annie stopped by looking for a second opinion on a new idea she wants to develop. She explained the project then added that she’s been unable to convince herself she can pull it off. I immediately thought this would be a good opportunity to put the Veil Spread with Extra Positions to the test. We crafted the following question for the tarot cards:

What is the truth about my ability to successfully complete this project?

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck: 5 of Pentacles - XVI-The Tower - XVII-The Star - 5 of Cups - XXI-The World
5 of Pentacles – XVI-The Tower – XVII-The Star – 5 of Cups – XXI-The World

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

 

Position #1: What Annie Sees: 5 of Pentacles

The first position of the Veil Spread with Extra Positions shows what the querent (person asking the question) sees. Annie picked 5 of Pentacles for this position.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 5 of Pentacles
5 of Pentacles

This is a card of poverty, lack and inability to acquire what she needs. Annie immediately acknowledged her tendency to doubt her own abilities to manifest what she wants.

 

Position #2: What Annie Does Not See: XVI-The Tower

The second position of the Veil Spread with Extra Positions shows what the querent is not seeing (the Veil). Annie chose XVI-The Tower for this position.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck XVI-The Tower
XVI-The Tower

Quickly brainstorming, Annie rattled off the following concepts: breakthrough, destruction, all will blow up my face, ability to break loose, collapse of a structure.

“Oh my God,” she said. “When I put the first two cards together, I get ‘the ability to break loose and destroy my poverty thinking’!”
It was exciting to watch her identify what she was not seeing!

 

Position #3: The Truth: XVII-The Star

The third position of the Veil Spread with Extra Positions uncovered XVII-The Star.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck XVII-The Star
XVII-The Star

By now Annie was grinning from ear to ear. “How empowering is that,” she chuckled. “I could be ‘the star of my own show,’ so to speak!” XVII-The Star is a card of hope, inspiration, joy, promise and protection. In position #3 of the Veil Spread with Extra Positions, it shows that the truth of the matter is that Annie has the ability to achieve her goals and plans for the future. It also points to creativity and special skills, both of which Annie possesses.

 

Position #4: The Advice: 5 of Cups

The fourth card of the Veil Spread with Extra Positions is the Advice Card. It suggests what one should do or not do to achieve the desired objective. Annie had picked 5 of Cups.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck 5 of Cups
5 of Cups

“Oh my God,” Annie said again. “Stop, stop, stop focusing on what I don’t have, what I think I’ve lost, and start focusing on what I really want!”

I couldn’t have agreed with her more. We took a minute to talk about the subconscious mind and how it’s like a little robot whose only function is to deliver what we order from the Menu of Life. Feed it negativity, fear and doubt and it will surely bring the circumstances, events and situations that mirror that thought process. Annie needed to consciously instruct her subconscious mind to bring her more of what she wants and less of what she doesn’t want.

 

Position #5: The Probable Outcome: XXI-The World

The fifth (and final) position of the Veil Spread with Extra Positions shows the Probable Outcome, based on the current energies surrounding the querent at the time of the question. Annie chose XXI-The World.

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck XXI-The World
XXI-The World

The ultimate card of completion and success, XXI-The World advised Annie that full achievement of her goal was well within the realm of possibility at this time, as long as she busted through (Tower) her negative thinking (5 of Pentacles) and started focusing on what she really wants instead of what she doesn’t want (5 of Cups).

 

Once again, the Veil Spread with Extra Positions proved itself to be a valuable tool in my Tarot arsenal. Give it a try the next time you’re having difficulty discerning the truth of the matter in any given situation.

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