Tag Archives: reading playing cards

Bicycle Club Tattoo Playing Cards Predict Help is on the Way!

When I woke up this morning, a look out the window quickly revealed that Mother Nature had dumped at least a foot of snow in my driveway.

Undaunted, I bundled up and stepped outside, ready to brave the elements, optimistically focusing on snow removal success.

Silly me.

A half hour later, frozen to the bone with little to show for my work, I dragged myself back inside, fixed a cup of coffee and sighed. Wondering if I could expect any help, I picked up my Bicycle Club Tattoo Playing Cards deck and threw an Answer Spread.*

“If I Ask, Will I Get Any Help Shoveling the Driveway Today?”

The Answer:

Answer Spread with Bicycle Club Tattoo playing cards 2 of Hearts - Ace of Diamonds - King of Hearts - 8 of Clubs - 6 of Diamonds - 3 of Diamonds http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread* with Bicycle Club Tattoo playing cards 2 of Hearts – Ace of Diamonds – King of Hearts – 8 of Clubs – 6 of Diamonds – 3 of Diamonds

Bicycle Club Tattoo Playing Cards

Preliminarily, five red cards looked to be a good sign, as did two red cards in the “Answer” column (column 2). I also noted no spades were present, suggesting “no problems.” Just as I was about to begin delineating the spread, Daughter #1 called to let me know she, her hubby and their snowplow were on the way to shovel me out!!!

To say this was serendipitous would be an understatement. 🙂

Later, still smiling over my good fortune, I looked over the spread I’d cast and jotted down the following notes:

Column 1: Circumstances Leading Up to the Question

Answer Spread Column 1: 2 of Hearts - 8 of Clubs http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread Column 1: 2 of Hearts – 8 of Clubs

Column 1 of the Answer Spread represents the situation or circumstances leading up to the question. It can show the very recent past or the actual current circumstances.

Here we see the 2 of Hearts and 8 of Clubs. The 2 of Hearts can symbolize a family member or loved one and the 8 of Clubs can symbolize thoughts, discussions, or thinking about taking some action. The cards in Column 1 succinctly expressed that I was thinking about asking my daughter for help but had not yet done so.

 

Column 2: The Answer

Answer Spread Column 2: Ace of Diamonds - 6 of Diamonds http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread Column 2: Ace of Diamonds – 6 of Diamonds

Column 2 of the Answer Spread answers the question. Here we see double Diamonds suggesting great energy is in play, as well as quick results. Diamonds often symbolize money but that is not applicable to my question, so we’ll go with thoughts, energy and immediacy.

In the context of my question, the Ace of Diamonds suggests a new thought or communication, written or verbal, to be given or received. The number 6 suggests harmony and the 6 of Diamonds can refer to psychic energy, among other things. The sense I got from this combination was that a message, thought or communication of some sort (Ace of Diamonds) would show that my loved ones (2 of Hearts) and I were “on the same page,” or psychically attuned (6 of Diamonds) in some way. It so happened that even as I was thinking of asking (8 of Clubs) for help from a family member (2 of Hearts), I received a phone call offering the very assistance I was about to ask for!

Column 3: Something that may affect the Outcome, or Clarification of the Answer

Answer Spread Column 3: King of Hearts - 3 of Diamonds http://livingwithcards.com
Answer Spread Column 3: King of Hearts – 3 of Diamonds

Column 3 of the Answer Spread gives additional information that often helps explain the answer found in Column 2. Sometimes it describes why the answer is what it is. The bottom card in Column 3 is called the Pivot Card because often the answer “pivots” on whatever that card represents. Here, the Pivot Card is the 3 of Diamonds, topped by the King of Hearts.

It was easy to see that the King of Hearts represented my son-in-law, a generous, kind-hearted family man. Because I sometimes (but not always) equate the 3 of Diamonds with the Tarot 3 of Wands, which is the “ships coming in” card, it was easy for me to make the jump to “snowplow coming in.” Column 3 clearly showed my son-in-law (King of Hearts) and his snowplow coming to my rescue!

Once again, I’m happy to report, the Answer Spread* came through with flying colors. Give it a try on your next question if you haven’t already done so, and to those of you living in snow zones, may your driveways stay clear!

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

*I learned the Answer Spread from The Art of Cartomancy blog by Kapherus.

Card Reading 101: Predictions and Probable Outcomes Part 2

In my previous post I discussed the correlation between predictions and probable outcomes and cautioned against inadvertently creating self-fulfilling prophecies for yourself.

Despite what I said, the ability to predict with the cards is a valuable skill and one well worth learning. If you’d like to explore that path, you may find the following guidelines useful:

Draw cards every day.

A time-tested way to learn how a particular card system speaks to you is to perform and record a daily draw in the morning, interpret it, then record feedback at the end of the day. If you make this daily ritual part of your routine, your ability to read cards correctly will greatly improve.

Record your daily card draws!

What is the point of pulling some cards, making an awesome, intuitive connection that actually pans out correctly in real life, only to “forget” how the card combination spoke to you? Make it a habit to record your daily card draws!

Record your daily card draws in a dedicated journal

The easiest way to record daily draws (especially if you’re short on time in the morning) is to use one of those weekly planners that has spaces for each day of the week in a two-page spread. All you need to do is jot down your daily cards in the space for the day and add your interpretations or predictions. Because a years’ worth of dates are already printed in the book, you get the extra bonus of being able to record a years’ worth of daily draws all in one book, making it easy to go back and see how things played out. Pick a planner that “speaks” to you; one you will enjoy using.

(If time is not an issue, or if you prefer, you could purchase and use a lined journal or notebook dedicated to recording your daily draws.)

Consider using a weekly planner to record your daily tarot card or Lenormand card predictions - http://livingwithcards.com
Consider using a weekly planner to record your daily tarot card or Lenormand card predictions

At-A-Glance Vienna Weekly and Monthly Planner 2015, Wirebound, 5.5 x 8.5 Inch Page Size (622-200)

Only pull 2 or 3 cards for your daily draw.

One card is hard to interpret and more than 3 is overkill. Record the cards and jot down a brief interpretation and 1 or 2 predictions. At day’s end, review your entry. What actually happened during your day? How did the cards play out? Was your prediction accurate or were you way off base?

Add your card combinations or interpretations to your favorite reference books.

Jot down card combinations or interpretations that prove accurate into the margins of favorite reference books and place your initials and the date in parentheses. That way, over time, you will have developed rich, personalized and customized, master reference books of your own. (I write in the margins of Sylvie Steinbach’s Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle and Trish MacGregor & Phyllis Vega’s Power Tarot.)

Practice, practice, practice!

The key to improving your ability to predict correctly is consistent, daily practice. Don’t let early failures or faulty predictions deter you. Over time you will find your “hit rate” improving. As with any other skill you may be trying to develop, daily, consistent practice is essential.

Consider recording your card combination interpretations in the margins of a favorite reference book. http://livingwithcards.com
Consider recording your card combination interpretations in the margins of a favorite reference book.

Predictions and Probable Outcomes

You may also find, much to your amazement and delight, that your improved ability to predict with tarot cards, Lenormand cards, playing cards or oracle decks helps enormously in tracking your own subconscious or unconscious motives, beliefs and thoughts, making it easier to practice conscious creation as you attempt to manifest good things into your life. Because you already know that a probable outcome is just that: a probable outcome, you will develop the ability to catch yourself in a negative mindset, question your motives, thoughts and beliefs and make another (hopefully more positive) choice for yourself.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Card Reading 101: Predictions and Probable Outcomes Part 1

It’s natural to be attracted to, or intrigued by, the uncanny ability Tarot Cards, Lenormand Cards, Playing Cards and Oracle decks seem to possess. Logical or not, cards appear to be able to predict the future. That’s what draws many people to card divination in the first place. We want to know what’s going to happen today, whether he or she likes us, will we get the job, what if the money doesn’t come through in time, etc., etc.

If you are even semi-serious about card reading, that particular  mindset can be less than helpful. This is because any card draw, using any deck, for any question, at any given moment in time, is simply reflecting the prevailing energies in motion at the time of the question.

In other words, 9 times out of 10, what you are seeing is a probable future and not one that is set in stone.

Furthermore, if you don’t monitor them, your own thoughts, beliefs and feelings about the message(s) you got from the cards will influence what actually transpires. Sometimes, without even realizing it, you wind up setting a “self-fulfilling prophecy” into motion. This can have either good or bad results depending on whether your thoughts, beliefs and feelings about the question asked and answer received are predominantly positive or negative.

If up until now you’ve been reading cards from a basically predictive mindset, you don’t need to stop. But you might want to consider exploring a different layer of information the cards may be suggesting. Are they really answering your question as you stated it or could they be answering another, underlying, question?

I’ve found that’s often the case and if I dig around a little, and/or revise my question based on fresh insights I’ve gotten from the spread, I can ferret out information and advice that’s inordinately more helpful than the “answer” to the question I originally asked.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

 

You Don’t Have to be Psychic to Read Cards

You don’t have to be psychic to learn how to read cards. All it takes is intention, some intuition, and a good dollop of common sense.

If you learned how to read English — which I assume you did if you’re reading this post — you can learn how to read cards. This is because cards, like English (or French or German or any other language), speak in languages that you can learn to read.

Each card system (tarot, Lenormand, playing cards, etc.) has its own language. Just like any language, there may be similarities — and there are sure to be differences.

For example, XVI-The Tower in the tarot does not have the same meaning as 19 Tower in the Lenormand. The former has the connotation of a shock or disruption of some sort, perhaps a crisis point. The latter has many meanings including legal matters, bureaucracy, isolation, ego, and official buildings among other things, and absolutely no connotations of shock, disruption or crisis.

 

What you need if you want to read cards:

1. Intention

I-The Magician - Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck
I-The Magician – Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

 

You have to want to read cards, otherwise, why would you bother? It is not a huge investment of money to pick up a tarot deck at a local bookstore or order one online. Lenormand cards are not particularly pricey and can also be ordered online. A pack of playing cards costs less than $5.00 at big box stores and drugstores. If you don’t already own a deck of tarot, Lenormand or playing cards, decide which card system you want to start with and purchase one deck. If you’re already familiar and comfortable with one or more card systems, consider trying your hand at another.

Here are some deck suggestions to get you started:

Tarot decks:

  • Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck
  • Robin Wood Tarot Deck
  • Universal Waite Tarot Deck
  • Morgan-Greer Tarot Deck
  • Crowley Thoth Tarot Deck

Lenormand decks:

  • Piatnik Lenormand Jeu de destin No. 194115
  • Blaue Eule (Blue Owl) Lenormand
  • Mystical Lenormand

 

2. Intuition

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

 

Everyone has intuitive capabilities. While some people may be more intuitive than others, every person has the ability to “intuit” to some degree — and the capacity to build their intuitive muscle. The more you learn about how your own particular intuitive abilities work, the better you will be able to work with them. Card reading is a great way to uncover and strengthen your intuitive abilities. When you look at a tarot card, you may find certain symbols in the picture capture your attention. You might ask yourself, “why has that symbol captured my attention?” One thought may lead to another and before you know it, you could be stringing together a meaning and/or a thought might occur to you that summarizes the message the cards seem to be giving you. This is intuition in play. You will develop and/or strengthen it by reading cards on a regular basis.

 

3. Common Sense

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

It helps to have your head set squarely on your shoulders. It doesn’t make any sense to me to get upset, worried or scared outta your mind by a card reading. Come on, people, use your heads. They’re just cards. Cards are rectangular pieces of cardboard with pictures on them. The power is not in the cards. You own the power.

 

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

 

I’ll share more of my approach to card reading in subsequent posts. If there’s something you’d like me to  comment on or discuss in more depth, please let me know.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

 

Playing Cards Answer Spread: Will the Yarn Come In by Friday?

In addition to living with cards, cats, and my soon-to-be-elsewhere son, I live with yarn.

Lots of it.

The most usual thing I do with yarn is crochet afghans. Nothing too complicated, just a simple double crochet zigzag pattern I found on the internet a few years ago. It’s a pleasant, relaxing, mindless, sit-in-front-of-the-television activity I enjoy doing.

While crocheting my latest afghan, I realized I was running out of one of my colors and would need one more skein of yarn. I started looking for it a couple weeks ago but the color I needed was out of stock. Not only that, no other color came close enough to match it.

So last Wednesday, I went to my local Michael’s and asked an associate whether the yarn I needed was on order. She checked her inventory and told me it would either arrive that Friday, or the next Friday, she couldn’t be sure.

By Wednesday evening, I’d gotten dangerously close to the row where I’d have to switch to the needed color. Thursday morning, I decided to ask the playing cards:

 

“Will the yarn I need to finish my afghan arrive at the store this Friday?”

Here are the cards I drew:

Jack of Clubs - 6 of Hearts - 5 of Diamonds - 9 of Hearts - 8 of Hearts - 10 of Clubs
Jack of Clubs – 6 of Hearts – 5 of Diamonds – 9 of Hearts – 8 of Hearts – 10 of Clubs

Answer Spread using Playing Cards

The color pattern across the top row is B-R-R, indicating a problem will be solved.

The color pattern across the bottom row is R-R-B, suggesting a problem may be on the horizon.

Hmmmm….

With contradictory information, I needed to dig further. Further analysis showed there were no Spades, indicating there would be no major problems or delays, and since four of the six cards, including the two cards in Column 2 (the Answer) were red, there would likely be a good outcome.

I could now go on to read the columns and get my answer.

Column 1 shows the Near Past or Current Situation:

Jack of Clubs - 9 of Hearts
Jack of Clubs – 9 of Hearts

Jack of Clubs can mean practical thoughts, or thoughts about a practical matter, and 9 of Hearts is the “wish card.” This column showed I am wishing (9 of Hearts) to complete my project (Clubs), or my thoughts about finishing my project (Jack of Clubs) will be fulfilled (9 of Hearts).

 

Column 2 is The Answer:

6 of Hearts - 8 of Hearts
6 of Hearts – 8 of Hearts

I will make good progress (6 of Hearts) regarding an existing relationship (8 of Hearts). In other words, I will be able to finish my afghan because the store will have the yarn in stock.

 

Column 3 shows what might influence the answer.

5 of Diamonds - 10 of Clubs
5 of Diamonds – 10 of Clubs

10 of Clubs as the Pivot Card suggested the completion (10) of a practical project (Clubs). One of the meanings for 5 of Diamonds is shopping. Because 10 of Clubs (completion) tops 5 of Diamonds (shopping), I deduced that the project would be completed after a successful shopping trip.

The two hearts in Column 2 (The Answer) suggested that my wish (9 of Hearts) to complete my project (10 of Clubs) would be easily accomplished.

Because there were no Spades in the spread, I did not anticipate any delays. The cards clearly indicated that the yarn should arrive “this Friday” as opposed to “next Friday.”

 

What Actually Happened:

Early Friday afternoon, I went to Michael’s and, as the playing cards had predicted, the yarn I needed had indeed arrived!

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins