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.
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
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.
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
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
0-The Fool
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
Queen of SwordsXIX-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
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).
I continue to be amazed at the quality of information a tarot reader can obtain from The Veil Spread with Extra Positions layout. As I mentioned in a previous post, The Veil Spread is a three card tarot spread outlined in the LWB (little white book) that accompanies the Tarot de Marseille tarot deck. I added two extra positions to this spread and have repeatedly found them useful, as shown in the following tarot reading:
A female querent (person asking the question) in her early 60s contacted me regarding a job loss. Her company eliminated her position and, while not a complete surprise (there were warning signs), she feels at a loss as to what to do next. She asked:
What do I need to consider going forward?
Using only the Majors from the Tarot de Marseille tarot deck, I pulled the following cards:
Tarot de Marseille Veil Spread with Extra Positions: XVIII-Moon Rx – 0-Fool – XVI-Tower Rx – XXI-World Rx – I-Magician
Position #1: What You Are Seeing
XVIII-The Moon Rx
Tarot de Marseille – XVIII-The Moon Rx
XVIII-The Moon in its reversed position focuses on emotional turmoil and suggests the querent is overwhelmed by the feelings the job loss has engendered to a degree where she really can’t seem to focus on anything else. It is difficult to gain clarity when the emotions are jumbled up and rational decision making seems impossible.
Position #2: The Veil, or What You Are Not Seeing, or the Reason You Are Not Able to See the Truth
0-The Fool
Tarot de Marseille – 0-The Fool
0-The Fool appears when a person is required to start a new phase of his or her life. What the querent is not seeing — or what she may be failing to recognize — is that the past is behind her and now she must step forward, even though she may not know exactly where she is heading. Faith is required.
Position #3: The Truth
XVI-The Tower Rx
Tarot de Marseille – XVI-The Tower Rx
XVI-The Tower in its upright position signifies shock and upset. In its reversed position, the shock or upset has already happened and the worst of it is over. No amount of rehashing the past or agonizing over whether a different result may have occurred if she’d done things differently will change the dynamics of her situation. The truth of the matter is that things will never be the same and that it’s time for the querent to pick up the pieces and begin rebuilding her life.
Position #4: The Advice
XXI-The World Rx
Tarot de Marseille – XXI-The World Rx
While XXI-The World is a card of success and fulfillment, in its reversed position it shows fear of change, insecurity and a refusal or inability to face the future. By pointing this out to the querent, XXI-The World Rx acknowledges that while it might be difficult to change her mindset and prepare for new experiences by setting new goals, that is exactly what she should do to begin moving forward.
Position #5: The Probable Outcome
I-The Magician
Tarot de Marseille – I-The Magician
I was excited to see this empowering card in the Probable Outcome position because it indicates that the querent has the ability to use her will and imagination to create a new direction for herself. I-Magician suggests the querent may have a specialized knowledge in some area or special skills or talents she may use to achieve her goals. It is an excellent indication that the querent has the ability to compete in the marketplace if that’s the direction she decides to take, or successfully pursue self employment.
In summary, The Tarot de Marseille Veil Spread with Extra Positions clearly indicates that the querent’s prospects for resolving her job loss issue are excellent, once she gets past the emotional entanglement and feelings of victimization the job loss has likely triggered.
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…”.
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…”
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??!!”
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
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: 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 – 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: 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.
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.
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.
An unemployed female querent recently ran into a former employer who had always thought well of her work. After some catch-up conversation and general chit-chat, he said he might be able to offer her a position with his new company — if he could convince them to take her on. The obstacle, it seemed, was the company’s frugal nature and their unwillingness to spend money “unnecessarily.” Despite being put off by the mixed message, the querent was curious to know if she might expect a job offer from this company in the near future.
I decided to cast a 5 Pointed Star Tarot spread using a significator card to describe the major theme of the reading, and chose the Universal Waite Tarot Deck to perform the reading.
After a thorough shuffle while concentrating on the querent’s situation and question, I drew the following cards:
5 Pointed Star Tarot Spread with Significator using Universal Waite Tarot Deck
Universal Waite Tarot Deck – U.S. Games Systems, Inc. (c) 1971, 1991
Significator card: the central card, Ace of Pentacles, describes the theme of the reading. As the significator, Ace of Pentacles aptly describes a new opportunity such as a new job offer, exactly mirroring what was on the querent’s mind. I took the card as confirmation the spread was valid and that I had correctly tuned into the querent’s situation.
Position #1 – King of Cups
The card in this position describes the basis of the question. It reveals the issue under consideration, but will not affect the outcome.
King of Cups in Position #1 describes a professional man who most likely has the querent’s best interests at heart. He is trustworthy, creative, and may possibly have a Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces (Cups) sun sign. I felt this card was describing the querent’s former employer and his role in possibly helping her secure new employment.
Position #2 – 5 of Wands
The card in this position reveals the querent’s thoughts or mindset regarding the matter, whether she anticipates success or failure, what she may fear and/or what is causing concern.
5 of Wands in Position #2 describes the querent’s beliefs and expectations. I think she expects a “fight” between her former employer and whoever has the authority to make a hiring decision. That doesn’t mean she expects he won’t “win,” simply that he’ll have to put on quite the show to get them to come around to his point of view. Either way, the querent likely believes getting the higher-ups to agree to hire her will be challenging to say the least.
Position #3 – King of Wands
The card in this position reveals additional information about the situation, of which the querent may or may not be aware, that needs to be considered.
King of Wands in Position #3 could refer to the former employer’s immediate superior. Notice the King of Wands is literally above the King of Cups in the Tarot spread — he is “higher up.” He also seems to look away to the left, distancing himself from the situation described by the rest of the cards. He is disinterested and not terribly invested in the outcome. I notice that the Ace of Pentacles and the 3 of Cups are also “beneath” him in a diagonal direction. It seems to me he would consider the amount of money the company would have to pay to the querent for her skills and services should they take her on to be relatively insignificant (Ace = 1 = small amount of money (Pentacles).
Position #4 – 3 of Cups
The card in this position answers the question. This card may also provide advice and/or guidance on how to handle the situation.
3 of Cups is a card of celebration and could be indicating that the querent may in fact soon be “celebrating” her landing of a new position. It could also be a timing card, indicating the “celebration” would occur within “three weeks” or “three months.” Finally, 3 of Cups could also suggest part-time (as opposed to full-time) employment; something the querent may want to consider.
Position #5 – XXI-The World
The card in this position shows the Probable Outcome, going beyond the answer found in Position #4, to a final conclusion.
As a major arcana card, XXI-The World carries extra weight, auguring fulfillment and/or successful completion of a goal. It suggests that all will go well and that the “celebration” suggested by 3 of Cups in Position #4 will indeed take place.
***************************************
I thought it was interesting that 5 of Wands in Position #2 could also be referring to the King of Cups‘ beliefs and expectations. He likely would see pitching the querent’s employability to the company higher-ups as a game — one he was fully confident in winning. The querent quickly confirmed that sounded “just like” her former employer — a caring, trustworthy man who also happened to be a Scorpio (King of Cups)!
I put a three month time limit on this spread prior to casting. If I get future feedback from the querent as to what ultimately happened, I’ll update this post.
Blessings,
Mary Hawkins
Tarot Cards, Lenormand Cards, Gypsy Witch Cards, Playing Cards Readings and Tutorials
