I wish to find an agent and get KIERNAN’S CURSE published by an RWA-approved publisher. Will I?

There are 15 cards involved with this spread. If the 9 of Cups, known as the wish card, shows up, you will get your wish. Absence of the 9 of Cups does not mean you will not get your wish. The cards need to be read to determine that. (Pardon the excess clutter in the pictures. My graphics program needs updating, apparently.)

Depending on which set of instructions for the reading you go by, sometimes there’s a single card in the middle representing the person asking the question/making the wish. Since this is for me, I didn’t do that.

I’ve taken pictures of each section of the cards, so we’ll look at them in order for the reading.

Cards 1-3 represent what surrounds you.

1. The High Priestess
2. 9 of Swords r
3. Queen of Swords

The High Priestess here represents me and encourages me to go with my instincts, which, in this case, include pursuing an agent and publication for KIERNAN’S CURSE (and, by extension, the series as a whole). The 9 of Swords reversed, though, tells me to let go of my doubts in order to come through the difficulties the process may bring with it. The Queen of Swords show that I will come through “loss” (rejections) and cautions me to keep my emotions in check and not to let the rejections get to me. (As an unrelated side note, I’ve had 2 recently, so this is good advice.)

Cards 4-6 stand for your wish.

4. The Hermit
5. The Moon
6. Ace of Cups

Often, writing is a solitary endeavor, as indicated by the Hermit. Because of this, I have spent a lot of time alone writing KIERNAN’S CURSE and the other books in the series. He reminds me, though, that while writing is solitary, that doesn’t mean I am completely alone because there are others who can and will help.  The Moon can indicate there is something already in the works. (In this case, while I have been working on this post, I got a reply in my in-box from an editor requesting the full manuscript of KIERNAN’S CURSE.) Since these cards represent the wish itself, I need to be open to whatever may come because of it. (Back to the in-box, because this was from an editor and not an agent.) Aces tend to represent new beginnings and Cups is the suit of emotions and creativity. The wish for KIERNAN’S CURSE to be, ultimately, published by an RWA-approved publisher is a new beginning for a creative work, which could also prove to be emotional as it unfolds.

These cards indicate what opposes you.

7. 5 of Swords r
8. 8 of Wands
9. 3 of Pentacles r

Fives tend to be turning points in the Minor Arcana. I know there could well be some difficult times ahead. Perhaps this editor/publisher will decided not to accept the novel. The 5 of Swords reversed reminds me to be ready for difficulty so I won’t be surprised by it. The 8 of Wands  shows that progress is being made. It would be in my best interest to remember that sometimes progress is slow. The 3 of Pentacles reversed agrees with that.

The next cards show what you will realize.

10. 10 of Wands
11.7 of Cups
12. 6 of Wands r

I know I try to take on too much, as shown by the 10 of Wands. Sometimes it takes quite an effort for me to take care of only the things I am responsible for and leave the other things (that editors and the like will do) alone. The 7 of Cups reminds me that there are choices to be made and I will need to make up my mind and not waffle back and forth in indecisiveness. The 6 of Wands reversed reminds me o what the 8 of Wands and 3 of Pentacles reversed earlier warned against. Things might move slow and progress might seem to be at a standstill. Just because something is delayed doesn’t mean it won’t happen, though.

These cards are the outcome and represent what will come into your life.

13. The Magician r
14. Ace of Pentacles r
15. 7 of Pentacles

Ah, now to the outcome. The Magician reversed shows me that the creative process here could very well be delayed from how I would prefer it to be. The Ace of Pentacles, also reversed, tells me that I need to take a closer look at things before I go ahead. (For some reason, I feel like this applies more to the current editor looking at KIERNAN’S CURSE than it does to the question as a whole.) Some things my not be clear and I need to be certain everything is visible/out in the open before proceeding. The 7 of Pentacles shows reward for hard work but also reminds me that I need to mind the details. Ultimately, it will happen, but the work is not over.

In the course of my reading and learning, I have found some new spreads, including this one. There are two parts to this reading. The first asks “What is my purpose in life?” and the second asks “How will I fulfill my purpose?”

I have used the Diamond Tarot for this reading.

With that said, let’s get started:

What is my purpose in life?

V The Hierophant
XIX The Sun
II The High Priestess

The Hierophant: Personal growth, spirituality
The Sun: New beginnings
The High Priestess: Using hidden talents and skills

My mission in life is to teach personal growth and how to take advantage of new beginnings by using hidden talents/skills (creativity?) to other people.

How will I fulfill my purpose?

9 of Wands
7 of Swords
7 of Wands
2 of Cups

I will achieve my mission by drawing on my own experience and perseverance (9W), counseling/advising people (7S), recognizing success in myself and others (6W, and sharing what I have learned/achieved (2C).

This reinforces what I have always thought my life purpose to be. With recent experiences, it seems like I am on my way to fulfilling thatt through teaching in-person classes, writing (books and articles), and general networking.

How to do this reading for yourself:

Separate the Major Arcana from the rest of the deck. Set the Minor Arcana aside. While thinking about the question (“What is my purpose in life?”), shuffle the Major Arcana. Fan the cards out in front of you. Choose 3 and lay them face-down.

Now take the Minor Arcana. While thinking about the question (“How will I fulfill my mission?”), shuffle the cards.  When you’re ready, fan them out in front of you and choose 4. Place them face-down in a row under the first cards you pulled.

First turn the 3 Major Arcana cards over and make note of what they are. Repeat with the 4 Minor Arcana. Read them as a story where the Majors tell you your purpose and the Minors tell you how you will fulfill it.

If you don’t read Tarot or don’t read for yourself:

Contact me to discuss getting a Life Mission reading.

I am at a writers’ colony and there are some here who have expressed interest in a reading. It’s been a while since I’ve worked with my cards, so to reacquaint myself with them, I’m doing a career reading for myself.

Specifically: When I return home, will I still be doing transcription? There is a secondary question of: Will things have changed?

I am doing a 3-card reading, past-present-future. I’m doing something I haven’t in the past, though, and acknowledging jumpers.

Jumpers are those cards that jump from the deck during the shuffling.

Past: III of Pentacles (reversed)
Relevant Meanings: Mediocrity, lack of effort
Analysis: I have been tired of the work I do and, as a result, don’t put forth as much effort as I used to. Because of this, a lot of the work I have done has been mediocre.

Present: VII of Wands
Relevant Meanings: Challenge, envy, strengths
Analysis: It’s true that I’ve been envious of people who do full-time what I would like to do and currently struggle to do part-time. The challenge, then, is for me to determine my strengths to get to the point where I would prefer to be.

Future: VII of Cups
Relevant Meanings: Dreams, illusory success, unrealistic goals
Analysis: While I may dream of success, my goals are unrealistic. I need to re-evaluate them and revise them to be achievable.

Jumpers:
VI of Pentacles
Relevant Meanings: Helpfulness, honesty, good business sense, profit, wealth, reward
Analysis: I believe this tempers the VII of Cups in the Future position above. It does not negate that analysis but rahter indicates that it will not be long-lasting and successful change as far as my career goes will be soon in coming.

Page of Swords
Relevant Meanings: Curious, practical, sensitive, skillful
Analysis: I’ve often called myself an avid learner. The curiosity of the Page of Swords reinforces this. Changes in career will come about in large part because of that innate curiosity as well as practical application of what I learn from it.

Tarot Sentence:
Delay resists with unfulfillment.
Analysis: As long as I cling to the way I have been doing things in the past, my goals will remain unrealistic and unfulfilled. If I re-examine my goals and make necessary changes, I will move past the delay.

Miss Michele is back for her monthly tarot forecast…

Since the first week of July was only half a week, we will start with the first full week of the month.

First Week of July: The Page of Swords indicates charging headfirst into new projects. There will be a positive but tumultuous energy surrounding Miss Michele and all her endeavors. And, as the Pages are messengers of good things, she can expect lots of new endeavors. Sharp-witted more than wise, Miss Michele may not feel entirely cut out for these new projects, but she will move forward without worry nonetheless.

Second Week of July: In the second week, Miss Michele begins to become more secure with her new projects. Future-tarot.com reader Miss Michele often uses the Queen of Pentacles to represent herself and, in this case, it means her best traits will emerge in the second week of July. It is also a card of “reaping what you sow,” so she can expect payments for projects started earlier in the month. Most importantly, it shows a newfound confidence, peace and tranquility.

Third Week of July: The King of Wands may indicate a strong male influence in Miss Michele’s life, or the stronger masculine traits within her personality. As www.future-tarot.com celebrates its one year anniversary in the third week of July, Miss Michele approaches the Web site with a new passion. However, this King warns that moderation is the key to longevity. Miss Michele is sure to be on fire with her intuitive abilities this week, which will make First Anniversary celebrations even more special and insightful.

Fourth Week of July: The Major Arcana Justice means business. Miss Michele sees paperwork, the signing of a major financial proposition. Early in the week, she will be judged and gauged, but it will turn in her favor. After all, she has worked hard for everything she’s earned.

Again, thanks to Brighid for permitting Miss Michele to share her tarot insights on these pages. Please check out www.future-tarot.com for more.

First, thank you for stopping by. I hope you like it well enough to return.

Second, I am making some changes here. A couple have already been done. We will now have a once-a-month guest blogger from Future-Tarot.com and I will also be posting once a month there as well. (If anyone wishes to be a guest blogger on Tarot, pendulum work, or divination in general, e-mail me.)

Third, there has been an apparent change in ownership. However, the change is in name only. It is still run by the same person. That change was made for various reasons, which I will not go into here.

Later today or tomorrow, I will have a new reading post up.

For those who don’t know me, which may well be everyone visiting this blog, I’m Miss Michele and I read tarot with Serenity Bly over at Future-Tarot. I’m honored that Brighid is permitting me to guest post here at her tarot space. I’m going to be posting each month with a four-week spread of what’s in store for that month, with my own interpretations of the cards. I’m using the Hanson-Roberts deck tonight, although I have about five decks that I use regularly depending on my mood.

Like Brighid, I’m forever studying the tarot, honing my skills and refining my personal definitions for the cards. I hope you enjoy learning along with me!

My four card reading for June shows a significant month on the horizon with Three Major Arcanas.

First week: The High Priestess: This card, the third Major Arcana in the deck and represented by the number 2 (the Fool bears the number zero), represents feminine intuition, intelligence, platonic relationships, organization, and good business sense. In our weekly tarot chat last Wednesday, when I did a reading for this blog’s host, I described her as the High Priestess in her spread. And here she is, this lovely lady, marking a fruitful partnership! Her message couldn’t be more clear!

Seecond Week: The Hermit: A little background on myself. I am a full-time freelance writer and WAHM currently shopping for a house. That’s not exactly accurate; we’ve found the house and our offer has been accepted. We’re awaiting the contract. And from the looks of the Hermit, we will continue waiting. I also have a few client prospects on the horizon (most freelancers do, at most times!) and I’m waiting to hear back about those situations, too. Will they be short-term gigs or long-term relationships? Will the pay be what I expect? The Hermit tells me I’ll be waiting a little longer for the answers and, in that time, will want to retreat into my own mind. I won’t want to be bothered—which is unusual for me, as I’m typically quite social. But all this is setting the stage for a rather hectic third week.

Third Week: Eight of Rods: This card, for me, inevitably predicts a job offer. In fact, whenever a querent asks me if they are getting a particular job or not and this card shows up, good news follows. It’s all going to move very rapidly though – the house AND the job – and I’m going to want to pause to take a breath. There may not be time. He who hesitates is lost. But I’ll keep going, there will be plenty of time to rest later when I’ve got things under my control. Mwuhahaha!

Fourth Week: The Magician: This creative and powerful fellow has been showing up in many readings for myself and others lately. When a card reappears time and again, it typically means it’s sending you a message you haven’t “gotten” yet, or showing you that you have something to learn. What is this man with the infinite symbol over his head trying to teach me?

Traditionally, the Magician indicates learning how to manipulate forces and your skills to your advantage. I can only interpret this to mean that the job offer I get in the third week puts me in my own “element” and I will be comfortable in a position of power.

I’ll check back in to let you know how events unfold. And again, Jen, thanks for having me!

Question: Is it a good idea to join sites like Match.com, eHarmony.com, etc.?

Past: Knight of Pentacles
Present: Ace of Swords (reversed)
Future: V of Swords (reversed)

Overall Impression: Joining such a site may not be a good idea.

Even though two cards were in reverse positions, all meanings of the cards are considered in this reading.

Past: Knight of Pentacles
I’ve had a bit of a lack of direction in identifying what kind of relationsip I want and in deciding how to go about getting int.

Present: Ace of Swords (reversed)
I have the intelligence and creativity to be able to find a relationship on my own without paying for an online dating site.

Future: V of Swords (reversed)
Only by deciding on a direction and knowing what I want can I reprogram myself in the thinking that I will never find someone for me.

Pendulum Corroboration:
Have I laid aside any personal biases I have? Yes.
Is this an accurate reading for me at this time? Yes.

Past: The Fool
Present: VI of Pentacles (reversed)
Future: The Chariot

Overall Impression: This is a generally positive reading since the majority of the cards are in upright positions.

Past: The Fool
You’ve had the courage to take a risk in starting your freelancing business. You realize it might not be the norm, but you’ve dared to be different from what is usually expected.

Present: VI of Pentacles (reversed)
It’s possible you’ve encountered a rough time in your business that may have led you to question the wisdom of continuing to work at it because of more going out than what is coming in, in terms of time, energy, and finances.

Future: The Chariot
In spite of, or perhaps because of, present difficulties, you have the courage to continue and will find a new strength that will see you moving forward. Because of the difficulties you’ve encountered, you will have a better balance of in the various aspects of your life.

Message: “Charisma arises when sincerity of feelings are in harmony with outward expression and behavior. Express your feelings openly and honestly.”

Analysis: A few days ago, I bought a book about discovering your psychic type. I said I was getting it for research for a character in a new novel I’m planning. I think, though, it’s honestly for me. I’m being nudged (sometimes pushed) to get back in touch with my intuition and empathy. Sometimes I resist, which is why I’ve not posted a Card of the Day for a while. Resistance only hurts me, though, and needs to stop. So with the new year, I’m apparenlty going to be acitvely getting in touch with my intuition again.

(As a side note, numerologically speaking, this year is an 11, which is a master number. A description of 11 can be found here. It’s a number of high, rare energy, which I think can describe a lot of what’s going on lately, both on a personal and a national level.)

Query: What does 2009 have in store for me month-by-month?

January – Queen of Cups – Emotional Integrity

Meanings: Helpful, intuitive, mediumistic, wise, romantic, dreamy, empathetic, visionary faculty of imagination, sensitive, loving, generous, good; as an event success, happiness, joy, wisdom. Malicious, false, easily-led, insincere, of weak character, chaotic, psychologically unstable, moody; as an event vice, disloyalty.

Message: “Charisma arises when sincerity of feelings are in harmony with outward expression and behavior. Express your feelings openly and honestly.”

Analysis: January will be a good start to a productive year if I don’t give in to the trap of post-holiday blues that could leave me moody. (It has been known to happen.)

February – IX of Wands – Strength

Meanings: A successful defense, reflection, strength, dynamism, resistance, uncertainty, coming to terms with the past. Adverse circumstances, obstacles, misfortune, destructive forces, angst.

Message: “Examine external situations and internal conditions with all the force at your command and see how your personal strength increases.”

Analysis: The first of the new year always seems to see me faltering in my goals and throwing obstacles in my own way. If I keep going through these, I will be stronger for it and more apt to reach my goals.

March – Page of Cups – Emotional Objectivity

Meanings: Gentle, romantic, dreamy, friendly, sensitive, shy, spontaneous, cheerful, passionate, thoughtful, intelligent; as an event an opportunity to fall in love, a peace offer, to develop a talent. Sluggish, hypersensitive, selfish; as an event deception, seduction, bad news.

Message: “A rich hoard of dreams and talents lies hidden within you.” and “Plunge into the mysterious depths of your feelings and dream-worlds.”

Analysis: This month is about more than writing, but also about possible romance. That is good news for me. I need to watch my tendencies to be a wall flower at any events I may attend or this won’t be a possibility.

April – VII of Swords – Futility

Meanings: Courage, self-confidence, cunning, witty pranks, surprise attack, vindication, tricks and stratagems, betrayal, to sneak away. Malicious gossip, good advice is necessary, rash decisions.

Message: “Howsoever the world around you may happen to be, it is a mirror of your own self. Change your old, long-established ways of thinking.”

Analysis: Despite the changes I have made in 2008 in the way I think and approach my preferred work, there are still some things I hold tight to that may not serve me well. With the first being All Fool’s Day, it is no surprise that warnings of pranks, surprises, and tricks show up for this month.

May – II of Swords – Peace

Meanings: Contradictions, nagging doubt, indecision, to weigh up the consequences, illness, unforeseeable  consequences, a legal dispute, hostility. A wrong decision, a gradual worsening, ambiguity, faithlessness, deception, falsity.

Message: “Inner peace grows from taking responsibility for oneself and accepting one’s destiny.”

Analysis: Sometimes I think it is my nature to doubt and second-guess myself. It seems that will be an issue that needs to be addressed in May. The indication of illness reminds me to take care of myself, especially concerning diabetes.

June – III of Swords – Grief

Meanings: Lovesickness, despaire, a break-up, separation, tears, old wounds, a broken heart, repeated mistakes. Loss, psychological alienation, confusion, grief, old worries fail to fade.

Message: “Be honest with yourself about your own feelings and accept, understand, and overcome what you have experienced.”

Analysis: It looks like the romance indicated in March may be short-lived, possibly ending in June. If I’m honest with myself, I’ll move past it; if not, it will continue to be an issue.

July – The Fool

Meanings: Innocence, trust in life, the courage to take a risk, uninhibitedness, creativity, naivety, inexperience, love of adventure, violating rules and taboos, spontanerity, being carefree, love of novelty. Puerility, recklessness, careless stupdity, instability, chaotic circumstances, lack of consideration, shyness, taking to responsibility for oneself and others, thoughtlessness.

Message: “Show yourself to be unimpressed by societal norms, plans already laid, or sensible reasons. Dare the unknown when it beckons.”

Analysis: The Fool generally indicates new beginnings, whether actual or spiritual. I would expect it at the first of the year, but not necessarily at the half-way point. July will be a time of new beginnings, if I don’t hesitate. Here is yet another warning against giving in to timidity/shyness. (Methinks the Tarot doth know me too well.)

August – IV of Pentacles – Power

Meanings: Holding on to the tried-and-tested, established ways, and principles; provision for the future; greed; clinging to possessions; material security; forgetting the essential due to preoccupation with possessions; blocked energy; loneliness; inability to share; miserliness. Financial loss, fear of loss, resistances, delays, missed opportunities.

Message: “Power is the ability to learn to control oneself and lead others wisely.” and “Learn and practice how to let go.”

Analysis: Being concerned about money and things to the exclusion of work, whether writing or other, will be detrimental to the bottom line. Focus on what needs to be done in order to avoid that instability.

September – Judgment

Meanings: Renewal, coming to terms with the past, rebirth, critical self-examination, a clear faculty for judgment, good and bad become relative, change, liberation, healing, discovering old and new abilities, to draw up an honest reckoning, making reparations for injustice. Fear of death, loss, feelings of guilt, self-deception due to a distorted faculty of judgment, overtaxing one’s strength, excessive stimulation, reproaching oneself for missed opportunities, fears of failure.

Message: “In an incomprehensible world, give your life sense and meaning. Draw up a critical balance-sheet and find a new direction for yourself.”

Analysis: This month, I need to take a good, long look at what I am doing and how it is working for me. I need to change what doesn’t work. I need to be honest with myself because to do otherwise would cause self-deception and ultimately loss of something important, perhaps clients.

October – VI of Swords – Deserved Success

Meanings: To reach new shores, help, a journey into an uncertain future, to put old experiences behind oneself, brooding, being resigned to one’s fate. Annoyance, obtacles, to get in one’s own way, postponement of a resolve or an impending change.

Message: “Have the courage to venture onto new shores even though you don’t know exactly where the journey will take you.”

Analysis: Warnings against putting obstacles in my own way tend to characterize the year. I need to remember that things move at their own pace and I can only do so much to hurry them along. If I push too much, some things may be postponed.

November – V of Wands – Conflict

Meanings: Competition, a life struggle, jockeying for position, gauging strengths, a trial of strength, abundance, exuberance, to be on the right path, youthful enthusiasm. Quarreling, deception, contradiction, indecision, aggressiveness.

Message: “Learn to resolve conflicts without hate, bitterness, and accusation.”

Analysis: November begins the holiday season. Regardless of how good the family, there are bound to be conflicts and quarrels. Beyond that, though, there will be some verfication/validation that whatever path I am on at that time is the right one for me and I should continue on it.

December – Knight of Wands – Inspired Creativity

Meanings: Spirited, thrilling, dynamic, fond of taking risks, creative, adventurous, inspiring, impatient; as an event a pleasant experience, new beginnings, a farewell. Selfish, intolerant and full of prejudices, too impatient, too fond of risks; as an event separation, alienation, thwarted relationships.

Message: “Treat the world as a playground for your zest for life and love of adventure.”

Analysis: December tends to be a highly creative month for me. In recent years, I have made Christmas gifts, participated in a great deal of the cooking, and written a lot in preparation for upcoming contests. This month looks as though it will be no different.

In looking at the cards in their suits, there seems to be an interesting break-down. There are two Major Arcana cards indicating that events in those months may be beyond my control. There is only one Pentacle card. There are two Cups, three Wands, and four Swords.  Most of 2009, it seems, will be directly impacted by what I do or don’t do, though it will generally be a positive year. In laying out the cards, there were very few reversed. (In Card of the Month and Card of the Day readings, I tend to read the full card, not just the upright or inverted meanings.)