Reading For the Year 2012

I am doing a spread that my friend Lisa of Tarotize created. It is called the 6 Card New Year's Eve spread. Well I have been battling bronchitis since Christmas Eve, so I am just doing it now. The first thing needed is to figure out your personal tarot card for the year for 2012. Mine is The Lovers VI. She advises that you use that card from one deck and then do the reading with another. That way you can see if that same card comes up again in the reading. (How crazy would that be??) She also says you will get much more out of the reading if you know the planet, astrological sign, and element that correspond with your card. For The Lovers it is the planet Mercury, sign  Gemini, and the element of Air. She says that any cards that have those energies will be emphasized.

Place your Year Card just off to the right so that you can remember that you are viewing this reading through the eyes of that card. I have chosen to use The Lovers from my Tarot of Vampyres. It is absolutely gorgeous.
Lay the cards out to represent a pentagram, as if drawing a star. So bottom left is earth. At the top as if to be the point of the star is spirit. Horizontally across from the first card, (earth) and off to the right of the center card (spirit) is the 3rd card you lay, it represents fire. (think bottom point of the star you are drawing). Diagonally across and between card 1 and card 2 place the 4th card for air. Horizontally across from it place the 5th card for water. (Again, imagine you are drawing a star. If you need a visual, Lisa has one on her post you can see). The final card is placed dead center. She advises using an oracle card to show what your role is in the greater scheme of things. I will use my Shadows & Light Oracle.

1. Earth - Financial and physical outlook for 2012.
2. Spirit - You main spiritual lesson (She says you could also use an oracle card here as well. I will use both)
3. Fire - Shows your creativity, will power and ambition. Where to direct your passion.
4. Air - Problem solving in your head. What is your main communication and problem solving theme.
5. Water - Your main relationship theme and how to nurture your emotional Self.
6. Interface card - How you can best serve humanity.

The very first thing I notice is that all of the cards but are the same element as the elemental position. The earth position has an earth card, air is air, and water is of water. Interesting.

If I am to look at this reading through the eyes of The Lovers, then I am to look at things from the perspective of making choices that will lead me to what my heart truly longs for, what I know in my heart I am passionate about.

1. Earth - King of Pentacles - OMG are you serious!? Could you ask for a better card in this position? Material success and good health! Woo- freakin' hoo! This king looks very content and grounded. I think those are grapes up in the top corners of the card, but to me they look like wisteria, which grows prevalently in New Orleans and is one of the things I love most about springtime here. The money to be made from me reading cards in The Quarter will be pretty slim until springtime or at least late winter when Mardi Gras rolls around, but boy will it roll in then! I also notice an egg at the side of the BunnyRabbit king reminding me to put savings in a nest egg. Earth is the slower of the elements. I need to remember to be patient and persevere, not to give up because this wealth may be slow at first and this reading is the themes for the whole year. So do not get discouraged. (I tend to ya know)

2. Spirit - Nautilus Princess #41 and 2 of swords - My main spiritual lesson is one of powerful personal growth. This card is about entering a transition from Princess to Queen and thus having to make better choices aka time to grow the hell up! I see the nautilus shell as saying that I need to come out from my comfort one if I am to grow and the pearls in her hair showing that I have the wisdom necessary. The companion book says, "A time of spiritual and emotional transformation that could come via a new job, relationship, or life transition, like becoming a parent." ..... OH MY! "It is time to take your self and your potential seriously." The tarot card I pulled is the 2ofSw.This version of the card says I need to not cut of my nose to spite my face (a very Capricorn thing to do lol). Also, just because my earthly eyes cannot see all the answers, I have to learn to truly trust the vision of my third eye, my intuition. Again the theme of making choices based on what will make my heart content.

3. Fire - 8 of coins - Choose to follow my follow my passions, start by learning as much as I can about the things I am passionate about. It looks like she is a witch out in the bayou creating magick in her cauldron. This is telling me to get more involved with my calling to get back on my path as a witch. Also to learn as much as I can in the areas I love. I need to go to RS12 is a very strong feeling I get now. I sure hope that KofP

4. Air - Justice XI - The element of air in the air position. I reminds me of that 2ofSw in Spirit and the main theme of the Year Card, The Lovers; choice, decisions made from a place of integrity and balancing the head with the heart. My fate is not set in stone, I have free will. So I need to really weigh my options in order to make better decisions and thus get better results. And to be fine with the decisions I make and stop stressing!

5. Water - The Chariot VII - Again with this theme of choice. I need to be decisive and focus on what I want NOT what I do not want. Don't get overly emotional because that takes my focus from reaching my goals. Oh yeah, SET SPECIFIC GOALS so I am not just floating aimlessly and at cross purposes with myself.

6. How can I best serve humanity - Fairy of the Highlands #20 - I really do not like conflict and generally try to avoid it. But this card says that there will be some and I must be brave and fight like I mean it when I have to and do not back down. Take back my power and cut ties with those who do not have my best interest at heart.

This was a very cool reading and yielded a lot of good information. I think it would really serve me well to come aback to it periodically to do progress checks with myself.

Relationship Reading: Chuck and Sparkle

A friend asked me for a reading on a love interest. I decided to try Rhiannon's relationship spread using her deck the Faulkner Tarot. She has a fabulous YouTube video on how to do it. This spread involves a lot of cards, 16 of them. I had a hard time trying to figure out how I was going to take picture of the cards. Should I break it up with several pictures in groups? I chose not to and to do a shot of the entire spread so we could actually see the cool way she lays the cards out. I just put it in the middle of the reading. If you click on the picture it will enlarge it so you can see the cards in more detail.

1-3. What does Sparkle bring into the relationship? Well, all three cards are swords, so right off the bat that tells me that Sparkle is very stressed about realtionships and that she may need to work on her communication skills. Perhaps she can be a bit cold or use her words as weapons. First card is the 9 of swords- aka "the nightmare card" which reiterates the stress and often times actual nightmares. Being right next to Justice XI this shows her recent divorce is still very fresh in her mind. It seems she was in a relationship that was extremly painful and her heart is still very heavy. Next to it is the 4 of swords, the card that says you need to rest and take care of yourself. All together, this group is telling me that she needs to take time to heal from a whole lot of nasty shit from the past that still haunts her. Letting go of old ghosts that still haunt her. Everything is energy and the energy of her past relationship or her ex is still clinging to her spirit, which makes all the sense in the world. Even though we know it's best to leave a situation it doesn't take away the pain. Right now, I see her bringing a lot of old wounds and a need for self-care and nurturing. It's great to see she has learned to set boundaries, but I fear she has set up walls.

3-6. What Chuck brings to the reationship? He seems to bring a lot more emotion and openness than Sparkle, but he still has his own apprehention and fear. The first card is the 3 of cups. I think Chuck wants a good healthy relationship, commitment, something where he feels safe and supported, but also fun and happy times they can share together. The next card, the Ace of Swords, shows he is still scared a bit shitless but wants to take the plunge, break out of his comfort zone. Is he afraid of loosing his personal freedom if he gets into a relationship? And this next card is the Queen of Cups. Who is she? Is she the woman from his past who may have been emotionally manipulative? Did she not treat him as an equal or does he have some "mamma's boy" tendencies?

7. How Sparkle sees Chuck- Page of wands- Chuck seems like his ass is a whole lot of fun! She sees him as wild, adventurous, and sexy as hell! Chuck really makes her all tingly in naughty places lol! She sees him as a break from the monotony of life and a fresh new start.

8. How Chuck sees Sparkle- 6 of Swords- This makes me think that the Qof C we jsut saw is someone from his past. He sees Sparkle as moving on to a less stressful time. Someone he can do fun and romatic things and who will appreciate him for it. But he also sees her as hiding something. He sees that wall she has up.

9. How did Sparkle first see Chuck? When they first met, what did she think? - The Hanged Man XII- She saw him as a very strong possibility she wanted to pursue, but she saw his apprehention, his need to take things slowly and in his own time. I like how this shows that she has learned from her past to see a person as they are, not who she wants them to be.

10. How did Chuck see Sparkle when they first met?- 2 of pentacles- He saw her stress and trying to find her footing and balance in her life. He saw she needs to take things slowly as well. I also think he saw that she is the type of person who is such a giver and that she gave so much of herself in the past yet never had it balanced out with recieving from her ex that she is just tapped out at the moment and needs to continue working on her own needs. I like that, it shows he thinks about others and not only himself.

11. What are Sparkle's fears that could block this relationship? 9 of pentacles- Well Chuck ain't the only one who fears loosing his independence huh. The 9ofP is all about someone who has worked long and hard to get to wear they are. A person who has learned to love themselves and is very independant. They like the company of others, yes, but they do not need anyone else! Her fear of loosing herself in the relationship in another person could block thngs.

12. What are Chuck's fears?- Knight of Cups- I think he fears getting all caught up in the romance of it and I also think he fears rejection. Is there a shy aspect of Chuck? Or is it again that QofC from his past who kicked his ass emotionally and made him insecure? This man needs a lot of emotional reassurance.

13. Outside influences in Sparkle's world- The Lovers VI- I feel this goes back to her divorce since this card often has to do with marriage. It also has to do with choices and balancing the head with the heart. Are there issues other than the ones already mentioned that are major choices in Sparkle's world that are making her have to choose what road to take?

14. Outside influences in Chuck's world? The Knight of Pentacles- Is work or money making and planning for the future in a slow methodical way a major factor in his world that would infuence him? Or does he see that this relationship would be a lot of hard work and he is trying to go very slowly to see if it's worth it. Not in a cruel way or that he is seeing Sparkle in a negative light, just a mature assement of of his life and what is best.

15. Outcome- 5 of swords- I hate to say it, but I have to be honest in my readings. The 5ofSw is just a nasty card that really doesn't have a good side to it. I see the two of them just rubbing eachother the wrong way and things getting nasty and stressful, bringing out the worst and not the best in each other. The 5ofSw is about gossip, and shit-talkin', and empty victories. Shit hits the fan and the gloves come off and people fight unfairly.

16. So I jsut had to check another card to see if there was anything else we could find out. I did the card at the bottom of the deck which sums it all up, the bottom line of it all.--Damn... 10 of Swords. I hate like hell to say it, but it does not look very promising to say the least for this relationship. 10ofSw is another one of the most nasty cards in the deck. It shows starting over, but from a place of a lot of pain and stress and emptiness. Which I guess kind of comes full circle from the first cards we laid out to begin with.

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Facing Fear About Another Move

The first thing I notice is that 4 outta 5 cards are water; I've got to get inspired (no wands cards), get grounded (no pentacles). At least there is one air card and it's a major. I chose to use a spread that Lisa uses on Tarotize. First card is the situation, card 2 is what's influencing it, 3 is advice or action to take, 4 is the outcome if card 3 is followed.

I have to post the pictures later unfortunately...

The 6 of cups today shows me how the girl is courageously yet calmly facing something very scary. Since this cards traditionally has to do with past emotional connections, I feel like she is telling me to think of past situations that I have dealt with scary things by choosing not to fight them but to face them head on. I have to do this like she is treating the bear. From a place of patience and calm and compassion. I tend to be very very hard on myself. The ground they are on looks like a turtle today for some reason. This is a slow process for me, but I have to keep going. And I have to do it at my own pace and not compare myself to other people who are much quicker in dealing with things. Yet the primary situation I am dealing with makes time a huge factor. It needs to be dealt with and a solution like yesterday! Or more like last week actually! The castle is so far away. I am still looking for an apartment and I am scared shitless. I ran from Hurricane Irene and ended up running to another tropical storm. I feel like this is telling me to face the fear of going back to Philly. It's really hard to look for a place there when I'm 900 miles away. Where will I sleep if I go back tomorrow?? That would be the big giant bear I have to face and what is making me very slow to want to go back.
What's crossing is Justice XI. I see the snake first and it looks like her sword has the snake pinned in place. I had a dream the other night about snakes all around me. They were however not actually hurting me physically. Again the theme of facing fears. Maybe I will find a sense of balance when I do. I see how very calm Lady Justice is and her soul is singing. Damn I wish my soul was a peace enough to sing. Her eyes are closed and she is concentrating of manifesting what her soul longs for. (This card also makes me think of a certain legal situation. Wonder if that is about to get wrapped up??)
Advice is to stop blaming myself for things beyond my control. Would I treat anyone else as harshly as I do my self? No. Balance my emotions. I see now there is a snake with a sword, but it is a caduceus here. And I notice they are on a bed. I need to get back to work with my trainer to continue to heal my back. And I do have to buy a new mattress.
The outcome seems to show a new chance for peace if I can just stay calm and ride out this storm. I see her looking ahead to something, so I will pull another card for clarity.
HA!! The 9 of Pentacles!! The card that is my ultimate goal of aside from the High Preistess and this deck has my absolute favorite version of it! It screams Independence, security, self-confidence and the financial means to take care of myself! It's like she is looking at the Ace of Cups and showing her she can do it!

How Can I Co-operate With God/Goddess

I was at a blog I think you should all check out, Tarotize.com. The lady's name is Lisa and she had another blog, Tarot Healing, that has taught me a lot and been so inspirational.  Today I  found a great spread she created and I'm going to try it. I absolutely love the title of this! I mean when you think about it, isn't that where a lot of our troubles stem from? The lack of understanding and thus lack of co-operation on our part?

HOW CAN I CO-OPERATE WITH GOD/GODDESS?

1. General answer to the question: Wow...let's just start off with a bang here lol. The Fool 0. The basic answer I need to focus on is that I need to trust in the limitless power of The Divine, and thus my own limitless power! Trust that everything will be great and that is what I will pull to me. At first the wolf looks so scary, but I just heard that saying the old folks use, "God protects babies and fools!" And now I am realizing that the child has the wolf on a leash! The child is in control, NOT the wolf!! Trust that I am more powerful than my fears and then I can harness them and train them to behave the way I see fit. This way, I don't have to act foolishly, but can have that lack of fear and total confidence that children have when facing a new adventure. You can not kill your Shadow self no matter how much you dislike it. But once you lovingly accept that you must co-exist with it, you can transform it and use it to your advantage. The baby is not focused on the wolf now, but on that beautiful rose, new life, hope, beauty, creation, and it's like the rose is bending down for him to grab. The red color and that the child is firmly seated is making me think of how much I need to do energy work on my root chakra. The color for it is red and it represents knowing that one has a right to be here and is safe, that the Universe supports you.

2. When I'm alone: Choose to face my fears, and start with the really scary ones first. The Lovers VI is ruled by Mercury who rules communication and speed, which just went retrograde until the 28th  and tht tells me a few things.A) Again a sign that blogging is good for me. 2. I need to continuously, actively choose to keep my thoughts positive and be clear and direct in my prayers. If I'm sending mixed messages to the Divine, I guess all I could get would be mixed results.  3)Don't get too caught up in my own head as I tend to do and do NOT see mySelf as a fcking powerless victim. True, I've got some scary and overwhelming shit to deal with. But either deal with it or it's gonna deal with me! The knight coming down from the sky makes me think I need to ask Micheal the arch angel for help. Been getting a lot of signs about angels lately,

3. When with friends and family: Another Major Arcana, wow! And my beloved High Priestess II. She is telling me to stay true to mySelf and trust my own intuition. No matter how wise and sincere those who love me are, I have GOT to listen to and trust my own inner Goddess!! This card never ever leads me astray.

4. In my professional life: Are you serious, another Major!? lol! I SOOO have to get my resume' out to more airlines and do some readings for others! Again, the whole babies and fools theme, and also be brave and stop going round and round in a maze of confusion that gets me nowhere fast. Breakout of my own self-imposed prison and go for it. The Sun XIX is as "yes" as you'll ever get to any question! Yet ANOTHER reminder that I will be hugely successful in both areas IF I get my shit together and go for it. The one child holding the other child's make me think of my biggest supporters these days, Suzette, Marjorie, Ray and my dear friend in the UK, Karen. xoxox

5. Around those who are negative or try to thwart my efforts: ......You've GOT to be kidding me.... I swear to you I shuffled well and no, I have not been doing anything with only majors lately that would explain this.... Justice XI This tells me that others will always be judging me, but I can NOT listen to that crap. The beam of light as she looks upward tells me that it's not what anyone other than The Divine thinks. I just watched The Town, again last night. Such an amazing movie! This card is reminding me of how Doug's best friend Jim was such an sad and judgmental asshole. He didn't want Doug to succeed because he didn't want Doug to do more and grow to be a better person because of his own insecurities. They came from a place where honor was the law of the land, but it became a very twisted and unjust weapon that people used against each other. But Doug had finally grown and learned from his mistakes, and they where some huge ones. There are a lot of parallels to be drawn, but I know this card is telling me SO clearly that the friendships I have recently lost where no longer healthy and it was time for them to end. Just like Doug, I don't want to blame, judge, or punish others for  how they choose to live their lives, it is not my place and it is not healthy for anyone. Karma is very efficient, She does not need my help. Just for me to keep being true to mySelf. Honor and being a true friend has to start within your won self first.

What an amazing reading this was! And this many majors is a neon sign I need to come back to often and take head. Thank you Lisa for sharing this spread.