Case Studies in Tarot : Case Study 4

Question: Will I find true love? Will I be in a relationship soon? 

Before I proceed, I must talk a little bit about the nature of this question, and admit it took me a little while to come up with the final spread. Firstly, let me say there is nothing wrong with the questions per se. Aside from the philosophy of what constitutes “true love”, which can be debated endlessly and is subject to cultural viewpoints and bias, this is, in essence, a question most people deeply want an answer for. My main conundrum, though, was how to actually ask this of the cards. This is because the question is what is known as a “Yes” or “No” question, and usually I do ask a client if they are ready for the answer. The advantages of a person – to – person reading is that you can go through these issues first, and offer a spread that benefits and empowers the client. One has to ask, do you truly want to know the answer to this question, and if it isn’t to your liking, what will you do with this answer?

Beyond this, though, and most importantly, is the realisation that love is not a commodity reserved for a select “lucky’ few – and, for a client’s benefit, the better question would be, “what do I need to do in order to be in a fulfilling and loving relationship?” as this places the power and ability to be in such a relationship with the client, not with the cards, and certainly not with me.

The above noted aside, I decided, in this instance, to draw two cards to answer each of the querent’s questions directly, rather than re-work the questions.

Tarot Spread with Golden Tarot deck
Cards 1 and 2 (top), Cards 3 and 4 (bottom)

Will I find true love? – Cards 1 and 2 : The World and Wheel of Fortune

Will I be in a relationship soon? Cards 3 and 4 : 9 of Swords and Ace of Wands

Golden Tarot
Cards 1 and 2

Will I find true love? – Cards 1 and 2 : The World and Wheel of Fortune

If you ever had doubts about this, please don’t. The answer to this question is a definitive Yes. I decided to draw two cards instead of one, for extra clarity, and in this instance, both cards support a “Yes” answer. I particularly like the scene shown in the Wheel of Fortune card in this deck, showing a family scene. This is a strong indication finding love will lead to a family down the track. The World card is a great, good omen in this question, in fact in most questions it bestows luck, benefit, and abundance.

Golden Tarot
Cards 3 and 4

Will I be in a relationship soon? Cards 3 and 4 : 9 of Swords and Ace of Wands

The 9 of Swords indicates the immediate future is not favourable for a relationship, however the Ace of Wands shows this won’t last long. I read the timeline from left to right, so for the immediate future, the answer is No, but, the Ace of Wands confirms this won’t last long. The Ace of Wands is a card of new beginnings, depicted here by an angel. I also see the 9 of Swords as a card of worries (often known as the card of bad dreams, nightmares and anxieties in Tarot), showing you possibly may worry too much about when and how and whether you will be in a relationship after all. Please do not, as easy as this may seem as an answer! This was a very clear reading, and there is no ambiguity as to whether this will happen or not, as explained in the previous question. I wish you all the very best for the future and thank you for your submission.

Warm blessings,
Monica

Tarot Case Studies : Case Study 3

(I will be away from tomorrow at a folk festival doing readings, so won’t be able to respond to any emails until mid-June. If you would like a reading, please check out the Case Studies in Tarot page. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!)

Question:

• I work in a large bureaucracy which is about to undergo cutbacks. Most of the cuts will start 2 years from now but we should soon find out which areas are affected. I am well liked and do well at work but that isn’t a guarantee that I’ll do okay.  I am worried about my job.
• I recently bought a house which is turning out to be a bit more expensive than I thought. I am worried about not being able to afford it.

My question: How should I focus my efforts through this time? And what I really want to know – will I lose my job? Will I get another one easily? Will I be able to keep the house?

5 card spread using the Herbal Tarot deck

Firstly, thank you for your request. Once again, I decided to draw 5 cards as follows:

1. Main card for you, your current situation – 5 of Cups
2. Advice for you: how you should focus your efforts during this time – King of Wands
3. Your job: current situation – 5 of Wands
4. Your job: what the future will bring – 3 of Cups
5. Will you be able to keep the house? – Ace of Pentacles

Cards 1 (left), 2 (centre) and 3 (right)

1. Main card for you, your current situation – 5 of Cups
This is a card of dejection, loss and sadness. Even though you have not received any confirmation yet, this card shows someone feeling rather down on themselves, dwelling on a loss of some form. His demeanor is not very encouraging or happy. I think you may be anticipating the worst, even though from your email it seems nothing is in concrete as yet.

2. Advice for you: how you should focus your efforts during this time – King of Wands
The King of Wands is someone who exudes confidence, determination and drive. Compare his stance with the man in Card 1 – what a difference! The King of Wands has no fear, he is rather confident, not just because he believes all will be all-right, but because he has confidence in his skills and experience. As an advice card, this card tells you to adopt all these qualities, of course without being arrogant or false. Some other qualities of this King are charismatic, energetic, and optimistic. I hope you can draw on some of these qualities in the near future, as this is the main advice for you.

3. Your job: current situation – 5 of Wands
This is a card of competition. In many decks this card shows a number of people competing against each other, or having some form of conflict with each other, though this is not necessarily a major conflict. When I saw this card, I thought about the usual competition and politics that take place in a large organisation (I work in one myself!!), and this will be even more so now that cut-backs are looming. The thing with this card is that it may feel like everyone has their own agenda and no-one is working together constructively, but once again, is not really a card showing major, ugly conflict.

Cards 4 (left) and 5 (right)

4. Your job: what the future will bring – 3 of Cups
This is the main card to really answer your question about whether you will lose your job, and in a nutshell, it is incredibly positive and shows you will not lose your job. The 3 of Cups is a card of celebration and good times.

5. Will you be able to keep the house? – Ace of Pentacles
Well I must say I don’t usually ask direct Yes or No questions, but there are no definite rules with Tarot. When asking a Yes or No question though, the Ace of Pentacles stands for a definite Yes! All Aces do, really. I did note that the card underneath the deck is the Strength card, showing you will have to draw on your own strength to make it through this period, and it won’t necessarily be easy, and the same goes for keeping the house. Naturally, common sense is advisable, and spending habits have to be really frugal with a mortgage – but your question largely also depends on what will happen with your job, which is a very positive outcome, and this is reflected in a Yes answer to this question.

I wish you all the very best with work and your home. Many blessings,
Monica

 

Case Studies in Tarot : Update and feedback

Fantastic Menagerie Tarot

Thanks to everyone who has written requesting a reading. If you are interested in a tarot reading, please check out the Case Studies in Tarot page for more information. At present any new requests will be posted around end of June / early July.

Here is some feedback for the first two readings I posted. In the future, I will place feedback (if any) as an update to the original post.

For Case Study 1, the querent has this to say:

Well, I don’t know what to say here, Monica.   Everything seems to be quite true.  I guess deep inside I already know most of this, but it’s good to have it affirmed through the cards.  I especially like the world card at the end of the reading.  It’s very positive and I feel very encouraged to try something new in the upcoming year.  Thanks for the reading Monica.

And for Case Study 2, I received the following:

“Thank you for doing the reading! Wow…well, I think the reading makes sense and really has my number. You are absolutely right. I had already decided to quit! The 8 of Cups and 10 of Swords definitely show that. I think the main problem is that I don’t really have enough momentum to continue. The most flawed premise of the venture is that I like doing it somewhat, but maybe not enough to turn it into a business. To me it has always felt more like a side project. With my last venture, a few years ago, I cared more about it and put more into it, but it was ultimately very tiring and disappointing (very few sales). I think the person who commented on your blog is right–it often takes several years to establish a business and if you aren’t keenly interested in it to begin with …well, I am not sure if I can dedicate myself to it in that fashion!“

Thanks for all your comments, everyone, and for the feedback given.
Many blessings,
Monica

Case Studies in Tarot : Case Study 2

Question: My business venture: should I bother continuing with it, or should I throw in the towel? Also: if I do continue with it, what form should it take? Recommendations? Is there something else my time could be better served doing?

5 card spread using the Baroque Bohemian Cats Tarot (mini deck version)
(click on the photo for larger size)

First, my apologies for the photo quality. In a perfect world I would have a new laptop, and a new camera, and an editor As it stands, we don’t live in a perfect world, and I no longer use credit to pay for stuff. But I digress…

Above we have the 5 card spread I did for this question. Here are the card positions and the answer for each:

1) The business venture: current situation – 10 of Swords
2) How you feel about this venture – 8 of Cups
3) Advice for you: what to do – The Magician
4) Advice for you: what not to do – Queen of Wands
5) Outcome for your venture – Strength

It was a bit difficult to focus on key aspects, given the querent’s initial questions above, but I hope this gives some direction.

Cards 1 (bottom) and 2 (top)

1) The business venture: current situation – 10 of Swords
Oh dear. Things aren’t looking that good when this card comes up. I don’t want to make it sound “nicer” or “happier” than what it actually is. Sometimes, things are just not rosy. In this card, we have a cat covering her eyes while 10 swords hang above her. Perhaps she is afraid they are ready to fall on her, perhaps she just doesn’t want to look. Either way, this is a card of “reaching the lowest point”.

2) How you feel about this venture – 8 of Cups
Well, it looks as if you are ready to walk away from it. Certainly you have your back turned towards it, though not entirely, as the image shows. I asked this question because I think it’s important: feelings colour so much of our life, and in this case the answer gives some understanding to your questions.

Cards 3 (left), 4 (right) and 5 (centre)

3) Advice for you: what to do – The Magician
The Magician is a strong ally: he tells you the power is in your hands, and you are capable of transformation. You may not feel like this (as noted above), but it is definitely achievable. Here are some of the keywords for this card by the authors: “focused creativity; the power to transform; applied energy; thrilling concepts brought to life; a flash of inspiration.” The key to it all, is taking action. It advises you to keep going, but to use your energies to create and transform, rather than walking away, even though you may well feel like it.

4) Advice for you: what not to do – Queen of Wands
Hmmm… I was a bit puzzled by this card initially. To me, it tells you not to engage in the dramatic – that is, the drama that often plays in our mind when things don’t go according to plan. But more than this, in this deck I see the Queen of Wands as simply watching, whereas the Magician, above, is doing. The Queen of Wands is enjoying the opera, while the Magician is in his laboratory, creating. The Queen of Wands is distracted by the show, the Magician is focusing his creativity towards realisation.

5) Outcome for your venture – Strength
Strength is the card of fortitude. It’s about having the determination and perseverance to overcome obstacles and challenges. It’s about not losing the plot when the going gets tough. It doesn’t mean your venture will be that dramatic, but the ability to take it into the future hinges on adopting this quality. The cat is able to tame the demon dragon, without a crinkle in her dress With this card, a bit of patience goes a long way. You will have to apply strength, patience, determination, to have a good outcome to the business venture. I am sure there are many independent business owners that would agree with this!

I do wish you all the very best with your business venture. Thank you for your request, and I do hope it was of help to you. Many blessings,
Monica

Case studies in Tarot : Case Study 1

Question: Should I continue in my present career or put my talents to a different use?

5 card spread using the Cosmic Tarot deck

Above we have the 5 card spread I did for this question. I decided on 5 main aspects as follows:

1) Where you are at, current situation – 3 of Wands

2) Main card for Option 1: continue in your present career – 2 of Swords

3) Main card for Option 2: put your talents to a different use – Wheel of Fortune

4) The outcome of choosing Option 1 – 6 of Wands

5) The outcome of choosing Option 2 – The World

~

Let’s start at the beginning

Cards 1 (centre), 2 (left) and 3 (right)

~

1) Where you are at, current situation – 3 of Wands

This card tells me you are in a good place (work wise, but also overall), even though you may not think that necessarily. The woman in the picture looks radiant and happy. This is a card of realisation, it is a card of initial success and it is a card where the querent (you) has a positive outlook and good options to choose from.

~

2) Main card for Option 1: continue in your present career – 2 of Swords

This card, while showing a woman in a contemplative state, is traditionally a card of indecision, and having to go inside yourself to look for answers. In this deck, there is a feeling of serenity, calm and quiet in the scene. While not necessarily a negative card, I got the feeling there isn’t much excitement, and staying with your current course of work will leave you always asking “what if…” .

~

3) Main card for Option 2: put your talents to a different use – Wheel of Fortune

When the Wheel of Fortune rolls in, one doesn’t really know what it will bring. One thing is for sure, it will bring changes, and these will be fairly substantial. Traditionally, it is seen as a beneficial influence (linking Fortune with goodluck), however, I always look to the outcomes (below) to confirm if this is the case. In a really obvious way, this card tells me that choosing to focus your energies on something different will bring big changes for you.

Cards 4 (left) and 5 (right)

So far, so good. But what about the outcome for each of these paths?

~

4) The outcome of choosing Option 1 – 6 of Wands

6 of Wands is a card of success, of rewards, of recognition in your chosen career. It really is a card of victory. So, if you choose to continue with your current career, success and realisation will come your way. It is certainly a great indication that this is not a bad option.

~

5) The outcome of choosing Option 2 – The World

Whoa, another Major card, and a most auspicious one. Sure, all Major Arcana cards are auspicious, but when you get the World, this is it. It is the ultimate card of fulfillment and synthesis. It says, whatever you choose to put your talents toward, you will be successful. But it is more than pure success. Where as the 6 of Wands above indicates success in your job, the World is success in your calling. There is a big difference between job and calling, and I think that is the crux of your question.

~

To summarise, I would strongly encourage you to explore your talents, and not give up on any dreams you may have. It is great to see that your current career is able to offer you rewards and success in the future, however do start to nourish your talents and dreams, and not give up on them. All the best, and thank you for your question.

Many blessings,
Monica

A request for help from any WordPress users out there: does anyone know how to insert a space between paragraphs? At present it seems my spacing bewteen paragraphs is being automatically deleted (hence my use of squiggles ~ above). Any tips are most welcome!

Case studies in Tarot

For a while now, I have been contemplating offering free tarot readings in exchange for being allowed to publish these as “case study” material on this blog. I’ve held back, mainly because I wasn’t sure how I’d go about this. I’ve also thought about asking people that I normally read for (as clients) whether they’d be happy for me to write about their reading (anonymously, of course), but I keep forgetting to ask, or feel too insensitive to ask for such things at the end of a reading. In addition, I live in a very small town, and don’t want to run the risk of someone figuring out whom I may be referring to.

So, I am offering free readings to the public, noting the following:

1. Readings are entirely confidential – no names or email address will be disclosed.
2. In exchange for a free reading, you give permission for the reading to be published on this blog (in confidentiality, see 1 above).
3. Specifically, I will publish: a) your question(s) b) the cards I drew and c) my interpretation of these cards.
4. I will not answer questions relating to medical / health issues or death.
5. If you would like a reading, please email me at tarotinateacup at gmail dot com.
6. Please title your email “Case study request” or similar, so I know you’re not someone trying to sell me viagra.
7. I cannot guarantee that I will answer your question, but I will do my best depending on the number of emails I receive.

I look forward to your emails, or any suggestions you may have. If you would like to know a bit more about me, please visit the About page.

Many blessings,
Monica

Queen of Knives

I drew this trio early this morning, before work. I knew as soon I saw the cards it was work related: there I am in the middle, the Queen of Swords. I’m not that fond of her, to be honest, but sometimes a sharp mind and mental focus are what is needed. I knew, even before I drew these cards, that today would be busy at work – it’s a Monday and I had lots to do. The 10 of Wands reflects that, and the 9 of Wands on the other side also shows I’ll make it through all right (though a bit drained).

I like the whole story told in this simple spread, how it reflects the day as a whole so nicely. But it was when I got home that I had to smile, for I picked up a vintage set of knives from the local op-shop today, and I think they match my Queen rather well Especially with the Herbal Tarot, which was published in the seventies.

Well, I thought they’re cool anyway. I love finding little treasures like this, all in the original box and in great condition. I wonder if they’re from the seventies as well, that would be too funny.

I hope you all have a beautiful week ahead. Until next time,
Monica

Morning Tea

Today’s morning tea, served with home-made hazelnut mocha biscuits. I admit the biscuits don’t look that flash (and nothing like the picture in the cook book!) but they do taste mighty fine Served with a cup of detox tea (just to balance all that icing out, you know) and three cards from Tarot of the Absurd: 8 of Cups, Wheel of Fortune, and Knight of Cups.

The 8 of Cups I think refers to our temporary flatmate, who is moving out tomorrow. He has just started working for the same place I work at, and needed a place to stay while he sorted something more permanent. I can’t see this card being about anything else, so that’s what I’m going with. The Wheel of Fortune and Knight of Cups relate to my trip out to see a friend and enjoy some much-needed conversations around tarot / astrology / herbalism and world at large. I work a 9 day fortnight, so today was the day-to-myself dedication. I totally relish it. Immensely

I’ve also started to decorate the bare walls in my tarot room. Above is a print from the lovely Hermitage artist, Rima Staines. Unfortunately the frame is not big enough (and I now realise it doesn’t really go with the print anyway), so that will change.

Excuse the reflection…

I’ve also added some green hanging foliage and a crystal hummingbird. I try hard not to add too much clutter, but one does need colour in one’s life, no? And plants…

Until next time, with blessings,
Monica

Wintermoon

Well, that was quite magical. It’s been some time since I let my hair down and enjoyed a proper outdoor festival, and I must say Wintermoon was absolutely delicious. Set amongst an idyllic rural backdrop, complete with a local creek and surrounded by bush, a wonderland of tents, caravans, art and music came alive for four days last weekend.

I was blessed to read tarot during the festival, being rather busy most of the time. I immensely enjoyed the people and conversations I had, and look forward to many more such occasions.

Night-time lighting in our humble (bus) abode: lotus candle lantern

It was relaxed enough that once the afternoon sun started to set, I wrapped up the tarot readings, enjoyed a hot shower, and proceeded to absorb the evening’s festivities with gusto. This is the first festival I’ve been to where hot showers were provided, courtesy of a wood-fired “donkey” and some very dedicated volunteers.

The main stage at night

Setting up the bus and the tarot stall

Green and purple: favourite colour combination (the green pentagram is a candle holder)

Tarot table setting: gracefully watched by Quan Yin

 

We were lucky enough to have my partner’s dad’s bus, nicely fitted with a comfy bed, table, seats, and a plethora of cushions. I could live like a gypsy and savour the nomadic lifestyle, I tell you.

One of the camp sites… the maypole was very popular with the kids

 

Swan lantern

The local creek… plenty of space for everyone…

I absolutely loved it, as did my partner. I loved the way children were free and safe to wonder around, and the family atmosphere that permeated throughout. I loved the sky and the water and the stones and the trees. I loved the glow of candles at night, and the amazing sounds. When you get goosebumps in the middle of the tropical sun, the music is that good.

Children dancing during the Woohoo Revue

And so, now it’s all a warm memory. Until next time, that is

Many blessings,
Monica

 

Tarot Spread: Current Job

Above is a spread I did for my current job. I won’t go into the full details of what I received, but I thought I’d post this for anyone who may be interested. I suppose you can use it for your current business if you are self-employed as well.

I think when designing a spread like this, even though I may think I know what the rewards are, I find it useful to see what the cards say. In this instance I had to smile as I got the 3 of Pentacles in the “Rewards” place – simply being employed and gaining experience is a reward in itself, especially these days.

Here are the full questions in case the above photo is not clear enough. You can actually arrange these in any way you like or use the diagram above.

I will be away from this blog for a couple of weeks as I am taking time off work to attend the Wintermoon Festival – hurrah! There will be amazing local artists and great food, beautiful people and a balmy, lush tropical setting. I’ll be working as a tarot reader, so have been busy compiling lists of everything I need and getting stuff sorted. Wish me luck!

Many blessings,
Monica