Tarot Reading

Last Thursday, I had a Tarot reading at my friend's house. I was wanting either reassurance that we are moving in the right direction or a warning that we should re-evaluate. The house is still not selling and we lowered the price. Maybe I'm being impatient or maybe we are too late and the housing boom has passed. Are we really doing the right thing? Is this the right time?

Of course, I didn't do the smart thing and record the reading or write down all the cards and their positions. I do remember the gist of it. The Tarot Reader used the Celtic Cross layout.

Here are the cards and positions that I do recall:

The first card, which represents the present or the critical issue, was the Page of Cups. This card is related to creativity, inspiration and learning artistic skill. As I am in an "inspired to paint" moment, this seems like a great card! I have recently decided to become a bit more serious about the painting gig. I have an appointment later this week with a gallery to see if they will take my stuff. Dave and I have been talking about how we identify/label ourselves in our next chapter when we are not working traditional jobs. "Retired" doesn't really work for me... I was thinking "unemployed bum" would be fitting. If the gallery takes my art, I may change it to "aspiring artist."

Across the first card was either the 9 or 10 of Pentacles. As is suggested by the position, this card relates to your immediate challenge or what "crosses" you. Both of those cards are related to abundance, financial security, material possessions. This is kind of interesting...I think my challenge is getting rid of my stuff... or maybe it is the opposite - attaining financial security and boat funding. My new identity may be: homeless starving artist.

The third card, position below the first two, was the Magician. This card signifies the root, or what lies below all the others. The Magician represents willpower, creation, manifestation and action. The Magician is the "if you believe it, you will achieve it" card. That is pretty cool!

I like this card. The Magician points to the talents, capabilities and resources that the subject of the reading has to succeed. According to The Oracle (aka Google): "The message is to tap into one's full potential rather than holding back, especially when there is a need to transform something."

The fourth card, to the immediate right of the first two, represents the future. In this position was the Queen of Pentacles. Since the Queen of Pentacles signifies "Healthy in body and finances, grounded and calm;" I'm taking the reading as being rather favorable to the the plan of releasing the stuff and living on a boat.

Above the center array of cards, was the Eight of Wands which indicates action and things manifesting quickly. The position of the card denotes future possibilities (or best outcome). The Tarot Reader suggested an interpretation of this could be that things will keep moving forward and while the pace seems slow, in actuality it is not. It is unfortunate the the Magician can't just wave a magic wand and make it happen!

Segue to the next card! To the left of the first two cards, in the relevant past position, was the Ten of Wands. This card refers to responsibilities and burdens. I feel this! Shifting away from both material possessions and the career trajectory has afforded me the most exhilarating sense of freedom. I feel a bit impatient to be through the transition phase and enter in to the vagabond phase.

The cards to the right, I'm don't recall very well. The right side of the Celtic Cross seems to represent influences that can have an impact on the outcome that is suggested by the cards in the middle and to the left.

I'm pretty sure the card in the 7th position (power/advice) was the Page of Pentacles. This card is very fitting as it represents being a student and learning. Given that I don't know how to do any of the following:

• sailing

• living on a boat

• living on the East Coast

• Being across the continent from family and friends

• living with a dog on a boat

• not having a job

Learning is excellent advice!

In the "external/environmental influences" position, I"m pretty sure was the 4 of Cups, reversed. According to the Tarot Reader, this suggests that, while there may be some reluctance or hesitation, there seems to be general acceptance of changing the status quo. The 4 of Cups represents missed opportunities. I'm taking this as another sign that we are on the right track in acting on the chance to get Volare.

The last two cards, I'm really unsure of... I know there was a Nine of Wands and I think there was a Seven of Swords but I'm not sure of positions. Of all the cards in the reading, these two seemed to be the cautionary ones. The Seven of Swords is can signify trickery or strategy. Another interpretation for the Seven of Swords is "abandoning ship" (NO!). The Nine of Wands can be about pessimism and/or resilience and grit. The Nine of Wands can also be about finding creative solutions to challenges. No matter which card was in the "hopes/fears" or "final outcome" position, the cards appear to indicate that there will be some times ahead when we need to not give in to negative thinking. Our biggest obstacle will be our own willingness to continue to move ahead even with the house selling anxiety; we will need to be strategic and open to unique solutions. According to the Magician, we have what we need to create the future life we imagine.

I'm taking the Tarot reading as a general thumbs up for the adventure ahead.

Also, I am happy to report, we did have one house viewing appointment since I started writing this post...which gives me a bit more hope...