21 Ways To Read A Tarot Card -- step TWELVE

[dadsnook2000]

21 Ways Step 12

Step 12-1: Interpret the Nefertari’s Tarot Eight of Wands as if it came up in the following spread positions – 1) the recent past, 2) an obstacle, 3) your strength. We are further asked to modify our interpretations relative to a question and card position: 4) a question of “What is my purpose in life” for a spread position of The Best That Can Be Achieved. 5) “What do I need to know about buying this house?” for a spread position of My Fears.

* The Recent Past: You had rushed into an activity with only some of the resources you needed, oblivious to what others were doing. You may have been seen as not being a team player by others.
* An Obstacle: You wish to get started now on a project but are prevented from doing so because you have not fully prepared yourself.
* Your Strength: Quick actions can address a problem that cannot wait for discussion. You will need to improvise as you go.
* What is my purpose in life? for a spread position The Best That Can Be Achieved: You can achieve some success by making a sincere effort even though your situation leaves you less prepared than is necessary for complete success. Strive for an “A” for effort.
* What do I need to know about buying this house? for a spread position of My Fears: Making a quick decision before obtaining advice or seeking alternatives may result in a hasty decision that will be regretted later. This called “Buyer’s Remorse.” Do I have a grace period?

Step 12-2A: Relative to my chosen card, the Fey Tarot’s Fool, what do I need to look at in my life right now? A key focus right now is, “What will this book writing effort bring to me?” This particular Fool card operates on several levels.
* First, it warns me of being distracted by unexpected opportunities or possibilities from just getting the book “out there.”
* Second, this process of putting myself on the line before my peers is a journey that requires a degree of faith. Ideas and concepts that are new are not always welcome, and the astrological methods offered my be rejected or not taken seriously.
* Third, the entry into writing may lead to a journey having many twists and turns and bring unexpected opportunities as well as challenges. This may be a lonely journey or one of exciting encounters.
* Fourth, what is offered in this book may unlock many other challenges from established schools of thought or demands for more research and commitment.

Step 12-2B: Pick three spread positions from the many listed on pages 118 and 119 in the book and interpret my card from these perspectives.
* What will this book writing effort bring to me?” relative to a card position of Influences Of Others. It would seem that “glowing opportunities” (the lighted Jack O’Lantern that the Fool comes across) might be perceived or encouraged by others. These will have to be considered relative to the original purpose of defining and introducing a new methodology that has been crafted over many years of research. This will be counter to the many “Keys” that the Fool carries which can open “his” own awareness. A dilemma might be seen here on how to follow a chosen path.

* What will this book writing effort bring to me?” relative to a card position of What Am I Giving. I am offering a claimed solution to a problem area that has always plagued Astrologers using Solar Returns for predictive purposes. The offered methodology is bright and clear, can be grasped and looks attractive. (The Fool has paused and picked up a glowing Jack O’Lantern which he looks upon with wonderment) Many keys to various understandings are shown.

* What will this book writing effort bring to me?” relative to a card position of What Is Unexpected. Delays, pauses, distractions, not using the keys to what I already possess can cause delays and frustrate the purpose of this journey.

Step 12-3: In this portion of our task we will be interpreting an actual dealt spread that includes our chosen card. This 3-card spread will have it positions predefined. Mary Greer suggests we draw two cards and put them on each side of our chosen card in the middle position, although that can be changed. The other two cards will be drawn from the deck of remaining, shuffled 77 cards. Note: I do not use reversals with the Fey deck as I do with other decks that I use.

“What will this book writing effort bring to me?”
* Position One: Challenges to the planned publishing processes. The MAGICIAN.
* Position Two: My hopes and view of this publishing effort. The FOOL.
* Position Three: Resources that can lead to a successful presentation of concepts offered in this book. The FOUR OF CHALICES-CUPS.

FEY MAGICIAN. A Fey with raised hands creates a small creature bathed in light while a larger similar creature watches from the busy work desk piled with books, writings, a flowering plant and representations of the four tarot suits. A balloon of glowing lights hangs nearby in the air.
* Challenges to the planned publishing processes. This card shows a new creation or version of something already in existence. The glow around the creation indicates the spirit or power of the creation, the plant and larger/adult creature suggests that it will need to grow to make its place in the world. Books suggest that other avenues of presentation may be needed to meet this challenge. (I am looking a series of magazine articals, setting up or joining an established blog, and having the astrological tools put into existing software ((a very real likelihood with a software developer who has expressed an interest in doing this)) and working with astrological organizations that are willing to review this methodology).

FOOL: A Fey with clothing covered in hanging keys, a crown with a keyhole on his head, stops to pick up a glowing Jack O’Lantern, his face full of awe.
* Hopes and view of this publishing effort . I view this effort as something that will resolve a dilemma that I have observed in the professional Astrological community; the ability to easily and clearly predict and define events for the coming year using solar return charts. They many keys show that these concepts and methods can be further explored to enrich and open various areas of endeavor and learning.
FOUR OF CHALICES-CUPS: A voluptuous lady Fey rests, eyes closed, in a hanging couch above a large wine-filled chalice. Her hair is long and wrapped in a ribbon and rings. Rings hang from the side of the chalice.
* Resources that can lead to a successful presentation of concepts offered in this book. Waiting, letting time bring changes. Ideas, like wine, can take time to come to fruition.

MORE TO MY READING
I don’t consider a three part statement about the three cards to be a reading. As a group of cards, a spread, this is a “whole” story relative to the question.
* First, all three figures in these cards are facing back to the left. The Magician faces his new creation, the Fool faces his Jack O’Lantern, the Lady of the Four of Cups faces the others. The Lady Fey is waiting for the Fools possibilities which are seen as a new creation that contains seeds of newness, spirit and inspiration. Each springs from the first event, the creation or discovery.
* Second, each of the cards has rings – the Magician upon his sleeve-cuffs, the Fool upon his clothes in the form of rings holding keys, the keys having ring-tops, and the Lady of the Four of Cups with rings on the cups and on her hanging couch. Rings are symbols of completion, of fullness, of continuity.
* Cards one and two have glowing objects of focus. Glowing objects can contain spirit, newness, magic, attraction. I take this to represent the concepts and methods in the book.
* There are three different personality types represented here. I can speculate about what these could mean. The Magician could represent the Astrologers who originally uncovered the core techniques and initiated new views of how Astrology should work. These are represented by Cyril Fagan and the Sidereal techniques he postulated in his mid-1900’s research and writings. The Fool seems to represent myself who discovered some gold nuggets in that original research and developed new techniques and methods of prediction and interpretation. The Lady of Four Cups might represent those who will wake up or find these offerings to be beneficial and useful.

Step Twelve is a long step in terms of the work we are asked to do. I think it is well worth the effort and hope that this posting will encourage the other participants to throw themselves into this project. As always, I personally welcome comments, critique and dialog. So feel to post your feeling about this step, even if you are only watching and following this thread. This study continues to be totally fascinating. Dave

[coyoteblack]

I have the Tarot Studo this weekene so I will try and have this done by morning or I will not be able to get to this until next Friday.

Good luck on the book dadsnook2000 and thansk for being the chariot here

12.1

The Recent Past: you were walking blindly into a project because you were in a rush to get started and did not prepare


An Obstacle: I think the main obstacle in this is one self energy going wily nilly and not focused

You’re Strength: The ability to get up and go in a hurry. You do not need take forever to prepare for anything you have more then enough energy to tackle most problems head on and think on your feet

What is my purpose in life? for a spread position The Best That Can Be Achieved:
Not knowing for what kind of person this is for is kind of ambiguous
lets go with a business person

Your purpose in life is to be many things to many people not only can you the
CEO/CFO but also take the time to spend with the family I see the business going places
The best you can be is take charge type of person in many situations and admired for it in many arenas


What do I need to know about buying this house? For a spread position of My Fears:

your fear is of you rushing into this blindly and not preparing enough . so I suggest to obtain a lawyer and ask someone who has done this before take all of there advise and use available resources so you will not be able to rush in blindly even if you want to.


I will try and have the rest done when i get home kind of hard laying out the cards in the middle of a buisness office

[whipsilk]

STEP TWELVE

Knight of Pentacles - Tarot of Prague

12.1
Instead of using the muddy copy of the Alasio 8 of Wands, I used the 8 of Wands from my chosen deck, the Tarot of Prague. Color, shading, and detail mean a lot to me and before doing any interpretive work, I wanted to really study the card. The card shows eight red wands parallel with each other in the air; each ends with a different gargoyle head. A figure holding an hourglass and a lamp is calmly tumbling through the air behind the wands. In the lower right corner, a cherub is also falling. In the upper right corner a stork is floating, one leg up and holding a ball.

The recent past - a number of unexpected events (eight?) have occurred recently that have caused you to lose your equilibrium, yet you've taken these events calmly, in stride, and although you're off balance, you aren't terribly concerned about the outcome.

A obstacle - before you lie a number of frightening obstacles, but you realize there is another direction, a different way of approaching your goal, that bypasses all these obstacles. Focus on that direction, and the obstacles will be overcome.

Your strength - your strength is the ability to accept reality without panic, without heightened concern, even if it appears you are headed for a downfall. Others may fall (the cherub), but you will gently float down, with your eyes open and everything in view (the lamp). It may take time (the hourglass), but you will achieve what you set out to without harm to yourself or your spirit.

What is my purpose in life? (the best that can be achieved) - my purpose is to clearly see my path and know that I will reach my goal, avoiding obstacles that could hinder or prevent others from what I can achieve.

What do I need to know about buying this house? (my fears - original) - you have many fears about this house, many worries, but if you focus on the result, the positives about the house, the fears will pass away and you'll be satisfied with the purchase -- all of your concerns and worries will prove to be fruitless.

What do I need to know about buying this house? (my fears - revised) - you have many fears about this house, many worries. Examine these fears for validity, for what may lead you to a decision that you can be comfortable with. What do these fears tell you about your comfort level in buying this house?

12.2
I need to develop the patience that the knight shows, so my question is How can I develop the patience that my life needs right now?.

Source (root, cause) How can I develop the patience that my life needs right now? The cause of my impatience is my lack of skill at being still, learning that movement is not always necessary. I can cultivate and practice stillness, immobility, to help me develop patience.

Pros How can I develop the patience that my life needs right now? Patience, as the cliche has it, is a virtue. There is much to be learned from merely working at developing patience. I can gain confidence, learn more about myself through meditation and stillness and inner focus. I can cultivate my conscious imagination. I can expand my spiritual life and gain new abilities, new options that can be invoked in many situations where I've often simply reacted in the past.

What is unexpected? How can I develop the patience that my life needs right now? I selected this "position" because I didn't have an immediate response. But considering the position, the concept, I believe there are unseen, unexplored, unrecognized aspects of my self and my spirit that will reveal themselves as I develop a skill with being patient. An exciting adventure, new avenues to explore, await me as I develop this skill.

12.3
To accompany the Issue, I selected Purpose on one side and Next Step on the other. The Ace of Swords is Purpose, the Knight of Pentacles is Issue, and Judgement is Next Step. The Ace of Swords (Purpose) encourages me to focus on the Issue, to have confidence and know that achievement will be a positive step in my life. The Knight (which "comes from" Purpose and faces Next Step) is my current desire to develop patience, which will occur with the right focus and single-minded confidence. The Knight faces Judgement, indicating that the Next Step is to understand how avoiding development of this skill can mar my development, can cause a permanent vacuum in my spiritual growth.

I found the first two activities exhilarating, the last one extremely difficult, partly because I had trouble adding Judgement to the "blend".

[dadsnook2000]

Judgment can be a tough card to fit into a reading. When we blend swords and pentacles (the other two cards) this can be seen as a "difficulty" due to their different natures. Going back to Step Six, I find Mary Greer's Modes, Elements and Qualities to bring up different ways to see our reading. If we look at ELEMENTS: Swords are mental, logical, communicative. Pentacles are practical, possessive, productive. Having an "Ace" of potential and focus as the initial card is not easy to grasp. "Preparing to make decisive plans may require a practical touch and skills to carry it out" comes to mind. But, that judgment card -- how do you move some higher value system or take on a different perspective or deeper level of understanding?

Perhaps the others on the list can help us both with this card in this spread that your have defined. Like you, I found this portion of the exercise to be difficult. That may be because we are too close to our own reading, our own life. Dave

[whipsilk]

Thanks for your comments, Dadsnook. I had completely overlooked the Swords - Pentacles - Major Arcana aspect of my spread. But it actually begins to make sense now. The Purpose (Ace of Swords) is a mental one -- to improve a purely mental aspect of my consciousness, and the Ace helps indicate that this is a new effort, reminding me to see this as a fresh effort, a new start, without dwelling on any failed attempts I may have made in the past. The Issue (Knight of Pentacles) however, is one that has a physical aspect -- the effort will have physical ramifications, and will involve activitities that engage my physical being (even in a neutral way, i.e. meditation, stillness). And the Next Step (Judgement) is a warning not to judge my progress, not to see it in terms of success or failure (absolutes) but of growth, of "gradual progress" and just let it happen, allow it to be in its own time. That a quick judgment whether I've succeeded or failed can actually bring a complete end to the effort as this is not growth which can be judged or seen in terms of "there, I've done it" or "nope, I didn't do it; oh well."

[dadsnook2000]

OK, I can see how you relate the cards to your personal situation and it all fits nicely. Thanks for elaborating. It's so different when we do it ourselves with our knowledge, expectations and personal involvement then when we do it for someone we don't know or know well and can just let the cards talk. Dave

[squeakmo9]

Step 12

Focus on 8 of Wands from Nefertari's Tarot

1) Recent past...an offering of atonement
2) An Obstacle...too much in a hurry, a need to reach conclusions/assumptions
3) Your strength...to move forward, leaving the past behind.

4) Q: What is my purpose in life?
Position: The best that can be achieved...

A: To work at listening more to the inner voice becoming the master of your own life.

5) Q: What do I need to know about buying this house?
Positions: My fears...

A: Best to take you time in making a decision to purchase. Not all has been revealed about history or condition of house.
Termites? Probably.

12:2
1)
Q:What do I need to look at in my life right now?
A:How to handle winning and losing with grace and a sense of humor.

rephrasing of question...
Q:How do you handle winning and losing with grace?
A:Good question...first if you can't say anything nice about someone, don't say it at all. Second, the less said, the better, and third, if all else fails keep your mouth shut and allow the other to show their true selves...and as Maya Angelou said..."when a person shows you who they are, believe them."

2)
RWS 5 of Swords
Choose positions from page 118 and apply to choosen card...

Self-Image: with a tendency toward insecurity, self image will take a beating. initial response bound to be apprehensive, full of self-doubt.

Known: What is known is that not all circumstance can be handled both quickly and gracefully. Given enough time, it is most important to forgive situation and more importantly, the self.

Next Step: To be more mindful when in relationships, don't lose the self. Never lose that easiness and laughter.

12:3

RWS deck

3 card spread...1-2-3
Card 1 is Purpose...2 of Swords
Card 2 is Issue...5 of Swords
Card 3 is Feeling...7 of Pents(rx)
So why the issue? What was its purpose? What feelings did I derive/learn?
That there are 2 sides to every story. most important not to be too judgemental, actual, please drop. I think dropping the judgement can be enlightening. So I was wrong, she was wrong, nobody's perfect. Do I still love her, of course I do, always will. That is my take on the Purpose, 2 of Swords. With the 7 of Pents(rx)...much too serious dearheart. Don't fret so much about results, about destination. Learn from the mistakes as from the triumphs, that's what life is all about.

Quint card (I know it was not asked, but what the hell)
Temperance
Need the balance and the ability to see all sides of a situation in conflict or argument. The challenge being to create something (solution) from two bullheaded folk.

Really enjoyed this step:)

[rachelcat]

Hello my tarot sisters and brothers. I wrote this in my notebook on Friday evening, and I'm typing it to you on Monday, so let's see if it makes as much sense to me now as it did then!

Nefertari Tarot 8 Wands as:

Recent past: You've been rushing around in a big hurry. You've recently been very busy with a new project and expended alot of energy. (The man in the card has left some of his wands behind him!)

Obstacle: You may be rushing into this too quickly. You're in such a hurry, you aren't getting the whole picture. You're expending alot of energy for very little gain. Maybe there's a better way to go about it.

Strength: You have the ability to focus on one activity/goal and pursue it quickly, carrying it forward.

What is my purpose in life? The best that can be achieved.
I will work toward my goals and carry out my plans with great energy. I will be able to achieve goals swiftly and continue on to others.

What do I need to know about buying this house? My fears.
I'm afraid I'm rushing into it without all the facts. Things are moving so quickly that I may be leaving 6 wands behind and only keeping 2!

Manga 4 Wands

I need to focus on a true spirituality that changes me for the better (including in the realm of relationships).

How do I motivate myself to begin regular meditation and sangha attendance with a view toward changing?

Issue: In order for it to work (do what it's supposed to do), spirituality must be lived, including both rituals and putting what you've learned into practice. Sometimes discipline, like ritual, is a virtue in itself, too. It takes discipline and energy, but it should be a blessing, not a chore, even though sometimes difficult. Practice makes perfect.

What I bring to the issue: I am someone who enjoys ritual, music, etc., the "fun" part of religion/spirituality. I usually have good follow-through ONCE I GET STARTED and over that mental block. Aesthetics are important to me. I tend to be too self-centered, especially on this issue. Also maybe TOO orthodox to get the real idea. I am set in my ways and afraid of change.

Advice: Enjoy your spirituality and the exploration of it. Take advantage of the freedom within the forms. Invite others into your struggle. Don't be secretive about it. We're all in this together! Put some energy into it. Be in the moment!

How do I motivate myself to regular meditation and sangha attendance?

Issue--4 Wands: [Copied from above.] In order for it to work (do what it's supposed to do), spirituality must be lived, including both rituals and putting what you've learned into practice. Sometimes discipline, like ritual, is a virtue in itself, too. It takes discipline and energy, but it should be a blessing, not a chore, even though sometimes difficult. Practice makes perfect.

What I bring to it--Princess of Swords: A young woman in blue armor is riding a white whale across a stormy sky. She wields a sword that has its blade encased in ice.

I am a Princess of Swords, especially on this issue. I'm idealistic in both positive and negative ways. Maybe I'll be disappointed if my teacher isn't all-wise and my sangha members aren't paragons of virtue. I can also be too full of ideas. It's not KNOWING that matters, it's doing! But idealism can also be a good motivator--keep with those ideals and I won't despair. (I don't like the ice or isolation on this card. I don't want to be like Captain Ahab, alone and obsessed!)

I have a personal meaning for the Princess of Swords. The Book of Thoth says the Queen of Swords frees the mind from the body (in the picture it's the HEAD . . .) I had the intuitive flash that the Princess puts the mind and the body back together again! That bodes well for meditation and spirituality.

Advice--Tower: A young blonde woman in yellow armor raises a sword above her head as lightning splits the yellow sky, snow falls, and a wooden tower burns in the background. (Is it snow or ashes from the fire? And is that a volcano farther in the background?)

In order to do this, I'm going to have to let some things go, and it might not be pleasant. Will I have to give up my tarot and metaphysical studies after all? to achieve anything of worth? THAT is something that would hurt!

But maybe it means give up my protective shell (sun in Cancer, after all . . .). The tower is gone. The warrior girl must stand in the snow on her own. She is without shelter but she is victorious. It won't be nice, but it's all about breaking down the ego.

Maybe the fire is needed, even volcano heat, to melt the snow on this card and the ice on the Princess of Swords.

[dadsnook2000]

Nice reflections, rachelcat. Like you, I and others sometimes have to make a statement to/for ourselves and then live with it awhile to see if we got it right. Its part of the "reading for yourself" bit. Dave.

[dadsnook2000]

As many of you realize, Mary Greer does find time in her schedule to look in on our studies and writings from time to time. She doesn't want to be a guiding presence in our Study Group in terms of discouraging us from thinking for ourselves, applying our own experiences to these exercises, or fearing to make "mistakes" in someones judgment.

However, she does want to us to move forward in our tarot reading skills and capabilities. To that end she has passed the following comment through me for each of us to consider.

MARY GREER NOTES:
I can't help making a comment on the example of an 8 of Wands in the Buying a House "Fears" position - which you can pass on to the others or not.

I noticed that most respondents dealt with the fear as if it were a "done deal" - rather than simply as an emotion (fear) that is causing them to look at the situation from a pov filled with anxiety and stress. In fact, such fear could be a false perception, generally leading one to a 'fight, flight or freeze' reaction, which MAY or MAY NOT be appropriate (a reader would have to look to other cards in a spread).

But, what most concerned me, is that people immediately jumped to 'solving' the problem. I find it very interesting how uncomfortable most people are with limiting the interpretation to a simple statement of the fear, without trying to FIX it (which the spread position is NOT about at all). This is, I believe, a major problem in tarot readings.
END OF MARY'S COMMENT

I have noticed that many here on AT subscribe to reading intuitively, meaning that they don't use a spread but merely lay down cards and piece together a story. To the extent that observation is true, my personal practice of using a spread with "established position meanings" (done before the cards are dealt) helps me to interpret each card within the scope of the spread position only. I offer this only as a suggestion and not as a critique.

Thank you, Mary, for this significant pointer. I should also point out that Mary is highly pleased by all of the effort and due-diligence that is being applied. So, everybody gets some "atta-boys" or "atta-girls" as appropriate. Dave

[coyoteblack]

I just saw Marry at the readers studio and she even autographed my book. She is really nice. I will try and have my home work done by tonight.

After reading her comment I know why she gave aknowing smile when I told her I had my book on me because i was running late on my homework.

[whipsilk]

I appreciate Mary's comment, and your passing it along Dave. As a relative newcomer and beginner in tarot, I can learn best when a "better way" is pointed out to me. And, in fact, I was one who tried to 'solve' the problem. So let me see if I can get this right. My previous comment:
you have many fears about this house, many worries, but if you focus on the result, the positives about the house, the fears will pass away and you'll be satisfied with the purchase -- all of your concerns and worries will prove to be fruitless.

A better response might be:
you have many fears about this house, many worries. Examine these fears for validity, for what may lead you to a decision that you can be comfortable with. What do these fears tell you about your comfort level in buying this house?

I'd appreciate any feedback on whether the second item actually avoids a 'solution', and adheres to Mary's suggestion. I'm still not completely sure I got it right, but didn't feel comfortable stopping after just the first sentence and leaving it there.

[dadsnook2000]

I would have liked to had the opportunity to meet Mary also. I have three of her books; 21 Ways, Reversals, and Tarot Mirrors -- this last book was published in 1988 and a special appeal to me. I keep Reversals at my desk for reference as I find it highly informative and helpful.

Mary, in her last message, also noted that, "It usually helps to begin the interpretation with a restatement of the position meaning, such as the 8 of Wands indicates that what you fear is . . . making a hasty decision that you'll regret later" as a way to frame the positional meaning and lead into the card's meaning. She went on to say, "The card in a "Fears" position does not say that you'll definitely 'make a hasty decision,' but only that you are afraid of doing it, and, by itself, this card does not give advice for fixing the fear or its object. It is simply a picture of that fear."

As for myself, I read each card as I turn it over. I make a brief statement and let the querent comment or ask questions. As I go through each position and card, I start to relate it to other cards. When the story doesn't flow I note that it doesn't and that I expect the other to-be-read cards will make it all clearer. Many times the querent will discuss what a card could mean.

When I have the whole spread before me than I read it as a continuing story. If the querent puts a different slant on what I say then I pursue that. I'll not try to slant my reading to fit a context that is offered unless it is obvious that the context fits the cards. What the cards say is what they say. I don't care if they are presumed "wrong" -- I've seen too many times when they turn out to be right. While my readings may be sloppy at times they have never been wrong. I have complete faith in what they help me discern. Dave

[Teheuti]

Dave - Thank you for passing on my comments. You've done a stupendous job with this study group. And thanks everyone for all the appreciative comments about my books. Okay, coyoteblack, who were you at Readers Studio? I think I remember, but am having a hard time putting a specific name and face to you (you can PM me if you want).

It only seems fair at this point that I come out of hiding - really I only look in occasionally on the study group as I've been busy. And, as Dave said, I really don't want to cramp your style. You don't have to do things the same way I would. I discover a lot just by observing your variations. But, I do think this point regarding Fears is important.

Whipsilk - your rewriting of the Fears position makes much more sense to me. Does it work better for you? I really liked how you ended it with a question:
What do these fears tell you about your comfort level in buying this house?
This opens up all kinds of possibilities and leads to looking to other cards to see where there is support for the person's concerns (or not).

This reminds me of when my then-husband and I came home one night to find his 12 year old daughter under the dining room table. She'd come home an hour before us and was terrified. He started to tell her how silly it was to be scared - giving lots of reasons why she shouldn't be. I stepped in and said the fact was that she was scared - her feelings were real and there was nothing wrong with them. Now, what could we do about it? The three of us sat down and brainstormed several things she could do if she was ever home alone at night again. I kept coming back to asking what would help her feel safe and secure. It ended up being a really deep and meaningful discussion where her needs were respected. Interestingly, I don't recall her ever being scared like that again.

My point is that it is much more powerful to first just acknowledge the situation as it is - with no judgements about it - simply a witnessing. You can't believe how often people thank me for just seeing what they are going through. After that you can begin to look for options - in this case in the cards in other positions.

One of my big rules (to myself) is "I don't have to fix anything!" Sure, I often break the rule, but I make myself stop, look and listen first to "what is".

Forgive the rant, but it seemed worth doing.

Mary

[coyoteblack]

I am brian Keegan then one elanore was telling the story about when we ate breakfast together and she tarot-kwon doed them 3 guys

i was sitting in the middle table second row
5'8" about 230 kind of big i talk real fast

[coyoteblack]

12.2

Tarot of Dreams Star

The main benefits of the Star are inspiration compassion and hope

In my life I need to be more compassionate

I would phrase the question:
Who can I be more compassionate towards?

In AA I am normally compassionate of the newcomer but when a person keeps relapsing especially a person with a lot of time I tend to just ask what happened so I do not make the same mistake but there is very little compassion this is definitely something I am working on.

The positions I am using are
What is known?
What is hidden?
Next step

It is known I can be more compassionate towards an old timer that relapses and offer inspiration and hope.

What are hidden are the spiritual forces that I can not see are at work all around us maybe that person relapsed to save many more like a dear in a herd that gives its life so the herd can live. Offer compassion towards the person making the sacrifice so we can live relapse can = death

My next step in my spiritual grown is to offer compassion even if I do not feel it originally because there are many spiritual forced at work that I do not understand, if I do not offer compassion now I might be the one needing compassion latter.

[coyoteblack]

12.3

Tarot of Dreams Star

Issue Like the picture I can some times hide my emotions and appear aloof not show how I really feel

Source:
6 of wands ( fire)
This tends to be the victory card I like to be in control of my self and growing up I was raised if you cry I will give you something to cry bout so I gained victory by controlling my emotions so the source of my aloofness emotionally can be a desire to be in control and victories over my base emotions


What I can learn from this? Knight of wands

I think if I learn to let go I can be like the knight of wands and ride my horse to my full potential be free and spiritually full and energetic( although I do not need to be more physically energetic)

[Jewel]

STEP 12 - MODIFICATION
CARD: The Star
DECK: Fantastic Meangerie
Card can be seen here: http://www.fantasticmenagerie.com/Majors2.htm

12:1 Interpretation of 8 of Wands from Nefertari's Tarot

1) THE RECENT PAST - in the recent past you have felt an urge, a need, to move forward and quickly.

2) AS AN OBSTABLE - you are moving to fast and acting before thinking.

3) YOUR STRENGTH - your strength is your ability to regenerate and keep moving forward wich helps you overcome obstacles as you don't dwell on them.

Modification of meaning based on spread position:

4) What is my purpose in life? (the best that can be achieved)
To be honest I had a real hard time with this one. It was hard to determine the best that could be achieved without the life purpose having been identified. So my interpretation is very general, vague, and even feels false.

The best way to fulfill your life purpose it by setting goals and achieving them, one at a time, with the confidence that they will keep you focused, directed, and moving forward.

5) What do I need to know about buying this house? (My fears)
You are afraid that you might be rushing into something you are not really sure you are ready to take on. You are feeling the pressure and stress of a life changing or at least seriously life affecting decision. This can also be called cold feet .... see the Egyptians bare feet on the cold floor?


12.2.1 What I most need to look at in my life right now is how my needs affect my environment.

12:2.2 Interpretation of chosen card - THE STAR - within new perspectives:

KNOWN: My needs are for tranquility and calmness in my environment.

UNKNOWN: Need for validation to believe that I am acutally a part of that environment. A permanent and loved part of it.

SOURCE: The source of these needs stems from my childhood (ages 6 - 15). Being raised in a different country where I looked very different from the other kids, and as my parents worked I spent a lot of time alone or trying to fit in. Never quite managing.

Kids can be cruel, little girls specially, and now that I see things in restropect I see how affected I was by all this. I have now brought it into my marriage, and I am still seeking that happy place where I am so perfect and loved. That is the source of tension in my environment as affected by my needs known and unknown alike. No wonder he gets so upset!!! he is right "I do not get it!" ... well perhaps that is about to change. About being a relative term, of course *LOL*.

Is anyone else having this kind of epiphany????? By this kind I mean a profound finding or something.

12:3 Three card spread:

THE ISSUE: THE STAR - The issue is that I am trying to make my environment someting it cannot be ... perfect.

WHAT IS BLOCKED: 9 OF CUPS - this card shows a big elephant smoking a cigar with his trunk, and with 9 Champagne bottles, 4 or 5 are open and spewing in the air but he does not look really happy. Maybe a bit smug, but not really happy. Based on my issue I would say that what is blocked is my ability to really appreciate what I have, and how good I actually do have it. I also have trouble celebrating any progress I make in the direction of improving my environment. I may stare at it like the elephant looks at the ibis-woman if you put the cards side by side, but like the ibis-woman in the Star card I just look away and get all distracted and focusing on something else.

WHAT CAN HELP ME BREAK THROUGH THE BLOCK: 5 OF WANDS - and OMG if this is not a card I ran away from in Step 1 ... the card depicts 4 cocks fighting, a brawl, and a hen all dressed in her Sunday finest watching them fight over her I presume. So how does card represent a break through .... I need to determine what the heck I am fighting and why! re-asses this situation, is the hen in the blue dress even obtainable? or am I just fighting the good fight for altruistic reasons. Who am I in this picture ... I like to think I am the hen, and I tell myself I am the poor innocent hen, but that is just not true. I am one of those cocks fighting simply by not being honest with myself which in turn of course makes me unable to be honest with my husband ... which leads to fights ... which lead to yelling ... which lead to other verbal unpleasantries ... So I think this card is actually telling me to wake up, call a truce and leave the hen standing there. Go find another hen, become a comrad and close friend to that other rooster.

So to sum it all up, JEWEL'S RAMBLINGS is what I usually call this part, In this case I actually have to quit trying to make my life the Star card as that is actually an ideal not a reality. I need to really partner with my husband in this marriage and build this environment together, and appreciate and celebrate our successes together, and be OK with his ideal and mine are not the same so our environment will not be MY STAR card. It does not have to be so hard ... except I am apparently more obtuse then I thought I was ... my bad ...

Thanks to this spread I think I am finally seeing things a little bit more from my husbands perspective. I don't care much for how he expresses it sometimes, but I am starting to understand ... he would be so shocked if he knew! *LOL*

[nicki]

Step 12 ~ Modifications

Step 12.1 Interpret the Eight of Wands from Nefertari’s Tarot if it came up in the following positions

**The Recent Past ~ You rush into decisions before taking everything and everyone in consideration, you must learn to look at the whole picture first.

**An Obstacle ~ Your haste, your in such a rush to get things done that you overlook the obvious and important issues.

**Your Strength ~ Once you set yourself a task or goal you strive forward until you reach your goal.

** Question ~ What is my purpose in life?
Position ~ The best that can be achieved.

To find happiness and contentment after the turmoil of the past few years, we have grieved enough and although they will never be forgotten, now is the time to let the past go and move onto brighter and happier times.

** Question ~ What do I need to know about buying this house?
Position ~ My fears.

Buying a house is a huge decision both financially and emotionally; you must sit down and list the pros and cons of such a decision at this moment in time only when you have all the information in front of you can you make an informed decision.

I will post the rest of this step later.

nicki

[nicki]

Ok heres the rest of step 12, this step has been quite liberating and eye opening.

Step 12.2a From what you’ve discovered about your chosen card, what do you most need to look at in your life right now? Then rephrase this as a question?

Question ~ How can I move this relationship forward?
Answer ~ I trusted my instincts and fought tooth and nail for this relationship so we now need to move it forward by working together as a couple through the obstacles we are bound to encounter along the path. We must learn to talk things through instead of bottling them up. We must show a united front to those who try and pull us apart.

Step 12.2b Pick 3 spread positions and interpret your chosen card from these new perspectives.

1 ~ Influences from others ~ Going back to the large hooded figure in The Lovers card I feel this figure is other people interfering in our lives, trying to project their feeling onto us and telling us what they would do in our situation. As long as we stay united we will be able to make our own informed choices and not be influenced by other around us.

2 ~ Fears ~ Through lack of communication things can be misinterpreted and used out of context. I can be quick to judge and tend to make snap decisions I will have to learn to engage my brain before my mouth and learn to talk about things.

3 ~ What you need to let go of ~ Independence, only to a certain extent though, because I was single and lived alone for such a long time I only really had myself to think about and found it hard to let another person into my world, I done what I wanted when I wanted and still tend to do this even now, so I need to think about my partners feelings more and commit more of myself to him (not an easy thing to do).

Step 12.3 Three card spread.

Issue ~ The Lovers ~ Do I trust my instincts and stay and fight for this relationship? We’ve been through such a lot in the past few months, if I walked away now I feel I would be letting myself down.

Pro’s ~ 3 of Disks (Works) ~ With hard work and effort we can push this relationship forward, but to progress we must both work at it and work as a team to overcome the obstacles.

Next Step ~ The Universe ~ Everything that has held me back is now powerless and I can move forward I’ve survived what has been thrown at me and at last the final hurdle has been cleared.

nicki

[Jewel]

WOW Nicki. Having followed your progress with these steps I can see that this experience has been very soul searching and positive for you. I like the positive attitude your work in this step reflects. Congratulations!

[nicki]

thanks jewel, i feel i've been on a real journey with my card, ups and downs and its actually made me look at a few things in my life, this has been almost a cathartic journey and one i needed to make. thank you for your continued support.

nicki

[Starling]

Activity 12:1 Interpret 8 of Wands from Nefertari's tarots if it came up in the following positions.

1. The recent past - All 8 of Wands indicate that moment in time when you have initiated action, but it has not been completed, but in this card someone is striding towards something, two wands in hand, and the other six have just hit the ground. So in this case the actual moment is IMMEDATELY before things begin. The card in this position indicates a moment of waiting before action begins, but it also indicates that in the recent past things had just begun moving again.

2. An obstacle - The obstacle is that it is not yet quite time to actually take action. Instead it is a time when you need to plan before you can take action. Because in this particular card in this particular deck the time when you can plan is actually now over, it is possible that the obstacle is that there isn't enough time to plan properly.

3. Your strength - You have started an action, the waiting time is now over, and you are ready to proceed.

4. Question: What is my purpose in life?
Position: The best that can be achieved.
My purpose is to go forward and act. In this position, I will be prepared at the right time to act.

5. Question: What do I need to know about buying this house?
Position: My fears.
It is possible that I will have to act too quickly, and that I won't be prepared to do what needs to be done. I might buy the wrong house, at the wrong time, for the wrong amount of money.

Activity 12:2

1. From what you've discovered about your chosen card, what do you most need to look at in your life right now? Rephrase as a question.

Well, now I know why I was drawn to pull a new card. My card is RWS - 9 of Pentacles. Right now I need to think about and look at what it means to be alone, and how to stop being alone if what I need is people.

My actual question when I pulled the card was what do I need to pay attention to. Although it isn't responsive to this activity, it is the question I need to go with here.

2. Pick three spread positions and interpret your chosen card.

a. The situation: At the heart of the situation is that I am alone in the garden. That can be good, or it can be bad. It could be that I am using alone time to recharge my batteries, or it could be that I am alone when I really need to be with other people. This is the central question.

b. Strength: I handle solitude very well. "The garden" is full of wonderful things and experiences and options and joy, and I use those things, and those experiences, and those options and that joy to fill my spirit.

c. What is blocked?: I am alone in the garden. Although it is a wonderful place, there is no one to share its wonders. Solitude is wonderful, but its obverse is loneliness.

Activity 12.:3 Pick two other cards to clarify the question holding the chosen card (9 of Pentacles) as the situation. I will need one card for what my Next Step should be, and one for What can help me break my block. I'm also going to pull a card for Outcome for a total of 4 cards.

Next Step - Ace of Swords - The next step involves using logic to figure out the way out of my problem, and finding a solution.

What can help me break my block? - The Hierophant - Learning about what the rules are, what is possible and what isn't, and finding an organization or organizations to help me will allow me to break out of whatever is blocking me. I might need to join an organization, or just learn a great deal which will allow me to go deeper.

Outcome - Ace of Cups - In the end I can expect an overflowing of emotional good to come out of doing the work that the Ace of Swords and the Hierophant are requiring of me.

It is very interesting that I pulled two Aces and a Major Arcana card in this little spread.

[Verdi]

21 ways step 12

12.1 . Eight of wands, Nefertaris Tarots.
1. The recent past
What have you just accomplished? How did you achieve your goals? Are you happy with the result?

2. An obstacle
What is stopping you reaching your goal or destination? What is stopping you from talking to others? Why did you stop trying? Is there something standing in the way of this relationship?

3. Your strength.
Your good at reaching your goals. You like to go straight for it. You will not be deflected from you destination. You take an idea and run with it. You like action in your relationships. Your not afraid to ask someone out.


4. Question: What is my purpose in life?
Position: The best that can be achieved.
My purpose is to get things done with the minimum of fuss. I expect to lead the way and be rewarded for it. I believe I will try to reach my goals. I will almost always attempt to get what I want.

4b: Question: What is my purpose in life?
Position: My fears?
I’m afraid that I won’t be able to it because I’m not good enough. Maybe I do not have right skills to reach my goals. I fear that others will not like how fast I go. I fear that I might race into relationships without thinking things through. I will try to go right for that I believe is right, even if I lose friends doing it.
(I did this before the house question….

What do I need to know about buying this house?
My fears: I fear that I will rush in and buy it without thinking things through. I fear that somebody else will get it before me. I fear that it might not be the right house for me. I fear that I might pay too much for it because I wont it so much. I fear that once I’ve got it I won’t to move on somewhere else after a short while.

12.2.
What do you need to look into your life most right now

Why do I keep putting things off?
3 card spread with Hermit in all 3 positions

1: Pros: It gives me more time to reflect over what I should do. I can ask others for help so I do it right. I may get a better answer to the thing I put off, because I’ve used the time to reflect study and learn. I can use the time for other things to do.
2. Cons: The thing to be done must be done quickly, and I miss deadlines. I might overcomplicate things and use even more time. I might forget to do it. My increased self-awareness may make the chore seem insignificant and be put off even more. I don’t do the things I should. I get stressed by not doing things in time.

3. Next step (guidance): I should try to set up a priority list, allocating enough time so deadlines will be met, and quality does not suffer. I have to analyze in more depth why I put things off. This may be along term journey. What feeling do I have when I put things off, and why? Who suffers because of my putting off decision? Who gains?

12.3. Thy do I put things off? Here I drew 2 more majors, the High priestess and the star and with the Hermit, this is indeed a special spread.
Issue: The Hermit
What hinders: The High Priestess
What helps: The Star

The issue. I thought it would be right to look at the Hermit as a person, who he is, what he is interested in, to discover why he “puts off things”
The Hermit is more inclined to withdraw and study than meet deadlines and get this done at a pace. He wants to retreat, think things through, maybe seek guidance or help. He wants to gain self-awareness through process and understanding. The Hermit, like the fool is a wonderer, on a journey of self-discovery, not noticing, or choosing not to mundane things like simple tasks. The hermit’s maturity and wisdom reflects his concentration on the things that really matter in life.

What Hinders: The High Priestess wants and need to go into herself, to discover her unconscious, her inner self. I think maybe this indicates that I don’t like details; I just want to look at “heavy stuff” The High priestess demonstrates true passivity, though not a weakness for her goals of understanding her intuition and dreams, she is not a driver of getting those tasks done. I feel this as well. Its much more fun looking into the whys and where’s of things than sitting down, ticking off those telephone calls that need to be made.

What Helps: I believe the Star is asking me to have more self-confidence., having positive self esteem and energy. The Star tells me as well to use my intuition – saying that I can let some tasks go if my intuition says it’s ok. I will certainly try. By believing my intuition I will be gaining confidence in myself. It is also about being calm. I think here she is telling me not to be stressed, look at things calmly, and take things a bit easily. Perhaps these tasks are not that important that I make out. The star is also about her inner strength and joyous nature. I believe this is asking me to think through why I putting off things, and if I use strength and do the tasks I will be rewarded with good feelings. There seems to be a duality here, something I can learn from.
Verdi :)

[Prism]

12:1 Eight of Wands

1. Recently, you have been felt a lot of pressure to accomplish a goal.
2. You have been trying to force your way past an obstacle.
3. You have been using all your efforts to get a new project up and running.

4.a. Your purpose in life is to learn how to direct your tremendous energy.
b. You will be able to break through an obstacle that has been blocking your path.

5.a. You need to be aware that some people may be trying to rush you into signing the papers for buying the house.
b. You are afraid that events will come rushing at you too quickly to handle.

12:2 I need to examine my goals – where I want to go next.

For some reason (maybe it was the wine!) last night I started thinking of The Hermit in a totally different way. I had been thinking of choosing a new card, but now I think I’m going to stick with him for a while. Previously, and I’m sure this was due to my somewhat self-pitying attitude at the time, I had been feeling sorry for The Hermit, thinking that he was a lonely guy wandering around in the wilderness because he didn’t have a home to go to.

I guess I’m feeling somewhat more hopeful about my own situation because I started thinking of him as an adventurous sort of person, on the road to find something new. I am back to thinking of trying to find a new job, which is something I’ve tried unsuccessfully to do for quite a while now. And so I’m thinking of The Hermit as leading me on the road to that goal.

So, as to the question we are asked in the book to form, mine is: Where can I find work that will take me someplace new in my life?

We are also asked to interpret our card in three different positions. I have chosen to look at The Hermit in the position of a. weaknesses, b. the next step and c. influences from others.

a. What weaknesses will hinder your success?
You may be hindered by being on your own, having no allies in this situation.

b. What is a possible next step to take to achieve your goal?
You probably need to spend some time alone to figure things out.

c. How will others influence this situation?
You may find a guide or teacher who will help guide you to a solution of your problem.

12:3 In my spread, the Hermit was my issue or situation, which I mean to be my potential search for a new job. I asked for two more cards, one to show me what is blocking me and one to show me what can help me break through the block.

I drew the Emperor for what is blocking me, and the 10 of Wands for what can help me break through the block.

I have been drawing the Emperor very often lately. I’m pretty sure I know what it’s all about, and I don’t really want to go into it here. In addition to that one thing I think it may be all about, it could also have to do with the restrictions I feel on going about my job search. I am a librarian at a medical school, and I don’t find it particularly satisfying, but I feel very limited in what kind of job I could be considered for. Not to mention there aren’t a lot of jobs around, and I’m pretty old! So I don’t really feel like the world is my oyster.

Considering the 10 of Wands as how I can break through the block is interesting. The Tarot of Prague 10 of Wands shows a sad, burnt-out looking figure tottering along, barely able to carry his burden of wands. I totally relate to this card. I feel exhausted by trying to manage my job, teenage son, house in need of repairs, and on and on. Maybe this card is telling me that the first thing I need to do, before trying to move out into the world of job searching is to try to get a little rest!

[dadsnook2000]

In the section of AT that addresses Tarot History & Iconography, in the sub-forum for the Waite-Smith Tarot, there is a current posting on the Hermit that discusses his position within his surroundings and symbolic meanings. You might want to check it out --- keep in mind that the Hermit cards addressed are different from the Tarot of Prague and the Fey Tarots. Dave

[Prism]

Thanks -- that was helpful. It's useful to be reminded that he's traditionally shown on a mountain since in the Prague deck, he's of course still in Prague. Personally I like having him on a city street, since that is where I often find myself.

[SistaSpirit]

12-1

Card Meanings
- the undertaking and development of an activity
- speed, great hurry
- Strain toward a goal

1. The recent past - Starting a new project, or job without adequate preparation and ignoring available resources.

2. An obstacle - rushing can cause costly errors and waste.

3. Strength – Being able to perform under short deadlines while not wasting resources.

4. What is my purpose in life? Position: The best that can be achieved.

The best that you can achieve will be unlimited when you strive to act for the highest good with whomever you meet regardless of their station in life or circumstance. Life will offer you many opportunities or chances to realize your potential.

5. What do I need to know about buying this house? Position: Fears

Response after reading mary's note.
Have you examined your fears? If so, have you worked out a solution for them? Do you feel confident that this is the house you want and you are prepared to purchase it? your fears are commonly known as buyer's remorse. They are natural.

(My original response)
You need to assess your finances to ensure that you have enough reserve for an emergency, take the time to inspect the house and read all the documents, the terms and conditions and make sure they are properly signed. Do not rush into the transaction and make sure that your income will support the purchase. (without strain)

I don't know what's right orwrong but my intuition says we need to help the querent address their fears after identifying them.

12-2

1. What do I need most to look at in my life right now?
I need to examine why I lack self-confidence when I’m in a social group.

Question – Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group?

2. Positions:

1. Self-image – Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group? I fear disapproval and my inner critic becomes active.

2. How others see me – Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group? People generally seek me out when I’m in a social setting. I can usually maintain a lively conversation on a variety of topics.

3. What I need to let go of – Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group? Stop listening to my inner critic.

12-3

Strengths: Death - Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group? I need to open my heart and allow transformation to take place. This card gives me hope that this will happen if I’m open to it.

Issue: The Emperor – Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group? Fear of disapproval.

Weakness: 4 of Pentacles - Why do I lack self-confidence when in a social group?
I hold on to the old feelings of self-doubt, instead of embracing completely the warmth and goodwill offered.

New cards, new insight.
The 4/p reinforces the Emperor, the Death card introduces the opportunity for change, since I’m feeling that I embody the negative energy from these cards then for me the Death card is saying we can change this. We can destroy the old energy and bring about a new more positive energy. I know it could change for the worse but I’m actively involve in changing for the better.

Per Dave
To see this as a complete reading I would say that the cards in the issue and weakness positions are closely related, they both or fours, they both are royal figures that represents order, security, protection. They seem to have everything but don’t appear to be happy, they are apart from their town or village and are alone. The four appears to be selfish and blocking any kindness that comes his way, the Emperor could deteriorate into a selfish despot.

The death card which when laid in the spread appears to be riding toward the Emperor and the 4/p bringing about death and destruction of the old energy and transforming the Emperor into a loving patriarch and inducing the 4 of pentacles to release control and become more compassionate and generous.

My take away is that I can embrace the warmth and goodwill offered me in a group and understand that as an adult I know myself well enough to forge my on path and not worry about others approval as long as I’m respectful, compassionate, caring and know that I’m a good person.

[Probie]

Rider-Waite-Smith
7/The Chariot (http://********.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Rider_Waite#photo=15.jpg)


12.1 – Eight of Wands from Nefertari’s Tarots

• 12.1.1: “In the past there was a great amount of effort exerted to help get you where you are now.”

• 12.1.2: “A difficulty you have in accomplishing your goals is that sometimes you move too quickly, as in the merchant from Grimm’s Fairy Tales that learned ‘haste makes waste’ the hard way.”

• 12.1.3: “An asset you have in trying to accomplish this endeavor is your ability to take on and develop tasks in ways that paves the way for your ultimate goals.”

• 12.1.4: “To work hard towards accomplishing that which you are called to do, though it may not be completed by you it will bring satisfaction.”

• 12.1.5: “Your fears center around the whole process going too fast, maybe being pressured through quick-sales tactics (e.g., “Buy now or it will be gone soon!) or signing legal papers you don’t understand with long-term negative consequences or rushing to buy the first house you can instead of the one that feels like ‘home, sweet home’ for you. It could even be all of them!”



12.2 – Back to 7/The Chariot (http://********.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Rider_Waite#photo=15.jpg) from RWS

• 12.2.1: “What do I need to know about making it in the ever-changing situations I find myself in at this point in my life?”

• 12.2.2 – 3 Spread Positions:

o Question: “What do I need to know about making it in the ever-changing situations I find myself in at this point in my life?”
o Position #1: How others see you.
o Interpretation: “Those around you see you as being self-confident and in-charge of your life. You’re a real go getter and do what it takes to get the job done. You’re consistent and persistent, did you know that? Do you see yourself that way?”

o Question: “What do I need to know about making it in the ever-changing situations I find myself in at this point in my life?”
o Position #2: Self-Esteem.
o Interpretation: “You are struggling with challenges around emotional issues and I bet you’re calm exterior masks the churning waters inside. In fact, this is the crux of the challenge you’re facing right now.”

o Question: “What do I need to know about making it in the ever-changing situations I find myself in at this point in my life?”
o Position #3: Next Step.
o Interpretation: “As difficult as this may sound, the next step for you right now is to take hold of the reigns of your emotional life. There are a number of things in your life you cannot control and this is one of the few things that you can. But if you let your emotions get the better of you, you most certainly will crash and it could make a good situation sour overnight.”



12.3 – Additional Cards to 7/The Chariot (http://********.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Rider_Waite#photo=15.jpg)

• Additional Card #1: Knight of Cups (Reversed) (http://********.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Rider_Waite##photo=123.jpg)
• Additional Card #2: Page of Swords (http://********.multiply.com/photos/album/84/Rider_Waite##photo=93.jpg)

Additional Insight: The Knight of Cups tells me to watch out for the darker side of emotions, such as depression or extreme moodiness, which will only exacerbate the stress already present. The card may also relate to an emotional block in that I need to look for an outlet/better outlet for stress management. The Page of Swords speaks to me about communications with others and to avoid appearing as either a “know-it-all” or to keep them more in the realm of ideas as a way to avoid the underlying emotional firestorms within me. It’s good to emote, just not everywhere and with everyone!

[Althea Nokomis]

I have a question with 12:4 that I haven't seen answered yet. For the second part, Position: Characteristics of the Other Person... Who does that refer to? The people in the example we are reading for or an unknown person that relates to their reading?

Does that make sense?
Thanks

[fractalgranny]

8 of wands

a young man moves purposefully to the right, apparently moving 6 wands. he holds one wand upright, and another diagonally in his right hand. the other 6 wands are stacked against the wall, diagonally.

my recent past:
sending off resumes in the course of applying for a new job.

obstacle:
work, perhaps quite a bit of it, that cannot be carried out in one step, and carried out by one person only.

strength:
it’s quite a bit of work, but i can do it, i’m up to the task because i have the strength, health and skills for it.

what is my purpose in life – the best that can be achieved
a methodical carrying out of activities by one person who has the strength, health and skills to do it, and to do it all by themselves.

what do i need to know about buying this house? my fears
that there will be a whole lot of renovations which i have to do all by myself.

exercise 2:

how can i be more of a “force to be reckoned with”?

using my card, the page of cups in the crow's magick

what i need to let go of
lack of trust in the mystical, in that which is signified by the cups
a growing belief that i because i am getting older, there are certain youthful things that are becoming much more difficult for me
holding onto that which makes it feel safe to stay in the darkness

strengths
enthusiasm
curiosity and interest
a safety net

also, in a previous exercise i said that what would help me is: “i think the protective cup would help me, as well as the ring out of which the lizard is jumping – it, too, feels protective. there are also the three dots beside the cup – they feel like three entities in the back that i could “refer” to.” so these things would be strengths, too.

next step
look for situations, big and small, where i can at least think about “stepping out”



exercise 3

issue or situation
page of cups

this card centers around a reptile eagerly jumping out of a circle. it's almost like a puppy. its mouth is open, we can see its red tongue. it's camouflage-coloured. apart from the circle, six geometric, sigil-like elements can be seen on the card, all drawn in faint gold. from upper left to lower right they are three dots arranged in a triangle, an almost square rectangle, a zig-zag line, three rectangles connected by lines (a bit like a flowchart) and something that looks the head and shoulders of a one-eyed stick figure. the card's background is black (as all crow's magick cards). in the upper part, we can see flecks of green and red and gold that could be interpreted as cosmic dust. three astronomical symbols can be seen in the lower left corner (pisces, cancer and scorpio). in the lower middle, it says "page of cups" and underneath we find the words "unearthy, mystical."

what is unexpected
3 of swords

the lower part of the card shows a metallic-looking heart of a grey maroon colour. it is cut in two by a red lightning bolt. icicles are hanging from the heart. on its surface are drops. three swords can be seen in the upper half of the card, pointing straight down to the heart. between them we can see two icicle like shapes. eight round shapes, five dark red, three maroon float through the card – they look a little like golf balls. the sign of libra is in the lower left hand corner. the words “pain, grief” are printed on the bottom of the card.

alternative possibility
ace of wand
a yellow, red and black feather hangs in the middle of the card. it seems to be suspended from a red wand that slashes the center third of the card from the lower right to the upper left. a black-and-yellow thunderbolt can be seen behind the wand in the upper third of the card; it looks like a strongly slanted N. seven rectangular, marbled shapes form the background to the feather, wand and thunderbolt. these shapes are layered; they are yellow, red and black, with the yellow predominant. the lower left corner shows the astrological signs of aries, sagitarius and leo. the words for the card are “success, rule”


the issue at hand is to be a force to be reckoned with just as this enthusiastic page of cups, who is jumping out into the universe full force, and without looking back. what is unexpected is the degree to which something – maybe fear? – holds me back. the fear may be some separation anxiety, that i will find myself out in the cold with all those icicles, and that that might break my heart. a possibility that is an alternative to the puppy-like youthful enthusiasm of the page of cups is the ace of wands, which feels much more controlled, focused and powerful. it actually looks much more like a force to be reckoned with than the page of cups. i can imagine the wand being held by an elder with much authority in the community, an authority that is deserved because of the essence of innate power and spirituality that is conveyed by the ace of wands.

how do the new cards offer insight into the page of cups? they show up the heedlessness of the page of cups.

[Hemera]

Step 12-1 Interpret the Nefertari’s Tarot Eight of Wands as if it came up in the following spread positions:
1) the recent past- you have left something big behind, like a big work project. Maybe you have been very tired and depressed. But you are now moving on with lighter steps, new energy and bigger determination than before.
2) an obstacle – You are facing a problem that you have to solve before you can move on. It is not a big issue but it is something that can´t be overlooked either.
3) your strength- You are full of energy and new vitality and the time is right to act on your ideas.
4) a question of “What is my purpose in life” –You do not need to solve such a big question now. Right now you can´t see very far ahead of you and you must take each day as it comes and let each day take care of itself. The purpose will unfold as you move on.
5) “What do I need to know about buying this house? -Are you being too hasty? Are you sure you are not rushing into this? Have you made sure that the builders did a good job with this house and that the foundations were well made? Could there be mold in the structures?


Step 12-2A: Relative to my chosen card, The Vampyres Empress, what do I need to look at in my life right now? -How to age with dignity and grace and to bring into fruition all the things that I have learned up to this point in life.
* The Empress is Mother Nature. She tells me to become better in tune with the nature and its cycles and forces. I need to remember how small and insignificant I am in the bigger picture of things. Like a bird or a fox and so I should leave just a few faint traces behind me wherever I go. It is not good for human beings to have an inflated ego and while I know I don´t have that I´m always tempted. I guess it is the curse of the modern western world to insist on everybody being “special”.
* The Empress is a listener. I need to listen in a new and much deeper way and I need to listen more than talk.
* The Empress wears a beautiful classical dress. A bit old fashioned maybe but made of silk or some other luxurious and good material. She looks medieval so obviously she does not try to look younger than her years! -Okay, point taken! :D



Step 12-2B: Pick three positions of spread and interpret my card from these perspectives.
What hinders me in m my new path: The Empress looks sad. I think she is remembering the good old times and missing people and things from her previous lifetimes. I know that looking back and having those “what if..” thoughts is still holding me back. I´m sad especially because of my mother and I need to understand that there is nothing I need to regret. There is nothing I could have done differently that would have had any effect.

What helps me in my new path: The Empress looks very calm and quiet and she is listening to the bee buzzing and the apples growing and everything that is going on around her. I need to stop fussing and I need to slow down. Downshifting and slow life are the key words.

The next step: I think the Empress just waits for the next step in her life. She is no longer rushing into anything but she waits for people and things to come to where she is. If they don´t come it is okay and if they do she is happy to see them and listen to them. But there is a challenge in her gaze, too. She is not interested in empty talk. She wants substance. She is a Vampyress who wants beef })



Step 12-3: Pick two other cards to clarify the question holding the chosen card as the situation.
My question was: How to age with dignity and grace and to bring into fruition all the things that I have learned up to this point in life

Middle card, The Situation: The Empress
A powerful and ancient Vampyress Lady. Beautiful and mature. Gentle and nice but also firm. She has aged with dignity and grace and she knows how it is done. I hope she will teach me how.

I shuffled the remaining 77 cards and pulled the following:

What hinders (on the left): The Moon. Another beautiful lady who looks a lot like the Empress. They could be sisters in fact. She is a very enigmatic lady. She looks sad like the Empress but she is clearly also much more lost. The Moon is traditionally the card of imagination and wishful thinking, fear and illusion.. The Moon is about withdrawing into the unconscious and having a period of rest and retreat. I think here it means that fear and withdrawal would be a hindrance in my chosen path from now on. Especially seeing the next ”What helps”-card I think withdrawal is now something that must be left behind.

What helps (on the right): Lord of Grails. The King and his horse are leaping forward and taking action. Nothing fearful or withdrawing in this card. The card is full of energy and very green in color just like the Empress card. (The Moon was just white and pale). Green is, of course, the color of life and new growth. The King is holding the head of Medusa and catching blood from the severed head into his chalice. The blood is poisonous but in the chalice it will turn into creativity, beauty and poetry (note: this has recently been discussed in the Vampyres Study Group). I think feeding my creativity and my own art is the thing that will help me continue to grow and mature. With art it is possible to transform sadness and suffering of the young girl (Medusa) into good fruits that can nourish us and the ones near us.

[Tarot Orat]

Step TWELVE - Dark Carnival Tarot, The Hierophant

12.1. How would I interpret the 8 of Wands from Nefertari's Tarot in the following positions?
(This deck is near-identical to the Tarot of the Sphinx, which I own, so I referred to the real card in that deck.)

1. The recent past
I had a lot of work piling up, but through determination and willpower I was able to make great strides and maintain my forward momentum.

2. An obstacle
There's a lot of work to be done and I can't tackle it all at once. I have to avoid delay and over-examination of the situation.

3. My strength
I'm a driven worker who gets things done efficiently. I "keep my eyes on the prize" rather than looking back.

4. "What is my purpose in life?" in the position "The best that can be achieved."
I create a path by removing difficulties and obstacles; I enable others to follow this path and reach their own goals. I lead by example with my motivation and drive.

5. "What do I need to know about buying this house?" in the position "My fears."
I'm worried that I'll dash headlong into buying it without taking the time to look closely enough at all aspects of it. Perhaps I'm afraid that if I don't buy it right away someone else will snatch it out from under me.

12.2.1. What do I need to look at in my life right now?
What do I need to know about bringing out and accepting the positive aspects of my inner self?

12.2.2. Pick three spread positions and interpret the Hierophant from these perspectives.
(I picked them at random by closing my eyes and moving my finger around the pages with the list of spread positions.)

How others see me
Other people see me as knowledgable and in control. I look like I've got everything together and am an authority who can answer almost any question. I might be perceived as a know-it-all or standoffish/cold on my little pillar of knowledge. People seeing me this way could help me improve my self-image if I look at myself from their perspective and try to internalize what they respect. It could harm (okay, continue harming) my self-image if I dwell on negative opinions they might have, if I try to "dumb down" to avoid looking like a know-it-all. It could also hurt me because if they see me as a cool, collected, confident person they may not realize my inner lack of confidence and, should they be inclined to help me, they wouldn't know I needed or wanted help.

What is blocked
I simply can't accept success or the idea that I can really enjoy and celebrate what's inside me. (I'm looking more at the Ringmaster himself than the general meaning of the card here.) I think the fact that I found him so distasteful when I first chose the card, and still don't feel comfortable with him, means that I'm trying to repress what he stands for. He's reveling in his skills and the fact that people look up to him, and he's able to pass on those skills by teaching those people. I'm just terrified of success (because it would defeat my negative self-image, which has been my identity for so long), and people telling me I did well either embarrasses me ("I don't deserve it") or makes me think they're lying to make me feel good. I KNOW I have a lot of talent and intelligence and I CAN do great things, and I really do enjoy teaching and helping others, but I have to allow myself to DO it. I mean, literally give myself permission. Tell that clown it's okay to touch the Ringmaster's coat without a handkerchief...he's worthy. I'm worthy.

What I bring to the issue
I think I just answered some of that...I've got skill, I've got intelligence, I've got the ability to learn and teach. I do have the positive qualities of the Hierophant. And like the clown on the left, I'm open to learning and able to be humble and admit what I don't know and am afraid of. On the other hand, like the clown on the right, I can close my eyes to the truth and blow a lot of smoke to keep other people from finding out my truth. I contain all three figures on this card; I need to bring them into balance and know which aspect of myself should be at the forefront in different situations.

12.3. Create a three-card spread with the Hierophant in the Issue or Situation position.

1. Situation: The Hierophant
Like the clown on the left, I seek approval - from pretty much anyone, except myself! Like the clown on the right, I close my eyes to my own good qualities and potential - it doesn't "count" if it isn't coming from someone else. I'm not going to be able to appreciate and bring out my own inner strengths and connect with a Higher Power till I can be more like the Ringmaster: confident, enjoying what he does and who he is, regardless of who's looking or not looking, who's approving and who's disdaining.

2. The source: 2 of Faygos (=2 of Cups)
A smiling young man and woman toast each other with two bottles of beverage - the liquid sprays out like champagne or shaken-up soda. Behind them is the back of a stage flat covered in multiple hues of paint; I get the feeling they're the stage painters for the circus, who've painted the front of the flat to the ringmaster's instructions but have let loose making the back of it their own. Paint stains the clothes of both people but they clearly don't care.

I've always been desperate to fit in, be loved (or more importantly feel loved)...I wanted to be like the couple on the card, enjoying each other's company and perfectly at home in their environment. But I never felt like I could get there; I was on the outside looking in. I think that's where the desperate approval-seeking came from: just wanting to be accepted and loved, and if I couldn't be loved for myself, then I'd be whoever anyone wanted as long as I got a response.

3. Advice and guidance: 7 of Axes (=7 of Swords)
An eclectically-dressed young woman runs with an armload of five axes; two more axes are stuck upright in the ground behind her. In the background are two red and white striped big-top circus tents full of people. The woman wears a mix of masculine and feminine clothing: a black corset dress with a man's red necktie. The color palette is limited to black, gray, white, red and yellow, full of jagged lines and dizzy swirls. It's unsettling just trying to focus on one part of the image, let alone take the whole thing in at once.

The immediate phrase that came to mind is "Cut the crap" - cut loose, cut and run, run free. Leave the opinions of others behind - and leave my own opinions about them behind too! I need to take what's mine: accept my skills, talents, and inherent worth. And I can leave behind what I can't or don't want to carry...the self-doubt, the inferiority complex, all the things that hurt me. I can embrace the duality of my own nature, as an earthbound human and a creature of spirit, living my own life and living free.