Gypsy Magic Spread

This spread was done for someone I consider to be a very dear friend. She's going through a rough patch right now, and needed a reading.

I chose the standard 21 card Gypsy spread, and the Paulina Tarot by Paulina Cassidy. This deck is perfect for my friend, and I love working with it.

The question posed was what can she do to get through this situation and how will it evolve.

Out of 21 cards, 6 were Majors, but the remainder of the cards were very balanced as far as the suits go, indicating that her current situation may require more balance, and that the changes she will undergo will be very significant.

Column A represents her emotional state of mind.

Queen of Swords
Three of Wands
Nine of Pentacles

There is nothing like being slapped over the head with her strong independent will with the first card! Her rational self is squabbling with her emotional self right now. Logically, she cannot fathom why she cannot control what is going on and how she is feeling. She feels as if she is somehow lacking because she cannot. She is feeling isolated and alone, and she's tired of being so independent. She'd love to lean on someone else for awhile. There is something in the back of her mind that is nagging at her - it is something she needs to do to feel emotionally fulfilled. I believe it has to do with some sort of home business she is considering which would involve shipping. I'm also getting a strong sense that she is dealing with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and that this may be part of what is going on with her emotionally. She misses having the kids home and working in the yard/garden. It's worse this year than usual, and she's feeling cut off from the world and isolated.

Column B represents her home life.

Nine of Wands
Three of Cups
Five of Cups

She is keeping everything on track, in spite of wanting to crawl in the bed and pull the covers up over her head. She is on guard and on edge - her strong will won't let her take any other position. It is her focus and she believes it's helping her to hold it all together. No one in her household knows how she really feels right now. She has convinced herself that it is important that they do not know, and she only allows herself to succumb to her feelings when no one else is around. But she is often alone, and she may be allowing herself to wallow in it too much. The second someone else walks in the door, she has a smile on her face and is ready to be whoever it is they need her to be.

Column C represents her present desires, hopes and questions.

Seven of Pentacles
Death
Three of Swords

She is really at a crossroad right now. Financial matters are an issue, and she may be somewhat worried about her health. She just wants everything to feel normal again, and it will, as long as she doesn't give into the hopelessness. She is ready for a change - hoping for a change, and something is telling her that this has to be a major change. She is hopeful that it will happen soon. She wants the sadness to lift, and she's tired of feeling so isolated. She doesn't like being separated from her loved ones so much, and this is something she really wants to change.

Column D represents her expectations of the situation.

King of Swords
Ace of Pentacles
King of Wands

She wants to find a way to break out of the rut she feels she is in. She wants more control of the situation, and that is what she is working towards. She wants to see things improve financially. (Now would be a very good time for her to make a move in this direction.) There is a strong male influence in the column of cards with the two Kings. I'm getting a strong sense that in some manner, she believes she doesn't have enough support from her husband to make the changes that need to be made, or that she isn't actually communicating what is going on with her to him.

Column E represents what she does not expect - what will surprise her.

Strength
Ten of Wands
Four of Swords

She will be the one to seize control of this and pull herself out of the funk she is in. She has no idea how very strong she is. She also has the energy and ability to do what needs to be done, but she doesn't know that yet. She doubts herself. I believe she will surprise herself, all the way around! She will need to take it slow and easy, and take care not to bite off more than she can chew at one time. She also needs to realize that she didn't reach this point overnight - it will take time and patience to resolve it.

Column F represents her immediate future - now to 3 months.

The Devil
Queen of Cups
Justice

She will confront her limitations and begin to deal with them - this will be easier once she acknowledges that the limitations are self imposed. She should make a list of all the things in her life that she is doing because she believes she has no choice. She should ask herself if that is really the truth, because circumstances change, and you always have a choice. It is time for her to analyze her life and change what needs to be changed. She will find herself regaining control over things once again if she does this. She will become the "Queen of Cups" once again. She lost that part of herself along the way. She will regain control over her emotions and she will be pleasantly surprised at where her intuition and psychic abilities will take her. This will restore balance to her life, and that is really the root of all her current problems.

Column G represents the outcome and long term prospect - 3 - 6 months ahead.

Judgement
Ace of Cups
The Hierophant

She is going to experience and awakening that will literally blow her away. It is going to alter her life's course, truly. Emotionally, she will feel completely renewed, and this will reflect in all her relationships. It's a new beginning for her, and I can think of no one who deserves it more. She will be blessed with love and happiness. Teaching or learning in some capacity will be an important catalyst in all of this!

3 card daily draw

This has been a long hard week, and I've been doing my daily draws, but not posting them. Pete's mom passed away on Sunday, so the readings have been a bit personal and sad. She will be greatly missed - she was an amazing lady and I consider myself so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know her and have her in my life for the past 10 years.

I'm going to work with the Paulina Tarot by Paulina Cassidy for awhile. This deck really speaks to me, and I can't seem to stray too far away from it without being drawn back in.

Nine of Wands
Seven of Pentacles
Death

It is time to prepare myself for possible conflict or a battle. I should be prepared to stand up for myself and those that I love. I will need to be persistent and not give up. I am not wasting my time. I am slowly reaching my goal...Time to head in a new direction. Transformation is imminent, and things will never be the same again.

Not a surprising daily draw, after the week we've experienced, and with what lies ahead.

Tia's Personal Year Spread

I chose to do Tia's reading with the Paulina Tarot. This is a 13 card spread, with one card for each month of the year, and the final card is an overview of the year.

The Page of Cups was her card for January. It will be a month of good news, happy emotional events, and emotional rebirth. (This was the same card that I got for myself for the month of January!)

The Nine of Cups was her card for February. She will see her desires and wants fulfilled this month. She will feel a sense of contentment and well being...She finally has what she wants and her dreams are coming true.

The Ten of Cups was her card for March. This will be a great month for matters of love, emotions and amazing relationships.

The Moon was her card for April. This month, she should remain passive and receptive - she should trust her intuition. Something or someone may not be what they appear to be - she should beware of lies and deceit, or illusion.

The Seven of Wands was her card for May. She may have to take a stand for something that is important to her this month. It may involve some sort of conflict or something that is finally coming to a head. She has the advantage, even if she doesn't know it.

The Empress was her card for June. I truly believe she will find herself pregnant this month, or at least beginning to give serious consideration towards expanding her family. (Knowing Tia, she'll get another dog...)

The Emperor was her card for July. This really makes me believe there just might be a baby in the works. This is a card of responsibility and rationality, but it can also represent an important father figure in her life - someone preparing for the future.

The King of Swords was her card for August. A decision will be made this month that will be very important to her. She will need to be very careful and not make others feel she is ignoring their feelings.

The Three of Pentacles was her card for September. A change in residence is in store this month. This will be a step up in her life, a change in status. Decorating and nesting will be the highlight of the month.

The Queen of Wands was her card for October. This card could easily be Tia's significator. She is the Queen of Wands. This will be a good month for work and home life. She may receive good advice from another attractive and sensible female!

The Queen of Pentacles was her card for November. This is a month of prosperity, security and luxury - she can finally enjoy all her material comforts. The hard part is over.

The Hierophant was her card for December. There may be some sort of ceremony or spiritual focus this month. It is all about moral development.

The overall year card was the Eight of Wands. This year is going to be filled with good things for Tia...Understanding, harmony, important changes and journeys, and lots of good news. She is moving very quickly towards achieving all her goals. Life is good.

New Year Calendar Spread

This is a new spread that I thought I would try, for the entire upcoming year.

I chose The Paulina Tarot for this spread, and used 22 cards.

The Page of Cups represents the month of January. It will be a month of emotional joy and developement for me. I should be going home, so this is a new chapter in my life on an emotional level.

The Two of Pentacles represents the month of February. February will be a bit of a balancing act for me, both emotionally and financially. That is definitely to be expected, as we should have completed the move by then, and for the first time, I'll be a full time mother (albeit two adult 'kids') and full time wife - all at once!

The Nine of Swords represents the month of March. Stress, worry and anxiety - but they may very well be self imposed. This is no surprise! The transitionary period we are about to go through is bound to bring a few sleepless nights!

The Eight of Swords represents the month of April. Carry over from March? I may feel trapped and overwhelmed, but once again, my limitations may be self imposed.

The Knight of Swords represents the month of May. This will be a month of change, action and decisiveness. It will be very important to use my rational mind rather than my heart in these matters.

The Devil represents the month of June. I may find myself trapped in a situation that I need to break free of. I made this prison with my own two hands - I will have to acknowledge and face my fears in order to be free of it.

The Six of Pentacles represents the month of July. Everything will start to fall into place for us this month financially. We will finally see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as getting back on our feet.

The Tower represents the month of August. August will bring sudden and abrupt change, in a very dramatic manner. It will mean putting an old way of life behind us and embracing our new lives completely.

The Knight of Cups represents the month of September. This will be a good month for romance and emotional concerns. Ironically, this is the month of our 8 year wedding anniversary!

Strength represents the month of October. Inner strength will be required to work through problem areas this month.

The King of Cups represents the month of November. Compassion and empathy will be key this month in my life. I may receive welcome advice from a mature, father like figure. He will be caring and kind, and have only my best interest at heart. (That rules out my father.)

The Ten of Swords represents the month of December. The worse is over. A cycle of our life has ended and it is time to move on.

The Seven of Pentacles and Three of Wands represent my ambition and creativity for the year. My progress will be slow and steady. I will need to keep in mind that anything that is important to me and my life is worth pursuing. I should periodically re-evaluate my progress towards my goals. Creative opportunities will be numerous, and I should market my talents and see if I can make a go of it. Now is the time to do so!

The Ten of Cups and The Emperor represent health and money for the year. My anxiety and stress levels will decrease this year because of the healing energy of being home, with my family. Material wealth will improve as the year goes on, and a job promotion or advancement may occur.

The Ace of Swords and The High Priestess represent my relationships and emotions for the year. These two cards in this position form a perfect balance of logic and intuition, so I expect all to be well in this area of my life!

The Nine of Cups and the Three of Swords represent my mind and struggles for the year. A feeling of well being and success will prevail. My desires will be fulfilled this year! I will get what I want. The struggles I have will be about emotional adjustment, and possibly health issues or a loss.

The Empress represents recurring energies carried over from last year. Good fortune and luck will be with me, along with feminine creativity, and healthy relationships.

The Six of Cups represents new energies in my life this year. Nostalgia will be strong, and rightfully so...I'm going home. Old ties will be renewed, and happy memories will be made!

6 Month Spread for D

This spread was requested for a friend of mine who is preparing to move her family to the US, pending her husband's immigrant Visa approval.

I chose a 6 Month spread that I've used in the past just to try to get an idea of the time frame they will be dealing with. This is a 21 card spread, with 7 columns and 3 cards assigned to each aspect/question of the spread. I have had amazing results with this one in the past.

I chose to use the Paulina Tarot, by Paulina Cassidy, as this seemed to be the best deck to use for my friend.

Cards 1, 2 and 3 represent "the self".

1) Page of Cups
2) The Fool
3) 7 of Cups

She is entering an emotional rebirth of sorts in her life - a period of new feelings and new attitudes, as well as emotional developement and increased sensitivity and maturity. She's feeling spontaneous and open - ready for a new adventure in her life. She's a bit unfocused and distracted, and she knows she has some unrealistic expectations at this time. She's also feeling a bit 'stuck'. Her thoughts are muddled , and it may not be a good time to make a major decision, unless she is able to clear her head and think through it slowly. She may need more information in order to make this decision.

Cards 4, 5 and 6 represent "what is closest to her/ what is affecting her the most".

4) The Hanged Man
5) 4 of Cups
6) 3 of Swords

She is suspended - in limbo - and she doesn't like it. She needs to take a deep breath, relax, and just 'hang out' for a bit. It's a good time to re-evaluate her attitude and long term goals, while things are calm and she can think straight. She's a bit discontent, maybe even bored with some aspect of her life. She feels emotionally drained. She has been hurt emotionally by someone that she loves recently, and there may even be some sort of separation involved. It is making her sad, and bothering her alot more than she lets on.

Cards 7, 8 and 9 represent "hopes and fears/ dreams and wishes".

7) 5 of Pentacles
8) The Magician
9) Knight of Cups

She is afraid of loss, hardship and disappointment. She's also concerned about a legal situation resulting in a financial loss, and this may very well happen. At the same time, she's very hopeful about the impending move, as she believes it will open up her family to endless possibilities. For once, she feels she is in control of her own destiny, and she knows that keeping that control is half the battle. She is anxious for new experiences and new opportunities. She is following her dreams. I believe that returning to the US is much more important to her (and has been for some time) than she is letting on.

Cards 10, 11 and 12 represent "what she expects".

10) 8 of Cups
11) Wheel of Fortune
12) Page of Pentacles

She is ready to say goodbye to this part of her life and move on. (A relocation or major change are highly indicated.) The change will be an emotional one for her, no matter how much it will make her happy in the long run. She is confident that this change is the best thing for her family, and they are everything to her. She's expecting a better life ahead for all of them, with luck and good fortune. She is waiting for good news. Educational opportunities are also an expectation, but I don't believe this is solely in regards to the girls. Is she considering going back to school, as well?

Cards 13, 14 and 15 represent "what she does not expect".

13) 3 of Cups
14) Temperance
15) The High Priestess

Something to celebrate is right around the corner. There will still be work ahead, but she's going to be very happy to do what is necessary. Moderation and wise management will be key to her success - she must slow down and evaluate things, but remain open to compromise. Something is going on beneath the surface. She should follow her intuition on this and she will get the answers that she needs.

Cards 16, 17 and 18 represent the next 2 - 3 months.

16) Two of Cups
17) Knight of Swords
18) The Chariot

Her close intimate relationship/ bonds / friendships will strengthen. There may even be new ones that will be very cherished to her, invaluable. She will meet new people and have new experiences - there are going to be sudden changes. It's going to be a very active and very 'on the go' 2-3 months! She will need to keep her head, and be careful and not allow her emotions to interfere with her logic and reason. The Chariot says it all in this reading. It indicates travel, and a need to stay centered and calm in order to steer a middle course through all of this in order to get to where she wants to be. It will all work out, because she has the strength and composure to pull it off.

Cards 19, 20 and 21 represent 3 - 6 months ahead in the future.

19) 9 of Pentacles
20) 7 of Wands
21) The Empress

Fulfillment and completion will be hers! She has earned it. She will be exactly where she wants to be during this time frame. She did it! It wasn't without challenge, but she got through it. She still has adjustment and change to deal with, but this is what she wanted, and she will do just fine. She will settle back into her family life quite comfortably, because it's really all been about doing what is best for her family. She will feel like a different person on all levels - as a mother and a wife. She knows she has done the best she can for her family, and it's time to reap the rewards!

Deck Interview - The Paulina Tarot

I really enjoyed doing the new deck interview spread with the Sacred Rose tarot, so I thought I would do it with some of my older decks.

This one was done with the Paulina Tarot, by Paulina Cassidy. (I'm anxiously awaiting her new deck - Joie de Vivre tarot!)

The Paulina is one of my favourite decks. It's very feminine, and has the feel of old New Orleans. I've gotten amazing readings so far from this deck, and the deck interview went pretty much as I expected.

The 2 of Cups represents the most important characteristic of the Paulina.

This is very interesting, because the 2 of Cups is one of my favourite cards in any deck, and almost always shows up in readings that I do for myself, or that someone else does for me - along with The Lovers and Ace of Cups! The Paulina is telling me that her most important characteristic is her emotional bonding with the reader. I agree wholeheartedly!

The Ace of Pentacles represents the Paulina's strengths as a tarot deck.

She is brimming over with common sense, and her energy is inspirational.

The Sun is the card that is supposed to represent the limits of the Paulina as a deck.

The Paulina has NO limits.

The 10 of Wands represents what the Paulina is here to teach me.

She wants me to know that I cannot do everything, and cannot be everything to everyone. I take on too much at times, and she is here to teach me to recognize my own limits.

The Fool represents how I can best learn/collaborate with the Paulina!

As long as I remain open and receptive, we shall get along just fine. I can't think of a better card to draw in this position!

The Page of Pentacles represents the potential outcome of our working relationship together.

We will learn from each other and reach success together!

This will definitely be a deck that I will be using for a very long time to come. The Paulina is one of my favourites to do my own personal readings with, but I also rely on this deck for many of my female querents that she suits!

The Lemniscate Spread

This spread was done for a dear friend of mine who was contemplating a career change.

I used the Paulina Tarot by Paulina Cassidy, because it fit her personality perfectly, and I used a spread called the Lemniscate Spread - it is an 8 card spread examining two choices. It is shaped like the lemniscate, or symbol of infinity.

The two choices were defined as staying with her current job, or taking an offer of a different job.

Cards 1 through 4 reflect the situation if she stays with her current job.

1) Represents staying with her current job from an emotional perspective.

It was the 2 of Pentacles.

Her current job is somewhat of a juggling act, all the way around. She's pulled in too many directions at once, and it is causing stress for her. The financial aspect of it adds more stress to her life, and she really wonders if it is time for a change. She is torn.

2) Represents staying with her current job from a spiritual perspective.

It was the Two of Cups.

This card is all about relationships, and I feel that she has a bond with someone (maybe even a spiritual connection) that she fears losing if she changes jobs at this point in time. This relationship is very important to her, and she does not want to affect it in a negative manner.

3) Represents staying with her current job from a practical perspective.

It was the 10 of Pentacles.

She actually feels her current job is more stable, and that staying with it is the logical choice, as it represents financial stability and security. She will also be able to advance and better herself in this position, but this is unknown to her at this point. This is something that will happen in the future.

4) Represents staying with her current job - the synthesis / outcome.

It was the Page of Wands.

By staying where she is, she will receive the opportunity for new growth. New opportunities will arise, very possibly a career change or advancement. Whatever happens, it will be good for her, and will be something that fires her passion and makes her happy.

5) Represents taking the new job from an emotional perspective.

It was the Magician.

She feels she has the ability to finally achieve her goal with the new job prospect. It would allow her to use her cumulative training in a broader sense. But her self confidence is standing in her way - she isn't sure she can handle the change and she isn't sure she will be happy with the new job. She shouldn't doubt herself or her potential - she's very capable of doing this, but she does.

6) Represents taking the new job from a spiritual perspective.

It was the Eight of Swords.

She is afraid of feeling overwhelmed, restricted, trapped and limited by this new job offer, and she fears the effect this would have on her life on so many levels.

7) Represents taking the new job from a practical perspective.

It was the 5 of Cups.

Combined with the 8 of Swords, I believe this is very negative as far as the new job goes. She will be disappointed and regretful if she takes it. She can work her way through it, but she is happy where she is, so it's a hard choice to make.

8) Represents taking the new job - the synthesis / outcome.

It was the 3 of Cups.

This is a card of celebration. She would celebrate a new life style and good fortune and abundance, but at what cost to herself? Financially, this may be the best choice for long term success, but she may have to compromise and forfeit doing what she loves in order to achieve it. It may just be a means to an end for her, but at what cost?

General reading for a friend

After doing a personal reading for myself failed to calm me, I decided to move on to a reading that a friend of mine requested a couple of weeks ago.

She wanted a general reading. I'm not sure how serious she is about tarot, I honestly believe it was just the novelty of it that spurred her to ask for a reading, but I told her I would do one for her.

I used the Paulina Tarot, by Paulina Cassidy, and a 21 card Gypsy Magic spread. This spread is based on 7 columns, with 3 cards in each column. Each column is assigned a question, and the 3 cards tell a 'story' in answer to the question.

Column A : Her emotional state of mind...

Cards: 10 of Pentacles, Page of Wands, 2 of Cups

She has strong family ties and support. She is happy. She may be concerned about a parent or in law at this time. She is optimistic, and has high hopes. She may even be considering a career change at this time. She is experiencing emotional change with either a new relationshp of intensified feelings in an old relationship.

Column B: Her home life...

Cards: The World, 9 of Cups, 3 of Wands

She has reached a long time goal and is feeling a sense of completion in this area of her life. Her desires are fulfilled on the home front - she is satisfied with the material happiness and financial well being that she has achieved. Even though she is happy with where she is in life, she continues to set more goals for the future. She is ambitious, and there is much more that she wants.

Column C: Her present desires, hopes and questions...

Cards: The Star, Queen of Swords, High Priestess

She is seeking spiritual happiness and inspiration. She would like to tap into her hidden potential and psychological depths, if she could only find the time and the focus. She sometimes wonders what it would feel like to have some time to herself - to get back to who she really is beyond being a wife, mother and teacher.

Column D: Her expectations...

Cards: 6 of Pentacles, The Sun, Justice

She wants what she feels she deserves from life. There is a strong indication from these cards that she desires a promotion or change in her career. She wants to continue to help others, but she also wants success and self fulfillment. She wants recognition.

Column E: What she does not expect / surprises...

Cards: 6 of Wands, 10 of Cups, King of Wands

She will receive the recognition she deserves - again, these cards point towards a promotion or career change. She will be rewarded in all matters of love/emotion/family relationships and spiritual growth. She will become exactly who she wanted to be when she 'grew up'. She will receive sound advice from a mature male in her life - someone she doesn't expect to receive advice from. She will take this advice to heart, and it will help her achieve what she wants.

Column F: Her immediate future...

Cards: Ace of Wands, The Hermit, Ace of Swords

Lots of important things will happen fairly quickly. These cards indicate the start of a new venture or intellectual enterprise and new experiences - most likely something positive and rewarding will come out of something painful or bad. She will seek the advice of someone who is very important to her future...She will need their assistance to make an important decision. It may be a spiritual advisor, or a teacher - someone she will learn from.

Column G: Her outcome and long term prospects...

Cards: Queen of Wands, 7 of Swords, 8 of Swords

Again, career is at the top of the reading. A promotion or career change is imminent, and she will be very successful at this. She should beware of someone doing something underhanded or deceitful, or of being pushed into a corner where she has to do something underhanded or deceitful herself. She may feel trapped or stuck in a difficult situation, but she needs to keep in mind that her limitations may be self imposed, and if they are, she can extricate herself.

Today's daily draw

This is the Knight of Pentacles from the Paulina Tarot, by Paulina Cassidy.

This card is my 'reality check' card. I've drawn it twice over the past couple of weeks, so it's time to sit up and take notice.

The Knight of Pentacles in an upright position indicates slow and steady progress, new people and experiences, and prosperity in financial matters in general.

As a reversed card, it indicates financial instability, delays, and dire circumstances.

I don't generally read with reverses. I try to utilize both the positive and negative aspects of each card, and allow my intuition to choose the proper meaning according to the situation. This method has never failed me.

I've been trying overly hard to be optimistic for the past few weeks, as we wait patiently for the Visa to arrive. I'm beginning to lose hope of being home for the holidays, and depression is setting in. Our financial situation is not good at this time - both of us are unemployed and jobs are hard to come by, especially when you know that you aren't going to even be in the area for very much longer.

So, I think it's time to allow myself to wander into the darker meanings behind the cards that I draw, instead of trying to maintain the optimism.

The negative aspects of this card today certainly fit our current situation, but we are still achieving slow and steady progress towards our ultimate goal.

I will merge the darkness into the light.

Today's daily draw

This is the Queen of Cups from the Paulina Tarot, by Paulina Cassidy.

If I ever feel the need to use a significator in a personal reading, this is the card I choose for myself.

She is the queen of emotions - and being an empath, there isn't a card in the deck that relates to me more appropriately.

This card is about sensitivity, intuition, dreams, and psychic abilities. The Queen of Cups represents the special love we have for friends and family, and how much our intuition guides us through our lives in these areas.

I will spend some time today nurturing the Queen of Cups within me. I will listen to my inner voice, and try to keep my emotions under control. I will look a bit deeper to determine where they are coming from, and what I can do to make things better.