L.M. has requested an interpretation of the above cards that were drawn according to the protocol of silently completing the sentence, “Please give me some insight into __________.” L.M. has not told me what (s)he has put into the blank space. The first three cards are the “heart” of the reading and are read as a unit. Then, the fourth card is drawn and read as a summary or clarifier. If we include the summary card, there are three fours and two members of the Major Arcana in this mini-reading, so we know that this request for insight focuses on establishing a new platform and/or basis for building the next level of manifestation and fulfilling the soul’s agenda for this lifetime. There are no other two-or-more matches in suits or numbers.
The spotlight has been on the Hanged Man, one of the timing cards in the tarot deck. You have been given some “time out” to gain a new perspective. Don’t buy into the idea that nothing is happening or that you are being punished or forced into anything against your will. There are major readjustments being made to integrate your new, expanded “knowing” and self-definition. A lot is happening inside you, and when enough time has passed for your new perspective to appear and integrate, you will release your foot and continue your journey, knowing more of who you really are and being able to act upon it.
The spotlight is now on the Emperor, the gift of wisdom. Remember that wisdom is sometimes defined as intelligence + compassion. People are drawn to you because of this gift, a combination of intelligence and compassion, and you have learned to utilize it so that the truth can shine through on its own. This is the wisdom of the Biblical King Solomon, who when confronted by two women, each claiming to be the mother of a particular infant, declared,” Cut the child in half.” The true mother instantly gave up her claim so that the infant could live. This, in turn, resulted in everyone’s being able to see that she was, indeed, the real mother. The truth spoke for itself. Like Solomon, sometimes you need to say or do something outrageous so that the truth can reveal itself. You remain in power by not taking sides, by not reducing the exploration for the truth to simple yes/no questions.
The spotlight is moving toward the four of wands, establishing a new foundation in an expanded reality. You have done what it takes to move beyond the walls of the castle and establish a new foundation, a new “home” for your skills and talents. You have spent some time, energy, and money embellishing your new residence. This is incontrovertible evidence that your skills and talents are good enough, strong enough, and alive enough to provide you shelter and serve as a new stand-alone structure out in the world. Good job, L.M.
The summary card is the four of swords, withdrawing from conflict. The key to understanding this card is in the stained glass window that shows two figures, one on her knees, and one standing ready to give something to the other. You tend to group people into givers and receivers and to quickly judge those who receive as “takers.” You are absolutely certain that you don’t want to be a taker. You judge and look down on those who take. You are constantly evaluating and comparing where you are and how well you do what you do, placing yourself in competitive opposition to other people. There is a tendency to beat up on yourself for coming up short (you will always be able to find someone else who does more/has more/is better than you), so you withdraw temporarily from this perceived competition. Wow! You might feel safe, but this completely disempowers you and renders you stuck. This card appears to remind you that all people are part of the process; we must have receivers in order for givers to be able to give. One of my very wise teachers said, “What somebody else thinks about me is none of my business.” Let go of the compare and compete. Stop the self-judgments. If your way is different and it still works, please don’t look at it as being wrong.
Does this make sense? I hope it was helpful.
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