N.S. 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 __________.” N.S. 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 two swords in this mini-reading, so we know that this request for insight focuses on N.S.’s resolving conflict. Because there is just one member of the Major Arcana, the context for these insights is primarily N.S.’s everyday life with just a slight connection to her/his soul’s agenda for this lifetime. There are no other two-of-a-kind or more in suits or numbers.
The spotlight has been on the ten of pentacles, the need for discernment in choosing how much you will allow into your reality at any given time. What works best for you? There are no wrong answers: however, the boundaries that you set will determine who and what has access to you. Does your reality, like the young man”s, only include the safe, the sure, the practical, and the earthly? Are you more like the small child peeking out from behind his mother’s skirt? Are you like the young woman who sees the old man, the dogs, and the floating pentacles, or are you more like the old man who sees it all and is in touch with the animal kingdom as well? Your answer will dictate the breadth and depth of the information that will constitute your reality. so it is important to choose what is most appropriate for the moment and what will work best for you. Choose your focus!
The spotlight is now on the Devil, all the reasons why and why not that pop up in resistance to moving forward. Here are all the excuses, vices, and addictions that were put in place to help you feel better, to cope with your life. When this card shows up, it is time to simply (yeah, right) lift the chains off your neck and take back the power to lead your life instead of giving away your power to the situation to lead and control you. It’s time to stop playing the victim.
The spotlight is moving toward the nine of swords, the nightmare card, one of the timing cards in the deck. This is like the experience of waking up at 2 A.M. and remembering that the car needs an oil change. You feel so much anxiety, like it’s all up to you, and you need to get it done NOW. Nobody’s open at this hour. It will all go much more easily and smoothly if you wait until the sun comes up and the timing is better. You will be better served by getting a good night’s rest at this time.
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. The reading as a whole seems to be telling you to establish boundaries and get out of the drama triangle. Good luck, N.S.
Does this make sense? I hope it was helpful.
For more information about using tarot cards for insight and guidance, please consider purchasing the book Tarot for All Time, available in paperback and e-book. Thank you.
Would you like to have a personal reading live online or on the phone with the author? You can schedule either a half-hour or one-hour reading and choose your date and time from those available. A half-hour is $50, and a one-hour reading is $80. Both 3-card and 11-card readings are available at the time requested. Click the link below for more information and scheduling.
https://tarotforalltimereadings.as.me/
Copyright ®2023 Tarot For All Time