you're not an advanced reader unless you're asking these questions

Students often believe my playing card divination course, Your Future Is In The Cards, is just a beginner's course because I only use a three-card spread. Most readers assume that the bigger the spread, the more advanced the reading. Not true. It's not the size of the spread but the depth you can pull from it that makes you an advanced reader.

Are you an advanced reader? You are if you're pondering these questions when you perform a reading:

(1) Why were THESE cards chosen over all of the cards in the deck?

(2) Why is THIS card in THIS position?

Let's look at an example from a student's practical exam for a woman who wants to know, "Should I interview for the magazine?"

One of the great things about reading playing cards is that you can give your clients a very simple and straightforward answer without really considering the card meanings. The combination of the last two card suits Diamonds + Hearts says, "Yes, you should interview for the job, and help is on the way." Beginners may be completely satisfied giving this response. However, advanced readers will probably wonder....

(1) Why were THESE cards chosen over all of the cards in the deck?

What do the cards have in common? Are there any themes or meanings that all the cards share? Compare and contrast them. If you're using a visual deck, like Over the Moon Oracle Cards, you may find that there are visual similarities. Looking at the images in this reading, there is something that blocks each character. In the first image, there is a house keeping the man and woman apart. In the 2nd image, a man stands behind a gate. In the 3rd image, the girl can only go to the edge of the sea.

What is the predominant color? All RED cards show the path is easy and the seeker may be a passive participant in this process. I've found that all red cards in a reading often shows the person doesn't have to put forth much effort to get what they want which frequently makes their goal less desirable.

What card suits are represented? The card suits give clues about the issues that are really important to the seeker and show how the seeker's outlook develops. Are they optimistic (Hearts), persistent (Diamonds), frustrated (Clubs) or pessimistic (Spades)? This reading contains Hearts and Diamonds. Hearts relate to your emotional state, the status of your relationships, and your ideals and wishes. Diamonds signify how much you have, don't have, and how much you want. A Hearts + Diamonds combination can reflect a desire for security, control issues in relationships, assistance given or received, and an optimistic and persistent outlook.

What is the numerical theme? Mathematically, all of the cards chosen must add up to a specific numerical theme which provides insight into the questioner's current vibration. This is not predictive but it helps to explain what's happening to them and how things might unfold. In this case, we have a 4 numerical theme (11(Jack) + 3 + 8 = 22 = 2 +2 = 4). Four themes are about wanting something to happen that's not happening and feeling really blocked.

(2) Why is THIS card in THIS position?

Certain cards in certain positions just beg for more info and clarification. 

Why is a face card in the first position? The first position usually restates what the seeker already knows. It typically represents another person in the seeker's life who is influencing their question or perhaps a role the seeker plays. 

After receiving the student's practical exam and noticing she didn't mention another person involved, I wrote:
The Jack of Hearts in the first position is a puzzle. Typically a face card in the first position represents the questioner or someone they are asking about. Was she favored for this position? Or is there a person who recommended her for this job who is in a sweetheart role in her life?

Why is the 3 of Diamonds in the middle position? The 3 of Diamonds is in the position of the real question or underlying influences. The card in this position usually reveals something that we don't consider when asking the question. It may be information that is hidden or unknown. It can also show you where a potential problem lies. The 3 of Diamonds means a small increase and may show this job will provide a small increase, most likely a small increase in income. However, this is something that should be obvious, so why is it in the underlying influences position of this reading?

Why is the 8 of Hearts in the final position? The 8 of Hearts is in the outcome position. It means that the seeker will have a change of heart. The image in Over the Moon Oracle Cards depicts a woman desiring to be somewhere else. This image suggests there is something else that this seeker wants at this time. 

Based on the reading, the student provided a fantastic response for the seeker:
Overall, I advise her to do it, that there will be some sort of benefit for her in the process of applying and taking part in the interview. If they offer you something you will likely not want it or may change your mind or it will not appeal to you in the end. But in fact the interview will be a good thing to do as it may help you in a small way or an increase career wise.

The student followed up to find out what happened....

She did her interview and they loved her but she failed to follow up by the deadline because she realized the offer would be too demanding at this time in her life as she is going to school. But the whole process was good for her as she saw the publishing side of things. She changed her mind about the job.

I asked her about if her boyfriend had anything to do with her interview with the magazine and in fact he had found her the posting and recommended her for it. He apparently works in a PR firm and put the magazine in touch with her.

Asking questions and getting clarifying information from the seeker helps us to understand why these cards were chosen and why each card was in its position. The Jack of Hearts represented the boyfriend and his recommendation. The 3 of Diamonds shows the increased demand on her life since she's also in school. And the 8 of Hearts reveals what actually happened...she did interview but she had a change of heart about the job altogether.

Learn to read playing cards like a pro…

Register today for Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days!  

a polyamory spread + sample reading

Beth at Little Red Tarot shared her wonderful polyamoury tarot spread and I'm passing it on. I'll admit the polyamory concept is new to me but I keep running into it in love/relationship questions of late. If you're still in the dark, polyamory is openly having multiple or simultaneous loving or sexual relationships. 

Polyamory can take many forms, from multiple people all living together and sharing day-to-day life together. Or it could be an individual who is dating multiple people with no intention of settling down with any one. Or it could be a primary couple who each have other relationships, together or separately. Or perhaps it's an interconnected network of people who are involved with each other.

via http://www.serolynne.com/polyamory.htm

Beth gives two different versions of this spread. The one I'm choosing is Version 1, which is great for anyone, including those who aren't in polyamorous relationships. It shows what you bring to and also need from the relationship. And the focus question she poses is powerful:

How can I make sure I'm the best person I can be within my relationship(s)?

SAMPLE READING

I'm using my Over the Moon Oracle Cards (non-captioned version) for this one. Above you'll see the general layout. Check out the spread in Beth's post to see the card positions. I'll be going through each section to explain the cards chosen.

Who you are in this relationship

The two  center cards show who you are in this relationship. The upright card is you and the crossing card represents a challenge at this time. The Commitment | 4 of Hearts card shows you are settled and happy in this relationship but the Effort | 10 of Clubs card shows you may be carrying a lot of responsibilities. You may even be asking, Is this relationship worth the effort?

Your special skills

These 3 cards represent personal qualities you're bringing into the relationship. The center card, Communication | 3 of Clubs, shows you are a great communicator and willing to talk things out. Completion | 9 of Clubs shows that you know how to bring things to a close and won't keep rehashing problems in the relationship. Resentment | 6 of Spades shows a special skill of service, however, it also shows how resentment can build up over a period of time from being dutiful and trying to be of service when you don't feel like you're getting back what you're putting into the relationship.

A potential issue, and possible solution

The upright card Rivalry | 5 of Clubs represents the potential issue. The possible solution Status | 8 of Diamonds is adjacent. This shows a potential issue of rivalry and comparison. The solution is to spend a little time alone (perhaps enjoying some needlepoint or your favorite hobby) and take stock of all the good things the relationship has brought into your life.

A potential issue, and possible solution

This is a second potential issue and solution. In Conflict | 5 of Spades, we see anger building up at someone who seems unaware of our feelings. The solution is shown by the Desire | 8 of Hearts cards. Again, going off by yourself (perhaps to watch the gentle waves of the ocean), may help to bring peace.

It's significant that the potential issues are represented by fives and the solutions are represented by eights. Fives show that the potential issues are about conflict due to a need for freedom and independence. When conflict begins to brew, know that this is a signal that you need a time out from the relationship and time alone to regroup. Eight deals with goal-setting and getting what you want. As the solution, it suggests that in response to conflict you need to focus on what you have and what you want from the relationship. Is it meeting your needs and desires? How can you be more fulfilled?

Your safe place (a place where you can retreat that's just yours)

Here we see another five, Fun | 5 of Hearts. Instead of showing anger and jealousy as the other fives demonstrated, this card shows that fun and playfulness is your safe place. When you need to take a break from the relationship, go outside and run around with your dog, or play a game with friends. This will help you let off some steam and find yourself again.

Learn to read playing cards like a pro…

Register today for Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days!  

Take 50% off with code: CARDZ50

Spread of the Month: finding your soulmate

Finding Your Soulmate Spread

For the purposes of this reading, soulmate refers to your romantic life partner. This reading assumes there are many possible soulmates available for you at different times of your life. If you miss one, you can catch another one later. This reading shows you the next possible romantic match in your life.

Card 1: What holds you back from finding your soulmate?

Card 2: Where are you now in your search for a soulmate?

Card 3: What action is necessary to find your soulmate?

Card 4: When are you most likely to meet a potential soulmate?

Cards 5, 6, 7, and 8 reveal how your next potential soulmate might appear.

Card 5: Physical build

Card 6: Complexion

Card 7: Hair color

Card 8: Eye color


How to Perform the Reading

Decks to use: standard playing cards, Over the Moon Oracle Cards

Cards: Use all the cards in the deck EXCEPT the Joker(s) for this reading (no reversals)

Focus question: What do I need to know about finding my soulmate?

Process: Shuffle the cards and choose one card for each position of the spread. Select cards in the order shown above.

Interpretation:

Card 1: Red cards here can show you haven't put enough effort into the process of finding your soulmate. Black cards show many obstacles and blocks to finding your soulmate. A Spades card here represents a block that needs to be accepted and transformed before you can move forward.

Card 2: The card here shows where you are in the process of finding your soulmate. Are you still crying bitter tears over the last relationship or have you put the past behind you, looking forward to a brighter future?

Card 3: The card here shows the action you must take to connect with your next soulmate.

Card 4: The card here can be interpreted two ways: (1) it shows an event or happening that must occur before you will meet your soulmate or (2) it is a timing card. Use the number and suit to determine when you will likely meet your next soulmate.
Clubs = days
Hearts = weeks
Diamonds = months
Spades = years

Card 5: Look at the suits only.
Clubs = athletic build
Hearts = chubby, full-figured
Diamonds = stocky, solid
Spades = slim, thin, lanky build

Card 6: Look at the suits only.
Clubs = brown skin (e.g., African, Latin, East Indian)
Hearts = fair complexion
Diamonds = ruddy complexion
Spades = olive skin (e.g., Greek, Italian, Asian)

Card 7: Look at the suits only.
Clubs = dark brown
Hearts = blonde or light hair
Diamonds = red or brown
Spades = dark, black hair

Card 8: Look at the suits only.
Clubs = dark brown eyes
Hearts = blue, green or light color
Diamonds = brown
Spades = dark eyes

Sample Reading

Let's take a look at the first four cards. What holds you back is represented by Hearts. Where you are now is represented by Clubs. Advice is in the form of Spades and the timing card is Diamonds. Without looking at the specific interpretations for the cards yet, we can see that what holds you back is passiveness. But at least you're making an effort to find your soulmate. What's necessary is to release a block that exists. The timing suggests that you are slowly moving in the right direction. Let's look at each card individually.

What holds you back from finding your soulmate?

Fun | 5 of Hearts

This card shows a boy and girl playing with a dog. They look as if they don't have a care in the world. This is a positive card but in this position it reflects a challenge, a problem that is holding you back from finding your soulmate. You may be having too much fun to think about finding your soulmate. You are not taking the process of seeking your perfect romantic match seriously. This card relates to the pleasurable side of relationships like sex and dating but not the serious side like seeking real compatibility and the work that goes into maintaining a committed partnership.

Where are you now in your search for a soulmate?

Completion | 9 of Clubs

A little boy has snuffed out his candle and is headed upstairs to bed. Is there something you've recently completed? Often, when this card appears, you may be saying, FINALLY something is over. It may appear when you've been in a long, dysfunctional relationship. In light of the previous card, I think it suggests you've put the fun behind you and are about to get serious about finding a soulmate. As a nine, it shows you at an ending stage, just on the verge of starting over.

What action is necessary to find your soulmate?

Rejection | Ace of Spades

In this image, a beat-up looking youngster is leaving a schoolhouse in the distance where we can see several students leaving the building. The advice of this card is to reject what is not emotionally satisfying to you. It implies that you may have been in some emotionally abusive relationships where your feelings were frequently hurt. Although you want to stay and play nice, this card says it's time to end unhealthy relationships and move on.

The characters in these last two cards are headed toward the right side of the card. This is my symbolism for the future. This suggests that you are moving in the right direction, ready to put old ideas and self-destructive relationships behind you. You are preparing to move forward. Numerically, you've moved in these last two cards from a 9 to a 1 suggesting that you are indeed ready to move toward your goals. This is the step that needs to be transformed before that can happen. 

When are you most likely to meet a potential soulmate?

Investment | 7 of Diamonds

From a timing perspective, the 7 of Diamonds shows you may meet your next potential soulmate in 7 months. This card also reveals that you may find your soulmate when you're making an actual business deal or financial investment. But let's look at the image for more information about what needs to happen in your outlook before you're READY to meet this person.

In this card, two people want to buy a hen but they are not sure if they want to make the investment. This card suggests that you are most likely to meet a potential soulmate when you're ready to make an investment in your future and you're willing to invest the time, energy, commitment, and compassion into a relationship. You will be ready for your soulmate when you begin to consider the long-term potential of your relationships.

There is a two of a kind in the reading with the number 7 which shows confusion. Just looking at the last two cards it occurs to me that a source of your confusion might be trying to figure out when to stay and invest in the relationship vs. when to reject it and bail out. The Ace of Spades is advising you to bail out when you're getting hurt. The reward of being in the relationship is not worth the pain.

Here's a summary of the guidance offered in these first four cards:

(1) get serious about finding a soulmate
(2) complete any unfinished business so you are prepared to start a new chapter
(3) end unhealthy relationships
(4) think of finding a soulmate as investing in your future

Physical Description

All of the cards that describe your soulmate are Hearts. This is his description:

• short
• chubby or pleasantly plump
• a fair complexion
• blonde or light colored hair
• light eyes (blue, green, hazel)

If we flip the cards over we can also describe him in this way....

He might be described as a sweetheart with a very gentle nature. Perhaps a nature lover.

Family is very important to him and he may have kids.

What popped into my head when I saw this card is that he may be a far distance from you or he may be from a foreign place. Perhaps he has a desire to travel.

He is probably highly imaginative and/or possibly into "woo woo" subjects like divination, astrology, or magick.

Learn to read playing cards like a pro…

Register today for Your Future Is In The Cards: Become a Fortune Teller in 7 Days!  

Take 50% off with code: CARDZ50