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.

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will we be in an exclusive romantic relationship?

Here is a sample 3-card reading using The Cinderella Deck.

I've known this guy for years and it hasn't been until now that I've really taken an interest in him. He's always been into me and I've always rejected him. Lately, the more I'm around him and the more I get to know him, the deeper I'm falling for him. I'd like to know if we become exclusively in a romantic relationship with each other?


Here are the cards chosen.

Card 25 shows Cinderella asking to try on the slipper. This card appears when you know what you want and you're ready to go after it. Unfortunately, the other two cards suggest that things won't go the way you want. Card 19 shows Cinderella fleeing from the ball and Card 1 shows her sitting by the fire at the very beginning of the story. So, it looks like this story goes backwards instead of forwards toward a happy ending. Card 19 often appears when two people just can't get their schedules together. A planned event never materializes. Card 1 can signify pessimism and giving up hope. So, this reading doesn't say that he's not interested. Instead, it shows that there may not be good timing for this romance right now.

The numerical theme of 9 emphasizes this. It shows that you want something new to begin but energetically you're not ready. There may be unfinished business that needs to be addressed before pursuing this romance. Try not to give up hope on it. Keep your head up!

Purchase The Cinderella Deck

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what is my sister's financial fate?

Question submitted by a student in Your Future Is In The Cards:

I asked today to see the financial fate of my sister, who has just started working this year and is kind of lost in the way. I got a 10 of diamonds, King of diamonds and a King of Spades. The numerical theme was 9, so I got from that that she was starting a new project (which I already kinda knew), but there were unfinished business to take care about (should I take that as emotional business or as the job that she has right now?).

I interpreted the cards as her feeling wealthy and optimistic about this project. I saw the King of Diamonds as my father (financial support and security), which is watching the other way than the king of spades' in my cards. I saw the king of spades as my brother in law, who is in fact emotionally distant and has a military-like personality and is currently not speaking with my father. The outcome was relying on my brother in law.

You asked to see the financial fate of your sister. And you found out her fate is in the hands of the King of Spades. The numerical theme reflects the emotional or internal state of the questioner so it doesn't reveal the outcome but shows what leads to the outcome. What I mean is that the numerical theme shouldn't be used in a predictive way. It's really showing you the core message. The 9 theme shows that someone is TRYING to make a new start but cannot because of the unfinished business. In this case, she has a great outlook (10 of Diamonds) and some financial support (King of Diamonds) BUT there's a roadblock to her new financial start in the form of the King of Spades. I think your interpretation is rock solid.

Further explanation....when face cards show up in a 3-card reading, we can explore the dynamics between them. In this case, we have two face cards with their backs to each other. This means the people represented by these cards are not speaking to each other, as the student mentioned in his background info.

What do you see? Share your insights in the comments section!

started from the bottom spread ~ a reading

A blog reader submitted a reading for the Started From The Bottom spread. 

I would love some feedback on the cards I pulled for this spread. These all appear to be good cards.

The Bottom: Where you've been. Your lowest point. The struggle. – Queen of Diamonds
Here & Now: Where you are now. How far you've come. – Jack of Hearts
The Top: Where you're headed. Goals and ambitions. What success will look like. – 10 of Diamonds

Let's look at the spread first and then the cards. This spread is a contrast spread -- you should look at the cards in contrast to each other to help understand the message. The first card is the bottom or where you've been. It also implies a struggle or problem. The top represents the opposite energy. It shows where you're headed but also what the solution to the problem looks like. The middle card shows where you are now but can also show what is needed to get from the bottom to the top. It's also a good idea to have a focus topic in mind when doing this spread, such as money, career, love, etc. so that you can put the reading into context.

I'm using Over the Moon oracle cards so we can see the story behind these cards but let's look at the playing card side first.

Since we don't have a focus topic, we have to look at the reading analytically to see what message it's giving. First, we see that two of the cards are face cards suggesting that this reading may be about roles you're playing. We see that the BOTTOM and TOP cards are both Diamonds suggesting that this issue may be about money or security issues. Diamonds represent your self-worth as well.

I like to start with the numerical theme when I don't know the focus of the reading. The theme for this reading is 12 (Queen) + 11 (Jack) + 10 = 33 = 3 + 3 = 6. The 6 theme appears when you have been the super responsible person, taking care of everyone's needs and have done your duty and obligation. Now, you're asking, "What's in it for me? When do I get my reward?" Now that I know the theme, I can see how the cards are playing this out.

The Queen of Diamonds represents the bottom. She is the motherly type, sometimes a homebody, and sometimes a single mother. She's good at taking care of everything and everyone. She may also be in the role of benefactor, supporting other people's dreams with her money and hard work. The 10 of Diamonds represents the top. It signifies feeling wealthy. It can show having more money than you're used to having. But it also relates to feelings of gratefulness and abundance -- feeling blessed! This is what success will look like for you. With these two cards we can see the 6 theme in action. We can also see a visual connection between these two cards. You will notice that the woman in the first and last card appear the same -- both women wear glasses and a bonnet. This is an important visual cue, and shows a transition from a caretaker role to being rewarded for your efforts.

The transition card is the Jack of Hearts. I'm not exactly sure how this card figures in. When I'm not sure about a card's meaning, I find it helpful to look at the image and just say what I see. As I mentioned before, this is a contrast spread so it's good to notice what's different from the first card. What I notice is that you've gone from Mother to Romantic. You're not cooped up at home anymore. You're footloose and fancy free, dating, romancing. On a non-romantic level, the Jack of Hearts is about going after what you want in life.

*Since the woman in the middle card also wears a bonnet, perhaps we should look at her to represent you. In this case, she is being courted, being persuaded to leave her home for an evening out, invited to come out and play. However, she doesn't quite look convinced.

If we continue the contrast between the first and last cards, we can see that you're of the house, no longer a homebody. You're holding a sack of money instead of an old sock. The ribbon on the bonnet has changed to red. This is a color reflecting action and passion.

Here's my summary:

The Bottom: in a mothering role; homebody; caretaker
Here & Now: going after what you want; being persuasive, passionate, and idealistic *OR being coaxed out into the world but not quite ready to leave your current security
The Top: feeling blessed; having abundance; prosperity

I hope that sheds some new light!

*Added after posting

using the numerical theme

"Hey, what would happen if I add up the numbers of this reading and reduce it to a number between 1 - 9 and use my numerology understanding to get more info about what's happening in this situation?"

This is the question I asked many years ago which led to my discovery of the numerical theme. When doing a playing card reading, I always look at the numerical theme. It provides a much-needed perspective on the reading, regardless of the question or outcome.

How do you find the numerical theme? To get a numerical theme for your reading, you add up all of the card numbers in your reading and reduce down to a number between 1 and 9. You can do this with tarot cards as well. The Fool and the Joker = 0. With playing cards, here's the designation for the face cards: Jacks = 11; Queens = 12; Kings = 13. Here's a 3-card reading example:

Jack of Clubs - 2 of Hearts - 6 of Spades = 11 + 2 + 6 = 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1.

Over the years, the numerical theme has revealed itself to me. I have examined the themes that show up in countless readings. I've compared the questions and nature of the reading to the numerical theme and I've realized a few things.

The numerical theme represents the vibration of the questioner at the time of the reading. The theme represents the energetic vibration of the questioner at the time of the reading and is only related to that particular question or topic area. It reflects their actions and reactions to the environment. It also reveals their outlook and perception of the world related to that question. In spite of what the questioner desires, the numerical theme will show what they are actually doing. For instance, when I do a relationship reading for someone with a 5 numerical theme, it shows that despite the fact that they want the relationship to work out, they are doing things to create the opposite effect. The 5 vibration wants freedom and independence so this person may be picking fights and creating chaos in the relationship without realizing it. I've seen this occur in my own readings and relationships. 

The numerical theme doesn't predict the future. When I teach the numerical theme, many students mistake it as a way to predict the outcome of the reading. It doesn't reveal the future, only the present vibration. However, understanding the present vibration can help you predict the outcome. For instance, if your vibration is all about freedom and independence and you have to work in a team to accomplish a project, then we can predict that you will have trouble doing so. On the flip side, if you're asking will a romantic relationship work out and you have a 2 theme, then the possibility is a good one, mostly because you are hell-bent on cooperating and compromising. 

The numerical theme helps you to understand the REAL question being asked. It gives more information into WHY the question was asked in the first place. In reviewing readings and their numerical themes, I started to see a pattern between the questions asked and the theme.

One questions are asked by people with restless energy, who are eager and impatient (but ready) for a new beginning. Their real question is, "When can I get started?"

Two questions are typically about relationships or getting along with others. The real question is "Are we compatible?"

Three questions usually go something like this, "Do you think I should continue with this dead-end job/relationship/situation?" In these cases, the answer is no. It's time to expand your horizons and move on to bigger and better things.

Four questions are always about wanting something to happen that's not happening and feeling really blocked. They are asking "Why am I stuck?"

Five questions are typically about relationships or challenges: "Why can't we get along?"

Six questions come up when the questioner has put a lot of effort into something (relationship, job) and they want to know when they will see real benefits (marriage, or real benefits). They are asking, "Is it worth it?

Seven questions are about what path to take.  You will see this theme often when the question begins with SHOULD I. Their real question is, "What action/path should I take?"

Eight questions are typically related to money or career issues and goal setting. The real question is usually, "What is my next step?"

Nine questions are often about starting something new but the nine theme shows they aren't ready to begin again. The real question is, "How can I release the past and start over?" There is unfinished business or a block somewhere. Look at the spades cards in the reading for what needs to be accepted and transformed. 

The numerical theme only reflects a specific period of time and the reading topic. You may get a different numerical theme for a work question and a romance question. However, I have seen the same numerical theme follow people from one topic to another. This is often the case when there is a huge cloud that seems to loom over the questioner. Nothing seems to work in their life... everything has gone to crap. Typically, they are vibrating a 4 theme.

The most frequent numerical theme is 4. Through my informal research, I discovered that the most common theme is 4. Why is that? The number four should be a great theme, I thought. The number four relates to security, safety and routine.

The most common question asked is about change. Will he come back to me? Will my finances improve? When will I meet my soulmate? How can I get my writing career off the ground? These look like different questions but they are all the same question - I want something to happen that's not happening -- will this situation change? 

The four vibration is about maintaining the status quo; it's not about change. It shows that the questioner is in a comfortable routine despite the discomfort they say they are experiencing. There is something secure and familiar about their situation and, internally, they are not ready for change. I'm not saying they don't desire change. But they aren't ready for it. There is something that keeps them in this rut. It's a good idea to choose an advice card to show how they can free themselves.

Do you use a numerical theme in your readings? Tell us about your experiences.

my weekly reading with Over the Moon oracle cards 12/28/14

Here's my reading for this week, using my 3-card spread.

Beggar | Jack of Diamonds in the first position relates to some money issues this week which I can already feel. This may relate to my bank balance falling below $25 as seen in a reading from a few weeks ago. I should be alert to this happening again. Depreciation | 5 of Diamonds under this one confirms money dwindling. I have been working on a reduced schedule and it looks like I might need to get my hours up again to prepare for the upcoming months, especially since some of the money-making projects I was expecting to complete have not been completed yet.

Waiting | 2 of Clubs suggests this week I'll be waiting for something, or perhaps just feeling cabin fever from hibernation. I may also be asking, "Should I stay or go?" Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts can relate to receiving help or there may be a need to forgive and forget. Perhaps it's showing receiving an extra boost of cash when I desperately need it.

Looking at the playing card side, things don't look so bad. After all, there are 3 red cards! The numerical theme this week is 6 which shows my energy is geared toward helping and taking care of responsibilities. I may feel a conflict between responsibility and reward however. During a 6 themed-week, I may feel resentful for helping so much or putting in so much effort and not seeing much reward.

POSTSCRIPT 1/9/15: I almost forgot to add something here. The first column showed that I did a little overspending this week, on things I hadn't planned - impulse purchases. Beggar also seems to come up when I'm really concerned about my finances as I was that week. I'm wondering if I will have enough money and projects to last for the next few months. I don't have any good associations to the second column although it did occur to me that it is an apt picture of waiting for the ball to drop on New Year's Eve. Although we were at the movies when this happened, there was considerable talk about waiting for the ball to drop and the New Year festivities we should arrange.

INSIGHT: happy kwanzaa

I was wondering how to create a spread to commemorate Kwanzaa, the African American cultural holiday from December 26 - January 1, when I stumbled upon one already created by the amazing Rachel Pollack. I changed "I" to "we" and read it as an insight reading instead of a personal journal reading. If you want to know more about Kwanzaa, here's the official website.

Day 1: Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
How can we promote unity?

Making sacrifices for each other. Helping others, providing assistance. Ministering to body, mind and spirit. 

Day 2: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
How do we claim who we are?

This card suggests that we must define ourselves collectively instead of individually. As an African American, I see this type of solidarity in action every day.


Day 3: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together.
How do we help others with their struggles?

Wow, this is pretty profound. In order to help others with their struggles, we must put ourselves in their place and understand their struggle. Why are they labeled troublemaker? What do they run from? What are they trying to escape? 

Day 4: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
How can we help bring genuine prosperity?

Typically, I see this as a card about dividing assets. But is it also suggesting that things cannot always be equal from an economic perspective? One person has to get to the top and then help others up to their level.

Day 5: Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
How can we encourage the best in ourselves and others?

I'm stumped by this card here. Any ideas?

Day 6: Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
How do we express our creativity?

This card may be saying we need to reject the status quo and choose our own path to creativity.

Day 7: Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
How do we deepen our belief, in ourselves and others?

We need to pat ourselves on the back and take pride in our accomplishments.

Seven is the numerical theme showing that Kwazaa is a time of reflection and determining our direction for the new year. There is a two of a kind with the number 2 which is about choice. Our choices not only affect how we live but also affect others around us, our community, and our race.

Feel free to share your thoughts on how you might interpret these cards for this reading!

JOURNAL: Shedding, Growing, Transforming

I was inspired to do an oracle reading using the prompt shedding, growing and transforming from Shaheen Miro's blog post by the same name. Shedding is about letting go of something while growth is movement in the opposite direction, embracing a new direction. The combination of shedding and growing ultimately creates a transformation of some kind. Let's see...


What am I shedding as the year comes to a close?

Beginning | Ace of Clubs shows I'm shedding or letting go of the energy of newness and beginnings. I guess this goes without saying since we're at the close of the year but to me this card signifies a restless energy that comes when I'm starting a new project, like this blog. I'm full of enthusiasm and drive, waking up early to get things done, and burning the midnight oil. Perhaps some of this excess energy will soon drain away and I will get a good night's sleep.


What is growing in my life?

In Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts, I used this image to represent forgiveness and peace, the act of charity, and learning to share and give selflessly.

The first two cards represent a contrast - the first card represents letting go and the second card is about embracing. When cards represent contrasts, it's important to see how they differ. You can see this sometimes by looking at the characters and explaining how their actions are different. In the Beginning card, the boy impatiently waits for daybreak. In Forgiveness, the girl reaches out her hands to accept a divine gift.  

I'm moving from impatiently waiting for things to happen to reaching out for what I need and deserve.


What will this transformation look like?

I've recently changed this card's keyword to CAUTION instead of DECEIT. It reflects a need for caution because you're lacking the clarity to see the truth clearly. But since Deceit is the card I shuffled, I have to see it from this perspective as well.

A wealthy woman would like to buy the boy's horse and wants to test ride it first. She has her riding crop out but she hides a whip behind her back. She intends to whip the horse into her submission. This card shows that two people may appear to have the same goals but their intentions are very different.

What's interesting is that last week I was doing a series of readings about my 6-month relationship and this card kept appearing. With it showing up here again, it gives me the impression that this energy is inevitable. Perhaps this transformation will come through the experience of this relationship. I'll have to wait and see how it manifests.


How can I prepare for this transformation?

Leisure | 9 of Hearts shows me I must stay calm. This card can also represent activities such as meditation, contemplation, being still, detachment, and focus.

The numerical theme is 1(Ace) + 6 + 7 + 9 = 23 = 2 + 3 = 5. I received this same theme in my last journal reading. The five theme brings a time of conflict with others and at the root of the conflict is the struggle between pleasing yourself vs. pleasing others. In light of this theme, Leisure also suggests asserting my independence and freedom.

JOURNAL: what new opportunities can I expect this month?

I performed a 4-card spread to answer this question. Each card represents a different opportunity with Card 1 showing the most significant opportunity.

The most significant opportunity this month is reaching a milestone and taking pride in my work and accomplishments (Congratulations | 9 of Diamonds).  However, there may be criticism from others  (in the Congratulations card, other women are looking on in envy and the Criticism | 7 of Clubs card is next to it.). I may also have an opportunity to take on a new leadership role (Leader | King of Clubs).

It also looks like I'll have the opportunity to express my concerns about something, possibly getting something off my chest (combination of Criticism and Conversation | 3 of Clubs). What I love about these cards is the patterns you'll see. The Criticism and Conversation characters are making similar gestures, thus showing a strong connection and congruence between these two cards. This combo can also reveal an opportunity to receive constructive criticism and advice.

If we turn the cards over, we see the playing card side gives even more information. 

First, we see that Clubs predominate. This shows that I will need to manage frustration and impatience this month regarding these opportunities. We can also look at the numerical theme to reveal the overall theme for the month. We add the numbers of each card 9 + 7 + 13 + 3 = 32 and reduce the number by adding again 3 + 2 = 5. Five (5) is the numerical theme.

Now, I understand the frustration and impatience energy of the Clubs. The 5 numerical theme reflects a conflict between pleasing others vs. pleasing self. There is usually a power struggle involved. When the 5 theme appears, you desire to assert your freedom and break away from the crowd. During a five vibration, criticism is especially difficult hear because you're not trying to play nice with anyone. I've already begun feeling this energy so I must watch for behaviors and words that cause division.

The playing cards give me more insight into my outlook for the month, forcing me to look at the images a little differently. I may be faced with potential conflict in the form of criticism, possibly from an authority figure (Leader), but I should receive it as an opportunity rather than a threat. There may be haters around (Congratulations) trying to defeat my pride but I need to focus on celebrating my growth and accomplishments.

What do you think about using the playing card side 

to get additional information?