Full Moon

I'm back! Here's my first spread in quite some time. What else would it be other than the Full Moon Spread?

1. What can be seen with clarity, so bright that it can even blind you. The High Priestess

I started working with a book called Writing Down Your Soul by Janet Bonner. It's an interesting book so far, and I'm writing to my Voice (or Spirit Guide). I guess you can say it's therapy without actually going to a therapist, and I feel like I've been reaching into my unconscious self. It's amazing to see what has been able to come out as I write. Things that I used to think weren't a big deal turn out to be a big deal, for example. I think my main spirit guide is happy that I'm doing this. I think she even helped me find the right journal for this endeavor (I Hope You Dance was on the cover).  

2. What gets completed. What closes a cycle. 8 of Pentacles

I think this has to do with me as a makeup artist. It's having the opportunity to learn so much from amazing artists like Kathy Aragon, Johnny Lavoy, and Jon Hennessey, and being able to apply that to my craft to become a better artist.

3. What begins to fade away, to abandon you...or what needs to be. 4 of Wands

I think the carefree life is close to coming to an end. I'll need to have at least a part-time job to support my makeup career, and to fund my travels. I have to think in long term, although I usually am incapable of thinking beyond tomorrow.

0. Yourself. Shadow card, from the base of the deck. Queen of Wands

Hmm. This is interesting, because I don't really identify with her. I think she represents the creative side of myself that's really struggling to be released right now. That's the only thing I can really think of.

The Artist Spread

Wow, I haven't written in a hot minute. It's been super crazy with my part time job and with dancing. I basically work, dance, eat, shower, and sleep. This is the first time I've had a day off to just sit around and do nothing in a while, so... time for a new spread.

I remember putting this spread in my journal as one of the spreads that I would love to use. When I saw Super-Frog's entry about the Artist Spread, and it was something that I needed. I've been in such a rut creatively, and I feel like I've lost my voice (my massage therapist noted that there was tension in my jaw). I thought it would be a good spread to do. I used Dream Enchantress with it.

                      7
                   6
                5
             4
          3
       2
    1

1. How the past affects the future. 10 of Swords
I have some demons that I'm currently battling right now, and it's affecting my ability to express myself. I had a situation where someone close to me had made a comment about a new costume that I'm certain came out the wrong way, and it affected what I did when I was on the stage. I just wanted to go home and never perform in it again.

2. How the project affects you right now. Ace of Swords
I do have ideas floating around. Nothing solid yet, but I have some things going. I think I just have to be patient about it, and it will come.

3. How to begin the project. 3 of Swords
I think I have to take the time to focus. I often have so many ideas swirling around my head that nothing ends up getting done. I should take one thing, and spend the time to work on it. If I don't, nothing gets done at all.

4. How to continue the project. Queen of Cups
I have to allow myself the ability to embrace my emotions. That's the only way I'll be able to get any project going. I've found in my dance that the emotions do play a huge difference in how I feel when I'm performing.

5. How to finish the project. 7 of Cups
Let me just say right now, this is my absolute favorite card among all decks I have. It's so beautiful, I'm just filled with calm when I see it. I have to mother my project. Encourage it to develop, then set it free. Let it go out into the universe. 

6. How to share the project in a way that will lead to... 3 of Wands
I just simply have to perform it. I have to allow myself to be vulnerable by putting it out there into the world.

7. ...the future. 6 of Swords
I'll find a higher sense of being, a new place in my journey. It makes sense because in order to move on, I'll need to kill whatever is holding me hostage creatively.

Recurring Cards...

Oh, my beautiful Knave of Cups. My friend, my loyal companion. Why must you torment me so? You have come to me nearly everyday for the past two weeks. Clearly, there's something that you want me to do that I'm not doing. There's a message in your cup that I'm apparently not getting. What is it that you're trying to tell me?

I did two spreads on this, and I think both really related well to each other. Both spreads required 5 cards. Now, onto reading 1.

1. This card does not mean this!... 4 of Swords

Clearly, this means that I should not sit around and wait for something to happen.

2. ...And this won't help! Strength

Being a coward about the whole thing will not help.

3. This card does mean this!... 3 of Wands

There's a new opportunity and potential for love in store for you.

4. ...And this will help! Queen of Wands

But you have to embrace this side of yourself in order to make this happen. You must be her. Be passionate. Make yourself stand out.

5. What will I learn from understanding this card? 2 of Wands

You have to make a decision about what you want to do. Have courage to take that next step, and it will be the right one for you.

Here's the second reading.

1. Who are you? 8 of Swords

I'm not a person, per se, but rather an idea. You have been at this impasse between wanting to do something yet holding back. You don't want to get hurt, but you have to allow yourself the vulnerability to do so.

2. Why are you appearing? King of Wands

How fitting that the Queen and King appear? I definitely identify with him very well, and he represents the charming side to me. I think this is his way of saying, that I have an ability to draw people in, take advantage of that.

3. What is your significance? Knight of Cups

From a child to a teenager. I think the knave is saying that he wants to grow, but it's up to me to make it happen.

4. Where will I meet you? The Empress

I don't know about this one. This is more because I am the Empress and she is me. I think it will be in the situation where I actually embrace the Queen of Wands, that I will meet the Empress.

5. Have I met you? King of Pentacles

I'm taking that answer as a yes.

Palette of Creative Possibilities

I found this absolutely amazing spread on TarotPassages.com called the Palette of Creative Possibilities. Considering that I'm feeling very artistic but having major difficulties in choosing how to express it (wanting to dance, to design costumes for dance and Burning Man, to do makeup etc.), it was just a great spread to find. I'm not even going to attempt recreating the layout on here, but you can see it on the link.

1. The grip: What hold does the creative process have on me at this time? The World

Wow. What a card to appear as the very first card. This card is about my freedom of expression. For the longest time, I felt like I couldn't do that, but now I may actually have the opportunity to do so. It's quite amazing to be able to be free to dance and to do art. It's the place that makes me the happiest.

2. My brushes: How can I best utilize the tools at hand? The Star

It's about trusting in my skills. It's trusting in my abilities. Once I do that, I can develop my creativity even further. I have to trust in my years of dance. Trust that I've learned a lot in makeup and that I still have a lot to learn.

3. Primary color: What sparks my creative impulses? The Lovers

It's what my soul needs. I don't choose when the spark happens. It just does. It's a tug in my gut that I can't ignore. I don't always act on this impulse, but it's so overwhelming actually.

4. Secondary color: What fuels my motivation? 8 of Pentacles

I have a desire to make it perfect. I want it to be clean and polished while allowing my art to express my point of view. I also have a never-ending desire to learn. I'm willing to clean brushes all day if it means that I can learn techniques from a great MUA. I love taking dance workshops and being a student. It's like, yes, I've been belly dancing for over eight years, but I love the feeling of being a complete beginner with the frustrations and all (I think a Suhaila workshop is next on my list).

5. Tertiary color: What drives my long-term commitment to the project? The Hanged Man

I'm giving myself to the universe, and for that moment when I'm on the stage or working on a face or in a sketchbook I'm in a vulnerable place. I've been feeling more that when I do an emotionally meaningful piece, I'm reaching something/one that's beyond my scope of understanding.

6. Painting medium: What can I add to extend and develop my creativity to bring it to a finished result? 8 of Swords

One of the gripes that I have when I see a lot of dancers, especially in tribal fusion, is that I see the technique and the tricks in the movement, but it often misses that something extra. That thing that draws me in and lets me join in on the experience. When I perform, I often wonder if I'm resting on my laurels, and not truly engaging the audience. At the same time, it's scary to be that vulnerable that I just want to show the technique and tricks. I have to endure the really scary aspect of my dance in order to take it to a higher place.

I'm going to sum up this reading in two words: Holy shit! Four majors, and a pair of 8s. Aeclectic Tarot's definition of the 8s involves courage and transformation. It's about having the strength to make change. Wow, how very telling, indeed. I also added up the numbers of the Majors which came to 11 - Justice, and reduced to the High Priestess. Justice is saying that I spent a good portion of my life doing one thing, while denying a part of myself that really wanted to come out. I guess the lay-off has allowed for that other part to come back. The High Priestess is showing me how I can do this while being in the current place I'm in.

Personal Year Spread

YAY! I'm back home from Vegas. Actually, I got in at 8:45 yesterday morning, then stayed at my mom's apartment for half the day. Two days is actually the perfect amount of time to be there. Despite the fact that I played poker in college, I don't really like to gamble much. The hotels on the strip are basically over-sized malls filled with stores that I can find at home. The highlight was seeing Cirque du Soleil's Ka. Absolutely moving artistically.

Now, enough about my time in Vegas. On to spreads! I had to work with Secret and Mermaids once I got home. This spread I found on Aecletic Tarot called the Personal Year spread. Considering that we are in the year of the Empress, and that's my personality and soul card, it was fitting to do it.

       4
3             5
      S/1
2             6
        7

S: The Empress

1. What do I bring to this current cycle? 10 of Cups

Despite everything that has gone on in the past year, I'm still maintaining a positive outlook on life. It has been such a major upgrade from the place I was last year.

2. What is this cycle's beneficial influence? 7 of Cups

I have this need to do so many different things, but I don't know where to begin. I want to take art classes, go back to the gym, pole dance, choreograph, do yoga, meditate, create my altar... All of that usually happens while I'm in bed.

3. What blocks or oppostions do I need to be aware of? The Magician

I may be so focused on myself and what I want that I may not see the big picture. Sometimes, it's just not all about me.

4. What area of my life will be most influenced by this cycle? Ace of Wands

It's creative bursts. It's having the ability to be artistic and creative.

5. What do I need to learn during this cycle? 3 of Wands

I need to learn to create opportunities for myself instead of sitting around and waiting for things to happen.

6. How can I incorporate these lessons into my life? 8 of Swords

I just need to stop with the indecisiveness and self-doubt. That kind of thinking will lead me nowhere.

7. What will be the most likely result at the end of this cycle? Queen of Pentacles

I identify with this queen the most of the four in Secret. I think it's allowing myself to be even more nurturing in my career (dance and makeup), and continue to develop my skills.

Portrait Spread

I found this lovely spread on Aeclectic Tarot, and I thought it would be great to do it. I love to compile spreads and out them in my journal. Some I'll actually do, others I'll observe and try to understand what Secret is telling me. The brackets indicate that the card is laid out horizontally.

           6

4                   5

          [1]
       
           2

          [3]

1. This is how I see the world. This is what I see. The Magician

I see potential. I see this budding energy that's just waiting to take the world by storm. I feel like there's a budding energy that's waiting to explode.

2. This is what I smell, this is where I'm following my nose to. Knave of Cups

I took this position as if I were a pointer or a bloodhound. What am I latching onto as a guide for me. Now, I love this knave. He is so sweet and gentle, and I smile every time I see him. He is my favorite of the four. That being said, he scares the shit out of me. Why? I don't want to be set up for disappointment. He comes with a message of potential love and romance. I'm not even speculating who at this point, but considering what I want now, I hope he's not playing games with me.

3. This is how I talk. This is how I communicate. 7 of Pentacles

At first I was wondering what Secret was trying to say about it, but it just hit me. When I first meet people, I tend to take a step back and assess where I am and how people approach each other before I put myself out there. I'm very shy and guarded in the beginning, but it really doesn't take a long time before I become a chatterbox.

4. This is what I hear others say about me. 9 of Wands

My first instinct seeing this card is about loneliness. I think people realize that as open as I am about a lot of things, I still keep so much of myself very private, and that they often don't see the "real" me (whoever she is).

5. This is what I hear myself say about myself. The Devil

This is very accurate. I'm constantly putting myself down. Once a negative thought comes into my head, it just keeps going and going. It starts with one thing then just keeps going. I can't watch myself in videos because the first thoughts are about my body, and then it just escalates into my abilities as a dancer and choreographer. I beat myself up a lot.

6. This is how I think; this is my perception of the world. Temperance

I try to look to the outside world to find balance. I'm looking to nature for its healing energy and power. I try to be open to new opportunities.

The Secret Me

This spread is courtesy of the Tribal Bible. I'm constantly looking to see what secrets about me Secret can find. He's the right deck for that.

Here's the layout:
1-2/3-4

1. My secret desire. The Hermit

My secret desire is to discover who am I and the path that I am meant to lead in this lifetime. What am I expected to take with me as I grow as a person?

2. What motivates me. The High Priestess

I have a need to tap into my intuition that I feel that I have been neglecting. Allowing myself to be open to magic and mysticism.

3. What puts me down. Queen of Cups

My emotions may be blinding me from seeing, and embracing my power.

4. What I can accomplish. Judgement

I can liberate myself from the ordinary standard way of thinking to achieve a higher state of being. I can develop the new, spiritual me.

How interesting is it that there are 3 Majors in this spread? Apparently, Secret is all but screaming at me about who I am and what I'm capable of.

Goddess Spread

I found this spread on Aeclectic Forum, and I thought it would be cool to do a reading on it. I would love to start building an altar to Her, but that's going to have to wait. Here is the layout of the spread.

1   2   3
     4
     5

1. You. Where you find Goddess. Your opinion towards Her. Your experience with Her so far. 6 of Cups

I look at Her with fondness and joy. I feel like I am closest with her when I think of happy memories, or when I need a gentle nudge.

2. Relation. How you have interacted with Her and what you have shared in acts and prayer. The Empress

I feel like she is with me during meditation. She's also with me when I feel that inspiration to create choreography and dance. My dance is my offering to her.

3. Goddess. Goddess aspects you have witnessed and what She has granted. Queen of Cups

She has given me sensuality, the ability to love and the ability to be open to receive love. She allows me to open my intuition, and She allows me to be a vessel to create Her message.

4. Method. Future advice on how to heighten relationship with Goddess. 8 of Wands

I must not be afraid to actually contact Her directly. She is open to listening.

5. Tangible. Advice on physical worship and how to adorn Her. The Tower

I was stumped when I saw this. I think this also relates to Card 4 in that I have to actually contact Her. Let Her be a part of me. Invoking the spirit.

Who I Am and Where I Am Going

This was inspired by dannymac.85's reading on this spread. I decided to try it out to see what Secret has to say. I'm discovering that Secret loves spreads having to do with destiny and the discovery of the inner self.

This is the layout of the spread:

3    -     4
     1/2
5  -  6  -  7

1. This is who I am now:  The Hanged Man

I'm still searching for myself. I feel like I'm on the brink of discovery, but there's a block that's preventing me from seeing my true potential.

2. This is what I don't know: Knight of Cups

I'm ruled by my emotions more often than I realize. I also have a tendency to get attached to others quickly once I let them in.

3. This is what I need to relinquish: Queen of Swords

I have a tendency to over-analyze things to the point where I almost drive myself crazy. I need to let go of being trapped inside my head. Sometimes it's better to just take things for what they are.

4. This is what I need to develop: The Devil

I must allow myself to enjoy life and the pleasures that life has to offer. I should allow myself some indulgences from time to time.

5. What I'd love to become: The Chariot

I'd love to be successful on my own terms. I prefer taking the reins and deciding my own direction in life.

6. My current quest: 9 of Swords


While I love to decide my direction, I'm having difficulty with it. It's stressing me out because I don't know how I'm going to actually pull this off with the limited resources I have right now.


7. Where it will lead: The Hierophant

What's interesting was that I played around with this spread using Mermaids and this card came out in the same position. I like to think of myself as someone who loves comforting others in times of stress. I'm usually the person to tell people to calm down. Will I be able to bring harmony to others? Is that what I'm meant to do as a teacher? Maybe.

Daily Spread

As a part of my PDR, I'm going to do a Body-Mind-Spirit spread in the morning, then do an overall thought on the cards. I attempted a one-card draw, but it just didn't work for me.

Body - 9 of Swords
Mind - King of Pentacles reversed
Spirit - Knight of Wands

It wasn't difficult for me to figure out what this was about. I had expressed the possibility of going to a dance party tonight. My body was saying, "Rest, silly girl!", but I had all of this pent up energy that I still needed to let out. It was actually driving me a little crazy. My mind was agreeing with my body (that king looked mad at me). My mind said that it was foolish to extend myself even further even after what I've done. My spirit is the sole voice if dissent. It's saying, "Go! Dance! Let out that energy!"

2-1 No dancing. Must rest. Plus it feels like 5 degrees outside.

The Year Ahead Spread

I was checking Aeclectic Tarot, and I came across this spread: The Year Ahead Spread. It looked really interesting, so I decided to try it out. I'll provide the reading in a bit, but I do have some preliminary thoughts.

I like that it's not by month. I love the different themes involved as there are a lot of factors to consider without being constricted by month (watch me do a month-to-month spread in the next few days). It leaves for a lot of flexibility.

That being said, I don't think Secret likes this spread much. One of the things that makes him amazing is how the cards interact with each other to give me the message. The cards were too far apart to talk to each other, which made the energy seem stagnant. When Legacy gets out of her little hissy fit stage, I'll use it on her to see if there's a difference. Has anyone found that certain decks don't like certain spreads?

On to the reading! No reversals.

Position One: Where my path leads me. 10 of Wands
My guide is in love with this card. I feel like in this instance, I'm done with the status quo. I'm ready to have a new life. The skull represents someone who played by the rules, and that was what they have to show for it.

Position Two: The direction of my heart. 3 of Cups
Lots of new bonds forming. Developing a sense of community. I love my dance students, and I'm looking forward to seeing them soon. Plus, there's the opportunity of bonding with the NYC burners.

Position Three: Where my spirit guides me. 3 of Wands
New opportunities await. There is so much to learn and experience. Be open and receptive to what is coming.

Position Four: What gifts my muse ignites within me. The Fool
It's a new beginning in your dance. When the inspiration hits, go for it. See where it will take you.

Position Five: That which the mist shrouds. The Sun
This one was a hard one for me. This is what I wrote down: Despite my frustrations and sense of disconnect with the world, I will be able to find the peace and happiness that eludes me. I'd love to get some feedback on that one.

Position Six: The blindfold removed. The Magician
Apparently, something big is going to happen. A revelation? A solution to my problems? I couldn't figure this out.

Position Seven: The Shadow which pass over my Sun. Judgement
I will need to change my way of living. That means saving, significant financial planning.

Position Eight: The Well of Prosperity. The Lovers
As Secret has the tendency to do, this left me scratching my head a little bit before I got the "OH!" moment. I'm going to have to make the choice between having a stable 9-5 job or continue on with the freelance life.

Position Nine: The Font of Vitality. 5 of Cups
I'll have the experience of what-if. There will be some regret and longing.

Position Ten: The Harvest. Knave of Wands
I love this knave. He's too cute for words. It looks like the gem of the year has something to do with travel. Burning Man, perhaps?

It's not shocking that there are no Pentacles in this spread. I am shocked by the 5 Majors though. I knew this year was going to be big, but I didn't think it would be this big. I love hearing thoughts and maybe some perspectives that I haven't thought about.

New Year 3-Card Spread

Because we are leaving 2009 (thank goodness), I did a spread to see what I can look forward to in 2010.

1. What can I look forward to in 2010? 5 of Swords
A woman is on the edge of a cliff with five swords pointed at her, poised to strike. She has her sword drawn, ready to attack as well. She also has five swords overhead, her mode of protection. She knows that she's outnumbered, so it's not wise to just rely on her fighting ability. She has to use her wits as well. This means that 2010 isn't going to be easy as well, but I'll make it if I'm smart about how I approach the world.

2. What I must leave behind in 2009? The Tower
It's dark and gloomy, and lightning has struck the tower, causing major destruction. Two people have fallen out of the tower. Will they die? Will they be severely injured when they reach the ground? Will they land on their feet? My job loss happened. I can't change that. I just have to go forward and do what I need to do.

3. What must I carry over from 2009 that is not yet complete? 6 of Swords
It's not a sunny day, but not as dark as the Tower. The boat is pressing on in the journey, and the female passenger is looking back at where she's been. How calm are the waters? How deep is it? Three swords are pointed towards the tower, three pointed away. She's looking away from the tower, but also looking back at the past. My journey continues. I have only just begun.

Thoughts?

Spirit Guides

So I've also been doing some spreads on my spirit guides. C gave me a great spread to see how many I have and what they're like.  This is her spread:

1 - Number of spirit guides I have

5 - An event where your presence was particularly strong
4 - When is your presence strongest?
2 - Personality/temperament
3 - Why are you with me?
6 - What would you like me to know at the moment?

It turns out that I have 9 guides. I must need a lot of help. I managed to talk to two before reaching the head honcho. Spirit guide # 3. She has not revealed her name to me, but her presence is quite strong. I was trying to contact the other six, but she definitely did not want to leave. She is my feminine energy. She's with me on a day to day basis. She's with me when I dance. The day before Halloween had a different kind of energy, and that was when she made herself known to me. I'd like to know more about her. I have to find a spread for that...

2010 Relationship Spread - My Reading

On to Part 2! This was my reading and C provided me with some insight on what certain cards meant. C and I joke that Secret is like the kung-fu master who's very soft spoken and wise, but will hit me over the head when I least expect it. It's very true. I like this deck. I think we'll have a good relationship. Her response is in italics.

1 - The Empress (She is sitting on her throne, but in a dark space. Her only source of light comes from a window in the distance. She has her scepter in her hand, indicating that she's willing to use her power, but her shield is mantled against the wall. What's very striking is that her surroundings are dark, and she is very pale, but she has a vivid red gown.) This will be a time of feminine energy, but there's a sense of subtlety to that energy. There is a maternal energy there, but distant. It's the antithesis of Samantha Jones, for lack of a better term.

2 - 7 of Swords reversed (A soldier is attempting to sneak off with five swords from his camp, contemplating taking the other two that are perched outside of a tent.) Hmm... this one is rather tricky for me in reverse. I feel like Secret is saying that I've allowed myself to trust others, which would make sense because I do tend to keep myself very closed off.

I also see this as some kind of "rogue" relationship, should you choose to pursue it. Have you ever done the long distance thing?  

3 - Knave of Chalices (A boy out in the rain with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a cup in offering) He wanted to let me know that I was going to meet someone that I was going to have a romantic interlude with, and it happened.

Also the lake behind him is very glassy and smooth on the surface but who knows how deep, how turbulent below the surface...

 

4 - 8 of Swords (A nude woman, save for a blue blanket is huddled inside the swords that are lodged in the earth. 6 of the swords are of the same height, but two are significantly shorter. She's looking at the opening to free herself, but makes no move to escape) I feel stuck in the situation. If I move on, then I might lose out on the chance of being with him. If I hope that he comes back, then I might lose out on meeting someone who will give me what I need. I'm at an impasse.

5 - The Moon (A nude woman with a bow and arrow is running as the dog and wolf howl at the moon. The crab has gotten out of the water to honor the moon) I don't really know what to think of this card in this position. Maybe relating to position 4, Secret is saying that I'm driving myself crazy over this situation. I will say that this thing has haunted my dreams, as I've found that every night since I met him there has been some reference to him, which is absolutely crazy indeed.

I. LOVE. This Moon! 

I think there is a possibility that since much of this is taking place in your head for now, you could be creating and crafting things that may or may not exist. Could also mean, trust your intuition and take a "leap of faith"! ;0) 

6 - Knave of Wands (A boy wearing a brown cloak holding a staff that is much longer than he. His other hand is pointing up with his fingers in a "hold on!" kind of position. I sense wind when I look at that image) There's something indicating a message of travel. He travels for business, and he regularly stops in New York. We're both planning on going to Burning Man next year (I'm not going because of him, though).

SO jealous you're going to Burning Man. Go to the Opera, whatever you do!  

7 - 10 of Wands (A woman in a black dress is smoking a cigarette and holding a skull. The wands are painted on the walls behind her) The reality is that this situation is out of my control. There's not much that I can do to see if the experience can blossom into anything more. It's basically in his hands now.

I am basically ignoring the LWB on this card, lol. 

I also see this as someone who is coolly and calmly biding her time. She is sexy and badass. That is you. You can also decide to do something about this feeling of uncertainty; feel like you have the power to be proactive, rather than waiting for him to make a move. 

8 - The Chariot (A soldier standing in his chariot is looking left while the lions, his steed, are looking at each other. In the spread, he's looking at the Empress, but she's not really looking at him) I don't know. Secret pulled a doozy with this one. I know that in order to be victorious, I must have control, but how can I do that when the situation is out of my control?

I often see Chariot as a card of determined focus. Chariots have to come at their enemy at an angle, so it's not a direct approach. Still, you have to anticipate where you want to go in order to direct the chariot to go where you want it. This to me is saying, I think you just need to decide if you want to pursue and then pursue (if that's what you select to do). You have that Empress feminine power/energy on your side. It's a confidence thing. 

 

9 - 3 of Pentacles reversed (A man has just completed a painting of two women holding a pentacle with a third on the ground) The reversal of this card is saying that I'm not putting any effort into establishing a relationship, but how can I when I'm apparently stuck and powerless? I don't know if that makes any sense.

Hmm...could also be that this process in your mind can no longer be "democratic" (working in a group, community effort). Based on above, it can be you who decides the fate of this relationship. :0)  

2010 Relationship Spread - C's Reading

So I had the opportunity to work with my buddy C on a 2010 Relationship Spread, and we discovered a very useful way for me to get a better sense of working with Secret. She used Universal Fantasy for her reading, then I used Secret. Needless to say, she was really spot on with her reading. My response is in italics.

1 Today's Year Card & Relationship Approach/Trends: III The Empress [she has the most amazing bio-organic looking dress on and a gigantic headdress that extends almost the length of her body behind her, it is supported by a metal pole, it's so large]

This is telling me that this year (2010) relationships for you will be particularly sensual, rich, with lots of strong feminine energy (yours). Make sure you are using protection (Empress's common association with pregnancy). 

 

This one is big especially since it's only recently that I've been able to tap into that energy at use it. I think it really came into the mix when I met him because the energy I was exuding was different from what would normally come out of me. The Empress is also my personality/soul card.

2 Summary for the Relationship Today: 9 Swords [a girl cowers at the corner of her bed, a menacing shadow with 8 swords sticking out of its back appears to strike her down with another sword]

This relationship is really weighing on your mind; you're a bit anxious about it, not sure what to do. You vacillate b/t making it a big deal and not wanting to make it a big deal. The less you try to think about it, the more it sticks in your mind. 

 

Very accurate. I find myself playing back the events of the two nights we were together without realizing it. It's especially bad when I'm sleeping.

3 Summary of Relationship in the Past, Influencing & Leading Up to Today: 2 Pentacles reversed [an androgynous youth deftly maneuvers 2 wooden poles upon which long and unfurled banners swirl; 1 green + pentacle, 1 red + pentacle; red + green indicating opposites, duality, etc.]

Did you meet at a show? There were some key points on which you really clicked, others not so sure, not so clear. You "danced" around each other carefully, getting to know one another w/o trying to be a turn off or showing your really goofy side. 

 

We did indeed meet at a show/dance party. My teacher was performing, and being her second in command of sorts, she pulled me up on stage to dance as well. We were definitely dancing around each other, literally and figuratively. It took a little while before the connection happened, but once it did it came in full force.

4 Danielle's Underlying Thoughts About the Relationship: XIII Death [a man dressed in a Hellraiser outfit gazes at what looks like himself lying naked on the grass, a sword in his right hand. The man in the grass is passed out/sleeping/dead. A black stallion faces the left, waiting for Hellraiser dude to get going]

You think you should just move on, let it go. It was a pleasant memory but let the past stay in the past *with a big sigh*

 

Alas, yes. My head is saying to let it go and move on with my life. My gut...

5 Deep Down, Danielle's Hopes/Dreams/Expectations About the Relationship: Ace Chalices [an immense chalice sits atop what looks like Rome's coliseum. On top of THAT, a huge pink flamingo is perched. Streams of water crash down into the coliseum, which is also filled with water. This is all out in the middle of a vast desert]

You wish for (either with this person or sometime this year with another) a new, blossoming love. You're holding out that this relationship could actually work and become something more involved, that it has potential. 

 

...is in fact saying to hold on to this because there's a potential for something good.

WAYS TO GO ABOUT LOOKING AT THIS RELATIONSHIP (OR OTHERS THIS YEAR):

6 IV Emperor [a man in skin-tight armor stands in the sky, surrounded by a gold machine/like cape and feathered wings sprouting at his sides]

This relationship will add some balance to your life, a significant male energy.

 

His personality and soul card is The Emperor. Hmmm...

7 V The Hierophant reversed [a man sits in an elaborate throne upon which hang talismans of his knowledge or secret symbols. He is surrounded by female oracles]

It may be a rather unconventional relationship (is he married??) or one that would challenge and teach you a lot about who you are, your limits, your philosophy about relationship. It would definitely contribute to further personal growth (III Empress, IV Emperor, V Hierophant progression). 

 

He's not married, as far as I know. He lives in California while I'm in New York, so the distance would be a HUGE test. 

8 6 Chalices, reversed [a young boy and girl sit on the back of a giant winged snail. 5 plant-filled chalices sit on its back, while the boy retrieves a 6th from a pond that the snail is standing in. In the distance is a city]

If you get together, it may not be the way it was when you first hooked up. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just expect it to be different or at a different level than it was in the past. 

 

I figured that if we were to see each other again, it would be under different circumstances. We'll see how it goes.

9 Possible Direction to Take: 8 Wands reversed [A nest made of 8 curving branches protects a nest filled with eggs. A large falcon sits on this nest, protecting the eggs, while another flies around, looking for nourishment]

Take it slow. Give it time. Pursue it but not hastily. As this pertains to other relationships this year, there could be other interests on the horizon (the eggs in the nest; there are 3). Don't put all your eggs in one basket. ;0) 

 

I can totally work with that. :-) I'm having difficulty letting go because there's this thing in my gut that said that this was more than just lust at first sight, especially considering the events that had occurred the night we met and when we saw each other the next night. At the same time, I can't just have blinders on and focus on him coming back, because what if I never see him again, and I miss out on someone who could make me happy?

 

"New Deck Interview" Spread

While I was checking out AT, there were a couple of references to FireRaven's New Deck Interview Spread. I thought this would be a good way for me to get acquainted with Secret. I'm still new to interpreting the cards, so I'm looking for feedback on my interpretation. He's... like my 11th grade history teacher. Very in-your-face, but encouraging as well.

1) Tell me about yourself: What's your most important characteristic? 8 of Wands
I'm very blunt, and my messages come quickly. I will give you a definite answer, and I encourage you to act on my suggestions.

2) What are your strengths as a deck? 2 of Pentacles (Rx)
I'm straight-forward. I will tell it like it is, and I am going to be very direct with you. You don't have to worry about me providing you with different possibilities.

3) What are your limits as a deck? 5 of Wands
My words are going to get me into some trouble. We are going to have some disagreements and butt heads. There will be times when you will not like the answers I give you. There will also be times when I think your question is silly, and I will not hesitate to let you know.

4) What do you bring to the table - what are you here to teach me? Hermit
I want to teach you how to dig deep in order to see my messages. Take the messages that I give you and truly learn from them. This is a part of your spiritual journey. Do not take this lightly. This will help you.

5) How can I best learn from and collaborate with you? 9 of Pentacles

If you work hard at your practice, you will be good at reading me and other cards. Enjoy the process. It will be difficult at times, but you will reap the rewards.

6) What is the potential outcome of our working relationship? 6 of Pentacles

At the end of the day, I'm here to guide you. I want to help you, and I want to give you the push you need. That being said, I'm not going to hold your hand all the time. You have to do the work as well.

Position 4 is rather telling to me since it is the only Major that came out in the spread. I think Secret is here to make me think about my spiritual journey, and he's going to be a major guide in that process.