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Yahoo Groups got so cumbersome. I'm always looking for new and better (free) ways to connect.
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Gypsy Fortunes has been translated into German and is selling on Amazon there. I'm trying to find out any information about it and hopefully one day, to obtain a copy of it.
Here is the English version still for sale on Amazon.
On Amazon UK Andy Cooke is listed as a co-author. No idea who that is, but no, he did not co-author this book. I wrote it.
Original text for Gypsy Fortunes is available here on my site. Click the links on the left for all the sections that were cut or heavily edited. Sadly, I was not involved in the editing process and several mistakes and outright lies were introduced into the book and advertising copy.
I assume these mistakes have been continued in these ongoing editions since no one from any publishing house has contacted me.
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I was delighted to stumble across this Five Card Basketball Spread I submitted to the ATA back in 2004. I don't think I ever saw the finished product. I like it!
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 21 – The World - The Integration of the Journey
At last the Fool has come full circle, learned all his lessons well and assimilated them. He is an integrated whole existing in harmony with the universe. Things are finally coming together in a really good way. Your life is in a stable state of balance and completeness. You have passed the final test. You have it all. Record your journey to share with others on the path. Acknowledge your achievements. Reward your self, and think about passing on your lessons and wisdom.
The World, along with the Sun, Moon, and Star remind us of astronomy and astrology and the natural rhythms of the cosmos. We very much notice the effect of the Sun and Moon on our mood, mindset, and energy. A lot of people are familiar with the effect of Mars retrograde on communications and mechanical devices. The World reminds us of all the planets in our solar system, and encourages us to seek out the effects those planets have on us and on our world.
Reversed Meaning
There is a need for integration and wholeness.
Not quite to the end of the cycle. You’re not even close to the finish line.
You may have learned all the lessons, but you haven’t quite assimilated the wisdom into your daily life.
Your horoscope indicates a time of struggle.
The World’s appearance in a spread
There is a sense of completeness and stability in the situation or person. The end is reached, now is the time for assimilation or for passing on the knowledge, or maybe for just sitting back and enjoying the sensation of integration.
World Exercise
Four Tasks for Wholeness Spread
Shuffle, cut, and deal the cards for four things you need in order to claim the World.
Card 1 Seek this one thing out. This is something you search for in a new place. Something you have never been exposed to. It might be a new person you need to meet.
Card 2 Accept this gift. This is something that you have denied your self for far too long.
Card 3 Give this gift. In giving, we receive. So many things can be given away and are never lost – love, jokes, mercy, kindness, a smile.
Card 4 Seek this within. This is something you already have, but have yet to acknowledge. It is some bit of inner wisdom that has seen you through many times, a strength that you didn’t realize you posses.
Using the World to change your life
Manifest the World
To help put all the pieces together.
Banish the World
To slow down the assimilation and maturation process.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 20 – Judgment - The Realization of the Journey
In the Vedic tradition of ancient India, at the end of life one of two sorts of beings come for the soul, either Vishnudutas or Yamadutas. They escort the soul on to its next stage of existence. In Christianity an archangel blows his horn summoning the souls to rise from the grave. This is a metaphor for awakening to the higher purpose in your life. Take a look at the long expanse of your life and judge what you have done, what you have accomplished, and what yet needs to be done. Rise again and reinvent your self.
Using judgment means being able to discriminate between differences and making intelligent choices based on the differences. It is an ideal that humans make choices and use their judgment for higher purposes, for noble purposes. Perhaps the most noble purpose is to help others and show them mercy. Mother Theresa said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Her life displayed a higher purpose. Thus the Judgment card is about acknowledging your higher power and your higher purpose; remembering it and living your life in accordance with it. Be merciful to your self and others.
Reversed Meaning
The message of your higher power is blocked or delayed.
You have strayed away from your life purpose.
Mercy is not an appropriate choice.
Are you listening to your higher calling?
The Judgment appearance in a spread
This card is about exercising judgment and hearing and heeding the call of your own higher power. You are being called to judge a person or situation. Exercise mercy lest ye be judged by the same standard.
Judgment Exercise
7 Card Judgment spread
We pass judgment on our self over and over and over for the same crime committed eons ago. So much so that condemning our self to failure becomes ingrained habit. Stop this negative cycle by using the 7 Card Judgment spread. Once you learn to be merciful to your self, then you can give mercy to others.
Card 1 Why I judge myself so harshly.
Card 2 Who this condemning voice in my head is actually.
Card 3 Another condemning voice in my head.
Card 4 The truth of the matter.
Card 5 Why I deserve mercy.
Card 6 How to end this non-progressive cycle.
Card 7 How to move forward with healthy judgment
Using Judgment to change your life
Manifest Judgment
To hear your spiritual calling.
Banish Judgment
To banish the old life in order to rise like a phoenix from its ashes.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 19 – The Sun - The Light of the Journey
By the light of the Sun, the shadows are clear cut. Things are black and white. It’s much easier to distinguish right from wrong. The Sun forces you to face the truth of your thoughts and actions. You can’t hide anything in its light. An innocent child doesn’t need to. The guilty conscience flinches away from direct sunlight and experiences it as harsh and glaring. Before electricity made the night as bright as day, the rhythms of society and culture were defined by the sun. The day ended. Now so many things are 24/7 and there are places where the Sun never sets and it is never quiet and still.
Sunlight nourishes flowers and crops. It stirs up the winds that bring fresh air. It feels so good on your skin and warms the muscles beneath. Each day sunrise gives us the hope of a second chance and a fresh start. Today I can make things better. High noon is the time of activity and appetite. Today I can get things done. Sunset brings a slow down, a pause before we welcome the night. Tonight I can relax because I did well.
Reversed Meaning
Someone means to rain on your parade.
Things aren’t as carefree and harmonious as you would like.
Watch out for sunburn. Things are getting too hot. Burnout.
Your environment is not safe and nurturing enough for you to be carefree. Be careful.
The Sun’s appearance in a spread
This card is about anything associated with the Sun and sunshine. It also indicates a need to see with a child's simple unexpectant vision. Remember how magical things were when we were children? Each day is a new life’s experience. Each moment so precious. Use that happy carefree intense vision now to observe the situation.
Sun Exercise
4 Card Sunlight Spread
Shuffle and draw 4 cards to find out how you shine on other people. You can do this layout for how you are perceived in general or lay it out in relation to a specific person or circumstance.
My Sun – the face I put on for others to see
My Light – What others perceive about me
My Corona – the direct effect I have on others
My Solar Wind – the subtle effect I have on others
Using the Sun to change your life
Manifest the Sun
To manifest clarity of sight and second sight.
Banish the Sun
To banish painfully harsh sights and to dull distressful memories.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 18 – The Moon - The Illusion of the Journey
The Moon illumines the night. It pulls at the water in our bodies as surely as the ocean tides. It is a pale reflection of the Sun. It’s light is shadowed and dark, masking the deeper blacker shadows. Under moonlight it’s so hard to tell if that’s a person stealing toward your house or a tree swaying in a breeze. The word lunatic comes from the moon’s influence on people. Ask any police, hospital, or mental health worker about the full moon. They will say that people are more criminal, violent, or disturbed during that time than any other. And why is this? There is a power of the Moon that brings out the dark nature of the ‘Shadow Self’, the evil nature that is usually strictly hidden away and controlled. The Moon archetype is confronting and dealing with this shadow self, accepting and even embracing the dark side. For it does have some positive useful qualities. It can protect us when no one else will, it steps in when the sunny side is insufficient. It gets the difficult jobs done. It is strong, fierce, and cunning.
Alternately, if you see the Moon as really positive and illuminating, and perhaps schedule manifestation work and holidays with it’s phases instead of the Sun’s, this card is a positive sign for your connection to the magical workings and energy flow of the universe. It’s more about the calm serenity of night and about being out of phase with mainstream society.
Reversed Meaning
The illusion is hidden from you. It’s something different.
Wasting time shadow boxing.
Wrong time. Wrong phase of the moon.
Blockage in shadow work or confronting the shadow self.
The Moon appearance in a spread
Watch out for shadows. Something is lurking there. Things aren’t what they seem. Knowledge is hidden, incomplete, and therefore uncertain. Consider the cause and effect of animalistic urges.
Moon Exercise
5 Card Moon Phase Draw
Deal or choose a card to describe the problem or issue you are working with. Place it in the center of your workspace. Deal four more cards around that central card. Pay close attention to how each card relates to the central card.
2
5 1 3
4
1 – Issue under question
2 – Full Moon – What is obvious about the issue
3 – Waning – What is leaving
4 – New Moon – What is hidden about the issue
5 – Waxing – What is coming
Using the Moon to change your life
Manifest the Moon
To commence shadow work.
Banish the Moon
To rid yourself of illusion.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 17 – The Star - The Inspiration of the Journey
The naked woman seen on many tarot cards is a symbol for the mind, unconscious, the soul and all esoteric and intangible energies and realities. Flowing water symbolizes the ebb and flow of life and health, movement and change. A bird in a tree can be a message or a reminder of the divine who loves and helps us. Stars depict the infinite universe and the ideal of heaven. Put these all together and you get divine inspiration in any flavor from the creative muse to religious fervor.
This card is about listening to the inspiration within. You are the Goddess. You have everything you need to accomplish your desires. Go for it! Don’t wait a minute longer. The Star is also a warning to carefully consider where to put one’s energies and time. What is the use of pouring water on the water? If you pour it on land it can water a garden which will bear fruit that you can eat.
Reversed Meaning
You aren’t listening to the Goddess within.
Inspiration or the muse is stifled or blocked.
Now is the time for drudgery and rote action rather than fresh inspiration.
Give to and nourish your muse instead of always taking.
The Star’s appearance in a spread
You are a physical embodiment of your spiritual life. Make of your life a work of art. Surround yourself with art and beauty. Give and accept pleasurable gifts.
Star Exercise
Starring My Muse (Starring Me!)
Find the Star card of your deck and place it in the center of your work space. Decide how many points you want to work with on your Star, 5 or 8 are good numbers. Shuffle the deck and place that many cards around the Star card.
Gaze at the layout and let your eyes blur and your attention unfocus. Open your self to your inner voice, your inner Star, your muse.
Refocus on the layout and take note of patterns and similarities like colors and symbols. Notice the relationships between the cards. Is there a progression of numbers that might inspire you? A sense of up and down or a flow of energy? Write down your thoughts. These are what the Star has to say to you.
Using the Star to change your life
Manifest the Star
To call your muse.
Banish the Star
To remove the hassles of stardom.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 16 – The Tower - The Destruction of the Journey
Lightning strikes the Fool. Perhaps he was standing out in the open, heedless of the warning weather signs. The Tower crumbles. Bodies and bricks are falling down. Demolish that thing you ended with the Death card. Destroy the false images and expectations others have of you. It’s time to pick up and go in a completely new and unexpected direction. You can embrace the upheaval and move forward with hope, continuing the journey; or you can be dragged kicking and screaming through the mud left by the rain and wonder where you are and how you got there.
Ever want to tear something down and just start over from the beginning? The Tower archetype enables you to do just that. Like a powerful thunderstorm that whips up out of nowhere and leaves devastation in its wake, the Tower means upheaval. It can mean the loss of a relationship, of your job, or even your peace of mind. Yet it is this loss that opens the way to a new circumstance. Upheaval can also be the addition of stress or responsibility that spurs you to drastically lighten your load. And once through the Tower experience you’ll see that you have moved in a direction that you desperately needed to, but never would have dared.
Reversed Meaning
The change is delayed, but is yet coming.
Don’t instigate a major change.
You are stuck in the same rut and going through the same negative experience yet again.
Earth to Air – pay more attention to the mental and spiritual than the physical.
The Tower appearance in a spread
Take encouragement from a shocking upheaval in your life to look ahead to the new possibilities that are opening up. Dare to imagine.
Tower Exercise
Let the Tower Fall
Use this exercise when you can’t get clarity from a larger multi-card reading, or from several smaller readings done on the same subject; when you are really struggling with an issue and just can’t ‘get it’.
Take the cards from the reading(s) and build a card tower by balancing them against each other standing upright. Like in the Temperance exercise of Balance, use a flat still surface with plenty of friction. Close the cats and other distractions out of the room. While building the Tower, open yourself to change and upheaval. Ask the universe to show you the change you need to embrace.
When the Tower of cards falls, as it surely will, observe the topmost card or any card that goes flying out. That’s the card you need to meditate on, the change you need to embrace, or whatever your intuition tells you it is.
If it’s not too tedious, build up the Tower several times and see if you get different results.
Alternatively: Build a Tower of cards by pulling from the top of the deck until the Tower falls and then interpret them as they lay.
Using the Tower to change your life
Manifest the Tower
To bring on major change.
Banish the Tower
To delay or slow down the process of a huge upheaval.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 15 – The Devil - The Temptation of the Journey
Some believe in the Devil as an actual being opposed to the goodness of God, others as a name for the evil men do. Whether a nemesis to your life’s journey or a bogie-man to manipulate the inner child, the Devil is a warning to be careful and watch out for danger to yourself physically, mentally, or spiritually.
People get into self-destructive behavior for incomprehensible reasons. You watch a friend shoot themselves in the foot over and over. It seems so obvious, yet they haven’t a clue. Or they escape their problems with drink and drugs night after night, and then seem so bewildered that the problems are still there and have grown worse. This is the most prevalent energy of the Devil – doing the exact opposite of what is needed to achieve your desires.
The Devil archetype is ignorance of one’s true nature. We think we are this person with all these needs and wants and possessions and qualities, when actually we are pure spirit with no needs, wants, or possessions. Our quality and nature is to be happy and full of wisdom, not miserable and smothered by material things and worries.
Reversed Meaning
Not actually evil.
Danger can be averted.
There is time and the will to avoid self destruction.
There’s really no temptation.
The Devil’s appearance in a spread
There is a high likelihood for intoxication leading to self-destruction. Temptation awaits. This card also once predicted a horse that ran like the devil and won.
Devil Exercise
5 Card Devil Reading
Card 1 Who I am
Card 2 The Devil in me
Card 3 Who or what torments me
Card 4 Why
Card 5 The Healthy Resolution
Expand to 15 cards by drawing five for the past, 5 for the present, and 5 for the future; or 5 each for Body/Mind/Spirit.
Using the Devil to change your life
Manifest the Devil
To confront your own evil nature and capabilities.
Banish the Devil
To banish that evil nature.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 14 – Temperance - The Balance of the Journey
After the Fool dies he goes either to the Angel pictured in Temperance or the Devil which is the next card (or both). In almost all decks, a heavenly being pours the nectar of immortality or water of life from one vessel into another. Just so, the eternal spirit moves from body to body through the death process. The cycle of life continues, energy is conserved, and balance maintained.
In daily life balance means moderation. Temperance means equanimity and evenhandedness. Bring your life into balance by acting in moderation and by keeping an even temper. These things are achieved only by practicing them.
Temperance is also tempering the steel of your soul. A blade becomes strong and supple by being repeatedly stuck in a hot fire and hammered against an anvil. Remember temperance when it feels like your life is on fire and you are caught between a rock and a hard place. It’s a chance to become good hard steel.
Reversed Meaning
Out of balance.
Flowing backwards.
Loss of temper.
Excess.
Temperance’s appearance in a spread
Seek a balanced perspective. Seek balance in all aspects of your life. Restructure imbalance. Add or subtract something to bring the situation into balance.
Temperance Exercise
Balancing Act
Choose an issue or area in your life that you feel is out of balance. Go through the deck and find a card that describes or pictures it. Meditate on this card and your imbalance and come up with the counterbalance to correct the imbalance. Find the card that pictures the counterbalance.
Place the two cards back to back standing upright on a flat surface, until they balance without your help. You want a surface with friction like a cloth so that the cards don’t slide so much. They probably won’t stand upright for very long, so repeat the exercise while dealing with balancing your issue. As you gain expertise in balancing these cards, you will gain expertise in balancing the situation.
Add more cards that picture energies you feel you need to bring balance into your life. Build a card house.
Using Temperance to change your life
Manifest Temperance
To imbue your body with vitality.
Banish Temperance
To reverse the flow and repeat an experience.
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Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 13 – Death - The End of the Journey
Everything in the material worked is temporary and ends or dies. Why is this so terrifying? Because we are ignorant of our eternal spiritual nature. Especially in the West with our linear begin-to-end thought process, Death means the absolute end of everything. So you’d think the Death card would occur as the final major arcana. It doesn’t because Death is merely a spoke on the wheel of life, the gate to the after life. It is a step in a process, a stage in development. The body dies but the spirit remains.
The Death card tells us that it is time to bring things to a close, to shut it down, end relationships, cut ties that bind so then we can clear away the old and unused to make room for the new. It’s time to reap what you have sown. Scythe down your final harvest. Sweep away the junk, take it to recycling. Close a chapter of your life.
Death reminds us of those who have gone before. In paganism, Samhain or Halloween is the time of the final harvest of the year, and the time to honor the dead. Many cultures celebrate a Day of the Dead, or Memorial Day on which those who have died are honored and remembered.
Reversed Meaning
The end is near but not yet.
You are not ready to end this stage or process. Why not?
You are cutting off or ending the wrong thing.
You are gathering things rather than getting rid of them.
The Death appearance in a spread
Face the fact that the flesh of the situation is rotted away and gone. But realize that the bones or framework remain and can be built upon later.
Death Exercise
Lucky 13
In a calm, quiet, safe, sacred space confront an ending that was/is painful for you. Give yourself time to realize 13 lessons you learned from the experience, insights you gained, things you cherish about yourself now because of the experience.
A soothing pink, green, or white candle can help you see the positives in a negative experience. So can a sweet pleasant aroma.
Write down your 13 realizations so that you can look back to them when this painful memory comes up. Use it to armor yourself going forward, and to remind you how to avoid such pain in the future.
Using Death to change your life
Manifest Death
To help you end a phase or bring closure.
Banish Death
To get rid of the ‘ending energy’ in something you are not done with.
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12 – The Hanged Man - The Sacrifice of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 12
The Hanged Man - The Sacrifice of the Journey
The Hanged Man hangs upside down and so the card’s meaning is somewhat of a surprise. He’s hanging from his feet, not his neck, and while uncomfortable, he’s not in real danger. This is a card about sacrifice for the good of others, and for the good of some future benefit. The idea is like holding your breath to dive for pearls of great value, pearls of wisdom. You may feel upside down, as though your hands are tied and you are acting contrary to your nature, but this state of being will help someone else in some way, or even yourself in the future.
This card is about a change in perspective, or more drastic, a paradigm shift. The mountain becomes a molehill when seen as a mere step toward your cherished goal. Let the obstacles become challenges. Let difficulties build your character. Work with this card if you are having trouble using reversals. It’s all about seeing the truth rather than the duality of positive/negative, right/wrong, or mine/yours.
Ultimate sacrifice is giving with no hope or desire of gain.
Reversed Meaning
You are holding back.
You are in an untenable position.
Don’t take credit for doing something you want to or you were going to do anyway.
Don’t confuse suffering with sacrifice.
The Hanged Man’s appearance in a spread
There is no guarantee that the desired result will be achieved, but this card is an indication that some sort of sacrifice is needful, whether of time, energy, money, or some other valuable.
Hanged Man Exercise
Stand on your head as long as comfortable.
Alternate Position
For those of us who can’t stand on our heads, or not for very long, try leaning over as far as possible and looking at the world upside down.
Let your thoughts go where they will and experience a new perspective. If nothing else, the reversed blood flow will enrich your brain and the reversed gravity will ease your spine.
Record your thoughts, feelings, and realizations.
Using the Hanged Man to change your life
Manifest the Hanged Man
To clarify exactly what sacrifice is needed.
Banish the Hanged Man
To banish unnecessary or artificial sacrifice, that for appearance’s sake.
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11 - The Strength - The Trial of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner Lesson 11
The Strength - The Trial of the Journey
Struggle makes you stronger. In some decks the man or woman pictured in the Strength card is struggling with the lion or other beast, in others she is gently leading him. In any case a lot of effort and strength has gone into achieving the final result – a controlled and therefore safe lion. This archetype is about inner strength and inner control. It’s actually a sign of weakness to beat something into submission. It takes much greater strength to work out an equitable compromise. True strength is found in personal honor and integrity.
Women are seen as having inner strength that has nothing to do with big muscles. This is strength of character, strength of conviction, endurance, tolerance, tenacity. We’ve heard of the tiny woman able to lift a car when her child was in danger. Such is the strength of love.
The Strength of this card is acquired through positive reinforcement, maintained through encouragement, and taught by setting the best personal example.
Reversed Meaning
Your inner strength and endurance are underdeveloped.
Hell hath no fury as that of a person scorned.
Strength is being used for a wrong purpose or against the wrong person.
It’s time for tough love.
The Strength appearance in a spread
In work with feral kittens consistent love and kindness is the key to getting the best results, a tame socialized lovable purring kitten that no longer hisses, spits, and hides in fear. You catch more with sardines than vinegar.
Strength Exercise
Strength of the Mountain
Use the Strength card or a card that pictures the quality you want to become strong in as a visual focus. Alternatively, you can use a candle flame or your favorite crystal. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply and well until you are both centered in yourself and grounded in existence.
Close your eyes and imagine your favorite mountain and the nature of mountains, how vast and strong they are, how they hold up and support all the trees, animals, and even houses resting on them. Connect your spirit to the mountain. Feel the strength and energy of the mountain flowing into you. Let the strength of the mountain fill you with strength, conviction, and endless endurance.
When you are full of strength to overflowing, thank the mountain and disconnect, letting your consciousness come back to your room. Let any overflow of energy sink down into the Earth beneath you. Open your eyes and program your visual focus to serve as a key to unlock the endless strength of the mountain within you.
Reinforce your strength whenever needed by looking at your visual focus.
Using Strength to change your life
Manifest Strength
To invoke physical, mental, or spiritual endurance.
Banish Strength
To banish rigidity or soothe stiff muscles.
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10 - The Wheel of Fortune - The Luck of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner Lesson 10
The Wheel of Fortune - The Luck of the Journey
Please try the Exercise and post your results to this thread. As always, feel free to ask any questions you may have.
The excerpt is from my original manuscript and thus may differ from the book Tarot Life Planner ISBN 0600610918
Up and down, round and round, life keeps going on and on. The symbol of a spinning wheel is part of many cultures. In ancient India there is both the samsara representation of karma – what goes around, comes around; and the chakra – the metaphysical energy of the body, mind, and soul. Symbolic of eternal cycle the wheel reminds us of the continuous flow of life from birth through growth, fruition, decay, death, and rebirth; from Spring through the seasons of the year; sunrise through the times of the day. The wheel is also symbolic of rising in the morning, your activities through the day, your rest at night; and the cyclic lessons of your personal, professional, and spiritual lives.
In the West we are trained to think linearly and when we see a wheel, we can only imagine it rolling either backward or forward down a narrow road. In the East the wheel of one’s life is more like a sphere, any direction is possible at any time. Now is always a time of infinite possibility. You make your own luck. Anything can happen, so get out there and make it happen. Push the wheel of your life in the direction you want it to go.
Reversed Meaning
There is something blocking your luck. Not your lucky day.
Bottom or declining side of a cycle.
Prepare for winter or a time of lack.
Time for a new direction.
The Wheel of Fortune appearance in a spread
Pay attention to opportunity and take advantage of it. Turn a little gain into a big achievement. Today is your lucky day. Make the most of it.
Wheel of Fortune Exercise
Lucky Charm
When it seems like you have a string of bad luck, things just aren’t going your way; whether it’s in your love life, on the job, or you keep stubbing your toe; it’s time to perform the Lucky Charm.
What are three things I can do today to increase my luck?
Charm 1 – Upright cards mean “Do this.” Reversed cards mean “Stop doing this.”
Charm 2 – Notice the symbols and colors in the three cards. What do they mean to you? Several Wands could mean that you need to get out your own ‘magic wand’ and exert your willpower. Lots of one color might be telling you to light a candle and work with the corresponding chakra (see page 148 for a brief explanation of chakras).
Charm 3 – Wrap the three cards in a cloth or bag and carry them with you as a luck talisman throughout the day. Keep looking at them to discover their full message.
Using the Wheel of Fortune to change your life
Manifest the Wheel of Fortune
To bring knowledge of the most favorable circumstances for your project or idea.
Banish the Wheel of Fortune
To banish bad luck or counteract ill omens.
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9 – The Hermit - The Light of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 9
The Hermit - The Light of the Journey
The Fool is now the wise old man who lives in a hermitage atop a high mountain. He has gained this lofty position by passing through all the previous stages. At this stage, he has renounced his rule of the empire and gone beyond the concept of justice and the need for strict self control.
Climb the mountain and seek wisdom and peace. Withdraw from your regular activities and socializing. Give yourself time to assimilate past experiences. Let the light of the Lamp of Knowledge illuminate your heart and mind. Do whatever is necessary so that you are in a space where you can seek the answers to the question of your life’s purpose. Some people are natural introverts. This is not a fault or problem that needs correction. Honor the introvert and discover his strengths.
Spend some time out in nature or in solitude. Listen to silence. Slow down and be observant of the universe’s natural cycles. Honor your own natural bodily and mental cycles. Disconnect. Retreat. Do some candle or crystal gazing.
Reversed Meaning
Something blocks your retreat.
The Lamp of Knowledge is burning you.
Your are going in the wrong direction, looking in the wrong place for what you seek.
Withdraw from some things, but not everything.
The Hermit’s appearance in a spread
You have the power to light your own path. You don’t need the help or guidance of others. Their path is not yours. You must discover your very own unique path to wisdom.
Hermit Exercise
Confirmation Cards
A very useful tool in reading the tarot is the selection of confirmation cards. This is the practice of exploring possible answers to your question before shuffling the deck and drawing the cards.
Example
Thinking about what you need to get done today and asking the tarot which things to concentrate on, make a list. Perhaps you need to get some physical exercise, do your regular job, and put some effort into your sideline business or hobby. You may also want to spend some time in meditation, gardening, and household chores. Cards that describe these activities are, respectively: The Chariot, 3 of Coins, the Star, The Hermit, The Empress, and 7 of Coins. If any of these cards appear, you have instant confirmation.
Question: What activities are best for me to focus on today?
Shuffle the deck and choose as many cards as you have options in descending order of importance. The first card is the most important thing for you to focus on today, the last card, the least important. If none of your confirmation cards appear, open your mind to new ideas.
Using the Hermit to change your life
Manifest the Hermit
To allow yourself to withdraw from your normal activities.
Banish the Hermit
To end an extended period of introspection or loneliness.
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8 – Justice - The Responsibility of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 8
Justice - The Responsibility of the Journey
People who pray for justice usually have no knowledge of the ancient Vedic laws of karma. Imagine if you had to die for every food animal that died for your food. That’s karma and that’s justice.
The Justice card reflects the energy of taking responsibility for your decisions and actions. All of your decisions and actions. Realize two things about Justice. One, you are responsible for the effects of your actions. And two, if you want an effect, you must take an action. The Justice card embodies the law of cause and effect.
Justice is a high ideal of society seeking fairness for its citizens, to recompense victims and punish evildoers and protect society from them. Yet justice is carried out by humans who are imperfect and make mistakes, thus compounding the very injustices they seek to redress. The balance of perfect Justice is the ideal. The double edged sword she holds is the reality.
Reversed Meaning
Irresponsible.
There is a lack of justice.
Illegal.
Life’s just not fair sometimes.
Justice’s appearance in a spread
This card often appears when there is a favorable law-related issue, like a favorable judgment or a helpful continuation in a legal case.
Justice Exercise
4 Card Relationship Reading Example
1 Present state of the relationship – Fool - beginning
2 Querent’s situation – High Priestess - esoteric
3 Partner’s situation – Emperor - authority
4 Advice or next step – Justice – responsibility
From June 17, 2001
The querent has a new relationship, the first serious relationship she has ever had, and this is clearly denoted by the Fool. A new beginning, the possibilities are endless. Yet she feels like she has fallen off a cliff and should be hitting bottom any second now - the dynamic opposition of the Fool.
Her situation is the High Priestess. No surprise. she is an intuitive reader and active pagan while her partner is not religious. Less than a day ago she was explaining the meaning of the pentacle to him.
She found it quite interesting that her partner is in Emperor space. The Emperor is the tarot card she was actively manifesting in her life that year. It appears her partner is very much in control of and taking authority for his own life and actions. Maybe he is feeling authoritative in their relationship.
The advice or next step is clearly that if she wants an effect in this relationship, she needs to take an action. She must own her responsibility in what goes on in this relationship.
Using Justice to change your life
Manifest Justice
To fully accept responsibility for your actions and their results.
Banish Justice
To banish or minimize the effects of a wrongful legal decision.
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7 – The Chariot - The Vehicle of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 7
The Chariot - The Vehicle of the Journey
The energy of the Chariot is that of externally imposed and learned discipline and self control. Lessons and behaviors learned through habit and punishment or negative consequences. One example could be, like military training. Another is the strength and self-control learned from correcting your own mistakes. You are the one steering the Chariot, deciding where it goes and how fast. Pay attention to the road ahead. Don’t get lost in gazing at the countryside rolling by. The Charioteer is not distracted. He is focused upon his destination.
This goes for one’s spiritual journey too. Tarot readings are wonderfully layered with meanings, all of which are simultaneously true. The Chariot is a reminder to stay on course in your spiritual journey as well as your physical life’s journey. So many spiritual truths can only be learned through the hard knocks of life. Spiritual self control is learned through experience just like any physical discipline.
Reversed Meaning
Self control is weakening or is inappropriate to the circumstance.
Loss of control. You are being driven by circumstances.
Loss of focus and direction.
Remember the goal or journey’s end.
The Chariot's appearance in a spread
The Chariot can indicate a lot of driving and appears in long distance romance and for a long job commute, or any time you will be doing more driving than normal.
Chariot Exercise
Learn to use the Clarification Card
A popular but unnamed one card reading is that extra card you pull because the ones in the spread don’t make sense or don’t exactly answer the question. The “Clarification Card” is about looking deeper, further below the surface; when the visible or obvious doesn’t make sense or doesn’t tell the whole story. In the rules of logic, you look for and accept the obvious and easily understood meaning first. Only when that obvious meaning does not make sense do you look further for alternate meanings.
A common 2 card reading is varies the one card reading by including a Clarification Card from the outset. The first card answers the question directly and the second card clarifies the answer or provides more information, the why of the first card. This can be seen as the hidden meaning of, or what’s beneath the surface of the question.
Clarification Card Example
My question is, What is the best use of my time today?
Card 1: The Chariot - control
Interpretation: Drive into to town to have lunch with my friend, but maintain the self discipline to dive back to work afterwards.
Why?
Card 2: The High Priestess tells us to look within, to look beyond the surface reasonings and rationalizations. High Priestess energy can be quite irrational. And the truth is that I just wanted to skip out of work and go shopping! So this second clarifies why I need to exert the self control of the Chariot.
Using the Chariot to change your life
Manifest the Chariot
To help with self discipline and self control, like when starting a weight loss program.
Banish the Chariot
To banish senseless, rigid, or unproductive habits.
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6 – The Lovers - The Choice of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 6
The Lovers - The Choice of the Journey
Love is a divine gift, the ultimate pleasure, and the goal of so much art and effort. Being struck by Cupid makes one so giddy and light, it is often described as a spiritual feeling. It is uplifting and beyond this world. Love brings happiness and such joy that it can even heal physical illness. Nearly all songs are about love whether romantic love or some other love such as devotion to God or the love of parents for their children, that between comrades in arms, the love of country, and so on. Most visual art also expresses these subjects.
The Lovers is all about choice. It’s an exciting card and makes us think of a perfect love, and yet how much more often do we find ourselves making foolish choices based on infatuation and lust? How often is love credited with causing pain? This card is about so many different levels of love and lust and making the choice between them. Do you want instant gratification or do you want security in the long run? What are you willing to give in order to get what you want? These are decisions only you can make, and actions only you can take. The choice is yours.
Reversed Meaning
Lust masquerades as love.
Infidelity, dishonesty.
Rethink your choice.
Not the best time for a giddy romance.
The Lovers appearance in a spread
This card most often appears when the querent needs to learn to love her self. She is so desperate to have the love of a man, but she cannot accept that she is worthy of the love of a man of worth unless and until she truly loves her self.
Lovers Exercise
3 Card Reading
The three card reading is probably the most popular and most often used. It’s quite versatile offering three viewpoints to one issue, or a glimpse at three different issues, or a bit about two issues and a third new idea. When faced with a question or issue or concern, think which three things it would be helpful to know about it. Then shuffle the cards and lay out three.
Love Life Example
Card 1 My love life- The Magician, retrograde (upside down)- blocked manifestation
Card 2 What’s blocking my love life- The Empress - abundance
Card 3 What can help my love life- The High Priestess, retrograde – blocked esoteric
How embarrassing! My love life is not manifesting externally, because I feel contented with what I have. I don’t feel any need or lack, therefore I’m not putting effort into having a love life. Blocking my intense esoteric pursuits will help me get a love life. So simple, and yet my esoteric pursuits are the love of my life.
Check out the Spreads page of my website for over 20 examples of 3 Card Readings at www.tarotgoddess.net.
Using the Lovers to change your life
Manifest the Lovers
To call self love and the love of your higher power.
Banish the Lovers
To cast off lust or infatuation.
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5- The Hierophant - The Observer of the Journey
Tarot Life Planner - Lesson 5
The Hierophant (Priest or Pope) - The Observer of the Journey
All societies, traditions and cultures have a guiding authority in addition to a governing authority; be it a priest, shaman, philosopher, etc. Someone who guides behaviors that aren’t the laws of government, usually morality and things that are perceived as good for society at large. This card represents the all-seeing eye of society on the individual’s actions, or an external conscience. It is letting the opinion of others guide your behavior, over your personal sense of right and wrong.
The Hierophant easily compares to Big Brother in a political or social light. The contrast between the High Priestess and this card, the High Priest, is the difference between true divinity and secular religion; the difference between experiencing a tangible relationship with the Goddess (insert your favorite higher power) and showing up for church on Sunday, or form without content. The difference between the Emperor and the Hierophant is the difference between state and church.
The Hierophant can be any ‘leader’ that controls the actions and decisions of others, for good or ill. Burn this card in sacred space when you leave the service of an oppressive harmful leader.
Reversed Meaning
The voice of the external conscience does not agree with your internal conscience.
You are merely seeking approval, not knowledge.
Society will not understand your action or choice.
The energy of the outcast.
The Hierophant appearance in a spread
In a reading it does pop up when querents (those who query) are considering unconventional conventions, like gay marriage. So while the 10 of Cups is about the emotions and all the nitty gritty of a successful long term devoted relationship, the Hierophant is about getting a white dress and exchanging vows and rings in front of a crowd. That’s not a bad thing. Social convention, traditions, rules, and guidelines do a lot of good in society. But they can kill the spirit of the individual.
Hierophant Exercise
1 Card Reading Example
The one card Daily Draw is very popular among tarot readers and extremely useful as a learning tool.
Daily questions can be:
What is the most important thing for me to do today?
What is the most important thing for me to realize today?
What can I learn today?
What does the Universe want from me today?
What will help me today?
With any reading, start by calming and centering yourself and organizing your intent. Think about what you really want to know and how best to express it as a question. Shuffle and cut the deck as you like and draw one card to answer your question. Look at it, meditate on it, and think about it throughout the day. Note your realizations in your tarot journal.
Using the Hierophant to change your life
Manifest the Hierophant
To invoke an understanding of your place within society, custom, and tradition.
Banish the Hierophant
To banish Big Brother’s influence on your behavior.
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