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This reading was done in order to see if it was wise to start a project related to the studies one has made. The project is definitely on the way, but one was wondering if it was not a little bit too early on. This project implies feedback from other people. The spread used for this reading was the horseshoe spread using 7 cards.
The question : Am I ready to start this “undertaking/project” on “that day” ?

Here are the cards and below the analysis of the spread.

1. The past : 8 of Pentacles
2. The present : the Star
3. The future : 9 of Cups (reversed)
4. The answer : The Empress (reversed)
5. The energy surrounding the question : the 3 of Coins (reversed)
6. The attitude : The Magician
7. The outcome : The Queen of Wands (reversed)

1. The past : 8 of Pentacles
This was so accurate : the perfect card to illustrate what’s been going on for several months now. A person totally devoted to his task, learning to perfect his craft, gathering knowledge and being committed to master his techniques. The process was a long effort. And the person feels very concerned and is a perfectionist.

2. The present : the Star
The Star testify that a level has been reached, that is making one fulfilled. The creativity and spiritual side of the card Star is here appropriate as well. It shows the hope and the faith in the project.

3. The future : 9 of Cups (reversed)
The card for the future says that there is a next level to reach. One has to go beyond the superficial and tackle with some more work. The time for being satisfied is not there yet. It also says to keep working before sharing the idea of the project.

5. The energy surrounding the question : the 3 of Coins (reversed)
This one seems to say there will be no feedback yet. Or there will be no participation. Indeed, this project involves the participation of others, so it seems to fit. Some lack of interest. It may also show the hesitation of showing the project to other people right now.

6. The attitude : The Magician
The will to test the potential, the tools one has learned to use with the 8 of pentacles. The Magician is looking forward to start the project.

4. The answer : The Empress (reversed) and
7. The outcome : The Queen of Wands (reversed)
The two cards being reversed it shows immediately that the answer is most likely no, it is not wise to kick start the project at the date given. Some delays are ahead, maybe not much though. The 2 cards simply shows some nervousness around the question that might get in the way of leading this project to completion in the best conditions available. The best way to go is analyzing priorities, getting prepared in a better way, and gaining more self confidence before starting the project.

As I shuffled the cards, by the way, the 8 of wands reversed fell from my hands : already, that was speaking of some delays. Nothing too wrong here, just some more time is needed for the person to be more assertive. The Star and the Magician are two very positive cards for the project. The others speak more about nervousness, but they certainly don’t imply the project has to be rebuilt from the start.

Hope you enjoyed this little case study, cheers,

Jayce

The character is the 10 of Swords is someone who seems to have lost all faith in life. He looks defeated, if not dead in the card. He has been through a battle, or maybe has been stabbed in the back. Whatever the reason he has hit rock bottom. He is laying on the ground, looking defeated. He looks like he shall never rise again. The whole set of the card looks like a place devastated after a war. It definitely speaks of a cycle in life being coming to a close. The situation might not be actually as bas as it seems, though it may hurt a big deal. Simply put, it may sometimes represents someone with a victim personality. But sometimes as a situation is difficult to accept, we are that character : hurt, hopeless, wounded emotionally. Feeling totally crippled and not willing to keep on going. Post traumatic syndrome may be indicated here, as well as identity crisis following a nervous breakdown. This is someone who need his/her self-image to be rebuilt from the ground so to speak.

“When it is darkest, men see the stars” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The Star is kneeling, one feet in the water and one feet on the river’s edge. She can be seen as taking the water from the source and giving it to the earth. The whole card speaks about quietness, a time of peace, a time of hope. Serene, she is diligently working at her task. This card speaks about harmony. Her world seems to be full of promising opportunities that the 10 of Swords is lacking. She is choosing to see the positive. She looks faithful and resilient. Not to say that her life has been easy all the time : this Major Arcana is following the Tower which speaks of a shock, a upheaval of some kind. So she represents someone who can see the light through the darkness and learn from her trials and tribulations.
A renewal of the soul.
Now that the Tower in the Major Arcana collapsed, she has learned what was wrong in the foundations and she starts again, building on a better ground.

Indeed, when you place the “10 of Swords” and on its right “the Star” : it looks like the character in the 10 of swords has reached the shore, exhausted and that the Star is there to bring him her soothing presence. He seems to say : I resign, I surrender, please take good care of me, I feel like dying. And she pours the curing water, like a cure on his wounds represented by the swords on his back.

Indeed, I have read some place that the 10 Swords were placed not “accidentally” where they are : they are related to the chakras of the individual, and the kundalini. I’m no expert on this particular topic, but I do intend to read about it, even before looking at the 10 of Swords, it has “piqued” my interest anyway … Still speaking of healing and remedy : it looks like acupuncture right ?

“When a man is pushed, tormented, defeated, he has a chance to learn something”.
(Emerson, again)

What should be reminded here too, is that in the card “10 of swords”, in most decks, there is a dawn coming up. The sun is sometimes seen behind the clouds in the sky : reminding us that there is still hope, life is not over yet. The renewed sense of purpose is represented by “the Star”.

Just as in counseling, he has to be willing to cure himself, the presence of the Star means there is a possibility but the character in the 10 of swords has to turn around. He has to give up his victim mentality. You have to be willing to make the first step. No one can cure you unless you are willing to participate in the healing process. The psychological attitude is very important when going through such a process. Feeling hopeful is already the first step towards better time. Only then you allow the bringing together of higher energies. Here below, these two cards from the beautiful Druidcraft tarot deck.

I found this poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which is, reflecting in its own way one of the meaning you could associate to these two cards one next to another.

“Man is his own star; and the soul that can
Render an honest and a perfect man,
Commands all light, all influence, all fate;
Nothing to him falls early or too late.
Our acts our angels are, or good or ill,
Our fatal shadows that walk by us still.”
Epilogue to Beaumont and Fletcher’s Honest Man’s Fortune

Cheers, Hope you enjoyed reading this
Jayce

1. Who I am currently ~ The High Priestess
2. What I don’t know about myself ~ 8 of Wands
3. What I should give up from now on ~ 5 of Pentacles (reversed)
4. What I should develop ~ 8 of Pentacles (reversed)
5. What I wish to become ~ The Emperor (reversed)
6. My current quest ~ Knight of Wands (reversed)
7. Where this quest is leading me ~ 9 of Wands

Here is a little case analysis.

1. Who I am currently ~ The High Priestess

Someone trusting my inner voice, my intuition. Learning about spirituality. Developing potential that might be currently hidden, but growing nevertheless. As I am currently trying to develop my tarot skills, and willing to develop this blog, I’d say this is a good omen, to have the high priestess coming up.

2. What I don’t know about myself ~ 8 of Wands

Things are going to place at a very fast speed. What I don’t know about myself is the fact that this can be stimulating in a very big way, whether it is for myself, or for someone else.

3. What I should give up from now on ~ 5 of Pentacles (reversed)

I should stop being so anxious and be more relaxed about my path. After a period of difficulties, it is about time I realize my head is above the water now. Troubles are behind me : I am not fully aware of it though.

4. What I should develop ~ 8 of Pentacles (reversed)

I should test my techniques, and be relaxed about it. I might be too much focusing on details, and should look about the whole picture. I should question my motives as well.

5. What I wish to become ~ The Emperor (reversed)

I wish I was more critical and develop a better sense of self-esteem. The fact that this card is reversed shows my hesitation, my fear of letting go. But I definitely wish to feel free from restrictions.

6. My current quest ~ Knight of Wands (reversed)

I am having trouble concentrating on my goal. Indeed, things have been all over the place recently, and I had very little time to accomplish what I wanted at the level I wanted to reach. I have yet have to remind myself that one day only consists of 24 hours, period ! I am just restless.

7. Where this quest is leading me ~ 9 of Wands

I am going to heal from previous hurt. And not feel so much on my guard. I won’t be as anxious as I used to be. A battle will be won. So even if this doesn’t speak of a celebration, relaxed time such as in the 4 of wands card, it is still a good card to get. I will feel involved in my battle as I go on my path.

Hope you enjoyed this reading,

Cheers, Jayce

This spread is very helpful whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced user of Tarot. As a beginner, it helps you to develop a relationship with the cards as you project your feelings intuitively. It only uses 7 cards, so it is not overwhelming. A nice tool for projection, I believe. I do believe that Tarot card can be very effective in order to help yourself reflecting upon your path in life. Hope you enjoy …

Cheers,
Jayce

1. Who I am currently
2. What I don’t know about myself
3. What I should give up from now on
4. What I should developp
5. What I wish to become
6. My current quest
7. Where this quest is leading me

The Fool is a merry character, innocent and not always realistic. Unaware of the danger and pitfalls that might be on his path, he is willing to take changes. He is looking for novelty. The card displays the Fool basking in the sun.

The character on the 8 of cups in on a journey as well. He is not facing the cards. Actually we don’t see his face, as he is walking towards the background. This character is on a quest, as he is in the need of something new in his life, just like the Fool. The Fool might not necessarily feel the need for novelty but he is experiencing them. The Fool is cheerful, the one in the 8 of Cups has learned a lesson in his life, and maybe the hard way. He has grown dissatisfied with a situation and decides to leave it behind. The Cups in the foreground represent all he has experienced, acquired in his life path that no longer represent something interesting to him. Indeed, the colors in the card are not cheerful as in the Fool card, much darker. it is a card that shows transition and maybe not such a cheerful period.

The Fool character is somewhat unconscious, and therefore because he doesn’t spent his time thinking about the risks he is taking, he has the opportunity to discover new horizons in a very light fashion. On the contrary, the character in the 8 of Cups is aware of all the trouble he has been through. The Fool is at the beginning of a journey, the 8 of Cups has been through some experiences already and he is learning and pondering about the consequences. He is questioning himself, the Fool is trustful and having fun as he strolls about on the cliff. He is not at the beginning of a journey, more on the way, having some experience already. He is not a foolish, innocent individual anymore. If the Fool might represent someone careless, then the 8 of Cups might represent some burden.

About the design on the cards : they both have sticks. The Fool carries his stick on his shoulder, the 8 of cups uses his stick to help himself climb the mountain in order to get away. The Fool seems to be jumping about, his eyes are looking in the sky. The character in the 8 of Cups is walking, eyes on the road he is taking. He also seems to be in a colder environment as he is wearing a coat to wrap himself up. The river in the eight of cups represent the feeling lost/left behind, as water is associated with feelings and emotions.

The Fool is living the moment, the 8 of Cups wants to seek what is next. The Fool suggests vitality and the 8 of Cups is more in the vein of persevering on a quest, leaving stuff behind on purpose.

They both share the idea of going into a new territory. The spirit is very different though.

Thinking about reincarnation for example and applying that to those 2 characters : the Fool is the soul as it steps into his/her incarnation in this life; the 8 of Cups is someone aware of his karma, learning his lessons, as a period of his life is ending and before he goes to the next level.

The Fool is taking whatever that comes, the 8 of Cups is leaving unnecessary stuff behind. The Fool is reaching out, enjoying what is “alive”; the other one is looking in, and dropping what he feels is “dead”.

Hope that helps,

Cheers
Jayce

Hi there,
A while ago I read an interesting post on Aeclectic Forum about a member who was questioning her deck in order to see how they could work together, and I just thought that was a brilliant idea. So simple, and I’d never thought of it.
Just like hula-hoop. Simple and it keeps you busy for hours.

I wanted to do that spread with the brand new deck I purchased :
the Druidcraft tarot deck.

Position and meaning of the cards in the layout the member on AT created :

****** 5 ****** 6 ******
********** 4 **********
****** 3 ****** 2 ******
********** 1 **********

1. Tell me about yourself. What is your most important characteristic?
2. What are your strengths as a deck?
3. What are your limits as a deck?
4. What do you bring to the table — what are you here to teach me?
5. How can I best learn from and collaborate with you?
6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship?

And what I got as an answer from this deck I’m totally in love with already :

1. Most important characteristics / 10 of wands reversed
I (the deck) will help to relieve the burden, so you can climb that mountain.
You will feel a lot lighter, as I take the burden away. I offer a new perspective. Once you drop those sticks, you’ll be able to feel free as a bird, and fly over that mountain. From the top, problems will seem little compared to all there is to see out there …

So get rid of your fears, finish the tasks you have at hands right now, and get in there to climb the mountain …. There is quite a wonderful sight up there.

2. What are your strength as a deck/4 of cups
The meditation card, the one that helps to go within. As 4 stands for structure and cups for feelings, emotions … The deck will be useful for putting things into perspective. Be a good support for emotional matters.
To me the one cup which is behind the character in the card is what
I know already with reading, the other 3 are what I yet have to discover.
The deck will give me good psychological insight, or help me to improve it.

3.What are your limits as a deck/ 4 of wands reversed
I struggled quite a bit with this one …
In the card there is a campfire and behind it closer to the horizon, a home.
Does that mean that the deck will be limited for people out of my home ?
So that it is solely dedicated to people online-readings, as I had in mind ?

4. What do you bring to the table ? What are you here teaching me ?/ Ace of Wands reversed
It seems to say, there will be no easy trick with me, I’m no magic wand, you’ll have to remove those blockage you might have within. As a woman, I’m pretty much a wand type, I’d say. This card reversed seems to imply that I’ll have to master my energy, and not let my energy master me.Which is oh so true anyway.

5.How can I best learn from and collaborate with you ?/ 5 of wands
This seems to me the easiest one to understand within this spread, you have to jump in, deal with other people, struggle, voice your opinion, and confront yourself with others , (as in the reading exchanges forum On Aeclectic Tarot) .
There is a little hen in the foreground picking up seeds from the ground.
My translation : I will feed my soul while struggling with readings, or I will feed my soul helping out people who are struggling with some problems and thus asking for a reading, both could be accurate.

6. What is the potential outcome of our working relationship ?/ 9 of cups reversed
In the card there is someone who seems to be waiting in front of a table and he’s alone in the card, with many cups for other people that might come to his table.
Does that mean, as it is reversed that no one will be coming up in the forum when I submit an offer in the reading exchange, or that It’s not going to be the happy outcome I’m hoping for, ….or is simply a little delay, because I yet have some work at hands to finish before I can dive in the forum, and devote my free time to it ? Might also imply that it won’t be piece of cake to me … There are some works to be done ahead. Well …. good then

Making some more researches and brainstorming with that card :it also implies the rejection of “surface” values, one has to be prepared for his/her mind to move on and look for a true victory and liberation. A sign of greater awareness.

Any insight is welcome, really.
It is the first time I’m using this spread, and even though the result speaks to me, you could see something different, which really might help me with this deck. …Feel free to post a comment

And remember, Aeclectic tarot forum is quite the place if you wish to learn about tarot.

Cheers
Jayce

I just bought myself a brand new deck : the Druidcraft Tarot deck ! I just couldn’t leave the shop without it. The visuals are just beautiful : you don’t get the feeling the artist focused on the Major Arcana and overlooked the Minor Arcana as it is sometimes the case. What I also love is that the meaning of each card is strongly related and inspired by the classic RWS. So if you have experience with a classic deck, the transition isn’t hard to go through. Yet it offers a lot of details when it comes to symbolism. What I like most : the design of each card, you feel like entering the card and exploring its world, like it is a movie you want to watch over and over again. It is very inviting, the colors are rich, details are well designed, the characters have personality and seem very human. The trees and forest are just beautifully rendered in luscious colors. I tend to dislike the Emperor (Major Arcana 4) in the classic tarot deck, and I love the one in this deck. One difference is that the Page are called Princess in this deck.

What is really nice is that having a brand new deck you tend to discover each card all over again. You notice details you might have overlooked previously. And along with the deck, there was a well written book (in sepia tone ) with explanation about each card and also some suggestions for layouts. The book is offering insight on every card with keywords to relate easily and very thorough. I spent several evenings looking at the cards with a notebook on the side, jotting down ideas and feelings, making combinations and such.

The cards are bigger than the deck I usually use so this takes some time to get used to. But the design of each card is so compelling, It’d be a shame to be printed on smaller cards. I think that in the next few weeks, I’ll use this deck quite often as it is giving me inspiration and new insights. It is a very fresh alternative from the RWS I used to work with.

Cheers,
Jayce

This is a Major arcana I’ve always loved, no matter what. There are some cards I’ve liked or disliked throughout the years, like the Fool, the Hanged Man or The Emperor, but I always liked the Chariot. To me, it means something gets moving in the right direction, there is vigor, energy coming through. Determination and bravado, with a sense of panache.

If it represent a person, it is a determined individual, ready to confront and conquer, not someone who’s going to give up if it fails at first. It is a decision taken, and this decision takes account of both the mental/practical side of it, but also the feelings/intuition side of things.

When I did my first readings I just assumed the card showing a positive outcome, now as years have passed, and I (hopefully) became a bit wiser, I also take note that there are lots of duality also showing in the card. So, when it is in the position of an advice, I see it as a “focus your energy” type of mantra. You have to take the lead position, or these horses/sphinxes in front of the chariot will take you to quite another place you didn’t want to go at first ….

It requires having faith in oneself, and if need be take the road less traveled. Getting what you want in life, is not only being committed, talented, capable, but also requires a certain amount of luck : being in the right place at the right time … The Chariot in some layouts might just mean that, take a chance, life won’t take you there if you don’t make that move yourself first. Discover your potential, harness yourself for the long haul, get it all together, focus and find your “vehicle”.

Cheers,

Jayce

This is a 3 card draw. In some 3 cards spread, the card to the left means past , the middle one the present and of course, the last one the future . In this draw, I didn’t intend that type of meaning, I just wanted some info on the personality of an individual. The 3 cards will be interpreted as a whole here.

The question was : what should I know about that person ?

The cards : the Chariot reversed, the Page of Swords, and finally the Judgement reversed.

The Page of Swords, even though the card is not reversed is particularly ill dignified here, with the 2 Major arcana both reversed. Right from the bat, this doesn’t look very good, just looking at the cards, I feel the lack of balance in this person. This seems to be more the signature of a troublemaker than anything else.

Here are some keywords for the cards :

The Chariot (reversed) / loss of self control, defeat

The Page of swords (ill dignified) / character : cruel, manipulating, calculating.

The Judgement (reversed) / inability to release, no change

As a conclusion, this individual is someone 2 faced and possibly vindictive (chariot and page of swords). Violence could be expressed verbally or physically. Chaos seems to be a pattern here with those 3 cards. Someone who seeks weaknesses in other people’s in order to have some control over them … Mind games, obtaining the power, the upper hand by any means … Inflated ego comes to mind as well (the Chariot reversed and the trumpet in the reversed Judgement).
Well, well, well, ….from the feedback I’ve received it is accurate !

Jayce

Feeling kinda good this day, I felt like doing a post about being optimistic. So of course, there might be other cards in the tarot deck that can be added to the list below, but these seemed to me to be the obvious ones. I took some out of this post because they seemed more related to “being confident”, “having strength” and such, so these will be in another post.

The Sun : radiant, beaming, positive attitude, believing in oneself. The card stands for enthusiasm. The bright side. This card is always getting some “Aaaaah” when it’s coming up. Everyone is happy to get this card, well maybe not Dracula coming to think of it…

The Page of wands : childish exuberance. ready to jump in the fun.The page sometimes representing a message, this is the sign of some good news.

The Knight of Wands : an adventurous individual who has faith in his capacities, a charmer, who may be a little bit to self assured. Ambition might be indicated but enthusiast anyway.

The Fool: a happy go lucky fellow, careless, free as the wind and not aware of the potential danger of a situation. This individual lives for the moment, a very spontaneous energy.

The 3 of Cups : a celebration party, enjoying the pleasure of life, dancing. You’re in high spirits. Total glee. Your friends are supporting you and giving you an extra boost of energy.

The 4 of Wands : celebration again , harmony, a positive outcome bringing a sense of security. This one may be related to a ceremony which is making you feel very happy. A job well done is appreciated and you’re feeling good about it.

The 10 of Cups : total bliss. A cycle is accomplished. You are experiencing the joy of having goals accomplished. Satisfaction and completion.

The World too with an idea relating to fulfillment, feeling part of this world, complete.

The Judgment : feeling alive again. You’re on with the new. Rejuvenated and released.

The Star : having an ideal to look up to. I associate it also with faith and hopes. Focusing your energy on the pursuit of wishes and dreams.

There are some other cards then such as the 6 of wands, the Chariot, the Strength etc … Confidence, pro active attitude, going forward but they will be developped in another post,

Cheers,
Jayce