Today's Reading

I had the day off today, so as is often the case when I have a few minutes (or longer) to spare, I decided to do a Tarot reading. Being something of a collector of decks, I have had good success in familiarizing myself with various and sundry decks, though like most readers I do have my few favorites- those that I relate to best, and can readily make use of.
Likewise with readings- I find that learning a handful of readings well will work better than trying to learn the hundreds out there. So to date I have decided to confine myself to several- the Juggler's Conundrum, the Hecate Spread, the Celtic Cross (along with my own variation), and finally the Horseshoe Spread. Of these, I find the Horseshoe Spread to work best as a daily reading. One curious thing, though- there is a position called Obstacles, which tells of things in the way- however, I find more often than not this tells of both obstacles and assets- things that could be useful, though could also prove a hindrance. Some people see a stepping stone, others a stumbling block- how curious the stone itself remains unchanged. At any rate, this is today's Horseshoe Spread-
The first position represents the Past- as you can guess, this tells of what has been, and that being the case, here I saw the 3 of Pentacles. This indicates an application of skill- things moving along, growing and developing. In the Past position, this tells of a firm foundation built on hard work.
The next position is the Present- again, pretty self-explanatory. Here the message is what's influencing the situation currently. And here I found the Page of Cups. Pages are the most malleable and shapeable court cards in the suits. They represent the unformed energy of the suits- one deck I encountered calls them Elementals, of their corresponding elements- fire, air, water and earth. At any rate, this tells of great potential- there is a good deal waiting to happen, and the wheels are now set in motion, I gather from the Three.
The next position is the Future- those things that will come to pass, assuming everything stays on track so far. Here was the card of Judgement- that is, things concealed will be brought to light- perhaps even tearing the scars off of old wounds (sorry for the graphic image there). Though this may be painful, in some cases necessary for healing. It's in some ways the 'skeletons in the closet' card- those things long concealed and swept under the rug now come to full awareness. It's up to you to deal with them, or run in terror. Though the best bet is to face them down, and not flee.
In the next position is the Best Course of Action- here is the 9 of Pentacles. What is this card doing here? Telling me to slack off and do nothing? Well, the Pentacles are, after all, an Earth suit. Earth indicates healing, support and nurturing energy. So this card tells me to look to that healing energy all around- don't be afraid to use it, you can no more use it up than you could eat the whole of the earth.
Next up is the fifth position, telling of influences on the situation. Here was the 2 of Cups- again, telling me of support and strength. Also, new unions, new partnerships. This yet again reinforces the idea of a union made in and/or ordained by heaven- though a divorce is pending, there is one who I'm meant to be with- that seems pretty obviously to be Tabatha- how else to explain all that has happened?
The sixth position tells of obstacles, though I find that this position for me more frequently tells of unseen 'stepping stones'- those things I may not even be consciously aware of, but nontetheless hold me up. Here was the Hierophant- alternately, the Pope. The Hierophant represents secular authority, perhaps a law-giver or justice. In other words, it looks like this divorce is really for the best, and the judge can make the determination as to what is best for the kids. Good! I would have it no other way.
The final and seventh position tells of the Outcome- what will happen in the longer run. Here is your friend and mine, the Hanged Man. He has always to me represented Odin, hanging from the Tree of Life, in extreme discomfort, though for a purpose. He seeks the wisdom that only this way can provide for him, and he does gain it. It tells me that any sacrifice, any pain will only be for the best- that which doesn't kill us can either make us extremely uncomfortable, or make us stronger. Personally, I try to find the rationale that it'll make us stronger. Never flinch when those big old demons stare you in the face- hell, if you have to go down, might as well do it fighting! Besides, there's neither a guarantee of a loss or a victory in this fight- let the cards (so to speak) fall where they may.