Do you have a burning question that you’d like to know the answer to?
Do you have an obstacle that interferes with your ability to read the Tarot? Would you like advice, guidance or support to help overcome it?
I’m launching a new category at Tarot Eon called, Surgery. This category will be used to help answer people’s questions, offer advice and guidance, and further the confidence of the featured reader.
What I’m really excited about is reading all of your thoughts and opinions. With your help, we could make this category a great resource of information and advice; a place to share tips, ideas and grow as Tarotists.
Each person’s question would be answered, not only by me, but by all of you – allowing the featured reader to have as much useful information as possible; fast tracking their ability to grow and learn.
Ask A Question
All you have to do is ask me a question. That’s it!
You can leave me your questions in the comment section of this post, or, you can send me an email via the Contact Form.
I will not be giving anyone a free Tarot reading. This category is about answering readers questions; offering the best advice and guidance I can, to help people overcome any obstacles they may be experiencing in their development.
I also want to stress that this category will only be used for real and genuine questions. If I don’t receive any questions to answer, I will not be “inventing” questions to fill this category.
The first question comes from Sheri. This is what she asked me:
Sheri’s Question
Hi Douglas,
Can you please explain the 9 of Cups card to me? I understand that if it lands in the outcome position you are suppose to get your wish, but does that mean it over rules every card in the spread if it comes out in the outcome?
I’ve been doing practice readings using my friends’ relationship situation. The question I asked was, Does he want her? I pulled-Situation:King Wands (R)/Obstacle:Fool (R)/Action:Queen Cups/Outcome:9 Cups.
For the King (R) I figured he’d be available to her, but won’t go out of his way to see or speak to her. For the Fool (R) I’m thinking maybe there is a need to discriminate between fantasy and reality? But for whom? Him or her or both people? If he’s “there for her”, as the King suggests, but won’t make a move in her direction or try speak to her I think he’s just playing games. Or maybe he’s unsure of himself with her. The Queen in the action position I believe indicates they could be good friends if the King would make his move, but again that King isn’t budging, non-verbally saying I’m here but you have to come to me…so in the Outcome Position how does the 9 of Cups fit?
I tried another spread and asked the question differently to try it from another angle. I asked, Will he come back to her? I pulled; Situation:Priestess/Obstacle:Knight Swords /Action:Knight Cups/Outcome:2 Swords
The Priestess, again for this couple isn’t giving up her secrets, but I was thinking because the Knight of Swords next to her was bringing swift changes, she might let us know soon. Maybe someone new is entering her life, or as the Knight of Cups is a lover, maybe her old lover is returning? I’ve got all of this action and then along comes the 2 of Swords in the Outcome position and it all comes to a halt.
I can’t figure out if they’ve reached an agreement or not. The Knight of Cups is throwing me way off. Actually, both knights are because what if the Knight of Swords is suggesting another man coming into her life as an obstacle and scares off the Knight of Cups?
Also, the 8 of Cups in the R. Waite deck reminds me of someone walking away from their life, or a situation in their life, without looking back, so I don’t understand the meaning or description you have above. On my card it shows 3 cups stacked on top of 5. Is the person leaving because the celebrating in the 3 of cups was too much for them and they are now brooding over the loss from the 5 of cups? Can you please help with that, too?
Thanks so much!! I’m understanding so much better since I found you!!! 
Sheri
The Knight of Cups also confuses me. How will i know if a lover is entering a person’s life or leaving? Sometimes I just don’t see it in the spread.
My response
Hi Sheri,
Do you know that most readers would find it hard to tell you what any of the cards mean? Don’t get me wrong, we all know what the Divinatory definitions are, but that doesn’t mean that we know what the cards “true” meanings are. Before I begin any Tarot reading, I wouldn’t be able to tell you what the cards mean. This is natural.
The meanings of the cards can only become clear by their relationships to other cards. These relationships change with each reading. Sometimes the 9 of Cups can be a great influence, sometimes it will barely manifest in the client’s life. We can only determine these things by taking each reading as a unique process of interpretation.
Try to avoid “set” or “fixed” meanings for the cards. Instead, concentrate on the relationships the cards have with each other. Consider all the Tarot cards in your spread to be one big image, with each part making up the whole. Each reading will paint a unique picture, each part will contribute in slightly different ways each time. This keeps the process fluid (much like life – of which the Tarot represents).
In answer to your question: Yes the 9 of Cups can indicate that a wish will come true. But does life itself ever really have a defined outcome?
A skill we all need to be mindful of (this counts for everyone) is the art of objectivity. It’s an art form because there’s no “fixed” way of achieving objectivity.
If we enter into a reading with a bias – in other words, we expect that someone or something is a certain way, then we will only interpret the cards to reinforce our own bias. By remaining detached, objective, and without bias, then we can better understand what the combinations of cards indicate.
Your ability to read the cards is not in question. Your comments have shown that you already know how to read Tarot cards. What you need to do, in order to feel comfortable with your readings, is to try and maintain an objectivity. This will have several benefits:
- You will more likely see unexpected pieces of information in the cards that you would otherwise miss.
- Your confidence in your own ability will grow.
- It will free you to experiment with different Tarot spreads, decks and styles in order to find a method that works well for you.
Remember, the Tarot is an art form. It’s something that we continually refine.
One thing I would recommend is the use of more Tarot cards in your readings. The more cards you use, the more you can understand their relationships to each other. Try experimenting with The Celtic Cross or The Horseshoe Spread. This will provide you with more information which should help offset any confusions or doubts that you have with your predictions.
I would also recommend that you practice asking imaginary questions. Try to avoid asking anything that pertains to your own life – at least for the time being. This will help maintain an objective position during the learning process, and free you to experiment.
Finally, I would recommend you read A Tarot Reader: How To Go From Beginner To Expert In Three Easy Steps.
The Tarot is an irrational process. It does not provide the Tarot reader with any rational certainties. Perhaps it does in time, but that is something that comes with time – a learned response. It’s not something that’s “set in place” the moment you start to learn.
What advice would you give Sheri? Did you agree or disagree with my approach to this problem? I’d love it if you could share your ideas, opinions or criticisms as I think this would really help, not only Sheri, but all of us. I’ll see you in the comments 
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The 9 of Cups as the “wish card” is a definition that plenty of modern tarot readers use, but few are aware of why this is.
In tarot, I tend to think of the 9 of Cups as the card of plenty: the subject of the reading is well off, and should be quite happy. Some Rider Waite variants treat this as a bit of excess, and may show a tipsy merchant instead of satisfied man, for example.
The wish card idea stems from the traditions of cartomancy, the reading of playing cards to foretell the future. As best as I understand, readings weren’t necessarily so question-focused on those days. A person might go to a reader, and receive a general reading; either about the person’s life in general, or narrowed to a topic of interest, such as the home or a business venture.
However, it was common to “make a wish” while the cards were being shuffled before the reading. If the 9 of Hearts showed up, it meant the wish would come true. Conversely, if the 9 of Spades showed up, it denied the likelihood of the wish. (At least, in some reading traditions.)
So two things were in play there. First, the 9 of Hearts was defined as the “wish card,” and this was it’s primary use in a reading. It also tended to mean success in general. Second, the questioner had to make a wish, in order to give the wish card meaning.
This use of the 9 of Hearts has carried over into tarot, and that is why the 9 of Cups is a “wish card.” My opinion is that if you want to use the wish card, then go with the whole wish idea before layout out the cards. Otherwise, treat it as a general card of success and satisfaction, and work it into your reading accordingly.
Incidentally, Leo Martello also attributes the 9 of Hearts (and to some extent the 9 of Cups) to the search for love and fulfillment. In itself this is neutral as to good or bad, but it could add another layer to your reading where the 9C is an outcome card.
Hi Jason,
Great comment!!!
I really enjoyed reading this and I learned a thing or two as well – thank you
It is very difficult to remove our biases when we read. Our life experiences, opinions, and own personal issues can color the way we perceive the tarot. Practicing detachment takes a lifetime to learn. I am sure most of us will agree that it is not easy!
Hi Theresa,
LOL yes, it is one of the hardest things to do. In fact, it is questionable to what extent it can be done. However, I think it’s important, especially when we do readings for ourselves, to try and remain detached during the course of the reading.
I’ve learned that holding the cards lightly in a reading lets them breathe. I still take them seriously but let them tell me the story, rather than the other way around. The more I trust my intuition, the less I rely on a fixed meaning, though it still guides the read to a lesser extent. Plus, the client will usually see the story or get “hits” right away, even if they don’t share them.
Hi Raven,
Thanks for dropping by
I really like your example of holding the cards lightly. There’s a saying that my friend always says to me, “hold on lightly, let go tightly”. I think that’s a great way of looking at Tarot readings.
I also agree that trusting intuition is very important – perhaps this is something that comes with experience?
Great comment!
In reading with playing cards…I tend to go the way Jason described…9 of hearts…wish fulfilled…9 of spades wish denied. But I like the idea of “charging” the reading with that idea…if you are going with it…if not thinking of it as success/happiness…and then I suppose the opposite…
BUT…and maybe some of you will not think this comes into play…but I do….and that is…..do we really know what our wishes are? Is the wish fulfilled really the surface wish that may be obvious…or we may think is obvious…or is it something a little deeper and harder to define…in a reading such as this…is the wish a guy? to be rid of the trouble with the guy? to be free from the relationship altogether? or something even more general…”to find true love”….IDK….but wishes are hard to define and sometimes we are not even honest with ourself about what we wish…or we are conflicted over it…so to me sometimes it helps to think of the wish in general terms…not specific…and as Doug suggests…the cards surrounding it will certainly help.
Hi Ginger,
You make some great points!!!
Your comment reminds of the old saying, “be careful what you wish for, it might just come true”.
I think that this kind of folk wisdom (a kind of warning) hints at people not really knowing what it is they wish for.
I agree, being honest with ourselves is the first step towards really knowing what it is we wish for. It’s also the first step towards objectivity.
Great comment
Hi Douglas,
As a new reader – but long-time studier – of the tarot, I’m experiencing some self-doubt over my interpretations of the cards. I know that there is MUCH to learn, that will only come with further education and practice, but I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. What I’m experiencing is “negative” cards in relation to positive questions and vice versa eg. I just got the Moon in relation to a question regarding the highest expression of my soul.
Almost everything I encounter about the Moon is negative or at least not favourable. Lies, deceit, chaos, illusion etc. Some people are plain scared of the card! I saw it in context of the reading I did as something very positive: a connection and openness to the more mystical side of our human experience; a sign that I’ve come that far on my journey and am emerging from the waters to a more illuminated state of being.
I’m finding this happening a LOT with my readings. I first write down what I “see”, then I look at the LWB to see what the artist intended. So often the 2 do NOT jive! What is your opinion on this phenomenon?
Hi Irmata,
Thanks for dropping by
Self-doubt is a very natural response to reading Tarot cards. It occurs because we have no real way to verify the validity of what we predict. This alone will cause a lot of doubt.
The Moon is a very interesting card. If we take the “occult” Tarot decks, such as the Thoth or the Golden Dawn, we find astrological associations on each card. Can you guess what astrological sign the Moon card is? It’s Pisces.
The High Priestess is associated with the astrological Moon.
I always found this fascinating when I first started learning the Tarot. Why was the Moon Pisces and the High Priestess the Moon?
Your description of the Moon Tarot card is excellent. As you point out, it can represent deceit, or Mystical attainment. How do we know when to apply these conflicting possibilities in a Tarot reading?
The simple answer is this: we can be fairly certain based on the relationship this card has with other cards. However, your question was in relation to positive or negative questions, and the sorts of cards that are being chosen to answer them.
The Tarot is not a moral or ethical agent. It does not distinguish between positive or negative. These are human distinctions. Remove, as best as possible, this distinction. In doing so, you will be free to rely on your intuition.
The second step is look at the card itself; whether it’s the Devil, the Tower or the Moon, and find the answer. How do we do this?
The example question you gave was regarding the highest expression of your soul.
The Moon, in this case, is an excellent card. Having a strong relationship with your soul is like the strong and intimate relationship two lovers share with each other. In this sense, the Moon is one of the most romantic cards in the Tarot deck. In symbology, the Moon’s connection with romance is very strong. Romancing our Soul is one of the primary ways we come to understand our soul.
In the Golden Dawn there’s something known as the Holy Guardian Angel (HGA). Each person has their own HGA. It was only through absolute devotion to having Knowledge and Conversation with the HGA that first contact could be made. The Moon is an excellent example of devotion.
The problem with the Moon’s type of devotion is that it can often be blind. This leads to deception. However, sometimes this is necessary. Sometimes this produces the best outcome.
Another example would be the 7 of Cups. Traditionally, this card is not “positive”. However, under certain circumstances it can be one of the most positive cards in the deck – often associated with Enlightenment.
It’s tough to know what to trust when we do a Tarot reading. My advice is to ignore the LWB and always trust in yourself. The Tarot is very much alive – it grows as you do.
The technique you’re using is excellent and in the long run, it will help you trust in your intuition. The Free Association post I wrote may help you develop this technique further. Essentially, the LWB will never be as accurate as you are. It can’t be. The Tarot is communicating with you, not the book.
On this blog, I only offer keywords to help people get started. I do this for a reason – I want people to quickly move away from thinking the Divinatory definitions are the most important aspect of a Tarot reading. I want people to start trusting that they can read the Tarot far better than they give themselves credit for. I want people to start to see how the manner in which Tarot has previously been written about can actually damage confidence, not enhance it. Always trust your interpretation over anyone elses.
I hope this was of some help
Irmata…..I’m not sure what Doug will say….but I think no card is all bad or all good….so while the moon card is about illusions (or deceit…even deceiving ourselves) …it might be as you say….becoming more illuminated…or perhaps it is a card of caution….slow down….take the process slowly….do not be under the illusion that it will happen quickly etc.
Another thing to ponder….is your question…maybe the moon card is trying to tell you something about your question…For example….maybe it is saying that the highest expression of self is an illusion…that every tiny small mundane things we do are an expression of our higher self…tiny things add up…it doesnt have to be something huge…
Hi Ginger,
Great comment
Couldn’t have put it better myself – “…but I think no card is all bad or all good”.
I also liked your interpretation of the moon card – very insightful
Irmata, I find that what I *see* in a particular card varies from reading to reading. Usually the LWB gives a general meaning for the card, but I might instinctively or intuitively focus on a particular detail in the card while doing the reading — and the information I receive may not match the LWB description.
Hi Zanna,
Thanks for sharing
I agree! It’s much better to trust what you see in the cards, not what the LWB says about the cards.
I love how you’ve pointed out that the Tarot is indeed an irrational process. I’ve been thinking how to phrase that the Tarot in my experience is more of an intuitive endeavor than logical, actually.
Hi Andalusia,
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this post
I sure did. I will be quoting this & a few others soon, if you don’t mind!
Ginger, what an excellent observation! The little things add up and the higher self is an illusion – very Buddhist point of view, actually. I’m adding it to my reading notes.
Zanna, I’m also finding that the cards have different “personalities” in every reading and in different positions. It’s really quite an amazing thing to experience for yourself, after wondering for such a long time. Thanks for the affirmation!
Hi Irmata,
I’m glad you’ve found these two excellent comments helpful
I like reading interpretations of others, it gives me more understanding and it’s the best way to learn the tarot.
For the first spread (does he like him?), the King, Rx. I don’t usually read reversed cards but I’ll give this a go. It might mean that he likes her but his passion/desire is not strong enough. Is he shy? Maybe he’s not good at making moves? The Obstacle (The Fool, Rx). The fool is about taking risks and having a new adventure… but again, it’s reversed. Maybe this guy is not ready to commit yet. The Action (Queen of Cups). I see this person as yourself. Maybe you need to be a little aggressive in showing your true feelings for this guy? Or show subtle actions suggesting that you’re interested in him. Flirt a little. LOL. And Outcome (9 of Cups). Looks like something good is about to happen once it’s been set in motion.
Cheers!
Hi AJ,
Great interpretation
I like your thoughts on “…not ready to commit yet,” and the way you’ve used the Queen of Cups to suggest that a pro-active approach might be more successful.
LOL definitely.
Thanks for sharing
Hi AJ,
I like your interpretation of this couple. It’s right on. I know them personally and they are ridiculous to watch. It’s a very strange “dance” they do with each other. It’s so obvious she wants him a blind man could see it, but she tells everyone, including him, she only wants to be “friends” and nothing more. If you watch him closely, he is watching her every move and listening to her when she talks to other people, so he’s very interested in her when he sees her. I like the way you interpreted the King of Wands (R). I think he’s all of those things. She has made all of the 1st moves in this relationship, including telling him once he could have her heart, which he rejected, I know because she came to me and we have been trying to do readings ever since, but I’m so new at this I’m afraid to give her any advice other than my common sense. I think your interpretation of the Fool (R) is very accurate. He had a fiance die 2 yrs ago, so he’s not ready for anything. You see the Queen of Cups as she should be a little aggressive with this guy, but she’s tried to call him since I’ve done this reading and he ignores her calls. I never did timing on this reading. Could the 9 of Cups mean that in 9 months she and the man she loves will finally get together and make her happy? You can see why I don’t want to give her advice from the cards because I don’t want to make things worse for her and then have her mad at me. She is trusting me and my readings. I CAN’T be wrong.
If you look at the 2nd spread there are two knights. What do you think about them? When I first pulled this spread I wasn’t sure what it meant at all. I was guessing when I said that there was a 2nd guy, but guess what??? There is!!! LOL! And he showed up right after this reading! That gives the Knight of Swords in the obstacle position meaning for me – new lover that shows up quickly, swiftly. She gets asked out alot, but she doesn’t always accept. She is VERY, VERY beautiful. The guys in our group talk about how hot she is all the time. But, what does the Knight of Cups mean in the action position? She is still really in love with the first guy, so he definitely fit the lover position for her, or is this the other side of the Knight of Swords like Douglas suggested in another reading I got stumped on. There were two Kings in that reading. Will this information get back to him and make him see her in a new way and get him to return to her faster or scare him off? Competition is good…lol…it makes her more valuable. I think that is why the 2 of Swords is the outcome. The book I have explains the 2 of Swords as “maintaining a situation in a state of balance by ignoring the underlying tension that exists…but you aren’t ready to do anything about it yet. You need to speak up and communicate about the circumstances involved…Change must take place for the tension is unbearable. Choice is available. Remove the blindfold and look honestly at the situation.” She has a choice of men, but she isn’t doing anything.
Thanks for your opinions. They are all very helpful
Douglas, I tried the Celtic Cross and there’s just too many cards for me…lol…I posted it for you on the Celtic Cross link. I think for now 4-7 cards are enough for me…lol. I’m overwhelmed otherwise.
Happy wishes to all of you!
Hi Sheri,
I’m glad you found some of the comments on this post useful and helpful
All the best,
Doug
Hi Sheri. Thanks for the feedback. I’m glad my interpretation made sense to you.
I’ll try the second one. Will he come back to her? (High Priestess). The High Priestess is not going anywhere. I remember my deviant moon deck, she is barefoot because she has no plans on leaving her post. I’m guessing this guy is really hard to pursue. He’s very mysterious.
The obstacle (Knight of Swords). There’s another guy, which you saw already.
This guy knows what he wants and he’s not playing around. I’m thinking he will do anything to get her attention.
The action (Knight of Cups). She needs to follow her heart on this one. The knight of cups is an offering of a new romance. Maybe she should give this new guy a chance and be open to a new possibility?
Outcome (2 of Swords) – She’s not decided yet (maybe even confused?). She’s taking her time… which is okay. There’s no hurry with love… =D
Hope it helps a little.
Hi AJ,
Thanks so much! Your reading makes so much sense. I never thought that she was thinking about which way to go with the 2 of Swords. Here’s another one for you…
I asked will he marry her (Not the new guy. The old guy)?
1. Concern – The Hermit -She secretly loves him, but she is concealing it from him.
2. Immediate Past – Page of Cups – There were messages/feelings of love in the past
3. Immediate Future – Wheel (R) – She is holding back their destiny by holding back her true feelings from him or he is or both. One or both of them are holding back right now.
4. Querent’s State of Mind – 10 Wands – both are feeling this is a heavy burden
5. Obstacle – 2 Wands – There are other guys in the picture.
6. Help – Fool (R) – Consider all of the pros and cons carefully
7. Outcome – 6 of Wands – Success…so, I see yes they will, BUT…after they have weighed and measured everything about their situation and gotten over all of this other mess they’ve made of their relationship. For timing I can’t figure it out because it’s the 6 of wands and I’m not sure if that means that they will start to figure the mess out in 6 days, cuz I know they won’t get married in 6 days. Is there even a time frame to this question?
Douglas, I’m whining here, but that’s because I just don’t see what others see in the cards. I only see it after it manifests in real life! Which is happening really fast, but I want to see it happen in the cards first. Sometimes I have to ask the cards the same question several times because I just don’t understand what they are telling me. And I’m way off in the timing of things. I can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong.
When I go have my cards read, my reader, Patrick, will sometimes flip reversed cards over and sometimes he leaves them reversed. Why is this do you suppose? Since he uses the Thoth deck and I’m not familiar with it I don’t understand what he sees. Plus, he reads really fast and then he moves on to my next question. I’ve had others read for me to and they have me say my name 3 times over the cards or they use a significater for myself and if I ask about another person sometimes them as well. But, Patrick doesn’t do any of this. Does it matter? He’s incredibly accurate about almost everything he reads for me. I asked him about my driving situation and he got an answer, but when I read for myself I couldn’t find/read an answer. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks everyone!!!
Hi Sheri,
Every Tarot reader has there own approach – a kind or ritualised way of “reading”. Some people use Significators and others don’t. It doesn’t matter. These are things that each reader does to help them get into the reading – each is unique to the reader.
The best thing to do is try an not put to much of yourself into a reading.
A Tarot reading is similar to a conversation; it’s both an internal and external event.
If a conversation exists purely as an internal event then nothing is being said; nothing is being created, understood or communicated. Likewise, if a conversation is purely an external event then nothing is being reflected upon; nothing is being truly communicated.
A Tarot reading is similar to a conversation – it needs to be both an internal and external event. If you approach a Tarot reading like a conversation, you will learn to recognise patterns within the cards; patterns that hint at future possibilities.
I would recommend you find a way to read the cards that feels right to you. Find the right Tarot deck, find out if using a Significator helps, find out if you prefer to spend time reading the cards, or if you prefer reading them quickly. Experiment, and things will get easier. There’s nothing that will teach you any better than practice and patience.
You aren’t doing anything wrong. Currently, you are learning – that is always a difficult period. As long as you’re patient with yourself, don’t judge yourself, then this period of learning won’t be as challenging to your confidence levels.
Keep trying and in time you’ll get there – I guarantee it
Hi Douglas! Hi AJ,
Ok…I asked the question again, “Will he marry her?”, to make sure I got it right…So here it is…
1. Concern – Priestess (R) – Like you said AJ, he’s a tough one to catch, he’s more aloof than she is.
2. Imm. Past – 7 Pent (R) – Needs to develope skills
3. Imm. Future – World Success in all endeavors is assured
4. Querent’s mind – 6 Pent – Shared money
5. Obstacle – Sun – Happiness they are both afraid to take theirs
6. Help – Page Pent – Good news about money
7. Outcome – 9 Cups – Marriage, dreams come true, success, feeling happy
I say the Outcome is yes. What do you think? My reading is not in depth, but I think I got it pretty right. My story doesn’t look as pretty as other readers. I haven’t found the talent for that yet.
Hi Sheri,
I’m really looking forward to what AJ has to say on this
I thought the reading you did was awesome – the story was good and you got enough information from the cards to create a narrative.
The Priestess suggests a level of superficiality to the relationship. It suggests that they don’t take their feelings as seriously as they might – they don’t act honestly with themselves (a lack of acknowledgment of feelings) and each other. The Priestess hints at secrets – what aren’t they saying too each other? What are they holding back? What haven’t they learned from their previous relationships – is this simply a repeat of an old pattern of behavior?
I would say that the Priestess asks us not take this to seriously – their seems to be a lot of expectation and pressure on the success or failure of this relationship. Does everything really hang in the balance?
The Past suggests that nothings ever been resolved – both in terms of this relationship (but also in terms of past relationships). Nothing is moving forward because there seems to be an expectation that it won’t.
The Future suggests that things come to a head – things need to be decided.
The Querent’s mind – Perhaps they feel they have already made sacrifices – again nothing moving forward.
Obstacle is the Sun – Can they operate as part of team; can there be a successful partnership? It also hints that the past (hence the 7 of Disks and the Priestess) plays a big role.
Help is the Page of Disks – Communication might improve, and their financial situation will not effect things like before.
Outcome is the 9 of Cups – Good card! They will have fun together in the near future.
In terms of your question – yes, it’s possible they’ll get married but the reading might be asking us to consider the seriousness of the people involved. Overall things look really good. Nothing too serious going on here – not a lot of things changing, but not a lot of things moving forward.
Try thinking about these cards like a conversation. What questions do they ask? What are they really trying to communicate? Are they telling us “absolutely” that they will be married – or not? Is this reading for the next couple of days, weeks or months. The Tarot doesn’t always answer the question asked.
I offered an alternative interpretation. I did this because I’m interested in helping you learn the Tarot; not in doing the reading for you. I want to help build up your confidence which will happen through thinking about alternative ways to interpret these cards. Remember, nothing is “fixed” in a reading – it’s all very fluid.
You did a great job.
Hey there! Hope you guys had a good Halloween!
I’m learning a lot from these interpretations. It’s amazing to see some familiar cards from the last spread.. like the priestess and 9 of cups keeps appearing.
I agree with Doug in his interpretations. It seems like there’s a lot of issues that needs to be worked out for this relationship to progress. The current situation and the past has both reversals in them so they are blocked energies. The future (world) looks like a possible completion of their relationship, but this is not promised but a possibility. The obstacle is the sun, which would mean that there is no reassurance yet. The querent’s mind (6 of coins) is probably talking about a hope to have a give and take relationship. Right now, she’s mostly doing all the work in regards to giving and offering herself. And like what Doug said, communication is in deed important. The 9 of Cups is again a possibility of a good life together.
I think you’re really doing a good job reading the cards. It’s really about how your intuition interprets the cards. I also want to add that the interpretation sometimes differ from one tarot deck to another. Like for example… reading from my deviant moon deck would have a slight difference when you read with tarot of the magical forest.
Hope that helps!
Hi AJ,
Thanks so much for your interpretation. I’m learning so much just from having others read after I have. I never would have thought that the World could indicate the relationship might be completed. They are fighters. They fight over control. She is a free spirit and he can’t control that and it’s making him nuts…lol..reading for them is fun because they are extremely passionate in love and hate. There is no middle ground for very long. The cards show this also. I’ve noticed the recurrence of 2’s, 4’s (mostly 4 of Swords), and 5’s in their readings and most recently the 6 of Swords after their most recent fight…”reintegration”. He’s about rules and I also pull the Emperor and the King of Swords for him alot.
I really appreciate the encouragement you and Douglas give me. Thank you both!
Hi Douglas,
Happy Halloween!!!
Thank you for interpreting my cards for me. You’re reading makes sense to me. I’m disappointed in my reading because I didn’t see what you saw. I am basically taking what my books say the meanings of each card are and applying those to each card. That is why I never get a really good story. I can look at the cards and know the outcome…sort of, but I can’t always tell a story to get to it.
Last night I took my cards to a friends house. He’s an artist and he is fascinated by the cards. I read his cards for him after I had him shuffle. I never had him tell me his question. I wanted to figure it out on my own. I laid them out, took one look and thought, OMG! What did you ask?? The very first card was the lovers and the rest of the cards were all about relationship, Outcome with the Knight of Cups. I know he has a crush on me, but after reading his cards last night I know it’s more. Funny, because when I laid the cards out for him before they were all about his art and career and the cards reflected that.
I guess what I’m saying/asking is, how come sometimes I can see things in the cards quickly and other times I can’t? I’m blocked or stumped. Also, I’m trying to incorporate the elements into my readings so I can see movement. When I’m doing this am I going by the cards next to each other or individually? Or, is it that at the end I put all of the elements together after reading each one separate to get the movement outcome?
I asked, will they be lovers again, will he come to her? There were 3 fire cards in a row, 1 water card, 1 earth, then 2 water and no air.
If I go by the elements it looks as though eventually the water in the outcome puts out the fire from the confused state of which way to turn in the concern, but it also puts out the fire of the new beginning they started in the imm. past and eventually puts out the fire that turns into ego battles in the immediate future. The cards themselves tell me the movement is slow but leads up to happiness for this couple.
If I go by the elements I feel as though it’s a negative reading, but the outcome card itself looks so positive so that is where I get confused.
Concern – 7 wands (R) – fire/Imm. Past – Ace Wands – fire/Imm. Future – 5 wands – fire/Querent’s mind – 9 Cups – water/ Obstacle – 9 pent – earth/Help – Page Cups – water/Outcome – 10 Cups – water….
How does the earth play into this reading? Does it absorb the the water that is putting out the fire making everything “friendly and Passive” or is the water beginning to “rush” at the end because there are 2 water cards next to each other? When I see the water in the page of Cups it’s moving in the background. The water is active, wavey, but in the 10 of Cups it looks like a steady moving stream, consistent with the cards meaning. Does the outcome put out the fire of the Immd. Future of the 5 of wands? I’m trying to use the tutorials, but I guess I’m not getting it.
Ugg…
Hi Sheri,
Hope you had a great Halloween
Would it be possible to use this comment as another Tarot surgery post? You bring up some excellent questions that I’d like to explore a bit further.
Let me know if this is okay.
If not, I’ll reply to this comment tomorrow
Hi Douglas!
I should have gone by my cards for Halloween that gave me the 3 of Swords…lol…instead I ignored what I saw. Bummer…I hope yours was so much better!
You are more than welcome to use anything I write. The topic above confuses me so much that ALL comments are welcome so I can learn more.
Sheri
Hi Sheri,
Sorry to hear about the Halloween situation
Check out this post: How Come I can See Things In The Cards Quickly and Other Times I Can’t?
I’ll post the Elemental Dignities stuff later this week
Hi Douglas,
Thanks so much. I’m learning alot, but like I said it’s slow going and apparently I ignore my own cards…lol…That’s what happens when you are just playing around at a friend’s house while you’re waiting for them to get ready.
Sheri