Viva la evolution!

For Alex

Here we come upon an unusual spread containing several cards from the Major Arcana.

In the present position we have the wedded Five and Six of Cups. You are currently obsessing over something lost to you, and you feel an overwhelming longing for the past.

You also feel you don’t have enough time for yourself, and your goal of reducing the craziness in your life is a good one. People will make demands upon you, but there are times we have to back off and say no. You can only do so much and you can’t be responsible for everybody else. Let them scoop their own shit.

In the distant past we find the Fool. You are eccentric and intelligent. Humor is your friend, and you've used it to get through dark days.

The near future involves a period of moderation, maturation and reflection.

In the doorway from the present to the future we find the Knight of Swords. This is a card of movement and energy and Madame must confess confusion by its appearance with the above Temperance card. On one hand we see reflection and moderation; on the other energy and moving forward in the same space. You are someone in the middle of a battle. The Knight of Swords often indicates plane travel. Maybe you are packing your bags, and moving on. Or maybe you are just going to Las Vegas. It could also mean you are spreading your wings.

The Wheel of Fortune card speaks of choice and change and wonderful opportunities. Do not resist your own evolution.

Nine of Wands indicate you are very close to achieving something. You have given support in the past. If someone offers you support, don’t be afraid to take it. Don’t block yourself off.

The overview card is the Emperor. Some see the Emperor as the master of his domain. What he seeks he shall find. Others see him as someone struggling for personal independence.

This spread is conflicted and full of contrasts. I see two people - one calm and content; one full of energy and conflicted.

For a younger person, I would say this is about finding who you are and embarking upon a new life. For someone else I would say it’s about breaking out of a rut and embarking upon a new adventure. This could be a relationship, a job, or both. Often the security of the known keeps up from moving forward and becoming all we can be. Very often we don’t get off our asses until we are forced to make a decision. The old bird-in-the-hand bullshit. Don’t settle for that, and don’t second guess yourself. Move forward with the confidence of an emperor.

character drives plot

a reading for Hulles



The first two cards are the Queen of Swords and the Tower in the PRESENT positions. The Queen approaches situations without pretense of guile. She (or he) is forthright and experienced, and tends to diffuse tense situations with humor. She never takes things too seriously, and will often laugh at herself. She's been through some deep shit, and she's tough because of it. Now we wed that card with the Tower.
The Tower card represents a tough period of a person's life, a person who is struggling and searching for foundation.

In the GOAL position we have the Ace of Swords, representing the challenge of a new journey and a breakthrough.

Eight of Wands. Eights are related to strength. Swords are related to strength. In the distant past, something happened quickly that brought about a fairly major change.

In the recent past we find the Five of Swords which indicates conflict and a parting of ways.

Now we move from the past to the future and find another sword card, the Six of Swords. This means you are going to be able to move away from the negativity of the past and the events represented by the previous card.

As you stand in the doorway that leads from the present to the future, your plan and desire is to experience life as a celebration. The Nine of Cups says this will happen.

Ten of Cups. At your foundation, you are about family and friends.

The Strength card in the position of inner emotions. Your inner fortitude is one of your...well... strengths. Use it wisely and never lose sight of your goals. You might have to call upon that strength to overcome temptation.

The overview card is the Knight of Wands. This card impacts all the other cards in the spread and symbolizes dynamic male energy. The Knight of Wands is courageous, passionate, and devilishly charming. He doesn't lack confidence, and is always looking for a new adventure. The other side of this is that sometimes the knight can be too cocky and too sure of himself. A knight -- especially a young knight -- can self-destruct if he isn't careful. This is where your strength comes into play. It's there for you to draw upon to keep the knight in check. Everything you need is within you. Strength is everywhere in this spread.

This reading is more of a character study. If Madame were to take anything away, it would be a reminder that life, just like a book, can be internal and character-driven.

hello, fish

A READING FOR S.W. VAUGHN






In the present position we find the Four of Wands immediately impacted by the Two of Wands. You play well with others. If someone gives you advice, you listen.

Your goal card is the Eight of Coins. You hope to gain knowledge to benefit yourself and others. You are learning something new and aren't content to sit back and let life happen. As women we sometimes find ourselves taking the backseat. You've moved up front and behind the wheel. This is your time.

The distant past shows that you've come through a period of nurturing. I also see the sign of Cancer which can represent mother. This is immediately impacted by a setback of either health or finances.

Your future involves a new and positive relationship of some sort, either personal or business.

In the doorway from the present to the future we see the Page of Swords. This is a time of great energy and freedom. You want to hurl yourself out the door and run barefoot as fast as you can, but take care and think before you run. Madame isn't saying don't run - just keep your eyes open and your brain engaged.

Something has occurred in your immediate environment to lift tension from your life. You are feeling at peace. This will help you in your endeavors and give you a safe setting for creativity. Internally you are going through a period of moderation, reflection and maturation.

The final overview card is the Page of Cups. You have broken free of something that may have hindered past creativity and you’ve entered into a new phase of your life which involves new people and new energy.

Madame's intuitive reading: The Page of Cups represents rebirth as well as birth. You have lived more than one life and have gained wisdom. It would be easy for Madame to say you are simply embarking on a new creative endeavor, which may well be the case, but she senses that this ties more strongly to your personal self.

Women are nurturers, and often go through periods of rebirth. Madame has the feeling you've recently cared for a young child or an ill relative. Or the illness could have been your own. The intensity of this period is over and you are already in the process of turning the page and moving forward. You are a wiser woman than you were before. You've found an inner peace that will help you deal with other people and help you fulfill your dreams. You have a quiet strength that is the heart of who you are. When things get crazy, find a tranquil room, trust yourself, and listen to your own voice.

EMILY -- DON'T LOOK BACK IN SORROW

In the present position we find the King of Wands. The king is never shy. He is a leader who steps in and takes charge. You are the king. The king is energy and creativity.

This card is immediately impacted by the MOON. This signifies the end of a major cycle. You’ve completed something, and are either embarking or about to embark on a new journey. A Pisces might be involved.

You are questioning this new journey or path. This could be an inner-clash, or a struggle with an actual person.

You are a strong person conflicted by the choices you must make. We all worry about our choices. We all make wrong choices. It will happen, but never let that fear keep you from moving forward. Movement is better than stagnation. Madame also thinks there are two other things battling for attention in your life. Career or school, and your dreams.

In the distant past we find the Nine of Swords. In the past you’ve felt isolated. This is immediately impacted by the recent past and the Hanging Dragon. You’ve been through a period of delay and suspension. Perhaps you were gathering strength, recharging, refilling the well. Or maybe so many people were making demands on your time that there was nothing left for you.

I see an emotionally sensitive woman in your future. Someone who will understand your dreams and help guide you.

In the doorway to the future I see the Hierophant. Perhaps you are learning a new skill that will lead you down a new path. Perhaps you are or will be a teacher. Perhaps you are a student. Madame might be pulling this out of her butt – she wonders if you are involved in something to do with local history, law, or local government. Is a Taurus involved?

You are currently experiencing frustration because it seems you can’t win no matter what you do or say. I would tell you to be patient, but that would be hypocritical since Madame hasn’t an ounce of patience. I want my gin enema, and I want it now, dammit.

Ah, the LOVERS. And in the place of secret desires. Interesting…. This could actually mean you long for true love and may even secretly desire a certain someone. But it could also mean you are on a secret quest for your heart’s desire. This could be a person, but it could also be a career or artistic endeavor that you seek. And isn’t soul gratification what we all yearn for? That which makes life worth living and gives us purpose? Once we find it, we lock in. We abandon all else for this that answers the questions we’ve been asking.

The overview card: Knight of Wands.
Ahhhh, again. Something has changed recently, and you are already embarking upon a new life. You are taking those first steps, and you are understandably nervous to leave the old behind. We are all tied to our past, but even when you step through a door the room you left still exists. Don’t grieve for it. That which brought you to this point can’t be undone and will always be there. So let the old give you strength in this new place. Whether good or bad, the past made you who you are today.

Like Madame always says, there’s nothing wrong with looking toward the future while recalling the feel of the barstool against your ass.

Jaye's Reading

In the present position we find the Devil. This card is often misunderstood, but in this position the standard meaning of negative thoughts seems to hold true. The Devil is immediately impacted by the Knight of Swords. You are locked in a battle with yourself and your self-doubts. Push the negative from your mind. It's pointless to dwell on such worthless tripe. It robs you of energy and spoils a good drink.

The next card is the Magician. You are a master communicator and stringer of words, and you goal is to get your message or story to a larger audience.

The past several years have been filled with hope and inspiration. In some cases, realization. The Strength card tells me that you never lost sight of your objective. This could have been impacted and enhanced by a Leo.

The Empress is the card of your future. Creativity flows from you in the coming year.
Ace of Swords marks the doorway to the present and the future. This is closely related to the Magician, and indicates a new and exciting beginning with new challenges.

Hmm. Madame wonders if you recently won the lottery, or perhaps a rich uncle croaked and left you in his will. She is uncertain of the meaning of the Wheel of Fortune card in this position, but if you are currently shopping at the Dollar Store you can stop. Of course Madame concedes that this abundance doesn’t have to be money. It could be an abundance of something else such as faith, love, happiness. Pfft!

Under all of this? You seek to bring deeper meaning to your life.

The overview cards is the Eight of Wands. This is tied to all of the other cards. Your life is about to change. Take your Dramamine because things are going to happen very quickly. Be ready for a wild ride. The fact that the Eight of Wands shows up in a spread along with the Wheel of Fortune and Magician bodes very well for you. You will probably think Madame full of shit, but the Eight of Wands could also mean you will be receiving an important message that will trigger all of this change. But I'm just the drunken messenger.

smooches,

Madame Sosostris

LAURIE, QUEEN OF WANDS

The first card I turn is the Three of Swords. A change has recently occurred in your life. Madame feels you are currently in the grips of a heartache due to this change. I see a powerful transformation -- within yourself or someone you are close to. I feel it is yourself.

Communication is the key.

You currently find yourself in a situation of little control. You have spent time waiting. You are waiting. This is related to something you can do nothing about, which causes you great frustration.

You have recently emerged from a period of struggle for personal independence.

In the future you will need go along with the changes around you. In this way you can turn them to your advantage.

You have reached a new maturity and are poised at the doorway, a strong female, the Queen of Swords. Yet I see a barrier between the queen and others. I’m not sure what this means.

You are a newly hatched Page of Cups, breaking free, making new contacts and spreading your wings. This is a time for celebrating. Indulge yourself and appreciate yourself for who you are.

The overview cards is the Queen of Wands. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking. This card impacts the entire spread. You are a dynamic, creative woman of great resolve. You are facing challenges, you are up to the task, and you are looking to the future with a sense of freshness and enthusiasm. Organized and produce!

As I look over the reading, it seems the first part – the past – portrays one person, the old Laurie; the second part – the present and future, portrays the new Laurie. You have recently undergone a period of transformation and good things are ahead. Like Madame always says, there’s nothing wrong with being strong and being female.

Burn your bra, burn your apron, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the next chapter of your life.

the world according to jason

In the present position we find the Knight of Wands. This is your time, and you are possessed of dynamic energy. You are either on a trip at this moment, or planning to leave on one soon.

The card immediately following in the Chariot. On a mundane level, this could actually mean you are planning to take the above trip by car. But the Chariot card is complex, and the pairing of these two cards could mean you are embarking upon a journey of spirit and soul. It can represent the overcoming of obstacles on a life journey.

A strong current focus involves romance or family or both.

In the distant past I see a period of withdrawal and rest. More recently we find the Nine of Swords. You have a tendency to blow things out of proportion and the turmoil you often feel comes from within yourself. You are coming to terms with this aspect of your nature which in turn gives you power over it.

In the immediate future a new doorway is opening which will improve your financial situation.

You are involved in a balanced partnership. This could be romance, but I feel it’s business. You are facing many choices and are confused. Don’t let yourself be taken in by delusions or deceptions.

The overview card is The World. This reading is a little on the lukewarm side, with nothing that really stands out. I don’t know if it’s me, the moon, or the cards, but at least we finish with a bang. Basically the World in this position is saying that after all the crap, the self-doubt, the hard-as-hell-work, the delusion and illusion, you will attain what you seek.

of kings and coins and strength

Brianna's Reading:

The first card in the present position is the Ace of Cups. Aces represent seeds and new beginnings. I also see you looking to the either the West, the Fall, or both. Madame has no idea what this means.

To set this new beginning in motion, a choice has to be made. You have either just made the choice, or are currently trying to come to a decision.

Your goal or destiny card is a bit unclear at the moment, which leads me to believe that you are struggling to find your place in the world. Or perhaps your place within your own personal kingdom.

In the past you were defined by an intense relationship. You may or may not still be in that relationship, but you are working to find your individual self.

The Ten of Cups in the recent past tells me of a bond, possibly but not necessarily the same one referred to above.

In the coming year the fruits of your labor will be realized and you will gain recognition for something you’ve worked hard to achieve.

In the doorway to the future, you stand in question. This is the time to look carefully, consider carefully, then move forward with confidence. Trust yourself.

You are an incredibly determined person, and are in the process of experiencing a powerful transformation. Be prepared. Be unafraid.

The High Priestess makes her appearance toward the end of the spread, indicating that you are much guided by intuition and mystery. This is an element that is very strong in you. Nurture it and use it to your advantage.

Your overview card is the King of Coins. This card impacts all the previous cards.

This card in this position is a little tough to decipher. I see old money. I see new money. I see that you are on the cusp of attaining something big that is also about money. It’s not a gift or something won, but something you have achieved through your own strength and determination.

Go forth and kick ass.

of kings and lovers

angie's reading:

In the present position we find the KING OF SWORDS. This is a great card to have here. You see a problem; you solve it. You cut through the confusion and you get the job done. Because of your intellect, analytical and communication skills, you are able to resolve significant problems. You are fair and ethical. One of your strengths is your ability to brainstorm ideas.

The King of Swords is immediately influenced by the TWO OF CUPS. This indicates a fairly new relationship. It could be a marriage, engagement, or a business partnership. But it is definitely about two people, and the combined strength and energy of those two people.

The next card I turn is the KNIGHT OF COINS. This is your time. Your hard work and persistence is paying off. While this card is usually about business, it could also refer to a personal relationship.


In the distant past I see that you’ve come through a period of rest and recuperation. That is behind you. You are focused and on track.

In the recent past we find the EIGHT OF SWORDS. You’ve recently come through a period of frustration where you felt nothing was working. Patience was the answer. Eights are about taking charge and taking action. A lot of that going on is this reading. You know what you want. You have the strength, determination and vision to carry it out.

You’ve built a strong foundation for yourself, which will serve you well in the coming year. Madame gets the feeling YOU are the strong foundation.


In the doorway from the present to the future, we find THE DEVIL. Even though you are a leader with strong, solid ideas, you sometimes fall victim to your own negativity. Do not block your own path. If one day you wake up and find yourself blocking your own doorway to success, kick yourself in the ass and keep going.


The involvement of a Capricorn bodes well for a project or love relationship.

I see a strong partnership or marriage, and more signs of a solid, strong foundation. You are in a good place emotionally right now, and are enjoying what you’ve worked hard to achieve.

The overview card is THE LOVERS.

Here was have the number two again. On the surface this card could signify a business union or romantic union. It can also reflect a duality within you. That need to kick yourself in the ass thing.
But this card has gone through many personas since the beginning of tarot. It was originally called love, and in a very roundabout way love can mean choice and your heart’s desire. So I think your overview is about choice and choosing what you love and what your soul needs to survive in this world, what the artist in you needs, whether it’s love of a person, love of work, or both. Since this is the overview card, it means the choice has already been made and you are in the process of change due to that choice.


In a chocolate-coated nutshell: After a period of inactivity, you made a choice of soul. It was the right choice.

Kelly's Reading

In the present position we find the Page of Cups. You are newly hatched, breaking free of your shell and experiencing new contacts in a new world. That is immediately impacted by the Ace of Swords which indicates a major breakthrough.

Your goals will be achieved with Strength. Never lose sight of your original objective. Power without control is nothing.

In the distant past, we find commitment and emotional fulfillment. This is impacted by the more recent past and the Three of Swords which tells me you went through a period of heartbreak due to a lack of communication and understanding over something that had to do with family.

In the coming year, you will find yourself in situations where you feel you have little control. But you will face your obstacles, cutting them down one by one.

In the doorway to the future we see the Sun. You will experience a period of growth in all aspects of your life. You are open to change and transformation, so this will be a harmonious period.

The Six of Wands relates to lovers. This card is turned in the domestic area of the spread, indicating balance and harmony. You live in a warm home with a caring husband.

Next we find the Chariot in the position that reveals the most about you and your inner workings. The Chariot symbolizes a strong, loving mother. You are a nurturer, a caretaker. You will fight fiercely for your children. I also see the astrological sign of Cancer.

The overview card is the King of Cups. I’m not quite sure what this means in this overview position. The King of Cups symbolizes a good father and good husband. Since this is your reading and this is the overview card, I would think the good father is you, but that might not be the case and doesn’t make sense to me. Here are just some guesses. 1. You wear the pants in the family. :D 2. Your husband’s support is your foundation. 3. You draw your strength from someone who is a good father and husband. This could also apply to your own father. It’s possible you are very much like him, and that would explain this card being in the overview position.

Sam's reading

The first card I turn is Death in the present position. Death is the symbol of rebirth, and means you are in the process of clearing away old conditions to make way for new and positive influences. Death is immediately influenced by the Star, this rebirth being brought about by hope and inspiration.

Next we find the King of Cups. Kings are mature males, motivators and thinkers. The King of Cups falling in the goal position of the spread implies that you would make a good father and husband. Your goal is to possibly start a family and have a good relationship. (Hey, I’m just the messenger.) You are an emotionally mature man capable of giving and receiving love.

Your past has been fairly harmonious which created a foundation in which to grow and explore many facets of yourself and many aspects of life.

Your recent past (Three of Coins) has been influenced by creativity, a fertile mind, and modest income.

Future influence is the World. When your lessons are fully learned, you will attain success.
In the doorway to the future, we find the Five of Coins. Fives are related to the Hierophant who symbolizes instability. This combination of instability and a coin card point to financial instability in the now and near future.

Now we find another king, the King of Wands. You are a leader. At home and away you are dynamic and take command of a situation. But that aspect of your personality is directly conflicted by the Page of Swords – your inner, emotional self. You are young. Sometimes you react without thinking. Think things through in order to find a balance between the Page and the King.

Your overview card is the Empress. She is the queen over all forms of creativity. Regardless of the fullness of your days, your need and ability to create touches every aspect of your life from waking to sleeping to dreaming. It is not a door you open and close; it’s always there and is a force in your existence.

martha's reading

In the present we find the Three of Cups.
At this moment in time you are celebrating your creativity.
That is immediately influenced by the Nine of Wands. You have a strong appreciation for things done well. You are nearly there, and have one more step to gain completion.

The Hermit. You tend to withdraw from the world. The Hermit has strong ties to the Nine of Wands, which could mean your creative side requires solitude.

In the distant past we find the Fool which means a new chapter opened in your life. The distant past is immediately influenced by recent past events and the Six of Cups. Sixes are related to lovers, balance, give and take. You are struggling for harmony in your relationship, while also dealing with strong feelings of nostalgia.

The coming year – the Hanged Man. This signifies a period of withdrawal, rest, waiting, and delay.

Four of Wands. The present and the future will involve working with others in a cooperative way. Fours are related to the Emperor and represent a solid foundation or refusal to change. You may have to put some of your stubbornness aside to achieve your goals and the goals of the group or team.

On the personal and domestic front we find the Queen of Swords. You are a determined woman of power. Whatever you want you achieve.
This is directly connected to the next card, the Queen of Wands. Two powerful female cards falling next to each other – very rare. Not only next to each other, but in the personality area of the spread. The Queen of Wands indicates a woman of great resolve. These two cards together indicate a person of amazing talent, strength and power.

The overview card is the Moon.
This shows the culmination of influences revealed by all of the other cards. Because of everything that comes into play – the creativity, the quest for harmony, your own inner strength and resolve, you will find fulfillment in this major cycle.

Reading for R.J. Baker

For every action, there is a reaction. For every reaction, a counter–reaction. You are currently striving for balance and harmony in your life. These are offset by conflict, power struggles, and possibly legal issues.

The Empress appears as your goal card. Her creative energy gives rise to all life. She embodies your strong need and desire to cultivate your creativity. In the past you’ve concentrated on doing, on getting the job done. In the past you’ve been victim of a duality within yourself, but duality dwells in the souls of all men.
In the more recent past, you’ve suffered a loss and a setback of some kind.

Your future will be strongly influenced by YOU. By your own inner strength and intuition. You will need that inner strength, because at this moment you are a man in the midst of a great battle. You’ve come to the end of a journey and are embarking on a new journey into the world of dreams and imagination.

Impacting this new adventure is the unromantic world of finances. I see something about your being involved in the same line of work but in a different location. This isn’t destiny, but something you harbor within yourself, something that fills your mind with worry and anxiety.

The overview card is the king of wands which means you will take command of your life and won’t lose sight of your dreams and goals. The king of wands is a charismatic leader, entrepreneurial and ambitious, always creating new adventures.

Many of the cards focus on your inner strength and fortitude. I see a battle ahead, but fear not -- you have yourself on your side. Life is a battle to be fought and won, and days of nothing but lily pads and sunshine would get tiresome.

Tribe's reading

After an extended vacation in the Bahamas, Madame S has returned with her first reading of the year. She might be a little rusty, but probably not.

In the present position we have the Ace of Coins which represents a new doorway opening up and new money coming in. That is immediately impacted by a clash of ideas and words signifying a past internal or external conflict. It could also mean you have recently gone through a period of indecision concerning a new endeavor.
The cards tell me that your hard work will pay off, and your goals will be realized. In the distant past you went through a period of deep focus and concentration which led to a recent awakening and transformation.

In the future you must delegate. You have too many tasks that are draining your energy. In the doorway from the present to the future we find the Lovers and a current or future relationship of great intensity and raw emotions. This might be at odds or possibly paired with your need to surround yourself with nostalgia. But you have reached a level of maturity in which you are able to put conflict behind you and take on new challenges more easily than you did in the past.
Your overview card is the Nine of Coins. You are in the process of harvesting something that will lead to recognition in the eyes of others.