Current Influences

Eight of Swords

Some things in life are beyond your control, and the Eight of Swords suggests that you are being actively held back by some of them. This can be something as personal as a bad boss or as sweeping as international politics. In any case, you are likely finding your options restricted at every turn, and may be experiencing rising frustration and anxiety. Your best course of action lies with the only thing you can control: You. Approach this situation with patience, and be ready to move when the situation changes.

Key interpretations:

  • Constraint
  • Disillusioned
  • Frustration
  • Obstacles
  • Restrictions

In this position, the card reveals:

Your current cycle of misfortunes is at an end, your luck is changing.

Obstacles

Judgement

Judgment tells a story of transition, but unlike Death or the Tower, it is not sudden change, or born of luck or intuition, but change that springs from reason. It signifies plans, often long in the making, coming to fruition. If it points towards the future, it may also speak towards the nature of the change; if there is a choice that needs to be made, think deeply and let your mind guide the decision. Logic, in this case, is a better guide than intuition. Be prepared to make a major decision in your life, likely one that will shape the next chapter of your life.

Key interpretations:

  • Change
  • Decisions
  • Success
  • Transformation
  • Upheaval

In this position, the card reveals:

Part of your past has finally released its hold on you, and you are now in position to face the future.

Past Foundations

The Chariot

You have some hard work ahead of you. It may be resolved quickly, but the Chariot is a powerful card, and the labor you are undertaking will probably trend towards the long and difficult. You will quite possibly experience rough roads, long uphill slopes, dead ends, and painful setbacks. A good outcome is only assured if the card is upright, but do not let yourself lose hope: This hard road will instil in you a strength of purpose, the ability to succeed through organization and endurance, and the confidence possessed only by those who have done what they thought they could not. Harnessed correctly, few forces can stand against an individual like that.

Key interpretations:

  • Journey
  • Progression
  • Strong character
  • Success from effort
  • Transportation and movement

In this position, the card reveals:

Your tendency to protect your own interests and psyche has tested your character, and strengthened it, making victory possible.

Past Events

Ten of Swords

The Ten of Swords is a cause for fear for any who believe in the power of the cards, and you should prepare yourself for whatever it suggests. It is one of many cards which can represent disaster, but unlike the others, this card predicts a disaster which cannot be avoided. It foretells not only a complete failure but an unavoidable one. What is more, the failure will not be small or easily overcome. This is not a fortune to be changed or avoided, only endured. If you stay strong, new dreams can be built from the ashes.

Key interpretations:

  • End
  • Failure
  • Mortality
  • New hope
  • Ruin

In this position, the card reveals:

You have recently experienced a setback at work, or financially. This may have been a firing, or being passed over for promotion you deserved.

Goals and Destiny

Seven of Pentacles

A balanced card by nature the Seven suggest you will avoid failure, but fall short of runaway success in an endeavour. Or, equally possible, that you will achieve your goals, but not in the time frame you had hoped for. You will face setbacks, and in order to succeed you will need to take care to avoid becoming too hesitant or timid. Progress may be slow or difficult, but it is possible.

Key interpretations:

  • Business & Trade
  • Long-term success
  • Occupation
  • Perseverance
  • Wealth

In this position, the card reveals:

Meaningful growth will only come to you through sustained effort and commitment.

Future

Five of Swords

This card indicates conflict in your life. Worse yet, it is closely associated with defeat. It is likely that the defeat will be traumatic, and you will need to retreat and regroup. You may have suffered injury to your pride or self-esteem, but the Five of Swords is also a warning of a potential to get caught in the cycle. Handle defeat with grace, move on, and success will come to you.

Key interpretations:

  • Conflict
  • Defeat
  • Loss
  • Low self-esteem
  • Separation

In this position, the card reveals:

You should focus on building a secure financial foundation for yourself and your loved ones.

The Querant (you)

The Tower

Dark and foreboding, the Tower is the embodiment of disruption and conflict. Not just change, but the abrupt and jarring movement caused by the unforeseen and traumatic events which are part of life. The Tower in your spread is always a threat, but life inevitably involves tragedy, and you must decide whether you will face it with grace.

Key interpretations:

  • Destruction
  • Dramatic change
  • Loss and ruin
  • New start
  • Unexpected events

In this position, the card reveals:

Conflict is not always a negative thing, and you will gain new inner awareness through a coming upheaval.

Friends and Family

The Devil

The Devil is in the business of entrapment. It signifies a situation from which there is no escape, or a road leading to one. Forewarning may let you avoid the trap, or it may not. What sort of trap, and how you might avoid it, depends on where the Devil appears in your spread, and what other cards surround it. This card does not foretell doom, only the need for prudence.

Key interpretations:

  • Anger
  • Jealousy and resentment
  • Self-delusion
  • Selfishness
  • Violence

In this position, the card reveals:

You must be wary of extravagance causing you to live beyond your means.

Hopes, Fears, and Ideals

Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is associated with an outgoing and friendly personality, indicating you are extroverted but self-contained. An independent streak may contrast with your strong attachment to your close friends and family. Depending on its position in your spread, this card may also refer to someone close to you who you can rely on.

Key interpretations:

  • Career-oriented
  • Hard worker
  • Honest
  • Independent and home-loving
  • Thoughtful

In this position, the card reveals:

You are headed for some success, particularly in your financial undertakings.

The Final Outcome

Four of Wands

Peace and security follow in the wake of the Four of Wands, usually in the smaller aspects of your life. Do not let the limited scope bring you to underestimate the joy that simple successes can bring, however: This is a card of good endings and fresh starts. Its presence should be welcome if you are beginning a new relationship or a new phase of one, such as marriage or engagement, and is especially good for those about to move residences.

Key interpretations:

  • Celebrations and happiness
  • Completion
  • Harmony
  • New beginnings
  • Pleasure

In this position, the card reveals:

Work perfected in the present will be the foundation of your future success.