PCO: Horoscope spread for a relationship

I had a request to do a reading about a relationship that is having some problems. I was going to do it using the usual 4-card spread, but since I had time to do it (it was not face-to-face), I decided to try the Horoscope Spread again. Although big and (apparently) daunting, the truth is that this spread is very interesting. 

My sitter, N., asked me about her relationship with her boyfriend,  U. 

They have been together for 3 years and she feels that they are not as close as they used to be. She wonder if this is a prelude to an ending or just a temporary crisis. Should I continue to work on healing this relationship? was the question.

The first card I looked was the one in the 1st House, the 7♣ (Sword of Enchantment). Not a bad card, it tells me that isn't completely hopeless about it... but it does give me the impression that she's waiting for a miracle. She's expecting that 'something' will appear and solve this situation for her.

We all know this usually doesn't work.

But let's see what about her partner, U. He's represented by the 7th House, and there we find the 5♥ (Fata Morgana). At first this card seemed to scream that he's hiding something, but lets not rush into conclusions. This card can represent that he believes everything is fine - which is an illusion, since N. feels that something is wrong. So this card could represent denial. Also, this card presents a restless heart... even though he behaves as if all is well, inside himself his heart may not agree with this attitude... it feels that, indeed, something isn't right about their relationship. Something is missing.

We see that the two people involved seem to be caught in their own ideas. One hopes things will solve by themselves, the other believe all is well. But the fact both are represented by odd number shows that they both feel unstable in the relationship right now.

I decided then to look at the 8th House, because it concerns sexuality. There we find the 2♠ (The Enemies). I dare to say that their sexual life hasn't been very good... they are disagreeing in this level, and worst, this disagreement is kept hidden. They are not talking about it. 

The 12th House is the house of secrets, hidden influences and difficulties, and with the 2♣ it shows that they are not being very objective in handling the issue raised by the 2♠. They are behaving like friends, not lovers, not daring to close the distance and use love to heal the problem. There's no real communication between them. This is reinforced by the 11♠ in the 3rd House (house of communication) – Pampero is not really talented with words. He's more a physical action guy... N. and U. are letting their actions speak for themselves. Action is good, but sometimes careful words are important to avoid misunderstandings.

The 7♥ in the 5th House – the House of romance and fun - tells me that they have been working hard to stay together and have fun together. We cannot say they have been completely careless about each other. They try, sincerely, to make things improve, but there's the problem of the 2♠ that they are not taking care of objectively.

So... my answer to N's question would be yes. I do not think their relationship is doomed – it's facing a crisis, probably originating from some unsaid sexual issues. Their love can heal itself, as shown by the 7♥, but they must take the matter into their hands. They need to use the sword of the 7♥ - it's not going to work alone. No miracle will fall from the sky if they don't do their part.

I suggest that she tries to talk to him about this. Maybe he has been sensing a problem too. If they can start to communicate again, there's a huge potential for healing.

The 13 Witch's Runes ~ Part II

Here's the second part of the witch's runes study. I am going to cover the next four runes: Romance, Woman, Man and Harvest.

Again, if you like what you read here, I strongly recommend that you buy Susan Sheppard's book, A Witch's Runes. This is the book that taught me about the runes, and it has much more information than I could possibly share here! You will not regret having it in you collection!

~*~

Romance

As I mentioned briefly in the first post, the Romance rune is also a symbol of connection, just like the Rings rune. But differently from the latter, the former implies a deeper sort of connection. While in the Rings we have two (or more) people joining to reach a similar goal, here we have two people joining for reasons they can't quite explain.

Hence this rune is related to love, passion, emotional bonds, sexual chemistry and sudden attraction. Any strong bond can be symbolised by this rune, including the unconditional parental love or a very strong friendship. And it's not limited to the emotions that sparkle between individuals - the love can be also directed to an object, a subject or even a work.

It's important to not limit this rune to the emotional field. It can be quite physical, representing sexual relations, arousal and irresistible magnetism. This rune is powerful, and often gives an extra impulse to any rune that is close it. Charismatic and seductive people are represented by the Romance rune as well.

Outside from the field of romance and sex, this rune is concerned with any act of creation. If you have any ongoing projects, you can be sure an extra impulse will come and spur you on. The Romance rune can also represent the reconciliation of opposite forces or tendencies, and the resolution of conflicts. Obsessive thoughts, stubbornness in pursuing a person or a goal and lack of objectivity are the downfalls of this rune.

~*~

Woman

The first meaning of this rune is quite obvious: it represents women. Any woman that is important in the question, whether you know her or not, will be represented by this rune. Mother, sister, aunt, grandma, a female boss, friend, lover or even enemy... all can be represented by the appearance of this rune.

In a more general sense, this rune is related to traditional female abilities and characteristics, such as giving birth, nurturing, comforting and healing. When this rune appears, you can count on the sympathy of others towards you or your situation. In its most negative aspects, the Woman rune can show over-protectiveness or co-dependency. It often strives to maintain the status quo, refusing to change even if the situation is bad.

The Woman rune is connected to nurturing - nurturing a relationship, a person or a project. Like the Moon rune, it can be related to finding a safe place to rest and heal, but while the Moon implies a solitary retreat, the Woman often shows that you need to go back to the people you trust, the people you feel safe with.

Healing is another strong aspect of this symbol, as well as teaching. You can be both the patient/student or the healer/teacher when this rune appears. This rune is also connected to creativity, but in a way that is different from the Romance rune. While the latter is about the conception of a project - the initial stages of creation - the Woman is about the birth of this project. When your creation is brought out into the world, fully manifested.

In relationship readings, this rune isn't bad, but rather weak. While it can indicate subtle ties between people, these are usually so, so subtle that the partners can easily drift away from each other. It can show that one of the partners sees the other as someone who needs to be protected and healed, rather than an equal. Usually, the romance is a bit stagnated when this rune appears, or very close to becoming a friendship.

~*~

Man

First of all, this rune represents any male that can influence the situation you are asking about. Father, son, brother, uncle, male boss, friend, lover or enemy... they are all represented by the Man rune.

In a general level, this rune is connected to traditionally male characteristics such as courage, impetuosity and perseverance. It's related to fighting, conquering, protecting and discovering new things. When the Man rune appears, you can be sure that a chaotic and dynamic energy is going to influence the situation, for good and for bad.

The Man rune demands action. It's not longer time to quietly sit and think, or to hide yourself and heal. No, it's time to get up and fight for what you want. If things are slow or stagnated, change them. Begin something new. It's not a moment to let things flow as they will, but to grab the reigns and gain control over the situation. Be the leader and defend your stand.

While the Woman rune is about healing, this one can be about defending yourself, and, sometimes, hurting or getting hurt in the process. You may have to defend your opinions, your actions or choices against some aggressive people. This rune offers you a challenge, but is also shows that you have the resources needed to face it. Naturally, this rune has very aggressive potentials in it, and they need a good deal of discipline in order to not become sorely destructive.

The Man rune also accelerates everything... nothing stays still when its around. The outcome of your question may happen sooner than you expected, but the result will probably be unexpected. It does not mean that all will go wrong, no - things will simply develop in unseen ways.

In relationship readings, the Man rune promises a period of instability, so it's important to not have high expectations. Under the influence of this rune, the relationship can be a stairway to Heaven or a ticket to Hell... and sometimes both, in a short period of time. It promises a bumpy journey for the heart, but with a great level of intensity. The Man rune can stand for love/hate relationship, cat and rat games and obsessions... the kind of things that turns one nuts (for good and for bad). This rune is good in questions concerning sexuality.

~*~

Harvest

This is a very positive rune, related to abundance, rewards, growth and benefits. But it's important to not mistake this rune for mere luck... while luck may help, the Harvest rune is usually related to the blessings that you have brought to yourself and to others, through your actions and investments.

"Reaping what you sow" is the message of the Harvest rune, but with a positive connotation. All that you worked and fought so hard to get will finally come to you, and you'll be able to enjoy a time of tranquillity, optimism and expansion. As the obstacles that were (or still are) in the way become smaller, you have a solid ground to reach out for your dreams.

Thus, the Harvest rune is a positive sign, telling you that you are in right path. However, it's important to know that this symbol is always attached to personal responsibility... it's what you do with your tools (whether they be mental, emotional or physical) that determines what you'll get back in the end. Use them wisely, and luck will serve you well.

On a more negative side, this rune can make one sleep on their laurels and cling to past victories. One can become too reliant on "what works" and refuse to try new things (especially if the Crossroads rune is near). The Harvest runes should inspire you to take some risks and keep evolving, and not to crystallise yourself in one position because it proved to be successful.

In relationship readings, this symbol is connected to more practical aspects than emotional ones. Usually it represents couples who grow together, financially, socially and/or professionally. Security becomes an important factor when the Harvest appears. It represents the moment in which the couple begins to build their nest together, and think about starting a family. This rune tends to be very positive for all relationships, but doesn't always inspire much passion.


The symbols of the runes were taken from Susan Sheppard's A Witch's Runes © Kesington Publishing Corp. No copyright infringement intended.

Sometimes you'll give crappy readings...

You will, trust me.

If you haven't already.

I have done it many times, especially when reading for others face-to-face. I blame it on my anxiety and lack of self-confidence, but I can't deny that every time this happens I trust my cartomantic skills a bit less. And the worst is that I don't even read for strangers yet - I only read for family and friends!

Not very promising for a wannabe card reader. After all, if you have blank spots and a coronary thrombosis when reading face-to-face, you will not have enough concentration to even try to give a good reading. You won't be grounded. And most importantly: you won't trust the message.

Despite my occasional failure at reading for others, I have a deep belief that the cards I get in a reading are the perfect cards for that moment. I almost never draw clarification cards or re-do the reading, unless I realises that the reading I am doing is not about the sitter, but about me. This has happened to me as well, and for me it's a sign that I am not grounded and detached enough from the situation. "It's not about me", I have to tell myself. "It's about the sitter. It's her reading, not mine".

I try but... sometimes I fail. Nothing comes. I look at the cards and get nothing. Not a single tiny bubble of a message floats to the surface of my suddenly still mind-ocean. I scratch my head. I analyse the elements and nothing seems relevant. I try Geomancy and find that, great, now I am more confused. My brain cells start to cannibalise each other in the calmness. I smile. I try to connect the cards. I stutter. Nothing makes sense – are these really my cards!?

I give up. And apologise.

This is what happened to me last Monday, while reading for my mother. I have always found it difficult to read for her, due to my closeness to her life... I know too much, I love her too much, and this is seldom a ground stable enough to build a good reading. But she only asks for a reading once in a blue moon, she was a bit upset and I thought the cards could give her some clarity.

The subject was her current relationship with a man. She said he was acting weird, so first I did the Lost Man spread to see what influences were strong in his life at the moment. This particular spread was decent, but not very deep. It didn't disclose any unknown information, so I did the 4-card Present spread in order to analyse the state of the relationship. And here... boy... I got completely lost.

I didn't get any information from these cards. Nada! It almost felt as if I had never seen them in front of me in my life. Of course, now with some distance I could attempt to interpret them... But that is not the point - the point is that I should have interpreted it back on Monday, looking my mother in the eye. The right moment is gone.

I gave a bad reading. So bad it was an almost non-reading. Thank goodness mum loves me with all my shortcomings... but I realise a stranger would not be happy with it. This makes the prospect of coming out of the divination closet even scarier.

But I am trying to not attach myself too much to this failure. No, this wasn't my best reading by far. There was nothing enlightening or empowering about it. Yes, it was shit. C'est la vie. Maybe I was just having a Bad Card Day.

The 13 Witch's Runes ~ Part I

One of my all-time favourite oracles is the witch's runes, as taught by Susan Sheppard. Differently from the Nordic Futhark runes, they are not an alphabet, but rather a gathering of symbols that are a part of the western "collective mind". Love, man, woman, moon, sun, death... all these are part of the witch's runes. Although apparently simple, these symbols can be used for fortune-telling with incredible accuracy, and some people also use them in magical rituals.

Sadly, there's very little information about this oracle on the web, so I have decided to talk a bit about the 13 symbols here in the blog. I use the method taught by Susan Sheppard in her book A Witch's Runes. The book is wonderful and very complete – if you like what you see here, I recommend buying it!

It's important to keep in mind is that there is more than one kind of "witches' runes". One has 8 symbols, the other has 10 symbols and the last one has 13 symbols, which is the one that I use.

I'll split the explanation of all 13 runes in 3 or 4 posts, so I can write more detailed definitions for each of them. Although I have learnt the method from Susan Sheppard's book, the explanations below are my own and come from my own experience – please do not repost them anywhere else without asking first, ok? I hope you all enjoy it!

~*~

Sun

The Sun is well-known symbol of good omen and protection. It is the life giver, the light that chases away the darkness and brings the new day. It's masculine and dynamic. In the witch's runes, it represents the beginning of something new, or a significant change in a situation that was bleak. As a source of light, the Sun can symbolise the disclosure of secrets and the clarification of hazy situations.

Just like the Earth and the other planets revolve around the Sun, this rune indicates that you'll soon be a source of attention for some reason, or that something (or someone) will grab your attention irremediably. It often symbolises the bestowing of an honour or award, or the acknowledgement of a good work. This rune can literally put you under the spotlight and expose you to public scrutiny. Be prepared to deal with a crowd.

Traditionally, the Sun's metal is the gold, and this also reflects in this rune - it's a rune of material wealth and can represent very rich people.

In relationship readings, this rune can indicate that one of the partners has a very strong presence, and may sometimes dominate the relationship. There's a strong Ego whenever the Sun appears, and this can be good or bad depending the nature of the relationship. In negative readings this rune can show that one of the partners is not allowing the the other to grow and shine on their own. But this is not very common - usually the Sun represents a vital and healthy relationship, even if it's not necessarily a peaceful one.

~*~

Moon

Differently from the Sun, the Moon has more subtle powers. While it can represent changes too - after all, the moon changes it face a bit every day - these are usually much slower and long-term than the ones represented by the Sun. It's feminine and passive.

As the rules of the night time, the Moon often symbolises a transition time, in which things are not yet defined or very clear. It may represents lack of information and bad timing - any action done under the influence of the Moon may not go as expected because of that. Just like the moon influences the tides of our planet, it also influences our inner water – our emotions – causing a bit of emotional instability. This often inspires us to act without pondering.

The Moon works with undercurrents, it shows hidden developments or things done in the shadows. All secrets are protected by the Moon, and it its most negative manifestation this rune can stand for lies, deceit and even self-sabotage.

The Moon is also associated with the female cycles, thus it may represent pregnancy, family, roots and ancestors. When the Moon appears, there's a strong need to go back to your roots in order to find comfort and understanding. It often symbolises that you have to find yourself a safe place to wait, like a newborn in the womb... You have to be patient.

I relationship readings, the Moon can represent a strong sexual attraction (especially with the Romance rune), secret affairs, hidden and contained impulses and secrets. Although it adds strength to the attraction, it does not add speed, so the Moon can often represent that almost unbearable tension that builds between two people during a long period of time. It can also represent a certain instability in the relationship, with moments of closeness and moments of separation.

~*~

Flight

Also called "The Birds", this is a rune of movement and communication. Emails, letters, phone calls, news, unexpected visits... all is represented by The Flight.

While the Moon told you you didn't have enough information to act, the Flight tells you the information is coming - if it's not here already. Now you can make informed choices and change your plans accordingly. It's very common for this rune to represent a change in plans, especially those who happen after we get a piece information that we didn't have. This is also a rune of synchronicity - of receiving the information you need exactly when you need it.

On a physical level, the Flight can represent travel, usually by air. With the Waves rune, it can indicate a journey by water. It also represents visits, both the expected and the unexpected kind. Because of its relation to communication, it can represent discussions, exchange of ideas and team work... but its negative side can stand for gossip, rumours and excessive noise. Mental tension, overstimulation, anxiety and lack of sleep are also part of the Flight's dark side.

This rune shows that the wheels are already moving, and that the situation is not longer stagnated. The Flight can symbolise a sudden freedom, a feeling of being liberated from the burdens of the past. Good ideas and solutions for problems appear. And because this rune is a fast one, it tells you to do it - and do it now. Don't put it off till later, or you may lose the opportunity.

In relationships, the Flight shows that there will be a lot of communication between the people involved. Any form of expression involving words will be at the centre of this relationship. However, it can indicate some physical distance between the partners. This rune, usually when combined with the Rings rune, can represent important documents and contracts. It's often a sign that you will receive news from (or about) the person you are interested in.

~*~

Rings

It's important to make a distinction between the Rings and the next rune, the Romance. One is about circumstances that connect people - the other is about emotions that connect people.

The Rings essentially represents the union of two elements to produce something new. Contracts, agreements, associations, long-term unions, marriage... all this is represented by the Rings rune. Whenever two or more people work together to attain a common goal, this is symbolised by this rune.

While the Rings are a traditional symbol for love connection, the truth is that this rune alone does not represent this - not very strongly. Marriage for love is something fairly recent in history, after all. But it can represent the union with someone you feel that complements you (or your work) very well. When this rune appears, you have the support of a group of people (or the support of the right person). Whatever you do, don't do it alone! Ask for help!

Reunions, meetings, parties, family dinners, religious gatherings... all are within the scope of this rune. The Rings also represent any social groups you are a part of. But this rune can also symbolise anything that binds you, whether you like it or not... agreements that limit you, relationships that smother you, groups that impose themselves on you. With more negative runes, the Rings can indicate a confrontation with the enemy and the people who oppose you. When the Scythe is nearby, a traumatic separation is likely.

The Rings are also a kind of jewellery, thus they are connected to luxury, expensive cars, beautiful clothing, epicurean meals and opulent places. This rune can suggest that one is being seduced by the superficial, and missing the relevant, the core. On a more harmless level, this rune can represent good taste, fun and group cultural activities such as theatres, museums, shows and cinema.

The symbols of the runes were taken from Susan Sheppard's A Witch's Runes © Kesington Publishing Corp. No copyright infringement intended. 

Fours as Winds?

The text below is a small compilation of some reflections I posted at the Temple of Wisdom, regarding the apparent contradiction between the number 4 and the idea of Winds. Many people who start studying the Playing Card Oracles are surprised to see the number 4, usually associated to stillness, structure, foundation and order, being symbolised by Winds – rather dynamic forces.

I spent a long time thinking about this, and came to my own conclusions about what the number 4 really represents, and how it matches the idea of the Four Winds very well. Hopefully, my ideas will help other readers and students. 

For a while I thought that the number 4 – a number of stability and structure – did not relate at all to the idea of a wind. After all, winds are an unpredictable element. They bring you rains, but they can also steal them away in a matter of minutes. They can be a welcome breeze in a summer day, or a hurricane!

I began to meditate about the 4s and I realised that, while winds can represent unpredictable forces, in the case of the cards they usually symbolise a steady, constant energy. The problem is when we automatically think of the number 4 as stillness - structures are not necessarily still. But they usually behave the same way, go in the same direction, focus on the same goal.

The 4s are symbols of single-mindedness.

Even that mischievous "South Wind" (4♦) is constant in its disorganising tendency. When it's blowing near you, you can be sure things are going differently from expected, no matter how sure the situation may appear. Now, if you happen to have the "North Wind" (4♠) too, then you'll probably be caught between two opposite and strong forces, each trying to have things done in its own way.

So, when thinking about the 4s, I no longer think just about structure, but also about constancy. Constancy is a kind of stability. So the Winds may represent a constant energy, a constant influence that blows you in one single direction. This too can be seen a structure and stability, as opposed to the real chaos of the number 5, in which everything is coming from all directions.

In a broader sense, the 4 winds together represent the 4 directions, the 4 elements, the 4 seasons, the 4 walls... the general structures of nature that surround us... or confine us. So the 4s can represent an influence that confines you to one single kind of vision or attitude. A limiting influence.

The number 4 does not make me think automatically of 'stagnancy', although some people really give this meaning to this number. All four winds in one reading – an excess of number 4 – could indicate stagnancy, because when you are in the middle of all four winds you are basically going nowhere! The structure is too strong around you.



 In a more positive context, this same combination may show that you found balance between all the 4 energies.

The "East Wind" (4♣) in the company of some heavy cards like the 8♠ or the 6♠, could indicate an unwillingness to change, to move. This idea is reinforced by a combination of even numbers - stable numbers.

Meditating about the PCO has helped me to expand my own views on the number 4!

Nothing in the head... everything in the mind.

First of all, I'd like to thank all my friends who wished me good luck with the MRI.  For those who don't know it, I have been having bouts of hemicranial paresthesia, mostly involving episodes of numbness in my face. Now, I do suffer from migrained and trigeminal nerve sensitivity but this is very different from anything I ever had before!

But thank goodness, the results were good! Nothing in the brain and skull area! That's such a relief. We may have to investigate the spine area... I still have to talk to my doctor, see if he wants to try other things or wait to see if the symptom will go away on its own.

The more I think about it, the more I think my Pilates teacher (who is also a physiotherapist) is right – my constant neck/back tension could be the source of the problem. I am a very stressed person, and the fact I have not been sleeping well makes it even worse. I have trigger points in my neck and upper back area (she told me that), and these can cause many symptom, from pain to numbness, in different areas of the body.

If that's the problem, then it's something I can deal with. Through Pilates and Yoga exercises, I can try to cure the physical symptoms. But as we know stress is also psychological, and this is also part of the problem. What could be making me THAT stressed?

Perhaps my mind is the biggest trigger point of all. It's the true source of my blockages.

In a moment of great worry, I did a 4-card reading with my Playing Card Oracles about what could be causing the facial numbness. The in the Head position was the 2 of Spades - a card of disagreements, strife, conflicts and... inner turmoil. We discussed the reading at the Temple of Wisdom, but it was hard to pinpoint the cause of the problem due to our general lack of expertise in the medical field (only one member is a healthcare professional, and he did bring some good and objective ideas) .

However, the more I look at this card the more it says to me that the roots of the problem are not just organic, but psychological. The two faces in the card, yelling at each other, could easily be two side of me unable to come to an agreement. But why can't I hear what they are discussing about? And more importantly – who is the judge of this conflict?

The Foot Chronicles: In a Snail's Pace

There are times in my life in which I remember my dreams in detail. They are so strong I feel 'high' during the morning, a part of me living in reality and a part of me still lost in the remnants of my dreams. And there are times in which I can't recall a dream to save my life. If I couldn't see the sun rising through the eastern window, I'd doubt I had slept at all.

The last couple of months have been 'dreamless' months. Of course I dream, but their contents remain a mystery locked in the black box of my mind.

But today – ta da! – I remembered. Not all the dream, but a part of it that made me sit on my bed and think about it for a long while before getting up. Not something I usually do: early in the morning, my thoughts have zero complexity, and nothing profound comes from my brain cells as I drag my sleepy butt to the bathroom. I believe even think in grunts!

In my dream, I was visiting a doctor/therapist who specialised in... feet. Yes. She was treating my feet... they were swollen and strangely sticky, as if constantly covered by a thick layer of sweat. Another doctor had already mentioned that my feet skin looked strange. She said it was fine, what I had was not very hard treat, but told me that I'd have to cover my feet with a towel and 'squeeze' it twice a day. Okay. I did that to see what she was talking about and the the most strange thing happened. Tiny weeny snails – yes, snails – started to come out of my pores. Surprisingly enough I was not disgusted at that... I looked at the snails, they were rather cute, and I wondered how the hell did I get such a strange parasitic infection.

Snails in my feet. Literally inside my feet. I was reminded of the 4-card spread taught by Ana Cortez... the bottom position, represented by the suit Spades and element Earth, is the foot. The roots, the foundation, the constant pull of gravity. Without a strong foot we crumble, no matter how high and deserving our ideals are.

So, I have parasites in my feet. I can't help but to think my personal roots and foundations are somehow being eaten away by something. I don't hate snails, and never did that cruel thing of putting salt on them... in fact, when I was a child, I used to like them and play with them. I'd let them slide down my arms! It's not like snails are the bogeyman of my unconscious world, so I can only assume that whatever is eating my 'feet' must be doing that with my silent consent.

Am I destined to fall like a tree rotted out at the base? And perhaps from that new things will grow? Or am I supposed to discover what is the parasite and fight it? I do not have answer to these questions yet, but there's something definitely gnawing at my core, slowly but steadily. And anyone who ever had the pleasure of being visited by multitudes of snails knows how damaging they can be to your plants – even though they work in a snail's pace.

All this reminds me of this week's Oracle Speak, by Ana Cortez. She drew the 9♠, also known as "Throne of Spiders", a card that usually points to something that is consuming you, your energies, your resources. Coincidentally, this card belongs to the Earth element, with is the same element that rules the Foot position in the 4-card spread. Time to pay more attention to the Foot position of my spreads...


Snail photo © akedeszign at stock.xchng

PCO: Destroying illusions or destructive illusions?

Finally, a sunny day. A wonderful opportunity to sit outside and have fun with playing cards. That's exactly what I did during my lunch break today. No questions, no reading. I was just telling little stories with them, because for me it's a good way to connect with the cards and calm my mind.

Then, in one of my stories, I drew two cards.
First the 5♥. Then the 7♠.
Hum... interesting.

The 5♥ is called "Fata Morgana", a card of illusions and deceit, and the 7♠ is the "Sword of Destruction".

At first the meaning of this combination seemed very obvious to me – the "Sword of Destruction" was "destroying" the illusions cast by "Fata Morgana". Duh.

But as I gave it more thought, I began to wonder if the cards were not talking about a destructive illusion instead. Since Hearts + Swords (Water + Earth, respectively) are complementary suits, I suppose these two cards would add to each other's meanings, and not contradict each other. In fact I think Morgana would be positively thrilled to play with the Sword of Destruction!

So, the elemental combination made me rethink my first interpretation.

But if the "Sword of Destruction" will not destroy the illusions cast by "Fata Morgana", who will?

I ask you: which is the most effective way to kill a bit of water? (A bit, because the 5♥ is a low number)

With fire. Right?
And in the playing cards, fire is represented by the Diamond suit.

So, the real "enemy" of the 5♥ is actually the 7♦ - the bold and brave "Sword of Truth".

I love when the cards themselves teach me something new!
Watching them interact on the table is SO fascinating.

PCO: And what have I learnt...

It's a bit difficult for me to write about what have I learnt this week, after a sudden work trip to a conference. I never even expected my employers to choose me, of all people! And I still don't know exactly what my lesson was, but I am happy I did not miss this opportunity... As scary as it was, at first!

The King of Clubs, Sol, and the 3♦ were the two cards that helped me to decide whether to go or not. They appeared in the Head and Throat positions of the Present Spread, respectively. I did not meditate about their meanings, but for some reason they screamed "YES!" to me. "Go Marina, go!"

And I went. Veni, vidi, vici!

Now I think about what these cards were telling me, and what lesson have I learnt. Sol is an eternal student, a master of many subjects, but especially someone whose curiosity is never sated. Alone, all by himself, he is cold and still, like the stale air of an old library. Full of knowledge but without any use to it.

And then comes the fire, in the 3♦. A growing fire, the one that make things change and manifest, as in a chemical reaction. The 3♦ was like a Bunsen burner, heating the little dish in which Sol rested, making his molecules move faster and faster and faster... making him rise.

For over an year, I have been exercising my mind at work, but without much passion. I just did what I was supposed to do, with no real involvement. I didn't consider what I do really important, and I didn't think that the good results we are having had anything to do with me. Going to this conference gave me a new view... although I still don't think this work is my vocation (my true calling, so to speak), I began to find it more interesting because it's the start of a new era, and everyone is a bit lost. Digital Books are novelty for 90% of the publishing houses and bookstores in 90% of countries worldwide. It's a time of chaos and creation!

I realised that they need new minds to make this work. Whoever finds the most simple and most functional way of making digital books will dictate the next steps. This opportunity... this new market... is symbolised by the 3♦. It is the fire that is warming up the market, that is burning the chairs of all those who refuse to get up and do something. And for the first time, it came to me that even if this job is not my true calling, perhaps I have a reason to be here. Perhaps my contribution is needed in ways I cannot foresee.

This conference helped me to test my courage and my ability to react to the unexpected; and it also helped me to test my knowledge. I realised that I know much more about ebooks than I believed. That I may have something to offer to the market, or at least to the company in which I work, even if I don't stay there forever. I can use it to my personal growth.

Ana Cortez said in her book about the PCO that we should picture the suit signs in the 3s as the rungs of a vertical ladder. For the first time, the idea makes complete sense to me. I feel like my mind has been challenged for the first time in a long while – it's the calling of the 3♦, agitating Sol's cold intellect.

The Arrow of Truth

The Truth.

When people look for card-readers, that's usually what they are after. An answer to a question, a missing piece of information, a future development – and always the truth. But sometimes, delivering the truth is more difficult than it seems.

I have confess that, in my experience, 100% positive readings are rare. Almost all readings, even good ones, have a catch. There's something you must change... something you must let go of... something you must do in order to reap the rewards. But if the general feeling of the reading is in accordance to the querent's wishes, it's much easier to talk about the small stumbling blocks.

Handling the arrow of the truth becomes difficult when the reading is not what the querent wants. Nobody likes a no!, no matter how prepared they think they are to receive it. And if the querent is certain that the answer will be a double yes!, then the task becomes even harder. Furthermore, there are times in which people think that they want the truth, nothing but the truth... but when the truth is shown, they close their eyes. As readers we cannot force them to accept the message – but we still have to find a way to deliver it.

So... how to shoot the arrow of truth without stomping on the querent's heart with hobnail boots?

Some readers don't care much about this. Their style is 'blunt', and they deliver the message as it comes. I know that some people don't mind this, and some even appreciate the sincerity. But being a very sensitive person myself, I know I could not endure this in a moment of vulnerability - and I know that many querents ask for readings in difficult times, when they are feeling hurt, weak and frail. So I try to put myself in their shoes before saying that "it's so bloody OBVIOUS that he doesn't care about you anymore!". Nothing is obvious when emotions are involved.

I am not implying that a reader should lie to the sitter – never! You can be fully honest, and still be considerate. I go against the idea that card readers should go around pushing 'reality checks' down everybody's throats. I think that whenever we have to shoot the arrow of truth, we must dip the tip in a bowl of honey.

So you sugarcoat the message, eh? No. Sugarcoating means making something appear better than it is. Being tactful means delivering the message in a way that the other can receive it. I want my querents to understand the message and use it in an empowering way, even if it's apparently negative. I don't want them to be traumatised by it. I think that a harsh slap across the face is just as unhelpful as a lie.

Brutal honesty should be used as a final measure, for very troublesome querents. And if things became this bad, I'd reconsider my ability to help this person, and would probably refer them to another reader. We don't have to lose our sanity because of rowdy sitters.

There's no recipe, and eventually every reader find his or her own way to deliver the more 'negative' readings. When confronted with this problem, I try to remember how I'd like to receive a similar message. My inner answer usually is: in a compassionate, honest and encouraging way. In a way that does not make me feel silly or exposed. In a way that helps me to see both the light and the shadows of my situation. And that's what I try to convey to my sitters.

I know that sometimes I'm not successful, because I am human and I have bad days too! But I think it's important to keep exercising our kindness when shooting the arrow of truth through the heart of the others. You don't have to be brutal to be honest.

PCO: Focusing on details, missing the whole picture

Oh yes. I have been doing it again. *sighs*

Yesterday I sat down, lit a candle and focused. I was going to read for a friend who was absent at that moment, but who had requested the reading. I knew the question was important to her, and as I am very close to the situation, I tried to clear my own mind from any expectations. Just read the cards!, I told myself. And after shuffling my deck, I drew four cards and spread them in the Present Spread, as taught by Ana Cortez.

The question was "Will A. [my friend] and T. meet again before one year passes?".
(Note: A. and T. are in a long distance relatiosnship)

As soon as I saw the cards, my mind entered panic mode. Oh no, that Leo guy on the top again! I knew I had interpreted him wrongly in a past reading, in this very same position. To calm and quiet my mind, I did the Geomancy, and I got the following: Laetitia + Cauda Draconis = Conjunctio.

That does not point to anything bad, but Cauda Draconis as the 2nd witness, tells me that there will be some significant obstacles to be overcome, and difficult choices to be made, before the meeting can happen. Conjunctio, as the judge, is a very good figure for a meeting. But that did not help me to get any calmer.

So I started putting the details together – no Spades, hum, that means lack of practical plans, and 10♣ in the Foot position could indicate instability at work. And that Leo. Leo... K♦... maybe he's part of the obstacle? Maybe he's A's boss? Maybe she'll be offered a job opportunity that will get in the way? And that 6♦ in Torso, it shows a lonely and isolated heart, ugh, I think the answer is not because of money, I mean, you have 10♥, the only Heart card, surrounded by Diamonds... suffocated by money issues...

Shut up, brain!

Thank goodness I went out to have dinner with my friends, and forgot about the reading for a good while. When I came back home, after  a long conversation with a good friend, my mind felt more at peace. And suddenly... suddenly it came to me that I was not answering A's question!

No, I was getting caught up in the details, focusing on the small relationship between the cards, and missing the whole picture completely!

Geomancy was clear: what A. and T. have is happy and beautiful (Laetitia), but it will have to survive some very difficult obstacles and perhaps cut many ties (Cauda Draconis) in order to for the meeting to happen again (Conjunctio).

Lack of Spades, what does it mean? In the most simple way – lack of physical contact. That answers part of the question saying that probably they'll not have any physical contact before the year is over, for there are obstacles that still need to be overcome.

What does a combo ♦ + ♥ + ♦ mean? A lot of impulsive energy. The desire to meet is strong, it will remain strong, and the 10♣ in the Foot position says that A. may even 'lose her stability', her roots because of this desire. But nothing points to a practical action towards meeting, so again I get the feeling that they'll not meet again before the year is over.

Also, fire and water do not mingle so well – the excessive passion and desire may put too much pressure on the tenderest emotions. Water needs more time than fire to get things done - if you hurry it, it may evaporate! Their love will have to survive a consuming, albeit lonely (as suggested by the 6♦), passion... or disappear.

Now, to the Leo guy. I admit he is a bit of a mystery, but I remember that Ana Cortez says that "his will is a team of mighty horses". A strong will is ruling everything. I assumed that such a will belonged to someone else – but why can't it be the couple's will? Allegra combined with Leo makes me think of a strong impulse to pursue one's heart desire. A will powered by the heart.

And the 6♦ says that yes, the heart will be isolated and a bit lonelier for this year, due to the distance. But it'll also be protected, in a sense – protected from a reality that tells us that love is not worth fighting for. In a practical sense, the two Diamonds cards speak of someone saving financial resources to accomplish her goal of visiting her partner again.

The tendency to focus on every little card as if they were important for the reading is something that came from my tarot practice. In tarot, I used to read each card separately, consider their individual meanings, and only in the end see the whole picture. But with playing cards, this technique doesn't always work – the atmosphere created by all of the cards together is sometimes more important than the individual meanings of each.

I need to exercise my own bird's-eye view when reading the cards. A lot of details is not the same as an enlightening reading.

Of intention and card reading

What is the power behind the cards? What power makes certain cards be chosen in an specific moment, fall into an specific position and deliver a message? I do not presume to know the answer to these question for sure, and I think that every card reader has his own personal answers to them.

I do believe that there's some special kind of energy behind every reading. It does not necessarily come from a higher power of any sort though – it comes from the reader ad the sitter. I call it "intention".

For me, intention is the desire to know something, to receive an answer. It is an ardent question, and the strongest and clearest it is, the more powerful the reading will be. It is what separates empty questions and real questions – and what separate dull readings from intense ones.

Intention is actually present in all aspects of life, not just divination. It can be translated in "what you really want". In times like ours, in which there is so much to want, and our focus changes constantly, it may be hard to feel that deep and intense wish for something. But we still have many moments like this. Like when we are in love, or like when we wish to accomplish one thing above all else. This guides us, guides our steps and our choices.

This is the same power that guides the cards, but in card reading, this intention is presented as a question. The real desire to know something will give the cards a strong vibration, and (if the reader is skilled) the cards will truly shine on the table. That's why when people don't really have a question, the reading is a bit boring. Because there was no real intention behind the question, no real desire to know, so the cards work with a weak vibration.

This for me explains many interesting happenings in the card reading practice. Like when you ask a question, but the cards relate to a completely different situation. You ask about your job, but they show you your family situation. You think that it's because you shuffled them wrong, or maybe they are messing with you head... but no. Sometimes, what we really want to know (where our intention is) is something completely different from what leaves our lips. We think we want to know about our job, but all our being, every cell, is worried about our family. Which intention do you think will prevail?

Another thing I saw happening a few times is when the querent asks a question, but actually does not want to know the answer. Of course they are usually unaware of this. They ask you for a reading because they think they want to know (or think they should know), but all their intention is focused on avoiding the answer. The cards will not work against this wish, and the reading will end up being rather insipid.

Sometimes, the cards will even make it clear that the sitter is not ready to know the answer. They'll give you a very closed reading, with few insights. Needless to say, most of querents really don't like when this happens...

For me, the intention is behind all this. The cards will always work with your intention, and never against it. That's why it is so tricky to read for yourself about important matters, especially if you wish for an specific outcome. Your intention cannot focus on simply getting a sincere answer, and your capacity to interpret the reading with the necessary impartiality is usually reduced.

And that's also why daily readings tend to be weak readings. Because they usually lack intention. While useful for practice when you are starting off, after a while they stop being really insightful. But that is subject for a future post...

The Uninspired Reader Syndrome: seeking treatment

So... my lack of inspiration is getting a bit daunting, and I must do something about it. I don't even feel like my usual self. I love reading, I love handling my cards, but I feel like the whole experience is becoming stale. It's like eating candy with the wrapper, or watching a beautiful spring day through a dirty and scratched glass. The beauty is right there, but you can't access it for some reason.

Thus, I decided to ask the cards. What should I do about my Uninspired Reader Syndrome?

I confess I was surprised by the "Peddler's Ace" in the Head position. This is one of the cards that follow me... and I usually don't see it with good eyes. However, this card is in a favourable position for its suit, and it has Livia right below it. Livia is a kind and warm presence, a constant fire. The 5♦, on the other hand, is a more chaotic fire, because of the instability of the number 5 itself.

So, I decided to give the card a chance of showing me its best side. I felt this card was talking about exchanges – of energy, and maybe even of money. My practice is too lonely, too private – I need to exchange my knowledge and skills with others. I need to 'sell my product'.

Livia, Q♦ in the Throat position speaks of connecting to a warm source of learning and inspiration. She is certainly a woman older than I, in her bowl she is offering her knowledge and her guidance. This card tells me I should maybe look for a mentor, someone who can help me to develop my card-reading skills.

The two fire cards make the message clear: dynamism is necessary. Change is necessary.

In the Torso position, the 3♥ is a strange card... I am not sure how to interpret it. The card is in a good position, and is the third red card in the spread, adding to the energy and dynamism implied by the last two cards. It's a card of vacillating emotions, and may also indicates a relationship triangle. Again, we see here the necessity of connecting to others... and perhaps a bit of a warning to not let these connections evolve into something negative. I'm passionate about the subject, and sometimes too much passion can burn.

It interesting to see that there's a heart-shaped lock in the middle of the card. The answer is in the heart... I just need to find the key.

The last card, in Foot position is the flighty 10 ♣, Fortuna. The only black card in the spread, it does not really suit the position in which it is. The bottom card is the stable basis of the reading, and Fortuna is anything but stable. What is she telling me?

This card could represent someone else, and being in the position of practical work is could again suggest the need to sharing my practice with someone carefree and adventurous, who would help me to liberate myself from a card reading practice that has become too dense. It also suggests to me that I take some of qualities of Fortuna, in order to achieve a great level of freedom. Perhaps my practice has become too serious?

There are no earth cards in this reading. I believe this is a double-edged message: I need to let go of 'earth' a bit, and experiment with the freedom suggested by the elements in my spread. At the same time, I must keep practising, keep working on it, but in more liberating ways.

PCO: Should I stay or should I go?

I don't often ask my cards "should" or "shouldn't" questions, because I don't like idea of relying on cards to make my choices for me. But I was talking to a Canadian friend, who is a fellow card reader, about going on a trip to Canada in May, and told him that sometimes I felt unsure about it. With a big smirk, he told me to "ask the cards if you should", even though he usually doesn't do this kind of reading himself.

So I gave in and drew four cards asking the question: "Should I go to Canada?"

These were my cards.

"Ha!", said my friend. "Three reds and one black – that means you should come here!".


I agreed. I am going, and would still go even if the cards said otherwise. But I was rather amused by the amount of Diamonds in this reading. It's either telling I'm going to spend a lot of money there, or that the trip is going to be rather fiery.

The predominance of high numbers also tells me this is going to be an important trip.

 

The J♦ (Dango) is particularly interesting, because this card seems to be pushing the others forward. The 9♦ (Gawain) with the 9♠ (Throne of Spiders) seem to be the 'cautious' part of the spread. Gawain shows the highest intensity of energy before it begins to decrease, and the "Throne of Spiders" is pretty much the bottom of the bucket when it comes to energy. Together, they also indicate too much dedication to something that is beginning to drain you. Regarding to my trip, they are warning me that it'll be a tiring trip, and that it may ask more from me than I expect. I also think it'll be physically exhausting for some reason.

I actually had planned to stay in Canada for 2 weeks, and the spending one week at home to "recover" before going back to work. I think my decision was wise then, because if the trip will be tiring (I never went on a long trip that wasn't, anyway), I'll need time to rest.

But Dango, the very energetic and optimistic Jack of Diamonds, pushes me on. He's a bold guy, and his advice is "dare!".

The last card, Ace♦ (Ignita) promises a renewal of energy after the two exhausting cards that precede it. And being it the soul of  Fire, it promises a transformation. Something will change - they say we never come back from a trip the same, and I agree. I imagine the 9♦ and the 9♠ as heavy influences, and the Ace as "things becoming simpler". For good or for bad, this trip will purify me somehow.

And there is Dango, saying "go! go! go!".

And I say back, "yes!".