PCO: Look at the cards!

Sometimes, the answer is not in the individual meanings of the cards, but rather in the entire "look" of a spread. A friend of mine asked me to see in the cards whether she could be pregnant. She has an IUD and there has been no problems with it, as far as she knows... However, she felt a little bit paranoid and so asked me for a reading.

As soon as I looked at the cards, I got a very strong impression that she is not pregnant.

Lets ignore the card meanings and look at the general image given by the cards. The 7♦ in the Head position makes me think – laugh if you want – of the phallus and the sperm, going in to reach their fertilising goal. However, its path is being interrupted by the only black card in the spread, the 7♣. Note that both 7s are pointed at each other, like in a fight. Had both been facing the same direction, my interpretation would have been very different.

The 7♣ is the Sword of Enchantment, which is shaped, coincidentally, like T. Also, it's in the Throat position, which speaks of how the different parts of a situation are connected. In my mind, it represents the IUD, "blocking" the path of the 7♦, thus impeding the connection/conception. The 7♣ also speaks of an "unseen force" which acts in apparent magical ways – a fitting description for an IUD!

What about the lower cards? The 4♦ in the Torso position could point to pregnancy, especially since it's a card that speaks of unplanned circumstances. But Diamonds by itself does not feel like a very "fertile" suit for me... in a more positive spread, I'd expect at least one Heart card, preferably combined with a Spade. Looking at the way the pips are positioned in the 4♦, I see a tunnel, a pathway... the one that is being blocked by the 7♣. 

Last, but not least, we have the A♦ in the Foot position. Aces stand for new beginnings so this is another one that could be pointing to a more positive response. In this case, though, I see the A♦ representing the "raw" potential for procreation - the egg cell. One of the cool things about Ignita is that inside its diamond-shaped pip, there's the small foetus-like silhouette, speaking of its live-giving potential. However, it's still being guarded by the Dragon, waiting for the proper moment to manifest itself.

Alright, but aren't Clubs and Diamonds compatible suits? Couldn't the 7♦ and 7♣ be "working" together, thus making the pregnancy a likely event? Yes – like I said, had both Swords been pointing downwards, towards the A♦, I'd think there's a greater chance the conception has happened. But this spread clearly gives me the image of two powers which are going in opposite directions, creating a stalemate.

Also, the 4♦ in the Torso position does not strike me as a particularly fertile card. For me, it says that the womb is too "unstable" right now to hold a pregnancy. Let us not forget that the IUD – be it a copper coil or a hormonal one – makes the uterus uninhabitable for the sperm. I'd say the 4♦ in this position represents that.

Of course, I am still waiting for further developments to know whether my reading was accurate or not. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see how the cards communicate beyond their individual messages. More than recalling memorised meanings, one has to look at the cards as a whole to see what picture they are painting together.

PCO: In hindsight

I know it's not really fair to post a reading and its interpretation after things have happened, with the benefit of hindsight. I actually did this reading last Monday (November 1st), and had planned to post it right away. But life happened, and I ended up not having the time.

The thing is that the reading kind of manifested itself just a couple of hours after I did it. I honestly did not expect to get a visible response so soon!

My question was related to my internship which, having officially started a couple of months ago, was feeling rather stagnated. I asked the oracles what could be happening to hinder the progress so much, drew four cards using the Playing Card Oracles present spread and also two witch's runes.

At first, the reading did not make much sense. The J♣ (Lancelot) in the head position didn't help much, as it's a card that still confuses me a bit. The 10♦ (Tendra) combined with the 8♠ spoke, to me, of a situation that is demanding a lot and really sucking the energy of the involved people. The 9♦ reinforced the idea of a decrease of energy, usually spent on helping others.

The runes I drew were the Woman + Star. The Star is a particularly positive rune, but in this context – and especially because the J♣ was the top card – it spoke to me of a strong idealism. So, there was the important influence of a woman who was trying very hard to achieve a certain ideal.

Putting the pieces together, I got the idea that our situation was stagnated because those we should be working with – which, by the way, is an all-female team – were really terribly busy with something that was consuming them. I did consider both the J♣ and the 10♦ could represent the people involved, but because Lancelot still befuddles me (I'll have to dedicate a post to him someday) I wasn't sure.

Turns out the situation was pretty much what the cards said. During the last month, the team had been facing a critical situation with one of the students they were trying to help: a 30-something woman with a Tendra-ish personality (at least judging from what they told me). The team leader – a very idealistic woman – got heavily emotionally involved, and was exhausted trying to solve the problem. They were, thus, unable to properly communicate with us, and that's why everything seemed stagnated on our side.

In a sense, this situation helped us to be able to tell them that, as Psychology interns, we are supposed to help them with such problems. They don't have to "spare us", quite the contrary, they should share so we can handle it together and help each other cope. This positive result showed up in the Geomancy: Carcer + Amissio = Fortuna Major. From a situation that generated limitations and losses, arises a chance of creating something better.

Like I said, in hindsight everything looks very clear. Still, this spread reminded me that I need to trust the cards. When I first did the reading, I felt kinda lost and even felt tempted to shuffle the deck again and draw new cards. I'm glad I didn't.

New Moon Reading: Holding out for a hero

This month's spread is a bit bleak, with all those black cards, but we have dearest Lancelot (J♣) in the Foot position and he usually gives things a more positive spin. I confess the J♣ still eludes me somehow... in theory, I know what he's supposed to mean, but in practice, during an actual reading, I find it hard to define exactly who or what he is.

The numerology of this spread doesn't promise many changes. All cards are even, which suggest a certain stability, and only the J♣ is an odd number. Also, he's the only card that has ANY red colour in it, even though he's a Club card. I get the feeling that Lancelot is going to play a significant role in the coming cycle.

Clubs and Spades together make a logical and predictable combination. This tells me this won't be a month of great surprises or excitements. The 4♣ of in the Head position and the 8♠ in the Heart tell me that it's likely to be a time of doldrums - slow head and a heavy heart.

But we also have two Court cards. First, Morgana (Q♠) in the Throat position. I see that in two ways. She can represent an actual person, whose presence is likely to generate trouble and obstacles. Also, she can represent the attitude that is needed to overcome the problems pointed by the other cards. Morgana has enough patience, endurance and ambition to persevere even when the atmosphere isn't optimal. 

Second, we have Lancelot. Being the only odd card in this spread, I sense in him as if standing in defiance against the rest of the spread. He can mean someone who gives support, not only for the spirit but also for the heart. My impression is that he represents my boyfriend here, as he is a man with many Lancelot-ish qualities about him. 

The Geomancy is, once again, dismal: Tristitia + Via = Cauda Draconis. Cauda Draconis as the Judge worries me a bit because this figure often represents things that are about to end, and not in a nice way. But, in my current context, I can't really see what it could refer to - unless it refers with a "dead end", like, a situation that does not go forward, which would make more sense in this spread. Tristitia + Via together represent upsetting delays, or movements what do not bring satisfaction.

The TL/DR of this spread for me would be: a slow cycle, with heavy things to work through. I may have to deal with a difficult presence (probably an older woman) in my affairs, who will block my progress or slow it down. But also, I will be supported by a male, a very balanced individual who can help me endure and resist the crushing weight of my responsibilities. 

I don't foresee catastrophe, just another tiring month. I think I am going through that phase in which you have to stay the course until it's over, and find some comfort where you can. Anyway, this spread makes me think of Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out For a Hero" for some reason...

PCO: What to expect of my internship?

Finding an internship in Psychology during the pandemics has been no easy feat. Many places that used to offer positions for interns have reduced their staff significantly. But, thanks to a friend, I have managed to get an internship at an educational institution. The drawback? It's going to be entirely online.

It makes sense – all my classes and even my job are online these days – , but I confess I can't help but feel somewhat sceptical. It'll be my first practical experience in Psychology, an area that demands interactions and opportunities to observe, and having to experience it all through a screen doesn't sound very exciting. So I did a reading asking what should I expect of this internship?

First of all, the numbers in this spread are all low and most are even (the 3♣ being the only exception). This tells me that the experience as a whole may be more underwhelming than expected or hoped for. There is not Diamond card, which makes sense since I won't be getting paid, but it also denotes a lack of ambition, energy and creativity. The amount of black cards also speaks of a colder, more introspective vibe here.

The 2♥ + 4♠ make a interesting, balanced combination, that mitigates somewhat the first impressions given by the numerology. The Lovers in the Head position show that the internship will involve me emotionally. The 4♠ is a cold, aggressive wind that asks us to take shelter. And the Lovers are right above it, tied and naked... in short, vulnerable. 

I don't think the cards point at something dramatically bad, only that this internship will force me to face my own vulnerabilities. I have been a good Psychology student so far, but can I be a good Psychologist professional? Also, the fact that the two figures are tied in the 2♥ makes me think I'll not have a lot of "freedom" in my activities. This is reinforced by the two runes I drew, which I'll come back to later.

The 4♠ + 6♠ also add to the impression of "cold" I felt before. The 6♠ (The Ruins) in the Heart position speaks strongly of loneliness to me. There won't be much spontaneous emotional warmth or support. The focus will be on responsibility, pragmatic work, bureaucracy, organisation and other Earth-related characteristics. 

The 3♣ in the Foot position puzzles me a bit. It's the only odd number card, and the 3s always make me think of the steps in a stair, that allow you to go up or down. But either way, you have to move. I think this experience, in spite of its limitations, will help me to grow. My state of mind will contribute to how much I can "take" from it. Also, being in the position of practical things, the 3♣ also reinforces an idea of introspection, since it's a card of silence and careful ponderation.

The geomancy for this spread is Tristitia + Caput Draconis = Conjunctio. Tristitia stands for sadness, indifference, boredom, which I believe reflect well how I feel about this situation. Caput Draconis, however, is a very good figure that points to positive beginnings. I think it's saying that my mind is creating this bleak outlook more than the events themselves. Conjunctio tells me the situation will balance itself out, and the cons will not outweigh the pros. 

All in all, I get the impression that this internship will not be breakthrough experience. It'll be a bit dry, but still I will be able to grow from it. I have to take it as it comes and make most of it, because my mental and emotional state will influence a lot on how much I can enjoy it. 

Last, but not least, the witch's runes: I got the Eye and the Crossroads. These two symbols together make me think of a "blocked vision" and of "feeling blocked because one is being watched". I think this relates interestingly to the "limitation of movement" I saw in the 2♥. There won't be much room for innovation or experimentation, it'll be a tranquil but matter-of-fact experience overall. 

New Moon Reading: In the eye of the energy storm

I did this reading during the New Moon on 8th August, during the Oracle Tide hosted by Ana Cortez, but I am only posting it now. To be honest, I am still finding it a bit hard to make sense of it...

Let's start with the most obvious signs. First of all, this spread contains only even numbers, and most of them low, so this probably will not be a cycle filled with big changes or instabilities. Even numbers speak of being receptive and stabilising yourself before taking the next step. 

That said, the two suits we have here – Diamonds and Spades – are not exactly... laid-back. Being one black and the other red, these suits do balance each other out, but in a rather rough manner. So, we have a very productive and goal-oriented energy in this spread, but the numbers say that despite this potential for activity, there is a certain hesitance to actually become active.

Contradictory, uh? And it's interesting because the individual cards reinforce this.

The top and bottom cards are two highly energetic ones. The 2♦ (The Rivals) is all about getting that special creative spark, usually through a dynamic partnership with someone who complements or opposes you. The 4♠ (North Wind) has an uneasy energy, one that does not allow us to feel comfortable and safe and that often makes us look for protection and security. Together, these cards speak to me of a challenging atmosphere, not necessarily in a negative way... There's something about this Lunar cycle's energy that will unsettle us, provoke us.

Now, if we look at the middle cards – 6♦ (The Tower) and 10♠ (Terrene) – the energy is very different. Both the Tower and Terrene are rather conservative cards. They are not the type to risk and take impulsive action. The 6♦ speaks of finding security in a "high place", from which you can have a clear view of what's going on and plan accordingly. It's a card of strategy and vision. And the Lady of Spades... she's someone who tends to stay on the safe side and focus on the essential small things of everyday existence, rather than thinking big and being ambitious.

So yes, this reading has clearly two opposing tendencies to it (and The Rivals at the top should already be an indication of that). What gives?

My opinion is that, in the coming cycle, our inner energy might not be in harmony with the outer energy around us. Perhaps the world will demand things from us we are not yet ready to give, or impose situation we are not yet sure how to deal with. We have to face the challenges without getting carried away by their apparent urgency.

The geomancy for this reading was Populus + Acquisitio = Acquisitio. Populus speak of instability, especially one that comes from a collective context. But the double Acquisitio says that there is a lot to be gained from it, if one can handle the uncertainty. So no, it's not time to withdraw from the challenges or to be intimidated, but rather to find a way to stay grounded and secure when things around us become agitated. 

And the advice of the cards for this is: look at events strategically (6♦) and take it day by day (10♠). Also, take good care of your body and physical well-being in general.

New Moon Reading: Active Healing

This reading was done for the Oracle Tide, a monthly online meeting hosted by Ana Cortez that happens every New Moon. I did a spread last New Moon as well but I forgot to share it here, unfortunately. Anyway, this reading is about what I should expect for coming lunar cycle, which begins today, with the New Moon in Cancer. The first thing that called my attention was the fact that both the top and the bottom cards are Hearts (element Water), which suits the fact this lunar cycle begins in a Water sign. Also, the two court cards – K♦ (Leo) and J♣ (Lancelot) – are "between" these two water cards, as if underwater. Of course, Lancelot is bursting out of a lake in his card, which is also significant.

What I get from this first overview is that this cycle will be about healing (7♥) and dealing with emotional confusion (3♥). All explorations and actions, represented by the two male court cards, will be done within the realms of emotions, intuition, the unconscious and so on. But because this reading is not full of black cards – in fact, the only black card (J♣) happens to be very connected to the Hearts suit as well – I don't feel it'll be a cycle of heavy introspection or deep shadow work. No, it's something like a preparation for what is to become a more outward and confident expression of one's inner vision.

So, this spread is not simply about expecting to be healed – there's an active work here, a quest for healing that also involves learning how to protect oneself from further wounding (the fact that both King and Jack carry swords reinforces that). If you look at the spread, the blade of Sword of Healing (7♥) is directly connected to King Leo's sword, mirroring it. Also, Leo and Lancelot's heads are connected and looking in the same direction. You have to go into the inner waters to heal, yes, but at some point you must also come back, integrate what you have learnt and communicate it to the outer world. This is represented by both Lancelot's image (coming out of the lake) and Leo in the throat position.

The only card that still eludes me somehow is the 3♥. I feel that somehow this cycle of healing indicated by the 7♥ will also require an emotional decision to be made. A new door will appear, that will make one's "feet" unstable. I confess I prefer to remain open to see what this card is about as the new lunar cycle unfolds.

Last, but not least, the Geomancy of the reading. I got Puer as the 1st Witness, Via as the 2nd Witness and Albus as the Judge. My interpretation is that the path to wisdom involves learning how to use one's energy into the world. An intense energy that cannot be channelled into action will turn against itself, and become a destructive, useless fire.

PCO: A Cat Spread for material concerns (Part 2 - The Future)

So, now we get to the future part of the Cat Spread I started in the last post. This one brings a shift, being a spread made of Diamonds and Spades – two very positive suits when it comes to money-making and material things. In comparison to the Present Spread, we have something definitely more active and energetic here.

First of all, let's calculate the timing of the reading. Before I reached the "cat" card – the card which marks the spot in the 52-card calendar – I had three piles of 4 cards and one pile 3 of cards. The reading was originally done on December 9th 2020. That gives me about 15 weeks... so I would guess the message of this Cat Spread should start manifesting around the second half of March 2021.

Now, to the cards. The top cards, the 8♦, is called The House of Good Fortune, and is considered the luckiest card in the deck. This already answers my question that, yes, there is likely to be an improvement in my material situation. Together with Gawain (9♦) there is a big possibility of receiving help when needed, and also of starting a partnership that brings benefits. Work, focus and ambition will all be highlighted, which also enhances the chances of getting good opportunities.

The bottom half of the spread gives us two Spade cards, which gives a stable base for the Diamond cards to expand. Terrene (10♠) in the Foot position reminds me that I will have to pay extra attention to my body and its needs, since this period will consume a lot of energy and is likely to be demanding. The Lady of Spades is making here a strange pair with the 7♠ – the Sword of Destruction. I feel that both cards together are telling me I'll have to pick my battles and learn to cut away what is not nourishing me. In order to better use the energy of the moment, I also need to stay grounded and centred, as to not burn out. The 7♠ in the Heart position indicates a great amount of inner power strength, but that can turn into self-destruction if not handled with care.

To sum it up, by the end of March I can expect the situation to improve, probably with the help of another person and/or through partnerships. I will also find a way out of the passivity shown in the first spread. This period will require a lot of energy for me to achieve what I want, so it is important that I keep myself grounded and find moments to be alone and centre myself. Although there is an improved inner strength to face the challenges, I must be careful not turn this power into a self-destructive force. Knowing my limits and keeping my boundaries will be the lessons.

The Geomancy for this spread was Conjunctio + Fortuna Minor = Amissio. The help of others can bring some luck and success, but there might be still a feeling of "loss". Maybe it's due to my pride, as I am not the type to accept help easily. Or the help I will get will come at a price, which will make the situation less than ideal. I am curious to see how this will play out.

So that's it! I really love the Cat Spread, how multilayered and informative it is. I hope you have enjoyed it too, as I know that for fellow PCO students, reading examples can be really helpful! Let me know what you think and if your interpretation is different in any aspect.

UPDATE - As of April 2021, my financial situation got better and, as predicted by the cards, it was through someone else's help. It will not last forever, but it is helping me to organise my expenses for now. Also, working and taking classes at the same time is forcing me to focus on what is essential for the moment instead of fretting so much about the future. I am also looking for an internship, which is keeping me really busy and demanding much of my energy. All in all, this reading was pretty spot on!

PCO: A Cat Spread for material concerns (Part 1 - The Present)

It's been a long time since I have done a Cat Reading using the Playing Card Oracles. But I decided to do one regarding my material situation... my question was when can I expect it to improve. The present spread is the one on the left.

A very... Black spread indeed, indicating introspection, passivity and perhaps even some pessimism right now. We see one Club card surrounded by a bunch of Spades... It's as if ideas and imagination were "trapped" in an extremely concrete outlook. This gives me my first clue: it's possible that an excessive concern with materialistic issues is part of the problem.

 

The 5♣ is the only non-Spade card. Also, it's placed in its own suit position, which dignifies it. So, the Wind Cape tells me that while ideas are available, they are now unable to manifest or evolve due to physical or "real life" constraints. Thus, they stay trapped in the mind, turning into confusion, anxiety and mental exhaustion. 

The 4♠ confused me at first because I often see it as a card of ruthlessness and power – which couldn't be further away from how I felt when doing the reading. But then it struck me that it could also mean being in need of security and protection. Pampero (J♠) and Mardoc (K♠) add to this feeling of being so focused on material security one loses all flexibility and starts focusing solely on the possible losses. Pampero in the Heart position suggests a lack of creativity and vision... it gives me the impression of a person merely enduring the responsibilities and challenges, and not seeing them as an important part of growing up and having freedom.

As for Mardoc, in the Foot position he's at his own kingdom, imparting his sharp wisdom: something needs to change. There's a way of functioning in this world (because the Foot position is a lot about how we make things happen in a practical way) that needs to die, so that new strategies can be created. The circumstances have changed, so the actions must adapt to them. 

To sum it all up: the perceived material difficulties in the present are the result of both a material change and a mindset that is focusing on the fear of not being able to handle this change. As a result there's a tendency to think smaller and smaller, and also to let the mind run in circles until anxiety prevents any positive thought or action. This spread tells me to lighten up a bit… I have a job, I am a responsible person and I need to give myself some credit and also some room to learn and adapt.

The Geomancy for this spread was rather curious: Cauda Draconis + Via = Laetitia. It seems to be more on the lines of an advice, reminding that new beginnings bring changes that can be uncomfortable, but on the long run will be for the best. 

On the next post, we will see the future part of the spread!