The Meaning of Each Tarot Card - The Two of Cups

You've only got to look at the two of cups to know it's a lovely card. It warms the cockles of your heart! It is also a fairly straight-forward tarot card to interpret too as it is about love and bonding, of either new romance of a deepening of existing connections. If you are unsure of someone's feelings and this card comes up, be unsure no more!

Very often, I see trust in this card too and it can indicate that you can put your faith in someone and know that they won't hurt you. This can apply to romantic relationships but also friendships and business dealings.

Tarot reading for the day

It's a lovely calm, warm Sunday afternoon and I have just done a lovely reading for a lovely lady. It was an absolute pleasure to talk to such a kind and open soul, it really was.

The reason that I enjoyed it so much is because she was so willing to take every opportunity that the cards were offering her and to apply their wisdom as much as she could. This may sound obvious but sometimes it can be hard to be that open-minded, particularly when you feel like the tarot is criticising you! But, often without telling me what the details were (which is perfect), she would acknowledge what the cards were showing her and got busy thinking of the changes she could make.

For this beautiful lady, it happened to be about money. But this approach can apply to any tarot reading at all - it's about about stretching yourself, allowing the tarot to guide you towards what you are capable of doing. This will take knowing yourself well or having the courage to start this journey. But remember, you always have somewhere to turn if you wobble from time to time, the tarot will help you get back on course. And also, the tarot would not recommend you do something that was not truly right for you.

This is what my lady this morning was so open to. I thought her very wise and brave!

The meaning of each tarot card - The ace of cups

The ace of cups is an absolutely lovely card and the meaning of this card is almost always pretty pure in my experience. It's a card of inspiration and of abundance, never ending possibilities and also for some, fertility. So whatever you are focused on, when you see this card there are going to be some pretty good outcomes!

It's worth bearing in mind that it's a card of emotions and so that a positive frame of mind is always a good starting point. If you believe, you will see the possibilities so much more easily so don't be afraid to have a little faith.

The meaning of each tarot card - The king of Wands

I love seeing the King of Wands come up in a tarot reading! It particularly cheers me when I see it relating to someone looking for love as this card represents a good, kind man who values the home and his family. So stability and the pleasures of love that you can rely on show very strongly here.

Sometimes though, this card can mean that you need to be a little more open-minded and to see things from a much wider perspective so just bear this in mind if you feel it's appropriate.

Today's tarot reading

My reading this morning brought forward some interesting issues and they're ones that I have seen often enough to warrant it being a more general point! So reading of the day it is :)

The lady I read for this morning had met someone recently, spoken to him a few times and decided that she really liked him. She felt that he might be the one for her. And being the soppy romantic that I am I thought, "hooray"! The cards were very positive around this man and I think there is a going to be something really good between them. So what could possibly be the problem, you ask?

The problem really came about in the questions that the querant started to ask me and the expectations that seemed to rise within her throughout the reading. She was so excited about what was showing to be happening that it seemed to unlock many of her unspoken dreams and desires. Nothing wrong with that. But it did quickly become obvious that she craved this man being the answer to her prayers and her dreams and this can obviously lead to disappointment - which was my major concern. He seemed a good man, a sensitive man, a caring man. But can he be her version of perfection? No.

Wishful thinking is such a double edged issue. It's good to have something to hope for, it gives you your spark and keeps you motivated when life is hard. It would be a terrible world if we all lost this ability. But it should never get in the way of being realistic. And actually, sometimes (in ways we don't always realise) reality is good enough!

The meaning of each tarot card - The Queen of Wands

The Queen of Wands is a very noble, powerful figure but one who appreciates what's truly important in life. There is a wonderful energy of people around her - friends or family. So when you see this card, it's important to consider who you have around you and to try to build connections or work on strengthening them. It may even be a kick up the backside to get you making new friends if this would help your current situation!

Also consider communication and whether you are talking enough about your true feelings. The Queen of Wands is confident in how she deals with those around her and does not let fear get in the way of saying what's what.

The meaning of each tarot card - The Knight of Wands

Be prepared for a bit of a whirlwind of activity when the Knight of Wands rides into town! He does like to keep active and you should too when you see this card as it means that you need to either keep up with what's going on or rise out of the doldrums. This card can also mean that you will see a time of instability too so you should be prepared to be flexible and make changes to your plans whenever necessary.

But don't worry at all when you see this card, it very often turns out that shake everything up only for it to and in the right place in the end :)

The meaning of each tarot card - The Page of Wands

The page of wands tarot card is a good card to see if you are looking at the character of someone or wanting to know if you can trust a situation. The page is a noble type and someone that you can depend upon. But while loyal and trustworthy, there is nothing boring about him as there is always a fun and vibrant energy around him too!

Also, the page of wands can represent news or communication coming your way too and usually of a positive nature. So it's almost always a pleasure to see this chap!

Tarot and spirituality

I'm going to write a post about tarot and spirituality and hope for the best that it does not come across as in any way sanctimonious. Hope that doesn't put you off reading any further!

The reason that I am a bit nervous of writing about this however is that my beliefs on the matter can often make those who I am reading for feel a bit uncomfortable when I explain them. They feel there is a conflict, when in fact there isn't - it's just about appropriate respect.

For me the tarot is a spiritual belief. It may not be one of the most prominent and revered religions in the world but for those of us who belief in the universal powers and energies behind the tarot and the psychic realm, it is a beautiful and sacred matter. It is something that deserves our humility as well as our wonder.

Unlike many religions, the tarot and psychic realm don't really come with any strict rules. And yet there are some generally agreed concepts that bind readers and those with a gift. Generally I find that we believe in karma in various different guises and names. We believe that energy is powerful and should be used for good. Hate will come back to destroy you, love comes back to bring you happiness.

In other words, we believe in the power of the good in us all and realise that it's not to be toyed with.

So it is with some apprehension I wanted to raise the subject of reading on other people; someone not present at the reading. If you yourself are a reader than I would be very interested to hear your views. I can feel extremely uncomfortable when faced with someone wanting to know the details of another - usually wanting to know about their thoughts or feelings.

This is of course a natural curiosity and never more so when you are in love with someone but they have distanced themself from you. There is a lot of confusion that you need to work through and trying to get to the bottom of how this person can be part of your healing.

However, the issue for me is one of privacy. Where are the boundaries in a reading when someone asks to look at the personal thoughts of someone not willingly taking part? For me, I will often take a look at general energies around them - explaining along the way of course that I would really need to read for them personally to gain real insight. But I also will be upfront about what I feel are moral issues.

If someone has not given permission to give information away about themselves, what right do we have to pry? Of course, if the querant wishes to know whether this person still cares about them or would be prepared to talk or even if they are thinking of returning then I feel that this is reasonable as it is something that concerns them directly. But when it comes to trying to look at what they are doing, who might be with them, what depth of feeling they might have, what actions they will take - I explain my reservations.

I mentioned karma above and this is something that I do constantly check myself for when reading to make sure that I do not get carried away. I feel this keenly when reading for someone who is having an affair with a married man or woman. Now I must stress here that it is not my place to judge and I NEVER do. This is not my point. We are complex beings and have myriad reasons for doing what we do. So this is not the issue. But I do need to put my foot down on someone asking to look at what is happening in someone else's marriage (or relationship). I just feel that this is crossing a line and the universal wisdom that I am chanelling seems to pull me back from this. Does anyone else have the same experience? It's almost something that speaks to me, tells me that this is not right.

So this is often an awkward moment for me when reading. I would hate to make anyone feel judged at all and equally hate to leave anyone feeling they hadn't gained the insight that they hoped for. At the risk of trivialising the matter, to quote from Spiderman (!), "with great power comes great responsibility" and this is very true of the universal spirit. It is not just something we can pick up when we feel we need to know more and can't access it. It's a power to be humbled by. We must never lose sight of what's right and wrong before it.

Fate and Free Will

I haven't posted in a long while because I have been incredible busy - mostly good! But I had the most fascinating conversation with someone that I was reading for the other day and felt compelled to write a blog post about it. If you have ever felt the concept of fate, destiny and your free will confusing, I hope this helps you!

To be honest, it's something that I have long struggled with when it comes to finding the right way of explaining. Many people come to me for a reading with preconceived ideas of what a psychic and tarot reader will do for them and I like to be upfront about this so that they can walk away with the best experience possible. Ultimately, I find the way in which a tarot reading actually works to be the greatest possible guidance anyway.

So what do I mean by this? Well, a lot of people come with set questions and queries about what precisely will happen in their lives. They are in a predicament and getting some warning of what's to come is a comfort. I can totally understand that.

However, the problem with this is that fate is considerably more flexible than this - which is a gift to us rather than a hindrance. What tarot readers and psychics pick up on isn't really like watching a film of your life. It isn't playing out in front of us, with every part of it preordained and exactly the same whichever way you look at it or every time you decide to 'play' it. Basically, looking into your future is not like watching a DVD of your life. For this reason, it isn't possible for readers to tell you precisely what someone will say, what actions someone will take or what choices someone will make.

What affects all of the above things is free will. The cards will pick up on the important factors and will help you to see what options are available to you, to give you some idea of how to get everything working for you again. This may be in helping you understand where someone else is coming from. It may be helping you to see where the weaknesses are in your approach. It's helping you to see that you are not restricted to one path - powerless to do anything but follow it regardless of what's good for you. This actually empowers you, gives you the gift of choice and allows you to be the best version of yourself that you can be.

So basically, it's allowing you to write the end of your own film!

I personally find this a great comfort. To know that I am not destined to accept my lot in life. If it's bad, I don't have to accept it. If I am in a situation that is making me unhappy, the cards can show me the way out. It's not always easy to hear, but tarot always has your best interests at 'heart'.

So don't be disappointed if a reader cannot tell you exactly what is going to happen. If this were the case, you would be as stuck with a negative answer as much as you would a good one. Choice is freedom - embace it!

The meaning of each tarot card - The 10 of Wands

The 10 of Wands tarot card isn't one of those that will cheer you too much to see it. It shows back-breaking work and struggles to progress. Life isn't showing to be getting too much easier when you see this card.

However, I don't see there being anything too negative about the 10 of Wands at all. Yes, it's true that you're problems aren't going to disappear overnight and that's a shame! But this card shows that you will get there, that you won't be suffering and getting nowhere forever. So it's a card of encouragement really. It's to show you that if you persevere, keep trying to do what you feel is right, then you will see your dreams come true, or just see the end of a rotton phase.

So take heart, don't be down if you see this card come up. Your efforts will not be in vain.

The meaning of each tarot card - The 9 of Wands

The 9 of Wands tarot card is one that can bring some quite different meanings so surrounding cards are as important as they ever are with this one! There is a lot of strength and fight, it can show you that you should not back down or should stand up to your opposition to the last. But also there can be self-doubt around this card too. It can show that you are in a fixed position because you dare not act, that you know that you have a lot to achieve but are intimidated and rooted to the spot. 

So when you see the 9 of Wands, it's time to think about whether you are standing firm for the right reasons. 

(If you are looking for a tarot deck that conjurs up a combined feeling of history and magic then you will love the Arthurian Tarot)

Tarot Reading of the Day

Today I was asked if I could draw a positive card for the querant. I'm really sorry but this just isn't possible! Always important to remember that the reader is the interpreter and the person who channels the energies, not the one to create them in the first place.

But I really, truly, deeply wish I were able to do such a thing! :)

The meaning of each tarot card - The 8 of Wands

The 8 of wands tarot card is a very strong card that is about harmony as much as it's about action. At first glance, they might seem like quite contradictory but it's more to do with putting on a last spurt to bring everything together. You've likely been working away at a few things in your life and at this time feeling that it's all over the place still, and proving hard to organise. In other words, success seems elusive! So this card urges you to push forwards that bit more. You will soon reap the benefits and see everything start to fall into place. 

(Have you always seen yourself as a deep and meaningful person? Then you may find yourself drawn to the Secret Tarot set. It is gentle and whispering in its method of sending its message.)

The meaning of each tarot card - The 7 of Wands

By the look of the 7 of Wands tarot card, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in for a tense time of it. The card often depicts someone in a fighting stance and it looks an aggressive image. Well, it's true that you need to be tough and firm, that's for sure. But it's not all bad! This card also shows real advancements in your life, the fulfillment of your goals. You will also start to feel that you're coming into your own when you see this card. It's your time and you shouldn't be afraid to be assertive and stand your ground. It's time you got what you deserve. 

There are times when this card can indicate some tough opposition though. So this is another reason why knowing what you want and going for it will serve you well! 

(Do you feel you are a dark and mysterious person? Then you will find yourself drawn in to the Secret Tarot set. It's got a subtle message that seems to whisper its guidance to you.) 

The meaning of each tarot card - The 6 of Wands

The 6 of wands tarot card - the Lord of the Victory! This is a card that speaks of triumph and feelings of justified pride. It's been a tough journey but the feelings of jubilation and of reward more than make up for it. So when you see this card, it's time to acknowledge that there is much to do. But don't despair, you have all the ability and opportunities to really make something happen. These are potentially life-changing opportunities - put everything you have into making it work. 

(For a more surreal tarot deck, if you're looking something unusual, try the Bosch Tarot, featuring artwork based on Dante's inferno.)

The meaning of each tarot card - The 5 of Wands

The 5 of wands tarot card is one of tension and potentially arguments so it can be a bit unnerving to see it come up. It's certainly true that you are not in for the easiest time of it. But this card isn't as negative as it at first appears. Sometimes a bit of a fight is good for us. It shows us what we are truly made of and strengthens us. Also, if these fights show around a relationship, it's not always a bad thing to have a moment of honesty. As long as you don't let tempers get too out of control, a good old row can really clear the air!

So don't panic if you see the 5 of wands. Yes, it's going to be hard work. Yes, there there could be friction. But ultimately, you will be a better person for coming through it. 

(If you are looking for something a little more surreal in your tarot card artwork, try the fabulous Bosch Tarot - taken from his artwork of Dante's inferno.) 

The meaning of each tarot card - The 4 of Wands

The 4 of wands is a lovely card! I always smile when I  see it come up in readings as it is almost endlessly positive. It can mean love, marriage, unity, togetherness, children or that your hard work is about to come to fruition. See what I mean? It's a good one! This card very often shows up for new love when I'm reading for someone single. It will often refer to a summer event but you will need to keep an eye out for your own signs with this card. But no doubt about it, it'll be a sign that you want to see! 

(If you like the Rider Waite deck and find it easy to interpret you may like to try to Mystic Dreamer tarot cards. They are beautifully illustrated and great for intuitive readers.)

The meaning of each tarot card - The 3 of Wands

The 3 of wands is all about your plans and hopes. When you see this card, it's time to start rolling your sleeves up and getting on with making it happen. I like to think of the 3 of wands as a bit of a reminder card. It says, yes you need a bit of luck to come your way and get you going where you want to in life. But you also need to start actively seeking success out. 

So whether it's love, career, business ideas or family matters - whatever you dream of. This card tells you that it's time to take steps to make it all happen. It will be reality if you can stick it out. 

(If you are familiar with the Rider Waite tarot deck and like the style, then you may want to also try the Mystic Dreamer Tarot Cards. Excellent for intuitive readings.)

The meaning of each tarot card - The 2 of Wands

The 2 of wands tarot card is a very positive card for the long term future so this is speaking to you of rewards rather than instant gains. It is telling you that if you are prepared to work hard, act wisely and be patient, you will see the success you dream of. Another way of summing up this card is 'From Might Oaks from Little Acorns Grow'. So whatever it is you want, however small you may think your idea is, or however far you imagine you've got to go, this card tells you it can be done. 

So get cracking!

If you are just starting out with tarot reading, you may want to try the Quick and Easy Tarot set, which gives a simple but solid understanding and is an excellent stepping stone to more.