A New Reading...

Our Question: Some time ago, Randy and Eric were involved in a relationship which faced significant challenges, and which ultimately came to an end.

Randy has recently been given some second-hand information which suggests an interest on Eric’s part of potentially rekindling the relationship. The degree of accuracy of this information is not known.

What does Randy most need to know in order to respond intelligently to this situation, and in a manner which best favors his emotional interests?

Card 1: The Questioner (Randy): 9 of Wands
Card 2: The Partner (Eric): Queen of Cups
Card 3: The Current Situation: Knight of Wands
Card 4: Issues Arising: 4 of Wands
Card 5: The Heart of the Matter: King of Swords
Card 6: Potential Short-Term Future: 4 of Pentacles
Card 7: Potential Long-Term Future: The Devil

What follows is an analysis of the cards which were drawn.

Cards 1 and 2: 9 of Wands (Randy) and the Queen of Cups (Eric)

IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE how closely the first card, meant to represent Randy, summarized his position. In the 9 of Wands, a wounded man stands on guard, in what is clearly a defensive position. He is somewhat surrounded and “walled-in” by the other wands or staffs which surround him, as if to create a barricade of sorts. He is attempting to protect himself from a potential onslaught. He appears battered and beaten down, and is understandably reluctant to be subjected to it again.

Eric’s card, the Queen of Cups, is interesting on a number of levels. In the Tarot, the suit of Cups is associated with feelings and matters of the heart, and, as a personality, the Queen of Cups is someone who reinforces this orientation. It suggests someone whose actions and perceptions are guided largely by their feelings. By itself, this is not inherently a bad thing, as it can indicate someone with strong emotional reserves who is empathetic to others. If surrounded by other positive cards from the Cups suit or from the deck as a whole, it can be quite positive. Because this Queen responds emotionally and is inclined to reach out, it suggests (within the context of our inquiry) that Eric would make genuine overtures in Randy’s direction, if given the chance.

The author Joanna Watters suggests some degree of caution for this card, though. She suggests that, in the presence of more difficult cards, this Queen may represent someone who “is out of touch with reality….someone whose dreams have never gone beyond castles in the air. There may be a need to separate fact from fantasy.” As shedding light on a potential situation, she also suggests that “the Queen of Cups indicates fruitful ideas but not much viability. A reality check is a must, as some projects or a relationship may prove to be ultimately unfeasible.”

Card 3: The Current Situation: Knight of Wands

Both as a character and a situation, the Knight of Wands represents a situation or atmosphere that is highly-charged. There is an urgency, a passion, and a literal fire which surrounds the situation in question. Unfortunately, this Knight is particularly known for his impetuousness and impulsivity. He appears to be the most inclined to “rush in where angels fear to tread,” and to take action without a great deal of forethought. He has a restless, passionate spirit, which is not without its charm but, in my experience, this is a card that usually begs for caution before action. Frequently this Knight is lacking in commitment or finds it difficult to finish what he starts. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t act, but it asks you if the type of energy embodied in the card would either help or hurt your particular situation. If you’re in a rut and need some excitement, it may be just what the doctor ordered. But it tends to often represent actions which are reckless and irresponsible, or an environment which invites this kind of response. So be aware, and look before you leap.

Card 4: Issues Arising: 4 of Wands

The Four of Wands is one of the more positive cards in the Tarot deck, and is often called the “Wedding Party” card. On its face is a picture of a happy couple, approaching a garland of flowers. The mood of the card is happy and celebratory, and indicative of stability and groundedness. In this reading, the card occupies the “issues arising” position, suggesting that issues of this nature – stability, longevity, groundedness, and the likelihood for a celebratory union – would come into play. In its position, it doesn’t particularly tell us what the actual outcome might be, and we find it necessary to consider the card within the context of the other cards of the spread.

Card 5: The Heart of the Matter: King of Swords

The stern-looking figure on the King of Swords denotes both a personality type and an approach. His is an approach which is analytical, no-nonsense, to-the-point, and unclouded by emotion. The author Joan Bunning suggests that “in readings, the King of Swords asks you to take the kinds of actions he might take.”

As this card appears as the “heart of the matter,” it is helpful to relate it directly back to our original question: What does Randy most need to know in order to respond intelligently to this situation, and in a manner which best favors his emotional interests? Referring back to the author Joanna Watters, we’re advised: “The King of Swords tells you that you need a rational approach. Expectations need to be realistic, and the importance of protecting your needs cannot be overlooked. You need to think with your head rather than be guided by your heart.” Put another way, even though we are concerned about your “emotional interests,” your approach in this situation should instead be guided less by your feelings, and more by logic: by the things you know, perceive and witness.

Card 6: Potential Short-Term Future: 4 of Pentacles

Along the same lines of “protecting your interests” comes the 4 of Pentacles. Take a good look at this card. If ever there was a character who was holding on to what was his, it’s the man in this card. In his posture alone, we see that he’s not letting anything in or out. This card is sometimes rendered as “maintaining the status quo,” in the sense that “nothing changes.” It can also point to blocked change or resistance to change. In some cases, this type of stance could obviously be a negative thing, but there are times when it’s also warranted. To again quote Watters, “At best, this is a card of caution – of carefully guarding your resources and holding on firmly to what you have earned or accumulated,” in whatever form that takes.

Before we progress to the final card, it might be helpful here to take a breather to note what appears to be a recurrent theme of this reading: the need for caution and a level-headed approach. It begins with Eric’s card of the Queen of Cups; is further suggested by the inherent impetuousness of the Knight of Wands; is repeated again in the King of Swords, and now appears most dramatically in the 4 of Pentacles. As the 4 of Pentacles appears in the “short-term” future position, it suggests that you – and the relationship – would remain at something of a standstill, potentially for the next 6 to 12 months. And perhaps with good reason.

Card 7: Potential Long-Term Future: The Devil

This is one of the most foreboding cards in the Tarot deck, and not just because it is called “The Devil.” To really understand this card, it’s essential to look at the symbolism behind it.

First and foremost, The Devil is a card of self-undoing. At best, it represents unhealthy relationships and alliances, and, at worst – and quite frequently – it speaks to various types of addictions to which we become “enslaved.” Other themes of this card include obsession, control, abuse and manipulation of various kinds.

One of the most telling things about this card is the imagery of the two figures shown on the card: while each figure has chains around their neck, each also appears quite comfortable with their situation – almost as if they’re resigned to it. Another clue is that the chains are loose-fitting, and could easily be slipped off by either party – yet they decide to remain in their present situation, largely by choice.

What The Devil card is mostly, is a wake-up call. Watters says the card “is a huge warning, and is flagging up that there is something horribly wrong.” She goes on to say, “any questions about pursuing a love interest when the Devil is present simply have to be negated. The Devil warns us that we are playing with fire, inviting situations which will be trouble and which could destroy us. We must question our motivation or the motives of another, and accept that things are not what they seem…in a situation where there is still a choice, the message of The Devil card is to get out and don’t look back. If someone is hell-bent on any course of action symbolized by The Devil, it will come with a heavy price tag.”

Admittedly, these are strong words, which, at first reading, almost sound a bit overdramatic. But in light of your previous history and the cautions suggested by the other cards, they appear to be worth taking under consideration.

This card appears in the “long term future” position, which is meant to symbolize a time line of roughly a year and beyond. What this suggests is that if you did indeed pursue a relationship based on existing criterion, you may be faced with these types of issues in the long-run.

A contrast...

Sometimes it is helpful to contrast the card of The Devil with that of The Lovers – a card which does not appear in your spread -- as the two cards are remarkably similar. But the differences are plain: In the card of The Lovers, you have what appears to be a blessed union, while The Devil depicts anything but.

I hope this has been helpful for you. Let me know if you have any questions or comments.