Thursday, November 23, 2006

Another long reading

Spread Information:
The Peace and Harmony reading

The Peace and Harmony reading covers myriad aspects of your spiritual evolution -- from the influences of your higher self to internal elements of blockage or obstacle. It can be useful for evaluating the path of service you choose to follow, and it will offer you insights and advice to help you on your way.

Your Interpretations

Self: Seven of Wands

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
With such a positive attitude and strong potential, you are primed to achieve your best yet on the path toward lasting peace.

The card in the Self position touches on an aspect of how you perceive yourself right now, including how at peace you are with and within yourself.

The Seven of Wands in this position indicates you are getting ready for a moment of inner triumph. You have trained for it through the hard work of reflection and self-examination and are at the peak of your spiritual potential. This makes you a winner even if others do not notice.

With such a positive attitude and obviously strong potentials so carefully and quietly cultivated, you are bound to make a strong and decisive contribution.

GENERAL MEANING
This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

The Seven of this suit generally shows a person who is nearly always successful in working her or his will in the world. This is a person who is truly gifted, standing head and shoulders above the rest, a standard-setter and exemplar that exceeds previous conceptions of what is possible.

In historical Tarot, this person would most likely be portrayed as an admired and feared warrior who has vanquished his adversaries against all odds, but nowadays such an outstanding feat could just as easily apply to the world of the media, politics or business.

Beware of creeping smugness that can be hinted at by this card. Being successful does not make you invincible, and it does not protect you against errors! Enjoy your "fifteen minutes of fame" and then get back to your tasks, or your head will swell, to the detriment of your ability to succeed again.

Situation: Page of Wands

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Change will escalate rapidly. Be quick to participate but try to maintain an attitude of peacefulness.

The Situation position refers to the general set of influences that surround you and affect your personal experience of peace. We all have to deal with conflict and are affected by the process.

When the Page of Wands (in some decks, a Princess) is in this position, change is in the air. News may have been released about developing events that could put stress on your comfortable, established routine and rhythm. It could represent a change in the power structure, a new goal or perhaps a turn of events that will catch you by surprise. Whatever it is, be prepared to participate compassionately in the wave of the future. Change will escalate quickly.

This is not necessarily a negative development, however, so do not let anything derail your participation as a messenger of peace. The essential thing to remember now is that you are to respond actively, rather than retreat and wait.

GENERAL MEANING
This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

This card is traditionally entitled the Page, but in some modern decks appears as a Princess. This archetype is that of a unique individual, a nonconformist, often something of a bohemian, definitely independent by nature. He or she requires little in the way of affirmation or approval. Perhaps a malcontent, often an innovator or inventor, the energy represented by this card will only serve others until she or he figures out how to get others to serve her/him.

His freedom is so important to him that he would rather go as a peasant among strangers than inherit a fortune with strings attached. Don't be fooled by his humble appearance. He is a future captain of industry or world leader, now serving his apprenticeship. He's sometimes seen planting his staff like a flagpole into the earth, out in the wilderness where he can start fresh, without having to make any compromises. You could think of this card as a wild card.

Challenges/ Opportunities: Knight of Coins

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Do your homework. Gain a thorough and deep understanding of your situation and devise a workable plan to see it through.

The card in the Challenges/Opportunities position reflects how you can use creativity and skill to turn conflicts into harmonious understanding.

With the Knight of Coins (in some decks, The Prince) in this position, you are being asked to go to the roots of things. So, start from the beginning and gain some experience to match your intellectual grasp of the situation. Temper whatever power you possess with patience and sensitivity to detail.

It would be wise to steep yourself in the traditions of your field or clan, so you can tap the spirit and ideas of your predecessors as well as their knowledge. In this way you will not stray far from the truth, the substantial reality which supports your vision, and your greater goal. Too many people have a big dream and move immediately into action with no research, game plan or developed skills. Take care of these factors so that your ventures can be successful from the beginning.

GENERAL MEANING
This card is usually called the Knight, but in some modern decks appears as the Prince. Traditionally, this card in this suit pictures an overseer of fertility and growth. His period of ascendancy is during the quiet years between conflicts, when everybody can collaborate in raising the collective standard of living. His horse is usually huge and thickset, more suitable to pulling a plow than riding swiftly into battle. His temperament is easygoing and relaxed, he's moving at the rate of the flow, because he knows that you can't hurry time.

Seeing the bigger picture, like a farmer planning for the future, he doesn't allow momentary fads or fancies to distract him, and he doesn't take seriously those who do. One can feel his stability and dedication -- he is totally responsible and even somewhat predictable when it comes to his projects. He is earthy and gentle, as simple and deep as the soil he tills and the flowers he loves.

Foundation: Five of Coins

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Your affairs work out best when they are done in partnership with others.

The card in the Foundation position points to influences from your personal history, your roots and background that have an effect on your capacity for inner and outer peace.

The Five of Coins in this position suggests that you are most successful when you form alliances. Your background taught you team dynamics -- how to think in terms of "we" instead of "I."

This is a great advantage for you because it provides a valuable foundation for your current endeavors. If you are in some sort of business enterprise or an important personal relationship, be sure to choose partners who are your equals in skills and commitment. Once you have accomplished that, you will be able to trust enough to delegate.

Note: In the English decks, like the Rider-Waite, the sickly poor freezing outside a well-lit church warn of the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of the choosing itself, as in the traditional Continental decks.

GENERAL MEANING
This suit, most often named "Coins" or "Pentacles", is a symbol for a magical talisman that represented wealth or potential. This suit represents something supportive that is available to you -- whether it be health, some kind of talent, a material or financial resource.

The Five of this suit is the card of desire and gratification, expressed in classical tradition as flattery and false promises. This card represents both the seducer and the one seduced. There is undeniable excitement in the attraction of opposites; we have all had delightful moments of magnetism with a stranger. However, if promises are only spoken to achieve short-term gratification with no intent of follow-through, or the attraction appears as competition to more fulfilling relationships, the long-term result won't be worth the thrill of the chase.

The appearance of a viable relationship does not always bear out, so don't put anything of real value at risk over an infatuation. Since the suit here is Coins, this is as likely to be related to business as to pleasure. Try to remove the influence of glamour from your thinking.

Note: In the English decks, like the Rider-Waite, the sickly poor freezing outside a well lit church warn of the painful outcomes of bad choices, rather than focusing on the dynamic tension of the choosing itself, as in the traditional Continental decks.

Recent Past: Strength

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You have passed a test of self-control and personal mastery. Now you can proceed with confidence.

The card in the Recent Past position refers to events in your life that are departing, recently influential but now diminishing in their power to affect you. You can rise above the conflicts of the past!

See yourself as a sort of lion tamer -- in other words, as someone who is able to sublimate and channel their instincts and impulsive tendencies. You've gained significant self-esteem from the strong way you responded to pressure and necessity. You can be disciplined, focused and firm.

This new knowledge of your capability helps you step into the present with more self-assurance and confidence in your spiritual maturity. You have passed a test that stymies many. You deserve whatever recognition your efforts may have inspired.

GENERAL MEANING
What has traditionally been known as the Strength card represents Nature which, however wild in its primal form, is tamed by our subtler, finer (feminine, interior) self. The will and passion of our instinctive nature does not need to be broken, but refined and brought to consciousness -- so that all levels of Creation, inner and outer, may come into harmony.

The feminine soul-force contains a persuasive power that can nurture and induce cooperation from others, stilling disruptive energies by harmonizing differences in the spirit of collective good will.

Higher Power: Two of Cups

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You can benefit by adjusting your situation to accommodate your most significant relationship.

The card in the Higher Power position represents your highest intention and ideals with respect to the development of peace -- within yourself and in your world.

When the Two of Cups comes up in this position, you are being led into deeper intimacy (with the approval and support of your Higher Power). The spiritual component to your relationship is compelling enough to prompt a blessing from your spiritual side. Still, this doesn't guarantee a long-term commitment. Only experience and time will show if that is meant to be.

No one can predict what your Destiny has in store for you. Nevertheless, the Two of Cups here encourages you to flow with it, get more involved, and not look back. This situation holds great promise. If someone has the potential to be your primary partner, it's well worth whatever personal adjustments you might have to make to fit such a special relationship into your life.

GENERAL MEANING
The Two in this suit signifies a union of souls. This card traditionally describes a romantic relationship, but also includes the idea that all good friendships and partnerships are based on a natural affinity and a deep mutual understanding. As a personal reflection, it can also signify that your mind and your soul are discovering each other, maybe for the first time.

This card also symbolizes a karmic tie, often portrayed by a wreath or figure eight ribbon twining around the two cups. Occasionally you see a symbol referring to the union of alchemical opposites (as in sacred sex), pictured as a long-necked flask twined with serpents -- sometimes with wings -- spouting flames. This image is from Alchemy, indicating the refining and mutually completing effect of a true and lasting love.

Developments: Six of Wands

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Timing and conditions will soon be right for some stimulating personal and collective success.

The card in the Developments position shows which way your efforts to achieve harmony seem to be headed. By making skillful choices, you can improve on or neutralize possible conflicts, including those within yourself.

When the Six of Wands is in this position, a challenging opportunity has aroused the competence and special abilities of you or your group. This is great timing because you know you have recently been reaching a peak--personally and as a team. Everything is clicking. Your combined talents in this situation are synergistic. As a team you can do no wrong. For the moment, everything seems golden.

What you may not be noticing is that within the group you may be thought of as the coach and fearless leader. You may think you are just having fun, but others know they couldn't pull this off without you. Relax and enjoy the moment when you are given the laurel wreath for the special role you have played in the victory. This is only your due. Do not let an excess of humbleness rob you of the joy of being recognized for an important contribution.

GENERAL MEANING
This suit, most often called "Wands" and sometimes called "Rods" or "Staves," represents initiative, ambition, drive and desire. This is the suit of enterprise and risk-taking.

The Six of this suit points to the respect and acknowledgment due to you for your efforts to solve the problems of your community. The image is usually that of a victory parade, after the celebrated leader has helped the troops win a pivotal battle.

It took the whole tribe to win the victory, of course, but it was the leader's heroism and clarity under pressure that inspired them to overcome. The team is thrilled that the leader led them to victory. This card points to a time to let everyone relax and celebrate -- if you are the leader, even let them lionize you for awhile. They are seeing reflected in you their own better selves -- a victory indeed!

Lesson: Knight of Cups

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
You cannot resolve the situation until you heal the problem within.

The card in the Lesson position represents the personal investment or sacrifice required to achieve inner and outer peace.

The Knight of Cups (in some decks, a Prince) in this position requires that you outgrow the win/lose paradigm of competitive Western civilization. Replace self-righteous aggressiveness with humility and generosity. When you are tempted to misuse your power, lay down your weaponry instead, and offer up a cup of peace.

This Prince has been in the battlefield too long, yet he has finally come to understand there is a better way. First, he had to come to peace within himself, before his cup of peace could heal rifts between others. Drink from that cup, and then begin to serve it to those around you who are still fighting.

GENERAL MEANING
This card is traditionally entitled the Knight, but in some modern decks appears as the Prince. Traditionally, this card in this suit has pictured a homecoming -- portraying a return to his true heart's home after a long journey. Like the prodigal son, he may be returning after long estrangement from all he holds dear.

His taste for adventure is exhausted -- there is no more romanticizing of battles or travel in strange lands. Now he wants to go where he will be recognized, wanted and welcome -- where he doesn't have to fight at every turn. He has the attitude of one who has become older and wiser, the prodigal son.

Allies: The Hanged Man

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
A change in perspective gives you an opportunity to clear your senses and reevaluate the situation.

The card in the Allies position points to people who can be supportive of your commitment to peace at this time.

The Hanged Man card in this position suggests that your loved ones are doing you a favor by stringing you up and stripping you of everything that is false and illusory about you. Those who are true friends would like to see you empty your head, empty your agenda, empty your hands and just be with yourself for awhile with no need to act out.

It may feel a bit like bondage in the short run, but a period of enforced passiveness gives you time to rethink what is going on around you and contemplate different approaches. By the time they come to cut you down, you will want to thank those who hung you up for giving you an opportunity to deeply reflect and evolve your viewpoint.

GENERAL MEANING
Traditionally, the card known as the Hanged Man usually indicates a lack of ability to help oneself through independent action. This energy is arrested and awaiting judgment. With this card, there is no avenue for the will to regain control until the situation has passed.

This represents a good time to be philosophical, to study and meditate upon the position you find yourself in, and form resolutions for the moment you become free again. Only those who possess wisdom, patience and optimism will be able to see through limitations, including possible humiliation, to grasp the inspiring lesson one can gain from such an experience.

Advice: The Tower

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Welcome whatever changes come about in your life.

The card in the Advice position offers guidance regarding how you relate to your path of cultivating inner and outer peace. With wisdom as your guide, you can make a difference!

With the Tower in this position, think of yourself as a walking lightning rod, conducting a transformational charge to whatever and whomever you come into contact with. This self-sacrificing role will be stressful, but you can bring some value to this difficult transition. Accept the challenge of being a forerunner as a mercy to your friends and family.

Because you sense this radical change has already been unleashed, you can model for friends and family the grace of no longer resisting it. Now, you are at the forefront, benefiting from the bracing presence of evolutionary energies. This is partially happening because of your desire to help bring in a better future.

GENERAL MEANING
In practically all renditions of the Tower card, disaster is striking or has just struck. The demons of madness and despair are released from ancient hiding places, and nature conspires with human failings to destabilize a society. The upheaval is collective and impersonal. Let us remember these images were created for the educated nobles and clergy -- reminding them that they have the most to lose if the hierarchy is toppled.

Lightning is a fitting karmic payback for the guilt of those whose fortunes come from the exploitation or abuse of others. A modern subtitle might be "Revolution," indicating that through drastic social change oppressed people can find renewed hope of better times. The Tower experience comes like a flash of lightning to topple the hierarchy of the old order, after which everyone can have a fresh start on a more equal footing.

Potentials: The Devil

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POSITIONAL (MAIN) MEANING
Find the few things that really matter and passionately pursue them, excluding all distractions.

The card in the long-term Potentials position points to unknowns still taking shape. Perhaps it represents a "wild card" yet to be played.

The Devil card in this position points to the great potential you have to develop a powerful magnetism to attract what you want. You have an opportunity to harness your innate passion and natural charisma to become a powerful influence in your environment.

This will require self discipline -- not only to stay in touch with the passion that drives you, but also to master it so it doesn't race madly ahead or spiral downwards into addiction. Strive to become an authentic human being who is responsive to life's creative potential. Anything less will be flat and uninteresting. Be patient, such developments can't happen overnight. But it is available to you and you will feel much happier when you have won your way to that freedom.

GENERAL MEANING
What has traditionally been known as the Devil card expresses the realm of the Taboo, the culturally rejected wildness and undigested shadow side that each of us carries in our subconscious. This shadow is actually at the core of our being, which we cannot get rid of and will never succeed in taming. From its earliest versions, which portrayed a vampire-demon, this card evoked the Church-fueled fear that a person could "lose their soul" to wild and passionate forces.

The image which emerged in the mid-1700's gives us a more sophisticated rendition -- that of the "scapegoated Goddess," whose esoteric name is Baphomet. Volcanic reserves of passion and primal desire empower her efforts to overcome the pressure of stereotyped roles and experience true freedom of soul. Tavaglione's highly evolved image (Stella deck) portrays the magical formula for harnessing and transmuting primal and obsessive emotions into transformative energies. As a part of the Gnostic message of Tarot, this fearsome passion and power must be reintegrated into the personality, to fuel the soul's passage from mortal to immortal.

Illustrations by permission of U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Stamford Ct, USA. Copyright U.S. Games Systems. Except as used to display a Visionary Networks' Tarot reading, further reproduction prohibited. This beautiful image, scanned with permission from U.S. Games, is based on a Tarot Deck available for purchase at USGamesInc.com.

This reading is based on the work of Tarot Expert Christine Payne-Towler and Tarot.com ©1998 - 2006. All rights reserved.



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