Hi friends,
I’ve been consulting the tarot deck quite a bit lately as I embark on some major changes. I became interested in the Tarot when I was in my early 20’s. I had my cards read by established readers and friends alike. All of my experiences have been illuminating, and in some cases helped me answer some important internal questions. The question lately has been pretty weighty: Am I on the right track by leaving New York to brave the unknown?
Let me back up. I’ve decided to leave NY, which has been my life and home for 34 years. It’s scaring the crap out of me but I know I need to make a change. I have been thinking about it for a few years but I procrastinated and procrastinated. I mean, how do I leave the place that has been my greatest joy, my toughest teacher, and the source of my food joy? How do I leave my base where I’ve been very fortunate to have had a fantastic and fulfilling career as a photo director? I still have fantastic projects in my field, but it’s not enough to sustain my interest and happiness.
Truth is, I wasn’t growing. And honestly, I’m burnt out.
I have moments of feeling really excited about the upcoming changes and at other times I am seized by panic when I realize I’m actually leaving. I suppose that fear is completely normal. The act of uprooting and pushing myself to adapt is in my DNA. I had a childhood full of change, sometimes abrupt. I know I can adapt, but that doesn’t mean I don’t feel fear or have anxiety. I am just letting these fears and feelings pass through me as I stay as grounded as possible because at the end of the day I KNOW I need to change in order to grow.
How does the tarot play into this decision? I made the choice on my own, but I did consult a deck in order to connect to a higher wisdom and gave myself a reading. Previously I never considered reading for myself until I was introduced to my first deck, The Wild Unknown. The book recommended I start studying and getting comfortable with the deck. I did a little cleansing ritual (burned sage around the cards and did a little mind meld meditation) and then started by pulling cards for myself. I was pretty surprised and encouraged as some of the readings were spot on. I’m no Oracle, but I do feel strongly about the intentions, and I believe in the intentions I set and the energy I inject into my cards.
I started with simple one and three card readings for myself and friends and I was again surprised by how meaningful and pointed the messages were. This gave me the confidence to continue. I loved creating my own way of making it personal for myself and others. My sister Maria gifted me my second deck (now the only deck I will ever use) called Vision Quest Tarot. This Native American Wisdom Tarot proved to be super charged and seemed to have an energy all their own! I immediately connected to the deck and the readings became more focused, accurate and healing.
So when I needed support I asked a question for myself.
Am I on the right track by leaving New York to brave the unknown?
This is what came forth:
Top card is the question. Left card is what energies I’m receptive to. Right card is what I’m expressing and showing outwardly. Bottom card is the answer or key 🌟
I interpreted the cards this way:
Top card: Spirit Guide (major arcana) indicates a time for critical self-analysis and discernment. The card asks me to view my situation from a higher plane. Insights cannot be achieved just through the mind. The mind, along with body and spirit, come into the picture when forming a decision or judgement.*major arcana cards (22 total) represent the learning cycles and important changes throughout a lifetime.
Left card: Ace of Air (minor arcana) In essence this card represents Inspiration and divine coincidence. Also clarity of thought. This is spot on in terms of the opportunity that came my way in order to make the decision to leave. I had the clarity to say YES to an opportunity that set the wheels in motion. *Air represents the spiritual mental level - also called Swords in traditional decks.
Right card: Three of Earth - Growth (minor arcana) Key words here are productive work, enhanced creativity, patient vigilance, precision, breakthrough. The card in this position signifies to me that this is the time to roll up my sleeves and get work done. “I have everything I need to complete a task joyfully”. I don’t know if packing is joyful, but I’ll take it. Truth is I do have all I need to make my move happen. So much fell into place once I made the decision to go. *Earth represents the physical level - also called Pentacles or Disks in traditional decks.
Bottom card: Spiritual Warrior (major arcana) The placement here represents the answer or key. This card is about balance and equilibrium. It’s also about change and transformation. The very first line in the booklet reads “when this card comes to you, it is a sign to step back and look within”. Ya think? I am literally on the brink of major change and this card couldn’t be more perfect for my state of mind. It urges me to center myself and avoid extremes. This is a time to quiet my mind and aim for inner balance to allow ideas and inspiration to bear fruit. *The Spiritual Warrior (also called Temperance or Judgement in traditional decks)
While cards don’t have the answer to everything - they are for me, and many others, a powerful tool for support, validation and connection to inner, higher wisdom.
I want to clarify that I am not a professional tarot card reader nor do I want to be. I have the utmost respect for the work they do and I know it takes real dedication to do it professionally. That said, I love doing readings for friends and that feels comfortable for me. I have not memorized all the card meanings and symbols by heart. I still refer to the guide book that came with the Vision Quest deck, however I have added a couple of books to expand my knowledge and suggest additional layouts.
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Tarot Journey to Self-Awareness
Tarot: Mirror of the Soul: Handbook for the Aleister Crowley Tarot
I’ll be in a new city come January 2022 and I’m aiming to post more regularly when I get settled. I’ll have my tarot deck in tow!
Wishing you all a Happy New Year.
Love,
Nancy Jo
Hmmm. If you read cards for me I'm sure they'll somehow communicate that I'm in denial! For 35 years you've been just a subway ride away. Birmingham was never tops on my list of places to visit, but I'll get there. I love you darlin'.
Coming up so soon Nancy jo! Love and support to you as you take one step at a time. xo