Sunday, August 23, 2009

A New Beginning-French Spread


With all this talk about new beginnings, I choose to do a French spread.

1) Things Happening Now-The Hierophant
"Organizations, groups and structures are represented by this card: religion, family, corporate America. It's about tradition, ritual, the established way of doing things. It is yang, masculine. Its astrological association is Jupiter, which in astrology rules the ninth house of higher education, organized religion, and theological leaders.

You come up against the powers that be-whether religious, corporate, or family. This clash of belief systems help you clarify your own position. A counselor, pastor, teacher, or parent offers orthodox advice or guidance that drives you nuts. Ultimately, you make your own decision and find a way to incorporate your ideas into the existing structure.

Spiritual: Conventional belief systems challenge you and deepen your spiritual values. Take time to connect with you spiritual self" (49).

I have no idea what this means or what it could possibly mean. I was scared because I thought that it was saying that I would become religious, and I hate organized religion. I was scared because a couple days ago my mom and I were visited by a pastor, who was very nice, and convinced us to go to church. I had a feeling like I had to go and I was scared that the feeling would turn me into a religious fanatic. However, I just came back from church and nothing of the sort happened. Thank god, haha. Maybe I had to go for the contacts, since the pastor has friends in Maryland government. He even asked for my resume so that he could pass it on.

Just the overall message about this card makes me cringe. It just seems like it is giving no leeway for transformation or exploration. I am a very respectful person and I follow rules but the core of me wants to rebel and to question. I love my personal freedom too much to like this card. However, I did pull this card so am interested to see how it will pan out.

2) Hopes and Dreams - Queen of Pentacles
"This queen rules her home and office with equal efficiency. She's infinitely practical, a go-getter. You're seeking practical, tangible solutions. You come up with a business plan, a strategy, or a publicity campaign that your coworkers or employees can implement effectively" (97).

3) Strength and Security - Five of Pentacles
"The news isn't good. You've reached an unlucky impasse that produces financial crisis, temporary hardship, and insecurity. Unemployment or heavy debts pull you down. Your world feels shaky right now. You keep wondering when the whole this is going to collapse completely. This card reflects those growth situations where outsiders can't help you and you must stand or fall on your own. But stop worrying. Mobilize your energy toward positive goals" (159).

4) Support or Opposition - The Hanged Man
"Reverse your established order of doing things" (61).

5) Something in the Future that may Surprise you - Judgment
"A spiritual awakening. By the time the Fool reaches this point in his journey, he has learned how to integrate his everyday awareness with higher consciousness. He now possesses the qualities that he has been seeking on his pilgrimage: enlightenment, truth, hidden knowledge, and a sense of harmony and contentment.

Wake up and realize your real work and path in life. Valuable lessons have been learned; now put then to practical use. You've been given a second chance and you're ready to live a more meaningful existence.

Release the past and start fresh. This means pay off old debts, take responsibility for your life, and stop blaming and judging others.

Happiness doesn't lie outside of yourself. Honestly review your past actions, consider how you have used or misused your opportunities, then envision your future as you wish it to be. Once you do this, your life changes for the better. The ideas that you hold firmly in your consciousness eventually appear in physical reality" (75).

When I did this spread, I was confused as to how the Five of Pentacles could stand for my strength and security so I did a Ladle Spread for the Five of Pentacles.

1) Root Question, the concern, the issue - Temperance
2) What is Hidden - Queen of Pentacles
3) What is Emerging - The Hanged Man
4) What is Visible now - Ten of Cups
5) What you Scoop out 0 Six of Pentacles
6) Resolution: how it affects you - Six of Rods

No comments: