What is Wealth?

For today's draw, we have a bit of a change. Even though I have enjoyed using The Mythic Tarot by Julia Sharman-Burke and Tricia Newell, I have decided to switch decks. While out today, my boyfriend bought me a new tarot as a reward for giving up smoking for nearly a month. There were a few titles available, but I chose The New Century Tarot, due to a previous recommendation from a friend. And I am not disappointed. The pack, illustrated by Rolf Eichelmann and published by US Games in 2003, is bold and beautifully painted.

This evening, I have drawn the 9 of Pentacles. In this version, a woman relaxes beneath the nine discs. With jewels woven into her hair and beaded into her dress, she looks relaxed and comfortable. It would seem that the large gush of water entering from the right of the card is bringing her one of the nine coins.

For today, I have felt embraced by both the physical world and luxury. Since we missed going out on an adventure yesterday, my boyfriend and I drove out today. We visited the small town of Rye, and then continued our drive on to Hastings, where we wandered around it's Old Town. Due to it being so cold, we stopped for a pot of tea.

Even though I try my best to contribute what I can financially, my boyfriend has been very generous this weekend. Not least of all, in gifting me the beautiful New Century Tarot. After a small altercation with yet another neighbour last night, it was nice to get away from where I live today and unwind amongst the bohemian character of Hastings. Without a job at the moment, I am not particularly wealthy, but with good parents and a lovely and caring boyfriend, like the reclining and bejewelled woman in the 9 of Pentacles, I felt extremely rich through the care and warm spirit of those close to me today.

Illustration from The New Century Tarot by Rolf Eichelmann

Back down to Earth

Today's card takes yesterday's draw to the other extreme. Where as the Knight of Pentacles is safe, moderate, and follows things through to their conclusion, the Knight of Wands stays around just long enough to do up his flies, so to speak. This is not a man of commitment. He promises excitement, but it is short lived, since he always moves on to the next challenge once he has got what he wanted.

I was talking with a friend about this kind of guy the other day. Of course, it is not only men who behave in this way, and I wonder if this card has sprung up to depict someone who I know in some kind of significant matter. I can think of at least one situation where this could make sense.

Last night, my boyfriend and I did not follow the plans laid out by the Knight of Pentacles. We had originally agreed to stay home, but after a few glasses of wine, decided to take our drinking out into the town and meet a friend. Once in the pub, our initial plans for today went out of the window. We had wanted to get up this morning with a clear head and go out for the day, but due to staying out so late, this didn't happen. Instead, I have been laying in bed watching episodes of Supernanny while my boyfriend sleeps off his hangover next to me.

In this depiction of the Knight of Wands, we see the flamboyant Bellerophon, riding the horse Pegasus. Even though we haven't been out on the town since Christmas Eve, we did throw caution to the wind a bit too readily last night, and stayed out far longer than we should have. In the story of Bellerophon, due to his successful killing of the beast Chimaera, our knight became a little too cocky. Infuriated by his arrogance, Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus under the tail, which caused the horse to chuck Bellerophon from his back. Like this knight, my boyfriend and I have had our fun, but our hangovers have sent us tumbling straight back down to Earth.

Illustration from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

A Place which is Safe and Warm

In somewhat of a strange co-incidence, I have drawn the Knight of Pentacles today. As already mentioned, I drew the 3 of Wands last Thursday, and then again yesterday. And now, after drawing the Knight of Pentacles last Friday, I have pulled it today. So the end of this week looks exactly the same as the last, in terms of cards drawn. At the very least, it does accurately describe the similarity of one week to another in my current situation.

In a reading I did the other night about moving house, this card came up as something which influences the situation. Because of the financial market, people are behaving a little more cautiously than they might have before, which could be why it is taking us so long to sell. As you may remember, in last Friday's draw, it suggested slow (even if reliable) movement. This card tells us that things are on the move, but each step forward is considered and planned, rather than rushed into carelessly. I think this caution matches the interest of house buyers at the moment. So how does the card affect me today?

I am always quite pleased to see this card. The sturdy horse is grounded and stable and I know that his rider is planning for the future, one step at a time. This card also reminds me of the man I am in a relationship with. He is strong and capable, and I feel secure when with him, so when I look at the strength in the powerful horse, it is my boyfriend I think of. He will come and stay tonight, as he does on most weekends. We are in the process of making a few social plans. Our choices need to be influenced by our finances, so rather than saying yes to everything we have been asked to do, we are weighing up the opportunities sensibly, as this knight would.

For today, I am happy with the Knight of Pentacles. He reminds me to look to the future, rather than just the moment, and take things steadily. As an influence on this Friday, the knight does not offer the most dramatic of adventures, put he does lay me down in a place which is safe and warm.

Illustration from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

Just What I Needed

I spent last night with a friend. As yesterday's post predicted, there was a little gossiping involved, and like Zephyrus, I did consciously whip up the sea and brew a few storm clouds, regarding the character of someone we both know.

The 3 of Wands hit my daily draws this time last week. And in a work-related reading from yesterday evening, it was an outcome. Since the card looks at initial accomplishments, rather than the completion of a task, I thought it might represent being approached about a job or being asked to an interview. Due to the fact that nearly all of the agents I have recently contacted do not have the time or simple decency to even honour me with a response, this appears to be a little of an ambitious prediction for the moment. Despite the odds, I applied for more jobs through more agents this morning.

Feeling a bit off today, I locked myself away in my room and did little. I just didn't have it in me. I slowly got my head around the idea of going out this evening, and my boyfriend picked me up at 7. We met two friends and went to see another, who is a jazz singer, perform in a small bar in town. She was very good and the atmosphere was lovely. The four of us gel well together, and after feeling a bit out of sorts and emotional today, it was just what I needed.

Illustration from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

The Newly-Found Old Friend

The Page of Swords sits upon a cloud. Holding his sword, he blows into the cold sky. It appears that he is blowing out some kind of storm cloud.

I often see this card as a messenger, and in a reading, this page brings news or communication. So it was with a little surprise and much pleasure that I received acceptance of a friend request on a social networking site this morning. I had been looking for a certain person from my past for some time and had recently tracked him down. I had not heard anything back in the past month, but today, the Page of Swords moved things on and blew him right to me.

In this card, we have the ruler of the West Wind, Zephyrus. Since the page is so young, these first stirrings of communication and mental activity are only the initial contact before maturity or a full understanding. At worst, their naivety may enhance gossip or slander. The young Zephyrus enjoyed to toss the sea and brew storms, as shown in the illustration.

For today, I need to be aware of gossip and gossiping. But on the main, I think that the Page of Swords pinpoints the beginnings of communication. This could potentially stem from more than just my newly-found old friend.

Illustration from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

Wishes and Desires

With reflection, yesterday's Charlotte Mason reading made sense. Even though I will continue to apply to companies speculatively, I will not completely rule out my agents just yet. As the 3 of Pentacles implied, I received an email back last night, regarding one of the jobs I had applied for. The lady said she would call me about it today. She is yet another agent.

The 9 of Cups is a very positive card. In yesterday's three-card spread, I saw the character of Medea (in the 5 of Wands) as a representation of all of my agents. Today, I see Aphrodite in the same manner. In this card, she toasts the union between Psyche and Eros. In a pose which is reminiscent of the traditional 2 of Cups, the couple look into each other's eyes. The goddess has reunited them and honoured Psyche's wish. Like Athrodite, I am hoping that one of my employment agents will soon introduce and partner me with a good company and job. The 9 of Cups is often seen as a card of recognised dreams. It is also about nearing completion, so I hope that my wish to find the right work is soon to come.

Even though I have kept this card close in mind today, any desires or wishes I have had have not been answered. After writing back to the agent about the ladies wear print design job, she has not called or responded to my email as she said she would. I guess I can add her to the seven or so others who seem to be either sitting about twiddling their thumbs or are on some kind of extended coffee break. Their collective lack of manners is frustrating the hell out of me now.

I also tried to make an appointment with my doctor, but with no luck. The health store tablets have done nothing and I did not sleep well last night once again. The receptionist said that I need to call tomorrow morning and take my chances against the other patients who will also be ringing and trying to book an appointment.

Spent today with a close friend. We met for breakfast, went to the market, and shopped. Despite my unanswered wishes, my expectations for a fun day in her company were met.

Illustration from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

Another Spin with Charlotte

In between today's job search, I decided to have another go at the Charlotte Mason spread. I like this spread because it really does propel you into action, because the cards actually advise you as to what you should be doing. In this work related reading, I received the 5 of Wands, 7 of Swords, and the 3 of Pentacles.

Something to think about ...
5 of Wands ...

In this card, we see Jason fighting with the dragon to obtain the fleece. For me, the fleece represents a job.

This afternoon, I started writing to companies speculatively. I found as many email addresses as I could and sent off letters with my CV and samples of previous work attached. Aside from that, I also applied for two other design positions. My initial understanding of the 5 of Wands is that it suggests a struggle. Design jobs are hard enough to secure normally, let alone in the present climate. I will need to fight and be a cut above the rest if I want to find a good and well paid one.

This tarot image contains Medea, and this fact confuses my future direction a little. In the myth, Medea helped Jason seize the fleece from the beast. Without her help, he may very well have died trying. I had chosen to abandon my agents for the moment, since they have turned up next to nothing in the last few months. They have failed to keep me updated on any leads they have had and most have not been in touch. Seeing Medea in this picture and relating her to my employment agents, I wonder if it is a sound idea to go it alone. Out of annoyance, I may feel as though I can take on the employment market without them, but maybe I do need their insight too. If I apply to companies direct, it is most agent's policy to not approach that client on my behalf at a later date.


Something to do ...
7 of Swords

This card got me thinking. The 7 of Swords is the card of the sneak. It usually turns up when someone is deceiving me or behaving in a sly manner. In this case, it is telling me of something I must do, so it advises that I be liberal with the truth in a certain situation.

I know that I have the skill to work in my chosen field. However, my CV does look a little patchy in places and my long period of unemployment does not look good. It is up to me to expand on some of my experience and make it appear as though I have done a little more than I have. I spent some time teaching and I also freelanced. These were not for very long amounts of time, but the 7 of Swords advises me to flower up my experience to make it seem more desirable for prospective employers.


Something to love ...
3 of Pentacles

This is a nice card to finish the reading with. In this card, we see Daedalus accepting praise for his work. In this part of the story, it marks the initial stages of accomplishment. As an example, it might be like finishing the shell of a building, but without the fixtures, fittings, and decoration yet completed inside. In terms of my search for employment, which this reading tackles, the 3 of Pentalces shows the first stages completed. I looked at my work as I sent it through today and I was proud of some of my portfolio pages. They still look good and I still feel a sense of accomplishment, even though they are only scratching the surface of this process. I am hoping that this card signifies employers and agent's responses to my previous work. As this card shows, this is only the first step in a series of many.

The Fruits of Labor

This card was a comfort to wake up to this morning. I seem to be getting a run of Pentacles - this being the third in a row. They concentrate on the physical areas of my life, and the 10 of Pentacles tells of security, physical achievement, and resolve. In this illustration, we see an old and grey-haired Daedalus with his family. He has worked hard and the fruits of his labor can be seen worn by the woman and played with by the young boy.

As I suggested in my last entry, I bought some tablets from the health shop on Saturday and I tried one out last night. It did not stop the sensation, but I did get a good night's sleep. That probably had more to do with the fact that I hardly slept on Friday night and partied until the early hours of Sunday morning.

I am finding it hard to get motivated today. I have things that I had planned to do over the weekend but which were pushed aside or forgotten. Even though the 10 of Pentacles is a good card in essence, there are times like today, where it's comfort is not so productive. I want for nothing here, and sometimes, the warm embrace of my parents arms (both emotionally and financially) stops me from pushing to move on. Even though I have had many disappointments in my job search, I should still be fighting, but due to my pleasant and comfortable environment, it can sometimes be tempting to sit back, make a cup of tea, or have an afternoon nap. Despite appreciating the fruits of my parent's labor, I will push myself to apply to as many companies, speculatively, as I can this afternoon.

Illustration from The Mythic Tarot by Trica Newell

Awake

It is 3.51am and I am awake. I am at my partner's house and he is sleeping next to me. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have recently began to suffer with some kind of strange sensation running through both of my legs and it is keeping me from sleeping once again. Tonight, it is strong and is making me feel very emotional. Even though not painful, it is as if I have had some sort of current injected into my thighs. The whole experience takes my breath and energy away, and pushes me to tears. Not knowing what it is or what I can do to minimise the discomfort and distress it causes, I thought that now might be as good a time as any to pull a card to try and keep my mind on something else. At times like this, I feel very alone in my thoughts and emotions.

A lot of the time, I read the cards in an almost scientific way. In spreads, I know each one's value and I add them together to form a result. But tonight, I am looking at the Page of Pentacles in a different way. This tarot character, Triptolemus, stands amongst his landscape with his eyes almost shut, holding his single coin. Strangely, while contemplating what meaning this card might have for me, after a good few minutes, I found myself mirroring the young man. Holding one hand over my chest, I had subconsciously placed the other on top of it and had begun to caress it gently. This was something I always did when I suffered from anxiety attacks as a teenager, by way of self-comfort. Triptolemus looks almost meditative and it might seem as though he is using his mind to escort him out of his physical environment for a moment or two. Not knowing if my odd sensation is a physical complaint or one connected to anxiety, maybe I need to try harder at relaxing and using my own mind as a vehicle of escape when this complaint next hijacks me in the middle of the night.

Sometimes, a tarot picture can be interpreted in more ways than just the traditional meanings outlined in books. I remember once seeing the coin in the Queen of Pentacles in the Rider Waite Smith deck as a drug, and similarly, I wonder if this pentacle encourages me to look for some kind of natural medication in a health food shop. It might be a way of trying to relax my body properly before sleep. I will take a look while I am out with my boyfriend today.

We have two birthday parties to go to this evening. We are going to see a group of my friend's for a couple of hours after 8, and then we are driving back here to celebrate with his brother-in-law at a larger gathering. Even though I have had only a few drink-ups since the new year and am not interested in drinking too much alcohol at the moment, I know that a few will do the trick in helping me sleep better tonight.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

One Step at a Time

I am quite happy to see the Knight of Pentacles turn up today. The 'knights' in tarot bring movement. Even though this earthy one isn't particularly dynamic, he does suggest steady progress in the right direction. Since he is a hard worker, he will get there in the end, even if it takes him a while.

We were expecting a viewing on our house tomorrow. So far, we have only had four viewings, and three of those who have visited have liked the property, but not the tree in the garden. The fourth thought it was too expensive. The fifth, an unknown quantity, have cancelled their appointment for the morning. This left my father in a pessimistic mood, and a heated discussion between the three of us ensued. He believes that we are never going to sell our home or find the right house for us. This has caused him to start pulling apart what we have and looking for blame in the bricks and mortar of our property. Despite the last viewers saying the house was too expensive, I think that what we have is of a good standard and worth the asking price.

In today's card, we have Aristaeus seated firmly on his horse. Brought up by Mother Earth, Aristaeus understands the practical side of life, which may be overlooked by the other three knights. All knights represent movement, but this one doesn't rush in like the Knight of Swords or make a grand splash like the Knight of Wands. He handles things carefully and slowly. As a Virgo, he takes one step at a time, closer to his goal.

Like Aristaeus, my family and I need to recognise that things are moving along. It is a little bit like the small hand on a clock. It is moving, even if it doesn't appear to be. It may not be showing us the results we want so bad just yet, but with the Knight of Pentacles as guidance and consistent effort, it most definitely will eventually.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

I've Started, so I'll ...

The 3 of Wands shows a confrontation between Jason and King Pelias. The young man has rightly travelled to Iolkos to contest the king's throne, and out of fear, Pelias has offered up his stolen crown without resistance. This is an achievement for Jason, but on hearing of the golden fleece in Colchis, he realises that this story has only really just begun.

Since the suit of wands in tarot quite often relates to creativity, this card reminds me of my work, since I have started and not finished more projects than I choose to remember. Last year, I began a tarot deck to illustrate a blog. I began very enthusiastically, but thirty cards in to it, started to lose momentum. I had agreed to finish the deck so that it could be shown in a gallery this year, but have since pulled out of the exhibition. Similarly, I began to plan ten paintings, based on the kabbalistic Tree of Life, but in anticipating the third, have lost the enthusiasm and interest. The 3 of Wands is a bit like this. It reflects those first levels of excitement and reward, but reminds us that should we choose to continue, there is far more work and struggle to come. In terms of my private art works, I guess that I am at the same point as Jason - the card asks if am content with just seizing the title of King of Iolkos, or whether I want to complete the whole job? At the moment, I am not sure.

The latter part of today has been a write-off. I went to the Job Centre at midday for a standard interview, and while there, could feel the beginnings of a migraine. The pains in my eyes and dry mouth soon made way for fuzzy eyesight and sickness, and by the time I had got home, my migraine had developed, so I went to bed, abandoning my afternoon plans to see a friend. I have just woken up from a very long sleep, but still have a headache, so I guess that after I have finished this entry and checked my mails, I shall continue to rest.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

The Prick of Eros's Arrow

This illustration marks the moment where Eros (the god of love) and Psyche meet for the first time. Stranded on a rock in the middle of the ocean, under Aphrodite's order, Psyche waits for her impending death. Because the goddess was so jealous of Psyche's striking beauty, she sent her son, Eros, to kill her. But being captivated by this mortal woman's physical attributes, he stumbled and accidentally pricked his finger on one of his weapons. These arrows were used to bring love to both mortals and gods. Therefore at this moment, he fell in love with Psyche.

Despite our knowing how the story of Psyche and Eros turns out, this card is not one of mature love, since it looks only at their first meeting. In that sense, I use it as a card to foretell the beginning of a new relationship, to illustrate platonic friendship, or to suggest a reunion after separation. It is a card of bringing people together. In the past, it has arisen when either a friend has needed me or if I was about to meet someone who would eventually become important.

In this card, the raw emotion and love of the Ace of Cups has polarised. In finding the ability to love and care, we seek an object or person to direct these emotions towards. But when we are first attracted to someone, our interest has not yet matured, and we can become blinded by any less than their positive attributes. This reminds me of someone I was dating a year ago (funnily enough, whenever we met, we would meet under the statue of Eros in London's Piccadilly Circus, just in shooting distance of his golden arrow). Even though he was a very pleasant young chap, this guy was not right for me. We did not have the mature and deep connection that I have with my present boyfriend. But rather than confront this, I chose to ignore elements of his youthful immaturity and the noticable differences in our personalities. He was a handsome and intelligent young man, but we had little in common. It was inevitable that we would eventually part, but for the time that we dated, I tried my best to concentrate on the very few things that were 'right' about us. Of course, the relationship died after several months. Everyone else had been able to see what I had chosen to ignore.

Of course, the energy of the 2 of Cups has also featured in my present relationship. After a spell of speaking on the internet, my boyfriend and I met last year and found each other attractive. But our time together has exceeded the boundaries of this card. The magic between us has not disappeared by any means, and our relationship is now more rounded than a card like the 2 of Cups can ever stretch to. We have scratched away to expose those deeper layers and I am happy with what I have found there.

For today, the 2 of Cups does not speak of love. Or at least, not in a romantic sense. It is about meeting a friend in town for coffee, having a few laughs, and doing a little shopping. This card used to always turn up when I was set to meet with one of my oldest and closest mates. Whenever it showed, I would take it as a sign to call her and make sure she was ok. On other occasions, if it showed up in a daily draw, it would be strange for her to not give me a call out of the blue and suggest meeting after work for a drink. Even though it became a card that I associated with this specific friend (and still do), I generally see it as a card of good friendship.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

Queen of Ideals

The Queen of Swords is an interesting card to draw today, since it speaks to me on many levels.

The role of this queen is played out by Atalanta. Because he wanted a male heir, Atalanta's father abandoned the young girl on a hillside as a baby. Fortunately, the child was rescued, suckled, and raised by a bear and grew to womanhood amongst a clan of hunters. She achieved many famous deeds and eventually aroused the interest and respect of her father. Due to her upbringing, Atalanta refused to succumb to an ordinary woman's fate and vowed that any man who wished to marry her would need to challenge her in a foot race, of which she was very gifted. If they did not beat her, they would not win her hand in marriage and would be sentenced to death.

I can relate to this queen, since I can sometimes appear untouchable or cold. I find it less difficult than most to detach from feelings and when a relationship or friendship is dead in the water, if necessary, I can cut it away and stick with my decision. In recent years, I have performed what I refer to as the big delete on at least three occasions that I can remember. Knowing that there was no future in these relationships, I removed them from my telephone, MSN and Facebook accounts and never contacted them again. Like this queen, I don't like mental or emotional clutter and spring clean when I need to. This is not something I do to prove a point or be nasty. More often than not, it is a way of protecting my own feelings.

As I continue to job-hunt today, this card refers to my search for employment too. Atalanta was a difficult character to please. She understood perfection, since in her father's eyes, she was far from it. This caused her to strive for and achieve as much as she did. This might resemble my search for work. So far, I have not wavered from the one specific role I seek - that of Apparel Graphic Designer. On one hand this is good, since it shows determination. But on the other, like the water that Atalanta spills from the jug in her right hand, I am also wasting other viable opportunities as I search for this perfect job alone and the clock ticks on.

Today, I need to think about my ideals. At the moment, they are not paying my bills or allowing any independence. Even though I will continue to look for the kind of work which I know I can do, I will also broaden my horizons to some extent. This is something I can practice in all areas of life - be it in friendship, love, or even sex - since I quite often expect others to strive for the same ideals that I have.

As today's card, the Queen of Swords reminds me that having ideals and expectations can be all very well when they are met, but it can be pretty damned lonely when they are not. On the other hand, she suggests that I use my mind over my heart should a situation arise where I need to. I have already had to do that this morning.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

The Charlotte Mason Spread

I have used the Charlotte Mason Spread on one of my blogs before. It was inspired by Mason's belief that children need just three things every day - something to think about, something to do, and something to love. I saw it being used on a friend's blog today, and decided to give it another whirl.

Something to think about ...
4 of Wands

This is a good card for me to receive. It is the equivalent of someone shaking their bony finger in my face and shouting 'Do you know just how much you've got?'.

I spend a lot of time thinking about the things that I don't have, when really, I should be thanking the gods for those things which I do.

I watched a documentary on the slums of Mumbai last night. It showed children clambering over rubbish dumps, looking for scraps amongst human waste and glass. Toddlers were left sleeping on the hard floor of a tin-can creche while their parents searched hopelessly through heaps of rubbish for things they could sell to buy food. Laying here on my king-size bed with my bottomless cup of tea, some nibbles, and my boyfriend, I lay in what would seem like a palace to them. Clean water and somewhere to wash would probably be close enough to luxury alone in their minds, despite my shelves of books, overflowing wardrobe of clothes, a stocked-up fridge, and 24-hour Internet connection. It broke my heart. The small things we take for granted filled their face with joy - a glass of milk, an hour's education, a second-hand present wrapped up in yesterday's newspaper.

The 4 of Wands reminds me to think about my current security and those people around me who make this possible. It also reminds me to stop obsessing over what I could lose too. Sometimes, I forget to enjoy the time I have with my parents, the time I have to read and learn, my health, and the relationship I have with my boyfriend, due to a fear of losing all of it. The 4 of Wands urges me to appreciate my current stability and security.

Something to do ...
6 of Cups

In this card, we can see an episode of the romance between Eros and Psyche. Psyche sits alone on a rock. Her mysterious husband has since left her and she is now by herself with no more than her memories. However, after all that has happened, she is now aware that she loves him. Her future goal has been developed by these past events. She wants to get Eros back.

I think that this card relates to my career. With disappointments in my own past, I am at a crossroads. Sometimes, I think of giving up the chase and settling for something else, but like Psyche, I know what kind of work I enjoy, based on past experience. I was especially happy when I was working as a graphic designer a few years ago. I need to keep this in mind as I search for the right job. I plan to write to companies speculatively tomorrow, sending through my CV and samples of my work. I will make sure that the company I worked for and enjoyed the most is amongst those I send to and will also seek out those people who I have enjoyed working with in the past.

Something to love ...
The Lovers

I shall start with the most obvious meaning for this card, even though there are other traditional interpretations which fit snugly with this specific version. Firstly, it speaks of a romantic relationship. I have only been with my boyfriend for about five months (even though we have known each other that bit longer), but I feel a lot for him. In that time, we have really gotten to know one another and I really enjoy his company. As things stand, I really want this relationship to continue and grow, so I think that this card quite obviously speaks of my developing love for this man and my relationship with him.

Another standard meaning for the Lovers card is 'choice'. This version shows a beauty contest. Zeus commanded the Trojan prince Paris to be it's judge, and before him we see Hera, Aphrodite, and Athene as contestants. Should he choose her, Aphrodite offered Paris the cup of love as a reward. It was she who he eventually picked to win the contest. His reward was Helen, queen of Sparta, who happened to already be another man's wife - a choice which brought about the Trojan War.

I need to realise how much choice I have (and others allow me to have) in my life. This really is something to love, when thinking back to the people living in the slums of Mumbai, who have little to no choice available. In the past, I have been able to continue my education, have been supported by both my parents and the state, and have had the option to live at home when things didn't go as I had planned. I want to continue with my graphic design career. Many people with families and financial responsibilities do not have this luxury of choice and opportunity that I have. I appreciate how very lucky I am. Choice is most definitely something to love.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell
Charlotte Mason Spread by Tarot Dame

Casting Away Shadows

As with many opposites in life, darkness would not be able to exist without light. With this in mind, I view The Sun as a ray of light in the tarot deck, since it heavily contrasts with it's opposite, the card of The Moon. The latter is a picture of childhood night-terrors, confusion, and anxiety, where as The Sun has the ability to bring reassurance and warmth into this world of darkness and despair.

In the Mythic Tarot, we are greeted with the handsome and muscular sun god, Apollo. In one hand, he holds a lyre. In the other, a quiver of arrows. The weapon was used to defeat and kill the vicious serpent, Python. This beast, sent out of jealousy by Hera to destroy Apollo, may symbolise those nights of terror or worry already mentioned.

I have been targeting today as a return to my job-hunt. Feeling unenthusiastic and defeated by a spell of bad luck in 2009, I had decided to try and forget about looking for a job for a few weeks, with the intent of getting back in the saddle today. So seeing the tooled-up Apollo this morning, a vision of health and vigour, does make me feel more confident and ready to go.

In my mind, I keep hearing the word 'target'. I guess this goes hand in hand with Apollo's hand-held weapon. Today, I intend to try my best to hit as many bullseyes as I can. However, I shall be shooting emails, rather than arrows. In his left hand, he holds a lyre. Music can lift us out of ourselves. Over the years, I have not purchased much music, but think that in using it as a tool for today, it might lighten my job-hunting experience. Maybe some songs from my youth are in order. For today's draw, this card is all about using Apollo's light to cast away previous dark shadows which have had a hold on me.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

The First Hurdle

Last night was pleasant. In the end, after a nice lunch out, we took my friend with us to the family party. All of the main players on my father's side of the family were at the gathering, and as the night progressed, a circle of those left was formed and many funny tales were shared. Most of my relatives are pretty animated and enthusiastic storytellers, so it was enjoyable to watch as a few drinks loosened both their tongues and memories. It was lovely to see my parents have a few drinks and enjoy themselves - especially my mum. She doesn't like night driving and could relax, since my partner had kindly offered to drive. Even though we hadn't planned to stay too late, we began our journey home just before 4am, dropping my friend off on the way.

Today, I have drawn the 3 of Cups. In this card, we are given a scene from the wedding of Eros and Psyche. In the story, Psyche is yet to see her groom and looks straight ahead. Echoing the celebratory attributes of this card, three nymphs rise from the water and raise their cups to the couple.

Today's card follows on from yesterday's. Because of the depiction of a marriage, it reminds me of how last night was the first time I had introduced my boyfriend to my extended family. I knew that people would get on well with him, but I was touched by how five or more family members came up to me independently and told me how much they liked him. I have always seen the 3 of Cups as either my emotional community (friends and social acquaintances) or my extended family (aunts, uncles and cousins), so can easily relate this situation to the support of the water nymphs in the story.

The 3's in tarot all regard overcoming a first hurdle. For me, this has been about being able to display my relationship to my family and friends. We have passed that first getting to know you stage and are now very much a couple. The thing about the 3's is that there are still more hurdles to come. As with any relationship, some of these will be harder to jump than others. The 3 of Cups, as things stand, celebrates the distance we have come so far. I am happy in my relationship and with my friends, so this card makes sense in my personal life, even if my professional life still needs a lot of work.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

The Right Friend

For today, I have drawn the 4 of Wands. This card shows a scene from the story of Jason and the Argonauts and pictures the moment before the six set sail with the intention of obtaining the golden fleece. Jason has assembled his most trusted and capable friends to help him - Heracles for his strength, Theseus for his creative vision and love of adventure, the Warrior Twins for their minds, and Orpheus, for his deep empathy and feeling. There is strength and support in the group around Jason.

The 4 of Wands has always been deemed a particularly lucky card. It presents a break. A time where we can appreciate what has been earned already. A moment of stability and warmth, like a fire which has been well tendered and not allowed to either rage out of control or burn down completely. In this version, Jason is satisfied with where he is at on his journey and feels secure, even if he is unaware of future problems that he and his group will have to contend with.

I did not sleep well last night. Even though it was lovely to have my boyfriend here, I have had a few physical problems of late. When relaxed, I have been experiencing an overwhelming sensation running through my legs. It is not a pain as such, but it is enough to keep me awake and worry me. At the moment, I am unsure if it is actually a physical complaint or some kind of anxiety-related problem, since I did suffer from something very similar in my throat throughout my teens and twenties. Whatever it is, it whips me up into a pretty emotional state, and to stop myself from getting upset or worrying my boyfriend last night, I turned on my bedside lamp and read for an hour or two to try and keep my mind off of it.

We have a pretty booked-up weekend. Tonight, my boyfriend is driving my parents and I to an uncle's 60th birthday party. He has met a small handful of my family before, but should be meeting all of my dad's close relatives (plus add-ons) this evening. I see them in the characters of this card, since they are supportive of me, regardless of problem. We are also having my friend around today. I have not seen her since Christmas and a chat is long overdue. I know that I will be able to talk to her about my problems. Probably better than with most others. In that sense, I see her as a big part of today's reading and the 4 of Wands. Jason assembled the right friends for the right jobs on his voyage, and in my day, I think that she will most probably provide me with the kind of support I need during my current anxiety and worry.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell

The Knight of Hearts

For today, I thought I would simply pull a card for general reflection and drew the Knight of Cups. In this deck, we have an illustration of a dashing young man on an elegant white horse, walking through a body of shallow water. He holds a single cup and is facing forwards, focused on his goal.

For today, I am using the original Mythic Tarot. These original illustrations were painted by Tricia Newell in the 1980's, but the deck has recently been re-painted by Giovanni Caselli. Because the original artist had not been informed about the updating of her tarot designs and was not even aware of the developments until the new pack was set to hit the shop shelves, this commission has proved to be a pretty controversial decision by the publishers. Even though I prefer Newell's paintings, I have also purchased Caselli's Mythic to see how it shapes up in readings.

The knight in this card is Perseus. His journeys in Greek myth are apparently motivated by love. That makes him an ideal representation of this tarot character, who I often see as either a lover or a man who is in touch with both his feminine side and emotions. This knight yearns to share his feelings with another.

Being a creative and expressive guy, the Knight of Cups has always reminded me of my very old mate, Sam. In our early 20's, we would escape together for days, immersing ourselves in long walks, music, and fantasy. As we were both creative souls, we would read each other our personal and private poems, sit on his bed and listen to Tori Amos, and always dragged a camera around with us to record our adventures. In the middle of the 90's, we had found an old and neglected Summer House in the garden of a large derelict home, and away from all of our other friendships, would often hide out there with a crate of beer or some wine and talk into the evenings. We spent as many days and nights together as we could, lapping up everything that each other had to say and enjoying our friendship immensely. Sam was the brother I never had.

Because of this knight's sensitivity, artistic nature, and lusting of a perfect love, this card reminds me of Sam. In those days, our friendship didn't dirty it's hands with the mundane responsibilities of day to day life, and this knight might similarly be accused of not having his feet on the ground. In readings, he often represents a new lover coming into our life, but also a young man who is dreamy or emotionally stacked.

I havn't been feeling up to much today. After a funeral yesterday, two close friends and I went for tapas, and in the evening, my boyfriend drove us all out for drinks. I had a few too many wines, but I am pleased to say that I didn't break down and yield to the temptation of cigarettes while drinking. Even though I had to get up early and clean for a couple to view the house this morning, I have been nursing a headache for the remainder of today.

Illustrations from The Mythic Tarot by Tricia Newell