A Simple Celtic Cross

I haven't performed a Celtic Cross reading for myself in some time. Even though it was the layout that I always used professionally, it was never one that I warmed to until recently; probably because I spent so many years over-complicating it. I think that it works best with simple position-definitions and a simple deck. With that in mind, my recent readings have become more enlightening; such as the one I threw at my boyfriend's house last night.

With not a single Cup amongst the ten cards, I instantly knew that this reading was not about my emotional or romantic life. With Swords and Majors dominating, I understood it to be about big changes and problems which would need to be solved. With many changes already materialising and further more on the horizon, I was pretty convinced that this reading concerned my career and working life.

I hardly ever get the 6 of Wands in readings. Any achievements earned in the past few years seem to have slipped under the radar of what most would regard as successful. However, with scoring three artistic jobs in the last few months (which has enabled me to come off of benefits), my confidence is growing once more and those around me seem pleased with the new developments in my working life. One friend said that she was pleased to finally see me being paid for my artistic skills. The 6 of Wands could symbolise the winning of these jobs, but it could also represent my overcoming obstacles like my chronic fatigue, despite the odds. It is important that the people in this card witness the warrior returning from battle. Like him, I want to be able to prove to my family and friends that I have a worth and capability.

But the positive energy quickly plummets. There's always a catch with me, which is why I understand the second card perfectly. This reading gives with one hand and takes with the other. Despite the successful vibe of the first card, the 9 of Swords is thick with worry. It asks me what I am scared of.

I am aware that once the three projects I am involved with are over, the agency I am working for will have no more. This kind of work stops in July, since they will no longer be offering the exact same service to schools. Just as I have begun to climb the ladder again, I am now worried that a lack of work will send me tumbling back onto benefits and needing support again. Look at the 8 of Swords that sits in the past. That is where I was before the ringing in of the New Year. I was trapped in unemployment and was going nowhere. I had no idea about how to move forward, as symbolised by the blindfold that the woman wears, and could see no way of moving out of my parent's home.

The Empress is about growth and nurture. She suggests my own need to grow, expand, and mature, but she also represents the care I receive from others. In a darker sense, could she stand for the care I receive from both my parents and the state? Somewhere I was hoping to move on from by now.

The focus of this reading is the Page of Pentacles, who suggests a new physical start. He describes the work I am doing now and is the opposite of the 8 of Swords. He is my seed - the learning of new skills and the using of those things which are available so I can move forward. Even though my agency are finishing the kind of work I am presently involved in, there will be other kinds of short-term employment on offer. This will require me to use my initiative, make enquiries, and work on proposals now if I want a slice of the pie. I need to find a voice if I want to advance, as depicted by the Queen of Swords in the near future. She stands for a well made decision. More than any other court card, I would say that she can see what is coming next as she lays in wait with her arm extended.

I have mentioned before that people have likened me to the King of Wands, since I can sometimes inspire and lead. This is one of the reasons why I went into the field I am in. I find that it is rewarding to guide and excite young people through art and craft, and on more than a couple of occasions, I have been told that I am good at it. As a partner for this card, The Sun is a willing mate. The sunflowers in the card reinforce the fact that people are receptive to my ideas, since they continue to follow the sun. However, with the 6 of Wands and Page of Pentacles in play, I need to watch that I don't let arrogance get in the way or become too big for my boots. I do have a tendency to take over.

One of the women that I am working with suggested that we get together and find ways of marketing ourselves. At the time, I didn't know that the agency would be finishing the kind of work that we are doing, but now that I do, her idea makes a lot of sense. The Emperor is about discipline, which I lack, and taking control of my environment. I am considering this card's advice to be about promoting myself and carving out a place for me to work next.

Despite the alarms which ring out all over this reading, the final card is not so bad. I would guess that it's good results depend very much on whether I listen to The Emperor and make use of the Page of Pentacles. The Pentacle queen looks satisfied and in good health. She sits and focuses on her coin and I would imagine that her bank balance is not looking so bad. This could mean that she has followed up new opportunities or she has put a little cash aside from her jobs. Whatever it is that she has done, she displays independence, rather than the need of nurture or financial injections from The Empress. This card reminds me that I really can pull it off if I try.

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Illustrations from The Original Rider Waite Tarot by Pamela Coleman Smith