9 of Wands

The 9 of Wands shows a man who has been beaten, bandaged, but keeping an eye out for the next onslaught that he thinks might be coming.   Sometimes we feel that way when we've been caught in an unexpected battle or fight that seemingly came from no where.  The urge is to build a wall around ourselves, to with draw - sometimes there's a need for that just to regroup, however we cannot allow ourselves to stay behind our wall.  We must get ourselves back out there and attempt and understand what caused the situation in the first place. Sometimes  we'll find that there was no rhyme or reason why the attack came.  In those situations, listen to the Universe as you will receive guidance to deal with the person or situation.  At other times, we'll find out that the other party had a misperception about us and make amends.  But regardless, we should always be positive, have love in our hearts, and be willing to forgive even when the other party refuses to.

Temperance

Temperance is a card that shows an arch angel combining the contents of two separate cups into one, a union is taking place.  Another common meaning this card has is bringing things into balance.  In either case, sometimes in life we need the opportunity to experience something new - this gives depth to our life and a new set of circumstances to relate to, hopefully for the better.

The plants near the waters edge represent vitality and growth.

The path leading from the waters edge to the mountains represent the path of life each of us travels. We grow as people, learn from experience, and take on new challenges.

I think this card also represents intuition.  The circle on the archangels forehead is like a third eye.  Skill and experience are needed when trying to commingle to different individuals or parties to come to a common ground or understanding.  Wisdom, still, and finesse are required to achieve a positive resolution.

Eight of Pentacles, reversed

The Eight of Pentacles shows a man diligently working and focused on what he's doing.  In the reversed position, this card could mean that there the quarent is unfocused, not paying attention to details, or has their mind on other things.  This could be a good time to take a break or even a vacation and regroup and relax.

Page of Cups

The Page of Cups shows us a young person standing on even ground, starring into a cup with a fish in it.  In the background, there are waves of water.

Water is a symbol for emotions, waves are a symbol for trouble or an unpleasant situation.  The red on the young persons outfit symbolizes passion.  So while there is a temptation of assessing the unpleasant situation and making rash decisions to get out and move on, this could be a prime opportunity for personal growth, symbolized by the flowers on the outfit.

Part of this growth experience will cause you to rely on your intuition, as symbolized by the fish.  The fish senses, reacts, and follows the current - sometimes the way out is the way through.  Don't be afraid to test the currents, they might take you to a different place that you originally expected.

5 of Swords, reversed

The Five of Swords, revered, shows us that we might be pleasantly surprised about a situation.  Where we feared conflict, discord, and egos, we find could find peace, harmony, a spirit of unity.

Typically our preconceived ideas are fueled by speculation and rumors.  Not all "water cooler talk" is factual, keep an open mind about new ideas, new plans, change of directions are just what is needed.

10 of Swords

When the 10 of Pentacles makes it's appearance in a reading, many times I receive the question, "...does this mean I'm going to die!!??!!??"  No, I say, no one is going to physically die, but this could mean there is an end of a cycle or situation and the beginning of a new cycle or situation.

Seasons, people, and situations come and go out of our lives, sometimes they can be painful, even when we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that  the end is inevitable.  There could be a period of lament, sadness, even mourning, which is normal.  Everyone reflects on the past and how things ended; however, we cannot stay there.  We must know that a new day is coming - as the distance of this card shows.  Skies to clear, peace does come, a new day does dawn, which is full of promise, hope, and rebirth.  Today could be your day to start again and try something new.  Go forth and conquer!

Three of Pentacles

This card displays collaboration between three people.  There are two people on the right holding a set of plans who they are working with the Master Craftsman, who is on the left.  The two on the right are also under a doorway, which represents the past and the present as they have spent time amongst themselves drawing up the plans or the vision.  The Master Craftsmen, on the left, and he’s also under a doorway, representing the future – he’s attempting to fulfill the vision of the two on the left.  The Master Craftsmen could be explaining the pros/cons of their plan and also offering some alternatives the two may not have considered.  The Master Craftsmen represents experience, knowledge.  

There are three forces at work here, symbolized by the three pentacles near the top of the card in a triangle – each Pentacle represents each person and the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, spirit) within each person – there is a circle with a cross in the middle of the three pentacles, which represents the plan.  The plan keeps everyone on the same page; the Master Craftsmen offers tweaks and suggestion to make things better or to point out deficiency in the plan or in the building structure while the other two provide feed back.

Below the triangle with the three Pentacles is another triangle with it’s point converging into a pillar.  In the center of the triangle is a flower with a cross representing earth, air, fire, water – the circle, which is the flower, is the Spirit.  So the three become one and form a flower - which represents growth.

This card is a firm reminder that sometimes when we have plans or dreams we may need consultation from another to guide us, offer encouragement when we're on the right track, or offer instruction when we may be a miss in our thinking.