Three of Pentacles, reversed

The Three of Pentacles is a card I like to commonly refer to as 'the consulting card'.  In the image we see three people, a master craftsman standing on a bench and two others holding a plan.

There are several ways which I've typically read this card in the past.  The first way is the master craftsman is saying, 'yes, the plan has this outlined however have you consider this other idea?'  The second is the master craftsman is telling the two, 'your plans have this here however I'm seeing structure issues and doing following the plan could have these ramifications.'  Finally, the two people come to the master craftsman and basically say, 'dude, you've gone off the reservation and deviated from the plan.'.

Another way to read this card is that there is general, engaged conversation - it's civil, everyone is calm and having a productive meeting.

In my opinion, the two people, male and female represent not only a literal man and woman but a single balanced energy - so in other words, when there is a need to have a conversation at a serious level, there needs to be an emotional balance and have facts in order when approaching the male energy, which is the craftsman in this case.

I also find the passageways in this card interesting as it is unknown if the pillar dividing the two entries lead to a single, larger area or if they are two smaller independent areas.  So one way of reading this would be, if it's interpreted that there are two opening to a larger area is the two parties are not far apart in their agreement.  Or depending on the question it could also be said that the two parties are far apart or are not even on the same page.

In the reverse position I would read this is both parties are in disagreement over the plan of action, the plan could be faulty, or there is no leader or direction.

Five of Cups, reversed

When this card appears in a reading typically many interpretations of this card are grieving over what was lost rather than being thankful that all was not lost, ignoring that out of a bad situation there's still hope, and other interpretations.  There are several clues in this card that draw me to this conclusion - there is a bridge over the river - the bridge can take us where we are to a new and different place.  What we need to do is get moving and accept that perhaps there was a setback but there's always hope and the ability to recover; of course sometimes recovery might take time.

There's also a house or fortress on the other side symbolizing a safe haven, a place to where we can recoup and recover, be surrounded by friends and family who will love us despite ourselves.

In the reverse position things are great, fabulous, situations that come up are petty and not worth dwelling over.

Three of Swords, reversed

When the Three of Swords appears in a reading, typically general meanings include heartbreak, clarity, the hidden is revealed, focus or extreme focus, weighing heavy on the mind, among other things.  The heart is the life source for adults as well as animals - when the heart hurts, our whole being hurts and typically very little will be of any comfort or consolation.

However, in the reverse position, there is a letting up of the burden, the nightmare of the situation is coming to a close and the healing can begin.  It may not be something that happens overnight but being open to coming to terms with the situation along with wise council can help the healing process.

King of Cups, reversed

The King of Cups sits securely on his throne floating along a rather rough sea, there's a ship in the background.  The king is wearing a yellow cape and a blue gown - yellow is a symbol for hope and blue is a symbol for being calm.  So even when things are a bit rocky, shaky, you're unsure of what's happening or even what's, what - there's always hope.

However, in the reverse position though, faith and hope are shaken, there is some insecurity of how things will turn out.  It's at these times when it may be necessary to call in close, trusted friends - friends who truly have insight into your life, friends who know you and who will give you honest and truthful council.

Other things I find interesting about this card are the shoes the king is wearing - they appear to be like fish scales - I see this as being adaptive to the environment.  The ship passing by are like thoughts traveling too and fro, when things are rocky in life sometimes the mind...well, it gets crazy thoughts.  Again, this is when faith and friends can help bring clarity to the situation.

Seven of Cups

When this card appears in a reading it can mean a variety of things like ideas, options, making choices, tough choices, confusion, not certain of the consequence, disorganized, clutter or even things to do..  Perhaps even over indulgence or extravagance.  What is unknown are the things not seen in the cloud - the consequences that come from choosing one decision over another.  Choose carefully, consult with a close confidant, and know your motive for making the decision.  Sometimes the most rewarding decision is the hardest one to make.

9 of Cups

The 9 of Cups has a man sitting on a wooden bench, a row of cups are displayed on an elevated covered table or bar.  He sits proudly showing off his accomplishments.  Sitting is a symbol that can mean taking time to reflect or relax - in this card it could mean taking time to reflect on the past and contemplate the things that worked and examining areas that could be tweaked.

Many books call the 9 of Cups "the wish" card - I disagree with this interpretation because it is in having and executing a plan do dreams and wishes become fulfilled.  As the "good book" says, "...faith without works is dead..."

Yellow/gold is also the dominant color in this card - it's a happy color, reminds me of a gold medal or the phrase "let the Sun shine in".  The man is wearing a white robe, symbolizing celebration and purity, however there appears to be touches of grey so perhaps there was a bit of trickery involved in making his achievement?  Not all trickery is bad - in sports a trick play can be used to score points while passing a few bucks under the table in a business situation is certainly unethical, if not illegal in some instances.

The man to me represents a dominant energy not necessarily a male.  So when this card appears in a reading, generally I would say there was a plan that succeeded and there was great pride taken in the successful execution of the plan - depending on what the other cards and the question is, this could be good or bad.

Six of Cups, reversed

The Six of Cups, generally represent coming together, new or renewed relationships, meeting an old friend or a new friend, among other interpretations.  In the reversed position, generally this would mean that relationships are strained, on the verge of coming apart - if they haven't already.  A relationship that has grown cold.

When this card appears, it's time to think about if the relationship is salvageable; and if it is what effort must be invested to make things right.  Are both parties able to move forward despite the events of the past.