Today, I went to the Renaissance Festival just outside Phoenix with a friend. Our first stop was at a tarot table, where when I admitted I was a novice reader, I ended up getting “Tarot 101.” What she said was so simple that I wasn’t sure if I bought it, but sometimes the simplest answer is the right one. So we’re going to try it.

She said if you ask a direct question, the next card pulled is the answer. 

So let’s see what questions I can come up with. Let’s start with the basics.

School?

Seven of Wands, reversed. Interesting, but doesn’t make sense in context. So I cross it with Eight of Cups, reversed. Okay. I can kind of see where this is going now.

I’m 24. I’ve changed my major four times, and dropped out of school twice, and it was only recently that I accepted and admitted that all of this was due to a fear of success. Why I was afraid of success I’m still not sure, and these cards say to me that maybe some of that fear still lingers and I need to be careful not to let it take over me again; I’ve had a few professional readings warn me that if I drop out of school again, I won’t go back and I won’t be happy. 

I should admit that there’s a part of me that’s not ready to deal with having to cut my hours at work in order to focus on school. Maybe that’s what brings these cards up. Accept it. Go through with it. Get on those FAFSA forms ASAP, and just go. Focus. Graduate by next year. 

Romance?

Queen of Coins. Clear enough and nothing I haven’t heard before (to the point where my romantic, Disney-loving heart is finally starting to accept it and move forward): Don’t search. When it’s time, he’ll come. Patience is key. Coins represent both finances, and the Earth element, and maybe I shouldn’t, but I’m taking into account two things: in my birth chart, Venus is in Capricorn. As much as I want romance, I want real love and acceptance too. I have no interest in frivolous dating, and I want something practical and grounded, but nurturing, warm and secure… like the Queen. Also, I’ve had two professional readings recently that suggest whoever he is, I’ll meet him in a work situation. I’m not really interested in the kind of people that would work where I currently work, but the career I’m studying? At the very least, we’ll share an intense love of music. But that still refers to what I mentioned earlier: It’s not time yet, so don’t waste time looking. 

Spiritual Journey?

Three of Swords, reversed. I kind of already know that I’ve just passed a difficult period regarding my faith. I’m still not entirely sure what happened, just that it started suddenly and only ended once school started and I remembered that I’m capable of so much more than my current manager could ever comprehend, and therefore how she thinks of me and what she does with me doesn’t matter. It’s in the past now, so I pulled another: Ace of Coins, reversed. Huh. Reversed Aces refer to a fear of risks and opportunities. But what am I risking spiritually? Ace of Cups. lol oh.

One of the things I struggle with, spiritually, is an acceptance of my emotions. I am an air sign, after all; we’re not exactly known for being in touch with our feelings and willing to share them. I’m not sure exactly if most people relate their emotions with their spirituality, so let me try to explain: I’ve been reading a book about 7 ways to change your life. So far I’ve read through Courage, Faith, and Honesty. They all play into one another. It is completely possible to lie to yourself, whether it be about physical events, or emotions. You need to have the courage to be honest with yourself, and have faith that others will still care for you when you’re ready to be honest with them. I’m still working on being honest with myself, let alone with others. That’s the message I’m getting from these cards: it’s good that I’m working on this. 

I’ll have to try this exercise again later. At the very, very least, it’s helping me to learn the meanings of the cards, one by one.