It's All In The Cards

Last Friday at the store where I work now, an older, spunky, woman came in. She and I got very close in a short amount of time. She told me how she has started taking Tarot Reading classes. I said I'd be happy for her to read my cards, if she ever needs to practice...

I have, despite my age, always made friends with women over the age of 40, who have eccentric habits or hobbies. These women often become mentors, good council, or people who I can go to when I just need to throw my thoughts in the air. Maybe this relates to my relationship with my mother? Maybe it is because I see these women as powerful for following their dreams? Or, maybe I feel the least inhibited by women who look old enough to be my mother, but act young enough to be my sister? In the past these women have been writers, actors, yoga instructors, a black jack dealer, and now I can add tarot reader.

This woman is no exception. With a very youthful, buoyant personality she came to my work today, with cards in...palm?

She shuffled the deck.

Told me to split, and think of a non-yes-or-no question.

One, two, and three piles.

Then stack them back into one.

From there she pulled 3 cards, and then took 1 from the back. She told me to repeat my question aloud. I asked what any girl would ask(especially around Valentine's day)...

'When will I find love again?'

The first three cards were courage, the chariot driver, and the king of wands. The courage card is illustrated with a beautiful, light-covered, woman and lion facing each other. Courage being represented by both the lion as symbol, and the beautiful woman meeting him halfway. The chariot driver is a man of strength driving both a white and black horse, meaning he decides the path and direction, often by choosing one or the other. The king of wands is a king holding a wand (or instrument) with brown curly hair and blue/green eyes. (She is still learning, and wasn't 100% sure where he fit in, until I gave her background information after the reading). The 4th card, which came from the back, was a knave card. It is a card I forgot the name for, but stands for stealing and dishonesty.

The reader's interpretation: 'I need to find courage to move in a direction of my choice, after having my heart stolen.'

I only had time for one more question, since her husband was finished with his workout and more customers arrived. I asked, 'Where am I going in life?'

She read them equally as well as the first time. I received another courage card, practically unheard of, the magician (who has all the tools), a knave of wands (youth and innocence), and then the seven of swords (meaning I'm going to have lots of obstacles).

Her interpretation: 'I need to have courage to use the tools I already have in order to overcome obstacles. I am still young, and there is no way of knowing where I will be, but that the journey is going to be long.'

I'm sure anything can be rationalized, but I do think she nailed my life right now. Despite how hard I'm trying, there is no denying that I have two major hurtles to jump over. Without knowing very much about me, and using symbols and illustrations as a language, this woman was able to sum up my life in several words, phrases, and sentences. The event was a little uncomfortable and intense, considering our new friendship, but I have become both addicted and inspired.

And, perhaps, I have discovered the real reason I like Woody Allen's Scoop so much? There is a little Tarot Card Killer in all of us?