Your question: I enter this year feeling I want to live my life to the full – more than I have for years. New starts and new challenges. What guidance can the cards give for this next year of my journey?

Your Cards Chosen From The Celtic Cross Spread

Present Circumstances ~ the situation as it is at the moment:
Six of Wands
Key words associated with this card – Excellent news, victory, pride, self-confidence, leadership, journeys.
Key phrases – A small victory over some situation. Reputation will be enhanced.  You will win the day !  Winning all that you hold dear. Success through hard work. An increase in harmony of relationships. Possible leadership role in a journey. Friends can be helpful. Campaigns. Joy, optimism. A turning point in some situation you want to ‘win’.
Interpretation –

The Six of Wands represents:

• ‘WINNING’! Good for you – if you want to achieve something you will !
• being bold and daring
• working hard towards a goal – success is almost within reach
• recognition is yours…. you receive the acclaim, honour and respect that you deserve
• a new career project, way of life, or life style
• public recognition by others in the community
• fulfilment of a creative effort
• receiving an award or looking good in other people’s eyes because of some bold move you have made
• ‘marshal your forces’…(time, energy, friends, finances…) in order to change some aspect of your life
• legal triumphs and sought after contracts
• On the Six we see a valiant rider leading a procession. He is victorious in some endeavour and he is being rewarded publicly. Whenever we see this card we can be sure that eventually we will be a winner in some way – not only that, but others will recognise our valiant deeds and will rally round to offer support. The Six of Wands says – you have been harnessing your energies to pursue something in a particular direction, usually resulting in success. In simple terms this is a card which says if you continue to have faith in your abilities – you will win the day..!

Cover – circumstances or people that ‘surround you ‘ for good or bad – (people or circumstances that may help or hinder your progress at the present time)

Ten of Wands
Key words associated with this card – Weight, responsibilities, struggles, strife, labouring, toil.
Key phrases – You are carrying a huge burden around with you. You feel responsible for some situation. You are bogged down with work or responsibilities at home. Others depend on you entirely. You alone ‘carry the can’.
Interpretation –

The Ten of Wands represents:

• an impossible situation romance – wise
• tying up loose ends 
• feeling life is a chore, work is a struggle, so many responsibilities to carry
• feeling as if you cannot possibly carry on like this – something has to change
• pushing yourself too hard
• work that is all-consuming
• being too narrowly focused in one area
• a need to try to balance your life with other interests
• The Ten of Wands stands for those occasions when you have to assume the lion’s share of responsibility – like being totally responsible in a working situation or for your family (or both…) and at times this feels like a huge weight !  The Ten of Wands says try not to become too ‘bogged down’ with a sense of hopelessness in your working and home environment. If you do – it will not be long before you feel a change is needed to release some of the pressure from your life. Offload some of this burden and start to live again….

Past circumstances – affecting some aspects of what is happening to you now:

Ace of Swords
Key words associated with this card – Triumph, mental power, clarity, great strength, powerful insight, victory, sense of personal freedom, powerful relationship, force, determination, winning, free from restraint, achievement.
Key phrases – Identify long-term goals and principles. Make your life a statement of your OWN unique personality.  Triumph over adversity. You will win the day. You are victorious at last!  Things are changing for the good. With courage and intellect, nothing can stand in your way. Success from “nowhere”.
The Ace of Swords is a card of great power and is therefore often a sign that you have been powerful in some area of your life. This card tells you that you do have the inner resources to overcome all obstacles and find the truth of your situation. This is a card of winning, getting what you want, being assertive and it paying off !

Interpretation –

The Ace of Swords represents:

• success and triumph
• new energy, fresh ideas – moving forward
• making things happen
• wielding great power
• having perseverance
• a personal desire coming to fruition – getting what you want
• The Ace of Swords says – you are very aware of the fact, that your current situation is all about winning…there may be a ‘prize to win’ and you know that you can win it –  However, the two-edged sword cuts deeply in either direction, and a fine line must be walked to achieve the balance necessary for a healthy life. The Ace of Swords is a card of great power. Be aware of just how much force is needed at this time and if too much force is being used in this current situation,  this could be a sign that temperance may be what is needed now. (Ease off a little…) This card says you have the power and ability to get what you want now, just be aware that you do not need to ‘tread on other people’s toes to get it…!’

Behind you or in the process of leaving – the basis for the question

Eight of Swords
Key words associated with this card – Restriction, bad luck, trapped, powerless, tied. 
Key phrases – Patient effort needed to get out of situation. You feel tied and restricted. Restrictions will gradually fade. It is up to you to free yourself from any restrictions in your life. No – one will rescue you…you must free yourself…You alone can get yourself free from this situation…!

Look closely at this card  – it is an indication of a process that someone must go through to find true happiness in some area of their  life. This woman is standing in a wide open space…a castle (her home…) behind her. She is bound and tied in a desolate place. She has eight swords placed around her but she is not completely surrounded …she could ‘escape’ if she wanted to by moving forward. She cannot see where she is going and she cannot defend herself against attack …. she cannot even lift her hands to pray. But her inner thoughts are her ‘protector’ – she CAN think and speak. She mustn’t get into the ‘mind game’ of wanting to be rescued…waiting for things to just happen.  She must take back her power and responsibility and open her eyes (to some situation…?) then she will realise that the way forward is clear. 
Interpretation –

The Eight of Swords represents:

• a dilemma – being faced with the difficulty of a painful decision and being at an impasse – uncertain which way to go
• someone feeling ‘trapped’ in a set of circumstances that they feel powerless to change
• feeling unable to ‘change things’
• being afraid to make the first move
• having ‘ties’ that bind you to a situation you would rather leave
• being unable to move on emotionally or physically
• feeling as if you have a narrow or restricted life
• using a lot of mental energy in a negative way….worry and constant fretting may be causing energy blocks
• This card says to you…”Put things into perspective and stop worrying…!” In terms of our thought process, this is typical of the times when we think we are safe, but in fact we’re trapped, without any options, and must depend on others. But is that ever truly the case? We do always have options, but those options may or may not be acceptable to us at the time. This is fine – so long as we acknowledge that we have them. If we don’t, it doesn’t take us long to drift into victim mode…..this is where our lady in the Eight is… at the moment. This woman’s power lies in her ability to think things through, coupled with her amazing inner reserves of strength.

This is what crowns you – expect this to happen in the very near future  – also circumstances/people who will shape your far – reaching future.

Ace of Pentacles
Key words associated with this card ~  Prosperity, generosity, material pleasures, new financial ventures, creative vision, ambition, craftsmanship, skills, financial success, material achievement, security, profit, wealth
Key phrases ~ A wonderful new business opportunity is likely to be offered. Good business foundations finally bring results. Someone will offer you a ‘Golden Opportunity’. Someone will extend a helping  hand in your business dealings which will lead to great financial gain. Could indicate receipt of a very important document or official letter. Educational degree, award or other legal document. There is an opportunity now for you to enjoy the material side of life….enjoy the fruits of your labour ! 
Interpretation –

The Ace of Pentacles represents:

• greater wealth and happiness – the result of receiving something long desired
• new beginnings, fresh energy and inspiration
• a ‘practical’ opportunity to start a new project which will increase your finances significantly
• someone may offer you an opportunity to make money that had not occurred to you before
• focused and centred on a new venture
• able to make your dreams real…your ideas are ready to be turned into something tangible
• looking at ways that are ‘different’ perhaps, or innovative and exciting…this may be the sort of opportunity that many an entrepreneur would dream of
• The Ace of Pentacles says – pentacles are representative of Earth and therefore symbolise the material world and things associated particularly with money matters business and any financial concerns which we may have relating to our future. It tells you that the end of a process concerning finances is near. There will be a lot of hard work involved but it is an exciting card that helps you manifest your ideas in the outside world.  

The near future – circumstances/people who will shape your far – reaching future.

Three of Swords
Key words associated with this card – Absence, sorrow, disappointment, strife, removal, desertion, opposition, separations, betrayal, abandonment, rejection.
Key phrases – There are undercurrents of jealousy. Someone needs to reshape their negative thinking. Disruptions in and around a home. Heartache – and possible ending of a relationship. Three-way relationship where someone gets hurt. Acceptance of loss.  A reversal of fortune.

This card practically speaks for itself; it is a card of loss and difficulty, of sacrifice and broken relationships. It follows upon the difficult decision required in the Two of Swords, where we are avoiding the necessity of making a tough choice. In the Three of Swords, the choice has been made, and we are now experiencing the consequences of our action. Often our choices involve choosing one good over another, or one evil over another, and thus when we’ve finally made our decision we are still left with the pain of losing the option we have not chosen.
Interpretation –

The Three of Swords represents:

• the pain of losing something we once valued (such as a “comfortable” relationship or job in which we are no longer growing)
• strife, adversity, disappointment
• pain, sorrow, loss, tears
• letting go of something
• betrayal
• wanting a lover back
• ‘heartbreaking ‘ situations
• arguments may cause loss, separation – often represents divorce
• The Three of Swords says – This card nearly always suggests some sort of unavoidable heartache or separation from a loved one. This separation may be temporary , as in someone who works away, or more permanent, as in divorce situations. Only very occasionally do we see this Three as a representative of some minor surgery needed in order to lead a healthier life. Either way, this pain will be short-lived – therefore surrender that which has become painful, what looked like defeat or loss, will turn into something better in time.

Outside influences that may affect aspects of your question:

Four of Cups
Key words associated with this card – Boredom, apathy, soul-searching, disappointed, disillusioned, self-absorbed. 
Key phrases – A difficult situation caused by someone trying their best. No stability in relationships. Familiarity breeds contempt. A new start needed to renew spark. Bored, restless, disinterested in everything around you. New interests, activities, new work situation and / or new friends/new lovers are needed.   

The Four of Cups indicates a time of uncertainty and decision, and a turning inward to find the Truth for which one is searching. External influences can be distracting and may not lead us to the goal we seek. It represents a time where all parties will find time to re-evaluate things so far and in particular your current ‘situation’. It will be a time of ‘soul-searching’ for everyone concerned. You may begin to look deep inside yourself to try to come to some understanding of why things have turned out this way.
Interpretation –

The Four of Cups represents:

• being ‘disappointed in someone’ or in a situation
• expecting more to happen in some situation….but it fails to materialise
• feeling tired of the same old struggle – feeling as if you are not getting anywhere
• considering a total change within some situation – this can have a ripple affect into all areas relating to job / career and even your  ‘home’… everything needs to be reviewed
• feeling emotionally scarred – afraid of getting hurt again
• love is being offered – a chance of a new relationship, but doubt and uncertainty prevent this from developing further
• becoming too self-absorbed
• ‘missing out ‘ on something which is about to be offered
• The Four of Cups says – whilst it is good to take time to contemplate what we want out of life and where we are going – be careful not to continue this soul-searching for too long. The Four of Cups can indicate that you may become stuck emotionally.  Be aware of this, and in the future open yourself up to new conditions and surroundings, new ‘situations’ or offers…. relationships even. What is needed now is to throw yourself into something else which will take your mind off your present situation. 

Subconscious fears : what you are afraid of /worried about –   

Nine of Pentacles
Key words associated with this card – Discipline, self-control, self-reliant, financially secure, sustenance, comfortable, solid, sensual, earthy, assured, confident, alone.
Key phrases – A person who needs to be independent and free. Self-reliance and yet, a certain loneliness in pursuit of goals. Enjoys success. Relishes achievement. Solid, earthy dependable type. Pursues their goals actively. A love of nature i.e.: plants, animals, outdoors.
Interpretation –

The Nine of Pentacles represents someone:

• beginning to feel more self-confident and self-sufficient 
• feeling happy knowing that they only have themselves to consider or rely upon
• thinking about attaining their own personal success (instead of relying on others to ‘provide for’ or look after them)
• a ‘career / working woman’ who may have her own business or at least feels as if she has no one to answer to
• who doesn’t ‘take orders’ well.. likes to be ‘in control’…
• being in a position to enjoy money, leisure time, pleasure, and material comfort, but sometimes having to do this on their own
• enjoying the luxury of solitude at times…. enjoying their own company, loving your independence…! 
• having all the material success you want but not necessarily being happy with it
• being conscious of appearing to ‘have it all’ – ( others may envy them and their life-style) 
• who may feel as if they are ‘lacking’ something…. missing out on some important aspect of life that they may have always wanted….. marriage, living with someone, children, commitment, true and lasting love, happiness…
• capable of showing restraint and self-control in order to achieve something they want
• having to ‘sacrifice’ for the moment, knowing that the results will be worth it
• who trusts in their own ability to handle a situation – resisting the temptation to let others do it for them
• taking matters into their own hands
• The Nine of Pentacles says  – this person has reached a financial plateau – they have grit and determination and now enjoy all the best that life has to offer…! If this person is looking for love….they may have to ‘make the first move’ , afraid that they may lose the chance for a fulfilling partnership if they sit back and wait for love to come to them.

Conscious inner realisation – what you are aware of / think about :

Queen of Swords
Key phrases – A Court card – a person – female. Physical Description (generally) – Red head or dark brown hair, hazel or blue eyes. Graceful. Powerful, intelligent woman. Personality Traits – She has a fondness for music and dancing. She is able to speak on other people’s behalf, but can also cause mental manipulations. Independent, rational, cool in a crises. Very alert to undercurrents, and should not be underestimated. In a position of authority, she exerts some influence over others’ ability to make decisions.

This Court card represents a woman who may be influencing your situation and may well have something to do with the question you asked.  This card is often representative of Earth signs such as Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo…but she may have a ‘fiery’ nature too…!

The Queen of Swords is holding a sword comfortably but not brandishing it – in fact there is a feeling of definite femininity with this card. She looks very much in control, her hair is beautifully set and her make-up is obvious but subtle. However, by virtue of the fact that she ‘wields a sword’ it indicates that she is very powerful when she needs to be…a force to be reckoned with at times.
Interpretation –

The Queen of Swords is usually represented as:

• a rational thinker who uses her ‘intelligence’ more than her emotion
• someone who does not suffer fools gladly
• more of a taker than a giver at times – can sometimes be only concerned with what she can get out of a situation
• a master of manipulation – particularly where men are concerned
• very much ‘at home with the boys’ – more than with women 
• the ‘Queen Bee…’ !
• a woman with the sternness of  ‘mature intellectuality’ – often appears devoid of emotion
• candid in her observations, but never hurtful
• having a delightful sense of humour –  likes a good laugh and always has a witty comeback ready-to-hand
• The Queen of Swords says – sometimes we may need to display some of the traits of this enigmatic woman in order to survive a difficult time. At this time, we may find ourselves feeling emotionally detached from loved ones until we find out what we need to do in order to move forward. This card tells you that either, you yourself , by your very nature, are influencing circumstances surrounding your question…or another woman is.

Final Outcome card/ answer to your question at some time in the not too distant future…

The World
Key words associated with this card ~ Freedom, travel, liberation, triumph, culmination, balance, happiness, goals fulfilled, spiritually in tune.
Key phrases -The ‘world is your oyster’…! You have finally made it. It’s all yours now..!  A desire to be free to go in any direction you want. Rid yourself of any ties and restrictions.

The World signifies fulfilment, culmination, attainment, and reaching of a personal goal…. Reaching your goal and receiving your prize. It signifies freedom and liberation – like being set free from a prison and suddenly you realise that you can go anywhere and do anything that you want now. You may feel whole and complete at this time and have a sense of peace and joy. One phase has ended and you are ready for the start of a new phase which will bring new circumstances and fresh experiences your way.
Interpretation –

The World represents:

• being free to go in any direction you choose
• wholeness – the sense that everything is working harmoniously
• dynamic balance
• accomplishment
• feeling happy, connected – engaged with what is around us
• knowing that we have goals and are moving toward them successfully
• an overseas ‘partner’ or meeting a partner overseas
• The World represents these moments and all that goes into them. In readings, it is a very positive sign that you are (or will soon be) in a position to realise your heart’s desire if you free yourself from a certain ‘dilemma’. In a relationship reading this card signifies a more open, honest, truthful and liberating relationship than previously. Career-wise – You find yourself wishing to be ‘out in the world’ much more – travel may even become an option. You may have been thinking ‘globally’ about improving some aspect of your work / career / business.

To Summarise

Well, here we are at the very beginning of our journey. The Six of Wands speaks of setting out on some new venture as a leader or representative, an expert in your field. Wands speak of personal fulfilment and self development and this card seems to be suggesting that your next little ‘venture’ will bring you greater personal satisfaction and even public recognition. This card also links with travelling in connection with your job and suggests that you will be welcomed by many who already look up to you and hold you in high esteem. This actual event may not come to fruition immediately, the journey may have to be planned for and organised. All good stuff…however, there could be aspects of this ‘journey’ which may fill you will some trepidation as it does suggest that you may be taking on a lot of responsibility. In fact the whole issue of you having been under such enormous pressure seems to be something that you may have to evaluate right now. The Ten of Wands tells me that you are struggling at the moment, either inwardly with your own ‘personal demons’, or outwardly on a materialist plane…have you ‘taken something on’ which you now feel burdened with ? Either way, this card asks you to cut yourself some slack and remember that you do not need to take on board everybody’s ‘problems’ or worries or responsibilities. Off load some of this burden, either physical, mental, spiritual, or indeed financial.

The Ace beneath you says you are used to getting what you want  –  you go out and get things, make things happen  and you usually get what you want through your sheer determination of spirit and unlimited enthusiasm…you are, ostensibly a winner and always will be.  Well, maybe this next card asks you to perhaps look at why, just recently, you seem to have been resting on your laurels ? The Eight of Swords is a card which signifies entrapment, feeling as if you cannot get out of certain situations, when, in fact, you can! The most important thing to realise about this card is this woman has realised for some time now that she should be ‘making a move’, changing things, moving on or forward in some important area of her life. You may have felt at an impasse and were unsure as to which way to turn…thinking.. ‘ I’m not sure which way to go right now…in that case I will do nothing… I will wait, but I will plan and think and use all my mental powers to make my escape soon…just not yet…’ 

And so you will. Whilst you have now realised that you must get back some of your power and not be at the mercy of others, you also realise what a huge responsibility this can sometimes be [Ten of Wands]. That said, your next mission [should you choose to accept it!] is about to be offered to you very soon. Yes, here it is, that lovely Golden opportunity  – the Ace of Pentacles. In other words another opportunity offered up to you to put your best foot forward and continue with your dreams, of not only financial security but, moreover, a chance to put some of your creative ideas into action. This card, as a key Pentacle card, not only heralds the beginning of a more financially secure situation, it is also the card which represents any type of person who considers himself a bit of an entrepreneur [the next Richard Branson ?] This then, may represent exactly this type of offer coming from this type of person. As long as it allows you your creative freedom and there is a financial incentive, then grasp the nettle.  

I am now looking closely at the Three of Swords and in direct connection with an outside influence card, which suggests some sort of ‘time out ‘ [Four of Cups]. The Three of Swords is not my favourite card, but, do not look to long at this card and dwell on its aspects. Only make yourself aware of this aspect in the near future. Firstly, this card can suggest ‘loss’ …loss of money, loss of faith, loss of self-esteem, loss of a loved one, loss of a job. It can also represent times when we feel bitterly disappointed in some situation and we feel sad. There is no use us skirting round this card, I want to examine all the possible connotations but without dwelling on the sometimes negative aspects – in the context of your question as to the whole 12 month period it would seem to point to either the job/ business opportunity not going quite to plan and thereby showing us the possibility that this may not work out exactly as intended. Sometimes this card comes hand in hand with a three-way situation, in love or in work. It is the quintessential separation/divorce card, and, as this does not apply to you directly [you are already a divorcee] we could see that there may be someone else in the near future whose divorce/separation encroaches into aspects of your life [doesn’t the first card covering you say you often take on all the troubles of the world on your own shoulders?] Someone on the ‘outside’ will be requiring help and thinking seriously about their relationship issues and – the ramifications of such. [Four of Cups]. This could also indicate that someone you know romantically yourself has become divorced and again the effects of such reaches you and you become embroiled in this ‘eternal triangle’ too. At its simplest…it can merely suggest ‘arguments’ which cause upset. Another possibility we must explore and be aware of is  this – are you scheduled to go into hospital in the near future as this card can sometimes represent minor surgery [knives] – don’t panic…there is nothing else here to tell me that you are going to be desperately ill, but you may need to go to hospital some time this year…for something..?

The Four speaks of someone having become completely dissatisfied with aspects of their love life and they may have been wallowing for some time. This person may not be seeing the full picture in some sense and have been a little insular. Perhaps with your encouragement they will be able to pick themselves up and get on with their lives, but be careful, as the Ten of Wands says right at the start – be aware of getting too involved in everything / everybody else’s responsibilities and struggles, to the detriment of your self – you have a life too ! 

The beginning of this year sees you becoming more aware of who you are and what you want now. Consciously of course, the Queen of Swords is here to tell you that yes, you are indeed a strong willed and determined woman who has much to offer, especially in love, although you are kind of ‘on your guard’ here when we see this lovely Boudica [only to be expected].  Because at some deeper level you do realise that you are now so ‘self-sufficient’, independent and self assured, you may also begin to have deeper ‘worries’ that, in fact, you are becoming quite used to being your own person, doing your own thing and have not ‘needed’ anyone to love or support you because, well…. – ‘you’re ok on your own thank you very much’ ! The Nine of Pentacles is perhaps here to ask you to look deep into your ‘self’ this year and examine the aspects of this card  that you do want to keep and be ready to allow others in to your life when you are ready, in fact, make the first move yourself if you have to says the Nine ! Whatever you do, says the Nine, do not worry about these aspects of your ‘self’ or see them as negative. You have worn this protective shell [Queen of Swords/Nine of Pentacles] in order to survive, on both an emotional level and on the material, as you have found yourself becoming more and more independent. Perhaps you are keeping your guard up just a little too much now – maybe it will soon be time to return to a, shall we say, more ‘yielding’ Queen, like the Pentacles lady or the Queen of Wands. Motto for the year – don’t be tough on yourself [Queen of Swords/Nine of Pentacles/Ten of Wands] and above all…live a little, its your life too !

And so to the final aspect and wow, what more could you ask for – the World – although the Swords tell you it has been a tough call to get here, but get here you will by the end of this year. The most important thing I can tell you about this card’s wonderful aspects [see above] which you can see above, is that the most fundamental key word here is — FREEDOM—! [I am now thinking Mel Gibson in Braveheart..! ]  

What guidance then…well, don’t take on too much, don’t foster everybody else’s responsibilities or worries this year, you have already freed yourself from certain tying situations or restrictions so don’t get too ‘tied up’ again, take that golden opportunity, even if things may not turn out quite as you expected it will lead you to eventually…’having it all’ [the World is your oyster], don’t be too hard on yourself in relation to love issues and expectations of such, love will come when its ready and you will be too .   Above all, make plans, set goals, work towards them, travel, live, and be free. So maybe no relationships of substance this year,  but – you are heading out into the big wide world first. Must be for a very good reason…go explore once more. 

* Photos Copyright Tarot Readings UK.