Dear Maribeth,
What does the tarot say about May 21, 2011 being “Judgment Day”? Some Christians believe the world will never be the same again after this turning point. Can we get any insight from the cards?
Thank you,
Worried that I’m not Worried

Dear WtinW,
The three cards in your reading are the Knight of Pentacles, The World and the Seven of Swords. I find it really interesting that the card in the center of your reading is The World and it is number 21 in the tarot deck. Numerology is an interesting study all on its own, and may have something to do with the predictions you are referring to. There is a tarot card call Judgement (number 20), and that one didn’t show up in your reading. I take that as a good sign. When reading tarot cards, it can be important to notice what cards do not appear to understand what is missing.

The Knight of Pentacles shows up presenting a pentacle, with a plowed field behind him. This reminds me of the expression that begins with “The best laid plans…”. I don’t know if this expression has an ending but if it does I don’t know what it is. But the point of the expression itself is that our plans don’t always pan out the way we expect. We can read that in two ways. One is that some people who are planning for the world to come to an end may be surprised and their plan will need to be modified. If the opposite is true, our plans for life going along its merry way may not turn out the way we expect. But ultimately we have to continue on and attempt to plant a future that we can grow into. Really, if things are coming to an end, what can we do about it? Live life to the fullest, right? Spend some time thinking about what your life would be like without expecting any future. It will change your perspective and can shift your mind.
The World card is the last card in the tarot deck. This is where everything comes together and reaches completion. The wreath in the World card has been known to represent the uterus. This provides a sense of being reborn and protected. All endings create new beginnings and the World card contains both within it. The heads in the four corners of this card have several representations. They stand for the four seasons, the four elements (fire, air, earth & water), and Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to name a few. The female figure in the center is dancing and appears free to use those magic wands in her hands. There is an air of safety and wholeness about this card, reminding you worrying is not necessary, and certainly not helpful. Use this energy to create a bubble of spiritual protection around yourself via good thoughts and deeds to ease your mind.

The Seven of Swords presents an uneasy feeling. This person is sneaking back toward our world carrying weapons, with a cloud of smoke and what looks like fighting in the background. The expression on his face is smug and sneaky. He looks as though he is attempting to cause harm, yet according to the first two cards, we are both prepared and protected. My prediction based on these cards is that the day will not go by without incident, whether it be terrorist or environmental (or God forbid, both). But we will survive. It never hurts to pray. I am not an alarmist, but this Seven of Swords guy is creeping me out.

Okay Maribeth,

I need the cards guidance….. I have received cash advance checks from my credit card company @ .99% interest for a year, do I use one to catch up on mortgage and late fees and some other bills to also help the business get caught up too by not paying me this month? Is it an investment in myself or just getting me deeper in debt? I’m hoping with the holidays approaching I can get ahead everywhere… or is this year going to suck too! I made a huge overhaul of my store that I think can help people see more of what I offer. I’ve worked my ass off I really think I need a stress break knowing my bills are paid for the month.
Thank you,
The Self employed!

Dear TSE,
When I look at your reading, I see no regret in your cards which is what it sounds like you are trying to avoid. You have The Sun, the Two of Swords and the Queen of Cups. Unfortunately there are no pentacles, the suit representing financial gain, nor wands, the suit that represents endeavoring pursuits of labor. However, as tarot cards help us to put things in perespective, keeping you happy and serene seems to be the important objective in your situation, and that we see here when looking at the Sun and Queen.
The Sun gives us an innocent child on a horse, with arms outstretched (the opposite of the Two of Swords whose arms are crossed). The banner the child is carrying and the feather on his head symbolize success, while the sunflowers represent opportunities for more joy to come. The expression on the sun seems tranquil, and calm. When I look at the child I get the “Tah Dah!” feeling, that which you may have from reorganizing your store.
Notice the number two depicted in the Two of Swords looks like an 11 and could refer to 2011. This is a time of waiting, and trying to retain that calm feeling the Sun provides. The rocks in the moving water represent those things in your life and your business that do not change. Where you find stability and how you steer clear of stress is an important lesson here. There are certain things you can rely upon to keep your business afloat. See what you can do to increase your regular customers, and where you can count on selling the big ticket items. In general, this card could represent the difficulty you are having making ends meet. It all seems to come together at your heart, which is really the center of your business.
As you extend your arms outward, as the Queen of Cups does, making your offerings available, I hope you find pleasure and pride. When we compare the arms of the child in the Sun card, to those of the figure in the Two of Swords and finish with the Queen’s offering, it seems you can find balance by extending your products and services with the expectation your customers will benefit by receiving them. The child holding the fish reminds me you may have a clientele base for kids, and working with those children may benefit you.
To answer your question, I believe the use of your good credit is there for your benefit – you have earned that. It could be what is held inside of that golden chalice the queen is holding. By investing in the business you extend your ability to do what you love. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees, but it certainly appears the best way to approach the situation right now. The good news is that I don’t see any dramatic changes, and I don’t see any breakdown of structures. What I do see through these cards is the importance of maintaining poise. You have the means to do that by utilizing the credit that has been extended to you.

Dear Maribeth,
My boyfriend and I are friends with a married couple. I mentioned to my girlfriend that I find her husband very attractive. She said she felt the same way about my boyfriend. I think she wants to do a “switcheroo”. I thought I would see what the cards said about if and how I should broach this subject with my boyfriend. I don’t want him to think poorly of me or lose respect if he doesn’t want to, and I would also like to know what the likely outcome will be if we decide to go through with it.
Trying to avoid Embarrassment

Dear TTAE,
Well, I’m no Dr. LoveMonkey, but I do agree that this is a good use of the tarot cards to save you any unnecessary grief. Your reading gave us two major arcana cards (Temperance and the Tower) on either side of the Two of Cups. Temperance and the Two of Cups are gentle cards, while the Tower is a potent breakdown of structure as we know it. Even though everyone is tip-toeing into this, once the lightning strikes a massive explosion results.
The Temperance card cautions you to step gently into this situation. The Angel of Temperance has one foot dipped under the water, while the other stays surefooted on land. I feel your boyfriend will have a lot of questions for you when you approach him with this. You want to have thought through what these might be and come up with answers. The trick to the success of this balancing act is getting close enough to feel physically connected without getting emotionally attached. If this Angel fell into that pool of water, this would symbolize her losing control of her feelings. You are tempting fate by sticking your foot in. It is important to maintain balance. If you’ve ever stood on the edge of a pond and dipped your toes in, you know what can easily happen.
The Two of Cups is a gentle card, indicating a relationship where two people are timidly offering their love to each other. It looks like your boyfriend will enter this “switcheroo” if he believes it is something you really want to do. While this is quite considerate of him, it also means you have responsibility for the outcome. If it doesn’t work out, he can retaliate with, “Well it wasn’t my idea” or “You are the one who suggested this in the first place.” Are you willing to accept responsibility for not only your feelings, but the consequences to the relationship between your friends and you as well as within your own relationship?
The Tower shows extraordinary upheaval, with two people actually being thrown out the window. I wonder if the crown the woman is wearing is that same crown we see in the distance of the Temperance card. This would mean what you might think could put you in a position of success could actually pull you down and be the “death of you”. You asked about the likely outcome of this situation. According to this card it is that you and your boyfriend will split and you will go hurling to the ground. .
I encourage you to consider what might be missing in your current relationship that makes this opportunity appeal to you. It doesn’t look worth it, unless you are looking for a way to get out of the relationship you are currently in.

Dear Maribeth,
For a couple of years I’ve worked for a couple in their store. I love the store, and the company mission, however, I have issues with the employer’s spouse. This person shoots down my input in front of other employees, withholds information from me, flagrantly displays approval toward other employees while ignoring me, undermines me behind my back, and refuses to answer my questions, instead giving me derisive and sarcastic answers or making me look foolish, again in front of people. I’ve taken this in stride for a long time, but I’d like to know if there is anything I can do to promote a harmonious relationship with this person before moving on.

Sincerely,
Hurt and Belittled

Dear H&B,
That sounds terrible! I know it is a very tough job market out there, but this sounds like abusive behavior. Your cards indicate it is time to cut to the chase (as they say in the movie business) and move on.
The cards for your reading are The Lovers, the Ten of Swords and the Queen of Swords. The Lovers represent the couple who owns the store, the Ten of Swords is representative of you being stabbed in the back, and the Queen of Swords will be you when you turn your back on the situation.
With the Lovers representing the owners of the store, we can see that they work as a team. They have created a desirable environment that you describe you enjoy being a part of. However, you have a right to feel welcome and supported in that environment. Since the two of them are represented here on one card, I wonder if it may benefit to ask your employer if they think their spouse has an issue with you and why they might be treating you differently than other employees. By the naked bodies and open arms it appears they share most everything with each other. This could open the space for you to approach the spouse who is mistreating you. If it is a jealousy issue, or an awkward situation that is difficult to discuss with the person belittling you, it may be more difficult to resolve.
The Ten of Swords indicates you have been dealing with these attacks for a long time, and you are done. Once you reach the Ten of any suit in tarot, the maximum amount of what the suit represents has been reached. You have no more tolerance for putting up with this painful treatment. It is not your fault, and harmony may not be able to be achieved in this situation. This card shows an obvious lack of responsibility for what has happened. This victim could not possibly have inflicted this deadly wrath upon themselves.
The Queen of Swords is about communication, as well as severing ties. She has turned away and cut out from this situation, thus freeing herself from the hurtful atmosphere. The birds, butterflies and clouds are all symbols of air, the element of the suit of swords. It is important to be thoughtful in this situation so you do not lose your temper and say things you do not mean. Do your best to be forthright and inquisitive. Perhaps following up a rude comment by asking why this person thinks it is okay to treat you this way could help. You will probably end up leaving this position in any case, but I feel you will be proud of yourself for speaking your mind before you go. Good luck!

Dear Maribeth,

I have been driving myself crazy trying to figure out my path in life. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English literature I was unable to find work in the field of my degree. After a few years I decided going back to school was the solution. Now that I am back in $chool I am unhappy and unsure if this is the right way to go. I know what I love (books, animals, nature, baking etc.) but I don’t know what to do with it! I have decided to get through this semester and return home to RI in the Spring. Will my life path become clearer in the new year? Please help me!!
Soul Searcher

Dear S.S.,
Well dear heart, I am glad you signed your name Soul Searcher because the cards that came up for your reading are deeply spiritual. You have the Seven of Pentacles, the High Priestess and the Hierophant. While there is no clear path to be seen on any of these three cards, having both the High Priestess and Hierophant appear indicate that your faith runs deep.
The Seven of Pentacles does a wonderful job depicting your description of your education and career path to this point. The pentacles represent material achievements while the mountains represent knowledge gained. You obviously take pride in your achievements to date shown by the pile of pentacles. At the same time you are looking at what to do with them, shown by the one pentacle between his feet. Between his knees we see a mountain representing the education you have received to this point. The mountain range continues over in the right hand corner showing further education is on the horizon. You want to find a position where you can do what you love but of course you must make enough money to pay your bills. Isn’t that everyone’s dream? The history you provided us with indicates you may be more apt to make decisions through your heart than your practical side. This card indicates the need for practicality.
The High Priestess is all about that which is not seen, but felt intuitively. It is wonderful you have this guide within you to help you find direction. When she appears, you know you are protected and have all the answers you need by following your instincts. You mention your love of books and it is interesting that she is holding the Hebrew bible in her lap. You may find some guidance by perusing the Torah, these words of wisdom can be helpful in your quest.
Her partner, The Hierophant, gives us more information to help you with this. He is a teacher and spiritual counselor. He lectures about the benefits of a disciplined environment. It seems you are comfortable in school, perhaps you would like to be a professor? This may be a nice way to utilize your degree. You may notice the keys in the bottom of the card. When you unlock this secret knowledge, you will be able to share your talents. The secrets lay within you.
Because the cards do not show much in the way of looking out toward the distance, I’m not convinced that your path will become clearer in the new year. I feel that for your short term future you would benefit by a teaching career. All three of these cards indicate inner reflection and a need to progress with the tools you have currently available. As you evolve, it seems your career will change quite a bit over time. Use your experience to help others, and stay in an educational environment. Do your best to be comfortable with a changing landscape, rather than a fixed purpose.

Dear Maribeth,
I’m interested in finding out if my husband really wants to start a family. The reason I ask this question is because my husband has never really said to me that he wants kids. We’ve talked about kids before but he just never really came out and said to me that he wants to be a father. So, I wonder if this is something that I should take for granted that he wants to have a family?
Curious
Dear Curious,
I don’t understand why you are asking the tarot cards instead of your husband, but we can certainly get some insight into your situation. I do encourage you to confirm what we discover with him, though. He would probably know best.
Your cards are the Seven of Cups, The Magician and the Knight of Swords. This perspective actually helps me understand more why you are not asking him. He looks like someone who doesn’t really know what he wants, but knows he doesn’t want to be ushered around by someone else. If you try to lead him in a certain direction, he may fly off the other way. He is a person who must believe his choices are his own in order to feel in control of his life.
The Seven of Cups shows a man in the dark looking at his options. Each picture represents a different aspect of life and there are many ways to look at them. One view is that the top three represent the mind, spirit and body, while the lower four represent security, wealth, success and adventure. Every day of the week, he is making choices of what to bring in (as we all are!). If you look very carefully, you can see a skull imprinted on the cup that holds the laurel wreath. This is to remind us that things are not always as they seem. In other words, be careful what you wish for! He may subscribe to this belief and not want to ask for something he is not yet sure of. This can also be a reminder to you to pay close attention to what actually may be your illusions.
The Magician is a powerful card and symbolizes someone bringing their ideas down to earth to make them real. Notice how your husband applies himself in his daily life. What are the things that seem important to him? What does he do now with his time? He is surrounded by flowers and growth, so he is looking to expand. He has each of the four suits represented on his table, meaning he has what he needs to create an abundant future. If he were to decide to be a father, it would be important to him to be a good one. That can put a lot of pressure on a person, and maybe even discourage him from trying at times.
The Knight of Swords is somewhat of a rebel. His freedom is important to him and he will do what he wants, when he wants. His strong personality drives him to pursue lofty goals. He looks as though he is raging against the Magician. This can mean inner conflict between what he wants and what he believes he is capable of achieving.
With no pentacles in your tarot spread, it appears nothing will happen anytime soon. I believe with your support and encouragement, you will both know when the time is right. This reading shows his indecision wavers back and forth. But the issue at hand seems to be his confidence in his ability to prove successful as a father, more than whether he wants to be one. Without a reason to have to make a decision, nothing happens. Perhaps a heart to heart discussion could help you feel more connected and comfortable making such a big and important decision.

Dear Maribeth,
Is age 63 too late for true love and romance?
Old Man?

Dear O.M.,
I believe every person’s situation is different. I am pretty sure you could find some folks 63 years old and older who have found true love and romance. I wonder if you are looking for it. I’ll ask the cards if it is likely for you and what you can do to help generate it.
The cards for your reading are the Nine of Wands, Death and The Hermit. Each card has a figure who is holding a wand, reminding you to take charge of those aspects that are within your control. The Death card in the middle of your reading also encourages me to remind you that you are not dead yet!
The Nine of Wands indicates that true love and romance may have been a challenging experience for you lately. If you are struggling with being alone, you may feel separate from opportunities for growth in the area of romance. Behind the stage this person is standing on, we see mountains and the generation of new experiences. In order to change your state of mind, you cannot remain in a prison of your own making. You may have to roll up your sleeves and get out to explore this new world available behind you. All of these wands have leaves growing out of them. You have more time to flourish.
Perhaps the Death card indicates that you have lost someone who was dear to you. There are some circumstances that we cannot change, death being one of them. It does take time to mourn and regroup before we can move forward again. If this is the case, be patient with yourself, and know that your life is not over. We will all die eventually, but most people would agree that love is the most special part of being alive. Even when it doesn’t work out the way we have planned, life without it lacks luster. The sun in the background reminds us that with each new day we have a chance to begin again.
If you are looking to re-enter the love market, you must begin with yourself – according to The Hermit. He is shining his light from within reminding us that exposing your inner beauty is a gift to be shared. While it looks like he is standing in a cold and lonely landscape, he can brighten even the darkest day. His beard indicates the wisdom that comes from age. Your experience in love and romance can benefit you as you go back to revisit what life has to offer. You must reach out to see the way toward another person who may benefit by knowing you as well.
All in all, this does not appear to be an easy road. By focusing on what you are bringing, rather than what you are looking for, you will have the most success. Your philosophical understanding based on your life experiences can create very interesting conversations. My advice to you based on these cards is: Don’t keep yourself to yourself and see what happens.

hello. please do not ignore this email. i really need you help! i know people probably go to you all the time for there problems and you probably sick of it. i would be to. but im really desspreate and need your help. you see i have this boy problem.this boy that i really like told me that he loves me and i think i love him back. but my parents…..well…….they hate him. and i cant be with him and hed do anything for me and….and……i need to know everything thats gonna happen to me in the next few months….with everything……so that i may make my furture a better one. or at least something like that.please you my last hope so that i may make my parents aprove of him. please? i dont know what else to do………

from,
the completely dessprate teen.

Dear CDT,
I have to say, in my experience, usually parents know best, but I will remain objective and see what the cards say to help you from an outsider’s point of view. Your reading gives us the Ten of Pentacles, The Sun and the Eight of Swords. The first two cards tell me that while your family is an important influence in your life, they do still view you as a child sometimes. The last card is most concerning however, because here you are blindfolded, meaning you are not seeing the reality of the situation.
The Ten of Pentacles indicates a stable family. Here we see generations of people, and their dogs, enjoying the security of their heritage. Your parents have not manufactured reasons to dislike your current relationship. It is because he has not earned their respect. In order to make your future a good one, it is time for you to be responsible for making wise decisions. Start by determining if the two of you share the same priorities as far as home and family as well as future hopes and dreams. It is wonderful that he would do anything for you, but is he capable of providing you with what you need? Do you know what that is? If he makes you happy and is a respectable person then your parents would have no reason to not approve of him. Only he can earn that approval by his own behavior.
The Sun provides a light and happy illumination to your reading. You have a very optimistic and innocent attitude about love and the potential for this relationship. One of the most beautiful things about young love is that it contains these things, and this positive disposition is a powerful force to subdue. The wall behind the child with the sunflower crown represents safety. You are in a safe place, the world beyond the wall is unfamiliar to you. Don’t go scrambling over that wall gung ho. It is important that you take it easy so you do not get burned. Too much of a good thing is not so good, even sunshine.
My friends and I like to call the figure in the Eight of Swords “Vicky the Victim”. She lives in a prison she has created in her mind and is therefore trapped by her thoughts. This girl is a far cry from the free spirit we see in the Sun card. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep your eyes open and see things as they really are, not as you hope they can be. Your parents are not in this relationship, you are, and if you are not happy, you must feel comfortable knowing you can escape it. You ask where you will be in the next few months. I suggest you enjoy the good times while they last, but as soon as they begin to go sour, bail. Don’t stubbornly stick to your man so that you can prove your parents wrong. They are trying to protect you and sincerely want what is best for you. You should too. If that means he is not part of the picture, then so be it. Your attractive personality will not be alone for long.

Dear Maribeth,
My boyfriend is an alcoholic who keeps telling me he is going to stop drinking but then doesn’t. I know he needs help and I have finally realized that there is nothing I can do about it, which is depressing. Can the cards tell me if he will make the decision to get help and be successful at not drinking? And, can they offer any advice about what is the best approach for me to take that will help him the most? Thanks,
Tired of Trying So Hard

Dear Totsh,
Unfortunately, the cards in your reading do not bode well. The King of Swords, the Five of Pentacles and the Seven of Swords appear to be going in a very ugly circle right back to where they started from again. I get the feeling you’ve been dealing with this for a long time. Addictions suck. Anyone reading this who is thinking of picking up an addictive habit of any kind, I encourage you to fully evaluate the benefits and whether is it worth it. What exactly will you gain from the experience?
You are absolutely right that only he can make the decision. The King of Swords is wielding that sword, a sign of power and intellect, and will choose how to use it. He must use it to cut out the things in his life that are not working for him. He is very alone on this throne at the top of this mountain and does not look very happy. The birds and clouds in the sky, as well as the butterflies on his throne indicate the importance of freedom of thought. Even if you were to imagine yourself approaching this throne and speaking to him while he looks so full of anxiety and determination, what on earth would you say? You need to fight this battle of wills with a powerful and thoughtful strategy.
The Five of Pentacles is a depressing card in itself. These people are ill-equipped for the weather they are trudging through. Worse, their heads are so low, they do not see the church window, which offers a comfortable stay. It appears they are walking right by. Perhaps the man on crutches sees it, but there is little hope on his face. What will it take for your boyfriend before he is prompted to do something about his drinking? Although, he may recognize the problem, he keeps repeating the behavior that ultimately does not serve him best.
The Seven of Swords shows those issues coming right back around. The tiptoeing figure and expression on his face indicates sneaky behavior. This card shows up when someone is trying to get away with something. It can represent his dishonesty to you about his behavior as well as his own denial about the seriousness of the situation. If we wrap the swords back around to the first card, it can also remind me of you, continually delivering opportunities for him to change. ‘Here is another sword, Honey! What are you going to do with this one?’ With two more lined up behind you it appears you keep delivering more chances. Be aware: a drink is poison to him, you can’t expect him to be able to have just one.
My suggestion for you is to change your behavior and just simply stop tolerating it. Have a zero-tolerance policy for yourself, just like the schools do. This card looks like you are contributing to the problem instead of separating yourself from it. Cut him off. Stop carrying the burden of his troubles. Tough love could be the best thing for both of you. Professional help is suggested for either of you when you are ready to get off this crazy ride.

Dear Maribeth,
I am having trouble with an unstable estranged husband and father of my two young children. I am confused as to what the future holds for the kids as far as having a father present in their lives and I am uncertain of which path to take divorce or forgiveness. We have suffered for almost a year on this rollercoaster ride of emotions that he has put us through. Will he change back and be the father and husband we need or do I walk away? I am super depressed and confused. Emotionally drained and hoping for answers.
Wife Left Behind

Dear WLB,
This is a very difficult, and unfortunately, common situation. The cards for your reading are the Eight of Wands, The Sun and the King of Cups. This reading revolves around the Sun, just like the planet earth we live on.
The Eight of Wands is a card meaning decisions and action that needs to be taken even though a lot of things may be up in the air. With the home in the far distance of the picture, and the wands up close and in your face, it looks like he has made a decision to separate himself from his home and family, distancing himself from you and your children. While this card represents the physical separation, the King of Cups indicates an emotional separation. We will talk more about that later.
In the center of your reading we see the Sun. The child on this horse reminds us that your best decisions are those made with your children foremost in your mind. The brick wall behind the horse creates a protective barrier from the outside world. This is your role as mother – to protect your children from outside negative influences and keep them happy and successful. You can teach your husband how to do that by your behavior. The needs of your children must always come first. It doesn’t sound as though that quality comes naturally to him as a father.
The King of Cups represents both you and your husband simultaneously. This King is trying to control his feelings. His throne is floating in a sea of emotions, but he is not touching the water at all and therefore attempting to feel nothing. The waves in the water, rocking his world, are representative of the rollercoaster of emotions you referred to. You are both attempting to detach from the love you feel and while that may feel a necessary way to protect yourself from the difficulties you are experiencing, it is impossible to maintain a healthy marriage without love. No man is an island!
When it comes to the practical advice you are looking for, this reading is leaning toward forgiveness over divorce, for now. Because we do not have any card from the suit of swords to show a severing of the relationship, and we have a card from cups, the suit of Love – you may have to float along for a while. He will always be their father so you can’t really ever completely lose him. You just need to decide what role he will play in all of your lives.
I find it interesting you ask if he will change *back*, as he appears to be looking forward. Perhaps by seeing this new version of him, rather than clinging to the old version, you can decide more readily how you would like to proceed.