Dear Maribeth,

I was driving home from work yesterday and saw a bright red wallet on the side of a main road apparently bursting with credit cards. I pulled over to pick it up with the concern that someone not as conscientious as myself may grab it. When I looked inside, I was glad I did because there were not only credit cards, but the owner’s social security card, license, cash and many documents in Israeli language. I took it home with the intention of googling her, calling and having her come to pick it up. However, she is nowhere to be found online except for a street address. Now I have to drive to the other end of the state to knock on her door hoping she is home so I can give it to her, if she even lives there. I am finding this frustrating and want to know why I have this need to “do the right thing” that inevitably leads to be a pain in the ass for me. Should I have just minded my own business and left the wallet on the side of the road?
Too Conscientious

Dear TC,
When I look at the cards for your reading: the Eight of Wands, the High Priestess and Death, I see the importance of considering the consequences of your actions when you make a decision. The Eight of Wands represents the choices you make, the High Priestess reminds us of your eternally positive intentions and the Death card tells us all good things must come to an end. Your willingness to do the right thing is commendable, but as the saying goes, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”.
The Eight of Wands represents that decisions you make and how they affect your future. It is important to stay focused on your goals and minimize how much you allow yourself to get sidetracked. What you initially assumed was a simple good deed has mushroomed into a big deal. While you may not have been able to predict this and you reacted in the way that felt right at the time, in hindsight you may wish you were not so alert when driving by the wallet on the side of the road. If you had to do this again, knowing what you know now, would you have made a different choice? If so, you may have found yourself regretting that decision as well and wondering what was in the wallet and what happened to it and to the owner.
This is a case where the right thing to do is pretty obvious if you subscribe to the golden rule and do unto others as you would like done to you. The High Priestess represents this type of philosophy because she is a very spiritual being. The golden rule is generally a great policy but unselfish acts usually mean going out of your way so you must consider the amount of energy you are willing and have available to share. Human beings who dedicate themselves to spiritual lifestyles always have a large aspect of sacrifice as part of their practice. This “pain in the ass” might just be good for you and you will survive. As the Death card indicates, the experience will be over soon.
I imagine it is pretty unusual for someone to lose a full wallet on a sidewalk and maybe there was a reason it was you who noticed it. There must be extenuating circumstances for the loss to occur. Was she abducted? High? Clumsy? How did this happen? This Death card tells me that you should put an end to your involvement in this a.s.a.p. Minding your own business is one thing, but you should never put yourself in danger. In this case, I believe doing the right thing is turning the wallet into the local authorities and taking yourself out of the equation. I bet you’ll still get some points in Heaven.

Maribeth:

Since November of 2008 I have been trying to become employed in a job that fits
me. I have taken many jobs that just don’t fit for some strange reason. I work
incredibly hard and have always gotten excellent reviews. Recently due to the
crazy economy, I have taken a few part time jobs that fit together nicely. One
being a garden job that I absolute loved. I worked extremely hard, weeding on
my hands & knees, truly felt connected to Mother Earth and experienced joy as I
never had before. I knew this job would end in the fall, and I felt that would
be a good time to really “dig” for a full-time job. Sunday afternoon, I
received a phone call from my boss stating I was being let go, the gardens no
longer needed my services, and that was it. Because I was stunned being the day
before I was to report to work, I failed to ask why. I feel like I am the type
of person who employers take full advantage of because I give 200% to every job
I have ever had. My heart aches for I feel as if I did something wrong yet was
not told that… like an underlying current sweeping me away. I will continue
to look for work, but I am depleted.

Sincerely,

Unhappily unemployed again

Dear UUA,
While I was shuffling the cards for your reading, three cards jumped out. They are Temperance, the Queen of Pentacles and the Three of Cups. Each of these images appears to take place in a garden, a place you obviously feel very comfortable in.
If we look across the cards as if they were in one panoramic view, we see a crown in the distance at the left of the Temperance card. This sweeping perspective acts like a timeline, those things on the left of a tarot card can be interpreted as the past, the middle represents the present and the right can show the future. What we see here indicates that you brought your boss the success that you were hired for already and your work is now done. While unfair and selfish to not give you proper notice, this is the reason you are looking for. You have a right to feel disappointed and maybe even used. Hard physical labor presents different professional considerations than other positions. Notice that the Angel of Temperance very gingerly dips only a small portion of her foot into the water, never more, so as not to ever be swept away by an underlying current. To the right of this card are more flowers, perhaps there are opportunities for more work with Mother Nature coming your way. Ask your previous boss to recommend you to someone.
The Queen of Pentacles facing the Temperance card gives me the impression the multiple part-time jobs were giving you what you needed. A little of this and a little of that can work for you. There must be thousands of gardens in the area, and with experience like yours, someone can surely use your help. The vines across the top of the card hint that maybe working in a greenhouse or indoors where there are plants would be nice since the weather will be shifting soon. This Queen is very secure and confident assuring that you will receive exactly what you need. The depleted feeling you have now is temporary, give yourself some time to rally again. Don’t be so hard on yourself!
The Three of Cups is a celebratory card indicating success in your future. The flowing liquid between cups in the Temperance card combined with the big toast shown here suggests a bartending position to supplement your income as well. The little pumpkin in the far right of this card tells me by Halloween you will be successfully employed and happy. Be glad you have such flexibility in your life, and make it work for you.

Hi Maribeth,
I wrote to you a few weeks back because I was concerned about facing foreclosure on my home and how I would find a place to rent that accepted my two dogs. You suggested that I focus on figuring out how to afford to stay where I am because the cards showed limited movement and you didn’t think I’d have to move. I thought I would let you know the judge ruled in the banks favor and my house is going on the auction block. Now I am looking for a place to rent.
I was really surprised at the turn of events on this. I really thought the bank was going to lower my interest rate and that would have made it affordable for me to stay. I also thought the house would sell. I also thought I would easily find a place to live that was affordable and actually nice and that has proven to be a challenge.
It is unclear as to how long we have before we have to move. I have really run out of steam and at this point I am exhausted. I am out of ideas and am open to another reading.
Thanks for your support,
Cindy

Dear Cindy,
Thank you for writing in, I’d be happy to do a follow-up reading for you. All tarot readings are subject to interpretation, my intention is always to provide helpful input for you. I was curious to see if your cards would provide additional direction or a change in destiny, but they appear to be reinforcing the original advice. As we all have free will and control over many of our circumstances, much of your situation sounds like it is beyond your control. Your cards for this reading are the Five of Pentacles, Strength and the Four of Pentacles. The suit of pentacles represents stability and earth energy, while Strength suggests perseverance. Again, these cards show stagnant energies with limited movement.
The Five of Pentacles looks like you described yourself: run out of steam and exhausted. With bills hanging over your head, as represented by the pentacles above, your money woes are creating uncertainty about your future. This is certainly a rough patch for you but as the stained glass window implies, you must have faith to carry on carrying on!
The woman in the Strength card is petting a lion and depicts a person who cares very much about her animals, as you obviously do. You will not be separated from your pack. You are the leader and will always take the best care for them. The Strength card in the middle of your reading indicates that strength is what you need to get through this. Do whatever it takes to rejuvenate yourself and stay calm. You have what it takes!
One of the literal meanings of the Four of Pentacles is property investment. All of the buildings in the background and the crowned man in the forefront holding onto his money are symbols of investments that pay off. I’m wondering if you can rent the house from the person who buys it at the auction. Or is it possible to borrow the money or have a friend or family member buy the house and you pay them? Find a successful investor who can help you hold onto what is yours.
It is time for creative financing here. You want the house more than anyone else. All you need is cash to make that happen. Hold on to your convictions, think about ways to increase your income and be frugal about spending. I truly believe you can do this. Please keep me posted on the turn of events.

Dear Maribeth,
Will I ever find true love?
Cindy
Dear Cindy,
I suppose that has a lot to do with your definition of what true love is, Cindy. Your question reminds me of the famous question from Virginia: “Is there really a Santa Claus?” Once you realize that love, like Santa, is everywhere, you will then stop searching and just feel it. The cards that came up for your question are the Ten of Cups, the Knight of Wands and the King of Pentacles. True happiness is something you may just find yourself in. Much depends on what you choose to focus on.
The Ten of Cups is the card of ultimate love and happiness. It depicts the American dream: home, family and a feeling of success. This may be what you hope for when you inquire about true love. Children playfully dancing as though without a care in the world, while the parents look upon their accomplishments with pride and joy. A house in the distance indicates a place to belong, and a feeling of security. The trees surrounding it are large and healthy, providing a sense of longevity and faith in the future. Water always symbolizes emotion, in tarot cards and in dreams, and this stream appears to be growing along with their love. Love is an ongoing process, never ending, always pushing ahead.
The Ten of Cups landscape is quite different than that in the Knight of Wands, who gallops over an arid desert containing three pyramids. If the scene represented by the Ten of Cups is something you want, you must go out and get it! If your love life is dry and boring, you need to refresh and renew. Set your goals and move toward them. It may be confusing, but this knight can represent you and your potential true love at the same time. Looking at tarot cards is similar to looking at a crystal or prism. By looking at it from a different angle, you get a different view but the general picture stays the same. So, this Knight is also your Lover entering into the picture of your life with a lot of love to give to you and a determination to do things right. Remember, you can’t build a family alone, and there are many other people out in the world who treasure the importance of home and family and are looking for a partner too.
The King of Pentacles is very settled in his throne. The ornate castle in the background symbolizes the security that comes from long-time relationships. Making your dreams real is up to you. True security comes from within and must be cultivated by you before you are able to be in a comfortable position to find true love. What does true mean to you? Do you feel you are true to yourself? When you are, you won’t settle for less than a true love. The King of Pentacles means your dream will come true and you will manifest your dreams into a reality. Be confident and specific about what you are looking for. Once you find it within yourself, you will magnetically attract it into your life. Those dream boards and positive intentions to create your own life really work.
You can’t expect someone else to give you true love. It exists within you and can be reflected back to you by the right person. But you have to know it is there within yourself. Be ready to share yourself and believe! I look forward to you discovering yourself in a loving relationship very soon, truly!

Dear Maribeth,
I understand that different relationships, both friendships and romantic, come into our lives for a reason. Is there a way to know when a relationship has run its course? All of a sudden I feel as if I have outgrown some of my friends, even some who have been with me for a very, very long time. Is it in my best interest to be pushing everyone away? Do I try to make new friends or stick with the old ones? How do I know what is right for me now?
Thank you for your help,
Confused
Dear Confused,
Your tarot cards are the Three of Pentacles, The Page of Pentacles and The Moon. This is a very significant and real situation for you and I am glad you are writing and thinking about it because it would be just as easy to ignore it. These three cards are full of shadows. This gives me the impression your issues have to do with who you do and do not trust, and why you feel this way.
There is a lot of darkness in the background of the temple in the Three of Pentacles. A lot happens behind closed doors that no one understands except the people behind those doors. While the image out front may be all about presenting everything in a positive way, what really lurks in those shadows? What do the people in your life really want from you? Are they being honest and forthcoming with their intentions? How do you help them accomplish their goals? I am inclined to ask: What have they done for you lately? All relationships should be mutually beneficial. They may be buttering you up and giving you kudos in order to stroke your ego so you do what they want you to do.
The Page of Pentacles reminds you that the pride you take in your accomplishments is best felt within you, and should not need validation by them. Since there are no tarot cards from the suit of swords in your reading you should not make any decisions to eliminate people right now. Keep a distance, as the grove of trees in the background represents your friends. They’ve been around for a while and they are not going anywhere. Take this time to pay attention to your own self, and see what happens when you are not focused on them. They may be forced to prove themselves, and this could be a healthy improvement for them as well as for you. It’s also a great way to find out who your real friends are, because they will show you their loyalty to you. The mountain in the background indicates those things that will not change whether you pay attention to them or not.
The Moon does not give off a light of its own, but merely reflects the light of the sun. When this card shows up in a reading, we know there are things unseen. No one is perfect, and we must accept our friends with understanding and love. We do, however, have a choice as to how much influence they have upon us and how much we would like to include them in our lives. Again, we see more mountains in the background, reinforcing the idea that some things develop over time and remain unchanged – they are unmovable. You aren’t going to change other people, but you can work around them. The towers on each side of the card represent a passing through to another era. With each chapter of your life, you can invite new characters to join in your story.
All three cards have a theme of accomplishment. Perhaps your accomplishments have separated you from your friends and you do not feel as though you belong anymore. It is not often you see a dog, a wolf and a lobster in the same landscape! But each must take their own path and try not to impose upon the other. There are always things you can learn. My advice is to keep to yourself, do not damage any relationships, just simply focus on yourself and see what evolves. If you are truly outgrowing some relationships, they will naturally fall away.

Dear Maribeth,
I, like most people, am sickened by the oil spill fiasco in the Gulf of Mexico. I am extremely frustrated by the lack of safety measures I would assume were required to avoid such a catastrophe. As I sit by idly watching the devastation, and hear people criticizing the situation, I continue to be struck with an urgent need to do something about it. But I, like so many, do not know what to do. I don’t want to talk about it. Is there something I can do to help, really?
Average Joe

Dear AJ,
You do ask a tough question. According to the cards, you are absolutely right – it is time for action. As we all know, this is a very serious situation. The cards for this question are The High Priestess, the Knight of Swords and The Moon. Both the High Priestess and the Moon are about that which is hidden from view. It looks like the situation beneath the sea is probably more dire than any of us realize.

If you look closely behind the High Priestess, you will see what looks like the ocean behind her. The High Priestess encourages us to pay attention to what is veiled. What lies behind the curtain? What is being covered up? This applies to the sea life along the ocean floor as well as the politics involved in corporate business. As we all remember from the Wizard of Oz, what lurks behind the curtain may not be what it seems. Mother Nature may be able to cure herself but we will require an understanding of what is actually going on in order for us to help.

The Knight of Swords appears to be you, Average Joe, taking action! His coat and the horse’s banners are adorned with birds. The ground below him is multi-colored, perhaps indicating the beach sand and the oil imposing upon it. It looks like the best way to help is to assist in the clean up as this nightmare progresses. Helping eliminate the oil from the birds and the beach may be the most practical application of effort by the Average Joe. This may mean sending financial assistance to people closer to the situation if you can’t actually get there to perform the work yourself. The reality is that it has to be done. By applying yourself to solving the problem, you may feel slightly better. Or maybe, when we look at his expression it seems you may find yourself even more angry that the situation exists. The red feather in his helmet indicates the passion he feels about his mission as he heads full force toward his goal of a clean environment for the natural habitat.
In The Moon, we see the lobster coming out of the water as if to say “help me!” The dog and the wolf represent domestic vs. wild life, respectively. When human behavior and nature intersect, we have to uphold our responsibility to repair any damage we have created. We must assist nature’s natural tendency to repair itself. By watching the way the ocean repairs itself, we may learn how to mimic nature’s ways. The Moon and nature teaches us that all things have cycles and heal in time. And of course, as the High Priestess reminds us, prayer always helps as well.

Dear Maribeth,
I am in a quandary about my house. I have had it on the market and am facing foreclosure. Any guidance in one direction would be great! I also have 2 large dogs and am concerned about finding a place to rent in the town I currently live in.
Thanks,
Trying to Cover All The Bases

Dear TCATB,
Tarot cards are the perfect remedy when facing a quandary! Webster defines quandary as “a state of difficulty or perplexity”. Your cards are the Three of Wands, the Knight of Pentacles and the Eight of Pentacles. The person in the Three of Wands has his right arm extended toward the pentacles implying your choices need to be directed toward earning money at this time. If you can increase your income, these problems will be solved.
You ask for guidance in one direction. This guidance is given in the Three of Wands. It is time to look toward your future long-term goals and take action to get there. As you peruse the landscape before you, we see it is time to make good, effective decisions. Whenever we want to know our future, it always helps to look at our past to see how we have gotten to the place we find ourselves. The budding wands indicate there are new ideas blossoming every day. If you are not happy with your present circumstances, so you need to ask yourself how you can change your behavior to bring about a more lucrative state of being.
The Knight of Pentacles is fully protected and sits upon a still horse. It appears you have been waiting for something to happen – perhaps hoping your house will sell. You are waiting for the money to come to you but it has not come. And apparently you do not have enough to pay the bills for your home on your own. We see this pentacle, representing money, multiplying in the next card. The plowed field in the background indicates you are prepared for new growth to occur. Two trees in the distance remind us you are grounded and settled where you are. I encourage you to embrace change, rather than trying to make time stand still.
By applying yourself to making money, as we see in the Eight of Pentacles, the road leads to success. There is a castle in the background representing the security you will find by following that path. What you need now is to work toward achieving success and stability. The apron strings are tied so perfectly, you must take pride in yourself and your work to be most effective.
There is very limited movement in any of these cards except for the hands of each of the figures. You have control of this situation if you take matters into your own hands and work toward getting what you want. It doesn’t appear that you will be moving into a new place so you don’t need to worry about finding one that accepts your dogs. I suggest you focus on figuring out how to afford to stay where you are. Plant some seeds for ways to earn additional income and see what comes of it. Good luck!

Dear Maribeth,
I recently left a job where I had been working for 10 yrs. Since that time, I have been working 2 part-time jobs and financially supporting a parent. One of the jobs is about to turn into a full time position. I have been struggling financially for quite some time and am wondering if there is an end in sight? And whether or not a good job opportunity will present itself soon? Thank you.
A.J.
Dear A.J.,
The cards for your reading are the Eight of Wands, the Seven of Swords and The Fool. It looks like you need to start working smarter, not harder. Perhaps you could delegate care of your parent and/or some work-related duties to others. The Fool at the end of your reading suggests a new beginning is forthcoming. When we end with a beginning, we are reminded of the cycles of life and the importance of enjoying the ride.
The Eight of Wands indicates there are a lot of responsibilities that need to be taken care of. You have a lot of efforts up in the air. You seem to be doing a lot at once. The sprouting leaves on each wand remind you to make choices that provide the most growth for you. This card comes up when you are trying to do too much. It is impossible to do everything well when you take on too many projects. If you do less, you can do it more effectively and it will be of greater value, therefore improving your financial situation. This will reduce the stress you are feeling and create more peace in your life as well.
According to the Seven of Swords, you are shouldering some heavy burdens. Perhaps you should put a couple of them down, as this character in the card has done. What are you doing to take care of yourself? Since you stated you are hoping for “a good job opportunity”, I assume the full time position is not something you see as attractive. It looks as though you have to downsize and put aside those things that are least pleasurable. Even though you still have burdens to carry, you will then have room to go off and find more suitable work.
The end in sight comes on The Fool card. According to The Fool, you are very close to the end! Notice he is shouldering only one stick across his shoulder. Since there are five being carried in the previous card, we see you will be lightening your load! The dog alongside the Fool reminds us to have a playful attitude about life. The Fool is the first card of the Major Arcana and is significant when making a fresh start.
All in all, it seems like you will be juggling a lot of responsibilities while you search for a clear path. Neither of the figures in these cards seem to be paying attention to the destination. They are both also facing backwards so I encourage you to think about your long term goals as you move forward. By dropping some unnecessary efforts, you will have the clarity you need to begin the appropriate new ventures. Remember to take time to stop and smell the roses because all the steps on the path of your days ultimately compose your life.

Dear Maribeth,
I am coming up on graduate school in the Fall and have mixed feelings. I am excited to return to school but am not happy with the area the school is in and don’t want to move there. Should I suck it up and go or should I follow my heart and remain in RI and make it work?
Mixed Feelings

Dear M.F.,
The cards that came up for your tarot reading are the High Priestess, the Queen of Pentacles and the King of Pentacles. In each their own way, I see all of these people telling you to stay put. They are all sitting on their thrones. There is very limited movement in all three cards.
Every week when I write this column, I shuffle the cards while reading the question. The cards are always picked randomly and consistently surprise me with how appropriate they are. If I had to describe the meaning of the High Priestess in three words, they would undoubtedly be: Follow your heart. Notice the cross on her robe directly over her heart. This indicates an intuitive and divine message comes through your feelings, rather than your logic. This is the center of your being and will not lead you astray. Since you phrased your question with that kind of clarity, I feel you know deep down what the right thing for you to do is. All of the figures in these cards look quite relaxed, no one appears to be “sucking it up” but rather breathing calmly into the choices they have made for themselves.
The Queen of Pentacles indicates a person who is considered quite grounded. This is someone who is practical and secure. You may be looking to attend graduate school to establish a sense of security and financial prosperity. But what is the price for your happiness? Blue mountains are the symbol for knowledge achieved. If you look very carefully, you will notice that all three of these cards have blue mountains in the background. You have already gained a lot of knowledge and may be more prepared for your life than you think. Perhaps staying put and gaining an appreciation for what you do know may do you some good right now.
I see two possible meanings for you in the King of Pentacles. There could be an influential man in your life who you do not want to disappoint with your decision about moving. You may feel that you should accommodate other’s expectations of you. I assure you those people who love you are already very proud of you and want you to be happy. Make this decision for what feels right for you, not anyone else. The other potential interpretation of this card is to remind you that you don’t have to do everything alone. With the King and Queen of Pentacles showing up, we see a partnership of two people who appear to be cut from the same cloth. If you can stay here and establish a sense of security through a relationship that provides stability, your priorities may change.
All in all, it seems taking some time to reflect over the summer will lead you to slow things down a bit. You will continue learning no matter where you are or what you are doing. Make it the best and most enjoyable experience you can. Rather than sucking it up, let out a big exhale and follow your heart.

Dear Maribeth:
Will my sister’s affairs be sorted out soon?
Wishy Washy in Newport

Dear WWiN,
Your question does not provide much information about your situation, so we’ll let the cards do the work. Your reading brought us The Moon, the Four of Wands and the Three of Pentacles. This looks as though after a deceptive experience, two people in a partnership can find success by coming together and joining forces. Relationships break down from the inside, and are not to be blamed on an outside source. If the affairs you refer to are a marriage or partnership tested by a sense of disloyalty, the damage will be repaired from the inside out.
Because we only see portions of the moon throughout each month, The Moon card reminds us to look at what is not immediately apparent. It can imply shady dealings and disillusionment. If your sister was a victim of a deceptive situation, it might have led you to inquire with me about her state of affairs. I see this card as a clue for me as to what happened in your sister’s past that inspired your question. She may have naively ventured into territory that was much too tough for her to handle. If she is represented by the lobster you see coming out of the water to follow its path, it must pass by that sharp-toothed wolf. This could make everyone involved uncomfortable. It seems your sister has found herself outside of her element. She may need advice and a helping hand from you and others who care about her.
The Four of Wands indicates she is not alone. By joining hands and focusing on the positive aspects of her circumstances, she can step back from the world and find a safe haven. She may have a renewed sense of the important role of security in her life, and realize she is never willing to risk that. The unfinished castle in the background reminds us she is still working on creating an environment where she feels safe. She seems to need people around her though, she is not happy being alone. The number four represents stability, something apparently very important to your sister.
It looks as though in the Three of Pentacles they are inside the castle and making those important and strengthening changes! They have a plan and the appropriate resources to get the job done. By establishing a strong structure to live within, no further harm can come. Your sister will then be completely in her element, and feel secure about her affairs. Timing is very difficult to estimate using tarot cards. You may have heard people refer to something happening in “three days, three months or three years”. Personally, I don’t know how helpful that really is. Sometimes I get a vibe for timing, other times it is based on the people involved achieving certain understanding that they need for personal growth. In this reading it looks to me like things will make progress during late summer and into the fall. Often resolution comes at such a slow pace you may not realize it is happening.
Your sister has the strength to overcome these difficulties, especially with the ever-important and certainly appreciated help from her friends and family. “Congratulations for a job well done” is the theme for the final card in this reading. Help her to rebuild her environment so she feels stable and confident in her future.