Christmas Presence Spread, Day 1

Christmas Presence Tarot Spread: Day One: The Tower

How can I be fully present to the Miracle of the Season?

Change, upheaval, reversal in fortune. A slap to the face to snap you out of hysteria or complacency. Something is wrong and you are ignoring it -- expect a blow (physical or to the ego, for instance), a surprise, a fall from grace. Disruption or destruction is necessary, how you deal with it is the key. Try to find the positive in any situation, no matter how bleak. Clear away the old and make a fresh start; a welcome release, shattered illusions, the courage to change beliefs that are no longer appropriate. A powerful revelation that changes everything.

I always go into the holiday season with some trepidation. I do my best to do things that will raise my spirits even though this time of year is always hard. I do a really good job for a few days, sticking to my plans to watch Christmas movies, make early preparations, not get caught up in the frenzy, or guilt that I'm not doing a good enough job. Invariably, my plans fail and I begin to lose hope, realizing that this Christmas will be like all the others, just something to get through, and look forward to the relief on the other side.

This card seems to indicate that I need to pull myself out of that mindset, accept that things may not (will not) be perfect, that there will be pitfalls and setbacks. Shake it off and push forward, take things as they come, and expect that everything may get turned on its head.

Card is from the Manga Tarot.

Spread can be found here: The Christmas Presence Tarot Spread.

Nine of Wands

Card of the Day: Nine of Wands

This card is from the Manga Tarot.

From the LWB: "Vigilance. Not everything happens without conflict."

This card represents inner strength and determination, persevering despite setbacks, being wary of being attacked, being knocked down but standing up again. Holding fast, continuing on through difficult times, keeping things together. Relying on yourself to be strong enough to get through the current situation. A struggle, with the hope of victory.

Two of Wands

Card of the Day: Two of Wands

This card is from the Manga Tarot.

From the LWB: "Desire. Where the eyes don’t see, the heart sees."

This card represents personal power, commanding respect, inventing something new, doing things your own way. In a reading, it suggests that preparations may have been made for something, but the project, venture or journey has not been started. It could also indicate that the querent may focus on planning, but never actually takes the first step. You may be faced with opportunities, but will have to follow through to gain a good result.

Three of Pentacles

Card of the Day: Three of Pentacles

This card is from the Manga Tarot.

From the LWB: "Service: There is also honor in serving."

I got this card three times in a row over two days, so obviously it's something that I need to pay attention to. The Three of Pentacles focuses on a group, a team, rather than individual action. It also indicates competence, i.e., be proud of your good work even if it is as part of a team and not individually recognized. The traditional card shows a workman showing his progress his admiring bosses. Perhaps they are architects and he is carrying out their plans; they show that they are pleased with his competence at his job. You don't always have to be the boss, you can also achieve happiness and satisfaction by following the lead of someone else, as long as you concentrate on doing your own job well.

Ace of Pentacles

Card of the Day: Ace of Pentacles

This card is from the Tarot of Pagan Cats.

Prosperity, abundance, security, positive energy, productivity. The Ace of Pentacles suggests that you may be ready to start a new business or career with the potential of financial advancement, as long as you are willing to put in the hard work necessary. LearnTarot.com calls it the "seed of possibility," and says that if you focus and stay grounded, you will be able to bring your dreams and goals into reality. The Ace of Pentacles shows a hand appearing from the sky holding a coin. However, it is only a possibility; the lush garden indicated on the card will only come about with hard work, but if the hard work is done, the financial reward will come.