It’s hard sitting around, cooped up in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, waiting … waiting for an inevitable nightmare to finally come. And Charles and Sophia both know it’s coming. All he can do is aim to prepare himself for what the future holds, to that he might  learn to accept his fate and arm himself for the dangers coming his way. So tonight he wants to know … Where do he and Sophia go from here?

The Set Up

For this reading, we’re using a Celtic Cross spread. Charles focused on his question while I shuffled the deck and laid the cards, the first vertical in the center, the second across the first. Then south of the cross, west of the cross, east of the cross, and north of the cross. Finally, we place the last four cards to the right of our cross, creating a vertical tower from south to the north.

What will Charles’ spread reveal?

The Spread:

Inverted Page of Swords, crossed by the 10 of Cups. Below is his foundation, the 10 of Wands. In his past is the Inverted 3 of Cups, in his immediate future is the Inverted King of Wands. The crown here is an Inverted Page of Pentacles. Charles right now is represented by an Inverted King of Swords and surrounded by The Emperor. The Knight of Cups represents his hopes and fears, and the 5 of Cups reveals the outcome … should things remain as they are.

The Interpretation:

Oh, Charles. How fitting that your first card reveals a woman holding a sword close, as though she’s embracing a problem or challenge. That is you right now. And like this woman, you are looking for inspiration on how to solve your dilemma. Problem is … you don’t know what your dilemma is—not fully. Be warned, however, that your spread indicates you are seeking answers you are not supposed to have.

Outwardly, you are living the family wife. The man, the woman, the children. You are staying in a “safe house” and you are often in the company of friends and family. However, it will come as no surprise to you that all is not as well as it seems. This  will be a huge conflict for you moving forward. Any expectations you may have may be misleading. Prepare yourself for the unthinkable, for illusions and betrayals.

Where you stand now, your workload has been lightened. You are coming out of a victory, however small, and for so long you have been unaware of the beauty that surrounds you. Going forward, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Do not attempt to do it all on your own.

Your past still haunts you as you are affected by overflowing emotions, some good, some bad. While you feel affection from friends, you also feel you were recently betrayed by loved ones. It’s time to let go of any lingering grudges to make room for compromise. If you want to overcome what lays ahead, you will need to find a way to forgive those who have hurt you.

You are filled with ideas and energy, sitting in wait of the next opportunity to spring to action. Your charisma and easy-going nature will motivate others around you by bringing light to darker times. Right now, however, you are in danger of alienating those you love if you do not rein in that hurt that manifests itself as anger.

Your future promises a message. Some new resources may be sent your way, or you may make use of existing resources in new ways. The outcome of utilizing these resources, however, may come with consequence. Beware you do not fall victim to someone else’s control.

*Sighs* Your self-image right now is most disheartening. You’re lacking compassion and  may even resort to lying. You’re running fast and furious toward your unseen enemies. And when you reach them, I fear it will destroy your soul to see who these enemies are.

Other’s are unaware of your inner turmoil. They see you as a strong and intelligent , and completely in control. Be brave, be bold, be assertive … but be careful not to let this illusion of control cause you to lead those you love astray. You know what you want and will soon learn what is needed and how to do it.

You hope for tranquility. Peace. To be able to move without hurry. You are fiercely loyal and hope one day you can just enjoy your loved ones without fear or worry. You wish for the day when it will be safe to get lost in your dreams.

You will suffer loss, and the pain will be great, but for it you will be stronger. How you deal with loss with shape your future. Look at the wonderful opportunity for growth, to change and move forward. Do not let the outcome leave you indignant.

Advice:

Charles, if you continue on the path you are on now, things will get worse. You will be better for going through these trials,  but I hope this time you will better learn how cope with the outcome. You’ve always been one to fear loss, such a man of the heart as you are; you’ve avoided it. But the path you are on now will consist of many losses. It is time to face this inevitable part of life, and it is up to you how you come out of these experiences. If you want your ultimate hopes to be realized, you will need to stay  strong in the face of adversity.

Disclaimer: This was a real reading performed on a fictional character and interpreted by me, Rebecca Hamilton.