Birthday Spread for a Dear Friend!
Wow, this is definitely the biggest spread I've ever done. It didn't fit on my desk! I'm using the Birthday Tarot Spread from Biddy Tarot, which asks a series of twelve questions. Let's get into it!
1. The Previous Year in Summary
This card speaks to your own self-doubt and judgement in the last year of life. You were not giving yourself the space to forgive yourself and focusing on your mistakes and missteps rather than seeing the unfairness in front of you. Thankfully, that wasn't forever!!
2. What have you learned from the past year?
You learned the embrace your own potential! You were - and are! - a blank slate capable of anything. The Fool believes anything can happen in life if only you set out to live it fully, and that there are infinite opportunities if we are bold enough to reach out for them.
3. What do you aspire to in the next 12 months?
The inverted Devil says you will aspire to feel more in control and empowered. You have become self-aware of flaws and bad habits and are breaking free from their influence.
4. What empowers you to reach your aspirations?
Inverted Eight of Pentacles
When upright, the Eight of Pentacles indicates a time where you have to work hard and focus keenly on the tasks before you. It refers to the efforts you will undertake, and the possibility there may be much work before you. When inverted, the card suggests the tasks before you are greater than you may be prepared for - requiring special care to execute properly. This card stresses the importance of your own intellect, hard work, and self-awareness in reaching your aspirations. Allow the sweat, blood, and tears to serve their purpose in guiding you towards all of the darkness you are trying to leave behind you.
5. What may stand in the way of reaching these aspirations?
The Six of Pentacles is a generous card, giving its aid to those who need it. I think this card is warning you that your kind heart may be taken advantage of. Mind your giving and gracious nature, and make sure it does not interfere with your work!
6. Your relationships and emotions in the coming year
Ah, friend! What a great card to balance with the workload that lays before you. Temperance suggests balance and moderation, as well as patience. You have a clear vision for what you seek to achieve, and for what you want your relationships to be. You have the patience to work to both adapt to changing relationships, and to work well with your colleagues, friends, and others of importance.
7. You career, work, and finances in the coming year
Oh, my relief that this card is inverted in immense. The Three of Swords suggests recent grief and your recovery from it. This card signals that it is time to let go of past hurt. You are free from the circumstances that wounded you - new department, new advisor, new project! Leave the vestiges of the past behind. Remember that inverted Devil card, calling for you to break your bad habits? Perhaps that is related to leaving the past behind you so you can grow into your new place at work.
8. Your health and well being
The Star brings with her hope, strength, and renewal. You've gone and passed through a terrible time in life, and have come out the other side without sacrificing yourself. You can now fully appreciate the strength and willpower that carried you through the darkness, and be confident moving forward.
9. Your spiritual energy and inner fulfillment
Another card that heralds the end of darkness! The Sun represents success and radiance. You give goodness back into the world to those close to you, and the will be a beacon of happiness for some. Your own personal fulfillment will inspire those around you.
10. What you most need to focus on in the coming year
The Page of Swords is an energetic card, thriving on the energy she generates. She is also a master in communication, and constantly generates new ideas. The cards are calling on you to channel the Page of Sword's energy - her passion for new ideas, her ability to clearly communicate, and her immense energy - to be able to succeed to the fullest in the year ahead.
11. What will be your most important lesson in the coming year?
A major phase in your life will come to an end, and a new one will start (perhaps the transition from PhD student to PhD Candidate?) - focus your energy on what is ahead, rather than the past. Some old parts of you need to 'die' in order for you to continue to grow and thrive in your new environment.
12. Overall, where are you headed in the next twelve months?
You were wronged in the last year. This card should bring you relief. Your efforts will be rewarded: integrity at work, careful attention to romantic relationships, and balancing giving and taking in many aspects of life. This next year is one of truth and balance. You will understand what is required of you, and what solutions are needed to succeed.
