Assignment for Lesson Two, Part Three

[Kalika]

Using the major arcana listed in Lesson Two, Part Three, assume that we are doing a one card reading for a person who has been having a difficult time finding their path in life. Their query for the cards was: "How will I find my spiritual path, and where will it take me?"

Provide a reading for this person using each of the major arcana, as if they had been drawn in response to this question.

[Gebo]

I have decided to go ahead and give it a go. Since the full reading will take so much time and space-I am going to divide it up. I am using the universal Rider-Waite deck. Let me know how I did. I need the feedback. This is my first actual reading.

How will I find my spirtual path and where will it take me?

The Fool
You are ready to begin your spiritual quest. There is a possibility of failure, however there is also an enormous chance of finding something great. Look at the picture of the fool. He is about to walk right off of that cliff. He could fall to his death; he could also fall into heaven. He is optimistic and only carries what he absolutely needs. All you need in a spiritual quest is an open mind and an open heart. Don't carry extra baggage on your quest. He steps lightly, not taking anything too seriously. Keep your eyes open and learn along the way. If you feel like you are taking a wrong turn-turn and go the other way; it is a huge world and you have the potential to do anything you want. Also notice that the fool is in motion. He is not standing still. He is not content to live the rest of his life in that one spot. There will be risks along your journey-but there is a bigger risk in staying in one place.
The Magician
Notice that the magician has all of his tools on his table in front of him. He has one hand grasping a magic wand in the air while the other hand is pointing below. He is channeling his energy into the ground. What this card says to me is that you are on your spirtual quest already. However, you are trying to will your path. You seem to be placing all of your tools on the table and expecting them to work because you have put them there. Sometimes when we aren't getting anywhere with our spiritual quest, it is because we are holding on to the quest too tightly. If we try to keep the knowledge we have gained so that we don't lose it-it sometimes escapes because it was being held too tightly. Channel some of the wisdom and knowledge back into the world. Notice the beautiful flowers on the card. They cannot live without grounding their roots into the earth. If a person has a head full of knowledge-they are smart. If they share that knowledge with the world-they are wise. Once it has been released into the world-you can open yourself to receive more. Even with all of his tools in front of him the magicians strongest conductor of energy is himself. Until you can do that-you will be standing still in your path.

The High Priestess
Notice in this picture the torah is partially hidden. Behind her is a veil covering what is behind the high priestess. You can see what is behind the veil if you look between the pillars and the veil. There is water. Water is a symbol of unconscious. It is calm however it reaches great depths and we don't know for sure what is under the surface. She signifies intuition. You can get the answers you seek, however you must be willing to dive deep into the water (your unconscious mind) to find what you seek. You must be willing to take the chance. She has the knowledge with her. She knows the secrets in the document on her lap. If you do not listen to your intuition-you will be in the same position as the high priestess. You will be sedentary with a world of knowledge behind you covered by your hesitation. You will have secrets in your lap-un forseen. If you want to emerge into a more spiritual self, then you need to take the plunge into the water behind the veil.

The Empress
Once again-look at the picture. The empress is surrounded by nature. There is corn growing at her feet. There is a flowing river behind her. She is beautiful. You see fertility. In this picture she is symbolizing woman and she is sybolizing emotion. Up until now, you have been searching for your answers on your spiritual quest with your mind. Now you must search with your heart and accept what comes. The river is strong and everchanging. Sometimes it flows with the fury of a lion and sometimes it is a gentle current. No matter what, it is still the same river. Accept your emotions whatever they may be. Experience them, feel them, only then can you accept yourself. There is passion is this card. Become passionate about being you-not just about being spiritual. The beauty of everyone's individual path-is the individual.

The Emperor
The emperor is very strong. He is in charge. He is consistent. There is a sense of security here. This could mean that you have accepted yourself and truly are secure in who you are and what you believe. However, with this card I see great caution being urged. Look at the emperor-he has gotten old and rigid. He is encased by stone. DO NOT LET GO OF YOUR EMOTIONS! DO NOT FORGET TO EXPERIENCE LIFE AND THE LITTLE THINGS!

The Heirophant
You are ready for the answers to your questions. You have done the work required to gain access to all that you seek. You must remember what brought you here or else the answers will not help you. This could mean you will find the answers through your own means or you could possibly meet a teacher. I get the feeling though, that it is not a 'formal' teacher. It really feels to me that this card is preparing the person for their spirit guide who will have the keys to their inner self.

The Lovers
In this card, I take the angel above the lovers as a sign of their true ecstacy with one another. The angels presence really tells us what being togehter does for both of them. There is a strong sense of unity here. There is a relationship in your life that is key in helping you along your spiritual path. The relationship is stripped of any unneccesary or material aspects. There is only emotion and passion. This represents a kindred spirit.

The Chariot
This is a person that is in control of his life. He seems bigger than the city behind him. He is not holding reins-yet he is still in control if the sphynx'. This shows that in your spiritual quest-you are in control. You understand your unconscious (the water) and have matured into a higher self.

Strength
You have the strength neccesary to find your path. You must remember that acceptance is key. You cannot fight the forces along your path. Notice the lion and the woman are at peace with one another. If the woman had shown fear or tried to show dominance-it would be very different circumstances. Strength isn't about power, it is really about self control and perseverence. There could be a big problem (the lion) but if you remain calm and rely on inner strength-you will tame the problem.

The Hermit
The hermit is on his own spiritual quest. He has gone into the woods to submerge himself in deep thought. He is not however turning his back on society. He is welcoming them with his lantern. I urge you to consider who you are and what you are contributing to the world. There is no need to actually leave society-just spend time within yourself. Also, you may need to really look at the people in your life. Someone could be waiting to guide you along the unbeaten part of your path. The hermit has spent his time alone and is now ready to lead you, lighting the way with his lantern.

Wheel of Fortune
Change is in store. The wheel of life is turning. This is not a change that you are going to control. It is on a bigger level. You can control your reaction though. This card is urging that you turn with the wheel of life, not against it. Remember, even if you are lowered by the wheel of life-the wheel will rise again. Be ready to adapt and learn the lesson offered by the change. You have the ability to benefit from it.

Well, there are the first eleven cards. Will finish the rest in a little while.

[MysticMoonQueen]

Using the major arcana listed in Lesson Two, Part Three, assume that we are doing a one card reading for a person who has been having a difficult time finding their path in life. Their query for the cards was: "How will I find my spiritual path, and where will it take me?"

Provide a reading for this person using each of the major arcana, as if they had been drawn in response to this question.


I am lacking the last two.. I will finish these later.. This is what I have so far, and some haven't stated where it will take the person.. Hope I did it right..


The Fool

You will find your path by having a sense of humor. Letting the little things get to you will only keep you taking one step forward, and three steps back. Relax and enjoy life.

The Magician
Find the things that interest you and research them well. Gaining knowledge will help you to grow.

The High Priestess
Let your conscience guide you. The inner voice that speaks to us can be louder for some than it is for others. Listen carefully to what your inner voice is saying to you. Look within yourself to find the road that is right for you.


The Empress

Pursue creative endeavors. Your spiritual development depends upon your creative side.

The Emperor
Your spiritual path relies heavily upon your strengths. Find your strengths, be it artistic or scholarly, and it will lead to a higher awareness of where you should be.

The Hierophant
Sometimes, you cannot know where you are going if you don't know or remember from where you came. Look into your past, or even into your relatives' pasts to find your answers. Ask questions of the paths of your parents, grandparents, or if you can get your grandparents to tell you of your great grandparents, ask them. Looking into documentation of spiritual lifestyles (ie. family bibles, birth records, diaries, etc.) of your relatives can also be helpful.

The Lovers
Put your heart into every action. Your spiritual path relies heavily on your emotions and feelings. Don't overanalyze yourself, but try to analyze your feelings at different moments, and this well help to guide you.

The Chariot
I agonized over this one, but, I see this as the card I would use to symbolize the person I am reading for, since the Chariot is a symbol of seeking, and the person is seeking a path. I hope I am not doing this wrong, but obviously this card wouldn't come up as it would already be in use.

Strength
Keep your path in sight. Don't let anyone or anything influence you distract you from your goal. There will be some who are critical of the decisions you make, but this will only strengthen your convictions.

The Hermit

Do not shut yourself away from the world, but solitude is your friend. Practicing solitarily is going to be the best for you. Be it christianity or paganism, etc. for you, there is NOT strength in numbers. You will feel closer to your beliefs if you believe and practice privately.

The Wheel of Fortune

Look to someone you admire and respect. They are there to guide you and instruct you. Listen to their words, as they are filled with the wisdom that you seek. They will help you to grow and mature and understand the directions you should take.

Justice
Spiritually, karma plays a strong role for you. Acting on the kindness you feel you should give to others is encouraged. Remeber that in your endeavors to follow "the golden rule".

The Hanged Man
Your spiritual journey will include what you may believe to be standstills. You will come these points when you are getting too far ahead of yourself. Sometimes, what we see as setbacks are really a necessary part of our growth. You will not gain a higher level of awareness by pushing it during these times.

Death
You will find what you need in your life when something else ends. These are not necessarily bad, since all good things come to an end, but they are replaced with new things, sometimes better or sometimes come from experiences which make us stronger. Don't dread the end of a relationship or phase in your life, embrace it as something that will make your spiritual journey take you forward.

Temperance
At this point, you're not "grown" in the sense of the spirit. In your path, you are like a young child or new born babe. View this as part of a cycle. You will grow and mature and benefit from many NEW learning experiences. Life is a series of cycles and you are at the beginning of a new one. Turning to your spiritual "elders" for support is suggested at this time.

The Devil

You may be facing some negativity, but this, as many things in life will serve as a learning experience. It is time to take stock and reevaluate parts of your life that need a bit of "adjusting". The negativity that is to come will be what guides you into the proper direction.

The Tower
You are in a phase of rebuilding. Don't let yourself crumble when something threatens you. Brace yourself with the winds and bend, instead of letting it topple you. Maintaining relationships with those you have a rock solid bond with is what you need right now. Don't avoid new influences, but hold tight to what you KNOW is already good and strong.

The Star
Serving others is where you will find yourself. You will grow by helping others to grow. Use your past experiences to inspire others and you will get as much from them as you give to them.

The Moon
Many times, we are told to "sleep on it". The gate to your next steps in life will be opened during subconcious cycles. Pay attention to your dreams and look for the symbols therein.

The Sun
Keep yourself grounded and don't give into flights of fancy. Practicing in realism will be of benefit to you. Without being cruel, be the voice of reason to those around you. Spiritually, stick to things that are in the here and now or "tangible".

Judgement



The World

[nighstar]

*takes a deep breath* .....i'm a complete newbie at this, but i'll give it a try.... :crylaugh:

Q: "How will I find my spiritual path, and where will it take me?"

0. The Fool
Pehaps you've been going about finding your path the wrong way? Instead of searching for it just relax and it will come to you when it is time for you to find it. :] Sometimes we will never find things if we try searching for them because perhaps it isn't time for us to find what we are looking for, or perhaps we are not yet ready to recieve whatever it is we search for. The Fool is telling you to let your spiritual path find you and not the other way around, but rest assure that when that time comes and you find your path it will be the beginning of a new life journey.

I. The Magician
Find your spiritual path by taking charge. Study, study, study! Look into new and old things and leave no stone unturned if possible, after all-- knowledge is power! By learning new things new doors and opportunities will begin opening themselves to you. Learn from these things as well as your past experiences and knowledge and you shall [eventually] find the path that is right for you. :]

II. The High Priestess
If you can, spend some time alone getting to know yourself better. What are your stances on things? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your current beliefs? The High Priestess indicates that the path to finding your spiritual path may be through getting to know yourself better and through intuition.

Try new things and note how you feel about them; listen to your heart & soul. Listen to your intuition and it will guide you to what is best for you.

III. The Empress
Have you exercised your creativity lately? Perhaps it's time to cater to that side of yourself. :] Insead of going about your daily activities routinely, try adding a bit more spunk and creative changes to what you do! For example, do you always take the same road to work every morning? Why not try taking a new route-- who knows, you might even like it better! Always get plain, dark coffee from Starbucks on the way to work? Why not try something new that you've never had before?

Through creativity one can find out many new things, not just about yourself and your likings, but also about the world around you. Bring more creativity into your life and take note of the lessons that it will bring as they might lead you to your path.

IV. The Emperor
Sometimes it takes a lot of determination and willpower to reach a goal and The Emperor indicates that this will be the case in finding your spiritual path. You may be unsure and confused of which path to take, but now is the time to be sure of yourself. Find your strengths and begin from there, strengthening your weaknesses and all the while aiming for your goal: to find your path. Don't rely on others to show you the way, but instead exercise your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses to get through hurtles and obsticles that will appear to deter you on your journey.

V. The Hierophant
What better teacher has man but his own past? In order to move forward, sometimes one must take a step or two backwards to regain one's footing and learn from the past. Remember past mistakes that you have made as well as past acomplishments and learn from them. Learning from past mistakes will help you to avoid making the same mistakes again in the future, which will inturn help you advance in your journey. Learning from accomplishments can help you take the next steps towards your goal. Don't forget things that you have past while on your journey, but instead, reflect back on it to help aid the path that is yet before you.

VI. The Lovers
Your heart and emotions will play an important role in the finding of your spiritual path. Do you have a strong relationships in your life right now? It need not be a romanticly involved relationship, even a strong relationship with a pet or an activity may be enough to further you in your journey to finding your spiritual path. A person's spirituality has very much to do with what is in their heart... What does your heart tell you? Pay attention to your heart's desires, your passions, and all of your emotions. Listen to your inner-most feelings and let them guide you towards your path.

VII. The Chariot
You are on a journey seeking to find the spiritual path that is right for you.... You are correct to believe that you are the only one that will be able to accomplish this as you are the only one that knows what calls to your spirit. Stay in turn with yourself and your feelings will lead you to what you seek.

VIII. Strength
Maintain control of your journey. Listen to the advice and knowledge that others have to share with you, but always stay true to yourself and what you feel is right-- never let others deter you from finding what's right for you. You will face many trials and come across many things that may discourage you along the way, but keep your mind, heart, and sights set on your goal and you will overcome them and achieve your goal of finding your spiritual path.

IX. The Hermit
Silence truely can be golden. Spend time alone with yourself contemplating yourself and what you seek. How well do you know yourself and your ambitions to reach your goal? Has your goal changed at all since you first started out on your journey? Analyzing and critical thinking can help you clear out some things that might have been clouding your determination or sights on your goals. While you shouldn't completely shut out everyone, spending some time a lone in thought can do you a lot of good in finding your path.

X. The Wheel of Fortune
Whether you are just starting out on your journey towards finding your path or are continuing it, always remember that you are ever subjective to nature and all that it entails. Things may happen along your journey that seemingly happen just by chance or out of the blue, but don't let these occurances deter you. Many things will happen that are beyond your control, some of those things may be to your benefit while others may seem to be working against you. You must learn to take these things as they come, good or bad, and work with them or around them, but dont let them slow you down. Keep your pace and 'keep your eyes on the prize'. "Go with the flow" of things and you will find your path, or rather, your path will find you.

XI. Justice
Your spiritual path may or may not follow the laws of Karma, but all those follow the laws of cause & effect. While keeping your sights set on finding your spiritual path, be careful not to undermind your progress by doing something that will you will regret and will effect you negatively in the future. Take caution with every step that you take and dont become in such a haste to reach what you seek that you become careless and dont think of the results of your actions. Always bare them in mind as you proceed. Perhaps the laws of justice, of cause & effect, will play an important role in your spirituality in the near future.

XII. The Hanged Man
During your journey you will experience delays in your progress... Perhaps some things may be confusing you or you have reached a proverbial 'fork in the road' and are unsure of which road to take. Dont be distressed by these delays, infact, they may further you in finding your path! Everyone needs patience and these delays may be just what you need to build your's, or perhaps even make you aware of how much you have. Do not rush these delays as they will work themselves out and you can only be the better from them in your spiritual path.

VIII. Death

XVI. The Tower

XVII. The Star

XVIII. The Moon

XIX. The Sun

XX. Judgement

XI. The World


grrr..... i have to be up early in the morning so i should be getting to bed now.... but hopefully i'll be able to finish these tomorrow or sunday. :[

[Gigi]

"How will I find my spiritual path, and where will it take me?"

0-Fool
To find what you seek you must start a new journey. Keep your heart true to your quest, and take a leap of faith. Be careful though that you don’t become reckless as you walk your path, or you may fall hard. This journey will take you to new beginnings.

I-The Magician
All you need is around us. Seek within yourself, and find all your answers. This card represents personal power; and its there for those who seek it. Don’t rush into anything, for you may find a trickster among you. Stay true to yourself, and you will be master of your own being.

II-The High Priestess
There’s a world of knowledge to be learned. You will find that most answers are within yourself. Take what you know, and build on that, then compare and contrast. This will help you towards your path.

III-The Empress
There’s a lady who guides us. She is maternal and nourishes us. This is the Empress. Close your eyes, and ask her to guide your path. Follow your intuition, your gut feelings. You will find what you seek.

IV-The Emperor
There are many things going on with you. Your spiritual path requires dedication, self-reliance, and determination. These are the virtues which will take you to your path.

V-The Hierophant
Increase your knowledge and skills. This is a great time for spiritual growth. Seek others with this knowledge, but be sure to use your heart to follow the right path for you.

VI-The Lovers
This card signifies a beautiful soul. Take advantage of this gift, and allow love to enhance your spirituality. Where there is love, there is acceptance. Your decision will guide you to a positive path.

VII-The Chariot
This card signifies success. This card is a positive message: Seek your path, you will find it. You will be triumphant.

VIII-Strength
You will face challenges and will overcome it by your strengths. Some paths require true spirit, and finding spirituality tests your attitude towards things that all those around you may not accept. Remember to face defiance with vigor. Stick to your intuition as you find your spirituality.

IX-The Hermit
You need to find yourself through meditation, to bring peace and quiet into your life. When you clear your mind, search that which you already know because it’s within you that your spirituality lies. Others can be of help to you, so open yourself to advise.

X-Wheel of Fortune
This card signifies personal growth and extreme change. There’s luck, good and bad. Take it as it comes, and keep your heart true to your path. There’s success in this card, even if it may take time before you notice.

XI-Justice
Judge fairly as you seek your spiritual path. Many roads will be crossed and every action you take will be taken into account when seeking your goals. Where you end up, is based on how you get to where you are going.

XII-The Hanged Man
Your search for your spiritual path will not be easy. There are contradictions you will need to deal with. When there’s doubt, take a moment and search your soul, make sure that you are just.

XIII-Death
There’s an ending to be announced. Seek your spiritual path, and let go of any torment that will hinder your success. Death, for some, is a beginning. You may need to let go of the past, to move into the future.

XIV-Temperance
Self-control is important. It allows you to stay attuned to many situations that surround you. Seek your path, but keep to yourself, if you don’t want to be labeled. Give and take, and look inside yourself for truth.

XV-The Devil
I don’t like this card much because it’s a deceiver. There’s something holding you back to what you seek. It could be yourself, or someone who has great significance in your life. Search within yourself and pull yourself away from this negativity. Determination will help you find your spiritual path, as long as you are true to it.

XVI-The Tower
There’s chaos which you must get away from. Powerful forces are at work here. You will need purity of heart to endure. Your spiritual path is within you. Seek within yourself, and keep a clear rode before you. It may not be easy right now, but finding spiritual growth can help you escape the troubles of the soul.

XVII-The Star
This card represents good fortune. Spiritual growth is bound to manifest itself within you. It is part of our destiny, and we will always be a part of it. Seek and you will find, no matter how distant it might seem

XVIII-The Moon
Look to the moon, and it shall show you a way even in the darkest nights. Close your eyes, below the moonlight, and clear your mind. Your spirituality is there, and you will find it.

XIX-The Sun
Like the Sun, our spiritual growth is eternal. It is within us, and around us, at all times. Go out and embrace the Earth, which the Sun nourishes. Do outside activities, and enjoy laughter.

XX-Judgment
It is time of decision. Spiritual growth can be accomplished as we give thanks for our existence in our own way. If you have a problem with someone that needs to be resolved, do so now. You will see a lifting in your positive energy, and spiritual growth is better accomplished.

XXI-The World
What is spirituality? It is a truth we seek of our existence, and our reason of being. Take the world and look at it’s successes. Then take a look within yourself. Seek where you stand in this world, and allow spiritual growth to guide you through intuition. You will be surprised what you find in your own backyard.

[SpiritWitch]

How will I find my spiritual path, and where will it lead me?

Fool - Walk with clear vision of what is ahead,and if this is the right path for you to be taking.Know what is all involved in journeying this path with each step you will be taking.

Magician - By your own willpower you need to do what it takes to find it.

High Priestess - Trust your intuition to guide you.

Empress - Connect with creative channels and interacting with others.

Emperor - Through some kind of work or service.

Hierophant - Through stablility and discipline,with patience and endurance.

Lovers - Adjusting your thoughts,attitudes and behavior.

Chariot - Resolve any inner conflicts before rushing into anything.

Strength - By weighing your strengths and weaknesses of your convictions
and beliefs.

Hermit - By detaching from the mainstream,and connecting by just being in the presence of the Divine.


I will have to finish this assignment in segments.Doctors have me on different medications which make me drowsy these days.Sorry!

[Flaire]

Here is a partial. :)

The Fool

The spiritual path will be found by a lot of trial and error. The Fool in the Adrian Tarot appears to be jumping around, and not being sure of what decision to make. Once he has made a decision, however, he had learned to trust his intuition to make the proper decision. The path may be sporadic and scattered.

The Magician

The spiritual path is one that you are already on. You have all the tools in front of you, although perhaps it is not realized that that is, in fact, part of the path. You will become aware of your abilities in being able to use the tools set in front of you. There is a need to be creative. The Magician himself, has an understanding of all the elements involved – this is what you should strive to be like. There is a lot of knowledge involved, but it is very down-to-earth.

The High Priestess

The knowledge is probably already inside of you, however, you must find it in yourself to bring it out. You must be patient to find the knowledge inside of you, but in time, it will come if you listen to yourself. It is a very logical path.

The Empress

The spiritual path is probably already being taken, although it must be nurtured to become fully recognized. The Empress symbolizes growth, therefore, the path one is walking along is still in the beginning stages and has a lot of potential. It will flourish into something beautiful and nature-loving.

The Emperor

The Emperor sits deep in thought upon a sphere. One must not get carried away with everything that one finds, but keep to reality and realize that not everything is possible. The path that one chooses to follow must make some sense. It must follow some logical order, and make sure that there is clarity. There will be much research involved in this path.

The Heirophant

The Heirophant’s path deals with a lot of trials. One must examine everything that they believe in to find the right way, and even then, there is plenty of trial and error to go along with. The path may be right, but it must be explored to every inch of it’s existence.

The Lovers

To follow this path is to do so lovingly. Someone may guide you down this path, however, whatever comes of it will be how one applies their self to it. One may have followed their heart into it.

The Chariot

One may already have the idea of what spiritual path that they want to follow, they just have to ride their chariot to the end. However, they need to be prepared for any bumps along the way, always scouting ahead for a pothole. They have a firm grasp on the goal at hand, but will also need to know their limits.

Justice

One is already balanced between what is right and wrong, therefore, they already know which path NOT to take. There may be some blind stumbling, although the sense of judgement will be able to guide them along the path that they desire to travel.

The Hermit

A very lonely path indeed. One must be ready for a lot of inner work, and not be distracted by outside forces.

Wheel of Fortune

To let destiny just take it’s course. By all means, not just sit back and watch the fireworks, but to be open to opportunities that come along. Anything can happen while walking this path.

Strength

Being in complete concentration with the information that is gained by searching for the right path. The woman in the card is completely balanced, therefore she has a good sense of the situation. One must accept the weaknesses they have, and strengthen them, this is part of the path – building those part of oneself that they have been ignoring.

Hanged Man

A lot of change is on the way. One may put themselves in an awkward situation, only to find the positive coming from it. It is a time of reflection that must be taken in order to see what will ‘essentials’ will come from previous experiences.

Death

The path that one may be following is not what they had originally wanted. That path is dead to them. A ‘mourning’ period may come about, but do not fear the change that will come, it may be for the best.