Twofer: Writing, Jeff and Cardiogirl

Since two of you wanted to know about writing, I'll make another Two-fers. I've done a lot of tarot reading today (Halloween and my anniversary); bear with me.

Jeff King asked: Can you give me a reading about the prospect of my book or my writing success? Thx

Past - Knight of Wands (reversed) - since this question is focused on writing, I'm going to say this card is saying that, up until recently, the writing you've done and thought about, Jeff, has been more talking than action, more dream than reality.

Present -XVII The Star - this card is all about what your writing is bringing you: optimism, satisfaction, fulfillment, enlightenment. More than telling stories, you are finding more about yourself and what you want your world to be. It has expanded your horizons and added real magic to your life.

Future -Queen of Cups (reversed) - This card, in the reversed position, speaks of self-pity and self-indulgence, melodrama. Not sure how it answers the question so I'll ask for some clarification.

Cups IV- This is not a propitious card with regards to publishing success - depression, disppointment, lethargy. However, along with those characteristics are balance, pleasure and honesty. I can't say the cards seem to be hopeful with regards to short term publishing success; however, clearly the pleasure and insight you're gaining by writing, by telling the stories, is not lost. What you learn by doing so makes you a better person and, thereby, a better writer. In time, the one may change the prospect of the other. Good luck!

Cardiogirl said: I'm participating in NaNoWriMo in a mere three/four days depending upon your timezone. I'm super geeked and I think I have a winner with this idea. I plan on writing it and editing it crazily so I can find a publisher. And I'm talkin' a real publisher like Harper Collins not Lulu. There's nothing wrong with Lulu per se, but I want a traditional publishing deal. The question: how will I fare with this goal. And the cards are intent on crushing my spirit, so be it. I am very confident and I will not take no for answer. Well, I will take no from the tarot cards but not from the publishers. I'll query 1,000 publishers if I have to.

Again, the subject is writing so I'll bear that in mind when I interpret this.

Past - XI Strength (reversed) - Lack of faith, mixed messages, blank mind. From this, I'd get that past endeavors into writing have either led to dead ends or have not lived up to what you'd first imagined. Or, when it did come through, you didn't have enough faith in what you built to see it through.

Present - Wands X (reversed) - there's an interpretation of this that suggests seeking happy work, working before a harvest, enjoying what you do and a potential that needs to be tapped. That could very well mean that you have an idea well worth plumbing and happy work to make it so - but it looks like a great deal of work.

Future - King of Cups - Once again, not sure how this card relates to the question. It seems to describe a person: manipulative, charming, friendly, sensitive., generous A very multi-faceted creature. Perhaps a character? I need some clarification.

XII The Hanged Man (reversed) - There are two interpretations that come to mind for me on this card in the reversed position. One is a failure to give of oneself, a preoccupation, a failure to make a sacrifice. In that case, it would not seem propitious. However, the card can also mean that sacrifice pays off, humiliation falls by the wayside and a test is passed.

The bottom line for both of you is that you are doing something that makes you happy, that fulfills you. Your perseverance (and there's nothing more important for an aspiring author) and your hard work will be the key to your successes. Good luck to both of you.

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Twofer: Jen and Wondering

I'm trying to catch up since I fell somewhat behind, so today it's two tarot readings for two people.

First, for Jen, who asked, "I have that same question, when will I find love again. I've been divorced for five years now and am pretty tired of it. I have dated but so far no one I have met has given me the butterflies in the stomach, I want that again. Am I wasting my time and should I just settle for a good man? Even if he doesn't thrill me?"

Let's see what the cards say.

Past - Page of Swords - This seems like the description of someone. Since the question is about love, I'd assume it was someone in a past relationship. There are several conflicting meanings, but I get the sense that this someone was apparently intelligent, friendly and full of plans, but the plans were vague and the individual in question was both suspicious and stubborn.

Present - Cups X - Your present seems to be ripe with the promise of contentment, harmony, fellowship. The individual this card sees has the potential for a permanent relationship, someone who balances you and potentially completes you. There are no violins, no butterflies connected with this card, but, if this is your "good man," he appears to be a good man indeed, not just good, but good for you.

Future - Wands IV (Inverted) - Your question was fairly specific and the cards have been, too. In the reversed position, this card speaks of unfulfilled romance, lost tranquility, hasty decisions that lead to disappointment.

In the end, no one can tell you what you need or don't need, but the cards seem quite convinced that you have an opportunity for happiness right now. The possibility exists that, no matter how good your potential lover is, he will never be able to give you what you need. But there is another possibility that what you think you need won't make you happy like you'd like it to. Wands IV inverted could very well be potential with someone who seems exciting and romancing - only, in the final analysis, he doesn't work for you.

Aside from the reading, I want to tell you my viewpoint. I'm inherently against settling, in that you stay with someone because you don't want to be alone, but they can't give you what you need. Having said that, nice guys get a bad rap and you should be very sure your view on what you need isn't skewed before you give up on a relationship that has everything but fire. Fire is beautiful, exciting, but can be painful, destructive and short-lived. Sometimes, being warm is enough. Good luck!

Wondering asked: How about this: Will I get this job I interviewed for? And, if not, will I have other career options? Hope this isn't too much! :) Thanks.

In these uncertain times when so many are struggling, I always hope I can find happy answers. Let's see.

Past - Swords IX (reversed) - You've had hardship in the past, suffering, anxiety, worry, hopelessness, loss, perhaps illness. I get the sense from this card that it was not one thing, but several things that compounded to make the situation very challenging, where you felt you had nowhere to turn.

Present - Pentacles (Coins) VII (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card doesn't offer much hope on a specific option you were hoping for right now. It speaks of disappointment, dashed hopes, impatience and a fear of failure. But it isn't without hope as there's a potential for something you have to wait for. Let's check the last card...

Future - Pentacles (Coins) V - This is more hopeful. The card still speaks of adversity and challenges, but it also speaks of success through hard work, common sense, perhaps some physical labor. My sense is success will be slower in coming than you'd hoped and there are still tough times ahead, but there are options and, with intelligence, perseverance and hard work, you can find success.

I wish I could have found you an easy answer, but it looks like hard work's ahead and success may be a bit further away than you'd hoped. I'll tell you one thing, though, there is no sense of accomplishment like doing something challenging well. I wish you the best possible in finding a career that works for you and that brings you eventual success. Good luck!

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Things Are Spotty

I will get to everyone's question. Even if I fell completely out of love with blogging and stopped altogether, I'd answer all the questions I have. I'm not quitting, though. Just going slowly.

Bear with me.

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For Isa: What About Love?

Isa said: i've seen you are really good with the tarot cards. Could you pleas ask your tarot cards what should I know about the person I am destined to be with? I'm still single and looking for Mr. Right. Thank you.

Okie, dokie. Let's see what we see.

Past - King of Swords - I would see this card as a description of you. Decisive, truthful, ambitious, powerful. You're serious and patient, and I suspect the patience has resulted in some measure of success, but I get the sense it's more career oriented than romance.
Present - Wands V (reversed) - Here, it seems that your life has become somewhat complex. Career might have suffered some reverses or delays or presented some challenges. Indecision seems to weigh heavily on you and your strong personality that has driven you has left you feeling at loose ends. Or that's what I'm getting from this.

Future - Cups IV - There is a potential for an unexpected lover, but this is a card where there's a certain amount of angst. It's not impossible that this lover will be moody or broody, but there is a real possibility for finding a balance that was lacking, honesty and perhaps someone sociable who can help with those aspects you have that weren't as strong.

I don't know that it's saying love will elude you, but it will involve some challenges, particularly because who ever it is has a potential to balance your own characteristics and that can make thigs difficult even if ultimately satisfying.

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For Swapna: Can I follow my dream?

Swapna asked: Have you stopped using Entrecard? I cannot find the link..Could you give me a reading on my career? I am an aspiring artist and would love to follow my heart..would that work?

I should have done this yesterday, so I'm putting it up today and might try another one later tonight if I get the chance. So, into the reading:

Past - Cups VII (reversed) - this card, in the reversed position, speaks of disillusionment and, perhaps, deceit, as if you had pursued a dream, trusting in others to help you, and were betrayed or, at least, disappointed. It might be that doing what you'd wanted just turned out to be harder than you thought or that you had to do other things when what you'd wanted to do came to nothing.

Present - Swords X - things are challenging, either because you are struggling financially or because you are at an area of decision. You want to be practical and make intelligent decisions, but you're modestly hopeful in pursuing something that will give you fulfillment. I'd guess, from this card, your original dreams and plans have been scaled back to more realistic levels.

Future - Knight of Wands - This card argues that the path most likely will involve a change, a decision to pursue an adventure, which I would take to say you do go after your artistic dreams.

The card is not clear, however, on the outcome, so I'll pull another card.

King of Wands (reversed) - This card (in the reversed position) argues running into someone or an atmosphere that is very closed to change or artistic endeavors, an environment driven by uncompromising rules.
Page of Wands (reversed) - In the reversed position, this is not an encouraging card. It speads of bad news and intolerance.

So, here's what I read from the cards. You want to pursue an artistic endeavor, even though it has not always worked well in the past, but, according to the cards I'm pulling, that path is very challenging and it might be very difficult to open people's minds to what you are trying to convey. I'm not saying that it would be impossible (even if the cards said so - one shouldn't run one's life by the cards), just that they think you aren't facing a climate that bodes well.

Good luck!

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For Adja: Security and the Environment

Adja asked: What do you think about environmental scarities and security? Are they connected? Can environmental scarities imapct on the regional or global security? And how much?

I'm going to presume you meant "scarcities" (we all have typo issues from time to time) and answer accordingly.

Short answer: Yes, I do think they're related and have been since time immemorial.

Long answer: If you study history, the answer is inescapable. Of course, the resources aren't always the same. For instance, much of the fighting over the lands of China were over areas that were very fertile, because fertile farmlands were meant the difference between feast and famine. In fact, fighting over the rights to crops or to sell particularly crops have incited a number of wars, including the insistence to sell opium to the Chinese (Opium war) and take tea in return.

Resources can be gold and silver, can be wood or foods, can be tea or drugs, even liquors.

Wait, wait, you're thinking, those aren't natural resources or environmental scarcities. But they are definitely related. In an area where rain is scarce or only happens for short bursts all year, food and water are environmental treasures, while, in a rainforest, they might not be.

What we fight over changes from era to era, but we fight over them nonetheless. When food was the big commodity, the fertile crescent and the bounteous banks of the Nile were the treasures and many fought over those lands over centuries. Now that oil is the driver, the battlefields have changed location, but they still exist. It's a sad commentary on us as a species that we have so often used religion as an excuse to take what wasn't ours instead of honestly recognizing we were just thieves, whether it was the rich woodlands of the Native Americans or the gold-heavy Aztecs we destroyed under the rationale they were "heathens" to the Indian (as in India) farmlands and treasures we occupied for centuries. We've fought over access as the Soviet Union did to try to get a warmer water port since all of their rivers freeze over in winter. We've fought over access to rivers, especially in parts of the world where they are the only sources of fresh water.

Historically speaking, some of the poorest peoples in the world have been sitting on terrific resources (as, for instance, Africa has in abundance). As those with education and technology covet those resources, they often fight among themselves, leaving those natives caught in the crossfire or, more commonly today when global condemnation is a factor, they each arm a side of the native population and pretend they're disinterested parties. Too often, though, greed is a factor.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that the resources this world has are enough for all of us if we worked together, if we stopped worrying about controlling it and helped everyone use their resources for their own benefit. Oil, coal and natural gas won't last forever (and the environmental repercussions if we use them to exhaustion are frightful), but there are plenty of alternatives if we go after them. Just the food wasted in America could feed a few countries.

We (I mean humans) spend a lot of time and effort, a lot of bullets and blood, trying to make sure our little pocket of humanity won't run low on resources - but, by doing so, we use resources that everyone could use for their own betterment. I just hope, someday, we learn that we can do much more working together than we can fighting each other.

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For Julia: Romance

Julia asked: Hey Stephanie, i have a question for your tarot cards too, i'm sorry it's not very creative. But i'm single for quite some time and i'd like to know what have cards to say about my love life. Thanks!

Ah, l'amour. Let's see what we got here.

Past - Swords VII - Well, according to this card, you've tried. You persevered, you searched, but with little progress. There are elements of this card that can emcompass passivity, self-deceit and over-defensiveness, but there is also independence and introspection. I'd take from this card that you haven't always had a good sense of self, but that you've either developed one or are in the progress of doing so. You want to believe love is out there, but you haven't found it yet.

Present - XV The Devil (reversed) - this card in the reversed position can go several ways. My first instinct is that it could be escaping from an entanglement that wasn't healthy, wasn't working for you, didn't have the future you wanted. Or it could mean enlightenment, self-realization, a coming to understand what you do and do not have to put up with for love. And, yes, it can be both. From this card, I would deduce that the cards are of the opinion, if you're with someone right now, that someone isn't the one for you.

Future - Pentacles (Coins) VII - This is a card that generally speaks of fortunes and career, about hard work paying off and reaping the benefits of years of endeavor. It might still apply to love, but it would indicate that your self-realization, your work to understand yourself is part of the appeal to someone else, someone who will appreciate what you've made yourself, respect it, admire it. It argues a quiet love affair, without the fireworks and the madness, but with the comfort and the understanding, with regard and respect, the kind of things that make a relationship last. But you will have to be willing to assess yourself in order to find the right path. There are, apparently, decisions to come.

Given that last card seemed somewhat ambiguous, I'll pull another one.

Pentacles (Coins) IX (reversed) - This card doesn't feel like love. In the reversed position, it speaks of a swindler or thieves, a cheater or manipulator who might try to use your regard against you. If this is related to love (and pentacles frequently aren't), it might indicate an old love who wants to use your former relationship to his/her advantage.

Wands IV (reversed) - Ah, I feel like this is a card of warning, a path to be wary of. If you are insecure, if you worry and fret or make hasty decisions, romance will remain unfulfilled and you will lose your tranquility.

In the end, we must appreciate ourselves, our strengths, our limitation if we are to make a worthy partner for someone worth loving. Good luck!

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For Ayda: Will I make it to New Zealand?

Ayda asked: i have a question for your tarot cards. I'm planing to move, probably to New Zealand, in a few years. I just finished my study, still have some things to finish first. Is it going to happen?

Lots of travel tarot questions recently. Let's see what the cards have to say.

Past - Seven of Pentacles (Coins) - Nice card for building a base. This card speaks of selfless work, waiting for a dividend, eventual growth and eventual return on investment. If you've been pursuing education, this make excellent sense and argues your academic choices will eventually pay off.

Present - Ace of Pentacles (Coins) (Reversed) - In the reversed position, this card speaks of financial setbacks and penury, but also of working to repay those debts. Could reflect working hard to repay current debts to prepare for the future.

Future - Ace of Swords - This is one of the cards that overwhelmingly has positive characteristics (like triumph, decisive moves paying off and unbelievable luck) but has the potential for the opposite as well (bad news or a failure of something to materialize). I feel like the former is more appropriate, especially considering the auspicious card for your past, however, I'm going to pull one more card to make sure.

XIX The Sun - Yay, looks like I was right! Achievement, success, triumph, wealth and glory.

So, if going overseas is what you're hoping for, the cards appear to be on your side. Good luck!

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For AJ: What About My Friendship

AJ asked: What does the cards have to say about our friendship, will it grow into relationship in time?

Sorry, I've been out with the flu, so I'm behind. Bear with me. I am working on my Tarot Queen novel, so there's at least that. OK, AJ, I'm assuming it's a friendship with someone else, but here goes.

Past - Cups II (reversed) - In the reversed position, this card speaks of disappointment, short-lived relationships and foolishness. I don't know if this refers to your current relationship or an indication of many in the past.

Present - Queen of Pentacles (Coins) (Reversed) - not an auspicious card for present relationships. This card, in the reversed position, involves being critical, nagging, vindictive, capricious, extravagant and difficult to deal with.

Future - Wands III (reversed) - cold, self-centered and and stubborn.

All the cards were in the reversed position and I'll tell you honestly that I'm a little concerned that my recent flu might have affected this reading. If the present and past seem applicable, I'd say the cards don't look favorable for a healthy future relationship. If, however, the past and present seem completely skewed from your understanding, I urge you to assume it was skewed. Let me know, and I'll try again when I'm more recovered.

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For Avan: Will we move?

Avan asked: We want to move away from the current place we are in and ASAP... any chance of that happening?

I presume you're looking for a tarot reading.

Past - Pentacles (Coins) VIII (reversed) - financial and work pressure, pitilessness. From this, I'd get the impression that you have been working in an environment that is focused primarily on profit, first, foremost, always, with pressure to perhaps cut corners, work long hours or compromise integrity in order to get that profit.

Present - Queen of Pentacles (Coins) - This card speaks of a different environment (or mindset), one that is focused on kindness and practicality, economical and ambitious in useful ways. There's a hint of environmental awareness and nurturing. If this is where you feel today, than the environment of the past was stifling and painful.

Future - Swords III - separation, absence, disappointment and getting hurt. Hmm. It's not clear but this card could indicate that rather than both of you moving, one of you will leave out of necessity - something that will put a strain on the situation. However, that's not necessarily the only explanation.

I'll pull a couple of cards for clarification.

Pentacles (Coins) I - this card speaks of material wealth, new job opportunities, perhaps a financial venture, and prosperity.

Knight of Wands - Ah, well someone appears to be traveling, if this card is accurate. Change of address, adventure, hasty decision and needing aggression in pursuit of goals.

From these cards, it would seem that there is travel/change of address ahead, but it might be more rushed than you like and not as smooth as it might be, perhaps including a separation. However, there is a potential for real financial gain.

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For Flit: Foucault

Flit asked: How do you feel about Foucault?

Who?

Did you mean the physicist, Léon Foucault? He clearly loved to play with light and magnets, but I don't have a strong opinion.

Or did you mean Michel Foucault, the historian/philosopher? If it's the latter, I don't have an opinion except I've never been much into reading philosphers, even though I don't hesitate to do so myself. Usually, I start reading that kind of thing and my eyes just roll into my head.

Given I had to look them both up, I doubt any thoughts I'd have on either would be worth much.

Sorry.

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For Jeff King: Rocket Fuel

Jeff King asked: What alternative rocket fuel do we have to look forward to, to help our stagnate space program to take the next big leap?

I don't know that new fuels are the key. With all our technologies, hydrogen/oxygen are still the most efficient of rocket fuels, but cryogenic support systems are expensive, complex and prone to failure. H/O and hypergolics (like hydrazine) dominate here in the US. Russia has an amazing launch record using almost exclusively kerosene-based rocket fuels (which have the advantages of liquid based throttle-ability without the problems of cryogenics). Hydrogen peroxide has also been touted as potential fuel.

But most if not all of the fuels we're talking about are effectively the same ones from 40 years ago. When it comes to lifting off the planet, we're still using traditional methods. However, once you're in orbit (or a transition orbit), there are alternate methods of propulsion, like for interplanetary travel, that move beyond the traditional fuels.

Among the possible methods of propulsion that have potential, however, there are several nuclear possibilities, including using radioisotope rocket, electric propulsion, and solar sails.

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For Shakespeare: Emergency Lice Advice

Shakespeare asked: I have a question. What should one do about a lice infestation? Should one use Rid? Olive Oil? Should I just shave everyone's head? Does blow-drying work? I'm a bit panicky here, but I wanted to know what you know or could find out about this.

Sometimes we have to take questions out of order because of the urgency. Lice manifestations qualify. It's enough to freak out any parent. I've been very lucky. I've never had an infestation personally (though I know that sympathetic head itching thing) and, with three children, I've only one infestation with my children, back when my eldest was in day care.

The problem with telling you what I did is that it's confusing. My ex went straight to the lice shampoo and seriously went into panic mode. Those that know him and his rampant hypochondria likely have no problem imagining his freaking. Rather than do double-duty on the cancer causing, often marginally effective lice shampoo, I opted for the lice comb. The first night, I pulled off considerable nits, the second day, only one or two. After the second day, I never saw another sign of lice on Stephanie's head. Her bedding was thoroughly washed in bleach as was her clothing. My ex did the second round of lice shampoo.

To date, there's been no sign of cancer or recurrence. Now, there's several schools of thought, including the one that chemical stuff doesn't work, is dangerous and you should only go with the comb. However, there's at least some evidence that the comb often doesn't cut it. However, the comb doesn't hurt and, here's the thing, if you use any suggested method, combing is a good way to help ensure it's all gone. It should not take hours. The recommended length of time is 10 or so minutes (per head) and I doubt you'd need more than 20. I had a dish of soapy water to rinse the comb in and my daughter had and has very thck hair. Wikipedia lists some steps here.

Several suggested treatments as well as some that are not recommended (like cutting off all your children's hair, gasoline, kerosene, oil, vinegar, hair dyes or bleaches, garlic and Vitamin B) are listed on Wikipedia.

The bad news is that diligence is required to really eradicate lice, even under the best of circumstances. The good news is that it's not an insoluble problem.

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For Grace: Can I Go?

Grace said: i have a question for the Tarot cards - We have plans to hopefully, move next year, is it gonna happen. I so have to get outta this place. Thanks

So, let's find out what the cards have to say.

Past - III The Empress - This card argues stability, domesticity, motherhood, marriage. A home built and lived in, generally happily.

Present - King of Cups - This card is the only one in the spread that talks about travel, (specifically) travel across water, so moving may be part of your "present" but it could be just visiting. Additionally, this card speaks of a careful lover, but a passive stance as if you are just waiting for events to unfold instead of pursuing them yourself.

Future - I The Magician (reversed) - the Magician in the reversed position has nothing to do with travel, per se, but it does hint at being duped, chicanery, being misled. What I would say is that someone very persuasive might come into your life who has a story that sounds good. Be skeptical (which is often good advice anyways).

Not a definitive answer here, so I'll look for clarification.

Cups VII - This card speaks of needing to make the right chances, of being pulled by unrealistic fantasies and wishful thinking down the wrong path. However, it also speaks of a change in residence and a relationship that can help financially. Basically, this card would argue that a move is coming but that it might not be as wonderful as it might seem on the surface. Be wary.

VI The Lovers - But there's a real potential for lasting and true love involved as well, an ultimate fulfillment still available despite whatever hardships and challenges come your way.

Here's hoping.

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For Jeff King: Boiling Over

Jeff King asked: What makes water Boil? I know heat does, but what takes place to make the water react so violently on the surface?

This one's rather easy. Each material has three states: solid, liquid and gaseous. Generally, temperature is the key factor in which state a substance is at any one time: get it cold enough and anything will turn solid, get it warm enough and it will turn gaseous. Since the freeze point and boiling point vary from substance to substance, some are gaseous at "room temperature" (like oxygen), some are solid (like iron) and some are liquid (like water).

When you put heat into a substance, assuming you keep putting heat in indefinitely, it will eventually change state, but it take additional energy to do so. For instance, if you take an ingot of iron and heat it, it will increase in temperature proportional to its thermal properties and the heat put into the system. However, at melting point, it will go through a space where the temperature will not increase though heat continues to enter. This is is called "latent heat" and it's the heat required to change phases. Melting will occur only after this heat has been absorbed at which point the iron will melt and, again, increase temperature.

The same thing happens when one boils water. First the water must be brought to boiling temperature (100 deg C/212 deg F at sea level) and then more heat put into the system before the water changes state from liquid to gas. It is the transition from liquid to gas that causes the violence. Bubbles of gas are formed throughout the water (though likeliest at the bottom where the heat is generally coming in) and, as they are less dense than the liquid, the float to the top and are released at the surface. That surface violence is the result. Boiling water is, in theory, always exactly boiling temperature because all the heat put into it is used for phase change until you run out of water.

Contaminants can change boiling/freezing point (as salt does for water) as can air pressure. In vacuum, water will boil without additional heat. At low pressures, also, the liquid state can be bypassed entirely, a process called sublimation, where the gas is pulled off directly from the solid state.

Hope that answers your question.

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For Jeff King: Pole reversal.

Jeff King asked: I heard a story or a theory. The magnetic polls are about to reverse and when it does the world will shift rapidly creating havoc around the world. Massive tilde waves and earth quacks around the world. Now I thought north would be south and vice versa, and that it. So instead of researching this I thought I would ask you. What will happen once our polls reverse?

Ironically, one of my undergraduate studies had to do with coming up with a way to mark the current magnetic field on stone gathered in the field to help date it since magnetic particles in molten rock will line up with the magnetic field. In history, the poles have reversed several times in the past. In between reversals, they change places and change in intensity. Right now, the "north pole", magnetically, is in Canada (and is really the "south pole"). It's currently moving toward Siberia at close to 40 km/year (2003) and accelerating.

"About to reverse" appears to be misleading. According to Wikipedia, the decrease in magnetic field that usually precedes a reversal appears to be in work (and accelerating) but the reversal is not expected for another 1000-2000 years. Still, it looks to be interesting in the mean time. Our magnetic field is credited with much of the radiation protection for the earth (a real issue whenever we venture forth onto other celestial bodies). There is speculation that, as the field deteriorates, it will allow more radiation to get through, but life as we know it has survived many other instances of pole reversal. After reversal, the field strength general recovers quickly (in geological terms). There's no reason, I think, to assume that it means our end.

As for earthquakes and tsunamis, that I haven't heard. What's the basis for that assertion?

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For Aileen:What About My Marriage

Aileen said: I'm in a marriage that isn't happy. Am torn between being selfish and unselfish. To be selfish would mean my happiness. What does the cards have to say about the outlook of my marriage?

I'm going to draw cards for you, but I wanted to warn you I wasn't objective when answering this. My first marriage was born out of, largely, pity/guilt with the argument that I didn't have the right to make him unhappy since he "loved me so much." Twelve years, I lived with him, feeling guilty if I felt like leaving no matter how unhappy I was. Not only was that a miserable time of my life, I did him NO GOOD. There are few things less destructive than needing someone who doesn't need you. His life became an exercise in making me feel bad in the hopes it would make him feel better. Unwittingly, by doing what he wanted, I helped him because much less of a man than he could otherwise have been. Both of us were much more damaged than if I had never tried so long or so hard. Just had to say it.
Past - King of Cups (reversed) - someone has an identity problem. Someone is self-absorbed, self-serving, self-indulgent. The balance is skewed for the service of one over all else.

Present - VIII Justice (reversed) - imbalance, injustice, unfairness. This card is slanted to a situation where one side is severely at a disadvantage, where the balance is skewed. It is a time of decision.

Future - Queen of Cups - Queen of Cups is a very female card, more so than many of the other female related ones. It's a compassionate card, a sympathetic card, a loving card, in many ways a card of devotion. It could be a card that says you stay in your marriage, devoted to your husband. It could be a card that speaks of finding a devotion to yourself and to him that does what's right for you both, even if it's not staying in your marriage.

I'll pull a couple of cards for clarification.

Pentacles (Coins) VI - There are a lot of meanings for this card, some fairly vague but one leapt out at me: justice. It's a time of decision and power, of nobility, of doing the right thing.

Queen of Pentacles (Coins) - Again, a feminine card, but this one is more about women's empowerment, finding your own way, coming into your own power.

I can't give you a definitive answer on the future of your marriage, but, if it continues, I'm hoping that this means you have found your own balance in it and are there because it's where you want to be.

Good luck!

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For SWAD: Going Abroad

SWAD asked: My husband has some job offers, some from our country, a couple abroad... earlier things did not work out when we went abroad... would luck be with us this time? What do your Tarot cards say?

Before I start this reading, I think I'm overdue for my disclaimer. I've been asked many tarot questions by several new readers and I don't want to be misleading. I read tarot as a hobby, not a profession, but even if I was the latter, I'd recommend anyone take a reading with a healthy dose of skepticism, especially since it's all remote. I'm not saying tarot's hooey, but then I can't say it's not either. At best, the tarot reading should help clarify what you would like to do or give you confidence in a path you already want to take. If you feel it's pushing you into something you're not comfortable with, don't do it. Never discard your judgment for anything the cards might tell you.

When I wrote short stories on tarot (the reason I learned to read them), one of the points I made was that even hearing what they said (and noting it was always true) didn't always mean you knew what they really meant. So, I'm saying, use your best judgment. Seriously.

Alright, to the reading.

Past - XII The Hanged Man (Reversed) - I'm sensing a need for sacrifice that seemed more than reasonable.

Present -Wands V (Reversed) - This is a card that speaks of complexities, contradictions and indecision. Apparently you are faced with a difficult choice that concerns you. Which is why you're asking the question.

Future - Wands III (Reversed) - Interesting card. Another one that goes more than one way. On the one hand, there's the potential for a lessening of trouble, help with plans and wariness of that help. But there's also a potential for a delay in traveling, delay in attaining career goals, with the career suffering. From this card, I get a sense that it's either/or, as if your reticence to travel could adversely affect your career (or rather your husband's in this case).

I'm going to pull a couple cards for clarity.

Coins (Pentacles) VIII - Intelligence, cunning, craftsmanship, diligence, and respect. Clearly, this is indicative of what a job will require and hints at what can be gained by doing the job well.

Coins (Pentacles) IV - There's a real chance here, according to this card, with financial gain, career advancement, success.

I guess I'd have to say not to let your fears make this decision but to take the job with the best future prospect, and that will work out for the best if you do a good job. At least, according to the cards.

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