Readings
Three Cards
The three card tarot spread is one of the oldest methods. You can get to the heart of your question with a simple three-card Tarot reading. In this spread, there are three different positions which can be changed by to your preference, Past – Present – Future (or Situation – Action – Outcome, Situation – Obstacle – Advice and etc.).
The meaning of the card you choose varies according to it’s position.
This opening provides a GENERAL perspective to the period you are in. Or you can evaluate the comments in the frame of your question.
Five of Swords
Upright
Conflict, disagreements, competition, defeat, winning at all costs
The Five of Swords card shows up when you have had an argument or conflict, and you are stepping away with sadness and feeling lost. You may be upset over the fiery words you said and you wish they could be taken back.
Even if you won the debate or came out the obvious winner, you understand that you have suffered as much as your opponent. This battle has cost you confidence, respect or honor, and detached you. As you try to pick up the parts and leave the struggle behind you, you find it‘s more complicated than you thought; others have lost trust in you.
The advice of the Five of Swords is to pick your actions. You may be motivated to fight every battle to guarantee you get your way, to prove that you are correct, or to protect yourself when you are feeling threatened. Picking your battles carefully is much better than fighting in every disagreement. Not only will it lead to a more quiet life, but your relationships are likely to come out more powerful.
If you have been involved in a conflict and can see it taking its price, the Five of Swords is a call for an apology. Be ready to say you were mistaken and make amends. There’s no reason to justify your actions; just let go and move on. Look for a common spot with those you have been supporting with, or ask forgiveness so you can put this behind.
The Five of Swords may also show the breakdown. Despite your best attempts, you are likely to come out as the loser. Accept your defeat, and learn from it. Be smarter and wiser next time.
Reversed
Reconciliation, making amends, past resentment
The Five of Swords speaks for those times when you’ve fought to the end, only to recognize that you’ll fail no matter what. You’ve been pushing, but your opponent is not listening. And when you’re in this opposite position, you end up feeling terrible – win or no win.
You want this period of struggle to be finished so you can forgive and release, and then direct your energies on more productive activities. You know that there can only be losers in this fight.
Sometimes, the reversed Five of Swords can represent conflict in your life that you have tried to be away from. Furthermore, the reversed Five of Swords can imply that an old wound has been re-opened and you are experiencing the anxiety connected with that memory. You may be especially worried that the past might repeat itself and you could be hurt again.
The reversed Five of Swords hints that after a phase of the battle, you are ready to move forward and create positive transformation. Bring your energy back inside. It may mean an agreement, or it might be time to move on. This is your chance to ask for forgiveness so you can build a more fruitful ground for new ideas.
The Chariot
Upright
Control, willpower, success, action, determination
The Chariot is a card of willpower, courage, and strength. You have learned how to make decisions according to your values with the Lovers card, and now you are taking action on those decisions. When the Chariot arrives in a Tarot reading, take it as a sign of motivation. You have set your goals and are now directing your inner power with a deep commitment to bringing them to fulfillment. When you apply discipline to achieve your goals, you will be successful.
You may be pulled in conflicting directions for your conviction to be tested. Chariot is an invitation to move upon your willpower and home in on what’s necessary to you, so you can push past the barriers in your way.
The Chariot calls you to be courageous. Be clear in expressing your desires and defining your boundaries.
In a very exact understanding, the Chariot can describe travel. You may even be considering taking a road trip to roam the country!
Reversed
Self-discipline, opposition, lack of direction
Unlike the upright Chariot which is a green light to move ahead, the Reversed Chariot advises you to ‘back up the truck’. You might be trying to push a project forward too hard when really, you must back off or change direction. Or you might have lost your urge and no longer feel as committed to the result as you did when you started. So, if something is not moving forward as you planned, re-evaluate the situation and check-in to see whether it’s a hint that you need to change direction.
At times, the reversed Chariot is a warning that you are letting challenges get in the way, preventing you from accomplishing what you set out to do. It’s all getting too hard, and you don’t have the will to go on. If that resonates think about the things that mean most to you and why you want to complete this goal. Will you allow other people’s judgments to affect you or give up as soon as the going gets hard? Or will you follow through on your dedication?
If you like to have control over your fate and know where you are heading, this is the time to tighten the controls and become more disciplined in what you are doing. While feeling a loss of power can be quite demotivating, the key is to know what you can control and what you cannot. Focus your energies on what is in your control. Examine what you can do to enhance the situation.
Similarly, the Chariot reversed advises that you may be trying to control every small detail in your life. Loosen your fist and let things run their way. You do not always have to sit in the driver’s seat!
King of Wands
Upright
Natural-born leader, vision, entrepreneur, honour
The King of Wands signifies pure fire energy in its powerful form. Unlike the other Wands suit cards, the King is not so involved in creativity. Instead, he is more likely to take an idea and engage others to help him accomplish it. When the King of Wands appears in a Tarot reading, it is a clue you are stepping into the role of an idealistic leader, ready to lead your people towards a common purpose. You have a clear insight into where you want to go, and now you are manifesting that idea with the assistance of people around you. Others naturally drift towards you because you are charismatic, concentrated, and strong-minded, and they trust you.
The King of Wands suggests you direct your life with a long-term outlook. You have an idea of what is truly reasonable. Unlike the Knight who can be a little spontaneous with his actions, you have the capability to see your idea through right to the beyond. You gain a lot because you are clear about your path and do not spend your time on actions you think will take you nowhere. You never just go with the wind; instead, you prefer to begin on a straight path of progress.
Reversed
Impulsiveness, haste, ruthless, high expectations
The reversed King of Wands implies that while you are in leadership, you are not willing to be in that role. You may be the creative person in your business, but you are not comfortable with leading others towards your idea. You may need to work on your leadership abilities or get the help of someone who has an original gift at directing others towards a common purpose.
Sometimes, the reversed King of Wands can be offensive and even domineering in the pursuit of his aims. Be careful that as you attempt towards your dream, you are not dis-empowering other people or taking their participation for granted. You need their assistance one hundred percent of the plan. Be part of a team and carry on what is required of you, even as the legal leader of the organization.
The reversed King of Wands urges you against placing unrealistic expectations for yourself and others. While you are highly energetic, you may be setting purposes that are out of reach and then pushing hard to reach those impossible goals.