Card 10 represents the outcome. If no action is taken to change the situation, then this card indicates what to expect as the likely result. However, we must always remember that we have free will. If we don't like the direction in which things are headed, then we can and must change our path!

Loving Heart Spread This is a wonderful spread for relationships of any kind. While it does lend itself to romantic relationships, it can just as easily be used for getting clarity on a client's situation with a parent, sibling, friend, or boss.

The first matter of business is to establish who in the relationship is person A, and who is person B. It's very important to have that firmly in mind before beginning. If the purpose of this reading is to look at any future relationships of a single person, then person A should be the client, and person B should be the incoming partner.

Card 1 provides an immediate overview of what's going on between the parties. A positive card tells us that the relationship is doing well, while a challenging card would tell us where things are going wrong. It may also tell us why.

Card 2 tells us the ways in which the relationship is strong.

Card 3 gives us insight into how the relationship is currently being challenged.

Card 4 is person A's hopes for the relationship.

Card 5 enlightens us to person A's true feelings regarding person B.

Card 6 shows us the way in which person A is adversely affecting the relationship.

Card 7 gives suggestions as to how person A could be of help to person B.

Card 8 indicates person B's hopes for the relationship.

Card 9 reveals person B's true feelings for person A.

Card 10 tells us how person B is adversely affecting the relationship.

Card 11 offers insight into how person B could help person A.

Card 12 tells us the most likely scenario regarding the future of the relationship if no changes are made.

Once you've read the cards all the way around the heart, it can be fascinating to then go back and look vertically across the heart. Compare Card 4 (person A's hopes for the relationship) to Card 8 (person B's hopes). Likewise, you can compare Cards 5 and 9, 6 and 10, and 7 and 11. This provides excellent insight into how each person is operating in the relationship and where there are imbalances.

Career: X Marks the Spot!

Career is definitely one of the most asked-about topics in a reading. It can be challenging for clients to determine if they should make changes to better their current situation, move on to a different job, or even try a totally new career.

Since finding the answer can be like searching for buried treasure, this spread is called "X Marks the Spot," and it's meant to help clients in their search for meaning and joy in their jobs. The cards are laid out in the form of an "X." The left side of the spread leans toward the energy of the current job or career; making a change is represented on the right side.

Card 1 gives us insight into how happy or unhappy clients are in their current position. Is there joy in what they do? Or have things become humdrum or even miserable?

Card 2 tells us how clients' current careers or jobs differ from what they'd hoped for. Had they antic.i.p.ated something more exciting? More creative?

Card 3 offers advice on how clients might improve their current work situations. Perhaps there are people where they work who could help them move up the ladder. Or would getting more training or education be helpful?

Card 4 speaks of the advantages to clients remaining in their current positions. This card could indicate that there's a new and exciting opportunity about to open up where they currently work. Or they might be about to make an important new connection that could lead to a better job later on.

Card 5 lets us know if this is a good time for clients to pursue a different job or to make a career transition. It can also indicate that this is a poor time to make a change.

Card 6 reveals whether clients' ideas for making the change reflected by Card 5 would be in their best interests. Will the career they have in mind make them happy? Do they have a balanced and logical plan?

Card 7 tells us if clients would do well by becoming self-employed. Perhaps they'd benefit more by working with an established company.

Card 8 gives us insight into what type of work clients would most enjoy. Look for indicators of creative endeavors, healing practices, or more scientific professions that might bring them the most happiness.

Card 9 tells us the single most important action clients should take at this moment regarding their careers. It may indicate going back to school, updating their resumes, or even having a heart-to-heart chat with a current supervisor.

Healthy Steps Spread Another popular topic for people getting readings relates to health. This spread is called the "Healthy Steps" spread because its shape brought to mind the traditional food pyramid. So when the cards were laid out, they just naturally created a set of stairs on either side that we saw as the steps to healthier clients.

Card 1 in this spread reflects the current condition of the person inquiring about health concerns. There are certain cards in tarot that speak to a particular health issue. For example, the Three of Air often indicates a heart condition, and the Ten of Fire may suggest chronic back pain. However, it's not uncommon to draw a card that doesn't signify anything specific. As we progress through the reading, clients' concerns will reveal themselves. If there's a person in the imagery on the card you've chosen for your client, note where on the body your eyes are drawn. Trust your intuition!

Card 2 shows the physical elements that are impacting a person's health. Examples of these include the Eight of Air, indicating great stress, while the Nine of Air shows sleep deprivation. The Chariot might indicate that physical ailments were caused by an automobile accident, while the Ego card may indicate substance-abuse problems.

Card 3 gives us insight into any emotional concerns that are impacting a client's health. For example, the Queen of Water would tell you that your client is giving entirely too much to others without leaving any time or energy for him- or herself. The Six of Water immediately suggests childhood issues or unresolved baggage from the past.

Card 4 reflects who could be of a.s.sistance in the client's search for better health. Court cards tend to fall into this position, but not always. Physical characteristics of a person who can help are sometimes garnered from a Major Arcana or pip card in the same way they can be from a court card.

Cards 5 tells us what the next step is to better health. The Five of Fire indicates that someone needs to get some exercise, while the Four of Air would suggest that a vacation may be long overdue. The King of Air indicates the need to consult a specialist.

Card 6 indicates the prospects for improvement over the short term.

Card 7 provides a more long-term prognosis.

Plan B Spread For those situations when it just doesn't seem like things are going the way we were hoping they would, here's a spread to lend insight into changes that could help get things going again.

Card 1 in this spread reflects what it is you're trying to accomplish. Think of it as validation that tarot understands the question.

Card 2 is laid out to cross Card 1. It represents the experience you're having in your attempts to accomplish your goal. Even a card that often has a positive feel can give you insight into what's getting in your way. For example, the Three of Water card often means celebration, but in position 2 of this spread, it might indicate that your friends are distracting you from getting your work done.

Card 3 talks about what we like to call "earthly challenges." Situations that fall into that category include not having enough money or feeling a lack of support from loved ones or business partners.

Card 4 represents unconscious hurdles. Consider: Are you self-sabotaging? Do you lack the pa.s.sion and drive to succeed in this endeavor? If you're completely honest with yourself, is this even the goal you're setting for yourself?

Cards 5, 6, and 7 offer information on changes that would benefit your plan. You might find cards in this series that provide advice, such as not trying to do everything yourself, networking with others, or meditating daily in order to get the insights you lack.

Card 8 shows you the kinds of results you can expect by implementing your "Plan B."

The Dreamer

The Dreamer is the first card of the Major Arcana, and the beginning of what we call The Dreamer's Journey. When this card appears, we're encouraged to take a leap of faith. Unexpected opportunities may present themselves, and there are endless possibilities for creating something wonderful. We may find a new project that we have a great pa.s.sion for, or our own development and growth may be our "project." Problems will most easily be resolved via creative solutions. This is a card of promise and hope!

The Dreamer's Journey This is where our magical journey begins. A choice is made to create something new or to pursue an entirely new phase of life. The story of The Dreamer begins when we choose our path with great optimism and hope. You see, we must realize that on this journey, whoever is getting the reading is The Dreamer! We may not be entirely sure why we're here on Earth or what we're going to accomplish, but we'll receive clarity as we go forward on our quest, visiting all the magical people of the Major Arcana along our way. So get ready to meet some amazing individuals!

This card also has a streak of independence around it and can indicate those who are leaving jobs they no longer enjoy or teenagers departing home to go off on their own.

Symbolism While The Dreamer card draws its symbolism from the metaphor of the incarnation of a soul, it usually represents the beginning of any situation or phase in our lives.

A beautiful and confident young person is stepping through a portal into this world. The youth represented here reflects the newness of the situation, though not necessarily the age of the person who drew the card. The portal speaks of a doorway that leads from where our lives have taken us so far, to where we're currently building up the faith to go.

A dog accompanies The Dreamer on the journey to remind us that the world is full of animal souls, here to help us balance our experience and our understanding of our purpose. A dog was chosen because its emotional connection with, and loyalty to, humankind is legendary.

A b.u.t.terfly zips through the portal with The Dreamer. b.u.t.terflies are a famous symbol of transformation due to their ability to evolve from caterpillars into beautiful winged creatures.

Cranes are symbols of reincarnation in many cultures, and there's evidence of them having been on Earth for more than 60 million years. Their wide wingspans are believed to be able to carry them to Heaven, and therefore to spiritual enlightenment.

Pegasus is a winged horse who in mythology was said to be able to carry his rider from one plane to the next-just as our Dreamer is moving into a new phase of life.

Unicorns are beautiful, magical creatures of extreme purity of spirit whose energy can be a guide for how to be happy in our lives.

The city below The Dreamer is a construct of human development. It represents life on Earth as well as endless opportunities. The Dreamer is contemplating what might be created there.

Angel Number In tarot, The Dreamer is number 0. This is a very mystical number that represents G.o.d and eternity. It's a blank slate from which anything can be created-a cycle that begins, ends, and then begins again. It's perfect for a Dreamer who can reinvent him- or herself simply by having the faith to do so. Because The Dreamer card is considered both the beginning and the end of the Major Arcana, some also consider the card to be number 22.

Archangel Archangel Metatron is known for watching over young people, as well as those who are seeking growth in their spirituality. When The Dreamer card represents a new project or endeavor, Metatron can also help with this "young" situation. Metatron presents himself in the colors violet and green.

Astrology This card is a.s.sociated with the planet Ura.n.u.s, the symbol of which is on The Dreamer's jacket. It's a planet of creativity, independence, and innovation; it encourages us to be our own unique selves. It's a.s.sociated with the energy of setting us free from old ideas or situations that no longer serve us.

The Magician

When this card is drawn, we can be a.s.sured that we really do have what we need to move forward. We have the gifts and talents in this moment to be all that we want to be. The perception that we're lacking some key element or additional knowledge in order to be successful simply isn't true. What we need either is here right now or will magically appear soon.

The Magician doesn't guarantee that we're completely aware of what we want to accomplish, only that we could do just about anything we choose. Spiritually or subconsciously, we may be looking for someone impartial to help us understand our purpose. If we're already clear about our path, then this card demands "no more procrastination." Magical things will happen, but we must take the first steps!

The Dreamer's Journey Next on the journey of The Dreamer, we encounter an incredible Magician! With his wise counsel, we come to realize that we have the ability to use the elements of this world to create the life we want. He teaches us that we're far more capable than we realize, and that we're born with the ability to accomplish great deeds. It doesn't matter whether we have everything planned out or not. The main point is that we believe in ourselves and our G.o.d-given right to make the most of whatever we choose to do with our lives.

Symbolism The Magician wears the icons of the four elements on his belt: Fire, Air, Water, and Earth. These are the names of the suits in the Minor Arcana as well as the basic building blocks of the material aspects of living on Earth.

The Magician represents the concept of "as above, so below," and indeed, brings down the energy of Heaven to Earth. He has the ability to manifest his dreams through his positive thoughts.

Above The Magician's head floats the infinity sign, which is the number 8 lying on its side-another piece of evidence that our ability to manifest is eternal and unending.

In ancient tarot cards, The Magician is beneath an arbor of roses to symbolize that the information he has is secret. However, in the Angel Tarot Cards, we've chosen to reflect that the secrets behind this ancient mystical art are no longer hidden by showing The Magician as having risen above the archway where the roses grow.

At his feet there's a field of lilies that represents the purity of his motivations. The Magician wants to create something wonderful and worthy of "Heaven on Earth."

Angel Number In tarot, this card is number 1-a very powerful and creative number from which all beginnings spring forth. The energy of this number allows us to take action and achieve our independence, but we must be conscious of our thoughts in order to manifest the lives we want rather than those based on our fears.

Archangel Archangel Raziel is an amazing wizard who sits at the throne of G.o.d and keeps a magical book of universal wisdom. Raziel's name means "the secrets of G.o.d," and he shows up in rainbow colors, as is represented by his halo and the magical energy he uses to fulfill his life purpose. He has the ability to take knowledge and transform it into reality. While his name implies secrets, he's very happy to share all he knows to help us have magical lives. He is the perfect magician for this card.

Astrology This card is a.s.sociated with the planet Mercury-which is all about communication and intellect. The Magician teaches us that anything we can think up, we can create! This is the basic Law of Attraction. By visualizing our dreams and then taking action, we can have the life we want to live. This is perfect for The Magician, who can get anything done!

The High Priestess

The High Priestess is a card of meditation and inner reflection. It invites us to be quiet by going within in order to get a clear understanding of ourselves and our desires. The clarity we gain a.s.sures us that once we do move into motion, we're headed in the right direction. Consider The High Priestess card as a permission slip to take some time to reflect upon what the angels have to say.

It's not necessary to take action with this card. In fact, it's best if we take our time. We're asked to follow our intuition and be patient with ourselves and others. The answers we seek will come at the perfect moment. Meanwhile, sometimes our answers come faster through keeping our ponderings to ourselves. This card may be telling our clients that some secrets are best left unshared.

The Dreamer's Journey We can choose to take a leap of faith and know our own power, but without a clear understanding of what we want to create, we're just spinning our wheels. So next we meet The High Priestess. She is beautiful, wise, and a bit mysterious. She has explored her inner world in great detail and is highly skilled at understanding the spiritual voices of the angels. Under her guidance, we study meditation and learn to go within to find the answers to any questions that beckon us. We discover something about who we are, and the Divine life purpose we were born to live.

When The High Priestess feels that we're ready, she will send us on our way. We can't stay in meditation and contemplation forever if we are to create the lives we wish to live.

Symbolism The High Priestess stands in front of two pillars, one lighter in color, the other much darker. They represent concepts such as positive and negative, male and female, conscious and subconscious. All options are possible between these extremes. What will we choose?

It's difficult to see what's behind The High Priestess, as her beautiful headdress blocks our view. This symbolizes that there are wonderful mysteries to be discovered through meditation and spiritual seeking.

The High Priestess wears a cross of equal proportions. It is perfectly balanced in height and length in order to convey the importance of not taking our beliefs to one extreme or another. Balance is a part of the path to peace.

Above her head shines the full Moon. All the emotional mysteries of what we might create are represented by the Moon. Its light shines as a reflection of the light that is within us.

The High Priestess holds open a book containing all the mystical knowledge of the Universe. Unlike in ancient tarot where this is a rolled-up scroll of hidden information, we've chosen to present The High Priestess as freely offering up all of her secrets.

Her dress is turning to water before our eyes. Water is a traditional symbol of emotions, as well as the stream of consciousness that meditation and inner searching can provide us.

Angel Number The High Priestess is Card 2. This number asks us to think positively. All will turn out well as long as we don't worry or show a lack of faith. And much like the two pillars behind The High Priestess, this number speaks of the duality of energies such as light and dark, male and female. It's also a number that seeks out peace and spirituality.

Archangel Archangel Haniel is known for psychic gifts, intuition, and feminine energy. Her name means "the grace of G.o.d," and she is the perfect guide in our quest for inner knowledge. She's known for her a.s.sociation with the Moon, and is likewise tied to feminine issues. Her halo is pale blue.

Astrology Astrologically, this card is related to the Moon, which is considered to be the ruler of our emotions as well as our personal needs. It gives us insight into how we feel about things and the types of people or topics we feel drawn to. Our personalities are determined by the Moon because it has such a powerful effect on our emotions, how we feel about ourselves, and our inner beliefs.

The Empress