My Birthday Reading Spread...

Birthday Reading - Celtic Cross

1st - Self - The Hierophant

There is a part of you that harbors a deep understanding of how things work.

The card in the Self position reveals aspects of how you perceive yourself right now.

The Hierophant card implies someone who has exceptional knowledge. Every community includes one or two people who have achieved a measure of Wisdom. This card points to you as someone with inner knowledge above and beyond schooling, who may even be able to contact the spirit world on behalf of others.

In ancient times shamans were healers and astrologers, as well as specialists in the alchemy of metallurgy and medicine. Nowadays the Hierophant represents those who have specialized knowledge in any chosen field. She or he speaks wisely from true and direct experience, and serves in a leadership role.

2nd - Situation - The Devil

Heighten your awareness of the wrestling match between darkness and light. Focus on the relatedness of things rather than the differences.

The card that lands in the Situation position refers to social or circumstantial factors which could be affecting your life at this time.

The Devil card in this position suggests you may be dealing with a feeling of fear or a fearful situation. Don't worry -- instead of crushing you, this particular experience will primarily educate you. If you refrain from judging things in black or white terms, or labelling things as either good or bad, you will appreciate the tremendous amount of life force that is available to you, and rise to the occasion, stronger.

Whatever the particulars of your situation, things could veer from one extreme to another, either manifesting as passionate love or self-centered gratification. Just try to keep your head above water in this powerfully moving situation.

Pay attention to how the life force wants to move through you so that you can follow its flow and keep learning from it. Regardless of how bedeviling they may seem, face your instincts with tenacity and a touch of humor. A deeper spiritual dimension is beckoning you.

3rd - Challenges / Opportunities - Strength

A balance must be struck between survival and spiritual motives.

The card that lands in the Challenges/Opportunities position refers to ways that you can turn obstacles into stepping stones.

The Strength card in this position challenges you to calm aroused instincts, angers and desires without suppressing life force to the point where vitality is lost. This requires balancing the urge for control with the urge for natural action.

Find the way to enable the raw lust of the animal nature to be civilized by the spiritual power of higher standards. When you find that balance within yourself, you can begin to model it for others and perhaps offer some leadership during this exciting time.

4th - Foundation - The Emperor

It's clear that you were raised by strong people who taught you the proper use of power.

The card in the Foundation position points to influences from your personal history, your roots and background.

The Emperor in this position suggests that early in life you were cultivated by a mentor or teacher whose aura of command challenged you to develop your own strength and authority. This enlightened role model lives in your memory and continues to guide you. You have the intrinsic intelligence and wisdom to know what right action is and how to use it because appropriate values were carefully demonstrated to you.

Review what was passed on to you and determine what your teacher or inner ally would suggest at times like these. It's no accident that you have this archetype built into your personal foundation.

5th - Recent Past - Six of Swords

You have the confidence appropriate to a capable and proven master of your medium.

The card in the Recent Past position refers to events that are just departing, recently influential but now diminishing in power.

The Six of Swords in this position implies that you have recently demonstrated your mastery and seasoned skills, showing finesse in a situation that could have become dangerously out of control. Having seen yourself rise to the occasion, cut through the chaos, solve the problem and hit the target, your self-esteem should be high.

Not only is your sense of your infinite possibilities reinforced, but your associates are also viewing you in a favorable light. Positive momentum is sweeping you into the present.

6th - Higher Power - Six of Coins

True generosity teaches self-reliance and nurtures independence.

The card in the Higher Power position reflects the broader perspective and influence of your conscience, Guardian Angel, inner wisdom.

When the Six of Coins comes up in this position, you are being called upon to serve as another link in the chain of benefactors to the human race. It is not the destiny of every soul to master the material plane, but some souls do achieve it. Those talented beings are in a position to turn around and share their acquired knowledge with those who come after them. It's a high form of generosity to impart to awaken skills and natural abilities in other people.

Be generous in your acknowledgment of people at every level of society and be willing to encourage anybody with a spark of genius. See if you can fan that spark and bring it into full flame. In this way you are privileged to serve as a conduit for blessing. Be grateful for, and humbled by, that opportunity.


7th - Near Future - The Magician

Now is the time to express your spontaneous creativity.

The card in the Near Future position indicates which way the wind is blowing with regard to your situation. If you follow the Advice card, however, you can improve on or neutralize tendencies.

When the Magus is in this position, you will soon be divinely inspired to share your unique point of view and insights. The circumstances seem perfectly suited to call forth your genius in a context where others can appreciate your brilliant gifts.

Let yourself shine! This is your moment to reveal your natural talents and gifts. You will likely find a receptive audience and achieve positive results. Imagine yourself as a spark of genius creating new and brilliant connections, much to everyone's great delight. Forget performance anxiety and get on with the show--you will be brilliant.

8th - Blocks & Inhibitions - Six of Wands

Resist dogma; think for yourself in order to preserve your integrity and values.

The card in the Blocks position points to self-undermining tendencies, areas where you could be in denial, where you could get stuck -- unless you examine yourself and make some corrections.

When the Six of Wands falls in this position, it signifies conflict between your interests and the desires of a larger group. You may feel a need for approval from others, but the desire to fit in can lead to towing a party line that offends your personal integrity.

Keep in mind that the price of leadership sometimes requires resistance to social pressures rather than capitulation. Look deeply into your own heart, instinct and conscience and ask yourself if you really need to fall in with the group. This could be a time to strike out in a different direction, in order to preserve your integrity and values.

9th - Allies - Page of Coins

Explore the wisdom of tradition and learn from the masters in your area of concern.

The card in the Allies position points to people who can be supportive or helpful to you at this time.

In this position, the Page of Coins (in some decks, a Princess) suggests that when the student is ready, the master appears. Perhaps in your case the teacher appears in the form of a book or a manuscript that is centuries old.

A living role model is not absolutely necessary, but we need to perceive and utilize the traditions and founding fathers of our craft as allies, a support structure for our development. Study your masters, be a good student, and take refuge in traditional wisdom.

10th - Advice - Queen of Coins

Be confident that if you express your truth you will not have to worry about the consequences. You will remain safe and sound.

The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible.

The Queen of Coins in this position advises you to trust the forces that have taken care of you up to this point. Continue to express your truth without worrying that you are going to lose the roof over your head or the bed you sleep in. It is your destiny to be safe and sound at this time in your life.

Proceed with confidence and do what you so strongly feel must be done. Since the Queen of Coins is often the person with the best intuition in the crowd, you may feel at first as if you are going against the grain, only to later find yourself becoming the leader of a new trend.

11th- Long-term Potential - Seven of Wands

Cast away perceived limits. Apply what you have learned and be self-disciplined.

The card in the Long-term Potential position points to unknowns still taking shape. It is the "wild card" yet to be played.

With the Seven of Wands in this position, you can make a few proactive moves right now to go beyond your current situation and hasten your rise to the top. Don't allow perceived limits to hem you in -- let them inspire you as a challenge and the situation may become a launching pad for your greater dreams.

Concentrate on strengthening yourself for what lies ahead and test yourself against bigger and bigger challenges. Faithful training and self-discipline assure your victory.