Witches Almanac

The Daily Fool

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Your Past / Present / Future Draw of the Day

The LoversThe MoonNine of Cups

Meanings of the cards when read in their upright position:

1. The Past

The LoversThe Lovers
The Lovers is the seventh card in the Major Arcana, and is given the number six to indicate balance. It signifies the three realms of the mind: the conscious, the subconscious, and the superconscious, embodied in the male, female, and the androgynous angelic figure above them. The man and woman are naked, symbolizing their honesty with each other as well as their physical accessibility. They represent that which is revealed. The winged figure above is clothed in robes, indicating the unknown, or that which is yet to be revealed...a mystery. Combined, these three elements form a complete whole.

The Lovers card symbolizes relationships, and harmonious interaction - both within the self and without. Love is playing a crucial role in your life right now, and a decision may be weighing heavily on your mind. The angel is thought to be Raphael, bringing healing to the situation. This symbolizes a need to mend fences, or heal yourself from a relationship that cannot be salvaged. Look to your heart, and decide what it is you truly desire—what you need to make yourself whole.

The concept of the past sounds like an obvious one, but often there are subtleties involved. While this can include the Querent's past, it can also include events or the feelings of others that have had an impact or influence on the current situation. Does it necessarily mean things that took place long ago? Maybe... or it could be a conversation that took place last week.

2. The Present

The MoonThe Moon
The Moon is the nineteenth card in the Major Arcana, and is given the number 18 to indicate the conscious mind represented by the Magician (1) assimilating the wild rage of the lion with the spirituality of the maiden in Strength (8). (Also, in planetary magick, 9 is the number of the Moon, and 1 plus 8 equals 9.) A lobster-like creature rises from the water, as it has been theorized that humankind originally did. It begins to travel a path toward the Moon. The path is flanked by a dog and a wolf—one tame, one wild—two sides of the same coin. In the distance, the path winds between two pillars, obviously manmade. The journey could represent the development of humankind, with the goal being a return to the psychic energy we were created in, embodied here by the Moon. The Moon controls the tide, and also brings out the wilder side in people. It is historically linked with magic and portents, and its mysteries are eternal. It is also associated with illusions, and what is seen by its light is not necessarily real...

When the Moon appears in your present, things are not as they seem. Deception of one's self, or from another, is strongly indicated. Extreme caution when dealing with others is advised. New information comes to you, possibly in dreams or through a vision. In any case, when the truth is exposed, it must be dealt with. Accepting the darker, wilder side can bring peace; denial only brings chaos.

The center card symbolizes the present–the things that are happening right now around you. Because this spread contains only three cards, many things can be read into this card that might normally be seen in several cards in other spreads.

3. The Future

Nine of CupsNine of Cups
Enjoying the fulfillment of desire is indicated by the Nine of Cups. You may be in a place in your life where you are comfortable and happy, and are able to enjoy the many rewards of your past actions. Contentment and luxury are suggested by the imagery of the man, sitting comfortably, enjoying the nine cups arranged on the banquet table. Life is your banquet, and you've earned the right to enjoy it. In old tradition, the Nine of Cups is the 'Wish Card' and was always thought to mean the fulfillment of one's innermost desires.

Our last card represents the final outcome. It could be a long-term goal or an immediate resolution, depending on the question and the situation that the Querent is facing.

- Reading Guidance -

Before you draw: Hold a question or situation lightly in mind — not a yes/no, but an open one. What do I need to understand about this? works better than Will this happen?

Reading the spread: Look at each card individually first, then step back and read the spread as a sentence. Cards reinforce each other, contradict each other, and sometimes one card explains what another one seems to be hiding. Trust what strikes you immediately before you read the description.

If a card confuses you: Sit with it rather than pulling a clarifier right away. The card that doesn't make sense now often makes sense by the end of the day. If it still doesn't land, a single clarifying card drawn separately can help focus the energy.


Witches Almanac