The month ahead: February 2021

Further work on the structure of your ideas

The general energy of February is of The Explorer. Luckily, this does not just mean in terms of travelling the Globe (although that would be nice!). It can also be about the discovery of aspects of ourselves or even shaking up our usual routine.

You may be feeling the need to take some time alone generally, but especially if you are still suffering the after effects of a dramatic event such as relationship breakdown or financial disaster. I was drawn to the image of the mother and child in the stained glass in the Four of Swords and feel this is particularly indicative of that need for nurture. If this nurturing isn’t coming from an external source then ensure you provide this for yourself. There is a possibility that you will be supported in creative endeavours or potentially within relationships when the Knight of Cups appears. Whatever the situation, The Empress reversed indicates that this support is much desired. Maybe you’ll throw yourself into creativity or a project started last month. You will need to stay in tune with the feminine aspects of yourself to get the best out of this month’s energy.

The Page of Wands reversed further leads me to believe that creative expression is building but you may be less than confident about sharing it publicly and I can see the Two of swords reversed is adding to any indecisiveness about your choices. Whether this is concerning a relationship choice or a broader situation your thoughts will be on creating structure and stability to lay foundations.

The Hierophant gives me the sense that whether a relationship, business or creative ‘thing’ is blossoming you will be developing personally. There is more evidence that an actual mentor or someone that is naturally supportive of you, will be by your side. Long term support or guidance/training that will be beneficial in a significant way is likely.

Ace of Swords reversed tells me despite the support or training received or embarking on you are keeping things close to your chest. You are clear but still reluctant to share this. Perhaps, you are less than confident about your ability. Perhaps you simply feel precious over the new opportunity.

The close of the month is excellent. You’re foundations are dug and are comforted by the sense of stability this gives you. You are finally, gaining ground!

THE WEEK AHEAD: 31 January – 6th February 2021 – Don’t let financial worries stifle your creativity …. Go for it!

One of the reasons I love tarot is how it confirms, confirms confirms! Prior to doing this Reading I did the month ahead and much of the energy is the same.

A week of contemplating decisions…

As of last week we are still under the energy of The Alchemist reminding us that we are creators. This week follows on with us flowing with creativity. But how are we going to apply this? Seems to me that The King of Cups is supporting us in having our emotions under control. Cups cups cups in over half the reading both the Four and Seven of Cups are still nagging us to explore our options, which may be plentiful but perhaps not all the best choices. Stay tapped in and turned on to your inner guidance.

That fear (or perhaps reality) of financial concerns may pop up mid week, well we are at the end of the month again! Reach out for support it will be there for you, at least in terms of being able to voice your concerns. This could be interfering with your projects or plans so stay focused on what you want to get done. You don’t want to let your fears stifle those brilliant ideas. You are still holding onto these and reluctant to share your ideas. Maybe it is time to let a trusted person see what you are planning, could be they have some encouragement for you.

The week closes with you visualising your potential and we see The Alchemist’s power in creating these opportunities. This may well see you taking up that training or learning that new skill set. “Go on…. It’s going to be worth it!”

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin and friend. She is an Artist & Writer that loves to read Tarot.

THE WEEK AHEAD: 24th -30th January 2021 – Remember what you are doing is meaningful!

During this week of methodical work towards your goals,
Remember your purpose!

At first glance this looks like a week of work but in what respect? The Alchemist is the overall weeks energy which may have you lacking in self belief. You may be worrying that the projects you felt so motivated to do last week are doomed to failure. Perhaps you are reconsidering taking action on those projects or ideas. If you are feeling as though you have no control over life’s events (and which of us doesn’t in this wierd time) or stuck in your situation, not moving forward, this card reminds you that your thoughts are incredibly powerful. Work at addressing patterns to bring more empowerment to your life.

The Three of Wands traditionally is a card of waiting for your ships to come in. For this to happen you must have made the steps that lead the way. Get out of your comfort zone. The early part of the week is an excellent time to re-look at those opportunities that last week you were so motivated by. The Fool’s energy is a confirmation that those opportunities are out there go find them. While doing so reconnect with things that bring you joy and trust that the universe will provide. Open your arms to receive. This is especially important if you have been all work and planning. Where you are heading is so much better than your past.

Mid week you again may feel like you are more aware of what resources you need. Perhaps you got round to creating your budget or found a new qualification or skill that will help your endeavours. Four of Pentacles encourages use of these resources, they are there to help your progress. You are more comfortable committing to your plans and putting in the work than earlier in the week. It seems all the doubt really is this week’s current energy. It probably feels like a lot of work or extra responsibility but you are determined to get stuck in with the details and apply yourself like the eight of Pentacles. There should be a meaningful purpose behind you actions without this life is going to feel like a chore. I’d hazzard a bet though that internally you know this is what’s needed. Take pride in what you are doing this week and later, you will see the rewards.

The weekend arrives! You can relax in the knowledge that your work ethic or tenacity has seen you through. It may not have been exciting but you can did it and there’s some satisfaction to be gained from that!

Finally, Temperance brings a sense of peace and balance. It’s Sunday, get outside connect with nature. Do something that restores Harmony to your soul. You know you deserve it!

TEMPERANCE

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother,Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece and Cousin. She’s an artist and writer that loves to read Tarot.

Are Tarot Readings accurate?

The other day I was searching my phone for some of my photography, when I stumbled across a screenshot of a tarot spread. Because I don’t usually keep them on my phone I clicked to take a closer look.

Now I don’t generally do readings via text etc. I had obviously taken the time to do an in-depth Reading. As I took a closer look I could see I had written my interpretation of the cards. I’m always doing things I say I won’t and here’s a perfect example. I don’t like ‘predicting’ I’m not a mystic (although if I say so myself I do love that stereotype and would love to own a crystal ball). I read cards, what’s the difference? I hear you say! I see my purpose as to offer guidance and support in terms of how the card’s flow, energy and interconnection to each other. I have, however, learned there often is a predictive element to the read, but that’s not my focus and if I read for you it shouldn’t be yours either. Remember, it’s the journey not the destination and the soul’s lessons aren’t always pleasant.

I’m often clear and always say, I can’t see the future, after all I’m not clairvoyant.

On this occasion, the person was known to me, and so I attempted to address their concerns as best I could. And if I remember correctly, there was a much wished for desire for a child and they were vexed by no pregnancy. As, I say, I knew this person, but even so, I was clearly uncomfortable at addressing such a question. My comfort level sits with addressing the spiritual aspect. How can you remove your focus from the outcome? How can you feel more content with what you have? That sort of thing. Being a mother of four beautiful girls I can hardly imagine the pain of not fulfilling your desire of completing your family.

Anyway, that was the question, would there be a child soon? And if there was, would it be a girl or boy? Now you can feel that pressure can’t you, I’m a tarot reader, not a fortune teller, I trust what’s laid out in front of me, but I want the information provided to be constructive. If this had been a stranger, or someone I’d never read for, I most certainly would have declined to answer and offered a more holistic approach in terms of how they may manage their anxiety in relation to this.

Anyway, enough of my conflicts. Following the discovery of this old screenshot, I sent it to the said person saying “Wow! Look what I’ve found! What do you think? do you mind me using this for feedback?” My turn for many questions!

This was the layout and my response:

Beyond my comfort level

This is one of the reasons I love Tarot. Despite, using this tool daily, it never fails to amaze me, how accurate it can be. Obviously. At the time of the reading, neither I nor the querrant have any idea how accurate it actually was. Sometimes only time proves that. The response to this is below!

Response

One of my other posts is about which tarot cards can indicate pregnancy. You can carry out your own readings on this matter. I’ll call the Stalk to deliver the news, I don’t want to be involved it’s more than I can cope with!

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece and Cousin. She is an artist and writer that loves to read Tarot. You can contact her on rachelle@T4Tarot.com

One way to use three Tarot cards to see what your financial focus should be…

The end of the month is looming and I’m sure many of us are looking at our finances.  While we can’t wave that proverbial magic wand we can check in with our mindset to see if we are still on track to achieve our financial goals and what our focus should be.

You can use tarot to focus you mind in various ways.

Here’s one spread using three cards to show you current situation, where your focus should be and what that could lead to.  You can’t palm off the responsibility onto the cards… You need to reflect and act

You ask: What do I need to focus on financially?

For this theoretical Reading I drew ace of pentacles reversed for the situation.  Two of cups reversed for where to focus energy and ten of pentacles reversed for end result/outcome.

Using three cards to find out where your financial focus should be

Well I’m glad this is an example and not for someone else or for me!! …. Pour the Gin for my interpretation!

Situation: Ace of Pentacles Reversed
Well no wonder you’re consulting the tarot. It seems as though you’re experiencing a set back. Perhaps you’ve missed an opportunity or made poor choices financially. All is not lost though we have to start somewhere. This looks like you may have some tough choices ahead. Just know that when this Ace is reversed it may be a sign that you are reluctant to make changes or take action in relation to your finances. Let’s take a look at what we can do.

Focus: Two of Cups Reversed
You need to balance the books. This is the time to pay attention. Perhaps your focus has been off your financial health. Maybe you’ve been keeping up appearances. Trying to impress someone. Spending more than you have to feel better about yourself. Make a plan and set better habits. You can turn things around.

End Result: Ten of Pentacles Reversed It is important that you reflect on your relationship with money. Is the way you want to be viewed affecting what you spend? You need to make a budget and stay within it. Failure to do so will result in longer term restrictions or a severe financial crisis. This is a less than appealing outcome but it’s what’s necessary to get you back on track. Keep the advice of card two to avert or minimise disaster.

Didn’t like that?! You can’t just re-shuffle until you get a more palatable version… Looks like spirit gave you a kick!

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Niece and cousin. She’s an artist that writes and loves to read Tarot you can follow her @t4tarot #T4_Tarot

HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM A ONE CARD TAROT SPREAD…

Answering single questions

If you want a a specific answer to a single question, then look no further than a one card Tarot Spread (the ‘Google’ of all things mystical). I use these for a quick answer. You can, however, use them to meditate upon for a more in-depth meaning.

This spread can be used for any questions whether about love, career, finances or relationships.

Here’s how to get the best from your one card spread:

1) Contemplate on your question. Make sure you are clear. You can ask for a Yes or No answer but you will need to have a better grasp of the Tarot meanings (I’m compiling a directory for the meanings of the cards so this will be able to help you)

2) While contemplating Shuffle the cards.

3) Intuitively pull a card. If one ‘pops’ this is more powerful so take extra notice of the meaning.

4) Lay the card before you. Is it upright or reversed?

5) Interpret the card both through traditional meaning and by what the illustration and symbols mean to you on a personal level

6) If you are looking for a deeper message meditate on the cards meaning

7) Don’t be tempted to draw other cards or re-pull if you don’t like what you see/hear. Take the time to reflect upon how you can learn from the message in the card.

Here’s an example of a one card draw:

You ask the question: “How will I make the most of today?

The card pulled is the Knight of Pentacles

My interpretation would have been:

I should spend the day working towards my goals. Some of my tasks may be a bit tedious but they are necessary for the long term benefit. It would be a good day to run over finances and look at how best to use my resources. Could be I also spend some of my time being of service to others!

How would you interpret the Knight of Wands upright?

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Niece and Cousin. She is an Artist who writes and loves to read Tarot.

Contact her rachelle@T4Tarot.com

Ask nicely. How I ended up providing a free personal reading when I said I wouldn’t!

Yesterday I was catching up with some photography and finishing off writing a post on why I don’t give free personal readings or why I don’t give short readings when someone is paying for my service? It’s here if you want to read it https://t4tarot.com/2021/01/17/why-i-don byt-give-free-personal-readings/

I had my cards out still when I get a message from someone I don’t know. Asking for, can you believe it? A free reading!

I read the message and explained that I don’t give free personal readings (unless they are part of a give away) and oddly enough I had just written a post on why?

Now don’t get any ideas here, but it was Sunday.  I was in a good mood.  The moon was to the East and a rare pigeon was sat on the fence, whatever the reason for it I followed up with saying “send me a question and I’ll try to post your reading later”

I got the question
“What’s in store for my love life in the coming months?”

As I said, the cards were already out so I started the spread lay out. I planned to do one card but as you will see in the article mentioned above, I couldnt just stop at one. So I ended up using an Angel Card, three tarot and a romance angel card.

What’s in store for my love life in the coming months?

Here was my response

You are protected from lower energies. The seven of cups shows you will have options just take care to see if these are options you want. Not all that looks good is actually beneficial to you be sure you know what you are truly looking for In a partner. The reversed star indicates that you may have lost a bit of hope so perhaps you are feeling let down or have a lack of confidence in yourself. As with the 7 of cups take time  reflect on what’s good for you, perhaps don’t seek something external to fill a void. The two of wands tells me you are exploring options before you decide what to do.  You know what you want to manifest in your love life.  The final card from the Romance Angels confirms to me that you should make sure you are being honest with yourself about what you want.  If you are dealing with someone that is bringing up doubts, trust your intuition and notice those red flags for what they are.
I hope this helps you…. Thanks for getting in touch ❤️

This wasn’t a blind reading (I asked for a question) not the way I usually like to start a Reading but it felt like the right thing to do.

Happy to help! ❤️

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece and Cousin she is an artist and writer that loves to read Tarot @t4tarot

Can you really use Tarot on a time limit?

For a long time, I thought I had to set aside some time to be spiritual. So I’d tidy my space, Sage the house, lay out the crystals and light a candle as though nothing would work if I didn’t follow this system.

Now, there’s a place for rituals, and I personally do still do this at times of stress or before a client’s reading it’s part of my prep. But what happens when life happens?

Most of us are squeezing in essential tasks, and even though I do consider daily Tarot as essential in my world, it’s the sort of thing that can get pushed aside like any other self-care habit.

I noticed one time, a few years ago, that life had got busy busy I was working long hours and among other things I loved, I had stopped making time to read Tarot on a regular basis and not just for me, for others too. In part that was due to me believing I had to go through the whole ‘Zen’ steps before I could do my thing!

I had a choice. Drop something I loved and benefited from or find another way. Now I didn’t have much hope it would work. After all, you may already know how I like to give real time to a reading. I still do for my professional readings. What about your own tarot readings though? Those little rituals are pretty compelling (part of the reason they do work).

Can you really use Tarot effectively when you are crazy busy or with chaos all around?

Here’s what I found:

Like anything it’s a mindset. Change your mind set to achieve your goal. Here are my top 6 tips for Tarot on a time limit:

  1. Know where to find your deck. Obvious, but whether you have one pack of Tarot or Oracle cards or (ahem) more than you are comfortable talking about. Organise them with your other Tarot tools. This can be as simple as drawer, shelf or as creative as an elaborately decorated box that you’ve decorated yourself. I’m not good at organisation but my cards do have a home on a dresser on our kitchen. I also use little drawstring backs to decant decks that have no decent packaging. They sit next to my crystals, wands and stones. This means they are readily available in the most used room in the house. Exactly when I need them!

    2) Reduce ritual. As I said, ritual had its place and there’s a time for a drawn out cleansing process. I have a short protection prayer that I say while I’m shuffling and I do this 3 times. This satisfies my Tarot OCD. It’s quick and effective. You have to shuffle anyway so say your prayers or affirmation while doing that.

3) Use a quick spread. Yeah, yeah I know I don’t like them but they have their place and Tarot on a Time limit is one of those occasions. 1, 2 or 3 card spreads are the best for these. I have some examples in one of my forthcoming posts.

4) Be clear. In general you should always have a question in mind when you consult Tarot or Oracle. Knowing what you want to (er) know will ensure you get a clearer answer…. UNLESS…..

5) Divination. You want to use divination for a quick message to ponder or meditate on throughout the day (more on this in another post). To use divination grab your trusty deck of cards (some people use standard playing cards) shuffle asking what you need to know. draw out intuitively or pick one that ‘pops’…. There’s your answer.

6) Keep a mini deck with you. In your car. Handbag. Office. Ideal for taking a tea break and they don’t take up any room.

So there you have it. Not inventing the Wheel of Fortune, just making sure you know being busy shouldn’t stop you connecting with your Tarot deck. What are your favourite ways to make time?

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Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece and Cousin she is an artist and writer that loves to read Tarot @t4tarot

Why I don’t give free personal readings.

Whenever you do Tarot Readings someone always says ” Oh can you just do my cards quickly!” And there’s a temptation because I love nothing better than whipping out my cards and delivering a bit of much needed advice. But here’s why I try not to do this.

It’s never really quick. Not with me anyway. I want to delve right in and get to the bottom of the issue. Even if the person asking just wants a quick answer (and it often doesn’t work out that way) I actually, don’t enjoy that style of reading .

I always feel like I owe someone a worthy answer. Then I like to explain why a certain combination of cards means something that may be at odds to a traditional meaning. Perhaps they don’t care? But I do, and in the end I think they do too.

For a reader preparation can also make a difference. I like to be in the right frame of mind and have some time before to focus on the person asking the question. That equates to a better outcome for the enquirer too.

Mostly though I feel quick readings devalue the experience you should get and free personal readings devalue my service.

There’s FREE general readings delivered monthly and weekly plus daily oracle cards on Instagram @t4tarot

If you have Tarot related questions that you’d like me to write about in a post please feel free to email rachelle@T4Tarot.com with your email address or insta ID and I will send the link to you

Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Niece and Cousin she is an artist and writer that loves to read Tarot @t4tarot

Tarot for children and teens: Should they? What will people think? What Cards and spreads are ideal for children …

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Made by a Master wand maker

We’re not a ‘normal’ family.  Our household consists of me, two small people and a couple of poodles. 

Aside of the usual relational permeations, I am the mother of four adult daughters and the grandma of (at the time of writing) 6.25 grandchildren.

Two of those grandchildren are the small people that form our household. It’s confusing, life’s confusing but we do our best.  So when your 6 year old comes running out of the school gates waving a stick with bits of string attached to it, showing you this magnificent thing she’s made, it is sensible to pause (once you have acknowledged the beautiful crafting of course). 

It looks like a wand to me, a lovely twig-like rustic wand but then I would think that (wouldn’t I?).  I’ve made those kind of mistakes before and I’m not sure  the outburst of said child,  if I incorrectly identify a piece of art, is something I can deal with particularly well on a rainy, Thursday afternoon, so I tactfully ask her to tell me about her work. 

Upon further enquiry, she proudly announces it is actually, a wand!

Not any old wand a magic one to which her 3 year old brother exclaims ” Just like Grandma witches wand!” Now I’ve never heard myself described that way but if the hat fits….

Suddenly, the rain disappears, and there is no doubt that that wand,is, absolutely magical. For Reeal!

A little more post school chit chat occurred and I was sort of relieved to discover that it wasn’t just my child that had decided to make a wand that day, because despite the integration of all things mystical in our daily lives behind closed doors and my usual state of openness about such things (see the internal conflict) I am aware that not everyone ‘believes’ and yes, even Tarot ladies sometimes fear being judged!   

Thankfully, it was the whole class making wands that afternoon, not that the small girl remembered the reason for doing so, she was just extremely delighted to be the proud new owner of her own manifestation tool. The good news is we won’t be burnt at the stake this week at least not by the school community! 

The episode got my curiosity cells moving and for one moment I dipped into a conventional belief as to whether  things that can be considered even vaguely occultish,  should be around children unless depicted in a Harry Potter kind of Way.  I wavered back and forth in momentarily paralysis.   Certainly, there are many adults who hold strong opinions that Tarot and it’s paraphernalia, is frightening or evil and not to be messed with even by grown ups let alone small people.  

I sat with that thought for a minute and then waved my magical wand and ‘swooshed’ that thought right away.

I was not brought up around tarot, as far as I know no one in my family had been interested in it, not then. There weren’t any strong views either way but I remembered I  felt a nervousness about expressing an interest in the mystical cards.  A friend’s parents had been quite negative on the subject but overall,  I more than likely, was secretive about it, without due cause.  

At the approximate age of 11 with full intent (origin unknown) I purposefully walked into a small shop and bought two items; a book of Marilyn Monroe photographs and my first pack of Tarot cards (what a combination you may think,  but  you could buy cigarettes in those days so it could have been worse).

That first deck, with its skulls and skeletons,  morbidly named the tarot of the dead sparked off my love affair with Tarot, I still have it but don’t use it often. It wasn’t until my thirties that I started to really be able to use Tarot effectively (and I’ve written about that here). Nonetheless, my point is the seedling began in my youth.

My own children were interested, but I guess their experience was limited to my own learning. As they became teens, in usual teenage style they would pull out the cards or one of their friends would ask about their romantic life.  A small circle would form and that would keep them occupied for a short while.  There was a lot of seriousness. Teenagers have a LOT of questions but they don’t always want to openly ask them. This is where a deck of Oracle or Tarot cards can be useful to empower them to seek their own answers and reflect. It can bring them a sense of control over their destiny.

Once there was a limited choice. I think that’s how I ended up with a deck that looked like the graveyard had been raided! Nowadays, there are so many beautiful decks of oracle and tarot cards that are wonderful for younger children to explore with you and a whole range of decks ideal for teenagers that they can retire to their den and contemplate in full Hermit mode!

Simple three card layouts work well with teenagers.  They often hold that ‘fortune teller’ type of image and want to know all the answers to their questions.  They want that certainty. That security.  To know for sure.  They can use a book as a reference if that helps and many decks have their own booklet included.  For them to truly gain value from tarot so that it’s not a gimmick or party trick (not that I don’t love a good party trick, I really do). But for them to gain trust and be able to use Tarot effectively, I would recommend combining oracle cards with affirmations that help increase confidence along side either a traditional Rider Waite deck perhaps one with the brightly coloured illustrations. I will be reviewing decks for children and teens in separate posts.

Another useful tool to use is journaling their thoughts and emotions
along with the cards they pulled can help them tap into their higher power and soon they will see how an accurate picture can be built through combining tarot and oracle.

For younger children, it is only likely that they will know about Tarot if you use cards at home or they have a their own “Witch relative/friend”.  

I use cards daily, they are a familiar sight in our kitchen.  The children know I work with them but despite spirituality being an integral part of my day, as with all aspects of life, I prefer for any learning to be led by the child’s genuine interest.

Young children love to pick up Tarot cards and touch them but, if you’re anything like me you may feel a bit funny about them having your favourites. I’ve had a least two decks destroyed by inquisitive toddlers so be warned. Perhaps anticipate their interest and buy them their own, that way they can do their own spreads alongside yours.

Being naturally curious, children ask questions.  I tell them the cards are stories and the images give us clues to what is happening.  That’s sufficient for them to be able to intuitively connect. Mostly my children enjoy laying the cards in spreads and telling me what’s going on and let me tell you it’s fantastical!  

So should your offspring freak you out and declare they want to learn to read Tarot don’t despair they aren’t likely to be dragged into the depths of a fiery pit.  They are more than likely going to learn to use a tool that helps them trust their intuition which may be useful throughout their life when they need to check in …. Or wait! Maybe just maybe it will help them incorporate just a dash of magic in their everyday life!

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Rachelle Harris-Milham is a Mother, Grandma, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. 
She reads tarot, writes and creates art

You can contact her here at rachelle@T4Tarot.com

To book a personal reading email personalreadings@T4Tarot.com

Visit Instagram @T4_Tarot for free energy readings, monthly and weekly readings