It's been some time since I last did a reading, and I thought I'd do one before I chuff off to Scotland on Friday. I completely forgot to take a photo of this spread, so you'll just have to imagine how it looked...

• 1 - General Situation - Ace of Swords
      Breakthrough! We have here the upraised sword, emblematic of victory. We are reminded of all of the legends to do with swords, such as King Arthur and Excalibur. The cutting of the ties that bind.
  
  
• 2 - General Situation - 3 of Swords
      A human heart pierced by three swords. Heartbreak unless you can communicate.
  
  
• 3 - On your mind - 7 of Swords
      The need for vigilance. Also, an important but worthwhile sacrifice being made. A rather shadowy figure creeps into our encampment and makes off with five swords, leaving behind two that he presumably cannot carry.
  
  
• 4 - Influences of the last 3 years - Queen of Wands
      If it represents a person, it shows either the Questioner or someone they are connected with as an independent minded woman. If it represents a process, it shows mastery over the level of action required by the situation. Initiative.
  
  
• 5 - Recent influences (the last year) - Knight of Pentacles
      Represents considerable action, getting things done. Relates to rushing artound putting into effect various plans.
  
  
• 6 - Influences of the coming year - Page of Swords
      The figure shows a young inexperienced boy about to rush into a situation of conflict, armed only with a toy sword. The most he can achieve is that of getting himself into trouble. Don't rush into battle - and don't rush into other people's battles either.
  
  
• 7 - Doorway from the present to the future - I - The Magician
      A pointer towards increasing your communication with others. Tell them don't just keep it to yourself. You can't assume that they know what you're thinking, what it is that you want. A pointer towards any kind of study or learning. Teaching of one kind or another is shown here, maybe in a formal setting or otherwise. Thinking of travelling? Why not? What's holding you back?
  
  
• 8 - Domestic Life - IX - The Hermit
      The Hermit shows us one possible way towards liberation of the human soul, rahter than necessarily the only way in which that is achieved. Thus he could well lead us out of the rocky pass we find ourselves in. But we shoudln't be too quick to avail ourselves of what he offers us in it's place.
      Caution is advised here, even if we do choose to follow his lead and take the path of renunciation which he suggests. Essentially, we shouldn't rush at this point. Let us instead look at what other options there might be.
  
  
• 9 - Hopes or anxieties - 5 of Pentacles
      Shows unforseen expenses. A very dismal picture of poverty and also charity is given here. Again, as with other cards, it may not show what is, but rather give a warning as to what could be, unless steps are taken to avert it.
  
  
• 10 - The overview/any other business - 9 of Cups
      Experiencing life as a celebration.
      The figure in this card is clearly at the centre of a celebration, rejoicin their good fortune. If there is little to be happy about, then this card should encourage you to look for things - small things maybe - over which they can begin to count themselves lucky.