Accuracy in a Cartomancy Reading

The querent, let's call her Rebecca, is a 46 year old female who was shocked when her husband asked her for a divorce. The request seemed to come out of nowhere, and Rebecca wracked her brains to determine why. Sure, there had not been much action in the bedroom lately, but the marriage seemed happy. Perhaps the bedroom was the key. Could there be another woman?

Rebecca confronted her husband. He denied having an affair, and would only say that he no longer wanted to be married. In desperation Rebecca came for a reading. She wanted to learn her husband's real reason for wanting to end their 18 year marriage.

Rebecca asks, "Is my husband leaving me for another woman?"

These cards can mean many things based on the context of Rebecca's situation, but to ensure the highest level of accuracy, I have learned to follow two important rules...

1. Keep my focus on the question.


2. Keep it simple

I have to remind myself that the question does not deal with Rebecca herself, her thoughts or intentions. The question does not deal  with the current status of her marriage, or any past influences affecting the marriage. The question does not deal with whether or not the divorce will take place. All of these questions are valid, but they would each require a different focus in a separate spread. The focus of the question for this spread is the husband's thoughts and intentions behind asking for a divorce, and more specifically whether he is leaving Rebecca for another woman.

I have to remind myself to keep it simple. It's too easy to read into these cards, and wander from the focus of the question. I first notice what does not appear in the spread. If the husband is leaving for another woman, I would expect to see her represented in the cards since she is a major factor in the focus of the question. I might expect to see a Queen, or perhaps the 5 of Hearts to denote that a younger woman is leading the man astray. No lady appears in the cards. There must be some other reason for the divorce request.

Let's look at what does show up in the cards. The first column represents the premise of the question. What is behind the husband's decision to ask for a divorce? The King of Spades is a separated or divorced man, or perhaps a man who wishes to separate himself. This interpretation plays very nicely into the focus of our question since we know that the husband wants a divorce. The 4 of Hearts is the partnership card, and it also carries several other meanings relevant to the question: marriage, sex, the spouse, sharing, emotional stability, etc. These are the things that the man wants to separate himself from. He is not interested in being married, nor is he interested in having an affair, and probably has not been interested in these things for a long while.

The middle column answers the question, why is the husband asking for a divorce? The 5 of Spades shows the man's intentions. The Ace of Spades says he has already made up his mind. He wants the divorce. The Ace of Spades also provides us with a clue why. It is the card of death and rebirth. It signifies lost causes and irreparable decisions leading to total upheaval, and a new situation. The husband wants to end his current conditions, and to be reborn to a new life. The Ace also corresponds to the number 1, and is symbolic of standing alone. He wants to leave his wife so he can be alone to pursue this new life.

We can look to the final column for more information about why the man seeks a new life. The 10 of Hearts tells us where his heart is, what or whom he wants to marry. The 10 of Clubs is the business card. Perhaps the man is married to his business?

No. Rebecca informs me that her husband does not own a business, and he is not particularly dedicated to his job. The other primary meaning for the 10 of Clubs is "travel by or near water," and with the pair of 10's, a combination signaling long-distant travel, this meaning suddenly seems very clear to me.

I ask Rebecca, "Does your husband own a boat?" The 10 of Clubs in the pivot position, the most significant card in the spread, is the clue. It can sometimes represent a boat.

She responds, "Yes he does. It's his baby. He's always loved that thing more than me." Rebecca goes on to say that it has always been her husband's dream to live in the islands and offer fishing and sight-seeing tours to tourists. She further adds that she had not been supportive of what she considered to be a silly, irresponsible pipe dream.

Bingo! The man is not leaving his wife for another woman. In the simplest terms, having a wife (4H) is an impediment (KS) to realizing his life's dream (10H) of sailing away to the islands (10C). His motivation for asking for the divorce (5S) is to break free and start a new life (AS). This man is married (10H) to his boat (10C). He has zero interest (KS) in an attachment with a wife or lover (4H).

It would have been too easy to see intrigues and underlying drama in these cards based on what seems at first glance to be a potentially scandalous situation. But the husband was being truthful about his motivations. By keeping the reading simple and focused on the question, I was able to give Rebecca accurate and meaningful information to help ease her fears, and uncover the true reason her husband is leaving her.

Cartomancy Reading: The Aspiring Bartender

I originally posted this reading on my Art of Cartomancy Facebook page as a group exercise. I decided to also post the reading on the blog with a very detailed break down because this particular spread provides an outstanding example of how the cards when read in context go to the very heart of an issue or problem.

The reading was done on June the 2nd of this year, 2016. The querent is a young woman who has been applying at various bars and restaurants for a position as bartender. She is currently working as a server in a hotel restaurant. The querent asks, "Will I be successful in procuring a job as a bartender in the next three months?"

I shuffled the cards while focusing on her question. Then I spread the deck face-down on the table, and randomly drew the following five cards...

The first thing I notice about the spread is the predominance of black cards. The three black and two red cards suggest a probable "no" in answer to the question, but the querent may have the power to positively influence the final outcome.

Next my attention is drawn to the middle card in the spread which I call the "hinge," and on which the rest of the reading hangs. I'm pleased to see the 10 of Clubs because it confirms the theme of the reading: business, career and work experience.

The pillars of the reading stand out for me. The pillars are first, middle and final cards which are read in combination, and provide a brief summary of the reading. The 9 of Hearts is the wish card, and it reveals the querent's desire. The 10 of Clubs and 7 of Spades is the classic combination that represents a bar or nightclub. The querent desires a career tending bar, and these cards suggest that she has the potential to achieve her wish, although perhaps not within the desired time frame. Now we need to look deeper into the cards to discover why.

I'm drawn next to the 9 of Hearts to investigate the influences affecting the querent's desire to become a bartender. The combination of the 2 of Diamonds and 10 of Clubs represents a restaurant. We know the current has restaurant experience which is confirmed by the 2 of Diamonds with the 10 of Clubs. The querent confirmed that she would prefer to tend bar in a restaurant rather than in a bar or nightclub.

Unfortunately the 2 of Diamonds is not in harmony (does not reflect or mirror) with the 7 of Spades. If these cards were in harmony they could be combined with the 9 of Hearts to show that the querent would get her wish. Also notice that the 2 of Diamonds is in harmony with the 3 of Spades which suggests a block or obstacle. The wish card is in harmony the bar/nightclub card, showing that the querent will have better luck finding a bartending job in a bar or nightclub.

So then why will the querent fail to find work as a bartender within the next three months? When the cards tell us "no," they should also tell us "why," and offer one or more possible solutions. Let's take a look at the middle three cards which usually carry the most significance.

We know that the 10 of Clubs represents the querent's career. The action in the spread moves from left to right so we can confirm with the 2 of Diamonds that she has past experience working as a server in a restaurant. The cards following the 10 of Clubs will show future career portions. The 7 of Spades follows to indicate that a bartending job is in the future, but it is blocked by that inauspicious 3 of Spades.

The 3 of Spades represents confusion or a lack of understanding (among other things), so we can infer that it is a lack of knowledge or skill or experience that has prevented the querent from being hired for her dream job. We can further infer that if the girl can acquire some knowledge or experience in bartending, she can remove the block and manifest her wish.

I'm intrigued by the 7 of Spades as the outcome card because it is generally a very negative influence, and can show setbacks and frustrations. But the 7 of Spades is also the drinking or alcohol card, and based on the context of the reading, it perfectly represents and confirms the querent's desired outcome of a position tending bar and mixing drinks.

I advised the querent that she needs to set her sights on acquiring more knowledge and experience in bartending in order to make herself more attractive to potential employers. I suggested that she offer to volunteer on her days off at the bar in the restaurant where she currently works. Her manager may be grateful for the extra help. I also suggested that she look into attending a bartending class. Such classes may be offered inexpensively through an adult education programs in her local area, or she could investigate an actual bartending school. The querent promised to follow up on my suggestions, and then let me know what happens.

Five Card Draw: Pregnancy Prediction

The consultant is a 40 year old woman who asks, "Will I get pregnant in the next three months?" She provides no additional information.

For the yes/no question I draw five cards with the intention that the ratio of black cards to red will provide a simple answer. It is also my intention that the individual cards will provide details to further explain the answer. For specific information on how I read the suit colors to answer a yes-or-no question, please see my article: Cartomancy Technique for Answering Yes-or-No Questions.

I received permission from the consultant to share this reading because it's short and sweet and to the point, and I think it provides an excellent example of how I read the classic Line of Five cards in cartomancy.  I analyze the cards step by step using the following process...

Step 1: I take note of the center card (heart card) which serves as a hinge on which the rest of the reading turns.

Step 2: I read the middle three cards in combination.

Step 3: I read the first three cards in combination.

Step 4: I read the last three cards in combination, taking special note of the final card which serves as the outcome card.

Step 5: I take note of the cards that mirror or reflect each other in the reading.

Step 6: I read the first, middle and last cards in combination as a summary of the reading.

When I first glance at the cards, I immediately notice the predominance of black cards which gives a most likely NO answer to the question. The consultant will not succeed in getting pregnant within the next three months.

My attention is next drawn to the heart card of the reading, the Ace of Diamonds. I always look for the theme of the question to be reflected in the reading, and the Ace of Diamonds is the spark of life, and would represent the desired conception.  The  Ace is hemmed in by spades on either side indicating a serious problem, and confirming that conception will not happen within the specified time frame.

Next I ask myself, who is the King of Spades? Perhaps he is the consultant's husband?  No. The adjacent card (8 of Spades) is the doctor card, and it describes the King. My impression is that the King of Spades represents a doctor. The card following the 8 of Spades shows what kind of doctor-- Ace of Diamonds shows one who deals with conception issues, or a fertility specialist. This idea is confirmed for me by the classic combination of the 8 of Spades with the 9 of Spades which mirror each other in the center of the spread, and denote a medical procedure. These cards surround the Ace of Diamonds suggesting that medical intervention may be necessary to facilitate conception.  When the cards indicate a problem or obstacle, they invariably also provide one or more possible solutions.

Finally, on to the last trio of cards. The 9 of Spades follows the Ace of Diamonds, and shows disappointment, and represents the difficulty with conception. The 4 of Clubs is a service card, and indicates help with resolving issues. The 4 of Clubs ends the line, and suggests an eventual resolution to the fertility problem represented by the 9 of Spades. I notice that the 4 of Clubs mirrors the King of Spades. This shows a consultation, and suggests to me that the doctor will serve to help correct the problem.

My prediction is that the querent will not be able to conceive within the next three months, but if she consults with a fertility specialist, the doctor will help resolve the problem. The fact that the Ace of Diamonds appears in the heart position of the reading is a hopeful sign that conception will eventually be possible.

The querent confirmed that she has a history of problems with getting pregnant, and that she is already receiving treatments at a fertility clinic.

8 of Diamonds

The Diamond suit is considered positive for the most part, but there are several Diamond cards that can show restriction and limitation. The 8 of Diamonds (8D) is one such card because it combines the balance of the number eight with the restless, unpredictable energy of the Diamond suit. The result is a card of caution that can reveal the need to strive for balance particularly in financial matters.

When the 8 of Diamonds falls with other cards of the Diamond suit, it most often warns of financial difficulties. This card can show a shortage of funds, or the need to curtail spending and balance the household budget. As an example, the AD + 8D can be a bank statement that shows deposits and withdrawals, or a credit card statement that shows credits and debits. The combination 4D + 8D would indicate a depleted bank account. With the 6D, the 8D would show putting aside money and saving for a rainy day.

The 8 of Diamonds falling with heart cards will still advise caution. It shows the need for careful planning in order to manifest your desires. In relationship readings the 8 of Diamonds will indicate an intellectual compatibility that relates more to friendship than to love or passion. When this card turns up, he's probably more interested in your mind than your body.  The 8 of Diamonds can also indicate an ungenerous spirit, both in the financial sense and the emotional sense. The King of  hearts with the 8 of Diamonds is emotionally guarded. The King of Diamonds with the 8 of Diamonds is a cheapskate.

When the 8 of Diamonds falls with Clubs it will advise cautious actions, or reveal business budgetary concerns.  My grandmother called this card "Money Coming and Going" because it highlights the financial flow-- where money is earned and where money is spent. This card can be a warning that the money is going out as fast as it comes in. The AC + 8D refers to the tax office (IRS), which saps our earnings.

Spades intensify the restrictive and cautionary qualities of the 8 of Diamonds, and will show forced or imposed limitations.  The classic combination for heavy debt is the 8D + 9S. The 9S shows a crushing obligation. The 2C (gifts) with the 8D can show disability or unemployment benefits-- someone forced to live on a restricted income. The AC is usually nearby to confirm the government assistance.

In health readings the 8 of Diamonds represents the eyes and vision. For example, the 8D with the 8S (the doctor card) would show an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The 8D followed by the 4S would denote vision problems. If the 3S is nearby, you're probably looking at eye disease.

In physical description readings the 8 of Diamonds will refer to something notable about the person's eyes. Nine times out of ten this will simply indicate that the person wears eyeglasses.

The meaning eyes can extend to the idea of seeing, or looking, or watching. For example, the combination 8D + 3H shows watching something artistic, and will usually refer to viewing art or some kind of performance such as a play. The 8D + 6C  is a television (viewing media), and the 8D + 2D is usually a movie (the 2D is the card of fiction and imagination). The 8D with the 4C can refer to the screen on your smartphone. In a general reading the cards surrounding the 8 of Diamonds can show what the person is looking for in life.

The 8 of Diamonds is the counting card. It counts what we have, and it counts what we don't have.  As such, it can represent numbers and mathematics.  In a career reading the 8D + 4D would show someone who is certified with numbers, or works as an accountant (CPA). The 8D + 6C is someone who balances the books, or is a bookkeeper.

In a reading for locating a lost item the 8 of Diamonds represents the pantry where food is stored. It makes perfect sense when you consider that the pantry is similar to a financial account. Food is deposited (stored) to be spent and then replenished-- coming and going.

Lastly, when looking at timing the 8 of Diamonds points toward the future, and will show delays for the present. It says, "Don't push things. Now is not the time for rash action. Now is the time for caution and careful planning, and future success is possible."

6 of Diamonds

The 6 of Diamonds (6D) combines the connectivity of the number six with the intellectual detachment of the suit of Diamonds, and brings a general sense of restriction to a reading. As such, it can be a tricky card to interpret. Of course the best interpretation will always depend on several key factors... the context of the question, the influence of surrounding cards, and the readers intuition.

When surrounded by Hearts, the 6 of Diamonds will often indicate shyness or withdrawal. It can denote withholding something, or a lack of communication. This is particularly true for questions about love and romance. If you ask "Will he/she call?" and the 6D appears, you can be pretty sure that he/she won't call.

With other Diamonds the 6 of Diamonds will usually show nervousness, or reveal an unsettled situation. For financial questions, this card can be similar to the Some Money card in the Gypsy Fortune Telling deck. It may indicate a small amount of money, usually less than expected or less that what you need. This card can also show a small or moderate success, particularly when it shows up as the outcome of the matter. The end result may not meet your grand expectations, but the outcome could be a lot worse.

When falling with clubs, the 6 of Diamonds can indicate technology and electronic communication. This is the "computer" card, and can represent any electronic or digital device. The standard combination that represents a computer is the 6D + 6C. Specifically, the 6C represents "information or a book," so the combination indicates "an electronic book." If the 8C (the work card) is nearby you're looking at a programmer, or someone who works in information technology.

This card also covers the sciences and social services. For example, the 6D + 3H = occult science or religious science. The 3H is a mystical card that represents the Holy Trinity; and mind, body, spirit.  The 6D+ 9D = psychic sciences (clairvoyance, clairsentience, etc.), and the 6D + 8D = mathematics.

When the 6 of Diamonds is beset by Spades, it can turn ugly and reveal jealousy and possessiveness at worst, or stubbornness and unresponsiveness at best.  The 6D + 2S is the classic combination for jealousy because the 2S adds anger and vindictiveness to the mix.

In health questions the 6 of Diamonds represents the nervous system. With the 2D it can indicate a nervous stomach. If Spades are nearby, particularly the 4 or 8 of Spades, it is probably a stomach ulcer. The 6D, as the technology card, can also represent diagnostic equipment in a health reading.

When appearing next to a court card it can describe that person as timid or shy. It may also reveal a techie or science guy/gal. Beware when the 6 of Diamond falls with the King of Spade. He can be very jealous and possessive. If other Spades are near, he can turn violent and dangerous.

As you can see, the 6 of Diamonds brings restriction or limitation to a reading. It also represents everything related to science and technology. Therefore this card carries many meanings, and requires careful consideration to ensure the best or most appropriate interpretation in a reading.

The Star Spread: Will I Find True Love?

I wanted to share the following reading because it provides a good example of how I approach a small spread that is dominated by Court Cards. I recently posted two articles on how to read the Court Cards: The Court Cards As People and When Court Cards Do Not Represent People. I hope the following example reading will help further showcase these ideas in action.
For this reading I used the Star Spread. I have encountered several versions of the Star Spread from various sources. The version I prefer comes from the book, The Way of Cartouche by Murry Hope.

This example Star Spread was part of an actual reading done on 4/21/06 for the daughter of a good friend.  You’ll notice that 4 of the 5 cards pulled for this layout were Court Cards which provide psychological insight into the interactions between the people involved in the situation.  

Question: Will I find true love?

Cards In the Order They Were Drawn:

King of Hearts
Queen of Spades
King of Spades
5 of Diamonds
King of Clubs

The King of Hearts at the first point of the star represents the nature of the question.  As a member of the suit of hearts, this card confirms that the question deals with an emotional matter.  The King would specifically represent the ideal partner the querent is wishing for– family man, good provider, protector, faithful husband, etc., which are all of the characteristics associated with this card.

The Queen of Spades at the 2nd point of the star represents the cause or basis of the question, the reason for the wish, or the cause of the problem.  The suit of Spades represents sadness and loneliness, which are obvious reasons for searching for true love. Specifically, the queen represents the querent in her current aspect of sadness and loneliness.  The Queen of Spades can also represent a divorced woman, and the querent was in fact divorced.

The King of Spades falling at the 3rd point of the star represents a contributing factor, or additional information to be considered in the situation. It’s easy to see that he represents the querent’s ex-husband, as the King of Spades would denote a divorced or widowed man. As a spade falling in this position, he represents an obstacle to the successful outcome of the situation.

If we look at the dynamics of the cards in this layout, we see that the Queen of Spades (the querent) is looking away from the King of Spades (the ex-husband), but the ex-husband is looking directly at the querent.  These interactions suggest that although she is finished with the relationship, and is ready to move on, he is still holding on.  The querent confirmed that this was the case.  The ex-husband had continued to pursue her even after she made it clear to him that she was not interested in a reconciliation.

Despite her desire to move on, the queen’s stance also suggests that the querent still harbors anger and hurt feelings from the past relationship.  These negative emotions as represented by the Queen of Spades may be holding her back from finding new love.  Interestingly, the Queen of Spades is  turned away from all of the men in the layout, including her ideal man, the King of Hearts.  This further suggests that she has closed herself off emotionally.

At the 4th point of the star we find the only pip in the layout.  This position answers the question, or provides advice for finding a solution to the problem or concern.  The 5 of Diamonds is the card of “physical and mental attraction,” and it reminds us that we create our experiences based on the energy we project out into the the world.  This card can be a warning to be more aware of how we present ourselves to those around us.

The 5 of Diamonds in this position advises that a change is needed in the way the querent is perceiving herself, and presenting this image to the world–and in particular to potential partners.  This card suggests that in order to move forward, the querent must release her anger, forgive the ex, and drop the Queen of Spades persona as the sad, lonely, hurt, angry, wronged woman.

The card in the final position at the 5th point of the star represents the final outcome if the advice of the card in position 4 is heeded.  Here we find the King of Clubs.  He is the actual man, as opposed to the ideal (King of Hearts), that the querent can potentially attract (5 of Diamonds) into her life.  The King of Clubs is friendly, reliable, trustworthy and stable, the very qualities the querent needs.  It is interesting to note that the King of Clubs also looks away from the Queen, which suggests disinterest in her current aspect as the hurt, angry woman.

For this yes-or-no question I set the intention that the answer could be derived by the ratio of red to black cards in the spread. The predominance of black cards would suggest a “no” answer.  It’s important to keep in mind that the “no” does not mean “never.”  It simply means “no” for the duration of the whatever time frame is set by the reading.  In the case of the Star Spread, the time frame is usually between 3 to 6 months.

The King of Clubs represents a new man coming into the querent’s life, but the encounter could be delayed by her inability to release the negative emotion from her past relationship with the ex.  It’s also possible she may meet the new man within the time frame of the reading, but the relationship may not develop right away.

Feedback:

The querent took the advice to heart, and worked at forgiving and releasing the baggage from her failed marriage.  She did meet someone new about year after the reading, and eventually remarried.

Horoscope Spread: The Perfect Match?

The Cartomancy Horoscope Spread is perfect for exploring complex situations that require addressing multiple related questions. I find this spread to be particularly useful for business inquiries which may include several elements that must be evaluated. For example the spread works well for exploring all of the details involved in purchasing or selling a home.
Is He the Perfect Roommate?

I drew the following cards for my brother when he was debating over the idea of taking a roommate. He needed insight into the pros and cons of sharing his home with an acquaintance he did not know well. My brother was living alone in a three-bedroom townhouse. He knew that taking a housemate made financial sense, but he wanted to be sure that the man would be a suitable roommate. Because this is a complex topic with several aspects to consider, I chose the Horoscope Spread to address the various concerns.
Area of focus: Would this friend be a suitable roommate?

I asked my brother to shuffle the cards while concentrating on his area of focus for the reading. Then I dealt 12 cards from the top of the shuffled deck, and laid them into the 12 houses of the astrological wheel as illustrated in the following diagram:

Areas of Inquiry

My aim was to do the intuitive equivalent of a background check on the prospective roommate. I needed to explore the following questions in order to make a determination about his suitability as a roommate, and assess the future success of the living arrangement.

• Does the roommate have a stable source of income?
• How does the roommate handle his money?
• Is the roommate emotionally stable?
• Does the roommate have good communication skills?
• Does the roommate keep his living quarters neat and clean?
• Does the roommate have a wild social life?
• Is the roommate's life philosophy compatible?

Relevant Houses for the Questions

1st House: represents the querent himself, his attitude, and motivations.
4th House: represents the querent's townhouse
4th House (roommate's 10th House): represents the roommate's career
7th House: represents the roommate himself, his attitude and motivations.
8th House: (roommate's 2nd House) the roommate's finances
9th House: the querent's philosophy on life
9th House (roommate's 3rd House): how the roommate communicates
10th House (roommates 4th House): the roommates lifestyle in the home
12th House (roommates's 6th House): the roommate's work ethic

Each house of the horoscope encompasses a wide range of possible meanings. For this reading I focus only on the meanings that apply directly to the area of focus for our inquiry.

Relevant Cards and Keywords

8 of Diamonds: careful planning, caution with money
8 of Hearts: sharing and cooperation, optimism
4 of Hearts: partnership, union, comfort and security
7 of Clubs: hard work, steady actions, evaluations
10 of Spades: fear, worry, ambition, heavy responsibility
Queen of Spades: authoritative, detached, conscientious
Jack of Spades: watchful, reserved, emotionally awkward
9 of Clubs: travel, good luck, distance, expansion
7 of Spades: stagnation, routines, frustration, unable to move forward

Interpreting the Cartomancy Horoscope

First I looked at the attitudes and motivations of both the querent and the prospective roommate. What is the querent looking for in a roommate? Is the roommate a suitable house companion? Or does the roommate lead a double life as an ax murderer?

The 1st House (House of the Self) represents the querent and his personality. It describes his attitude and motivations in reference to the question. The 1st house also sets the tone of the reading. The 8 of Diamonds describes my brother as cautious and deliberate. He intends to carefully evaluate all of the pros and cons of accepting the roommate.

The 4th House (House of the Home) represents the querent's townhouse. The 4 of Hearts is the card of partnerships, and confirms that the cards are in tune with the question of bringing a roommate into the home. The 4 of Hearts also shows that my brother loves his home. It is a place of comfort and security.

The 7th House (House of the Partner) represents the roommate and serves as the roommate's 1st house. It describes the roommate's attitude and motivations in reference to the question. The 8 of Hearts describes the roommate as companionable and cooperative. He is honest, and open-minded and willing to compromise. He is motivated by a willingness to share.

The 8 of Diamonds suggests that for my brother, the decision to take a roommate is a very serious matter. He is motivated by the prospect of reducing his monthly expenses with the supplemental income from the roommate. But he wants to be sure that taking on a roommate will not upset the harmony and tranquility of his personal space. The 8 of Hearts suggests that the prospective roommate is friendly and trustworthy. In terms of his personality, attitude and motivations, he seems to be a perfect match.

Then I wanted to take a look at the roommate's finances to determine if he spends his money wisely, and if he will have enough to cover the expenses each month.

The 8th House is the Roommate's 2nd House of finances. The 7 of Clubs indicates a steady income. The roommate works hard for his money, and he is careful with his spending.

The 4th House is the roommate's 10th House of career. The 4 of Hearts shows that the roommate loves his work. He feels comfortable and secure in his job. We could even say that he's married to his work.

The 12th House is the roommate's 6th House of service, which can tell us something about his work ethic, and his attitude toward work in general. The 10 of Spades indicates high ambitions. He takes his work very seriously and worries about meeting his responsibilities.

The cards indicate that the roommate is conscientious about his work and about his spending. He should have no trouble covering his monthly expenses.

Next I needed to evaluate the roommate's lifestyle at home, and assess how he maintains his living quarters. Is he a slob? Will he be negligent with the furnishings and fixtures? I also wanted to look at the kinds of people he may potentially entertain in the townhouse.

The 10th House is the roommate's 4th House of house and home. The Queen of Spades is meticulous about her appearance and surroundings. She is authoritative, and not afraid to take responsibility. She is detached and private.

The 5th House is the roommate's 11th House of friendships and social activities. The Jack of Spades is watchful and reserved. He can be jealous and spiteful when provoked.

The Spades can be negative influences, but their significance must be weighed against the 8 of Hearts which describes the roommate's basic demeanor. The Queen of Spades indicates that the roommate will be respectful of the townhouse and of my brother's property. The roommate will clean up after himself, and accept any chores or responsibilities required of him. He will keep to himself, and not infringe on my brother's personal space. The Queen of Spades further suggests to me that the roommate is not going to bring women into the house. The Jack of Spades suggests that the roommate may experience social anxiety, and probably has a few close friends. He isn't likely to host wild parties in the townhouse.

Finally, I needed to evaluate whether the roommate and my brother will get along together. There are two houses I can look at to help me determine compatibility. First, good communication is crucial in any relationship. Next I can evaluate each person's basic life philosophy to see if they share a common ground.

The 3rd House shows how the querent communicates his ideas to others. The 9 of Clubs indicates that my brother is an expansive communicator. He enjoys participating in conversations on a wide-ranging topics. He is straightforward, and he is not afraid to speak his mind.

The 9th House is the roommate's 3rd house of communication. The 7 of Spades warns that the roommate is more reserved. He holds back his thoughts and opinions, which may cause resentments to brew under the surface. He is easily frustrated in his communications, and isn't always willing or able to hear the other person's point of view.

The 9th House represents the querent's philosophy of life. The 7 of Spades suggests that my brother espouses traditional values. He is set in his ways. He follows established routines, and does not accept change easily. He is slow to take action, and he avoids making rash decisions.

The 3rd House is the roommate's 9th House. The 9 of Clubs suggests that the roommate is more broad minded. He enjoys culture and travel and learning new things. He is impulsive and spontaneous. He is not afraid to dive head first into unfamiliar territory, and explore all that life has to offer.

It struck me that the opposing perspectives on life, and the contrasting skills with communication, could result in the two men having a beneficial influence on each other. The prospective roommate could inspire my brother to rise above his limitations, and more readily embrace spontaneity and change. My brother might help the roommate learn to communicate more freely, and to better manage his social awkwardness.

I advised my brother that the prospective roommate would be a wonderful fit. He is honest and dependable, and will respect my brother's property and personal boundaries-- the perfect match for a roommate.

After weighing all of the information, my brother decided to move forward with taking on the roommate. They have been living together for several months, and both are pleased with the arrangement.