I've been in a close friendship with someone for about a year since I moved to a new country, but lately, he seems to be pulling away, which is really confusing. I've tried telling him how this hurts me, but it doesn't seem to register for him. I used a tarot spread to explore our relationship and pulled some interesting cards. For us, I got the Nine of Swords for him and the Knight of Swords for me, indicating he might be stressed despite appearing socially active. The situation card is Strength, suggesting I need to endure something unknown, while the obstacle is The Hierophant, which could hint at external pressures he's facing. The Empress card offers advice for self-nurturing, but I still feel hurt. Lastly, the Four of Swords as the outcome implies a possible pause in our connection. How should I interpret this spread? Any insights would be great!
1 Answer
A lot of people interpret The Empress as focusing on self-care, but I think it's deeper than that. Don't let old-fashioned views sway your understanding of her. Instead of seeing her as a passive figure, view her as a strong leader like Queen Elizabeth I, who made impactful decisions in a male-dominated environment. She's about nurturing yourself while also recognizing your strength and ability to shape your fate. Think of her as a reminder that self-care can also be about being proactive and taking charge of your well-being, especially as you navigate this tough situation with your friend.
Totally agree! Plus, don't forget that Pamela Coleman Smith, who designed the RWS deck, was a strong woman in her own right. There’s so much more to these cards than just what's on the surface. It’s great to appreciate her background while interpreting the cards.