On my birthday, every year for the last four years, I’ve done a tarot reading using the Celtic Cross Spread. Here is this year’s result:

• Self: Queen of Wands – Main (positional) meaning: Decisiveness and a willingness to lead produce tangible rewards. The card in the Self position reveals aspects of how you perceive yourself right now. When the Queen of Wands is in this position, you are likened to a highly intelligent manager who not only wants to know about everything that’s going on in her environment, but also to be involved in and administer everything. The Queen of Wands has a directive and energetic nature; she is goal oriented and practical. She’s sometimes portrayed as a farm wife who is as busy as the day is long, from spring through fall, overseeing any number of activities related to agriculture, animal husbandry, raising and educating children and taking the crops to market. Like this queen of the operation, you have your hands full; you are the axis of production. It’s a joyful experience to contribute so much that is so tangible.
• Situation: King of Wands – Main (positional) meaning: The designated leader needs your support right now, even if he or she does not yet know how to use power objectively. The card that lands in the Situation position refers to social or circumstantial factors which could be affecting your life at this time. The King of Wands in this position suggests that a new level of authority has been assumed by someone in the environment and that person may still be getting used to this position. Your patience and compassion can help them get their bearings. It is not in your best interests to appear competitive, so lend your support humbly. Resist the temptation to upstage this person even if it would be easy. Your friend, newly emerged as a leader, needs your support right now, even if he or she does not yet use power objectively.
• Challenges/Opportunities: Judgement – Main (positional) meaning: Heed the beckoning call of the future. The card that lands in the Challenges/Opportunities position refers to ways that you can turn obstacles into stepping stones. Judgment in this position is a challenge to redeem yourself and be resurrected. Agree to wake up with a higher new level of discernment, even though outwardly you are in the same old body, the same old identity, the same old world. When this trumpet blows in your soul, it no longer matters who you used to be. External reckoning no longer applies. A higher order calls and you must march to that new drummer.
• Foundation: Justice – Main (positional) meaning: A strong moral foundation confers the ability to skillfully discern right from wrong. The card in the Foundation position points to influences from your personal history, your roots and background. The Justice card in this position suggests a moral influence in early life taught you right action and right relationship with your fellow beings. You may have felt the training was severe or restrictive at the time, but it has helped protect you from the excesses of our times. Self-control through moderation, awareness of the collective welfare, the bonds of community, and a sense of personal accountability combine to make a strong inner refuge. By being there for others, you ensure they will be there for you.
• Recent Past: Three of Cups – Main (positional) meaning: You know that the positive feelings you have for others are reciprocated. The card in the Recent Past position refers to events that are just departing, recently influential but now diminishing in power. With the Three of Cups in this position, you have the security and enjoyment of knowing that the people you care about most also care about you. This is a card of love returned — not in a sexual sense, but in a sisterly or brotherly sense. Here there is no feeling of sibling rivalry. Instead, there is a chance for your needs to be met and your heart fulfilled. It’s a great blessing when times as uncomplicated as these happen. Even though the moment may be brief, cherish the memory; if you can, write it in your journal before it fades. Preserve this reminder and keep it available so you remember the times in your life when everything was working well.
• Higher Power: Nine of Wands – Main (positional) Meaning: Even when we have overcome all contenders, it may be unclear whether what is gained exceeds what is sacrificed. The card in the Higher Power position reflects the broader perspective and influence of your conscience, Guardian Angel, inner wisdom.  When the Nine of Wands is in this position, ask yourself if what has just been accomplished represents the final battle and whether what was fought for is now finally won. If so, do you consider it to have been a worthwhile experience? If what was gained was just the privilege to fight another day, then it is advisable to rethink the situation. Determine whether it’s worth it to keep it going, because it’s definitely not producing any discernible success. Even when we prove ourselves superior and overcome adversaries, recovery from the experience may be long and arduous. Does the outcome justify the cost?
• Near Future: The Star – Main (positional) Meaning: You will soon understand your personality and life patterns in an entirely new way. This will be nurturing, healing and regenerative for all concerned. The card in the Near Future position indicates which way the wind is blowing with regard to your situation. If you follow the Advice card, however, you can improve on or neutralize tendencies.  The Star in this position is focusing on your prime motive, the mission you were born into this world to accomplish this time around. This revelation can settle old, unresolved feelings that have been churning within you. As you understand more fully why you are here, you may finally come to accept a lot of the circumstances you previously viewed as setbacks. You will be able to forgive the world of limitations, and be of service to it. This coming awakening is the gentle and natural consequence of the work you have done on yourself. Relax and let it happen.
• Blocks & Inhibitions: The Emperor – Main (positional) Meaning: Let go of self-criticism and worry; accept that you are the right person for the job. The card in the Blocks position points to self-undermining tendencies, areas where you could be in denial, where you could get stuck — unless you examine yourself and make some corrections.  The Emperor in this position is suggesting that your inner judge or critic is too severe. Perhaps you let messages of self-criticism and self-doubt play over and over again in your mind. You think you can’t live up to the challenges you are facing. That could be true, but you must understand that it’s irrelevant to the current situation. In truth, no one else could better fulfill a delegation of responsibility or leadership. You are it. No amount of excuses or self-deprecation will save you. No matter how the inner critic argues about your unworthiness or unreadiness, you can’t stall any longer. Roll up your sleeves, respond to the challenge and create change. There will be time to judge and worry about perfection after the job is done.
• Allies: Queen of Cups – Main (positional) Meaning: Loving support is available to you now; be open to receiving it while you can. The card in the Allies position points to people who can be supportive or helpful to you at this time. The Queen of Cups in this position points to someone, or a group of people, who are willing to provide you with empathy and understanding, the nurturing sort of kindness we generally associate with a loving parent. The Queen of Cups energy has the ability to intuit what your issues or pains are and help you pinpoint the distress or real needs. She will gently put her hand right where it hurts, help you understand and heal the pain. She’s a great one for emotional processing and will generously give of her time. Avail yourself of her acceptance, understanding, loving kindness and healing energy while you can. From time to time, we all need to drink from this fountain and she is happy to share it with you now. Enjoy the support while it is available to you, but don’t become permanently dependent upon it.
• Advice: Three of Coins – Main (positional) Meaning: Let the world see your skills and talents. The card in the Advice position suggests a course of action which will harmonize what you want with what is currently possible. The Three of Coins in this position suggests that you showcase your unique capabilities. Let the world in on who you really are. This is a good time to seek recognition. Once you receive the appreciation you deserve, accept and savor the acknowledgment. Expect new and exciting offers. When they arrive, accept them graciously. Why hide your light under a bushel? It does not become you to display false modesty. Practice saying to yourself, “Thank you, I accept the compliment” until you learn to fully let in this kind of affirmative grace with ease.
• Longterm Potential: Nine of Swords – Main (positional) Meaning: Your need to be free will eventually overcome your attachment to comfort. The card in the Long-term Potential position points to unknowns still taking shape. It is the “wild card” yet to be played. The Nine of Swords in this position suggests that if you can respond to the promise of freedom, and go through some arduous passage, you may be able to win your way out of a trap or binding situation without becoming more of a victim. This may require becoming a bit of a warrior, because warrior energy will be what is needed to get out of it. You can compare the feeling of this card to the shock of being immersed into the turbulent waters of a cold stream after soaking in a warm bathtub of predictability. Going through this and coming out stronger may require cutting off that part of yourself that feels needy or like a victim. Although there is the possibility of tragedy and pathos, when the old gratifications are no longer available, the nostalgia will eventually diminish too. Take heart in this, because after all the letting go you will find yourself open for, and capable of, new fulfillment. The coming time will require a new approach — one that is more self sufficient, self-directed and self-willed, with less dependence on others.

I always find it interesting how close the tarot readings are to what I have already set as my personal goals & what I’m already dealing with in life. Just a fun & insightful thing I do this time every year.