Maria, I haven't followed your thread lately, just jumping in here on this last post. So, without even knowing what I am talking about as far as putting this in context of your latest situation, I see a desire to release a situation or to mentally/emotionally move to a new place, you are weary of the situation - burned out, the Fool is all about new beginnings and taking chances, whether planned or simply making a wreckless move (given several negative cards here, I'm more inclined to think making a change and taking the chance on unknown outcomes would be better than attempting to stick with this guy). The three of swords is what it is - a "knife through your heart" (whenever I get this card, intense heartache is sure to exist or will be coming soon). Kinight of swords in the positive is about logic, truth, and reason, in it's negative it is rude, overbearing and intolerant, the Eight of Swords means you feel trapped, confused or powerless in this situation...but you can choose to release yourself at any time. I'm going to go with your thought that the King of Cups is an affirmation that this is about him, since you say that's usually his card. (I see this all the time when I have certain cards that represent particular people. I always see it as an indication to pay attention - the cards are being very specific about the person in question - heed the advice well.)

As I say Maria, I haven't had time to read this whole thread (it got a bit overwhelming at some point), so just putting in my two cents here. I see your gut wanting to move on, but you're locked into this for the time being, it looks to me like it's just going to keep causing you pain and only you can make the call about when to let it go and take your chances on finding something/someone new. The knight of swords suggests you know the truth of the situation, or you are at a place to accept the truth and use logic to bring yourself out of the confusion. I might be willing to think things had more potential for an optimistic outcome with this man if it weren't for the three of swords. There is pain here, or the pain that results from separation, and no indication of it getting resolved in any direction. Sounds like it falls on you to make the call on this one, but if you decide to date him, expect it to be a difficult situation - if he's already driving you nuts...expect more of the same. I wouldn't call that an "awful" reading necessarily, more like, "you have been warned", lol.

Maria, quick note on the previous reading, the 8 of cups can indicate exactly what you said, it can be about turning your back on or giving up on something that you've made a great emotional investment in.

Ok, just quick impressions on your second reading here (sorry short on time right now). Seven of cups suggest that you have several options for potential love interests coming your way, you may not know who to pick! (reinforced byt the knight of cups). The six of cups suggests someone from your past who comes back into your life, or perhaps a former love interest that is renewed. Be wary of the knight of wands, he will be one who can completely capture your attention with his energy, intelligence and passion, but he may turn out to be someone who is very full of himself, or one who is here today - gone tomorrow. Not saying it has to be that way, but the potential is there. The question of "where you'll meet" has me stumped - although that may make sense with the Seven of Cups - representing no particular sense of "order" about things - and I'd say that you should just be open to the idea that you may find your next romantic interests anywhere. (I know how unhelpful of me, lol!) You certainly can look forward to being able to pick and choose a bit here though, don't feel like to have to settle on any one man right off the bat.

Maria, lol, it's no problem. I do this to myself all the time, kind of a nice diversion to assist someone else for a change. I should send a couple of my readings your way....ok, I think I will.

Here's my latest reading with regards to the question: "where does he see things going between us" (a general past, present, future + a fouth card to see if I could glean more insight on the future cared - then I pulled one more card to see what direction "Judgment" might take. I'm clear on the past and can see that it has him introspecting on the present, just nothing solid to me on the future unless you see something here. He's obviously feeling defensive and ready to make some kind of decision...or maybe not...the 4 of cups is pretty vague) Let me know what you think:

3 Swords
Hermit
9 Wands
Judgement
4 Cups

Anyway, back to yours. Hmm, yeah that Ace definitely signals some kind of possibility to work at something together, but I rarely associate the Pentacles with a romantic partnership (although I know if you want to split hairs it can be there). A period of retreat or rest with a time of gathering information or gaining new knowledge. I don't know what to make of it Maria, since there's no indication of where this beginning will go, but we can't overlook the fact that things still seem to be moving in a direction - nothing has come to an end, just a lull in the action. Perhaps do another reading asking where things are headed with this spread in mind. Might give some clarification on whether this movement is in an emotional realm or a more practical direction.

Sorry to be so long in replying. I wasn't thinking to look for a reply from you and I will be more attentive here until we have this one resolved.

Yes...maybe stubborn is the word...the three of swords may be a bit of hurt in this case, but in combination with a situtation that keeps us separated. We did have quite an argument last week with me laying out some cold, hard truths. I haven't spoken to him since and left it in his hands to connect with me when he's ready. While I'd like to think he's feeling pain over my absense, lol, I may have just hurt his feelings with my bluntness, and maybe he's on the defensive as a result. "Yes" I left him much to mull over, not the least of which is the idea of letting go of the relationship. On one hand I'm glad of the affirmation that he probably is digging deep to figure out what he really wants to do, but that stupid 4 of cups has me stumped coming right after Judgement. I see Judgement as a big "awakening", as card 20, it's a card of completion of a grand cycle...and yet all it does is bring him back to a place of reclusiveness and discontent? Maybe he is going to let our relationship go and just go back to his ho-hum life? How incredibly disappointing for both of us! Or maybe he just realizes that we're to a point where a big decision seems necessary, things are stagnant, and yet due to circumstances, he really can't make the change necessary so no matter what happens he will continue to sulk in his discontent for the time being. I think I'll copy you on your "course of action" question and see what I get. I'll pull those cards at the end for you to review.

Ok, Holy Cow on that second reading. It's almost like, "if you just hold on a bit, stay loving and supportive you will get your wish". That five of pentacles throws a wrench in things though. Perhaps some lonliness while you wait...but followed by victory and better yet, the Ace of Wands, the growth of something new. Think very specifically about the question you asked. Just because you might have J in mind, your personal course of action may not actually involve him. Yeesh, all those Aces! New beginnings...perhaps unseen right now...but on the way. Is it possible that as you ride this wave of "goodness" that you think is directed towards your issue with J, you will in fact attract other admirers that could bring you real happiness? How often do we find love when we are least looking for it. So go ahead and think happy thoughts about J but don't be surprised if your general happy demeanor doesn't draw some new interest your way. I'm not entirely convinced, obviously, that J is the real source of your future happiness.

Ok, I think I'll ask my question a bit differently after reviewing your results. I'm going to ask it as "what can I do to benefit R while he is introspecting on our situation". I like timelines because it puts things in a nice context. My birthday is 7/7 so this is one of my favorite readings (since uses 7 cards). I'm pulling 7 cards total, two represent the past (or foundation of the situation) two for the present and two for what is evolving in future. The seventh card gives the overview or summary:

Ace Pentacles
3 Pentacles

The Magician
The Hermit

The Star
Ten of Wands (Argh! I get that one a lot with this man)

7th Card Two of Wands

Hmmm, I know how I want to read this, but I know that I'm only going to see the positives. I'm going to let you evaluate it without any input from me - that way I'll get a cleaner picture of things.

I agree, this is fun, I'm enjoying it immensely, and thank you for your time! I started reading cards when I was 23 (I'm 49 now) after a palm-reader said that I had real potential if I ever would choose to explore it. I've been reading for myself ever since, but this forum is my first opportunity to share. Let's just keep it going Maria until we have all of our issues sorted out (like THAT'S ever gonna happen, lololol!)

Ugh.......that's all I can say. Ugh.

I guess you were right about J. Last night, I was as pleasant as possible, but it didn't really matter because he ended up staying at work late talking alone with one of our coworkers. They've been spending a lot of time together lately, and while he maaaay not necessarily end up with her (although that's what it looks like) it made me realize he doesn't want me. So, you may be right about what my last reading was really trying to say. At least, I sincerely hope so. I can't imagine it was just.....wrong. Though I did do a quick reading for that night, just a general one, and the reading looked very pleasant compared to what I actually went through.

So...back to you.

Ahaaa, see, this goes back to what I was saying before with pentacles being good, solid foundations for relationships (though we see it didnt work so much for me...). You have the Ace and 3 of pentacles in our past, both good solid base cards. The three for me usually means building a solid foundation, so I guess the cards are telling you that that is what you've done for him in the past. For the present, it confuses me slightly that the magician and hermit are together. Perhaps its telling you to change things within yourself, by yourself while he does the same. If it was just the Magician by himself, I might have said that maybe you need to take charge a little in the direction of the relationship. Maybe a small text to inquire about his day...but the hermit kinda dampers that a bit. Unless it's telling you to help him morph out of his hermit-like phase with the powers of the magician, so coax him on a bit. When is the last time you spoke to him...??

So, the future, the star is a very good card to get! I can't see it any other way then there's hope. And next to the ten of wands, maybe it means there's hope in lifting the burdens that he's feeling with whatever he's going through, which in turn will get things moving again.

Two of wands as a summery....well, that makes sense. It can be about decisions, or about reaching a certain stage and heading onto the next one. Usually when I see this card, I see someone who is preparing for an adventure. It seems like it's telling you to buckle down and decide what you want to do, and whats best for you. But it kind of has a bit of success in itself, so I think you'll figure things out.

I really hope that was helpful, cause it's early in the morning x.x and unfortunately I gotta go to work, so I'll give you a quickie on the second reading and then come back and finish up when I get home.

The past he seems to be thinking about either your past relationship or other relationships he's had, and how he's had to struggle or compete to get them or keep them. Have you guys had a smooth past or has it been rocky getting together? Maybe this has happened to him before....?

Present...ummm.....Queen of swords and the world. Maybe he sees you as the Queen of swords, which makes sense because whenever things were rocky between me and J i'd always come up as a swords card. Maybe he's trying to think if him and the Queen are 'IT' for each other, symbolized by the world. The world can also be a card of completion, so if things are completed, he might be thinking about whether there's anything left to continue with. I guess that would make sense, considering you told him to think about the relationship.

Future....10 of swords is the end of something, so...it COULD be the end of the relationship that he decides, and as the page of wands goes by himself off on his own. Or, it could be the end of the awkwardness between you guys and the page is him kind of starting things anew, with the passion of the wands. Though, not gonna lie, I don't like the page of wands. I don't like any wands court cards except the King and Queen. The Page and Knight to me represent men with no thoughts of commitment. So...with the 10 of swords, that's a scary combo.

And the magician...wow it likes to show you this one. Whenever I see this card, I thing of manipulation (not always bad) of fixing things, of choosing your own path....So, perhaps as a summery of what he's contemplating, he's thinking about what exactly to do to remedy the situation. It is a much, muuuuch stronger card then the 4 of cups, in that it shows the potential for some actual action rather then just sitting there kind of ignoring things. So, he is thinking about taking control in some way...positive or negative? Gah, no way of knowing, unless you pull another card.

Maybe do a reading asking the outcome? I think that would help a lot more. Sorry, gotta go to work, gimmy feedback!