Kate reached out and patted Hannah’s knee. “I’m so sorry you felt like that.”
“Thank you. I began learning tarot as a way to reassure myself when I started to worry. The cards helped me slowly heal and build up trust in myself. I know that if I keep working on it, someday I’ll be able to make my living via the cards.”
“Are the cards a form of therapy for you?”
“Yes.” Hannah nodded. She hadn’t thought of it as therapy before. “It’s also a meditation for me. The shuffling of the cards can be very soothing.”
“Just watching you shuffle is relaxing. If you talked quietly while shuffling, you could make ASMR videos.”
Hannah chuckled. “I’m ready to do your reading whenever you are.”
Kate cracked her knuckles. “Okay, my question is, will I get the money for the down payment in time?”
Hannah chewed on her bottom lip for a few seconds. “What I have found is that questions that are a simple yes or no answer are hard to see in the cards. The cards are going to give you more nuance than a yes or a no. A question that might give you more guidance or clarity would be like—”
“What is my path to buying the building?”
Hannah hit her knee with her palm, “Yes, exactly! That’s a great question!”
Kate’s eyes lit up, and tingles radiated out from Hannah’s chest. She had to restrain herself from putting down the cards and sitting in Kate’s lap. She cleared her throat and repeated the question to herself softly as she did the last shuffle. Then she held the deck out to Kate.
“Split the deck wherever you want. And turn it over to show a card.”
Kate cut the deck, and the top card was the Five of Swords. Hannah placed it on the table and then pulled a second and a third card. She placed those next to the first card.
Hannah tapped the Five of Swords. “This card represents the past, could be the recent past or further back. It may be that your past is holding you back in some ways. This card is about conflict. Like big conflicts that can involve defeat, competition, sneakiness, and even abusive relationships.”
Kate frowned. “You didn’t tell me I’d feel called out by the cards.”
The corners of Hannah’s mouth ticked up. “They call me out all the time. The middle card shows us your current mindset and situation. The Four of Pentacles is upright, and that shows frugality, saving money, and scarcity. The scarcity could be concrete, or it may just be a feeling of scarcity.”
Kate rubbed a hand down her face, “The accuracy of this reading is scary.”
Hannah clapped her hands together, “Should I stop? Are you okay?”
Kate smiled wanly. “I’m not upset. I’m trying to give you a compliment. Sorry it didn’t come out right.”
Hannah sighed. “Phew, I was worried I’d upset you, like that client I told you about, the one I made cry.”
Kate reached over and rubbed Hannah’s knee again. “I’m sure it wasn’t what you said. There had to be something else going on with her that caused the tears. You’re doing great. I can’t wait to hear about the last card.”
“Okay, this card is all about the most likely outcome. It’s upright.”
“That means it’s good, right?”
“It depends on the card. With this one, it is better that it’s upright. And I hope you’ll see that it’s guiding you to the path you are seeking.”
Kate raised an eyebrow, “The path I am seeking. I love it.”
“This card is the Three of Cups. It’s all about three c’s–community, creativity, and collaboration.” Hannah felt her shoulders drop. She always got a little anxious when she gave a reading. It was so important to her that she got the interpretation correct.
Kate nodded, “I like the future card. It gives me hope and something to brainstorm with. You know, it’s actually already happening, since Dr. Echols, she’s a veterinarian, has signed the agreement to lease next door to me—provided I secure the building.”
“Isn’t it funny how things work? Could there be anyone more perfect to have next door?”
“Exactly. And not that it matters, but she’s a lesbian, and that’s a total bonus. Maybe we can do something together for Pride next year.”
“That would be amazing! I can’t believe the lack of queer-focused events and support in this town.” Hannah’s pulse sped up. “Maybe I can help organize something. I know I’m just figuring things out, but I’d love to get to know more people.”
