“That’s all well and good,” Chase interrupts, his attention suddenly shifted. “But whatever direction we’re looking for probably really has something very specific to do with this.”

Earlier, Maggie’s guidance got us the compass, so Chase puts that toolset half on the table.

Click here

Earlier, Maggie’s help got us the charms, so Chase puts that toolset half on the table.

Click here

“If the holy grail represents the goal we seek, then achieving it will require bravery and sacrifice,” I conclude.

“Says the demanding Empress mother,” Logan replies, smiling.

“That brings us to second position,” I carry on. “This card represents potential obstacles that could stand in your way.”

I reach forward and flip the second card to reveal the Eight of Swords.

“That’s not great.” I pause. “Swords are the suit of rationality, and eight is the number of infinity. However, when representing obstacles, this card can be super ominous. To reach a point of realization, you must endure a terrible ordeal, one riddled with self-doubt and rife with misinformation. The temptation will be to turn back, but the only way out will be through.”

“Well, I think that message is pretty clear,” Logan sighs, evidently feeling the weight of this card.

“Yeah, let’s move on to third position,” I say, also feeling it. “This card represents the qualities you’ll need to overcome the obstacle.”

I then flip the third card to reveal the Four of Wands.

“Okay, much better,” I begin. “The number four calls for balance and the stability of a square. The Four of Wands represents versatility, how faith in a single wand alone can alter reality, but combining the possibilities of four diverse wands is limitless.”

“Definitely better,” Logan says. “It probably means we’re going to need to use teamwork to overcome obstacles of doubt and deception. Four of Wands, four of us. Those signs couldn’t be clearer.”

“Well, the connections you just made yourself couldn’t be clearer, at least,” I reply as gently as I can manage. Part of me knows I shouldn’t say anything to interfere with Logan’s conclusions—letting the subject realize things about their situation is the whole point of my tarot readings. Then again, not speaking my mind isn’t exactly what I’m most known for.

I return Logan’s weak smile with one of my own, reaching forward to flip over the final card. I’m so distracted, I actually forget it’s one of our homemade cards until my fingers touch its laminated edges.

“In fourth position, this final card represents achieving your goal. It’s both a sign of what you stand to gain and a ‘be careful what you wish for’ message.”

My fingers twitch with excitement as I turn over the final card, finding our homemade representation of the Prince of Wands.