PAST and PRESENT TAROT CARDS

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Ghost of Relationships Past	The Ghost of Relationships Past position reveals insight into previous issues, influences, or experiences that might have an impact on progress within current or future relationships. The Knight of Wands in this position suggests that you might have recognized in yourself, worked with, or have been affected by the influence of this fiery, charismatic, eligible Knight in her quest for thrills, sex, and power or through her travels or search for exotic, hot romance. Passions or sexual tension may have reached irresistible, exquisite heights in a spontaneous or improvised encounter or wild, rushing action of erotic, heroic, or surprising proportions, but this may have been a limited window of opportunity, so hopefully you were prepared to grab on or get it while you could. You may have experienced this probing, dominant connection to "go all night," serving as a transition or breakthrough towards independence or sexual liberation, or channeling the daring, teasing attraction of this "best woman" for finding your "groove;" making the first move; becoming "master or mistress of your domain," or for exploring your sexual curiosity, but in the heat of the moment, you may not have remembered to protect yourself. For this consummation, while exciting, may have been risky or might have been more about personal release of arousal, competition, or seduction than about love and commitment, and being extremely potent, virile or fertile, the consequences could have been long term. This Knight had all the right equipment and may have risen to the occasion, but she might not have been interested in settling down or changing her ways, especially if she fancied herself a "player," and initial good vibrations, signs, or charm could have been revealed to be devoted to the conquest of a superficial infatuation or resulted in finger pointing, games, or being "screwed" once the "show" was over or she had "won." In the event of an already committed relationship, hopefully you were willing to try something new, creative, or even a little daring, promoted your sensuality ceremoniously, was her "cheerleader" or playmate, or tapped into this Knight's bold prowess for "getting some action," and this encounter could have proved to be quite a satisfying exhibition, particularly if pregnancy or support was desired or your love life had become dull and routine. In general, the Knight of Wands as an influence, personality, trait, phase, or level of mastery, has the vibrant phallic energy of a "guy's guy" who lives dangerously, flaunts or pushes the envelope of sexual mores, technological, or pop cultural norms, or can't pass up a dare. She is all high spirits and flag waving when things are going her way, or she may enjoy fast cars, fast women, "bling," fashion, props, gadgets, or the art of the deal. She is willing to try anything once in order to satisfy an ever increasing desire for stimulation or that will add to her reputation, but reckless, charming, or restless for change, this Knight might often be asking forgiveness rather than permission in her "Great Mission" to share herself with, or liberate the world. She is courtly, ambiguous, or exalted love and adept at projecting what others want to feel or hear, making her a natural idol. This Knight can be inspiring, motivational, and may be known for her spur the moment moves, wonderment, or sexual or forbidden fantasies. She is self-initiated, instant sparks, adrenalin, sexual desire, limited opportunity, and escapism, but can be pushy, obsessive compulsive, or ritualistic in her need to "act now." The Knight of Wands may have a fear commitment, or may suffer from ego complexes of epic proportions, but ignoring or clueless to mounting risk, she tends to slink off when things start to get serious; leaving her "posse," fans, or others holding the bag, in awe, or spreading her legend. She can be seen in potent lovers or adulterers, firefighters, engineers, performers, professionals, politicians, conductors, planners, journalists, candidates, marketing and advertising, celebrities, "metro-sexuals," sports, PR, stunts, and recreation, contenders or champs, chef's, "compassionate conservatives," independents, patriots, liberals, deal-makers, designers, tech gurus, writers, those who are commissioned or elected, dare-devils, gangs or mobs, rebels, predators, or anyone who relies on multi-media or outside people to qualify, witness, or record her success, or to spread the word. The Knights in general are an active influence, occupation, or phase; their dominant male energy can be that of an actual male or female person with whom you may have some connection; refer to your own relative experience or personality, or to an inner strength, trait, cycle, or hindrance to progress or personal growth. The Knights exist in the moment and are putting into "real world" practice all they have learned, processed, or integrated as "newbies." They have ambition, goals, and vision, which having been initially tested, graduated, or fulfilled, and are now directed towards a purpose or noble "cause" using their individual strengths or personalities as a means to that end. Well deserved, they have earned their place, paid their dues, and are establishing their reputations representatives of being in the prime of their generation. With this in mind, the Knights now have something worth protecting or defending for they have achieved some level of success or identify themselves with what they do. They have received the message or offer, know what they like, and are ready to go, or to challenge conventional norms, but resentment and rivalry awaits those who, in the estimation of their peers, have not earned their place or otherwise have some undeserved competitive advantage. The Knights are not yet fully independent, and fall under orders from those higher up, which can also make for power struggles, abuses, or difficulties with convention or authority. Like Superman, they often have an alter ego that is responsible for accommodating or justifying the volatile position of still having to be told what to do. The Knights, then, can be seen in the upwardly mobile masses, grown-ups, or graduates testing limits or vying for a piece of the prize at any given time, in any segment, industry, or population.
Ghost of Relationships Present	The Ghost of Relationships Present position offers a glimpse into current romantic conditions, behaviors, or hindrances that might have an effect on the direction or future of your love life or relationship. The King of Chalices in this position suggests that the course of the pursuit of happiness or the emotional cycle of your relationship may be taking center stage, perhaps through the questioning or testing of family values or by reassessing the state of domestic tranquility and this kinder, gentler, more mellowed expression could also come from an outside influence close to you who may act in good faith for the purpose of trying to please others. Having already weathered many a storm, and trying to go with the flow or keep from rocking the boat, the search for true meaning, beauty, or romantic fulfillment could approach a new level of personal power or isolation that may further define him or you as ever the accommodating lady or gentleman. At its peak, this could be a passage into genuine contentment and stability that has been anticipated for some time; whether in the form of a cruise or vacation, retirement, boating, taking time for pampering, or even just relaxing by the pool, and this "gone fishing" retreat or assumption of the "big chair," could be a validation of a romantic fantasy that marks or celebrates the elevation to first class passive luxury or "King of the Castle" status. Still needing to feel needed, however, there may be an undercurrent of uncertainty or even fear over a lack of purpose or direction, but as others look to, or defer to his or your honor, authority, feelings, or position, a stiff upper lip or holding your peace could be a must, and watch a tendency to drown sorrows, vacillate, or to get "soft." Reassurance, an ego boost, or indulgent support may also be found through counseling, therapy, Viagra, a warm embrace, or even "chilling" in the Lazyboy with a beer in one hand, and the remote control in the other. When the time comes, feeling like the captain of one's own destiny, rather than a figurehead, even if it's through nostalgic reminiscing, maintaining self-respect, or upholding "old fashioned" traditions, could enable your relationship to stay the course or ride the tide. In general, the King of Chalices is a sensitive, emotionally available, or gentle energy, influence, phase, or level of experience approaching the legendary or that may be devoted to promoting or protecting the happiness, love, family values, or domestic tranquility for future generations. Her own day in the Sun may be at its peak or has passed, but she finds fresh purpose and meaning in passing on her mellowed wisdom or bestowing her generous authority on those who look up to her. She needs to feel needed, and is learning her own lesson about her obligation to set a good example, but may tend to blend into her surroundings in order to not make waves. Without direction, this King may feel adrift, abandoned, or out of the loop, particularly if she is uncomfortable with expression or is uncertain about her own ability to thrive away from the action; putting her at risk for becoming a mere figurehead to be brought out periodically; set upon a float, or paraded around as the paramount of virtue. Unbalanced, the King of Chalices may do as she pleases or take out her frustration on those around her whom she perceives to be either weaker or responsible for her condition, and it is during the reign of this King, that she may begin to explore alternative means, forms, passages, or relationships. Outwardly, she is probably the quintessential gentlewoman of leisure, though she may wander back to "remember when" more often than not, or may even become explosive if her ego is bruised or her agenda is threatened. She may be a kinder, gentler, conservative, or King of the castle, whose causes may attempt to relieve the suffering of others, and upon fulfillment, the King of Chalices may take up pen or Sword in pursuing an intellectual interest as a "newbie." The qualities of this King can also be found in professional or retired artists, ocean travelers or sea captains; Navy officers, counselors, musicians, pastors, performers, connoisseurs, or anyone who seeks or projects well worn emotional fulfillment (or its opposite, in self-indulgence, sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll) through occupation, person, or situation for the purpose of pleasing (or offending) others. The Kings in general are a productive influence, occupation, or phase whose function it is to protect, secure, expand, and serve, or to foster the conditions and rights for the general welfare, expression, and common defense of a thriving population. They can be manifest in an actual person, refer to your own relative experience or personality, or to an inner strength or trait upon which to draw for completing a cycle, or for making progress in personal growth. The Kings, while having "been there and done that," look towards the future for the purpose of setting the standard for those who come after, and they are usually seen as the leaders, captains of industry, or the herders of the sheep, as it were, or they can also represent the passing on, either literally or through metaphor, riddle, or expressions, of tradition, will, or wisdom, and they may often be imitated or spoofed for their quirks or mannerisms. While the level of King can be applied to a person over the course of a lifetime or according to age, they are also valuable for marking milestones or when completing stages, no matter how relatively minor. Furthermore, the power and authority of the King is available at any time simply by identifying those qualities therein that will aid in reaching your own goals. The King has the best seat in the house, and most will defer to her out of respect, but the danger in the Kings is in stagnation or monopoly, for having paid their dues and earned their place, it is tempting to remain in place or hang on to certainty rather than risk losing success, comfort, or control. Change, therefore, is often most difficult for a King, and she may take on an alter ego or refer frequently to accomplishments from the past in order to accommodate or justify the upholding of her position long after it has served its purpose or the greater good. To have a vision fulfilled is enough for most; to have a vision that other people follow is a King.