I bid on a really nice lake house, but was outbid. I trust that the universe knows what it's going, but when you try to make a purchase of that magnitude, it can be a hell of a bummer when it falls through. I'm spending the day licking my wounds over here, and wondering if another, similar house will ever become available again (in my head I know it will, and it will be perfect, but I can't help but feel negative and pessimistic about the whole thing.

So I created this Tarot Spread to help me move on a little faster. This spread can work for any type of dream that was just not obtained. It doesn't have to be a lake house, it might be something equally large like starting a new business, or something as minor as trying to bake cookies from scratch and ending up with something akin to burnt cardboard (lord knows I've done that, too!)

So I'm going to try it out. Let's see what happens.

1. What about this goal was right? 
self explanatory, really. What part of the dream was good, which you should hold onto as you move toward your next goal? 
In my case, what about this house was right and should I look for in the next house? 

I pulled Strength upright - the house was solid, had good bones, and in practical terms would have been great for my pets. Okay, I will keep that in mind going forward.

2. What about this goal was wrong?
What mistake did you make when choosing this goal? 
In my case, what did I overlook about the house that wouldn't have worked for our family?

I pulled The Fool Reversed - in my book, Applied Tarot Reversed, the fool reversed is actually about downsizing, but I think this was more of a warning that this was TOO MUCH OF A DOWNSIZE. The house only had two bedrooms, and we need at least three to welcome our children and family when they come to visit. The fool reversed is warning me that this is not a new beginning, the house was just too small. 

3. How should I change the goal to move forward?
What adaptation can you make so that your dream is more easily realized next time? 
In my case, this might be asking what should I look for in the next house?

I pulled the Knight of Wands reversed - on an esoteric level this often implies recklessness, but in more direct terms it reminds us about our cars. The house I bid on didn't actually have a garage or electricity to the parking lot, which is something we need for our electric vehicles. I think the cards are warning me to think about my travel needs next time. 

4. How can I best support my emotional wounds?
What can you do right now to make yourself feel better?
In my case, can I treat myself to something to get my mind of losing out on this house?

I pulled the Wheel of Fortune upright - According to my book, Applied Tarot, I could either try gambling (no thanks, gotta save my money), clean the hall closet (I could do that, I suppose) or watch a movie about taking chances (I will probably choose that option. I'm not only sad but also super lazy.)

5. What message does the universe have?
This is the crux of all things when you're feeling down about something - what does the universe want you to understand about it?
In my situation, what does the universe want me to know about house hunting?

I pulled the Hermit - This card is about introspection and the attainment of wisdom, so I guess I need to remember that I learned something throughout this process? In literal terms it's about being up high on a mountain or having a better view - so maybe I have to wait to find a house on more of a hill! I can do that. ;)


I got a lot of major arcana cards, which tells me that this was completely out of my control and is exactly what the Universe planned and expected for me. I find comfort in that.

The deck is the Land of Stories Tarot. I did the reading right here at my desk while I was blogging this.

I've started work on the Applied Tarot Reversed Book. Here's a sneak peak of a page I just wrote and haven't edited yet... because The Fool Reversed is all about jumping in without being fully prepared! So why not just dive right in?

The Fool Reversed
The fool upright dances through the hilltops without direction, his faithful pup by his side. Upright, the fool card asks us to take a risk and make a leap and trust yourself. However, in reverse, there are a few things that could be happening here. Figure out which one is correct for you:

1. You may be bounding into something without first stopping to weigh the pros and cons.
2. You may be talking yourself out of something before you begin. Is it fear?
3. You may be so in love with starting new things, you fail to commit to growing in one specific area
4. You are NOT taking a leap when you should be. What is holding you back?

 
Questions answered by the Fool Reversed:
Who? A naïve or reckless person
What? A thoughtless action
Where? Somewhere dangerous
When? Immediately; January and February
Why? “Carefulness costs you nothing. Carelessness may cost you your life.”
Yes or No? Maybe – stop and consider it first
 
What should I clean?

• Clutter on the floor
• Give the baby or pet a bath

 
Where are my keys?

• On the floor somewhere

The Fool Reversed as:
..an action

• Stop and think about things
• Walk the dog
• Dive deep into skills you already have

 
...a place in your house?

• The floor
• Downstairs

 
...a place in your city?

• Somewhere you visit frequently
• A pet store
• A children’s museum

 
.. a place in the world?

• The sea
• A famous valley, such as the Valley of the Ten Peaks (Canada) or Yosemite (USA)
• The Grand Canyon

 
...something to eat?

• Applesauce
• Oats or granola

 
..a color? White, Yellow
 
...a movie theme? Avoiding danger, rushing into things

• About Time
• Safety Not Guaranteed

 
...a new career?

• Join an established company with good benefits
• Working with animals, babies, or pets

Possible Major Arcana combinations with The Fool Reversed:
Upright Magician: brilliant but careless
Reversed High Priestess: not listening to one's intuition results in being taken advantage of
Upright Empress: an insecure or worried parent
Reversed Emperor: a reckless tyrant
Upright Hierophant: archaic harmful traditions
Reversed Lovers: partnership ends too quickly
Upright Chariot: not being cautious on a trip
Reversed Strength: Insecurity leads to one being taken advantage of
Upright Hermit: a wise person doubts themself
Reversed Wheel: a risk leads to bad luck
Upright Justice: consider cause and effect
Reversed Hanged One: faking martyrdom
Upright Death: impulsive ends
Reversed Temperance: extremely careless
Upright Devil: a drug addict, inconsideration
Reversed Tower: trying everything to avoid disaster
Upright Star: blind faith
Reversed Moon: thoughtlessness and confusion
Upright Sun: carefree abandon, childhood joy
Reversed Judgement: a lack of self awareness
Upright World: Fear of success
 
Before any card: Don’t jump into (card)
After any card: Reckless Behavior
 
The Major Arcana represent significant life events. Fool Reversed could be:

• A failed start to a new venture
• A career change requiring deep thought
• Downsizing a house or career
• A divorce
• A bad fall or tumble

There you go, card 1 of the Applied Tarot Reversed. No, I have no idea when it will be published because I'm foolish and naive and very ill-prepared, much like the reversed Fool. While you're waiting for me to get my act together, why not buy the upright version?

The fool dances through the hilltops without direction, his faithful pup by his side. Blissfully unaware of the danger, the fool is poised to fall with the very next step.
However, that is just what we see when we look at the card. What we do not know is what is on the other side of that leap. The fool card asks us to take a risk and make the jump. Trust yourself.
If you were truly about to make a terrible mistake, your dog (or another trusty companion) might notice and warn you.
 
Questions answered by the Fool:
Who? A young person with his or her head frequently in the clouds
What? A new venture
Where? Somewhere new and unfamiliar
When? Immediately; January and February
Why? Because without risks and challenges, there is no growth
Yes or No? Yes
 
What should I clean?

• The baby's room
• The litter box or pet's area

 
Where are my keys?

• On a ledge somewhere

The Fool as:
An action

• Try something new
• Take your dog for a walk
• Adopt a pet!

 
Place in your house?

• A high location, such as a shelf or balcony
• Upstairs

 
Place in your city?

• Somewhere you have never been
• A dojo
• A children’s museum

 
Place in the world?

• The Himalayas
• The Alps
• The Rocky Mountains

 
Something to eat?

• Bananas
• Avocados

 
A color? White, Yellow
 
A movie theme? Taking a chance or a fresh start

• Sleepless in Seattle
• Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore

 
A new career?

• A startup or seed company
• Something in the tech industry
• Working with pets

Some Fool combinations
With Judgment: A person has an overwhelming urge to follow their heart.
With Seven of Wands: A person defends their outrageous new idea - it is good! 
With Ace of Cups: A free spirit falls in love.
With King of Swords: An otherwise disciplined worker starts a completely new career.
With Eight of Pentacles: A graduating student takes their first leap into a new career.
 
The Fool before any card: A new beginning regarding (card)
The Fool after any card: A fresh start, a bold risk
 
The Major Arcana represent significant, unchangeable life events.
The Fool could indicate:

• A new baby
• Changing careers
• Moving houses
• An engagement or wedding
• A precarious hike up a mountain