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.

The upright Strength card is about your inner will, confidence, and the animalistic nature that is inside all of us. Reversed, it could be weakness, vulnerability and a lack of self-recognition or control over one’s demons. Figure out which meaning might be correct for you:
 

1. Weakness and vulnerability
2. Raw, uncontrolled animalistic instincts
3. Aggression
4. Reconsidering one’s direction

 
Questions answered by Strength Reversed:
Who? A bum; a weakling; Someone who needs more confidence
What? Self-doubt; weakness; vanity
Where? The candy store 
When? July-August; During sad times 
Why? “All cruelty springs from weakness.” ~Seneca
Yes or No? No. You are not prepared
 
What should I clean?

• Exercise equipment
• The fridge
• The pet’s food or litter box

     
Where are my keys?

• In the fridge
• The pet has them

Strength Reversed as:
…an action?

• Eat junk food
• Be lazy
• Seek help for your addictions

…a place in your house?

• Unused gym equipment

• The kitchen
• Storage

…a place in your city?

• A fast food restaurant

• The pet store
• A gym

…a place in the world?

• Turkey
• Venezuela

• Greece
• Singapore

...something to eat?

• Highly caffeinated drinks
• Sweets
• Foods found low to the ground, such as carrots or potatoes

 
...a color? Pistachio, lemon yellow
 
...a movie theme? Weakness, vanity

• Ocean’s Eleven and Ocean’s Twelve
• Fight Club
• The Social Network

 
...a new career?

• Movie extra
• Dog walker
• Safety and Compliance inspector
• Epidemiologist

Possible Major Arcana combinations with Strength Reversed:
 
Upright Fool: Self-doubt in a new project
Reversed Magician: Cowardice, being tricked
Upright Priestess: One’s inner voice is weak
Reversed Empress: Insecure mother or parent
Upright Emperor: Being controlled by authority
Reversed Hierophant: Layoff; rejection
Upright Lovers: Weak in the knees for a lover
Reversed Chariot: Doubt in which path to take
Upright Hermit: Taking time out to regain strength
Reversed Wheel: Vulnerable to bad choices
Upright Justice: The truth is overwhelming
Reversed Hanged One: A wasted sacrifice
Upright Death: Fear of change
Reversed Temperance: Extreme weakness
Upright Devil: Someone else causes weakness
Reversed Tower: A whistleblower
Upright Star: Vulnerable to one’s instincts
Reversed Moon: Too scared to travel
Upright Sun: A laughing fit; one is easy prey
Reversed Judgement: This is not your destiny
Upright World: Too scared to complete a mission
 
Before any card: A lack of confidence about (card)
After any card: Weakness, guilt
 
The Major Arcana represent significant life events. Strength reversed could indicate:

• A situation requiring willpower
• Laziness
• A sick pet
• Fear

Don't fear Strength reversed! Just reign in your animal instincts. Alternatively, let your instincts live vicariously through a cute romance novelette:

The Strength card is about one's inner will, confidence, and the animalistic nature that is inside all of us. In its simplest form, the Strength card also recognizes our fight or flight instinct. Neither fight nor flight is the incorrect reaction, as they exist to save our lives.
The Strength card tells you to trust your body and use your inner reserves in the matter at hand. 

Questions answered by Strength:
 
Who? Your personal trainer, a zoologist, or a veterinarian
What? Your inner reserves; your most basic instincts; survival
Where? The gym 
When? July-August; During sunny weather 
Why? Because sometimes when we spend an hour on our body's most basic needs, it inspires our brain into more logical action
Yes or No? Yes, if you have confidence and strength

Feeling hungry? Strength says eat: 

• A protein bar
• Fruit from a tall tree
• An animal you killed and cooked yourself