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 don't have many relevant reversed knight of wands stories to relay today. If anything, I'm experiencing a little-known alternate interpretation, where I'm unable to move forward - namely because Amazon is slow to upload the latest novel I've published. 
Finally, the next book in the Second Sight franchise is released! I'm excited about it. It took a lot longer to complete due to various life circumstances, but it's a bit longer and sexier than the previous book, so it was a fun challenge to finish.
As I mentioned, Amazon is being stupid slow in uploading the image and paperback copy for it, but the manuscript should work on Kindle, at least. I'll update when the paperback is released. 
I also seem to be having immense difficulty uploading my Knight card (the bear) and its relevant info. I would like to give up now and go back to bed.
Maybe it is a reversed Knight type of day. 

The Knight of Wands upright grows bored easily and values new adventure over common sense.  
Reversed, these traits are often magnified to dangerous levels. This person could be arrogant, reckless, loud, or obnoxious. Alternatively, they may be so fearful they are unwilling to do anything at all.
 
Questions answered by the reversed Knight of Wands:
Who? A daredevil
What? A cancelled trip
Where? A loud party
When? Mid July to mid-August; Quickly and recklessly 
Why? “There are two circumstances that lead to arrogance: one is when you're wrong and you can't face it; the other is when you're right and nobody else can face it.” ~ Criss Jami
Yes or No? No, in most situations

The reversed Knight of Wands as:
…an action?

• Drink coffee or tea
• Think things through

 
…a place in your house?

• Your work desk
• The stove

 
…a place in your city?

• An outdoor activity center, such as skydiving
• The racetrack
• A car dealership

 
…a place in the world?

• The ocean
• Australian outback
• Caminito del Rey, Spain

 
…something to eat?

• Coffee
• Puffer fish

• The Carolina reaper pepper

…something to clean?

• The outside windows
• The backseat of the car
• Hiking or camping gear

 
…where to find your missing item?

• A display case or shelf
• In plain sight
• In the car

 
…a movie theme? Arrogance; recklessness

• Bridesmaids
• Guardians of the Galaxy

 
…a new career?

• Private chef
• C-suite executive; director

 
The reversed Knight of Wands
Before any card: An ambitious person shows off (card)
After any card: Arrogance; daredevil activity.

The Knight of Wands charges into the scene, taking bold risks with passion and fun. This knight also has a short attention span and does not stay in one place for long. While the knight can quickly change direction when things are not working out, they may also grow bored of jobs, relationships, or other things that are otherwise healthy.

Questions answered by the Knight of Wands:
Who? A person who cannot stay in one place for long; An equestrian
What? A new challenge
Where? The races
When? Mid July to mid August; A short amount of time 
Why? Because adventure awaits!
Yes or No? Yes
 
Knight of Wands
Before any card: An energetic person brings an item related to (card)
After any card: Swift movement, a bold risk.

The Knight of Wands as:
...an action?

• Travel somewhere new

 
...a place in your house?

• The games room
• Where the shoes are stored

 
...a place in your city?

• An indoor racing center
• The skate park
• Horse riding

 
...a place in the world?

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• France
• Pamplona

 
...something to eat?

• Tea
• Cherries
• Whole grains
• A protein bar

 
...something to clean?

• Hall closet or shoes
• Trunk of the car
• Travel gear such as camping supplies

 
...where to find the missing item?

• In your shoes
• Near the front door
• In the car

...a color? Orange

...a movie theme? adventure, risk-taking

• Finding Nemo/Finding Dory
• Die Hard

 
...a new career?

• Jobs involving fast driving such as EMT or Pilot
• Competitive work such as sales

 
Knight of Wands combinations
With Lovers: One is stronger with a partner.
With Six of Wands: Taking bold action leads to victory.
With Four of Cups: Someone questions their purpose. A moment of reflection may be needed before diving in.
With King of Swords: One discovers the truth about themself - they must be bold but disciplined.
With Two of Pentacles: Prioritize the options before jumping in.