This is the card of going around and around in mental circles. It frequently appears in readings where unrequited love is an issue. There can be a distinct lack of communication, and normally, there will be a particular situation that has been doing your head in for some time. It's like being paralysed by fear but not of

I've found that the seven has a couple of different angles. One is that we can get caught in a cycle of wanting something but believing we can't have it. The other is that there is some sneaky and underhand behaviour going on. This behaviour may be us, or it could be someone close, and its position in the reading should clarify this.

There is an ease of movement through difficult times when the six shows up, and whilst conditions may not be entirely pleasant, there is an indication of detachment from distress. It could be that you can get just enough space to deal with the situation more rationally. Whatever the circumstances, the six of swords says you are

This card will appear when we are feeling pretty hopeless. It gives a no-win situation, yet the battle seems to rage regardless. Part of the problem here is that the battle was pointless, to begin with. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. There could be an unconscious memory of defeat from a similar situation.

This card symbolises peace and a temporary sense of order. Coming after the three of swords, feeling calm can be a welcome relief. Time out may be needed for rest and recovery after a difficult or challenging period. It's a good card to get when you're ill or under the weather because it shows that healing will come.

This card points towards grief and separation anxiety. If you're in a relationship when it appears, it's possible that you will either split up or have to endure emotional pain through separation. There could be a physical distance between you and your beloved or a third party getting in the way. This card will also show up in

The two of swords is often shown with a blindfolded person indicating that the perspective may not be clear. Nonetheless, a compromise has been reached, and for now, there is a state of mental balance. If you don't feel this is the case, then the two indicates that this balance will be reached quickly, usually within two days

This card indicates a new way of thinking and typically appears when mental clarity is about to be received. It is not so much a card of action, but the moment everything becomes clear. You know what you are doing and what you want to do next. If your head has been clouded, this card says don't worry about it

All swords carry an association with the element of air. Swords deal with thoughts and the working through of ideas. This extends to communication, but the kind of communication shown by the sword cards is not necessarily rooted in emotion. It would traditionally indicate a certain level of detachment from feeling.

An older man who is secure in work. Often he is well established in his chosen field. Like the queen, he is practical and realistic, yet he may be considered dull and lifeless at times, although he is a great provider and a steady and reliable husband. Touch is important, and like all pentacle court cards, he can be very sensual

A naturally earthy woman. Concerns are mainly on the physical plane. She has a willingness to nurture others or animals. Needs a reliable connection to the earth, either through her garden or possibly food. Grounded and realistic but may at times lack drive and motivation. Usually stable and practical but prone to depression

The younger version of the king. Materialistic and ambitious for status. Has desires to create a lasting legacy. This card can show a material increase is on its way. Good news around work but a need to keep working hard if comfort is to be achieved. Laziness must be overcome. Sometimes shows a move to a quieter location

The page of pentacles is aware of her body and has an earthy charisma that will do what needs to be done on a practical level. She may still need to develop patience and endurance, but she is willing to learn. There is growth around her, and she wants to succeed on the material plane. The person

Here we see the final accomplishments of our efforts, and we can relax and celebrate the end of a cycle that has produced more than we originally asked for. Often this card will indicate a feeling of satisfaction within the material sphere of life. If we ask questions about the future, this is a reassuring sign that

A good card. This speaks of loving your work and using your inner gifts to make money. There is happiness here, and whilst the ultimate success has still not arrived, there is the confidence that it will do in time. The nine of pentacles speaks of perfection but not in a negative sense. It's doing your work to the best

The eight is much less materialistic than the other pentacles; it is more concerned with having everything in order than with how much wealth is available. When the eight shows up, it's a sign to get things running more efficiently. Don't under or over-exert yourself, and all will be well. Thoughtfulness and attention to detail will be

An odd card, really. On the one hand, it clearly indicates that some success has already been enjoyed, yet it somehow didn't nourish the soul. Timing with this card speaks of months; it always indicates longer than what is expected. The lesson with this card is that sometimes we have to wait for the sense of achievement. We may

This is certainly a better card than its predecessor, yet it still doesn't promise riches. What we have here is the energy necessary for long-term growth. The six promises that our needs will be met for the next few months. However, we must give as much as we receive to build the momentum to move forward into the next stage. If we do well

One of the more unwelcome visitors to a spread is the five of pentacles. The symbolism here speaks of destitution and loss on the physical plane, representing finances and the body. When the five appears, we are warned to be on the lookout for potential losses. These will usually arise through carelessness or excessive greed

Life is relatively stable when the four shows up, but it stresses a couple of things you must watch out for. First, you should be aware that you could do an awful lot better than whatever you are doing now. This card indicates you have far more talent and intelligence than you currently use. This is fine (and understandable)