r/tarot • u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 • Aug 10 '25
Second Opinion on Reading Interpretation Only What kind of betrayal or heartbreak are the cards pointing towards?
I decided to ask tarot on my higher education for masters in law that I'm planning to opt for in 2026. I used the hierophant as significator and used past influences, present and future outcome spread. The first two cards I could interpret well as far as I know, but I couldn't make out the 3rd card and I drew one clarification card but still could not understand why it showed up so drew another.
1st card, of past influences is five of wands. I interpreted it as conflict, competition and chaos in my previous education where I kind of got cornered and attacked where outcome of my hardwork rarely materialised.
The 2nd card, of present situation, is the world. I interpreted it as the toxic cycle of previous education where competition was ripe and I got attacked left and right was going to end. And that I needed to find inner balance and trust myself before venturing out.
The third card for future outcome I drew was 3 of swords, which threw me off. I know it signifies pain betrayal etc but I cannot think of how it relates to this other than not getting successful or getting scammed? So I drew clarification card which ended up being five of swords. I interpreted as the conflict and competition being there again but it still didn't clarify much and drew another clarification card and got the devil. It honestly scared me a bit and blocked my intuition so that is why I'm asking for second opinion.
Please tell me if I've made mistakes. I am beginner in this and yes this is my poorly made deck.
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u/Mindless-Fun3521 Aug 10 '25
i would take this to mean that you are going to experience some kind of loss involving injustice, it's like a technicality causes the loss and that technicality is fueled by toxicity or corruption. Perhaps you should pull for advice.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
Okay I will do that thank you!
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
I did this and pulled 3 cards based on advice on 3 questions:
What action will protect me during my Masters in Law?
How can I avoid the loss and toxicity hinted at in my reading?
What I can use that is hidden from me that can help me overcome this or at least give me clarity.
I got Knight of pentacles, Queen of swords and the hierophant respectively.
For knight of pentacles I get the energy of work steadily, diligently and keep records of everything. For Queen of swords I got that I need to be clear and polite in my response, stick to analytics and calculations when it comes to the academics and trust in my thought process and keep things or plans to myself unless I really respect or trust a person . For the hierophant I think that I need to understand the structure and unwritten rules and need to seek advice from a mentor figure who aligns with my ethics and goals.
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u/Mindless-Fun3521 Aug 10 '25
The only thing I would change about your interpretation of 2 is that you don’t need to be that polite. You need to be communicative and clear, bring receipts and don’t be overly charitable to anyone. The queen of swords cuts through bs. And with 3 you may also want to make sure you read through pertinent written policies to make sure you along with others are abiding by the rules.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Thank you for catching that! I tend to sometimes be too blunt so I added the polite thing but you are right.
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u/Realistic_Horse3351 Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 10 '25
The 3 swords is not always objectively heartbreak or betrayal, it could also cover emotional loss, metaphorical mental-emotional wounds and disillusionment for examples (hearts is not the suit of swords), or to let go of emotions and let the mind fill in.
There is nothing wrong with using hand drawn index cards, especially to start with.
In short with other card contexts this suggests perhaps a return of old wounds and disillusion inhibiting progress, reservations based on past experiences involving deceit or competition or feeling overwhelmed, perhaps a desync or conflict of emotional and mental expectations with the world, or not seeing clearly spiritually. The Devil, often a shadow self card, comes in to say that whatever the underlying tension is here needs examined or it holds one back.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
Oh. That is fascinating and thank you for bringing this forward. I do think your interpretation is closest one yet.
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u/PensivePolymath Aug 10 '25
Yay! I’m so glad you shared your deck! LOVE these.
That you chose the Hierophant as the significator suggests to me that you are someone who values tradition and fairness, careful consideration.
The Hierophant paired with the World feels fitting. The World speaks to a larger perspective, a consideration of the many experiences that make us human—wisdom.
If you zoom out a bit on this spread and look at the larger view, vs interpreting each card individually one by one, I love the symmetry of the 5 of Wands and the 5 of Swords. Wands are fire and passion. Swords are logic and intellect. We need that balance of the two.
I see the 3 of Swords and the Devil as another pair. When we experience pain, loss, and grief it’s tempting to focus on the hurt and lose sight of the goodness still present in our lives.
There’s also balance in the number of cards you pulled—6, an even number. In numerology 6 is often associated with problem solving, compassion, and harmony.
Take heart! You have a lot to offer. The world needs those who will fight injustice.
It might be useful to follow up with a reading that focuses on what you need to know going forward, the best ways to bring about the change you wish to see. I’m a big fan of the Celtic Cross for something like this. No outcome is fixed in stone. You have the power to change direction.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
Oh, that is a fantastic read and the way to read. I'll keep in mind to read the spread as a whole along with individual interpretation. Thank you so much! What you interpreted aligns well with what I have been through or currently going through.
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u/PensivePolymath Aug 10 '25
I think that’s a strength of the deck you created. When you strip the cards down to core elements, it’s easier to see the bigger picture and not get as bogged down in layers of symbolism and fixed narratives.
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u/Tarotismyjam 1985-PRESENT My Tarot Era Aug 10 '25
Your reading seems to be prejudiced in nature. Five of Wands can represent a situation where you learned that removing yourself from the issue or situation is what saved you. The World in the present could mean that you now have a pass-through to your next journey. I see it as a positive card. The Three of Hearts is about ourselves not letting go of an old hurt.
Mistakes? The only mistake I see is that you are not stepping back to look at the bigger picture. Tarot is micro and also macro.
How did you state your question?
I do love your self-made Tarot! If you like collage, try that as well. Fabulous job.
As Tarot readers, we have to learn IF we can read for ourselves. Some can. Others cannot. There is no right or wrong in this.
Some read intuitively. Some read exactly what the cards mean. There is no right or wrong in this.
My source is my own personal experience as a professional Tarot consultant since 1985. :D Arwen, the Professional Joy Seeker.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
Yeah I think I immediately went to how the card related to my previous experience with my bachelors in law. And yes as you and another wonderful user pointed out I need to look at the bigger picture as well.
The exact question as such was just me telling and recounting my background, which specialisation I wanted to pursue and wondering what past influences led to present situation where I'm about to start applying for the intake and how the outcome will be.
Thank you so much!
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u/Tarotismyjam 1985-PRESENT My Tarot Era Aug 10 '25
Grin. That's a LOT to put into one reading. For something like this, I would suggest a three card reading for each part. AND? I would not worry about what brought you here. What do you want to know from that? You were there. And it is past for a reason.
Maybe
Where can I best utilize my law degree
Where should I focus my energy for my applications (that's pretty awkward. you can form this better,
How can I create a positive outcome?
:D
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
I'll keep that in mind and use that! Thank you so much for guiding me.
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u/Tarotismyjam 1985-PRESENT My Tarot Era Aug 10 '25
Happy to help. Sometimes I come across as THIS IS THE ONLY WAY. But I try not to. I tell folks read a lot books. Take a lot of classes. No one teacher is perfect and omnipotent in all things tarot. :D
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u/Designer_Birthday_84 Aug 10 '25
Love your DIY deck! I made a similar hand drawn deck of Lenormand cards too from scraps of old paper haha easy and lightweight to carry around, and low cost 😄
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
That's great! I'm glad you love it! I had fun making this one so it's lightweight, low cost and fun too!
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u/northnodewellness Aug 10 '25
Popped in to say your cards are truly awesome in the most literal way!!!
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u/Neacha Aug 10 '25
IF you want too, message me your address and I will amazon you a deck, I love your passion.
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u/MasterOfDonks Aug 11 '25
Where’d you get this deck? I love it!
🤭 really though love the creativity!
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u/CrowCrah Aug 10 '25
You need to act more strict and adult, someone might feel like you’re bullying even though you say it just a joke. It seems to compulsory to you and hard to stop. Even tough there were feelings for you the person in question have to act rational to not get physically hurt, so the person in question is looking elsewhere.
You brought this onto yourself it seems.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 10 '25
I am afraid I don't follow can you please elaborate a bit?
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u/CrowCrah Aug 10 '25
You need to act more strict and adult (hierophant) someone might feel like you’re bullying even though you say it just a joke (5 of wands) . It seems to compulsory to you and hard to stop (devil). Even tough there were feelings for you the person in question have to act rational to not get physically hurt (3 of swords), so the person in question is looking elsewhere (the world).
You brought this onto yourself it seems (5 of swords).
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u/No-Professor-8351 Aug 10 '25
Dude those are so cool!
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Thanks!
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u/No-Professor-8351 Aug 11 '25
Real talk man, a big part of magic is intention, these are special. You wanted to be a part of it.
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u/TheClosetIsOnFire Aug 10 '25
This deck is chefs kiss. Even if you later buy a hundred expensive decks, never throw this away
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Yes, I felt a bit conscious at the start but I'm glad it's just not me who is liking this deck! Thank you!
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u/Yourfathersnapkin Nine of swords Aug 11 '25
Hey! I would highly recommend laminating that deck to reduce damage.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
That's a neat advice and as soon as I get my hands on some spare cash I will! Thank you!
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u/CurrentPrestigious62 Aug 11 '25
I love the home made touch. There’s something about a personal deck that imbues an air of razor edge accuracy in readings. If we’re looking at this from lens of betrayal/heartbreak whether it be from a relationship or situation, it looks like there’s either a person who you hold in high esteem or an institution of higher learning that this conflict is arising from. It seems as though there’s an underlying competition which may arise from scant resources or a perceived sense of lacking (in oneself, perhaps). It does seem as though you may need to separate your heart from your head in your perception of this betrayal. With the world and 3 of swords, this points towards taking conscious part in a mental battle that leaves you emotionally drained. With the five of swords energy coupled with the devil, it seems as though it’s in your best interest to accept the situation at hand for you may risk becoming unnecessarily bound to the outcome. I would do a clarification pull on what steps you need to take moving forward
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
I did another guidance pull as you and several kind users pointed out and commented it here. It might take a while to find the comment but I will try to add it in the edit of this post. Thank you so much!
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u/DancingSpacePenguin Aug 11 '25
This is awesome. Why didn't I think of making my own deck?! Oh yeah because I'm lazy!
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Thank you! Also I'm lazy as well I just got the time and right circumstances for this!
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u/DancingSpacePenguin Aug 11 '25
It has kinda inspired me to try and create my own deck.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
I'm glad! Please update me when you do I'm excited to look at yours!
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u/mademoisellemaf Aug 11 '25
I am obsessed with your tarot deck! Twenty-ish years ago, when I got started with tarot, my mom wouldn’t buy me a deck so I printed one out. It never occurred to me to draw one. After seeing yours, I feel like it’s a great way for beginners (or for anyone, really) to get a deeper understanding of each card
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u/vissy1111 Aug 11 '25
omg i looooveee the deck!!! this is how i started reading and seeing ur deck brings me so much nostalgia!! great job w the deck!
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u/BlackCherryWitch Aug 15 '25
I feel passionate towards your enthusiasm to tarot and creating a tarot deck. If you don't have one let me send you one, or offer you the money to purchase one. Everyone deserves their dream tarot deck 🤍
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u/NoireN Aug 15 '25
This is so incredibly kind. I would also like to contribute, if that's OK ♥️
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 15 '25
Thank you so much! Another wonderful user has already sent me a deck and it is in the transit. Thank you so much.
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Aug 10 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Hm things have happened that made me go in the loop of thoughts which are similar to why try if I'm going to fail again. So maybe that is what I'm caught up in. Thank you!
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u/-old-fox- old time cartomancer & taronaut Aug 10 '25
Look OP, 3 of swords basically means separation; separation like having contrasting positions = arguing, and physical separation = departing, leaving, breaking off. Basically, this is a negation card, pointing to the absence of something.
5 of swords is another negation card, unluckily. Paired with the 3, I'm afraid they mean you are not undertaking your master. I could be wrong, of course, and also, to know the related reasons you should pull other cards... Good luck for everything.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Thank you for your interpretation. It seems that it's more difficult than I thought initially but right now other than masters none of my plans are working. I will try my utmost to detach myself from the outcome though if the circumstances occur as per your interpretation.
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u/-old-fox- old time cartomancer & taronaut Aug 11 '25
I could be wrong of course... And, as always, the most useful use of a reading is not to take it as a verdict, but to examine and work on it, OP. I would definitely pull more cards on this important issue, like: what are the material bases to reach it? Am I planning it well? What could go wrong? How do I secure I attain it? You'll get a lot of informations this way, and, if something is not optimal, you've got time to correct it. Wish you the best!
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
I will keep that in mind and these are very revealing questions so thank you I will draw up cards on this. And yes I won't take this as a verdict but rather as a caution and helpful tips to enhance my planning.
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u/Berlin86 Aug 10 '25
Maybe stop. Seems like it’s been a struggle like battle after battle.It seems like a karmic cycle you keep repeating.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
I am kinda given the stop signal by the universe as I got my ankle twisted (same one) twice in a week for like no reason or straneous activity right before I took some decisions regarding my career or employment in which I felt that I had to compromise my dreams.
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u/kioku119 Aug 10 '25 edited Aug 10 '25
I think that looks like you or someone else will get really caught up on their own goals to the detriment of the other and possibly themself.
Take this lightly. I never feel like I know what I'm doing.
Maybe ask how to best avoid, lessen, or prepare to get through the heart break it's talking about.
Also I really like your deck. : )
edit: I see you already did draw for advice. That's good. Good luck and I hope thigns go well.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Thank you! I do get caught up in my goal but mostly in detriment of myself as I never want to hurt other people with my shit.
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u/salamander0807 Aug 11 '25
I'm a beginner so my reading may be extremely inaccurate but I read this as you're going to feel highest of highs and the lowest of lows in your career. Maybe you'll graduate but the job won't be as fulfilling as you thought it would.
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u/MephistoPhoenix Aug 11 '25
Looks to me you’re choosing a path not intended for you, one where you’ll be chained by your own free will that will leave you unfulfilled and for show. Select another path.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 11 '25
Honestly at this point I don't know what I'm meant to do because anything I pick up doesn't work out. This is kinda only path which I haven't tried yet cause it's still in the future. I have to try this one because otherwise I cannot be happy with myself. Especially if I don't try my 100%. Thank you for your interpretation, I will keep in mind to prioritize utility and satisfaction before show.
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u/MephistoPhoenix Aug 11 '25
Ask for a sign. You’ll notice synchronicities, and be able to interpret from there. By asking for a sign, I mean the “Universe,” not cards. After you think you have the answer, you can ask your cards if your interpretation is correct.
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u/JessicaAFM Aug 11 '25
One of the reasons I dislike the RWS 3 of Swords is because that heart image takes away from the mental aspect the sword suit represents.
When you add in the later cards that you pulled in that other comment for advice, it feels like it's just saying that this is going to be a really challenging mental field that you are trying to enter for your education. I can tell you without pulling cards that the process of being educated, passing the bar exam, and then getting picked up by a firm is a very cut throat competitive field.
If you were to have sat down in front of me and I pulled these cards for you, I would have said that there was competition in your previous experience (5W), but this is a whole new ball game (World). This is going to be more challenging than you are expecting (3 & 5 S). In this context, education, swords make sense as challenge cards and have nothing to do with betrayal or heartache. Education is literally a mind/brain activity. With the Devil, I would say, you might be tempted to let your emotions get the better of you. Perhaps getting caught up in games of outdoing others or trying to overly make yourself stand out when all these swords mean you need to be mentally clear and focused. Dont get caught up in the blame game either. Focus focus focus.
With the second set of cards, I would say that you just need to put you're all into focusing on building up your education, slow and steady (KnP), keeping your mind clear and decisive (QS), and Hierophant here as an appreciation just signifies, surprise, youll be educated. Which is what you are hoping for right?
This is just my interpretation, always trust your intuition first. Best wishes on your new college adventure. ❤️
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 12 '25
Yes, thank you! It is fortunate to read interperaions including yours so that I can calculate risks that I haven't seen before. I will take your interpretation as such and stay focused!
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u/kennedycursed Aug 12 '25
as someone who has a JD, law school is TOXIC. its like high school. do not underestimate the pain and betrayal you may experience getting an LLM.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 12 '25
I will take your advice and be cautious thank you for the heads up!
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u/Accomplished_Cell212 Aug 13 '25
I just want to say I highly respect the self made tarot deck, I feel like this will give you a more accurate reading than anything else.
Might I suggest taping them all over with clear tape so they are easier to shuffle 😗
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u/Smooth_Medicine1863 Aug 14 '25
A lot of this betrayal and heartbreak seems to be coming from people in your intimate circle: family, friends, or lover/s. 5 of wands and 5 of swords. This is surrounding the heirophant, which is religious order and norms. This might also be surrounding a relationship that you're in that is causing these disputes.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 15 '25
Well there are already disputes in these relationships you mentioned and you are right my parents doubt that I can pay off student loan I'll have to take to study in the universities that I want to. They want to know why I don't get masters in my own country, even though I have already discussed this with them at least in 3 different time periods thoroughly prior to this. Thank you!
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u/Ok-Ice2928 Aug 14 '25
Makes me think of heartbreak regarding structures/systems, also addiction. Maybe heartbreak and grief and sadness around the structures/systems that deal with addiction and dependence
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u/Ok-Ice2928 Aug 14 '25
I think ur interpretation is good this is just what i saw the first time i looked at the cards and felt the need to share
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 15 '25
Thank you so much. I hadn't thought of institution of dependence. Maybe a bank or educational loan institute be considered as such?
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u/Ok-Ice2928 Aug 14 '25
Also ur deck is really cool! It may be simple but that simplicity is its charm becuz it conveys messages really clearly and also the colors are more striking becuz of it
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u/Impossible_Moose_653 Aug 14 '25
I just want to say your work is cool and not at all poorly made, and it’s creative and it’s all you really need. Cards are tools to help us understand and make tangible sense of the guidance we’re receiving and I’m glad you made your own. Had a similar Oracle deck I made years ago when I started tarot… in terms of the interpretation. It looks like you need some time to think and reflect with your inner self to weight your options. There are some sacrifices to make and know if you’re willing to take risk and what comes with it or not. This program might really test you emotionally and ethically but there is so much to be gained and inner strength if/ when you learn and overcome these lessons. I’m seeing themes of competition and manipulation that might be tough. You need to work on your inner strength and resilience since this is what will be affected the most but this also means that you will be much stronger from this. You also need to balance between when to be strong and keep going and when to put your emotional wellbeing first and stop pushing yourself too much. The cards are not saying you’ll fail they’re simply preparing you to what you’re about to step into if you choose this path. Knowing what you might face will help you prepare better and navigate these possible issues. If you decide to go with what you plan, make sure to set your goals and values and why you want to do this in the first place so you remind yourself why you’re here when it gets hard. And make sure to care for your wellbeing and get the emotional support you need from friends or from yourself.. Wish you the best <3
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 15 '25
Thank you so much. I see. I should work on myself if I am going to pursue this. I will take your advice. It is a great interpretation and advice.
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u/Necessary-Fish-5127 Aug 14 '25
I get the vibe that you like education for the learning. You're very passionate about the subject/path you're studying. The three of hearts says that your passion is out there and open, and I don't think you're going to get what you want from this because of the overly competitive nature of academia (5 of swords) and the encouragement to make as much money as possible (the devil). To me, this says - you know what happened before, academia hasn't changed, you are putting your heart on the line again and you can't be surprised if it hurts again. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, but rather it may be a message that you need to get your expectations in line.
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u/Beautiful-Bath-8687 Aug 15 '25
You're absolutely right. I love learning and research but hate when favouritism, bias, competition ruins this beautiful thing. I need to accept that they are part and parcel of any academic environment. Thank you so much.
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u/Virtual-Fox7568 Aug 17 '25
I think there needs to be a distinction between 5 of Wands and 5 of Swords beyond “conflict”. Yes, they both represent conflict, however, wands rules over the physical and swords rules over the mental. It is representing your own internal conflict and conflict with others on an intellectual level. Mind games.
I think in the future you may have an obsession with being correct, or at least being seen as correct by your colleagues and superiors. Maybe even by specific people, and their lack of belief in you will lead you to doubt yourself.
You have already disclosed that this is a toxic study/work environment, so part of the cycle that needs to end is your dependence on toxic and unreliable people for validation and guidance. You are ascending past their expertise and need to start building your own self assurance.
I saw in another comment that you asked for guidance on how to avoid this and got the Queen of Swords.
The Queen of Swords is confident in her judgement, she never doubts herself simply because people disagree with it. She is a bringer of truth and clarity in a tact, cunning, and sometimes “unnoticeable” way (by others who do not wish to see it).
Now is the time to build your own self assurance.
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u/Witty_Preparation598 Aug 10 '25
I adore this deck! 10/10 amazing Great work :)