Alone for the Holidays?

In spite of having a ton to do and a mini-meltdown yesterday that my friends at AW witnessed, when Miss Michele found this e-mail in her inbox today, she had to provide a prompt reading. This is why Miss Michele is here. This is her means of reaching out and helping.

It's never easy being alone or lonely for the holidays--whether that loneliness is caused by the loss of a few significant people, although you are still surrounded by other family and friends--or you are truly alone, with no family and friends nearby.

That is Shenie's situation, and, in this difficult time, she's asking for guidance from the tarot. Shenie understands how the tarot works and that she is in control of her fate, so no disclaimer beyond the standard seems necessary.

Shenie asks:

I’m going through a really difficult time in my life right now. I know many people say they’re alone in the world, but in my case, it’s really true. No real family, no friends nearby.

There’s a guy I really love but he just did something that really broke my heart (no, he didn’t cheat). On one hand, I’m not sure I can forgive him, and on the other, I was so sure he was the one. In spite of everything, he was my hope of a real family with somebody I truly love.

So I guess my question is… is he my future? I know nothing is predetermined, but right now I don’t know what to do. I want to run away and never see him again, and I want to stay and try to get past this and build a future together.

But if somehow he’s the wrong person, then maybe I should try to survive this alone and move on. Shenie

Miss Michele has a friend who often makes ultimatum statements. "If he ever does this, it's over..." But the fact is, you never know what a deal-breaker is until you encounter the situation. *Most* problems, if you love the person, are worth working through.

Let's see if that's the case with Shenie.

The Five of Pentacles in the past shows the issue was/is financial or relates to the purchase of goods. The lack of cups in this reading shows, too, it wasn't in the realm of emotion, although the result was Shenie feeling deceived. It also shows Shenie's loneliness this time of year.

I was hoping for more insight into what he did, but the tarot doesn't see to want to reveal it. I guess it isn't important for this reader to know.

The Five of Swords in the present slot shows the empty victory Shenie has achieved by ending the relationship because of her lover's transgression. Someone Shenie knows may be acting in a self-destructive matter-- this points to drug or alcohol abuse, which ties in to the "hidden purchases" indicated in the Five of Pentacles.

Most importantly, the Five of Swords warns Shenie not to cut off her nose to spite her face. Do not listen to others--do what you, Shenie, feel is right. All three cards in this reading are Minor Arcana, showing that YOU are in control of this situation. He will happily come back if you allow it but you, too, have the sole power to end this relationship.

The presence of two swords indicates violent activity and turmoil. Leave or stay, it will not be a clean break or a clean reconciliation. But isn't everything good worth fighting for?

The Seven of Swords, in the outcome slot, warns AGAINST running away or escaping a bad situation. Only by facing problems head-on will the desirable outcome emerge. However, be aware, still, of deception.

Only you are there--only you know if you can trust him again. Miss Michele is reminded of another old adage: "Trust your neighbor, but always cut the cards."

The cards seem to be saying give this another chance, but be cautious.

Best of luck, Shenie, and please do come back and tell us how things are going!