Chimera smiles warmly at the young woman before her.
"Greetings m'lady, m'lud"
She nods towards the gentleman too, who seems to be looking as most men do at such things - bored by the stalls and looking for the beer and the brawls. Chimera hears the request for a reading and nods, holding out her hand to guide her first customer to the small stool beside the table. As she waits for Petal to be seated, she holds the cards in her left hand and shuffles them carefully. With her right hand she draws a card and lays it face up on the table. Silently she contemplates it and then speaks:
"This card at the center of the cross, represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue. It is the Nine of Painting (Fruition) symbolises rewards of relaxation, luxury, or perks for a job well done. It may be though a profound or peak experience, physical bliss or orgasmic potentials. It is about tangible achievement on many levels, peak health or accelerated healing, active participation in a complex physical or job process and making tangible contributions to society. In the creative process you will gain by combining separate elements into an integrated whole and making the right use of what is available in order to achieve your goals."
She looks up at Petal to see if any of this information bears any significance to her. Nodding slowly, she draws the next card and places it over the first one, hiding it from view.
"The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way - it may even be something that sounds good but is not actually to your benefit. The Ace of Music (Passion) calls to mind these words: 'The desire of Man being Infinite the possession is Infinite & himself Infinite.' It shows us of a release of emotions and an upsurge of creative power with unlimited potential. It couls also show you being carried away by your emotions (swept up on wings of song) and feeling a passion for life. I see a wanting to achieve the highest potentials in yourself and the situation. By following your bliss you are feeling a deep sense of grace and fulfillment. This lead you to vulnerability and openness. In the creative process you have a passionate desire to rise above the norm, to soar to personal new heights of creative vision."
Another pause and another card, this one she places in a position at the top of the previous two cards, at the "apex" of the cross.
"The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. It is the Three of Science (Jealousy). I see a loss of mutual understanding, maybe a narrow-mindedness due to emotional or erotic stress but certainly a conflict of wills leading to a disempowerment through obsession. There is a need for decisive attitude readjustment because at the moment you are surrounded by confusion, betrayal and the fear of a rival. If you are experiencing the negativity of love, try putting your heads together, as this helps. In the creative process; when loss of understanding triggers pain and creative numbing; stay close to the people involved; this is a point of transition."
Chimera allows time for Petal to take in her words and to fit them in to her life before drawing another card and placing it below the two central cards, at the "base" of the cross.
"The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which this situation is based. This card is the Eight of Science (Restriction) and it shows you being limited by mental obstacles, or by logical constraints. I see that you are feeling confined or blinded by the situation like a captive of your own ideas, anxieties, or dogmatic attitudes. You have a fear of failure and full of repressed desires. I have a sense of you being in denial and feeling frustrated or powerless. In the creative process: Make your obstructions or limitations productive by stimulating greater intensity of thought and a deeper sense of spiritual freedom."
Chimera can feel a very strong magical energy surrounding the two of them as she progresses with the reading, it is a great healing energy and uses her powers to direct this healing towards Petal. She draws another card and places it in the position of the left arm of the cross.
"The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something needing to be released. It is the card of the Stars: Renewal of hope. You will start to feel connected with the cosmic or universal energies. As Above, So Below. By opening your eyes to the highest potential of your situation you will be getting in touch with your own creative powers and self-esteem. This has far-reaching effects and you receive recognition for your abilities, for doing your own thing, no matter what."
Already the reading is lightening up. Often it is the case that a person is forced to confront their inner pain so that they are better able to face the light and progress. She smiles as she places the next card at the right arm position of the cross.
"The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something needing to be embraced. This one is Nature: Fruitfulness and abundance. You will start to see an awakening or growth of your emotions and an awareness of natural forces at work. You will experience a deepening appreciation of Nature, sexuality and mothering issues. Beware not to be seduced by the illusions of materialism."
The cross now complete, Chimera's next card is laid next to it. The next four cards will progress upwards to represent a staff and should point the way to the future path.
"The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. This is the Child of Music, bringing this quote to mind 'Piping down the valleys wild / Piping songs of pleasant glee'. There is a need to kindle your emotions and get in touch with your own feelings. This may require a willingness to take emotional risks. Instead of marching to a personal rhythm it means taking risks for love and experimenting with genuine self-expression which will lead you to an empathy with others, and with animals. In the creative process: Go inside yourself to experience emotional innocence and primal voice. Don't be afraid to improvise in your own way."
Slowly, meditatively she draws the next card, laying it in a line above the last one. The card baffles her for a moment and she looks sharply at Petal's companion. Shaking her head, she looks again at the card, waiting for the spirits to guide her to it's true meaning. Eventually, it is clear and she speaks again.
"The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with. This is the Man of Science: Being submerged in thought. You are due a time of intense mental focus and perfectionism. This will lead to personal detachment and self-possession through working on your own, or in isolation. In the creative process: Scrutinize and test every aspect of your work so as to refine and perfect it."
This makes good sense to Chimera. It is often the case that we cannot find our path because we are too close to the matter at hand. Often, a time of distance and quiet is all we need to see that the answer was in front of us all the time. She draws the penultimate card and lays it above the other two, keeping the line.
"The card second from the top of the staff represents your hopes, fears, or an unexpected element that will come into play. It is the Six of Painting (Assistance): Giving or receiving favors or tangible help of some kind. In this I see a sponsorship or patronage coming your way which has a positive influence in the situation. Although you feel in "over your head," an angel may rescue you. This is a person possessed of great generosity of spirit and charity, always assisting those in need. In the creative process: You can attract the assistance and tools you need by using your imagination and not giving up hope."
A slight breeze wafts over her and Chimera feels a soft touch at the back of her neck as she draws the final card and lays it at the apex of the staff. She smiles softly at Petal as she looks down to read.
"The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on this course. The Eight of Painting (Discipline) is about proper pacing or management of your workload or time. Learning to take control of a difficult situation by following the lead of a mentor or inner guide. There is a need for physical assessment and self-improvement so seek appropriate education and training. This is a step-by-step progress and requires diligence and perseverance when tackling a mountain of work. In the creative process: Even though you may have a long way to go, a methodical approach incorporating guidance and training will ultimately lead you to the top."
The reading finished Chimera sweeps up the cards and places them back into the deck before turning to Petal.
"You have a long journey ahead of you, but you are not alone. You are surrounded by help, both tangible and intangible. Be of good courage and remain true. All will work out for you in the end"
Smiling she passes over a small sprig, covered with white flowers, heather - not any heather though, lucky heather. If you believe in luck that is.