Jun 21, 2010

Alayna Williams - Guest Blog and Contest

Today PVN welcomes Alayna Williams author of urban fantasy Dark Oracle. Alayna discusses the use of tarot cards in understanding her characters and their relationships. For 2 lucky readers she is offering a signed copy of Dark Oracle. See details of the contest (which includes a quick tarot reading) at the end of the post.


         RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CARDS
    By Alayna Williams




In DARK ORACLE, Tara Sheridan swore off criminal profiling after narrowly escaping a serial killer who left her scarred for life. By combining Tarot card divination with her own intuition, she must help an intense federal agent find a missing scientist who has unlocked the destructive secrets of dark energy. The agent, Harry Li, draws her out of her self-imposed exile and back into the world.

These two are opposites, in every sense of the word. Tara is a closeted mystic, and Harry is a man of pragmatism of science. But they find a way to work together and develop a relationship as the story progressed. As I was writing DARK ORACLE, I wanted to learn more about the characters and their interactions with each other. Throughout the story, I wrote with a deck of Tarot cards in hand as story prompts and for help in characterization. I decided to do a Tarot spread to show me the details of Tara and Harry’s relationship.

I drew five cards: one card for Tara, the second for Harry, the third to illuminate the relationship between them, the fourth to show what brings them together, and the fifth to tell me what pulls them apart. The cards I drew are shown below.






1. The card that came up most often in my random drawings to represent Tara was the Queen of Swords. The Queen of Swords depicts a woman staring pensively into a stormy sky. She’s lifting sword as if it’s quite sharp, and extends her hand as if she’s cut herself with it. The swords, in general, represent intellect. The Queen of swords traditionally represents sadness and mourning or a particularly clever woman. I always associated her with the Snow Queen from fairy tales – cold, isolated, withdrawn.

2. Harry is symbolized by the Knight of Pentacles. The Knight of Pentacles gazes pensively at a golden pentacle in his hands. He’s analytical, methodical, and persistent. He’s reliable and a good person to have in one’s corner – also excellent qualities for a federal agent.

3. I drew the Two of Cups to describe the relationship between them. The Two of Cups is the card of partnership. It’s a blessed partnership or one driven by fate, as symbolized by the winged lion hovering over the couple. A caduceus arises between them, showing the healing nature of the relationship. This partnership has the potential to heal Tara’s old wounds, if she’ll allow it.

4. The Two of Swords brings them together. This card shows a blindfolded woman balancing two swords on her shoulders. The Two of Swords is about balanced force. These two are opposites, but they bring unique insights to the case that make them a force to be reckoned with.

5. The Moon works against them, however, pulling them apart. The Moon is the card of mysticism, intuition, deception, and disillusionment. Tara knows that she’s deceiving Harry by not telling him that her insights on the case come from the Tarot. He has no idea that she’s an oracle, and she fears he’d react badly to that knowledge. And when he finds out (and he will), he’ll likely react negatively. The Knight of Pentacles doesn’t brook misplaced loyalty lightly.

I enjoyed putting these two together to see what they’d do, professionally as well as romantically. Will they move forward with their relationship, or is Tara’s break in trust enough to drive Harry away? Will they be able to track down the missing scientist and keep the power of dark energy out of the wrong hands?

Only the cards can say.



Alayna Williams has an MA in sociology-criminology (research interests: fear of crime and victimology) and a BA in criminology. She has worked in and around criminal justice since 1997. Although she does read Tarot cards, she's never used them in criminal profiling or to locate lost scientists. She recently took up astronomy, but for the most part her primary role in studying constellations and dark matter is to follow her amateur astronomer-husband around central Ohio toting the telescope tripod and various lenses. More info is at www.alaynawilliams.com

"Alayna" is also known as Laura Bickle, the author of Embers from Pocket Juno.


Contest

Alayna is offering two lucky readers a signed copy of Dark Oracle

Fun contest rules:

*Ask Alayna a question - whatever is on your mind. She will do a quick one card tarot draw to answer. [This is for fun and entertainment only]

Each person asking a question gets a chance towards a signed copy of Dark Oracle. [Only one question per person.]

This contest is international and ends July 5.


This contest has ended. My thanks to Alayna and all who participated!


75 comments:

SiNn said...

since you do tarot do u have a deck perferance if so what is it and why?


great post look forward to reading your book

EVA SB said...

My questions for Alayna's Tarot: Will I ever be rich and famous? :0)

eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

What do the Tarot cards show for the future of the Anya Kalinczyk series?


alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

debbie said...

Will I ever win the lottery? LOL
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

My question is Will I ever get pregnant and have a baby? Tore923@aol.com

Bethany C. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bethany C. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bethany C. said...

Will my daughter and I get along as she grows up?

b(dot)cardone(at)hot mail

Persephone said...

I wanna know if I'll be getting a job anytime soon?

patronus89013 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Will anything exciting/good happen this summer?

Pam S
pams00@aol.com

Rachel498 said...

Will my migraines eventually go away?

Rachel- Res498(AT)aol.com

Alayna Williams said...

SiNn, my favorite decks are Hanson-Roberts and Mystic Dreamer, though I'd love to own the Greenwood Tarot. I learned on the Hanson-Roberts deck, and it's very much a classical deck with gentle images. Mystic Dreamer is a new favorite of mine, and is really thought-provoking with its symbolism. I always learn something new when using it. I love the Greenwood Tarot because it pulls from ancient images of animals and plants, a really timeless deck with positive messages about growth.

I'm not a professional Tarot card reader; I just read for fun. So, everyone, don't take what I say as any serious kind of medical, legal, or other advice! :-)

SiNn, the card I picked for you was the Empress. She's a regal woman with a crown of stars seated on a throne. She's all about feminite power and attainment - a very good and lucky card. She's a practical and intuitive woman.

EVA SB, the card I drew for your question was the Knight of Pentacles. Pentacles are associated with earth and wealth. He's holding a large coin, so that speaks well for your material ambitions! The Knight of Pentacles is reliable and persistent. He seems to be saying that your dreams are achievable, but you'll have to be methodical and patient, work very hard to achieve them.

Lisa R, my alter ego, Laura Bickle, would love to know the answer to this question! I drew the Two of cups, which is about union and partnership. I'm hoping that I'll have an opportunity to continue beyond the second book that I'm contracted for. Book two, SPARKS, will be out in September - of that much, I'm certain!

Debbie, I drew the Ace of Rods for you. The Ace of Rods is about beginning and gain. This is a lucky time for you. I don't know about the lottery, but this is a good time for you to be making a new beginning in something, especially creative pursuits.

Tore, I drew the Empress for you, as well. One of the other meanings of the Empress card involves motherhood, children, and fertility - a very good sign! The Empress is depicted in many decks as being pregnant.

Bethany C., I drew the Lovers for your question. The Lovers are about trust, harmony, and freedom of emotion. There is an angel shown in this card, looking down from above. This card suggests that the two of you will have a very harmonious relationship - almost charmed!

Marianna, I drew the Chariot for you. It's a card that shows a man driving a chariot with a black horse and a white horse galloping in different directions. It suggests to me that there may be more than one field you're considering and that there's been some adversity with this issue. But success will ultimately be yours, probably sooner than you think! Stay optimisitic - this is a card of movement.

pams00, I picked the World for you. This is a really auspicious card. It's all about completion, success, and fulfillment, rewards coming from hard work. There may be a lot of good changes in store for you - roll with them. Enjoy your summer and all the good things it brings!

Alayna Williams said...

Rachel445, I picked the Ace of Swords for you. The Ace is a good card concerning success, but it requires a good deal of determination on your part. You may have to do some digging with your doctor (and check in with him/her) to find the key or trigger to the issue, but it suggests that you'll be successful!

FrankSandy said...

How long have you been writing these types of novels? Did you write any other genres?

walkerd@primus.ca

dsandyboy said...

What does your husband do when he is not running around Ohio with his telescope?

dsandyboy@gmail.com

Cherry said...

I like playing tarots! Like when someone reads tarots for me!! I just love it!!! What does your tarot says about my future? Immediate or otherwise? ;)

Thanks for this fun blog post Pat!!!!

Cherry
mischivus101-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com

Alayna Williams said...

FrankSandy, I've been writing these types of novels for 3-4 years, but fantasy for more than ten. I've got a couple of epic fantasies gathering dust in shoe boxes!

The card I drew for you, FrankSandy, is the Knight of Swords. This card is about bravery, skill, and forward movement...with a dash of impetuosity.

dsandyboy, my husband is in the medical profession. He's very much the rational scientist in our relationship!

The card I picked for you, dsandyboy, is the Three of Pentacles. This card is about skills and artistic ability, and is about mastery at work. It shows a sculptor at work, carving walls in a monastary. A good card for all things career-related.

Cherry, the card I drew for you is Judgment. It shows the angel Gabriel blowing his horn over the land. This card is about patience, forgiveness, and rebirth...a fresh new cycle and amends made.

Cherry said...

Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/06/win-dark-oracle-at-patricias-vampire.html

Twitted: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/16719131980

Cherry
mischivus101-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com

Cherry said...

Thank you for the card reading Alayna!!

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

I swear, I'm going to try this with a few of my own characters who are giving me trouble.

No need to enter me in the drawing, Patricia (darn it!). I'm dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I've got this posted at Win a Book for you.

emmad said...

how cool.

Hmm a question.

Will I ever get enough will power to stick to an exercise plan and loose weight

Jessica @ a GREAT read said...

What different kinds of meaning can the cards have? Death doesn't always mean you die right? So what other kinds of meaning do the cards hold other than their names?

YzhaBella's BookShelf said...

For the tarot...will my career go anywhere from where I am right now/

Lol, typical, I know!
Have a great day every one!
Kate (aka YzhaBella's BookShelf)
mleger0546(@)rogers(.)com

Alayna Williams said...

Thank you so much, Cherry!

Susan, drawing random cards is a really fun way to figure out characters and plot points. I literally wrote DARK ORACLE with a deck of cards in hand. Whenever I got stuck, I just picked one out!

Susan, I drew the Ace of Cups for you. This is also known as the "wish card." It's a card of abundance, joy, and overflowing happiness!

emmad, I drew the Ten of Pentacles for your question. This card shows a happy family of several generations, and speaks of ancestry, family, and long-term wealth. I have a feeling that if you work on an exercise program with a friend or member of your family, that you'll have long-term success.

Hi, Jessica! Very good question. Every card has one general meaning when upright, and an entirely different one if reversed. Their meanings also change in relation to the other cards around them and their placement in a spread. It's all very fluid and a lot of fun.

Death, for example, rarely means actual physical death. It's a card about change and moving to a new phase of life, about transformation. It's rarely actually negative or literal.

Jessica, the card that came up for you was the Nine of Pentacles, which shows a woman in a garden with a bird. This card is about accomplishment and material gains. Enjoy them!

Kate, I chosee the Star for you. It shows a young woman bathing in starlit water with a dove on the branches of a tree overhead. This is the card of hope, faith, and inspiration. Keep being hopeful, and your ambitions will be realized. Don't lose heart - your hopes will eventually be realized.

Unknown said...

Will our design business be successful with my husband working it too?

robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Robin K. I picked the Two of Pentacles for you, which indicates some difficulty juggling new projects. It shows a man juggling two pentacles with ships in the background. I think that the key thing to success for you two will be balancing two sides of something - your personalities or work styles, the business and creative sides, work and leisure - finding some kind of balance. Then, I think your ship will come in!

You had a "jumper" when I did your reading, which is a card that randomly falls during shuffling. It's the cards' way of saying "Hey! Pay attention to me!"

It was the Six of Swords, which depicts a man rowing a boat (your ship!) to shore, carrying six swords. This card is about journey, travel, moving ahead. It reinforces the idea that you will move ahead and be successful, once you get past those growing pains and are rowing in the same direction with balance and harmony.

I'm sending good wishes for your design business. Best of luck!

donnas said...

Great post and your book sounds great. Really looking forward to checking it out.

tenshinohanran said...

OMG! I have been waiting for a tarot reading (even if its for fun) So! Without further ado, which should I choose to go to in summer 2011? Uzbekistan or Japan? Which will help me in life better?

Aik said...

Do you think Tarot cards can really predict the future? If yes, then what's mine?

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Alayna Williams said...

Thanks, donnas! The card I chose for you was the Page of Rods. The Page of Rods is all about important news - expect a message soon!

tenshinohanran, I picked the Seven of Rods for you, which sohws a man warding off attackers with a flowering staff with blossoms. There are mountains behind him. This is a card of victory and overwhelming odds surmounted. You'll meet all the challenges you face. I think you'll do fine in either place, though...wands are traditionally associated with the element of fire, which is tied to the southern direction. ;-)

Aik, I think that the ancient images cause us to think about motives and possibilities that we might not otherwise consider. In that way, I suppose that the cards help us think about which direction we're heading. It's about free-association and contemplation, for me.

I don't think that they have any power over us. I totally believe in free will - I don't think that there's any fixed or fated future that can't be changed.

Aik, I pulled the Ten of Swords for you - twice. This card is about sadness and disappointment. The important thing to remember is that not everything is lost. Dawn is coming just on the edge of the horizon in this card, and storm clouds are blowing away. Sadness, like everything else, will pass.

I drew another card to confirm my thinking on this, and picked the World. the World is about success and happiness. You'll eventually get there, but just have to ride through the storm.

throuthehaze said...

Will I ever marry?
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

Dinah Menil said...

You know, you can find San Francisco criminal attorney <a

Unknown said...

My question is not for me but my sister. She is a single mother of 3. After 20 years of working with her company, her job was Eliminated in order to save money. In this economy NO ONE is hiring. Will she get another job before she loses her unemployment benefits. I don't want her to lose her home.

tenshinohanran said...

That's reassuring!


Hahah...so I have to choose a country which is located more south? Japan is just a little bit more south! Wow.

I was also wondering is Alexander the Great a bloodthirsty narcissist? (I swear this will be...the second before last question!) hahah

This is really fun, thank you very much!

k_sunshine1977 said...

i can't wait to read this book - i just hear more and more good things about it!

i have a question: my mother told me ages ago that you have to be given a tarot card deck as a gift - is that true, or was that her way of getting me to not buy a deck for myself?

k_sunshine1977 at yahoo dot com

Alayna Williams said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Alayna Williams said...

Oops...double-post!

throughthehaze, I picked the Six of Swords for you. This is a card about journeys, showing a man ferrying swords across water. It's about moving forward, taking journeys. I think that you will, but that you may wander far from home to find love or meet someone from a distant place.

Stephmartin71, I'm sorry for your sister's situation, and am sending her good wishes. The card I drew for her was the Emperor. This card usually signifies attaining one's goals, accomplishment, and a strong male influence. Makes me also wonder if she might find a job in a traditionally "male" field?

tenshinohanran, I'm glad that you're having fun, and you're welcome! I picked the Devil in answer to your question - traditionally, this card is about downfall and temptation. I think you can draw your own conclusion. ;-)

k_sunshine, hello! I've actually only received a couple of decks as gifts. The ones that I use most often are ones I've picked for myself. I think the most important thing with cards is to pick the deck that speaks to you the most - and that's probably something that no one else can decide for you!

k_sunshine, the card I picked for you was the Ace of Rods. This is a great card, as it's about creation, beginning, and gain...the dawn of a new day. If you're planning any new projects, now is the time to start!

Pam P said...

Hi Alayna, I've always been interested in Tarot, neat how you used the cards in writing your story.

My Question: Will I see improvement in finances in the near future?

pambook aka pamreads @ mail.com

tenshinohanran said...

Where did you buy the deck? The traditional, and mystic store or in bookstores?


And my last TWO questions...hmmm....do the legendary monsters/heroes/beasts (vampires, angels, demons) exist in one shape or form?

And what is your tarot deck telling you about your work (your book)?

Thank you very much! I really enjoyed it...I will have to chew on your answer to my Alexander one for a while haha.

Unknown said...

Thank you Alayna for pulling for my sister. Whats funny about the card that you pulled is that I am the one who works in a traditional male field. Other then the secretary on the floor, I am the only female. I work in the sheriffs dept crime lab. I am asking everyone if they have any openings-but if you are in police or teaching around here you are on borrowed time. I almost wonder what card you would have pulled if I had asked for myself ;D Thank you again, Have a great day Stephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com

FeelingFiction said...

Hi Alayna,

You mentioned that you learned to read cards with teh Hanson Roberts deck, you appreciate the symbolisms within the Mystic Dreamer deck and you like the elements of the Greenwood deck. I prefer a sense of spiritual guides and angelic forces. Are you familiar with a deck that highlights them? Does the style of deck affect the reading and influence of the advice given?

Thanks, love this.

CrystalGB said...

Hi Alayna. Your book sounds great. My question is:
Will my husband and I ever have a child?

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Pam P! I drew the Eight of Rods for you, which shows eight flowering Rods flying through the air. This card is about swift progress and rapid advancement, suggesting that things will improve soon.

tenshinohanran, I bought my first deck at a local bookstore. I've acquired later decks from a variety of places, but bookstores are good places to start.

There are many Tarot decks that depict all the things that you describe. I think that there's even a vampire Tarot!

But the traditional Tarot deck shows angels (Judgment, Temperance, the Lovers, the Two of Cups). The angel depicted in Judgment is said to be Gabriel, blowing his horn. It shows the Devil, though that's usually interpreted as a metaphor for slavery to base instincts. And there are fantastical beasts in the Tarot, like the Sphinx on the Wheel of Fortune card. Whether one takes these images literally or as metaphors for the human condition is really up to each person to decide on his/her own.

With respect to my own work, my deck tells me that I need to trust in the universe and let the book find its way into the hands of the right audience. :-)

Stephmartin71, how interesting! I worked in and around law enforcement for many years.

I did pull a card for you...it's Temperance. It depicts an angel pouring water (the essence of life) back and forth from two chalices. The meaning of this card is about patience, a perfect union, and harmony. She's a very peaceful card.

Hi, FeelingFiction! There are indeed decks of cards about angels! There's Tarot of the Angels, by Lo Scarebeo. There are also a number of decks that are not Tarot decks with the traditional numbers of major and minor arcana cards, but are card-based oracles featuring the angels. Doreen Virtue has created a number of them, and they are very uplifting. Here are some of her decks: http://www.angeltherapy.com/bookstore.php

The card I picked for you is the Queen of Rods. It depicts a woman seated on a throne, holding a sunflower with a cat curled up at her feet. She's a gracious, sympathetic, and creative person, maybe an artist.

Hi, CrystalGB! Two cards stuck together when I drew your card. The first one is the Four of Swords, which shows a knight in effigy in a cathedral. The meaning of that card deals with rest and respite, withdrawing from the world. The second one was the Six of Rods. Rods are about creation, and the six of rods shows a victorious man riding home with a laurel wreath over his head. There is a boy walking beside him. These two cards suggest to me that you'll get your wish and be victorious, but after a delay. I wish you the best of luck!

Pam P said...

Thanks, Alayna. Sure hope those rods come flying at me real soon, lol.

peggy said...

are they hiding things from me

Alayna Williams said...

PamP, I hope so! Good luck. :-)

peggy, the card I drew for you was the Page of Swords. It shows a woman looking over her shoulder, with sword clasped in her hands. The traditional meaning of this card is the need for vigilance or the need to uncover something hidden or unknown. The card seems to suggest "yes."

Gabby said...

I think it's really interesting that you use tarot cards to help you with your writing, it's really unique.

My question?

I was just wondering if my semi perfect match is out there waiting for me?

Good luck with the novel!

Alayna Williams said...

Thank you so much, Gabby!

I drew the King of Rods for you, which tells me that there is someone out there for you. He's shown seated before a tapestry of a lion. The King of Rods may be a bit older than you are. He's an educated gentleman, a wise and friendly man. I hope that he comes into your life soon - the King of Rods is one of my favorite cards. :-)

tenshinohanran said...

*slaps her head* Doh. The mate question is the classic which tortures my mind every day!

So...do I have a soul mate?

By the way, I read that you have to be very careful when you are reading a tarot that is for you. Is it true? Is it less dangerous to read for other people?

Mary Kirkland said...

My question is: am I with my soul mate or is he still out there?


miztik_rose@yahoo[dot]com

FeelingFiction said...

Hi Alayna, Thank you for the leads on Lo Scarebeo and Doreen Virtue. All of their cards look so great, I can't narrow down my choices. Does it seem my efforts to achieve my spiritual and creative goals will give me the results I desire in this lifetime?

Have a great day!

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

is there a true love for me

Alayna Williams said...

tenshinoshanrahan, I drew the Ten of Cups for you. This shows a man and woman with two children before a castle under a rainbow. This card is about home, happiness and love...so your answer is yes!

I don't personally think that there's anything dangerous about reading for oneself...you just have to be careful that you're not telling yourself what you want to hear, or are using the cards as a crutch to avoid making decisions.

Mary, I LOVE your avatar! I'm a HUGE fan of Forever Knight! The card I drew for you was the King of Pentacles. He's an intelligent man, a man in business or a leader. A pragmatic person and a reliable and loyal partner. He invests his money and emotions wisely, and treats his queen literally like gold. There was a "jumper" when I did your reading, and it was the Queen of Cups. She's a devoted and sensitive woman, with loving intelligence. I think that probably symbolizes you, and the King of Pentacles is your soul mate. Does the King of Pentacles sound like the fellow you're with? If not, I believe that he is out there for you.

FeelingFiction, there are so many beautiful and meaningful decks out there. It's hard to choose among them, I know! I keep accumulating cards myself. ;-)

I picked the Nine of Cups for you. It shows a happy shopkeeper standing before full shelves of gold chalices. This card is about success and abundance - I think that's a "yes"!

MOMFOREVERANDEVER, I pulled the King of Swords from the deck for you. He's a man dressed in armor, gazing out across the landscape with the banner of an eagle behind him. Your soulmate is out there, I think. He's a very analytical man, a very take-charge sort. He could be a professional man who's very proficient in the field, someone in the military, or possibly management. He's a man with many ideas.

Spav said...

Will I meet anyone interesting this summer?

spav05(at)gmail(dot)com

Tyhitia Green said...

Ah, when will I get my dream agent? :-D

katsrus said...

Your book sounds really good. You are a new author to me.
My question is:
Will we ever get out of this dark cloud that seems to be looming at our house?
Thank you.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com

Ina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ina said...

Hi Alayna!
I can't wait to read your newest book and it's very interesting that you like tarot cards :)
my question would be: is there a true love waiting for me?
greetings, Ina

sorry, forgot my email addi: inale87 at gmx dot at

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Spav! I picked Strength for you, which shows a woman closing the jaws of a lion. This card is about confidence and courage - I think that you'll meet someone you like if you are confidently looking. Maybe the person you meet will be an animal lover?

Demon Hunter, I know how the search goes! LOL. I pulled the Four of Rods for you, which shows two women picking flowers from a maypole. This card is about relationships with other people and prosperity. I'd guess that you'll get your dream agent by spring, since that's the season these women are shown in.

katsrus, I love your avatar. Sue, I drew the Magician for you. This shows a man with the command of all four elements, and symbolizes creativity, flexibility, and accomplishment of a task. I think that you will be able to get through this. But you'll need to try a different tactic, get creative, and take back your own power. I wish you good luck.

Hi, Ina! I drew the Seven of Pentacles for you. It shows a man leaning on his shovel in his garden, at the end of a long day's work. Seven Pentacles are seen blooming from the plants around him, the fruits of his labor. This card is about growth and progress. It suggests to me that you're working very hard right now. I think you'll find your true love, perhaps at the time you're weary of looking! It also suggests that you might meet your love through work or a meaningful hobby. Don't give up - the meaning of this card is that effort is rewarded.

Unknown said...

Tarot cards have never worked for me, So mabye this time lucky.
WIll I alwasy be a reader ? Someday Id love to write something not necessarily publish but finish.. can u see this happening or Will I alwasy be a dedicated fan to my fav authors.. ;)
Thanks Katrina
kittee_cat@bigpond.com

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Katrina! I pulled the Star for you. It shows a young woman bathing in a starlit stream, with stars and a dove overhead. This is a card about hope, faith, and inspiration...I think you'll get your wish!

Samantha Storm said...

This looks like alot of fun. ;-)
Hmm, now I need a question. What's the vibe look like for my writing career.

Look forward to reading Dark Oracle ;-)

Samantha Storm

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Samantha:

The card I picked for you is the Page of Pentacles. She's a scholar and a messenger. I'm thinking that you'll receive some good news soon, and also that you'll be in a phase where you're also doing a good deal of research for a project. Learning is really highlighted in this card. If you are thinking about taking a class or workshop, now is the time to do it.

Mindy said...

Hi Alayna & Patricia:)
Happy 4TH of July,
Alayna, do you see me finding a lover/companion in the future in my cards?

Mindy:)
Alone & tired of it!
Birdsooong@aol.com

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Mindy, and happy Fourth of July!

I drew the Empress for you. She's about love, fertility, fruitfulness, marriage, and abundance. Based on that, I'd say that your chances of meeting a companion soon are very good!

Unknown said...

Hi Alayna!

I was going to ask...Am I going to win one of the copies of your book? but I think I will go with 'Is my new job going to be good?'

Thanks! Amber

buddyt said...

Since I am an International entry, I would pose a global question and see what you think the Tarot can say on it.

Are we avere going to be able to overcome global warming and pollition?

Is the Earth's future bright, would be another way of putting it.

Its fun seeing what the Tarot gives you in answer to peoples questions even if one doesn't believe in foretelling the future.

Thanks

Carol T

buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

misskallie2000 said...

Alayna, Will my son get his life back or continue down a road of death?

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Alayna Williams said...

Hi, Amberkatze! I drew the Ace of Cups for you, which is the wish card. It's a very lucky card of fulfillment - I'm guessing that your new job will be wonderful! Enjoy.

Carol T, I drew the Devil. This card is about bondage and bad influences. I wish that I'd drawn a better card. But the silver lining in that card is that suffering can be broken by positive force and will.

Misskallie, I drew the Page of Rods for you. The Page represents someone who bears important news or a trusted friend. I'm thinking that you'll have news soon.

https://booksthoughtsadventures.com said...

Will the oil spill in Louisiana and Florida ever be cleaned so thoroughly that beaches will be beautiful again...

Ucheri said...

I recently started writing again after quite some time.I'd like to know if I will be successful in it, more specifically will I write and publish stories people enjoy?

Hannah S. said...

Thanks so much for the opportunity! :)

DARK ORACLE has an amazing cover! Did you have much input in the making of it?

Love, Hannah
xoxosweeet at yahoo dot com

heatwave16 said...

WIll my other half get a fabulous new job?

Fun contest. :)


heatwave96(at)hotmail.com

Madeleine Drake said...

Dark Oracle looks like a wonderful book!

My question is: I'm considering two different paths right now, one more traditional and one more fluid. Can you give me some advice that will help me make a better decision?

Alayna Williams said...

Patty, good question. That's something I've been wondering about, too. Unfortunately, I drew the Ten of Swords, which shows a man lying, face-down, pierced by ten swords. In response to this question, I interpret this to mean ruin and sorrow.

Hi, uchre! I picked the Ace of Swords for you. This card is about success, determination, and forward motion. if you stick with it, I think that you'll be successful!

Thanks, Hannah! The cover was actually a happy surprise for me!

Hannah, the card I drew for you was the Two of Cups, which shows a young man and woman staring into a chalice, overseen be an angel in the shape of a lion and a caduceus. This card is about a happy partnership or marriage.

Hi, heatwave! Good to see you again. I picked the High Priestess for your question. It shows a serious priestess holding a book, wearing a headdress shaped like a moon. I interpret this card to be about serenity and wisdom - don't worry. Your partner's intuition should light the way to a job, perhaps in an unusual place that hasn't been thought about before.

Madeleine, thanks! I picked the Three of Rods for you. This shows a man looking out at sea (interesting that you used the word "fluid"), watching ships return from a voyage. This man is occasionally considered to be a merchant in some traditions. The meaning of the card encourages you to be brave in your undertakings, that attainment of goals is possible. Good luck! I think that, whichever path you choose, you'll do well.