Two spreads for selecting a spiritual counselor

I just scheduled an hour-long spiritual counseling session with someone I've watched on YouTube a few times. Our appointment isn't for another sixteen days, which has given me time to second-guess my decision.

So I tried to create a spread to determine if working with this counselor would be beneficial. (I selected The High Priestess as the counselor's significator, because she's a guide and because she has very black hair.)

First reading

These were my questions: 

• As I approach, does she want to help me? 5 Swords
  Not a pretty card, it usually indicates a mean person, a "sore winner," who enjoys inflicting both defeat and humiliation. This doesn't look like the image of a spiritual counselor; maybe it's saying more about me as I approach her. Is there any indication that my situation would make me an "attractive" client to her?A positive spin would be that she wants to take negative thoughts (swords) from me.
• Does she have the resources to help me? Queen Swords
  Her rank indicates she has the experience to help, her sword indicates she has the knowledge and communication skills to help, and her open hand may suggest that she wants to help. But what might she do with the sword in her right hand if I reach for her left hand?
• Can she intuit what help I need? 6 Wands
  The card suggests that as long as I’m cooperating with her, she’ll be able to successfully intuit any needs that I am unaware of or unable to articulate.
• Will working with her put me on the right path? Tower
  This can be a terrible card, but could be interpreted positively, as enlightenment and recognition of what part of my foundation needs to be replaced.

I realized that, in the first reading, I'd committed the cardinal error of asking yes/no questions, so I did a second spread, which included a significator for myself, the Four of Wands, which appeared in a reading earlier today. I understood it to mean that my energy and creativity are restricted.

Second reading

These were my questions for the second reading: 

• What does the counselor want from me? 10 of Pentacles
  The cynical part of me answered: 'She wants my coins.' The more creative part of me thinks she's seeking wholeness, both for me and for herself.
• What do I want from her? 8 Strength
  Self-awareness, inner strength, a connection to my feelings, the integration of my conscious and unconscious.
• What can the counselor offer me? 7 Chariot
  Encouragement to get back on the horse and move forward, and an idea of what direction to go.
• What can I gain from working with her? 3 Empress
  Creativity, self-love, and a sense of self worth.
• What she cannot give me: 8 of Swords
  She cannot free me; I have to do that myself.
• Outcome of our work for me? 2 of Swords
  Usually a negative card, but here it might mean recognizing what my choices are, examining my feelings and intuition, and then balancing those with rational decision making, so I can get off the ruin and move to a better place.

The second reading seems fairly encouraging. And the outcome card (for each reading) could be positive, even though I most often assign "negative" meanings to The Tower and the Two of Swords.

EDIT: Oephebia had some additional ideas about both readings. In summary: Make sure the counselor is a compassionate person. Avoid being rigid; I must be willing to change and move forward without looking back.

Empowerment

Joanna Powell Colbert describes the paddle as a symbol of power, like a staff or a wand. The canoe represents focus and faith in yourself. The marine life and birds are allies that will help you. If you cultivate will power and clarity within yourself, you can travel confidently toward your goal. Rachel Pollack writes that one must leave the past, even past successes, behind to learn the "ultimate truth about oneself and the cosmos."

Joanna offers this question for meditation when The Canoe appears in a reading: What goal do I need to focus on?

I pulled Strength, which advises that I develop my sense of personal power.

How to Move Forward

You have the inner strength and the inner knowledge to resolve the difficulties you face now. Don't be afraid to look within and embrace your passions.


(Images from The Gaian Tarot)

Contemplative Tarot - Strength, Bindweed, and the Teacher

This week’s cards come from the Major Arcana. Each depicts a seated figure—Strength, Bindweed, and The Teacher. I invite you to use these archetypes as part of your contemplative practice, and I hope you’ll share your reflections in the comments.

I am afraid, but all around me, nature speaks,
and deep within me, understanding waits.
Ignite my strength and passion—
to embrace the sacred in all I pursue.
Teach me to recognize, and to follow, what is holy.
Strength reminds us that we are most powerful when we allow ourselves to feel. This card speaks to a courage that arises not from denial, but from acceptance and integration. The artist’s affirmation reads: “I face adversity with peaceful courage and inner fire.” In the structure of the Major Arcana, Strength lies on the second path of the Tarot Tableau, symbolizing duty, virtue, and spiritual maturity. It reflects the awakening of inner power and the gentle discipline that true strength requires.

Bindweed calls us to release what restricts us. The vines that hold us in fear are often self-made, formed by outdated beliefs, shame, or inner judgment. The artist’s affirmation says: “I bring my life back into balance by breaking free of the fears that keep me trapped.” As the guardian of the final path in the Tarot Tableau, Bindweed signals the beginning of a spiritual ascent. It encourages us to shed illusions and reclaim our freedom on the path to illumination.

The Teacher offers wisdom, but with a reminder to choose our guides carefully. Discernment is essential when seeking spiritual counsel. The artist’s affirmation reads: “I receive my best teachings from nature.” Positioned on the first path of the Major Arcana, The Teacher speaks to the transformative power of experiencing the divine. Through connection with something greater than ourselves, we gain insights that ripple outward, shaping both our lives and the lives we touch.

I love hearing back from my readers, so please leave a comment.
I read each and every one!