Card 1:  Nine of Wands - Your current situation.
The Nine of Wands shows that although you may be feeling you've had enough of a situation that seems difficult, you are being called to try one more time . . . to at least wait a bit before making a final decision.  During the time of waiting, you may be presented with some new ideas and options that would allow for some helpful changes in  what you are presently doing.

Usually when you feel enough discontent about a situation, some type of change is called for . . . so perhaps this situation might just need for you to "adjust the sails" rather than to let go of your dream.  You've been dealing with some setbacks, and the Nine of Wands reflects the challenges, obstacles, and struggles that you've been up against.  In your email, you indicated that you started this business six months ago, and I'm going to tell you that you really do need to give this more time before throwing in the towel.

For some people, it seems that success just comes to them overnight.  While for others, it's just not that easy.  Yet you often don't see the struggles, trials, errors, and lessons that even a successful business has gone through before they arrive at a solid state of achievement.  When you really and truly want something, you have to be willing to work very hard for what you wish to attain.  You have to know what you're striving for . . . and remember the reasons that you are doing it.  My belief is that those who come through these "tests" of the Universe will ultimately do well for themselves.  Endurance and persistence provide you with strength, and when you get through an obstacle, then at some point you gain the courage, belief, and faith that can get you through just about anything.  But it all comes down to going for what you want . . . and whether that is in the clothing design business or something else, let your heart guide you!

There will definitely be some who will always want something on a moment's notice -- no matter what service you are providing.  Those are just some of the kinds of people you have to contend with . . . along with the people who want it for free and may even convince you to "give" them free samples because you think it will help your business.  There will be customers who won't take what you do seriously and can try your patience . . . but on the other side of the coin, there will be those who do take your work seriously and want the unique offering that you have.  To some, you will be that miracle who really makes a positive difference.

The Nine of Wands represents a respite from a current struggle, and I think the work you are doing could be described in that manner -- something that offers you a respite because you enjoy designing so much.  Even when you are tired and weary from a day at the other job, doing what you love tends to energize you and make you feel good about yourself.

Your current struggles with not enough clients and not enough profit can make you doubt and question your choices for this business effort.  And there are probably times that you feel like you're standing alone against the world.  The message here is patience, for it is better to bide your time and be calm than to make a rash decision and risk losing out on what you have built so far -- which I am sure you know.  Although you may be feeling kind of "stuck" right now, the indication of this reading is that you probably should wait this out and allow for new ideas and options to surface that could enhance what you are already doing and even bring about that opportunity to "adjust your sails."

In this current situation, the Nine of Wands wants you to realize that you really do have the inner strength and resources to overcome these challenges.  It may sometimes seem impossible, but you are also closer to success than you realize, so don't give up too soon!  If you stand firm and go up against your challenges with determined effort to overcome, you can achieve your ultimate goal of turning this design business into your full-time career.  I can see this is not easy for you, but the best things in life are not easy!  What you really want will take continued work, effort, diligence . . . and more patience.  But the Tarot indicates that improvement is on the horizon if you stand by your dream.  The thing is, Meredith, if you don't stand by your dream and make it a reality . . . no one else will do it for you!

Be honest with yourself and ask what this is really worth to you.  As you can see, it's not coming to you easily.  There are challenges, and it's a lot of work to create a solid foundation for a business.  But I can tell you that if you are doing what you love, it's worth every bit of blood, sweat, and tears you put into a dream to make it come to life and sustain you.  The "battle wounds" that come through the challenge and setbacks are badges of honor to show that you stood up for yourself and what you believe in.  And once you get stabilized, it does finally get easier.  But you have to first get stabilized.  You're really not that far away from getting there, so it would be a shame to give it up after coming this far, Meredith.  But that choice is one that only you can make for yourself.

Card 2:  Three of Wands - What you like about it / or what makes you discontent.
The Three of Wands shows that there is something important that you do like about the work you are doing, and one of those things is the fact that this is something you are creating.  It is like a new phase of personal development that offers opportunity to branch out and expand.  You have put your plans and ambitions into action, and although you are not seeing the full success that you desire, here is a card that shows because you have set your ships to sail . . . they will surely come in for you.

The benefits and the passion of this endeavor seem to outweigh the things that create discontent for you.  There is something inside of you that seems to beg you not to give up.  And while you would prefer that this all come together more easily, you have seen that building your own little empire doesn't necessarily come "easy."

You want the opportunity to make a good impression and have an impact with your work, and this card shows that you are doing that.  Even though this is not yet on a larger scale level that you would prefer, this card also reminds you that success takes time to develop to its fullest potential.  There is an element of creativity contained in this energy as well, and it seems that the work you are doing is creative.  You can benefit from exploring your creative ideas, changes, or enhancements that you might decide to implement in the future.

There is still great potential to accomplish what you are striving to do, Meredith, even though challenges will still be in front of you.  One of the most important challenges is in whether you still want to persevere with this and then go forward.  Despite some of the difficulties that have arisen, the cards indicate that this is a great moment in your entrepreneurial growth.

Have you considered a partnership with this endeavor?  A partnership opportunity could be in the works and be very beneficial for you.  Think about whether it is feasible for you to keep going solo, or if you need to get some help or turn this into a partnership with another creative individual who is interested in designing.  At the very least, it looks like you could benefit from getting some sort of help, even if you maintain a sole proprietorship business.  I don't think the future prospects of your business are as cloudy as they currently seem, and you really enjoy the design work itself -- perhaps just not all the business details that come with this.  There are many talented people out there, like yourself, who are very creative in the work or service they provide, but they don't always have the best business head on their shoulders.  If you feel that is the case for you as well, Meredith, consider where in the business side of things you could use some help.

You're going through a challenge in this, but the Tarot suggests that you are up to the challenge.  And the most important thing of all is to enjoy what you are doing.  If this work did not actually bring you enjoyment and satisfaction, or it began to feel like more of a burden than something to keep working on . . . then of course, that would be a sign that a more significant change or direction might be in order.  However, for now the energy seems to still be in favor of the goals you are presently working on . . . but with perhaps a few changes here and there that can help you rise above.

But let's also talk about something you mentioned to me before this reading.  You have some very admirable intentions to do some of your work for free in order to benefit the less fortunate -- but as a business person, you may want to reconsider that line of thinking.  The products that you create cost money for you to make, and what you offer can be considered a "luxury" service of sorts.  It's a truly beautiful and generous spirit that you have to help others, but if you are helping others at the detriment to your own self, that is not going to help you sustain a healthy business.  When you start giving things away for free, you'll have people beating down your door continuously for a free service or product, and you really will not accomplish all you want by going that route.  It's a fast road to "burn out."

Honor yourself just as you would honor a customer or client.  You deserve to be paid!  And most people will respect you, your time, and service or product you render when they have to pay for it.  Somewhere along the way, one can be considered "second rate" if the work they do is very cheap or free.  I know your work and your intentions are not "second rate" . . . so this is just something to think about in terms of how you are perceived and how you want to be perceived by others.  You need to understand that you cannot run a self-sustaining business if it involves mostly charity work.  If charity is your intention, you would fare better to go volunteer at your favorite charity functions rather than create a business of charity -- as this is costing you money to operate your business.  And speaking of money . . . let's turn our attention now to those important financial consideration.

Card 3:  Reversed Queen of Coins - Financial considerations.
The Reversed Queen of Coins shows that you are confused as to which way to turn in this business dilemma.  It looks like you could use some help on the business side of things.  You are very good at what you do in designing custom clothing, but the hidden aspects of a business can be daunting and draining of your time and energy.  As you know, there are taxes to consider, records to keep, and a lot more to do than simply create clothing.

Things are not on stable ground with the energy of the Reversed Queen of Coins.  So remember how I mentioned the "universal tests" that challenge you to determine whether you really and truly want something?  A "financial test" seems to be a part of this.  Even though your husband brings in a steady income from his full-time job, and you have a part-time job outside of the home as well, with just a little bit earned from your design business . . . this card emphasizes the financial challenge that you are facing.  And this can be frustrating and quite disheartening when you intended for your business operations to make up for moving to just part-time hours at your day job . . . but you find that it's not making up for it.  And there are still some reasonable costs and expenses attached to the business that you can't ignore.

It's almost hard for me to spit this one out, but here goes, Meredith.  The Reversed Queen of Coins suggests that you may need to move back to full-time work at your day job or seek something full time in order to continue making your monthly household expenses.  Now you might think that it would be impossible to work full-time hours and then come home and work on your business, too.  But I've done it myself to build my business, and a lot of other folks in various businesses have done so as well.  This is not something you would have to do permanently -- but just long enough to get that much needed stability that is currently lacking on the financial side of things.  As it sounds like you've been getting behind on bills, you need to take control of that so that your business won't also suffer further.

At the very least, go over your budget.  Look at the income you have between you and your husband without counting anything you are earning on the side with your business endeavor.  See if you can stretch that budget reasonably -- and without dipping into the savings!  If you can make things stretch, then you can continue to work part-time . . . but if you find a serious shortage, or if you are getting behind on bills, then you need to confront that.  I promise you that it will not be the end of the world if you do find a need to work full-time hours for a while at the day job.  There will be sacrifices to get what you want, but ultimately having just your design business and NO outside job (not even part-time) is the goal you'll be striving for in the end.  Plus, you'll be doing what you love to do best!  So it's worth it when you really, really, really want something!

Yes, it does take longer to build a stronger foundation for a business if you have only part-time hours to dedicate, but this is a real test to see just how badly you want this business to finally succeed.  I know it doesn't seem fair, but the fact is . . . if you really want something badly enough, you can find the way to achieve it.  Where there is a will, there is a way.

Card 4:  Six of Coins - Breaking Through to the Goals.
You wish to find a break-through to success, and this card indicates that in one way or another, life will conspire to provide you with what you need or to give you a push in the right direction.  Some kind of assistance may become known to you -- or perhaps a partnership opportunity may arise.  A partnership seems to be a common theme in the reading overall, so I think that is a significant consideration -- even if this "partnership" is simply through the choice of utilizing a business mentor to give you a kick start here.  I can see how you have a desire to rise above your current limitations, and what you wish for is possible.  And I think the Tarot has made that pretty clear so far.

You have a very generous spirit within you, and we've talked about the detriment of giving too much away for free.  But there is a way that you can use "free" to market yourself -- and provide benefit to those in need.  With your strong desire to help others, you could look into certain events or businesses where you offer something, but the money would go to a charity or community need.  At such events, you would be sure to have lots of business cards in hand to pass out.  In these types of events, people get something they pay for and know at the same time that they are also donating to a worthy case.  These types of things often go over well -- and can provide you with some publicity and business.

Another idea that I have seen work out well, especially for those in the beginning stages or for those who need a kick start to revive their business, is through special discounts -- such as giving out a referral card to a client who has paid in full and received your service.  That client refers a friend, and they both get a half-price service or some reduced rate.  These are just ideas that come to me through the interpretations of the cards, but please know that the Tarot does not expect you to use all of them, or even any of them, if they don't feel right for you.  The main idea, of course, is to generate ideas that will work for you personally :-)  Your own creative ideas will be what works for you to help promote and build your business.  And sometimes, it is indeed a matter of trial and error to help you find the most feasible solutions.  The concept of generosity confirms to the theme of the Six of Coins.  And this is where you could actually make "free" or "reduced" work for you in order to help get your business name out there.

You like to make people happy, and you've found the kind of work that also makes YOU happy.  The most important consideration of all is how you feel about the work you do.  And there lies the truest answers you will ever need in terms of what to do in this situation, Meredith.  It's still going to take a lot of work to accomplish what you've set out to do . . . but hopefully the Tarot has inspired you to follow what feels right to you.  Giving up is the easiest answer, but as the next cards show us, letting go of the work and business that you love may be the wrong thing to sacrifice! 

The Suit of Coins also involves monetary issues that affect one's stability in the financial world, so certainly I can see the innermost wish within you for this to finally be successful enough to bring in some substantial earnings as well.  And of course, that is what a business is about -- something from which you can earn a living and enjoy while being your own boss.  It is never selfish or ungenerous to be thinking about your needs and wants.  This is life, so you have to also consider your needs in a situation.
 

Cards 5 and 6:  Four of Coins / Hanging Man - What you can expect if you let go and change your path entirely.
Through this pair of cards and the next pair below, we are going to discuss what you can expect if you let go of your business dream versus what to expect if you hang on to this.  We'll look at both sides of the equation and compare the information given by the Tarot.

In terms of letting go and entirely changing your path or direction, we have the Four of Coins and the Hanging Man.  The Four of Coins is about practical considerations.  And certainly, I am sure that a part of you might feel that what you are doing is not practical right now as you're putting time into this, yet not bringing in the kind of income you need and desire.

If you let go of your dream and pursue full-time employment, the Four of Coins indicates you'll hold your own of course.  You'll have a stronger sense of financial stability.  But the real question is . . . will you truly be happy with that choice?  The Four of Coins can leave something missing in your life.  And it's not something "missing" on a material level in most cases -- it's something on an internal level that causes you to feel left out and unable to let "more" into your life.  It's like hanging on to what you already have, but not letting anything else in.  This is the least risky, least daring, and least bold option.  The Four of Coins is about conservatism and holding on to what you have.

The Hanging Man suggests that you will be making a huge sacrifice if you choose the option to let it go.  Yes, you'll have more money coming in with full-time work, but the thing is, if it is actually necessary to go to full-time, you wouldn't have to give up your business.  It would take longer to achieve your goals, most definitely . . . but it's still something you could work on.  The Hanged Man is about letting go and making sacrifices.  But in this case, you have to determine exactly what you are willing to sacrifice and what you won't.  Essentially, there can be a sacrifice with either option.  You would either sacrifice some income financially, or you will sacrifice more of your time.  But this card pair begs the question: "Are you so ready to hang on to only what you think you can have -- at the expense of what you also want to have in your life?"

Sometimes the choices that feel more familiar, solid, and steady will ease some stress because of the reduction of risk involved.  Thus, for some, the discontent they deal with is in working 8 hours a day for someone else with the belief that it's preferable to the uncertainty of an unfamiliar or risky opportunity.  But in this case, you do have options to minimize your risk.  Those options aren't easy, especially if you decide you absolutely do need to have a full-time income to contribute to the household expenses.  But remember . . . the best things in life don't necessarily come easy!  It's all coming down to just how much you really want to hang on to your design business, Meredith . . . or if you want to let it go.

The Hanging Man shows that your patience and endurance are being put to the test right now.  And this has made you confront the situation and the current realities involved with consideration of something else you think might prove to be of greater value to you.

Feeling as if you are doing little more than "standing still" is quite frustrating and discouraging.  But the card of the Hanging Man also explains that one can actually "move forward" by standing still for a time.  By suspending time, we can have all the time we need to make a choice . . . and that seems to be an important message for you in the cards:  Don't be too hasty in deciding on any particular course of action.  Once you have given this some additional time and thought, you may feel more certain about which way you feel driven towards.

Perhaps you have some repeat clients and have reasons to keep hoping for improvement in your business . . . but are still waiting for that real feeling of success to surface.  A reason that you might desire a change is due to feeling that the work you are doing has little value, not enough interest from others, or that you won't be able to sustain yourself in the future.  What you are thinking about, Meredith, has its validity, and definitely you are wise to consider these things.  It is necessary every now and then to evaluate and assess what one is working on.

The current events in your situation seem to require that you have patience and basically suspend any major decisions while you wait for more clarity and direction on these important matters.  You might just need a fresh outlook on something where you may have become trapped in "one-way thinking" or tunnel-vision.  Time will allow you to see whether a few minor changes might open your ideas up to something more productive than what is front of you at this time.

But again, this is not a time to take action, make commitments, or do anything definite.  Instead, try to look at matters from a different perspective.  If you don't feel some positive impact or forward movement over the next several months, then it will be time to assess things once again and determine if a change would be beneficial to you.  But by then, you may have some additional facts, information, and ideas . . . and you can evaluate your own attitude toward things more objectively.

Overall, giving up your dream business may free up your time to bring in more income by working for someone else.  But the Hanging Man speaks of sacrifices, and you may feel that the sacrifice is too big of one to make.  Even the Four of Pentacles that suggests stability indicates that there may still be something you feel is "missing."  You would very much miss your business endeavors.
 

Cards 7 and 8:  Three of Coins / Princess of Coins - What you can expect if you maintain your business and part-time work.
Two cards from the suit of Coins come up to address what is favorable for staying with your massage therapy work.  We have the Three of Coins and the Page of Coins -- both positive cards.

The Three of Coins shows high standards, competence, superior abilities, and attention to detail that are qualities you have and are needed for the work you are doing.  Additionally, there is the aspect of professional growth and job satisfaction.  Even though you don't feel fully satisfied at this point, the cards show that a break-through may come up for you.

The Three of Coins also mentions the idea of teamwork -- so once again, the Tarot is promoting a partnership kind of situation for you that could be of benefit if you see such an opportunity come up.  It wouldn't necessarily have to be a partnership in terms of taking on board an employee, but perhaps this could be a "partnership" in the form of getting a business mentor to help you get on your feet. With the Queen of Pentacles Reversed in this reading, I am feeling that a business mentor could be of great benefit to you -- whether or not you do or don't move to full-time employment for the time being.  A mentor can help you work with what you've got in the time frame that you have.

With the idea of "superior abilities," it seems that you can show people why you are the best choice for what you offer.  Make their experience one in which they will want to come back again and again.  This moves you toward more repeat customers and builds upon your business.  Of course,  I think the Tarot is bringing up some things that you already know very well . . . but for the things you know and are already practicing, it is just a reminder to let you know what can get you on track and keep you there.  You obviously love what you do, and you have an eye for detail -- which is a real asset in your clothing design business.

The Three of Coins shows that you have the persistence to achieve that which you desire.  You love the work you are doing -- even during this frustrating phase, you still want to offer something of benefit to others.  And the good news is that the cards here are showing there is still potential for success with this endeavor.  Recognition for your efforts and your service may soon be forthcoming.  So I can see clearly why the Tarot is urging you not to jump out of this too soon . . . for an important opportunity could be missed in doing so.

This card also shows the potential for monetary increase through your skills and abilities.  Circumstances may very well begin to improve which also gives you the recognition and appreciation you need to keep moving forward.  You have already laid out the foundation of this endeavor.  It seems you have probably come further than you are actually giving yourself credit for.  Consider whether all you have accomplished to date would feel like a waste to you if you let it go now.

The Page of Coins reinforces the information from the Three of Coins card.  The Page shows that you have the determination to put your talents to use in practical ways.  There is a kindness in your nature that also makes you easy to approach and well-liked.  Your personality is very much in your favor with what you are doing.  You are like an apprentice who is hard at work, gaining knowledge and skills, starting a business . . . and all of that with potential to find success.  As you master the skills and techniques as well as the rules of your trade or profession, you create value in yourself and a niche for yourself in your field!

Persistence has the potential to pay off well for you.  But of course . . . it is completely up to you, and there really is no "wrong" decision in all of this.  If you keep that idea in mind, then making a choice might not feel as difficult to do.

Here is an energy of new beginnings though the Page of Coins, and although you have worked at this for a little while now, you are in reality still at your beginning stages -- not the early level as when you just started . . . but there is still room for a great amount of growth and progress which seem to be in the making for you.  It seems that additional knowledge and information will be forthcoming that will let you advance yourself financially and professionally.

Although it might not seem as clear to you at this point in time, your path in the work you love to do is leading toward professional and financial growth . . . with ultimate success on your horizon.  Giving up your dream too soon could indeed lead to a missed opportunity in what you wish to accomplish.  Thus, even if you do decide to take on full-time work hours in what seems to offer a more "stable" environment, you are still encouraged to pursue your chosen work and business in some manner -- even if it can only be part-time until things are more stable for you.  Think about what you would be giving up . . . and if you can be happy with yourself to let it go.  I have a feeling you wouldn't be happy with your choice to release what means so much to you.  This is your dream, and if you really want this, then it's worth fighting for.

Card 9:  Five of Wands - Advice.
Speaking of what is worth fighting for, the Five of Wands comes up.  And while this isn't a card that would tell us to just look for trouble and conflict, there are situations -- like yours -- that suggest you may have to fight for what you want and believe in.  No doubt, it's not going to be easy . . . but it can be done.

Things feel confused and frustrating for you right now as you consider a number of things you want to do, a number of issues you want to make progress on . . . and then realize the constraints of time, energy, assistance, and resources you have at hand to do the job.

In a time of rising ambition and the need to be "Superwoman" . . . the fact is, you're still only human, and while I grant you that moments of coming up against your personal limitations don't do much for the ego, they may also be less daunting in a little while than they seem today.

The problems you seem to face now might just be more like a pimply little vista of irritating molehills instead of a series of intimidating, jagged mountains.  Much of that perception, however, may depend on your moods and your confidence levels.  Take a deep breath, and give life some time to accommodate you -- or vice versa.  You're in the middle of an inner shift of new growth and new grit.  Today's aggravations are just part of the "labor pains" in your work.

A message from the Five of Wands is to focus on your priorities.  Examine your goals and priorities periodically and make adjustments as necessary.  Focus on the goal as much as you can rather than on the "struggle" of getting where you want to be.

Although I feel like a broken record here, this card also asks you to look at your business endeavors and consider whether it might be more successful if you got someone else involved -- i.e. a partnership or someone who can perform complementary services to what you offer.  Or perhaps a business mentor may be helpful to guide you in the world of business.  Not every talented person, like yourself, will know how to handle the business side of things effectively.

In order to succeed in any worthy enterprise, one needs to be prepared to deal with obstacles and competitors.    You have every reason to feel confident about your ability to succeed at whatever you commit yourself to -- whether it is this or something else you decide to take on later.  You have the power to sustain yourself and hold true to your goals with persistent effort.

As a card of advice, the Five of Wands' broadest application is to make choices that bring novelty and stimulation into any situation you are dealing with, and to go where the action is.  It hints that the measures or actions you have been taking might not be enough, and so you must bring yourself up to a higher level of activity and productivity -- such as expanding your business and clientele through some new techniques and promotions that get people interested and involved.  If you have gotten too settled in the status quo, this may require you to re-motivate yourself.  So again, consider if you need a business coach or mentor.

Certainly there is some conflict in the present situation as it stands, but the cards indicate there is also the power to overcome it.  You may feel overwhelmed and defeated, but this is not a time to give up.  Things still need some time to develop and emerge.  Try to work on reforming some of your ideas or attitudes, and choose a "win" instead of a "lose" point of view.  Don't compromise or accept defeat, because it appears that you are too close to a more successful state than what you've been dealing with in the past.  Improvements may be made, and that will offer you a more positive outlook on life in general.  Though you can't always get what you want or get it when you want it . . . the Tarot suggests that you will  get what you need, and sometimes what you need can turn out to be exactly what you want.

As a final note, I wanted to mention that no cards from the suit of Cups or Swords appeared in your reading at all.  This is significant, because in this size of a reading, you'll usually get at least one from each suit.  What the absence of these suits signify is that you need to make the choices in front of you with your heart.  Being practical is a wise business approach, but you've also got to have your heart in something to sustain it.  Considerations that evolve mostly from your mind can create tensions and conflict . . . it can also tend to make "mountains" out of "molehills" in some situations.  We start blowing things out of proportion without realizing it.  Sometimes, as in the case here . . . you may just need to bide your time with persistence and patience.

Search your heart, Meredith, to discover exactly what you really want.  When you are sure and confident about what you want, confusion can start to diminish.  When your confidence lets you know that you really can overcome obstacles that try to stand in your way . . . even more uncertainty starts to fade and diminish.  And when you start enjoying success, even very small at first, that also serves to make you feel

Many Blessings!

Your Friend and Tarot Reader,

Velvet Angel

TAROT WISDOM READINGS
*Inspiration*Guidance*Advice*
by ~*~Velvet Angel~*~
www.tarotwisdomreadings.com

email:
velvetangel@tarotwisdomreadings.com