When the Three of Swords is in this position, you are witnessing preparations for a serious conflict between equals who see themselves as opposites, a battle that may look or feel like a fight to the death. The current situation may call for a mediator who can take it from the brink of disaster to a meeting of minds and hearts.

The parties involved, stimulated by an escalating misunderstanding, seem determined to attack each other. Paranoia and accusation prevail. A mediator is needed before hostilities go too far. Restoring peace through dialogue is a major challenge in situations symbolized by this card.

With the Eight of Swords in this position, recognize that the law of cyclical returns presently dominates the flow of events. What goes around comes around -- eventually. The wheel of time eliminates old circumstances and initiates new ones, and our best response is to adapt.

When you take a close look at the timing controlling events in this situation, you will know when to take action. Adopt the attitude of an athlete in a demanding sport. All your attention must be focused in the moment, and you must stay flexible in case of surprises. Be quick to remove yourself from harm's way and into a situation more harmonious with your true nature.

The Sun card advises you to have confidence in your natural divinity. Throw off any cultural conditioning that keeps you from being authentic with yourself. Step into the full light of truth and reveal your motives and principles. Once done, you will no longer give away power to the people that criticize and shame you. Focus on the positive and the real. Your authentic shining self can be a light for others if you project it without contrivance.

The Seven of Coins in this position requires that you eliminate distractions and focus on what you are doing. You are on a short leash; you are not in a position to take much time away from the work. At present, you are not as free to explore, play, celebrate or whimsically change your mind. Your task requires a mature sobriety.

This card cautions you to focus solely on whatever enterprise you are engaged in and to renounce frivolity for the time being. This is the card of the farmer. If the farmer doesn't work, crops don't grow and the people don't eat -- it's as simple as that. Giving up diversions is the sacrifice being asked of you at this time.

The Page of Cups (in some decks, a Princess) in this position could be starting over again in a new field he or she is excited to be entering, although it could be quite different from any previous area of expertise. This change could make a difference in the quality of both relationships and spiritual life.

Because the character of this card denotes a learning attitude, it might be seen as both a step backward and a step forward. Compare this to the transition between being a high school senior and a freshman in college -- it's an advancement and demotion at the same time.

This card represents the part of you that is a student of the spiritual and emotional depths of life. As such, the change you make could teach you much about what is essential, what is most important to you, and those you care about. Be open to this learning and you will never regret that you achieved it.