Dear Maribeth,
Is age 63 too late for true love and romance?
Old Man?

Dear O.M.,
I believe every person’s situation is different. I am pretty sure you could find some folks 63 years old and older who have found true love and romance. I wonder if you are looking for it. I’ll ask the cards if it is likely for you and what you can do to help generate it.
The cards for your reading are the Nine of Wands, Death and The Hermit. Each card has a figure who is holding a wand, reminding you to take charge of those aspects that are within your control. The Death card in the middle of your reading also encourages me to remind you that you are not dead yet!
The Nine of Wands indicates that true love and romance may have been a challenging experience for you lately. If you are struggling with being alone, you may feel separate from opportunities for growth in the area of romance. Behind the stage this person is standing on, we see mountains and the generation of new experiences. In order to change your state of mind, you cannot remain in a prison of your own making. You may have to roll up your sleeves and get out to explore this new world available behind you. All of these wands have leaves growing out of them. You have more time to flourish.
Perhaps the Death card indicates that you have lost someone who was dear to you. There are some circumstances that we cannot change, death being one of them. It does take time to mourn and regroup before we can move forward again. If this is the case, be patient with yourself, and know that your life is not over. We will all die eventually, but most people would agree that love is the most special part of being alive. Even when it doesn’t work out the way we have planned, life without it lacks luster. The sun in the background reminds us that with each new day we have a chance to begin again.
If you are looking to re-enter the love market, you must begin with yourself – according to The Hermit. He is shining his light from within reminding us that exposing your inner beauty is a gift to be shared. While it looks like he is standing in a cold and lonely landscape, he can brighten even the darkest day. His beard indicates the wisdom that comes from age. Your experience in love and romance can benefit you as you go back to revisit what life has to offer. You must reach out to see the way toward another person who may benefit by knowing you as well.
All in all, this does not appear to be an easy road. By focusing on what you are bringing, rather than what you are looking for, you will have the most success. Your philosophical understanding based on your life experiences can create very interesting conversations. My advice to you based on these cards is: Don’t keep yourself to yourself and see what happens.

hello. please do not ignore this email. i really need you help! i know people probably go to you all the time for there problems and you probably sick of it. i would be to. but im really desspreate and need your help. you see i have this boy problem.this boy that i really like told me that he loves me and i think i love him back. but my parents…..well…….they hate him. and i cant be with him and hed do anything for me and….and……i need to know everything thats gonna happen to me in the next few months….with everything……so that i may make my furture a better one. or at least something like that.please you my last hope so that i may make my parents aprove of him. please? i dont know what else to do………

from,
the completely dessprate teen.

Dear CDT,
I have to say, in my experience, usually parents know best, but I will remain objective and see what the cards say to help you from an outsider’s point of view. Your reading gives us the Ten of Pentacles, The Sun and the Eight of Swords. The first two cards tell me that while your family is an important influence in your life, they do still view you as a child sometimes. The last card is most concerning however, because here you are blindfolded, meaning you are not seeing the reality of the situation.
The Ten of Pentacles indicates a stable family. Here we see generations of people, and their dogs, enjoying the security of their heritage. Your parents have not manufactured reasons to dislike your current relationship. It is because he has not earned their respect. In order to make your future a good one, it is time for you to be responsible for making wise decisions. Start by determining if the two of you share the same priorities as far as home and family as well as future hopes and dreams. It is wonderful that he would do anything for you, but is he capable of providing you with what you need? Do you know what that is? If he makes you happy and is a respectable person then your parents would have no reason to not approve of him. Only he can earn that approval by his own behavior.
The Sun provides a light and happy illumination to your reading. You have a very optimistic and innocent attitude about love and the potential for this relationship. One of the most beautiful things about young love is that it contains these things, and this positive disposition is a powerful force to subdue. The wall behind the child with the sunflower crown represents safety. You are in a safe place, the world beyond the wall is unfamiliar to you. Don’t go scrambling over that wall gung ho. It is important that you take it easy so you do not get burned. Too much of a good thing is not so good, even sunshine.
My friends and I like to call the figure in the Eight of Swords “Vicky the Victim”. She lives in a prison she has created in her mind and is therefore trapped by her thoughts. This girl is a far cry from the free spirit we see in the Sun card. Don’t let this happen to you. Keep your eyes open and see things as they really are, not as you hope they can be. Your parents are not in this relationship, you are, and if you are not happy, you must feel comfortable knowing you can escape it. You ask where you will be in the next few months. I suggest you enjoy the good times while they last, but as soon as they begin to go sour, bail. Don’t stubbornly stick to your man so that you can prove your parents wrong. They are trying to protect you and sincerely want what is best for you. You should too. If that means he is not part of the picture, then so be it. Your attractive personality will not be alone for long.

Dear Maribeth,
My boyfriend is an alcoholic who keeps telling me he is going to stop drinking but then doesn’t. I know he needs help and I have finally realized that there is nothing I can do about it, which is depressing. Can the cards tell me if he will make the decision to get help and be successful at not drinking? And, can they offer any advice about what is the best approach for me to take that will help him the most? Thanks,
Tired of Trying So Hard

Dear Totsh,
Unfortunately, the cards in your reading do not bode well. The King of Swords, the Five of Pentacles and the Seven of Swords appear to be going in a very ugly circle right back to where they started from again. I get the feeling you’ve been dealing with this for a long time. Addictions suck. Anyone reading this who is thinking of picking up an addictive habit of any kind, I encourage you to fully evaluate the benefits and whether is it worth it. What exactly will you gain from the experience?
You are absolutely right that only he can make the decision. The King of Swords is wielding that sword, a sign of power and intellect, and will choose how to use it. He must use it to cut out the things in his life that are not working for him. He is very alone on this throne at the top of this mountain and does not look very happy. The birds and clouds in the sky, as well as the butterflies on his throne indicate the importance of freedom of thought. Even if you were to imagine yourself approaching this throne and speaking to him while he looks so full of anxiety and determination, what on earth would you say? You need to fight this battle of wills with a powerful and thoughtful strategy.
The Five of Pentacles is a depressing card in itself. These people are ill-equipped for the weather they are trudging through. Worse, their heads are so low, they do not see the church window, which offers a comfortable stay. It appears they are walking right by. Perhaps the man on crutches sees it, but there is little hope on his face. What will it take for your boyfriend before he is prompted to do something about his drinking? Although, he may recognize the problem, he keeps repeating the behavior that ultimately does not serve him best.
The Seven of Swords shows those issues coming right back around. The tiptoeing figure and expression on his face indicates sneaky behavior. This card shows up when someone is trying to get away with something. It can represent his dishonesty to you about his behavior as well as his own denial about the seriousness of the situation. If we wrap the swords back around to the first card, it can also remind me of you, continually delivering opportunities for him to change. ‘Here is another sword, Honey! What are you going to do with this one?’ With two more lined up behind you it appears you keep delivering more chances. Be aware: a drink is poison to him, you can’t expect him to be able to have just one.
My suggestion for you is to change your behavior and just simply stop tolerating it. Have a zero-tolerance policy for yourself, just like the schools do. This card looks like you are contributing to the problem instead of separating yourself from it. Cut him off. Stop carrying the burden of his troubles. Tough love could be the best thing for both of you. Professional help is suggested for either of you when you are ready to get off this crazy ride.

Dear Maribeth,
I am having trouble with an unstable estranged husband and father of my two young children. I am confused as to what the future holds for the kids as far as having a father present in their lives and I am uncertain of which path to take divorce or forgiveness. We have suffered for almost a year on this rollercoaster ride of emotions that he has put us through. Will he change back and be the father and husband we need or do I walk away? I am super depressed and confused. Emotionally drained and hoping for answers.
Wife Left Behind

Dear WLB,
This is a very difficult, and unfortunately, common situation. The cards for your reading are the Eight of Wands, The Sun and the King of Cups. This reading revolves around the Sun, just like the planet earth we live on.
The Eight of Wands is a card meaning decisions and action that needs to be taken even though a lot of things may be up in the air. With the home in the far distance of the picture, and the wands up close and in your face, it looks like he has made a decision to separate himself from his home and family, distancing himself from you and your children. While this card represents the physical separation, the King of Cups indicates an emotional separation. We will talk more about that later.
In the center of your reading we see the Sun. The child on this horse reminds us that your best decisions are those made with your children foremost in your mind. The brick wall behind the horse creates a protective barrier from the outside world. This is your role as mother – to protect your children from outside negative influences and keep them happy and successful. You can teach your husband how to do that by your behavior. The needs of your children must always come first. It doesn’t sound as though that quality comes naturally to him as a father.
The King of Cups represents both you and your husband simultaneously. This King is trying to control his feelings. His throne is floating in a sea of emotions, but he is not touching the water at all and therefore attempting to feel nothing. The waves in the water, rocking his world, are representative of the rollercoaster of emotions you referred to. You are both attempting to detach from the love you feel and while that may feel a necessary way to protect yourself from the difficulties you are experiencing, it is impossible to maintain a healthy marriage without love. No man is an island!
When it comes to the practical advice you are looking for, this reading is leaning toward forgiveness over divorce, for now. Because we do not have any card from the suit of swords to show a severing of the relationship, and we have a card from cups, the suit of Love – you may have to float along for a while. He will always be their father so you can’t really ever completely lose him. You just need to decide what role he will play in all of your lives.
I find it interesting you ask if he will change *back*, as he appears to be looking forward. Perhaps by seeing this new version of him, rather than clinging to the old version, you can decide more readily how you would like to proceed.

Dear Maribeth,

I’m undecided. Should I color my hair to cover up the increasing number of white strands on my 42-year-old brunette head?

Signed,
Slightly Silver

Dear S.S.,
The three cards that came up for your reading seem to present a timeline of your aging process. From the Page of Wands, to the Nine of Pentacles, to the Five of Cups, we see a progression from a young child, to a middle-aged woman and finally, as we can really only tell from the color of the hair, an older person. The fact that the hair is the only way to tell the age of the person in the final card raises the issue of whether you want people to know your true age or if you prefer that they think you are younger. As time goes by, you appear to be more and more affected by the color of your hair. What to do about it is entirely up to you. Gray hair symbolizes wisdom. Do you want to look wise or young?
We begin with the Page of Wands, representing your youth when you did not have to concern yourself these types of things. You may have worn a hat because it made you feel like you looked cool. The feather in this lad’s cap reaches up toward the height of the tip of the wand, indicating growth and potential. The pyramids in the background prove this may have been a long time ago, 42 years of it, actually. Pride in yourself, including your appearance, is always important. You must maintain that. If you look good, you will feel good.

In the Nine of Pentacles we see an accomplished woman. The grapes surround her because this is a time when she is reaping the fruits of her labor. She looks as though she is about 30 years old and does not seem concerned about her hair, although she too is wearing a hat. The aging process is a slow one, as the snail reminds us. Our hair must grow a very small amount with each day that passes. It all adds up, we see by the pentacles at the bottom of the card. It looks like she is wearing a rubber glove, similar to those one might wear when dying their hair. Perhaps this is a hint.
When we arrive at the final card in your spread, the Five of Cups, I can’t help but notice the salt and pepper hair. This person looks quite depressed. Time has certainly taken its toll and the silver hair appears to outnumber the black hair on this person’s head! This person is obviously bummed out, as apparent by the big black cloak he or she is wearing. Because of this, I’m going to interpret the advice for you to be that when those silver strands really begin to get you down, that is the time to do something about it and add some color.
In the meantime, wear a hat! And please take pride in the wisdom that comes with age. You’ve earned every one of those hairs, no matter what color they are.

Dear Maribeth,

It has become increasingly apparent to me that an enormous amount of our population is medicated in one way or another. I’m not talking about medicine for physical health issues, but the mood enhancers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety pills, etc. to supposedly “fix” people’s psychological state of mind. Not to mention all of the illegal drugs people take to stay high. I notice friends, house wives, check-out clerks, college students and high-level executives often have this slow-motion glaze going that I find annoying. My question is how come people could cope with life before and now that these drugs are invented they are depending on them? Are they really helping? Are people more stressed out now-a-days? Isn’t life supposed to be easier than it was when everyone ran their own farm? I don’t get it. Can you and your cards shed some light on this for me?

Thank you,
Perhaps under-medicated

Dear P.u.m.,
You ask a lot of questions here. Hopefully I can answer them all with a three card reading. Your cards are the Four of Pentacles, the Seven of Cups and the Eight of Wands. Different folks handle pressure in different ways, depending on what is available to them. Ultimately it is a personal decision and hopefully they won’t stay on any pill unless it is making them feel better about themselves and their ability to cope with what life hands them.

The Four of Pentacles reminds me of how each individual’s tolerance level is different. Stress management gurus teach that it isn’t necessarily the amount of stress a person is dealing with, but how they process it. Some are able to let go of stressful situations more readily than others. For instance, some people are better able to handle constructive criticism while others who received the same suggestion may not be able to sleep for days over it. Some medications dull the senses so people aren’t feeling so much of anything and therefore are not affected negatively by things. But unfortunately they can also be numb to the good stuff because the drugs can’t differentiate what a person should be feeling. Ultimately, each person has to decide what is right for them. There really is nothing you can do about it. Try the serenity prayer if you are really frustrated by the “slow-motion glaze”.
The choices available today are many, as apparent by the Seven of Cups. Just like reconstructive surgery and stylish clothing, designer drugs are the thing to do in some circles. If there is a pill to take the edge off, some folks say, “Why not? I’d rather not suffer if I have a choice.” But they do have a choice and how it affects you is your problem. This is especially true when it is a loved one that is glazed over when you are trying to communicate with them. You have a right to express your opinion if their lack of involvement is disturbing to you. They may appear detached from the situation, as the black shadow person looks in this card.
I’m not sure if life is that much easier in this day and age than it was before these drugs were readily available. The Eight of Wands represents the hurdles of multi-tasking. When so many things are happening at once it is difficult to stay focused. Generations of people who have grown up multi-tasking are becoming adults now. Life appears simpler when there was one task at hand at a time. The smell of the apples in the fall when harvesting the tress, the smell of the earth in the spring when planting the crops, the sound of walking on crisp snow freshly fallen and the sight of wild flowers growing in the summer are some of the sensual delights that kicked off our forefather’s natural brain chemicals to bring joy. They still work for me. To each their own. Don’t let it stress you out.

I’m wondering if the cards can recommend a way for me to feel more enthusiastic about my life. I have so much to be grateful for, and certainly no reasons to complain, yet I have this constant feeling of boredom and often wonder “Is this all there is?” I want excitement, but I don’t want anything bad to happen! It doesn’t seem to make a difference if I am busy or not, I feel like I am just going through the motions. Any suggestions to spice things up?
Thank you,
Bored and Grateful

Dear B&G,
Sometimes people get stuck in a rut. Let’s see if your cards can guide you out of your bored state. You have the King of Swords, the Nine of Cups, and the Two of Wands. A person who knows what they want and is not afraid to make decisions to make it happen is the person who knows how to be enthusiastic about their circumstances. Basically these cards say: keep what you like and what you don’t like, change.
The King of Swords is putting his foot down. He is opinionated and swift with decisions. This attitude provides you with a sense of control of your destiny. The butterflies on his throne indicate freedom of thought. Often when we feel trapped and bored by our lives, it is because we feel we cannot change things. Are there specific attitudes or ways of being that you would prefer your life consisted of? Kings are some of the most powerful beings in the tarot. Know that you have the power to change your life if you are not happy. Who is in charge of creating your life if it is not you?
Knowing what you want is at the center of your reading depicted by the Nine of Cups. This figure is looking very satisfied. Is this the place you are searching to be? How will you know when you are happy? Your level of enthusiasm is determined by your attitude more than your circumstances. Those cups look like trophies displayed on the table. Sometimes the process of achieving your goals is so satisfying that when you finally get there, you need something new to aspire to in order to maintain a feeling of fulfillment.
The Two of Wands suggests reflecting back on something you wanted to do before. You may have put it aside so you could get to where you are today. Was there something you wanted to pursue in your past that you haven’t had a chance to try yet? Perhaps this is the right time to take a class or pursue a goal that you didn’t have the time to do before. Have fun investigating opportunities to create some stimulation in your life. Being curious about things that interest you can definitely lead you down the highway of enthusiasm. Sometimes it can be as easy as joining a bowling league, walking in the woods or hooking up with an old friend. Doing something different will open up new avenues for excitement. Keep the radio blaring and the windows open as you travel down this exciting avenue!

Dear Maribeth,
I’ve been accepted to George Washington State University and have not met my roommate in person yet. We’ve talked on the phone and e-mailed each other. When I look at her facebook page, in every one of her photos she is holding one of those big red plastic cups. She is obviously a big partier and I am more of the studious type. Should I be worried? Do you have any advice for me on how to enter into this new phase of my life? Thank you!
Leaving the Nest

Dear LtN,
It is so great that Facebook provides you with a preview of what you are getting into so you can properly prepare. In the old days, when I was young, we didn’t have that luxury. Let’s see how you can benefit by this perspective of your soon-to-be new roommate rather than allow it to worry you.
Your cards are the Six of Pentacles, the Seven of Cups and the Four of Pentacles. These three cards give you the keys to your success. The advice for you is to be considerate of one another, know you always have your own choices to make, and maintain control of the things that are important to you.

None of these cards indicate conflict, in fact the Six of Cups reminds us of the importance of mutual respect and cooperation. Sharing this space with your new roommate will require you to learn to give and receive. It looks as though you will experience the role of each of the figures in this card throughout the next year. Just because you make different choices doesn’t mean you can’t be friends and be there for each other. Mutual consideration is what it takes. Be clear about what you think is fair and set up as many rules as you can to support this so neither of you ever feels taken advantage of.
The Seven of Cups is all about recognizing choices. Your lifestyle will change depending on the choices you make. You can experiment with different things to make sure you are making the right ones if you like, but ultimately the important thing is to be strong enough to choose what truly makes you happy. She will respect you for sticking to your guns, especially if you consider her invitations rather than snobbishly refusing them every time. You never know, you might be glad to accept sometimes. With all those cups in the air, you are reminded that you can still attend a party and drink in moderation, thus maintaining your integrity.
The crowned figure in the Four of Pentacles represents that success you will feel by taking your education seriously. He looks as though he is sitting upon a stage. This semester is not a dress rehearsal. What you take away from this will affect your future success a great deal. You will learn a lot about interpersonal skills and especially holding on to your own ideals. There is no need to be wide open with your roommate about everything. It will benefit you to keep your private thoughts to yourself. There is no need to share everything. This will provide you with an air of mystery, and you will be respected for your faith in yourself.
Be sure to keep the lines of communication open and be conscious of the choices you make. I don’t see a reason to be concerned about your differences. Having the freedom to choose your own lifestyle is one of the things that make this country great.

Dear Maribeth,
My bathroom cactus is looking grim. It was a gift from my ailing mother–tell me, will it survive the summer?
Cactus Flower

Dear C.F.,
I’ve never heard of a bathroom cactus. I always thought they needed to be in a hot and dry environment. Bathrooms tend to be moist and damp. Your question reminds me of an interesting and similar story I heard last week about a woman whose Grandmother had a pathetic looking cactus on her coffee table. She took it home and repotted it and now it blooms once a year, just one flower on her Gram’s birthday. Pretty cool.
Your cards are the Knight of Wands, the Nine of Cups and the Ace of Cups. The arid desert below the knight represents the hot and dry climate where cacti are naturally found. The Cups are the suit of water, and since you have two cards representing water I suggest you pay attention to how much you water (or do not water) your cactus! All three of these cards are extremely positive.
The Knight of Wands is a card indicating successful efforts. There are sprouting leaves on his wand, showing growth. Keep your eyes out for new buds on your cactus! With the pyramids and desert in the background of this card, along with those greens buds on his wand (that looks like a dead stick), you may be surprised by the growth that can come from very dry soil.
The Nine of Cups is known as the Wish Card and means your wish will come true! Your mom gave you this cactus knowing that you would take good care of it. Be confident that you are doing the best you can with it. The smug figure in the center has what could be interpreted as a feather in his cap, as does the Knight of Wands. When interpreting tarot cards, it helps to look for patterns and see what the cards have in common that show up to answer your question. These patterns underscore a certain vibration to help you understand the meaning. The red plumes coming from their helmet and hat inspire anticipated victory. There is a lot of success surrounding your intention to keep this cactus alive. It is obviously very important to you.
The Ace of Cups reminds me of the atmosphere in your bathroom. The steam from the sink and shower probably waters your cactus every time you use it. The droplets of water falling from the sky are available for a thirsty plant to draw from the air. Your Mom’s very special gift has been given with hope for peace for you as shown by the dove in the center. Please enjoy her gift and don’t stress about it. You may notice the water lilies in the bottom of the Ace of Cups. Water lilies are amazing because their pretty flowers come from deep roots buried in muck. Often the most beautiful circumstances sprout from difficult situations.
Your cactus may be getting enough water just by being in your bathroom. Don’t overwater it and your wish for a healthy cactus will come true! Send me a picture!

Dear Maribeth,
I am having difficulty with time and energy expenditure. I find that transitioning from working/being “on” time to relaxation/”off” time is very unsettling. I am a massage therapist and I have my own business and it can be very challenging to hold my boundaries with scheduling and not over-extending. There seems to be a constant low grade anxiety that there will not be enough or that I am not doing enough. I know how important self-care and down time are and share this with my clients on a daily basis. Implementing this knowledge in my own life practice continues to be a source of stress and tension. What can I do to bring my conscious awareness of this issue into balance with this seemingly unconscious nervous nelly who refuses to surrender and “let go” with faith in the abundance of my path?
Nervous Nelly

Dear N.N.,
Managing the way you spend your energy is just as important as how you spend your time and money. Due to your natural inclination toward a generous temperament, healers like yourself are often challenged with boundary issues. This is a great question. Your cards are the Ace of Wands, the Six of Swords and the Queen of Wands. Congratulations on recognizing this as a problem for yourself. Now it is time to take charge!

Is that your hand grabbing the Ace of Wands? Are you ready to be in control of your situation? The Ace of Wands is a very masculine card representing an outgoing nature and a thrust toward achieving your goals. This includes saying “No” whenever a request does not suit you. Because two of the three cards in your spread are from the suit of wands, the solution to your problem is to make strong decisions about how to spend your time and energy based on what you feel will bring you the most success. You overextend yourself when you are doing something because you think someone else wants or needs you. The balance you are looking for is between your priorities and other people’s priorities.

That boat in the Six of Swords couldn’t really hold another sword without the risk of sinking. You have a full plate! You know you are doing enough, mainly because you don’t have time to do anymore! The question is, are you spending your time doing the right things? The good news is you recognize that the current pace is not working for you and you are making choices to change it. As you approach the horizon in the distance, imagine the life you crave and make it happen. This would be an excellent time for a move for you – a chance to create a new start and be the confident woman who knows she won’t take on more than she can handle. This attitude will provide peace and trust in yourself.

The Queen of Wands holds a sunflower to remind you there is always more abundance available. A person who generates lots of ideas has the responsibility of discerning which ones to follow through on. While your schedule may need to be flexible to accommodate your clients, it can be beneficial to carve out time in your calendar for yourself. Ultimately you will be more successful once you have faith in yourself. Believe it or not, saying “no” is the first step to gaining this strong will. Focus your attention on all the wonderful things you are doing. You deserve to be treated at least as well as you take care of the others in your life!