Joy Seeker Spread

My, it has been a while hasn't it? After a summer of working hard on research without much time or energy to read, it is time to get back into my cards. I feel I stopped blogging on a rather unfortunate note, and as such this new spread seems an appropriate counter to the negative weight of my last entry. Many things have changed in my life in the last few months, some subtle and others not so, and I think this spread resonates nicely with my current goals and progression. So onward then, to Arwen's Joy Seeker Spread (which I picked up on Aeclectic, not her website).

0: What is joy to me? Queen of Swords Rx
The queen here is very opaque to me. I generally have difficulties with courts, but her in particular here. The queen of swords seems to be equated to some pretty nasty things when reversed, and frankly I find no joy in negativity...so it must be something else. She, in the upright, embodies rationality and logical decision making--objective and relatively emotionless. So, I think she represents the lack of these things reversed. I find joy in the irrational, the senseless, the emotionally stimulating. However, I think it's important that the queen shows this, because while I may not find joy specifically in objectivity and rationale, I am capable of being all the things she represents. (I'm a scientist for goodness sake...)

1. Where do I find joy the easiest? Knight of Swords
How appropriate! I find joy easiest in recklessness and adventure. The rash, impulsive choices I make often prove to be the most joy-inspiring/causing events!

2. Where must I work to find joy? King of Cups
In terms of where I have to work to find joy...the king could be several aspects. First, I need to be able to find joy in situations other than my "unbridled joy" moments; everyday joy rather than just extraordinary joy. Second, I need to work to find joy in things over which I have no control.

3. What do I allow to block my joy? 9 of Cups
This is so obvious to me...the wish card. My joy is most often blocked by my own hopes and expectations getting in the way of reality. I fail to accept what is really the case, and suffer unhappiness because of it. I'm my own worst enemy. ;)

4. Who should I watch to learn more about finding joy? 6 of Swords
The 6 gave me pause for a while. I think, in this case, I should learn about joy from those who have had to work to find it in their lives; people who have moved from disaster (minor or major) and found joy in the process or in their darkest moments. This ties into my place to work for joy as well--joy in struggles, things over which I have no control.

5. What joy is the universe gifting to me at this time? Hermit Rx
Right now the universe has given me joy in both companionship and in solitude without loneliness. I've been more or less alone for 3/4 of the last 2 weeks without feeling lonely (a rarity, I should note). I've seen a lover and friends and made a new friend as well. Related, though perhaps only vaguely, is my current relationship. The Hermit is wise, and I think the universe has presented me a second chance: a chance to use what I have learned in order to be wise in my decisions this time around. I was just thinking today how happy I am as of late.

Cheers!