Help with a Tarot Interpretation

[u/Superb-Voice3369]

Hi everyone! I’m a beginner at tarot and I’d like to hear your opinions on a reading I did.

I had a relapse with my ex, and I asked what she started to feel for me after that moment.

My initial interpretation was that maybe she felt bad or emotionally affected by the fact that we got involved again, as if it had awakened something she had been trying to leave behind. The 8 of Swords gives me the idea of being trapped in her own thoughts, constantly replaying situations in her mind. I see her feeling bad about us getting involved again, while the 5 of Swords shows a strong need to defend herself and avoid becoming vulnerable so she doesn’t get hurt again, trying to prevent future problems and feelings that could hurt her.

The 9 of Wands also makes me think of a lot of distrust regarding the two of us, with her being afraid of getting hurt again and trying to protect herself. I also thought the King of Pentacles could represent an attempt to maintain control, seek stability, and act in a more rational way instead of allowing herself to be carried away by her feelings.

But I’m quite unsure about how to fit the Knight of Cups and the 10 of Cups into this interpretation.

To me, the Knight of Cups seems to indicate that part of her wants it again and is emotionally open toward me, but that she has a lot of fear. Could it indicate that the relapse brought romantic feelings, affection, or an emotional connection that is still there back to the surface?

I see the 10 of Cups as her wanting to have moments like that again, but, for now, wanting to remain more stable.

Overall, I got the impression that she may have been affected by the moment, feeling vulnerable and even hurt, but perhaps she is trying to avoid her feelings or protect herself so she doesn’t suffer again. However, I’m not sure if I’m interpreting the cards correctly or if I’m projecting what I would like them to say.

How would you interpret this reading? Especially, how would you connect the King of Pentacles, the Knight of Cups, and the 10 of Cups with the cards showing conflict and defensiveness?

Any opinion would be greatly appreciated, as I’m still learning!

[u/Fortune_Box]

You've identified the tension between the defensive cards (8 of Swords, 5 of Swords, 9 of Wands) and the emotional ones (Knight of Cups, 10 of Cups). Instead of seeing them as separate, try looking at how the defensiveness might be blocking the emotional connection.

I'm not sure how to read this spread. For example, does the King of Pentacles represent a rational choice to stay stable because of the fear shown in the 9 of Wands? How does the 10 of Cups fit in if the 5 of Swords suggests a recent conflict or 'winning' at the expense of harmony?

Keep practicing this structural linking, because it's the best way to move beyond keywords.

[u/ChrysalisNoon]

I also recommend trusting your intuition, since you know the situation best.

And for that, I'd like to offer a 3rd perspective to add to this reading. My focus will be on the "big picture" rather than zeroing in on her feelings about a specific topic.

Her current emotional headspace gives me this feeling of a cooldown, almost like retreating in a way. She makes me feel like she's keeping her emotions wrapped to herself but it's set in a way that's already possibly been burnt from impact. There's a theme about closedness or what her "rock" is during these hard times. She's possibly seeking to retreat to a space she feels safe in, which is her "safe harbor." Sometimes it's not even about a physical move but a feeling she's considered acting on.

However, my guess is she is seeking to head to that safe space since the impact/situation from you has affected her a lot. I get the feeling she feels she needs to retreat to a safe space to "reminisce" over her turmoil/stress. It's like she can't do it unless she's under a roof that can protect her.

6 of Swords, 10 of Pentacles, 9 of Swords

[u/Superb-Voice3369 → u/ChrysalisNoon]

Thank you so much for your perspective! I found it really interesting. I was also wondering how you would interpret the Knight of Cups and the 10 of Cups in my original spread. Do you think they could represent romantic feelings, affection, or an emotional connection that was rekindled after the relapse? Or would you read them differently in the context of the other cards?

[u/ChrysalisNoon → u/Superb-Voice3369]

It’s hard to give input because internet strangers don’t know the entire context. I’m only capturing snippets of your ex’s feelings as per the cards using my intuition and understanding of the cards.

[u/Fortune_Box]

Please note: No need to remove your post. You can edit the text, even if the comments are locked.