I did a reading using the Robin Wood tarot. I am trying to decide whether to break up with my partner or stay with him. I did a reading in two groups of four cards. The first group was past, present, future, and far future if I break up. The second is past, present, future, and far future if I stay. The first card was the Eight of Swords, then the Wheel of Fortune, then Death, and finally The World.
The second group, the 'what if I stay' group, goes like this: First card, the past, was the Two of Cups. Second came The Emperor, then the Four of Wands, and finally the Seven of Pentacles.
Both choices seem to be equally good. The choice to break up seems more emphatic, as it is mostly Major Arcana cards. What do you all see, because this doesn't look very helpful to my decision at all.
Without knowing your personal situation and why you're considering the break up (but assuming it's not over anything major) it's still a very personal decision that YOU have to make. I'm not a psychiatrist but from what I do know about relationships, if you feel like things are stagnant with your partner right now and that's why you're considering the split, that could explain this reading.
Both choices do seem to lead to good places, and I think that's because relationships are a lot of work - if you choose to split, things will be more turbulent for a while but choosing to stay and make things work with your partner can also lead to a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
You should definitely talk to your partner as well, no matter what you decide - even deciding to stay and make things work should be a shared journey, and if there are issues involving your partner they need to be addressed. (This also could be what the four of wands represents in the second reading.)
Best of luck to you! I hope things work out.
This is how I read it. I laid out my own cards that you pulled just so I could have a visual.
Question 1: should I break up?
1st card: 8 of Swords. There was clearly something in the past of your relationship that was a problem that was self created but you felt you couldn't change it. Maybe even some isolation from others? I don't know. But usually that is (for me) a card that says there were issues, in this case within the relationship, that were holding you back or preventing you from growing in parts of your life that you would be pursing but don't because of the relationship dynamic you are in. But this is a card that shows you had the power to change it. maybe that is shy the next card of the Wheel of Fortune card being in the present position is so key. Maybe the cards are saying Ah! You are finally willing to consider if changing some things be they within the relationship or shedding it all together..we can change what has been holding you back.
2nd card: Present: Wheel of Fortune: Well, this means a change would be coming and it would be the end of the a cycle. That is not a surprising card considering your question and it's position. Because, if this card is to represent the present, then it makes sense that in one of the spreads it confirms and acknowledges that you are at the end of some type of cycle or period or your relationship is on the verge of change. The good thing the Wheel of Fortune card means the Universe/God/Gods/Goddess/Goddesses are on your side. So at least you know that the Universe is working in your favor here.
3rd card: Future: I think that the Death card in the future card could be that you if you are at the end of the cycle in the 2nd card and this is the future card (you decide to break up), then you clearly will go through a change in your life signifying the Death Card. But this change in relationship status can sometimes affect other areas of your life that you are now able to give attention to. There is also meaning I have seen that the Death card can mean spiritual growth. So, you may now have more time to focus on some things that you haven't been giving attention in your life and so the death of the lifestyle of not being able to grow in those areas and now rebirth into being able to grow in these other neglected areas is now possible. (maybe it's something that you would have been doing all along but didn't and all you had to do was shed or change your relationship with this person and free yourself of those bonds restricting you from pursuing some areas that you would like growth in ... could be the eight of swords was calling those neglected areas out in the beginning of the reading. )
4th Card The World: I think that this is a wonderful card for you. It is basically saying that you may go through some changes because of this decision but ultimately you will have mastery over your life and all that is in it. So, even if the change has some uncomfortable moments, if you push through you will be very satisfied with your life.
Second Scenario...If you stay.
1st card ... PAST...Two of Cups: There was balance. It looks to me like at one time you two where well suited for each other. That is always encouraging that the seeds of your relationship were strong and harmonious when you are now at a fork in your life that you are considering a relationship change. Like an old house that needs an update...your relationship has good bones.
2nd card...present..Emperor: Now, the Emperor is a good card. Maybe the Universe is trying to tell you that If you decide to stay, he is a good man. He may have qualities that you are not seeing or you have taken each other for granted and you don't see what a good man he is anymore (probably what attracted you to him)..but it's still there. Maybe the cards are trying to remind you to take a good look at him again.
3rd card, future.. Four of Wands: It seems that if you stay together you will have some happy celebrations together...maybe a commitment ceremony or a wedding, or you move in together...or you have a baby...something that would indicate something that marks that things are going well between the two of you. Maybe it's just even that your families are close and so you two staying together will be a benefit as your families/friends will continue to be a joy in your life as you gather and make good memories.
4th card...far future: Seven of Pentacles: Here it seems to show you that the work the two of you put into a committed relationship and maybe career options..building your home life, over the years will be something that you will be able to reep at some point.
I think ultimately this is a great reading. Nothing bad is going to happen if you stay or go. This is the thing. You need to make the decision that is going to allow you to be the most fulfilled in your life. You might want be the type of person that can find happiness in other's happiness and put your own wants and needs on the shelf. And while you make good memories and have good times it's always luke warm You are not in a bad place, it can be a nice place, ok place....but maybe you need to know that there are options. So, maybe the question is if staying is a giving up some things that might be important to you and you gain other things...is that enough? If it is, that's not settling. You may not do some growing in other areas but you will be rewarded (according to the spread) with other aspects of you life that will bring you joy. ...Either way I think you re going to find joy in your life. That should be kept fore of mind and settle your nerves over the decision and then really take your time and think it through. Sounds like you can't lose.