KEYWORDS

• Thoughts
• Confusion
• Doubt
• Suspicion
• Indecision
• Misunderstanding
• Insecurity
• Instability
• Hesitation

OVERVIEW

The Clouds typically indicates problems ahead. Issues arise that confuse and cause doubt. Disagreements surface resulting in uncertainties and complications in whatever area is implied by nearby cards or the query itself. It puts a damper on the whole atmosphere and discourages those involved. The Clouds can also literally refer to the weather, usually forecasting storms, gray skies, or rain. In a more neutral sense, it refers to thoughts, which can be bright or gray.

IN THE PORTRAIT & GRAND TABLEAU

On the first card of the nine-card portrait, the Clouds asks us to be very focused and to make an effort to cut through the confusion. We must slow down, breathe, and take the time to figure things out. On the central position, it most probably indicates a negative outcome to the query and warns of complications ahead. Things don’t get easier just yet and a stormy phase is in view. This said, nearby cards can influence its effects.

Because of the dark and bright side of the Clouds, its effect in the Grand Tableau is not so much about of how near or far it is from the significator, but rather, on which side of the Clouds the significator appears. When the significator is on the brighter side of the Clouds, the silver lining appears and resolutions are in view. When the significator is on the cloudy or darker side, then a stormy phase must be endured. But when near, the Clouds suggests that our thinking has a great impact on events, so we must choose our thoughts consciously.

ADVICE

The Clouds asks us to focus on sorting through the confusion and straighten out our thinking. It’s definitely not a good idea to make a decision or take an action under its influence. Instead, we must first clarify our intentions and resolve any pending doubts or confusions before moving forward. Otherwise, more complications can ensue.

CARD COMBINATIONS

WITH THE...

THE COMBINATION MEANS...

ANCHOR

Resolve, concentration, purpose, determination, unwavering.

BEAR

Courage, ambition, thinking big.

BOOK

Ignorance, confusion, muddled thinking, must get the facts straight.

CHILD

Immaturity, childishness, something premature, or a difficult child.

FISH

Money worries, looking financial expenses.

GARDEN

Tense meeting, deceptive social scene, bad crowd.

LETTER

Unsettling news, confusing messages.

LILY

Stress, tension, sorrow, or physical illness.

MOON

Illusions, delusions, confusion, out of touch with reality.

MOUSE

Self-doubt, indecision, complications, or someone ill-willed.