Div Ex: Naomi J.

[Sophia C]

As you might have seen me ranting about on Facebook today, I'm having (yet another) PhD crisis. I wondered if anyone would be willing to do a divination for me, to help me with a complex decision.

Basically, both my PhD supervisors (advisors) are leaving, and I therefore have some decisions to make.

There are reasons why I'm not keen on staying at current university without my primary supervisor, although that is one option. Another option is following him to the new university (which would be the third university where I've worked on this PhD) - although there are a number of issues related to that. Another option is going somewhere entirely different. I have a couple of possibilities in mind but haven't had time to explore them.

And one more option would be to give up hope of ever getting a PhD. I'd write up a shorter dissertation over a few months, submit, and hopefully get an MPhil. That would be the end of my vague hopes of maybe having an academic career, but to be honest, the chances of that are incredibly low anyway. Having to give up on getting a PhD after all this work would be very sad, though.

It really does feel like every time I settle down, adjust to a bad academic situation, and start getting work done, things go all to hell. It's been one thing after another. I'm curious as to whether I might be crossed up, when it comes to the PhD, as nothing else in my life is nearly so messed up, and it really is one (serious) obstacle after another.

So I have two different questions, I guess. The most important thing I need to consider is which option to take. (I'll be weighing up all the options over the next couple of weeks, although I don't have a lot of time.)

The other question is whether I've got crossed up - if anyone fancies tackling that one. But I might just assume I have, and get some uncrossing advice from hoodoo-working friends!

Any divination anyone could do to help would be incredibly appreciated. I am feeling the desperation set in here, and don't want to end up making a terrible decision based on feeling that I just can't cope with any more of these practical crises.

[Jack]

There are reasons why I'm not keen on staying at current university without him, although that is one option.

For this option I pulled the Mouse, who is a bit of a Don Quixote figure. He can triumph and when he does he does so in an epic fashion, but there'll be a lot of windmills too, if you go this way.

Another option is following him to the new university (which would be the third university where I've worked on this PhD) - although there are a number of issues related to that.

I pulled soft Fire, which is a good, cleansing choice. I usually interpret this as a fresh start. However, given how long you've been at this, you may not want another fresh start, huh?

Another option is going somewhere entirely different. I have a couple of possibilities in mind but haven't had time to explore them.

This one gives me the Red Bird, who is associated with knowledge and small beginnings that turn into great things. Without knowing more about what you have in mind, this is harder to interpret, but I certainly don't think this is a negative choice either.

And one more option would be to give up hope of ever getting a PhD. I'd write up a shorter dissertation over a few months, submit, and hopefully get an MPhil.

And here I pulled the Ratha, which is the one who is ridden by the gods. I suspect this is a path where you turn your attention to other things that Certain People might prefer you spend your time on.

I'm curious as to whether I might be crossed up, when it comes to the PhD, as nothing else in my life is nearly so messed up, and it really is one (serious) obstacle after another.

Drew soft Chaos here, which implies... not necessarily hexing, but that you are at the mercy of Forces. Ties in with the Ratha above, IMO, and suggests to me that if you do want to finish your PhD, whatever route you take, you need to set down with whoever the Forces are (and I suspect you might have an idea) and make a deal where you're left alone to do it.

[Night Owl]

Any divination anyone could do to help would be incredibly appreciated. I am feeling the desperation set in here, and don't want to end up making a terrible decision based on feeling that I just can't cope with any more of these practical crises.

 
This is only my 2nd time using tasseography, so I'm a total beginner with this, but here's what I got.

-Birds. Lots of birds. All of them were flying, though one could have been standing or flying. It was hard to tell. Flying birds mean good news, an a flock is supposed to mean exciting news. A standing bird means a delay. The birds, if looked at differently, could have also been flowers. Flowers are supposed to mean good fortune and success.

Now, I may just have flowers and birds on the brain, but this seems like a good cup to me and the tea was delicious:D:

[Ai]

As you might have seen me ranting about on Facebook today, I'm having (yet another) PhD crisis. I wondered if anyone would be willing to do a divination for me, to help me with a complex decision.

Basically, both my PhD supervisors (advisors) are leaving, and I therefore have some decisions to make.

There are reasons why I'm not keen on staying at current university without my primary supervisor, although that is one option. Another option is following him to the new university (which would be the third university where I've worked on this PhD) - although there are a number of issues related to that. Another option is going somewhere entirely different. I have a couple of possibilities in mind but haven't had time to explore them.

And one more option would be to give up hope of ever getting a PhD. I'd write up a shorter dissertation over a few months, submit, and hopefully get an MPhil. That would be the end of my vague hopes of maybe having an academic career, but to be honest, the chances of that are incredibly low anyway. Having to give up on getting a PhD after all this work would be very sad, though.

It really does feel like every time I settle down, adjust to a bad academic situation, and start getting work done, things go all to hell. It's been one thing after another. I'm curious as to whether I might be crossed up, when it comes to the PhD, as nothing else in my life is nearly so messed up, and it really is one (serious) obstacle after another.

So I have two different questions, I guess. The most important thing I need to consider is which option to take. (I'll be weighing up all the options over the next couple of weeks, although I don't have a lot of time.)

The other question is whether I've got crossed up - if anyone fancies tackling that one. But I might just assume I have, and get some uncrossing advice from hoodoo-working friends!

Any divination anyone could do to help would be incredibly appreciated. I am feeling the desperation set in here, and don't want to end up making a terrible decision based on feeling that I just can't cope with any more of these practical crises.

Okay, so I've been practicing tarot on rider-waite deck and I'm still really new to it. I figured I'd give this a shot for practice, so if any of it sounds like hogwash, do let me know. Hehe.

I did a general, four card spread since it's been the easiest for me to read.
First card I got was the reversed Emporer, and first thing I thought of was a lack of structure. Obviously, this is what's bothering you. When I asked the questions of your situation, I wondered about you being crossed. This first card suggests it's maybe stemming from your planning methods. Maybe you're too obsessive about things being linear and so powers that be are shaking it up. Embracing that may bring some  creativity to a subject you thought to "close the book on".

The next card I drew was the Page of Wands. It's supposed to mean something about energetically embracing a new adventure or w/e. When I look at it, it feels sort of opposite to me. I get more a sense of this guy staring at his wand, waiting for an answer to jump out like something exciting might happen but he's standing in a desert. Being from the desert, I'll tell you first hand if you're standing around waiting for something to happen, you're liable to get heat stroke first. In other words, don't expect the universe to lay out neatly for you or you'll be there a long, long time.

Next card I drew was that sad looking Nine of Swords. I know things get to feeling like one after another and eventually a straw breaks the camel's back. Don't let depression get the best of you, and don't give up. You'll regret it if you do. This card crops up when you've hit bottom, or near to it, and there's nowhere to go but up. Things will get better if you just relax (easier said than done much? Hehe).

Last card was The Hanged Man. Sounds worse than it is, I've learned. This is just reinforcing everything else I've read so far: let go. Quit clinging to the idea that structure can be counted on. Embrace the chaos a little bit. Don't make things harder in yourself, but try to see a little humor in it and let it give you something back. Maybe you can even benefit from these interruptions by way of having more time to work on your ideas so that when the time comes, you can hit the ground running, or have a more solid understanding of your thesis. You can take knowledge with you wherever you go....so don't fret!

That's not a direct answer, but I never seem to get them with this divination method. I'm still a noob, I guess. ;p

[Juni]

 
I've drawn two cards for each option, in the order you listed them: stay at current university, follow advisor to different university, go somewhere else, and stop pursuing PhD. I'm using the Shadowscapes deck.

For staying at the current university, I drew the Sun and Strength. This indicates to me that you can achieve your PhD there, but it will absolutely be a struggle, and will require unshakable resolve.

For following your advisor to a third university, I drew the Queen of Swords and the Seven of Pentacles. The Seven is a reminder not to waste the hard work that you've put in so far, but the Queen is about accurate perception of the world. I think you need to weigh carefully if this advisor is someone worth following, looking at their actions moreso than their words.

For going somewhere else, I drew the Hanged Man and the Moon. If you pursue this option, you'll need to change your perspective over how things are supposed to happen, and deal with the fear of change and disorientation. Everything will be different, and the upside-down-ness may follow into other aspects of your life.

And finally, for giving up on your PhD, I drew the Fool and the Ten of Cups. The Fool obviously indicates striking out in a new direction, something unknown, and a need to be careful, but the Ten of Cups is a very positive card, emphasizing contentment, peace, and family.

Your overall card (the bottom of the deck) is the Hermit, which tells me that you need to take some time away from your normal schedule/activities to think this over; solitude and quiet will help you sort through the many possibilities.

I hope this was somewhat helpful- unfortunately there are no clear-cut answers here.

[Jack]

For following your advisor to a third university, I drew the Queen of Swords and the Seven of Pentacles. The Seven is a reminder not to waste the hard work that you've put in so far, but the Queen is about accurate perception of the world. I think you need to weigh carefully if this advisor is someone worth following, looking at their actions moreso than their words.

 
This has actually given me some additional insight into the soft Fire card in my deck, so I really appreciate you sharing it.

[Sophia C]

For staying at the current university, I drew the Sun and Strength. This indicates to me that you can achieve your PhD there, but it will absolutely be a struggle, and will require unshakable resolve.

That absolutely rings true, given my experiences with them so far.

For following your advisor to a third university, I drew the Queen of Swords and the Seven of Pentacles. The Seven is a reminder not to waste the hard work that you've put in so far, but the Queen is about accurate perception of the world. I think you need to weigh carefully if this advisor is someone worth following, looking at their actions moreso than their words.

Yes, I would agree. The Queen of Swords comes up a lot in my readings to represent my academic life generally, but I agree with you about it looking like perception here. I also think of this Queen as a take-no-prisoners type, which makes a lot of sense here - I would have to develop a thicker skin at yet another uni, I think. I also see what you mean about the reminder not to waste my hard work. Going to a third-tier university could lead to feeling like I had. These cards were particularly helpful - thanks, Juni.

For going somewhere else, I drew the Hanged Man and the Moon. If you pursue this option, you'll need to change your perspective over how things are supposed to happen, and deal with the fear of change and disorientation. Everything will be different, and the upside-down-ness may follow into other aspects of your life.

That's a very helpful set of warnings.

And finally, for giving up on your PhD, I drew the Fool and the Ten of Cups. The Fool obviously indicates striking out in a new direction, something unknown, and a need to be careful, but the Ten of Cups is a very positive card, emphasizing contentment, peace, and family.

This is interesting, since it's literal description of what I'd be focusing on if I left.

Your overall card (the bottom of the deck) is the Hermit, which tells me that you need to take some time away from your normal schedule/activities to think this over; solitude and quiet will help you sort through the many possibilities.

Heh. I think so too, but I've just had two deadlines set, and June is going to be nothing but work. Hopefully I can try to do some looking inwards too, though!

I hope this was somewhat helpful- unfortunately there are no clear-cut answers here.

This was fantastically helpful - thank you. Especially together with the other readings. Thank you so much!

[Sophia C]

For this option I pulled the Mouse, who is a bit of a Don Quixote figure. He can triumph and when he does he does so in an epic fashion, but there'll be a lot of windmills too, if you go this way.

That's interestingly similiar to that part of Juni's reading. I'm getting the sense that staying at current university will be about as bad as I instinctively think it will be. Good to get some confirmation on that.

I pulled soft Fire, which is a good, cleansing choice. I usually interpret this as a fresh start. However, given how long you've been at this, you may not want another fresh start, huh?

Yeah - irritation at another (forced) fresh start is definitely a thing.

This one gives me the Red Bird, who is associated with knowledge and small beginnings that turn into great things. Without knowing more about what you have in mind, this is harder to interpret, but I certainly don't think this is a negative choice either.

In conjunction with Juni's reading, that's very interesting indeed. It makes that option feel a lot more positive than I was seeing it as - if I shift my perspective on it.

And here I pulled the Ratha, which is the one who is ridden by the gods. I suspect this is a path where you turn your attention to other things that Certain People might prefer you spend your time on.

I can see that. Interesting. Again, compared with Juni's cards, makes a lot of sense.

Drew soft Chaos here, which implies... not necessarily hexing, but that you are at the mercy of Forces. Ties in with the Ratha above, IMO, and suggests to me that if you do want to finish your PhD, whatever route you take, you need to set down with whoever the Forces are (and I suspect you might have an idea) and make a deal where you're left alone to do it.

 
That is very sensible and highly relevant.

Thanks for this, Jack! I still need to think about it some more, but it makes sense and gave me some insights.

[Wandering Wind]

As you might have seen me ranting about on Facebook today, I'm having (yet another) PhD crisis. I wondered if anyone would be willing to do a divination for me, to help me with a complex decision.

Basically, both my PhD supervisors (advisors) are leaving, and I therefore have some decisions to make.

There are reasons why I'm not keen on staying at current university without my primary supervisor, although that is one option. Another option is following him to the new university (which would be the third university where I've worked on this PhD) - although there are a number of issues related to that. Another option is going somewhere entirely different. I have a couple of possibilities in mind but haven't had time to explore them.

And one more option would be to give up hope of ever getting a PhD. I'd write up a shorter dissertation over a few months, submit, and hopefully get an MPhil. That would be the end of my vague hopes of maybe having an academic career, but to be honest, the chances of that are incredibly low anyway. Having to give up on getting a PhD after all this work would be very sad, though.

It really does feel like every time I settle down, adjust to a bad academic situation, and start getting work done, things go all to hell. It's been one thing after another. I'm curious as to whether I might be crossed up, when it comes to the PhD, as nothing else in my life is nearly so messed up, and it really is one (serious) obstacle after another.

So I have two different questions, I guess. The most important thing I need to consider is which option to take. (I'll be weighing up all the options over the next couple of weeks, although I don't have a lot of time.)

The other question is whether I've got crossed up - if anyone fancies tackling that one. But I might just assume I have, and get some uncrossing advice from hoodoo-working friends!

Any divination anyone could do to help would be incredibly appreciated. I am feeling the desperation set in here, and don't want to end up making a terrible decision based on feeling that I just can't cope with any more of these practical crises.

While I lack formal training at divinations, the Runes want to provide you with a small song and riddle poem.

Far across the wide plain,
A life in kind feels pain;
Stand strong inside,
Find your pride,
Stay fiery and ride.

See what lies before you here,
A crossroads seemly drear;
Find your test amongst the ways,
One of many you may weigh,
One of these is hay.

Life is fair, and it is not,
The ways seem for naught;
There is one for you,
One for which you choose,
One for which is good news.

There may be a time for trying,
There will be a time for crying;
Burdens shed may find you weary,
Sometimes we are instead fiery,
And least of all wiry.

I assume this riddle song speaks to you, if it might aid you. The riddles of life are always meant to show us things we each need to learn.  For me, much of it sounds like just be; others, who to be, and yet more still why I am to be me, as far as the real me is in life.

Weigh within your soul what will most aid you, and what the rewards versus the risks are here.  I think if you find that the PhD is in an area you enjoy learning, it's going to be a ride, but a ride you can potentially succeed in, in this case.  If you are a person not looking to be weighed down by a long study burden any longer, consider the time invested and then remember what you have done to get this far.

I think once you figure this all out, you will go where your heart tells you.

Good luck in your choice!

[Sophia C]

While I lack formal training at divinations, the Runes want to provide you with a small song and riddle poem.

Far across the wide plain,
A life in kind feels pain;
Stand strong inside,
Find your pride,
Stay fiery and ride.

See what lies before you here,
A crossroads seemly drear;
Find your test amongst the ways,
One of many you may weigh,
One of these is hay.

Life is fair, and it is not,
The ways seem for naught;
There is one for you,
One for which you choose,
One for which is good news.

There may be a time for trying,
There will be a time for crying;
Burdens shed may find you weary,
Sometimes we are instead fiery,
And least of all wiry.

That's very nice, and a creative way of sharing a rune reading! Many thanks.

[Sophia C]

I did a general, four card spread since it's been the easiest for me to read.
First card I got was the reversed Emporer, and first thing I thought of was a lack of structure. Obviously, this is what's bothering you. When I asked the questions of your situation, I wondered about you being crossed. This first card suggests it's maybe stemming from your planning methods. Maybe you're too obsessive about things being linear and so powers that be are shaking it up. Embracing that may bring some  creativity to a subject you thought to "close the book on".

That's fascinating. My feeling is that this is a person - not least because I know who it is. It could also be about a lack of structure provided by this person. In terms of someone or something shaking things up to encourage creativity, while it don't think it's to do with my planning methods, I certainly see the relevance of that.

The next card I drew was the Page of Wands. It's supposed to mean something about energetically embracing a new adventure or w/e. When I look at it, it feels sort of opposite to me. I get more a sense of this guy staring at his wand, waiting for an answer to jump out like something exciting might happen but he's standing in a desert. Being from the desert, I'll tell you first hand if you're standing around waiting for something to happen, you're liable to get heat stroke first. In other words, don't expect the universe to lay out neatly for you or you'll be there a long, long time.

There might be something to that. I have done a lot of allowing myself to be swayed by fate in this PhD process (something that I brought up with my deities tonight). This also feels like resistance to adventure, a bit - I do hate change, but I have this problem where I honour a goddess of chaos and creativity. I might need to embrace change a bit more.

Next card I drew was that sad looking Nine of Swords. I know things get to feeling like one after another and eventually a straw breaks the camel's back. Don't let depression get the best of you, and don't give up. You'll regret it if you do. This card crops up when you've hit bottom, or near to it, and there's nowhere to go but up. Things will get better if you just relax (easier said than done much? Hehe).

Ah, yeah, doesn't surprise me that this one came up. This could sum up a lot of the last three years.

Last card was The Hanged Man. Sounds worse than it is, I've learned. This is just reinforcing everything else I've read so far: let go. Quit clinging to the idea that structure can be counted on. Embrace the chaos a little bit. Don't make things harder in yourself, but try to see a little humor in it and let it give you something back. Maybe you can even benefit from these interruptions by way of having more time to work on your ideas so that when the time comes, you can hit the ground running, or have a more solid understanding of your thesis. You can take knowledge with you wherever you go....so don't fret!

Interesting that both you and Juni got this. I identify with it, especially the need to let go. And you have no idea how relevant "embrace the chaos" is. So, thank you for that!

That's not a direct answer, but I never seem to get them with this divination method. I'm still a noob, I guess. ;p

You have no idea how helpful and accurate a reading that was! Definitely don't give up Thank you for the reading.

[Sophia C]

This is only my 2nd time using tasseography, so I'm a total beginner with this, but here's what I got.

-Birds. Lots of birds. All of them were flying, though one could have been standing or flying. It was hard to tell. Flying birds mean good news, an a flock is supposed to mean exciting news. A standing bird means a delay. The birds, if looked at differently, could have also been flowers. Flowers are supposed to mean good fortune and success.

Now, I may just have flowers and birds on the brain, but this seems like a good cup to me and the tea was delicious:D:

 
Thanks!