Feb 2025: Brick By Brick At Home vs. Figuring It Out As I Go In Manila
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Published Aug 28, 2025
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Updated Aug 28, 2025
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6 minutes read
Context
I want to move out from my toxic childhood home and finally live for myself, since my parents are sort of abusive, and I will continue to lose myself if I stay here. I already did a reading before and I was able to pull the Queen of Cups (Upright) and the Ten of Wands (Reversed) which probably meant that I should let my mental health and emotional well-being guide my decision. In said reading, I asked the tarot cards if they wanted me to focus on (1) recovering my sense of self, (2) becoming a person first, then (2) building systems before I tackle anything career-related, and it gave me the Temperance card.
Questions
- What do these cards in the context of my situation mean and which one favors my growth more while also prioritizing my mental health and well-being?
- Could I be looking at this wrong? Instead of A vs. B, dropping one scenario for the other to plot my next steps, should I approach it more sequentially? Like A should be prioritized and come first before I take up B for a more solid foundation?
Reading Proper
Card interpretations
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenarios | 1. I set up strategies and systems while in my hometown for my digital services. 2. Create a portfolio by making projects for myself. I will start as my own client first and get to know how I work. 3. Then, I stack on remote jobs I can manage at my own pace. 4. Save up until I can get to 2 months worth of rent + deposit + laptop. 5. Only then do I move to Manila, and build more confidence in myself and my skillset. 6. Then eventually take up more projects. | 1. I take a full-time remote job in Manila given that I prepare as much as I can, like spotting red and green flags about the working environment during interviews. 2. And maybe when I get the job, having evaluated the company, and having said company pass with flying colors regarding my standards; I learn how to be present and continually evaluate if work situations have red or green flags. 3. I would also learn how to exercise my boundaries diplomatically. The downsides of this are (1) that this could possibly take a toll on my mental health. (2) I don’t get to build things at my own pace. (3) I feel like this negates the advice given to me by the Queen of Cups (Upright), the Ten of Wands (Reversed), and the Temperance card. However, I feel like opting for the this path would give me the financial resources for a therapist and hobbies that would rejuvenate my spirit. |
| Situation | 1. Ace of Cups (Upright) Represents new emotional beginnings, love, compassion, and healing. It suggests that staying in your hometown and building systems could provide an opportunity for emotional renewal and self-discovery. 2. Eight of Cups (Reversed) Indicates hesitation or resistance to leaving something behind, even if it’s unhealthy. You might feel torn between staying in your toxic home environment and taking steps toward independence. 3. Nine of Cups (Reversed) Reflects dissatisfaction, unmet expectations, or feeling emotionally unfulfilled. This card highlights the unhappiness you experience in your current situation and underscores the need for change. Summary: These cards suggest that while staying in your hometown offers potential for emotional healing (Ace of Cups), you may struggle with hesitation and fear of change (8 of Cups Reversed). Your dissatisfaction with your current environment (9 of Cups Reversed) is a strong motivator to take action. | 1. Five of Wands (Upright) Represents conflict, competition, or challenges. It suggests that taking a full-time remote job in Manila may involve tension, disagreements, or struggles—whether internal or external. 2. The Sun (Reversed) Indicates delays, lack of confidence, or feeling disconnected from your inner light. It suggests that while success and happiness are possible, you may currently feel uncertain or weighed down by self-doubt. Summary: These cards reflect the challenges and potential setbacks you might face in this scenario (5 of Wands, The Sun Reversed). However, they also imply that growth and eventual success are within reach. |
| Pros | Queen of Swords (Reversed) Suggests confusion or harsh judgment but also points to your ability to regain clarity and make wise decisions. As a "pro," it indicates that despite any mental fog, you have the capacity to think critically and solve problems. Summary: The pros highlight your intellectual strength and problem-solving abilities, even if you occasionally feel unsure or overly critical of yourself. | 1. Knight of Cups (Reversed) Acknowledges emotional turbulence but points to your ability to channel feelings into creative problem-solving and self-expression. Temperance (Upright) Emphasizes balance, moderation, and finding harmony between opposing forces. It encourages you to approach this path with care and intention. Summary: The pros highlight your emotional resilience (Knight of Cups Reversed) and the importance of maintaining balance (Temperance Upright). These strengths will help you navigate challenges effectively. |
| Cons | The Hanged Man (Sideways) Represents resistance to surrendering control, stagnation, or seeing things from a new perspective. Its sideways position emphasizes uncertainty and the need for patience and flexibility. Two of Cups (Reversed) Indicates imbalance, miscommunication, or strained relationships. This card reflects the unhealthy dynamics in your relationship with your parents. Summary The cons warn against clinging to old patterns or resisting necessary changes (The Hanged Man Sideways) and highlight the emotional toll of staying in a toxic environment (2 of Cups Reversed). | The Tower (Upright) Represents sudden upheaval, destruction, and revelation. While unsettling, it signifies necessary change that clears away outdated structures to make way for something new. Summary: The Tower warns of significant disruptions, whether personal or professional. However, these changes are ultimately transformative and will lead to greater clarity and freedom. |
| Most Likely Outcome | Three of Swords (Reversed) Suggests healing from past pain, releasing grief, and finding closure. It reassures you that the emotional discomfort of leaving will be temporary and necessary for long-term growth. Knight of Wands (Reversed) Warns against impulsiveness, frustration, or lack of follow-through. It reminds you to stay grounded and methodical as you work toward your goals. Summary: The most likely outcome involves healing from past pain (3 of Swords Reversed) but requires patience and careful planning to avoid impulsive actions (Knight of Wands Reversed). With time, you’ll create a stable foundation for your new life. | King of Wands (Upright) Embodies leadership, confidence, passion, and charisma. It predicts that you will emerge stronger, more confident, and better equipped to lead your own life. Summary: The most likely outcome is that you will rise above the chaos and challenges (The Tower) to become a self-assured, empowered individual (King of Wands). |
Which path favors growth and prioritizes mental health?
Both paths have their merits and challenges, but let’s weigh them based on your priorities: growth and mental health/well-being.
Path [A]: Building Systems First
- Strengths:
- Allows you to build at your own pace, reducing stress and overwhelm.
- Aligns with the advice of the Queen of Cups, Ten of Wands Reversed, and Temperance by prioritizing emotional healing and balance.
- Provides a solid foundation before making major life changes.
- Challenges:
- Staying in a toxic environment may continue to harm your mental health.
- Requires patience and discipline to avoid stagnation (The Hanged Man Sideways).
- Best For: Someone who needs time to heal emotionally and financially before taking bigger risks.
Path [B]: Full-Time Remote Job in Manila
- Strengths:
- Offers financial resources for therapy and hobbies, supporting your mental health.
- Encourages personal growth through challenges and transformation (The Tower, King of Wands).
- Forces you to confront fears and develop resilience.
- Challenges:
- May take a toll on your mental health due to the demands of a full-time job.
- Risk of burnout if boundaries aren’t maintained (Temperance).
- Best For: Someone ready to embrace upheaval and rapid growth, provided they prioritize self-care.
Sequential Approach: Combining [A] and [B]
Your intuition about combining the two scenarios sequentially is insightful. Here’s how it could work:
Start with [A]: Build Systems First
- Focus on creating a portfolio, building confidence, and saving money while still in your hometown.
- Use this time to heal emotionally (Ace of Cups) and address any hesitation or fear (8 of Cups Reversed).
- Take small, deliberate steps to prepare yourself mentally and financially for independence.
Transition to [B]: Full-Time Remote Job in Manila
- Once you’ve built a solid foundation, move to Manila and take up a full-time remote job.
- Use the financial stability to invest in therapy and hobbies that rejuvenate your spirit.
- Continue evaluating work environments and exercising boundaries diplomatically (Temperance).
This sequential approach honors the advice of the Queen of Cups, Ten of Wands Reversed, and Temperance by ensuring you prioritize emotional healing and balance before tackling larger challenges.
Final Answer
The cards suggest that starting with [A] (building systems first) provides a safer, more balanced foundation for your emotional and financial well-being. Once you’ve healed and prepared sufficiently, transitioning to [B] (full-time remote job in Manila) can offer transformative growth and opportunities. A sequential approach allows you to honor your mental health while pursuing independence and personal development.