Celebrate the freedom and liberation of summer. Because energy is so potent during Midsummer, it is a wonderful time for protection, developing psychic ability, and divination. Use the Midsummer's Dream layout when you want to visualize your heart's desire. Catch a glimpse of the future in the fall beauty of the sun's golden rays.

The cards in this layout are read in pairs. (Card one and its future trend, card two; card three and its future trend, card four; card five and its future trend, card six.) If you have a specific question in mind, ask it as you shuffle the cards. Shuffle the cards and place them in positions one through six, as shown below.

Position 1: Freedom and Liberation. What will set your spirit free? What keeps you from your heart's desire? This card indicates where energy is blocked or where energy flows the strongest. It shows either your strengths or challenges. Directly facing the challenge allows creative energy to flow toward your heart's desire.

Position 2: Future Trends of Freedom and Liberation. Indicates possible scenarios based on influences at this time. Do you obtain your heart's desire or are you setting up the wrong life? (Note: No tarot reading is a preordained destiny. If you don't like this, or any future trend card in the layout, do a three-card reading for more information. You can change current trends to change the future.)

Position 3: The Need for Protection. Shows your vulnerabilities or where you might block your heart's desire. Can describe any plane of existence: physical (Pentacles); emotional (Cups); psychological (Swords); actions (Wands); personalities (Court Cards); spirituality and karma (Trump Cards). If you like this card, it describes what to keep and nurture.

Position 4: Future Trends of the Need for Protection. Based on influences at this time, what trends are being set? Are you on the path to fulfilling your heart's desire, or do you need to go in another direction? Please see note under position two.

Position 5: Paying Attention to Intuition. Developing psychic abilities. Indicates your receptiveness to the inner voice of wisdom. Intuition always knows what is best for you. Either describes how to develop the inner voice of the soul, or what may be blocking its development. Closely related to position one, setting your spirit free.

Position 6: Future Trends in Psychic Development. Paying attention to intuition is hearing the voice of the soul, and is your most direct path to your heart's desire. Given the influences of the cards at this time, what is a probable outcome to your psychic development? Remember, you can change the cards to change reality.

To complete the Midsummer reading, you can meditate with the cards, write a journal entry, keep the cards on the altar until Lughnasadh, or simply close. Carry a card or two with you during the day to strengthen the connection between you and your heart's desire. Affirm your personal power to develop psychic ability: "I listen to the voice of intuition and clearly visualize my goals. This, or something better, is manifesting for me now, for the good of all, harming no one, according to free will. So must it be."

Excerpted from Tarot for All Seasons, by Christine Jette