About Developing Existing Relationships
Questions about developing current romantic relationships are more complex and delicate than those about new encounters. Multiple factors must be considered, including partner’s feelings, relationship potential, and areas for improvement.
Common Question Patterns
- “Will this relationship develop?”
- “How does my partner feel?”
- “What should I do to improve our relationship?”
- “What are the challenges in our relationship?”
Example 1: “Will this relationship develop?”
Querent’s Situation
Consultant: Rachel, 29 years old, female
Question: “Will my relationship with my current boyfriend develop?”
Background: Dating for 6 months. Both busy, meeting less frequently lately. Feeling anxious about the relationship’s future.
Spread Used: Relationship Development Spread (5 Cards)
[Partner's Feelings]
[Current Relationship] [Relationship Core] [Your Feelings]
[Future Outlook]
Cards Drawn
Six of Cups (Upright)
Partner's Feelings
Five of Pentacles (Upright)
Current Relationship
Temperance (Upright)
Relationship Core
Four of Cups (Reversed)
Your Feelings
Ten of Cups (Upright)
Future Outlook
Interpretation Process
Individual Card Analysis
Six of Cups (Upright) - Partner’s Feelings
- Basic Meaning: Nostalgia, attachment to past, pure affection
- Partner’s Feelings: Cherishes memories with you, harbors pure affection
- Emotional State: Warm and stable feelings, treasures the relationship
Five of Pentacles (Upright) - Current Relationship
- Basic Meaning: Hardship, isolation, need for support
- Current Relationship: Feeling distant due to busyness, lacking mutual support
- Challenges: Communication breakdown, difficulty securing time together
Temperance (Upright) - Relationship Core
- Basic Meaning: Balance, harmony, patience, healing
- Relationship Essence: Mutually healing relationship, balanced affection
- Strengths: Ability to accept differences and maintain harmony
Four of Cups (Reversed) - Your Feelings
- Basic Meaning: Breaking out of stagnation, openness to new possibilities
- Your State: Trying to move past current dissatisfaction
- Emotions: Desire for relationship improvement, readiness for new approaches
Ten of Cups (Upright) - Future Outlook
- Basic Meaning: Emotional fulfillment, family happiness, complete love
- Future Possibility: Deeply bonded, happy relationship
- Outlook: Long-term stability and fulfilling love relationship
Integrated Interpretation
Main Message
Your partner holds pure and stable affection for you (Six of Cups), but the current relationship is troubled by distance due to busyness (Five of Pentacles). However, the relationship’s core has strong harmony and balance (Temperance), and you also have the desire to improve the current situation (Four of Cups reversed). These elements combining will eventually lead to a deeply bonded, happy relationship (Ten of Cups).
Concrete Advice
- Secure time: Consciously make time for each other despite busy schedules
- Communication: Discuss current situation frankly
- Emphasize balance: Adjust work-life balance
- Be patient: Nurture the relationship from a long-term perspective
Example 2: “I can’t understand my partner’s feelings”
Querent’s Situation
Consultant: Tom, 25 years old, male
Question: “My girlfriend seems distant lately. What are her true feelings?”
Background: Dating for one year. Recently she’s been less responsive, feeling distance.
Spread Used: Three-Card Draw
[Partner's Surface Feelings] [Partner's Deep Psychology] [Relationship Improvement Advice]
Cards Drawn
Two of Swords (Upright)
The High Priestess (Upright)
Three of Cups (Upright)
Interpretation Process
Two of Swords (Upright) - Surface Feelings
- Basic Meaning: Indecision, difficulty making decisions, emotional suppression
- Partner’s State: Feeling confused about something, unable to express emotions
- Surface Appearance: Appearing calm but internally complex
The High Priestess (Upright) - Deep Psychology
- Basic Meaning: Intuition, inner wisdom, secrets, subconscious
- Deep Feelings: Intuitively thinking deeply about your relationship
- Inner State: Wordless deep affection and understanding
Three of Cups (Upright) - Relationship Improvement Advice
- Basic Meaning: Friendship, celebration, communication, sharing
- Improvement Method: Open communication and sharing enjoyable times
- Concrete Strategy: Also value casual, friendly relationship dynamics
Integrated Interpretation
Main Message
She appears to be holding confusion or indecision on the surface (Two of Swords) and this shows as distant behavior. However, deep down she’s intuitively thinking deeply about your relationship (The High Priestess) and actually harbors deep affection. For relationship improvement, light and enjoyable communication (Three of Cups) is effective.
Concrete Advice
- Don’t apply pressure: Avoid heavy conversations, maintain a light relationship
- Share fun times: Spend casual, friend-like time together
- Actions over words: Show through gentle actions rather than questioning
- Respect intuition: Respect her pace and wait for intuitive timing
Example 3: “I want to resolve relationship stagnation”
Querent’s Situation
Consultant: Amanda, 33 years old, female
Question: “My relationship with my boyfriend of 3 years has become stagnant. How can I improve it?”
Background: Living together for 2 years. Too familiar with each other, excitement has diminished.
Spread Used: Problem-Solving Spread (4 Cards)
Cards Drawn
Four of Pentacles (Upright)
Current Challenge
The Fool (Upright)
Solution Key
Eight of Wands (Upright)
Concrete Action
Two of Cups (Upright)
Expected Result
Interpretation Process
Four of Pentacles (Upright) - Current Challenge
- Basic Meaning: Resistance to change, clinging to stability, conservative attitude
- Relationship Challenge: Routinized relationship, resistance to new stimulation
- Stagnation Cause: Fear of leaving comfort zone
The Fool (Upright) - Solution Key
- Basic Meaning: New beginnings, adventurous spirit, free thinking
- Solution Approach: Regain fresh perspective and adventurous spirit
- Necessary Element: Spontaneity over planning, excitement over safety
Eight of Wands (Upright) - Concrete Action
- Basic Meaning: Swift action, progress, energetic movement
- Action Guidance: Quickly put new things into practice
- Concrete Strategy: Immediately try new activities and places
Two of Cups (Upright) - Expected Result
- Basic Meaning: Love partnership, mutual understanding, deep bonds
- Improved Relationship: Relationship bonded deeply while maintaining freshness
- Expected Change: Revitalized love free from stagnation
Integrated Interpretation
Main Message
Your current relationship is stable but resistance to change is causing stagnation (Four of Pentacles). The solution requires a fresh perspective and adventurous spirit like The Fool, and by swiftly taking new actions (Eight of Wands), you can reactivate your relationship (Two of Cups).
Concrete Advice
- New places: Go on dates to places you’ve never been
- New activities: Start new hobbies or activities together
- Surprises: Surprise with unexpected actions or gifts
- Break routines: Occasionally change plans and act spontaneously
Points for Relationship Development Readings
Interpretation Considerations
1. Consider Balance
- Understand both perspectives, not just one-sided
- Maintain appropriate balance between ideals and reality
- Consider both short-term and long-term viewpoints
2. Constructive Advice
- Focus on improvement rather than criticism
- Provide feasible and realistic action guidelines
- Focus on what you can do rather than trying to change your partner
3. Understand Relationship Complexity
- Recognize that romantic relationships are multifaceted and complex
- Present multiple possibilities rather than single answers
- Consider temporal changes and development possibilities
Common Card Patterns
Developmental Patterns
- Multiple Cups: Emotional deepening and growth of affection
- Major Arcana: Important turning points or deep meaning in relationship
- Aces through 3s: Development to new stages
Challenging Patterns
- Multiple Swords: Communication or mental challenges
- 5s and 7s: Periods of difficulty or trials
- Multiple Reversed Cards: Inner challenges or obstacles
Stable Patterns
- Pentacles Suit: Practical and stable relationship
- 4s, 6s, 10s: Stability and harmony
- Court Cards: Mature relationship dynamics
Common Questions
Q: Is reading about partner’s feelings invading their privacy? A: Tarot is not for controlling your partner. Use it as a tool for understanding and self-improvement to better your relationship.
Q: If bad results appear, should I give up on the relationship? A: Tarot shows current tendencies, and situations can change through effort and improvement. View them as challenges and take action toward improvement.
Q: How often should I read about my relationship? A: Too frequent readings can create dependency. Monthly or during important phases and major changes is appropriate.
Summary
Developing existing romantic relationships requires mutual understanding, communication, and constructive action.
Key Points:
- Mutual Understanding: Understand each other’s feelings and positions
- Realistic Improvement: Take feasible concrete actions
- Maintain Balance: Balance stability with freshness
- Long-term Perspective: Don’t be swayed by temporary problems
Through Tarot, gain deep understanding of your relationship and build a more fulfilling love connection.
Related Pages
- Questions About New Relationships - About new romance
- Marriage and Future Questions - About long-term relationships
- Three-Card Draw Examples - Basic reading techniques
- Card Meanings - Detailed meanings of each card