Full disclosure: I don't buy astrology. It's not that I don't believe in anything supernatural, and I do acknowledge that the ebbs and flows of the tides have powers we don't fully understand, but the fact that I'm a Gemini means very little to me. And, the notion that a deck of cards could somehow predict my future seems very dubious.

However, I've been working on trying new experiences with an open mind lately, and of course, when I'm evaluating something for professional purposes, I check my hesitations at the door. So when a friend bought me a tarot reading from Elliot Adam, I treated the gift not as a skeptic, but as a willing participant.

Elliot performed my reading over the phone, and while he prefers to do the $50 session in person, he says it works just as well this way. Indeed, during the 20 minute conversation, he touched on things that could certainly be relevant, like my upcoming back surgery at the end of the month, and some work stuff that he's not at all privy to.

On the other hand, it could be general enough that this reading could apply to anyone. All I know is that I'll go back and look at these predictions in a few months and evaluate then. For now, you be the judge.

Elliot asked me my Zodiac sign and then to think about my life as he shuffled the cards. When I told him to, he stopped and dealt the hand. This is what he says my future has in store (his words, of course, not mine):

There are huge changes coming in my life, with big upheavals. I will experience nice progress and nice notoriety. Two women will be influential and instrumental in this transformation, and I should embrace my female allies.

My "creative" card shows that I have charisma, and I inspire others to help me out. My "world" card shows that I am completing a cycle, but will experience growing pains as I "grieve" my past.

I should not procrastinate; I should take advantage of this upcoming opportunity, though I should accept a little help right now, which I am not currently taking. I should prepare to delegate more.

My "financial" cards are good for next year, and advancement is finally coming. I will share something with a wider audience, and it's time to make my mark.

My "past" cards show self-doubt and melancholy, with people recycling their way back into my life.

My big focus now should center on my profession and building my legacy. My emotional focus will fall into place. In the next few months, I'll have "hope renewed." I'm encouraged to get out of the house and be more social.

I will be approached for three new projects this fall that will bring me a lot of notoriety but will leave me feeling exhausted. Next year, I will reap what I sow, so now is the time to get rid of old baggage. Again, I should not underestimate alliances.

My "emotional" card was the "death" card, which doesn't mean I will die, but I will begin a "new" life. I should expect one more "trial" month in October, with travel opportunities following. In short, I should keep picking away. Next year is my year.