@Inanimate
Card 1: Ace of Pentacles (Basis)
This card represents prosperity and material gains, the beginning (because Aces represent new beginnings) of successful endeavors that will bring about good financial reward. So if you want to be more self-sufficient, this is an excellent card that signifies the start of a new business venture.
Card 2: Queen of Swords (Desires)
As a desire card, this means that you desire to be independent, with good reasoning skills and excellent perception. Your mannerisms may at times seem harsh or lacking of emotion, which is probably due to the intense suffering you have experienced. Although, your resilience and inner strength have carried you through. Even if in a relationship, you desire to be independent and do not wish to rely on your partner to be taken care of or feel emotionally fulfilled. You would like to be secure and contented in your own right. That said, you are still loyal and supportive of those you care about, and would defend them boldly. It is at times unnerving for others to hear what you have to say (either because they are not ready to hear it or because you can sometimes be a person of "sharp" words), yet there is usually a substantial amount of truth in it. Overall, you desire to be a leader and be able to hold your own.
Card 3: The Hanging Man (Helpful Factors)
This is a card that symbolizes the opportunity to obtain enlightenment. In this card, a man is pictured, hanging upside down, with a rope tied around the ankle of his one leg to the knee of the other. Therefore, his legs are in a triangular position. The ropes appear loose. Therefore, it is assumed that he is doing this by choice and shows no signs of suffering. This card is often related to the story of Odin, who tied himself to the Tree of Life to achieve enlightenment. Thus, representing a form of self-sacrifice in order to achieve greater knowledge. Your helpful factors are that you are willing to sacrifice certain things (perhaps in the form of enduring the harsh realities that life tends to bring), and make great efforts to continue to learn and grow as an individual, as well as attain a deeper knowledge of the universe.
Card 4: Three of Wands (Opposing Factors)
This card indicates progression and success in one's endeavors. The man pictured on the card in gazing out ahead and there are two wands positioned behind him (symbolizing the progress he's made so far). There are also seagulls above him, representing his goals and ideals, and indicating that there is more work to be done. The opposing factors here are that you may be too focused on the future and perhaps not giving yourself enough credit for the work you've already completed to achieve your goals. Patience is a difficult virtue and fear often stands in the way of our successes. Continue doing what you've been doing because you clearly have what it takes, but the issue must be approached one small step at a time.
Card 5: The King of Wands (Outcome)
This king is confident, energetic, and good with words and motivating others. He enjoys challenges, so he is frequently found in leadership roles. He is not afraid to take risks and is full of creative ideas and enthusiasm. He likes to feel a sense of freedom in being able to go about his work without restraint, and is happy anywhere he can channel his abundance of energy. He feels that too much attention to detail slows him down, and therefore, leaves these tasks to others competent enough to take care of them. He likes variety, and may get bored easily. And he is happiest when creating something, as he has good vision and perception. In the negative, he may be quick-tempered and impatient (though, not over trivial matters).
I think this is a great outcome card for you, M. It shows a lot of improvement and progression in many of the things that you wish to improve upon. Perhaps the Queen of Swords can even be your ideal romantic partner. It seems that the King of Wands and Queen of Swords would probably mesh well together. They have some similar traits and also ones that complement each other (i.e. They're both leaders, independent, and hardworking. And her analytical nature would complement the king's creative nature--meaning, she could be the one who pays attention to detail, while he enjoys doing what he does best). I know that you are currently very detail-oriented, but it also holds you back at times and can be distressing. But since you're going to become the King of Wands someday *bleh, you can let go of those types of distressing qualities and focus on what makes you happy and contented. So your question about self-sufficiency -- I think you'll be able to utilize some of your current skills (especially creativity and knowledge) and keep improving upon them. Also, you'll be able to, one day, let go of some of your unwanted character traits...and then, indeed, become self-sufficient.