The Seven of Swords -Reversed

The Seven of Swords (Reversed) from The Modern Witch Tarot

You may think you can just sneak away unnoticed this time, but you can’t. Sometimes you are incredibly masterful at manipulating the system to achieve your desired outcome - you usually know just how to get away with things and get what you need. However, if you listen to your heart you will understand that your current situation will not allow you to take the easy way out. A solution will be found only with an honest and direct approach and the solution may involve a bit of compromise. You may not like to hear this, but it is so. SO, face the facts - turn around and come clean. You may not get everything you want, but you will feel the burden of your dishonest tactics lift and you will gain the respect of those around you. The real truth is, though you think you are very sly and cunning, people have come to recognize and expect your sneaky tactics, so it is time to change your ways. “You can run, but you can’t hide” as they say.

The Nine of Wands

The Nine of Wands - An Artist’s rendering by Gwen Rosewater

This fight we are fighting has been long and hard, but we are so close the finish line. We have had to harden ourselves in ways that we never even thought of to make it through and we are now at the culmination of the battle. We cannot give up or give in. It may feel ugly, trying and disconnected, but the time is now to take a stand for what we need and want. To further our existence and ensure the future growth of humanity, we must make a stand and be clear about what needs to be done to move forward in a meaningful way, but with clear and necessary boundaries in place. Hang in there - we are so close. Stay strong, mindful, determined and future focused. Keep fighting the good fight and don’t let any one stop you from standing your ground. Success and relief are guaranteed, if we can make it over this last hurdle.

Three of Swords

Three of Swords - Rider/Waite Deck

Oooffff….Big sigh of frustration when this card comes up. Worry, doubt, hurt, additional unexpected trauma and sorrow are all feelings that readers associate with the Three of Swords. Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse - suddenly the clouds open up and you are in a deluge of intense sensations - feeling betrayed and pushed aside. This can be overwhelming and you may find you cannot stop thinking about it all, because you are holding it so close to your heart. But sometimes the card urges you to look beyond the actual image on the card - see past the symbolism and recognize where you truly are. Do you see it now? Cards are great signifiers and can reveal so much about your life and sometimes they are screaming at you to see beyond them and live in the moment. Get out of your head - there is so much there that is worth more than that pain and disappointment. Look beyond. Blue skies ahead!

The Queen of Cups - Reversed

The Queen of Cups (Reversed)

Hey, Drama Queen - how can you possibly cope with all of the stress and emotional strain that has been imposed upon you?!? So much suffering - how will you ever make it through?!?! If only people understood you and knew just how difficult life has become! Ok, snap out of it. Seriously - wake UP. Don’t let your emotions overtake your rational thinking. You are the queen of your domain - take control and stop whining. The more you allow your feelings to spiral, the more of a spectacle you become to those around you. Don’t you wish to be truly taken seriously? Time to start behaving like it. Ground yourself. Stiff upper lip. Maintain control. Chin up or the crown slips, darling…

The Hanged Man (Reversed)

The Hanged Man - Reversed

It’s time to let go and glow! That thing you have been tied to is actually something you have been gripping in fear and desperation - release it. You don’t need it and it has only been holding you back. You already know that, though, because your energy is already shining. Tonight, think about the most beautiful sunrise you have ever experienced. Visualize it - maybe even pull up a picture you snapped to remind you of the specifics. Remember how the light peeked out slowly and the beams danced and teased the clouds as it ascended into the sky filling the world with the promise of a new day? Think about all the ways you can do this as you rise to meet life’s challenges each and every morning. Become that sun, embracing every one with the warm and unique rays that only you can extend. Let go - be free - shine on!

The High Priestess

The High Priestess - An Artist’s Rendering

There is a whole universe to be discovered in the dark caverns of your spirit - a whole universe of hidden, untapped knowledge. Tonight when full night is upon us, shut out all of the lights and sit in stillness. Resist the urge to do - sit quietly and open your awareness to the moment. What does the night air feel like on your skin? Do the distant sounds blend into strange music? Sense the aliveness of the shadows all around you - how they blur into hushed shapes that seem foreign. In this mysterious moment, recognize your shifting perspective of the world around you. Things are not always what they seem and that is exhilarating. What thoughts creep into your mind? What do know in this instant? Do you sense something new and different? This is the infinite whispering a secret just for you. See and feel beyond the obvious and you may find the hidden message in your soul. Don’t be afraid of the dark.

A Holiday Wish….

The Queen of Pentacles - The Three of Cups - The King of Cups

As I was wrapping presents today with the flickering fairy lights from my tree making a glittery reflection all about the room, I started to muse on the holidays. No matter what you celebrate or believe in, there is a collective kind of magic that settles in this time of year. But, I’ve been having trouble really feeling it this year, as I am sure many of you have. So, I decided to pull some cards about rediscovering this shared sorcery. How can we connect to a feeling that is escaping us? Recognize the strength of giving emotionally instead of giving materially. What are the three most important ethereally felt elements you can provide for your nearest and dearest this year? If you don’t know, meditate on it - they will come to you. Ask yourself this question just before bed - “What do I have deep within my heart to give?” See if you get the answer in your dreams. The power of three is strong and the stars will shine down on you once you know exactly what you would like to share. The magic will be felt this year through your own dedication to those you love. The lights, the songs, the trees, the candles - they are just embellishment. Find your own magic within and share it freely.

Page of Wands (Reversed) - Knight of Swords - Four of Cups - Page of Swords

A series of “jumpers” from my Rider/Waite Deck

I set up for a reading earlier today and checked in with my Rider/Waite deck - my original deck - my first love - my old friend! As soon as I held the deck in my hands it was buzzing with energy - tickling me the inside of my palms enough to make me giggle out loud. I was instantly excited for the reading. Because the deck was so alive, I asked for our daily message as I shuffled and the cards were practically screaming at me - jumping left and right! I laid them out - our four jumpers - and now I am sharing them with you. If you are examining a recent decision or path, look to the past for answers, but don’t hold on to it. There was a shift in your tone - perhaps a deliberate shift - away from your true open and passionate nature. This created a blockage that you could not escape. Life became cloudy. You weren’t able to see all of life’s opportunities clearly and sometimes absolutely refused to connect emotionally to what was being offered. This choice -this moment of divide- truly dimmed your authentic self and kept you netted to that choice, longing to be free. Now is your last look back, my friend. But, as you glance over your shoulder at that former version of you, don’t only see regret and disappointment in your actions - look closer at what made you separate from your spirit with a curious mind. See this rift fresh and new, so you can better understand who you are and how to move forward. Cut that net and watch as the clouds part. You are free, but who are you now? Be inquisitive and open. Cut through the confusion and step into the light.

Three of Pentacles

The Three of Pentacles from This Might Hurt Tarot

If you have a project you are working on, collaboration is key! Finding the right combination of dedication, artistry and talent will solidify success and shorten the time it will take til completion. Teamwork can be tricky, though. There is a bit of negotiation that needs to be addressed. The clearer you can all be with each other about expectations and needs, the more prolific you will find yourselves at the culmination of the project. Fairness and understanding will be the best path forward in this new partnership. Just think about how much you all have to contribute and learn from each other! Be patient, but be open and ready to bend and mold personal agendas for the benefit of the greater good. The power of three is magical! Welcome the specific magic you can create when you come together and ignite your strengths. Make some magic!

King of Wands

King of Wands from The Light Seer’s Tarot

You have the power to inspire passion. People look up to you - maybe you don’t see it right now, but they do. They find you riveting and this is what gives you power - power to motivate those around you to aid you in your aspirations. Tap into this masterful quality. Own your intensity - your fire. Your full potential will be accessed by leading others to help you realize your vision. But, this comes naturally to you, because they are enamored by your fierce and engaging demeanor. Now is the time to recognize this and take charge. Captivate all around you with your magnetism and relish in just how easy it is to enlist them in support of your dreams. Conquer through passion - raw, smoldering passion.

The Hierophant - Reversed

The Hierophant - Reversed

Every so often it is necessary to seek counsel from a higher power. But, just because someone has a certain level of expertise, it doesn’t mean their advice is the best for you. Reach out for that strong opinion - rooted in knowledge, understanding and mastery. Absorb that information, but make sure to check in with yourself before taking action based on what someone else thinks you should do. Sometimes all of the learned knowledge and achievements of a studied authority cannot help answer your question. The information may be useful, but if it doesn’t feel right - maybe it isn’t right….for you. Honor yourself for taking the time to reach out to someone to help you clarify your own issues, but understand that clarity is sometimes easier found in your heart than in a book. You hold more answers than you know.

Ten of Swords - Reversed

The Ten of Swords from The Shadowscape Tarot Deck

Now is the moment to start fresh and there really is no turning back this time. What’s done is DONE, so there is no use holding onto it and trying to stop the inevitable. You should be feeling excited to release all of the dark, negative energy that is surrounding you! If you are reluctant to free yourself and begin a new chapter, tonight before bed pull out pen and paper. Write the start of a story about what your life will be like once you have let go of the swirling negativity you are holding on to. Really paint the picture for yourself of your new, unburdened path. How does it feel to skip along in this new world of you? What do you see and experience? Write about it until you run out of words to put on the page that will accurately describe the miracle of your new life. If you have to stop mid-sentence, that is totally fine! When you awake tomorrow morning, revisit your story all the way through before getting out of bed. Feel the lightness with which you toss the covers aside and when your feet hit the floor - step into that story, right at the moment you stopped, leaving all of the tension and darkness in the bed behind you, because you don’t need it anymore. New day, new you, new chapter! Pro tip: it might be a good day to change the sheets…

The Nine of Cups - Reversed

The Nine of Cups - Reversed

Sweet frustration - does it feel like you are falling instead of flying? In this moment, life just isn’t materializing the way you hoped or dreamed. If you feel a bit stuck and long for more - it’s time to change your perspective from the top down. Does your dream or goal truly align with your values and spirit? Is your approach a mad grasp outward to achieve what you desire? Shifting internally and tuning into your authentic needs are key to creating a path forward. It’s time to pause, breathe and check in. Ask yourself - is this what I truly want? Will accomplishing this particular goal really feed my soul? If the answer is no, then ask yourself - What will? Once your dreams are in alliance with your heart, you will find a new orientation toward your destiny. Flying is fun - falling, not useful!

Temperance - Reversed

Temperance (Reversed) from The Modern Witch Tarot Deck

The start of a new week at the end of a holiday weekend finds you settling in and seeking balance. But, wait just a second before you get all cozy and zen… perhaps a better way to find the balance you seek, is to really shake things up today? Do something different and spontaneous! Invite color and music into your day in a way that feels new. Make something, bake something, go outside and dance under the trees. Do anything that intrigues you that ISN’T on a “to-do” list. Don’t even start a “to-do” list and if you do add ridiculous activities to this list. Write, draw, splash around in your bathtub with music blaring! Eat something strange and exotic. Buy something extravagant - something you never knew you wanted. Take an online class in a skill that scares you. Be different and be daring. Surprise yourself. Balance will find you tomorrow - today is for being impulsive. Now go play!

The Lovers

The Lovers from The Kitchen Tarot

Let’s get naked tonight! Metaphorically, at least. Peal off that outer shell and embrace your luscious vulnerability. The design of this particular card has a fun quote on it, “Choose between good and evil or have a little bit of both.” The Lovers Card presents you with a choice, but a choice that implores for a delicious exploration of the juicier side of you first. As you are preparing for slumber tonight, pause and take the time to recall your most delicious, but “forbidden” life moment. You know that moment where you felt like Eve biting slowly into that sweet apple. Recall the thrill, the joy, the fear, the rebellious freedom of it all. Reimagine the spine tingling goosebumps and the accelerated heartbeat that made you feel outside of yourself. Revel in the exciting defiance of it all. See if you can carry this feeling into your dreams. Oh, how delicious! When you wake from your nighttime merrymaking, ask yourself what part of this side of who you are needs more attention in your waking life. Sometimes, you have to choose, but sometimes you CAN have a “little bit of both”. Don’t deny yourself this special recipe for joy. So, what do you say…Cream AND Sugar?!?

The King of Pentacles

The King of Pentacles - The Soul Cards Deck

How can you take charge of your finances? Ugh, I know…sometimes a difficult question, one we’d all like to ignore, but I think you might be surprised at just how much power you hold. As we move through the Holiday Season and closer to the new year, it might be a good time for you to scrutinize how you handle your money. Draw up a budget for personal spending - see what is there. Instead of noticing your shortcomings, take note of the areas within your budget that you have mastered. Then highlight the ways in which you can multiply or magnify this potential. Put yourself in the position of King - King of your dominion! Feel the weight of that jeweled crown on your head and your spine growing taller to support it. With this new posture of confidence - create an action plan, based on what you have discovered. Include in your action plan, the items or monetary experiences you plan to enjoy in the New Year. It’s fun to assert your power in this way. You have more control over this area of your life than you thought! Conquer your own financial Kingdom.

The Ten of Cups

Ten of Cups from The House of Tarot

Happy Thanksgiving! We started on Monday with the Ten of Cups (Reversed). I think we all need to mentally turn this card upright today. Recognize that you have healthy and strong roots tied to friends, family and loved ones. Roots that cannot be rotted by distance or time. Drink in the wellspring of emotional support that you share with your dearest - notice how you all have blossomed within this shared support and care. Be grateful for every trial and tribulation, because it only brings you closer to the people in your life that truly matter. We have overcome so much this year together. We cannot be uprooted. We are strong and full of life. Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and be grateful to those who have helped you grow along the way!

Ace of Wands - Reversed

Ace of Wands - An Artist’s Rendering

I see you… I see you trying to figure out your true purpose - peeking out into the world from that smoldering flame within. What is the meaning of all this?!? Perhaps you feel connected to a spark of creativity and have a small idea of what fulfills you, but you aren’t sure yet how to manifest it. Allow yourself this moment - do not push or feel guilty for not “doing more”. It’s possible that you may not be able to “do more” at this point. But, please hold on to that spark - there is so much there to be explored and when the time is right to take that first step, you will know and you will be ready. Trust that, in this moment, even with all of your inner fire yearning to be free, you are exactly where you are meant to be. This moment of frustration may actually be your first step to the realization of that dream. Allow yourself to sit, peacefully and calmly, in the middle of this raging fire. What do you see and feel there? How might this feeling change who you are? Is there someone there with you in this blaze? When you eventually take a step forward, will you carry this fire with you or will you be fleeing it to be reborn? It will be an adventure to experience just how this moment will shape your life. But, for now, live in that fiery passion and allow every bit of ash to rain down on you.

The Moon

The Moon - An Artist’s Print

Good evening, creatures of the night! Let your dreams of tonight guide you deep within your subconscious mind. What hidden urges do you keep bottled up in your darkest inner caves? What would it look like if you allowed those urges and desires to creep up to the surface and journey into the world? It’s safe to reveal these muted elements of your true nature in the light of the moon while you slumber. Allow the full essence of who you are dance in the murkiness of your dreaming life. There is so much in your waking life that is currently unknown, but in your dreams, you are free to take that forbidden path and explore every unseen danger. Why not go for it? Your brave and knowing spirit may decide to travel back with you to your waking life….and who knows what will happen then! It’s all very exciting… Dream sweet under the careful watch of that mysterious and evasive moon.

Ten of Cups - Reversed

Ten of Cups (Reversed) from The Dark Days Tarot Deck

As we venture into this holiday week it’s hard to accept that many of us will not and cannot be gathering this year. The origin of Thanksgiving is, putting it mildly, highly controversial. But the traditions we have established over the years have made this holiday a universal celebration of togetherness. We find ourselves at a moment in time where togetherness is threatening and raising a glass with our loved ones is unsafe. Even traveling to be close to your family is a danger for the community at large. Thanksgiving is thwarted. But, is it? Does gratitude require inhabiting the same space? Does love rely on the sharing of food and wine? What do we or can we all share that isn’t tangible, but lasting? I suppose when this card appeared reversed this morning, I saw it as more of a challenge. It was daring me to see beyond the outer trimmings of this holiday and recognize that by making a choice of solitude on this day, this year we are sharing so much more love and gratitude than we could ever imagine. Whatever you have decided in light of our situation, know that community is there all around you - just in deeper, more fulfilling ways.