The Eight of Swords…

It’s International Women’s Day and I asked the cards what might be the best way to celebrate. Eight of Swords is an unusual card to pop up as a celebratory suggestion, but when you really think about what is being celebrated, it does make sense. Take a moment today to remember all the manners in which, we as women, have been tied down, held back, minimized, infantilized, fetishized and dismissed. Being a woman can often feel like a trap, but nevertheless, we persisted! Our mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and beyond have had to fight to be treated with equality and respect. They paved a path for us to tear off our blindfolds and untie the binds that threatened to hold us back. Achievements without obstacles are affirming , but overcoming bias, disrespect and disadvantages to achieve great things that’s downright transcendent. In celebration of women today, take a moment to honor your own rebellious spirit by thanking those warriors that came before you and the ones that still walk proudly along side you- defiant and strong.

“After all those years as a woman hearing, ‘not thin enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, not this enough, not that enough,’ almost overnight I woke up one morning and thought, ‘I am enough.’” –Anna Quindlen

“A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants.” –Coco Chanel

The Eight of Swords from Bad Girl Tarot by Katie Skelly

The Queen of Cups (Reversed)…

A dear friend was feeling a little anxious today and asked me to pull a card for suggestions on how to deal with that anxiety. I must admit, I have had a fair amount of nervous worry creeping in lately as well…so, I pulled this one with the hope that the deck would have the power to quell those disquiet jitters. We should not let our emotions overwhelm us. Dwelling on the feelings we have will prove to be overwhelming and harmful and, really, what is the point? Take action and if you feel like you cannot take action yet on that which is haunting your spirit, take a walk instead. Do something that will allow for you to disconnect from the internal spiral that only wants to drag you down. Launch an activity - something that will get you out of your head and heart and make you feel invigorated and alive. Take action now - don’t wait!

“Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” - Walter Anderson

The Queen of Cups (Reversed) from The Lotus Tarot Deck by Angie

The Eight of Wands (Reversed)…

Where are you rushing off to? I know you feel like motion is action, but there are so many colors to experience where you are. Slow yourself and open your senses to what is available in the here and now and you may be surprised by the vividness of this experience that you were about to fly right past. You deserve to absorb some of what is being offered in the moment. In fact, the beauty and energy of the moment may serve to fuel your journey down the line. Take a breath, take your time and take what you need from this day - this hour - this minute - this second. The beauty of life swirls around you like a technicolor dream…with every heartbeat….right where you are.

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going to fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” - Eddie Cantor

The Eight of Wands (Reversed) rendering for The 78 Tarot by Aja Trier

Seven of Cups…

Sometimes decision making feels like a trap. With an overwhelming amount of options, how can you be sure you are making the right choice? Right now, you may feel a little like you are drowning in a sea of options. This isn’t a bad thing! In order to really begin the work of what needs to be done, you MUST select one - a direction, a path, an action to take. The emotional weight of this hovering decision is bearing down on you. But, what if you could remove that weight? Imagine you have a magic button that drains the sea of emotion which swells all around you. Now see those options for what they truly are - ways to advance and move forward in your life. Honestly, any of them will do, so long as you dedicate yourself to it. It’s not as difficult as you are making it… Just choose - you will figure out the rest as you go!

“You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.” - Michelle Obama

The Seven of Cups from the Luna Sol Tarot Deck by Mike Medaglia

Seven of Wands…

You are on your way, but adversity is always close on your trail. Expect conflict. Walk directly into it, despite your fear and hesitation. I know it currently feels like you cannot see what is above you and the ground is incredibly far away, but you must keep climbing. This ladder you have built yourself feels rickety, but it’s constructed with passion and will lead you to possibilities you have yet to dream up. You have the determination and perseverance to deal with any conflict that creeps in, so don’t look down - just keep climbing. This is just a momentary patch of uncertainty. You will conquer this and find your way into the clouds. And when you get there, the view will be worth it.

“You can’t fall if you don’t climb, but there’s no joy in living your whole life on the ground.” -Unknown

The Seven of Wands - Artist’s Rendering from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant.

Queen of Swords (Reversed)…

You are someone who likes to feel in control. You prefer to take charge, think out a plan and stick to it, but maybe you need to let go in order to transform? Chaos and uncertainty can bring great clarity and force you to grow. Tonight, as you dream, dream not of flying but floating. Drifting slowly out of the sky like a a stray feather billowing in the wind. Free fall and allow the wind to take you on an unexpected journey. Sound scary to you? It’s only a dream and you may discover losing control is actually a really exciting feeling that you will crave in waking life. Step off your throne - be free. Let go and lighten up…

“She was like a feather. Strong enough to fall without breaking, light enough to fly and soft enough to tickle your spine.” - Isha Shelkey

Queen of Swords (Reversed) - Artist’s Rendering by Grace P. Fong for Hive Galleries

Five of Pentacles (Reversed)…

Open your eyes! That sun is rising…not setting! You are on your way to recovery. Follow that glowing light to the path that will lead you out of that darkness. This is a new dawn, so walk into it with hope and don’t look back or shield your eyes. Feel the warmth of those glorious rays on your face and ready yourself to receive the love of the universe. This is a path to recovery and recovery is rarely easy, so take it slow. But, the sun that is rising is rising within you. Welcome it. Do the work and you will achieve that recovery you need and desire. Shine true.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucious

The Five of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Druid Craft Tarot by Phillip Carr-Gomm and Will Worthington

The Ace of Wands…

Imagine that in your mind there is a forest. And, in this forest there is a cozy nook where possibility is just beginning to sprout up toward the sky. What tiny sprig do you have within, slowly pushing its way toward the sun? Recognize this stretching upward as an act of defiance against the larger trees trying to drown out the light. Notice how the universe sends help to guide this notion or new idea toward the sky. Tonight when you dream rest in this cozy nook beside your tiny new dream and surrounded by those woodland helpers. Feel the long blades of grass surround you in safety and be grateful for the possibility that grows within. Ask this sprouting prospect what kind of care it needs from you to blossom in your waking life. When you wake, it’s time to start nurturing all of the possibility that dwells within. Sweet dreams!

“When nothing is sure, everything is possible.” - Margaret Drabble

The Ace of Wands from The Oak Ash and Thorn Tarot Deck by Stephanie Burrows and Adam Oehlers

Ten of Swords (Reversed)…

There are certain aspects of your life that you can feel are coming to a close. In fact, you are more than eager to walk away, but is it really time to go? There may be more here - a few things left unsaid or undone before you can truly free yourself and move on. So, WAIT! I know you feel ready, but what else is there that needs resolving? Take a closer look and be willing to give just a little more of yourself, so you can be sure you won’t have any residual energy hanging on as you drift into a new chapter. Closure and how you say goodbye is sometimes hard, but can be just as important as leaving it all behind. Make sure you have tied up any loose ends and don’t be surprised if you discover that what you are letting go of deserves your honor, love and respect as you say “so long!”

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” - Winnie The Pooh

Ten of Swords (Reversed) from The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

Page of Pentacles (Reversed)…

You’ve been a little wild in your spending. Sometimes it’s ok, even necessary, to treat yourself, but you may be taking it a little too far. It’s time to get curious about your finances and purposeful regarding your spending. Before you throw that ATM or Credit Card down, ask yourself, “Do I actually need this? Will this thing truly bring me joy?” I know it can be scary, but sit down and draw up a personal budget and take a look at those statements that you’ve been avoiding. This information will be a guide map for you going forward. Knowledge and a financial plan can be key in conquering all that life throws at you. Prepare yourself. Start small. Let’s call this Spendthrift Sunday and all take a moment to get clear on our habits - this will be a start to finding that financial freedom we all long for!

“A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the “what-ifs” of life.” - Suze Orman

Page of Pentacles (Reversed) from This Might Hurt Tarot by Isabella Rotman

The Ten of Wands…

Hey! It’s time for you to simplify and start fresh. You have been on a long journey and along the way you have collected so much baggage….Wayyy too much. All of these responsibilities, obligations, projects, ideas and labors may all be worthy of your attention, but you have so much on your plate now, where do you even begin? And, you know it’s true - you feel the burden and you sense the darkness. Lay it all down, and examine it clearly in the light. Clear your head. Which of this is truly servicing you? Clarity will allow you to start new with more a more specific direction and you will love the way the sun feels on your face!

“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” - Najwa Zebian

The Ten of Wands from The Steampunk Tarot Deck by Charissa Drengsen

Six of Cups…

Imagine you can travel through space and time and you venture back in years to meet your younger self. Where do you find them? On the playground? In your old room, playing? In school crafting a piece of art for the refrigerator? What would you say to your younger self? How would you approach them? What might the child you were say to you? Just suppose you could gift them with something - what do you think you would give them that would enrich their journey through life? Now imagine you present them with this thing or feeling or advice and they take it with glee, but it’s time to leave and return to the here and now. As you come back to the current you, what do you now have? What have you learned from your younger self and how does this new gift fill your spirit so many years later?

“The truth is, of course, is that there is no real journey. We are all arriving and departing at the same time.” - David Bowie

6 of Cups from Bowie’s Star Man Tarot by Davide De Angelis (Inspired by the artwork he created for David Bowie)

Three of Swords…

Sometimes it’s impossible to let go of the hurt and pain you’ve been dealt and, that’s ok. Letting go isn’t always the answer. “Forgive and forget” sounds nice, but can be laborious and quite difficult. Anguish and distress can consume you, but eventually you have to find someway of managing it. Your determination to “weather that storm” becomes a testament to who you are. Sometimes the affliction you have faced changes who you are in surprising and uplifting ways. You grow stronger, more aware and more open to new possibilities. This is quite different than holding on to it…this means you have conquered it by accepting it and allowing it to transform you for the better. In this case, shouldn’t you honor that hurt? Make no apologies - wear it with pride.

“Pain makes you stronger. Tears make you braver and heartbreak makes you wiser.” - Many wise people

The Three of Swords - Artist’s Rendering by Celeste Groenewald

The Wheel of Fortune…

Life has its ups and downs, but do you ever feel like there is someone watching over you as you swirl? It’s possible there is a divine force guiding you as you weave a your way through the maze, even if you don’t see them. It’s reassuring when, after going through something tumultuous, you find it was all for a reason and a greater lesson emerges that propels you forward. Are you crafting this, or do you have the guidance of the universe gently whispering the way? Tonight before bed ask the stars if you can meet your guide when you dream. How will they appear to you? Where shall you meet? What will they say? You better start writing down questions! Maybe they won’t say anything at all, but you will feel supported by their presence. Maybe it will put you at ease and ready you for your next big spin. Oh! I can’t wait to hear about it!

“All around you there are spirits, child. They live in the earth, the water, the sky. If you listen, they will guide you.” - Grandmother Willow from Pocohontas

The Wheel of Fortune from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi and Kwon Shin

The Nine of Wands…

Hey, Warrior - You have been in this fight for a while, standing your ground and weathering the storm. Your passion and drive has bolstered your resolve and you now understand just how resilient you are. But, as the storm lifts, what do you see out there in the distance? What new adventure awaits? You’ve proven to yourself that you are a survivor, but don’t you long to be a thriver? The time is coming for you to advance. Be sure to take all of that passion, resolve and strength with you as you charge into the unknown of your potential. No fear, my friend - no fear.

“The path of the Warrior is lifelong, and mastery is often simply staying on the path.” - Richard Strozzi-Heckler

Nine of Wands - Illustrated by En Tze

The 3 of Pentacles (Reversed) into the King of Wands…

There is a collaborative project in your life that needs your full attention. The group dynamic isn’t quite working the way you had hoped and all of the ideas, though very good ideas, are just not fusing. You have the power and the passion to step in and take charge! You also have a skillset or perspective that is needed to make the project successful. Declare yourself the leader, even if you must do it unofficially to maintain the camaraderie. Your teammates look up to you and they will follow your lead and, let’s face it, they need all the help they can get! You have the power to drive the project toward success. The start of this week is a good time to step in and own it.

“Of all the things I’ve done, the most vital is coordinating the talents of those who work for us and pointing them toward a certain goal.” - Walt Disney

The Three of Pentacles (Reversed) and The King of Wands from The Light Seer’s Tarot Deck by Chris-Anne

The Sun & The Ace of Wands…

Happy Valentine’s Day! This is a holiday that can make many feel excluded and unwanted. Share love today any way you can and everywhere you go. Chocolate, roses and cards are nice but there are other ways of sending your message of love. A sunny smile goes a long way. An unexpected phone call can definitely warm the heart. A hug or even a masked elbow bump can delight. A simple conversation and the willingness to listen is pure love. Be kind, warm and compassionate to all you encounter. Guarantee you will feel the love you give come back to you threefold.

“Do not chase love, choose love. Do not need love, share love. Do not fear love, embrace love. Do not seek love, become love.” - Creig Crippen

The Sun and The Ace of Wands from The Valentine’s Day Tarot Deck

The Queen of Wands (Reversed)…

As a reader, I often get the question, “What can I do to invite love?” While the deck sometimes has a very specific answer for the querent, there is usually an overriding theme for all: “Know thyself”. We’ve all heard that insight about how you cannot love or be loved if you don’t love yourself, well, I don’t believe this to be true. We all go through ups and downs, experience high levels of self-love and self-confidence that can shift situationally and with time. This is normal and ok. But, knowing who you are - your beliefs, values and what you stand for will allow for you to attract the right person in. That person should love you in times of soaring self-love and in times of plummeting self-doubt, because they love the core of who you are. Queen of Wands (Reversed) invites you to take a moment today to check in with your personal power and knowledge of self. Your inner compass and an understanding of what drives you to grow and expand can and will make you a magnet for your personal brand of love. What are you ready to invite in, based on who you are?

“Knowing others is intelligence; Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; Mastering yourself is true power” - Lao-Tzu

The Queen of Wands (Reversed) - Artist’s Rendering by Celia Favorite

Page of Cups…

And, the cups keeps appearing!!! Page of Cups evokes that first love/new love feeling - the idea that you have found a treasure to be explored and deciphered and all at once, you have all of the answers but know nothing at all! When you meet someone new that you instantly click with, it can feel like a world of possibilities has been opened. You may become cautiously entranced and delighted as you dance into the shiny, new emotions you encounter. It’s true, that the start of things is always magical, especially when you are open to them without fear or judgement. Discovering a new love is one of only times in life that nervous butterflies feel right and being completely lost can excite you. In what other avenues of your life can you channel this energy? First Love/new love euphoria can be useful in many other life situations you encounter. Think of ways to bring this bliss to your every day routines. Magic is everywhere - I promise.

“The way you feel when you kiss them for the first time. Like fire within your bones. Like your soul has returned to the water. Like every part of you that came from a dead star is alive again.” - Nikita Gill

Page of Cups from The Robin Wood Tarot by Robin Wood, The Witches Tarot by Ellen Dugan & Artist’s Rendering by Kaitlin Mills

King of Cups…

It’s not surprising to me that at the moment I decide I want to ask the deck about love, all of these cups come swimming to the surface! King of Cups presents today to remind us that emotional life, especially in love, can be quite delicate and unpredictable. If we are to master it, we’ll need to take ownership of our emotional effect on others. In a true flow of give and take, we all must navigate the murkiness and rockiness of emotions to ensure our loved ones feel safe, despite the onslaught of waves. With the right person, you will always wear your heart on your sleeve and reassure them that you can be a balm in stormy weather. Think about the reliable fluidity you bring to the relationship and how that person depends on you to go with their ebb and flow. Are they doing the same for you? Be the person you want them to be - flexible, buoyant and leading from the heart.

“Love was like the waves in the sea, gentle and good sometimes, rough and terrible at others, but that it was endless and stronger than the sky and earth and everything in-between.” - Veronica Rossi

The King of Cups - Artist’s Rendition for The Slow Tarot - Lacey Bryant