Check in each day for a little bit of magic…
Card of the Day
Judgement…
Often when I teach my Uncommon Goods Tarot Class, I speak about how the cards you pull can have an impact on how your live your day to day life. I’m not sure I always detail how that might work. Yes - we receive messages, but it’s up to us what we DO with those little bits of wisdom that come through. This week, since we are in the tailspin of that Wheel of Fate I pulled yesterday, I’m going to focus the readings on action to take in order to combat the dizziness of our week! Here’s goes… A big start to the week - two Major Arcana cards in a row and they are not for the faint of heart. We mostly live our lives searching to answer the call of Judgement - hearing the music of our true purpose in the distance, but unable to feel as though we have truly reached it. Perhaps today we are feeling a little bit of the struggle and disappointment that comes along with not being in alignment with our true calling. But, how might your day change if you accepted where you are in this moment and approached it as if you knew it was leading you to your destiny? It’s time to dial up the magic of your day-to-day obligations by treating what feels like the mundane as opportunity and potential. Listen to the music all around you and dance - you may cha-cha yourself right into your biggest dream come true. Dial up the magic on this Monday….
“Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Judgement Card from The Gilded Tarot by Ciro Marchetti
Wheel of Fate - Reversed…
I bet you thought last week was a whirlwind, but get ready for round two. This week is going to spin us in a whole new direction and it might become difficult for us to really hang on. So, prepare tonight by making sure your proverbial safety belt is secured and then, I think it’s best to breathe and just give in. You will feel dizzy and tired. You will complain about the unfairness of Life. But, if you let go just enough, you may enjoy a few thrilling moments. Don’t try to control this ride - you are not the one that is operating it. When it stops, you may not find yourself where you hoped to be (sorry). But, you will find yourself where you are meant to be with the universal reasons for that shift to be revealed to you at a later date. I promise, when you look back it will all come into focus, but this week - just let it spin. Hold on for dear life, my friends!
“Life has its ups and downs. It’s your choice to scream or enjoy the ride.” - Anonymous
The Wheel of Fate (Reversed) from Sawyer’s Path Tarot
The Ten of Wands - Reversed…
Do you know what the best part of completion is?!? The opportunity to grow something new. So, if you have come to the end of a project or a journey, don’t feel down - plant the seeds of what you will do next. So many options for you to enhance your world. Today, take some time to reflect on the hard work that brought you to where you are in this moment. See if you can gain inspiration and insight through past successes and allow new ideas to spring forth from there. Then, decide what your first step will be in growing this new passion. The end of something is only the beginning, my friends and you have sunny days ahead, if you follow your creativity.
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” - Seneca
The 10 of Wands (Reversed) from the Star Spinner Deck by Trungles
Queen of Wands…
It’s been a wild week coming out of the holiday season, hasn’t it? A New Year is always filled with heightened expectations. The increased mayhem of a re-start coupled with the mercury retrograde has made everyone majorly frazzled, so you are not alone. But, this weekend take that internal craziness you feel and focus it with fierce purpose . Use the stress you feel to fill you with intentional fire. Embody the silent power of a hunter or huntress. When people act out around you, treat them like your prey. If you have wild impulses, follow them with silent dedication. You will be in charge everywhere you go. They may not understand it yet, but you rule this kingdom. It’s time to cull the chaos, cut through the bullshit and take control. You know what you want and need, so get it. This weekend is yours - set it on FIRE.
“The huntress never stabbed anything she didn’t want to.” - Ann Aguirre
The Queen of Wands from Legacy of The Divine Tarot by Ciro Marchetti
The Eight of Pentacles - Reversed…
You might be feeling a let down right now based on the actions of a significant people in your life. Perhaps what was promised has changed or maybe what they are presenting to you is just not enough. Listlessness and murkiness surround you in confusion and this circumstance feels heavy. It’s like a strange fog has ensnared you, but you are not trapped here like they want you to be. Let them believe you are disinterested and disenchanted with what they offer you. Detach yourself from the situation, but don’t let your spirit disconnect from your true potential . Go through the motions of what must be done, all the while focusing your heart on the golden promise of a fascinating new horizon that glitters in the distance. The time may not be right to move in that direction, but soon it will so you must prepare.
“Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the horizon will find his right road.” - Dag Hammarskjold
The Eight of Cups from The Soul’s Journey Tarot
The Ten of Pentacles - Reversed…
Seems like you may have spent a whole lot of money this holiday season! Perhaps you are beginning to feel tinges of regret or the haunting of financial woes?!? But, it’s the start of the year, so there’s so much that you can plan for to refill your accounts, if you need to. Take some time tonight to meditate on wealth and abundance. But think about the way that you believe that having more money could bring happiness. I suppose it could, but are you sure? True wealth doesn’t always come from the Benjamins, but actually from what you do with them. So, pinpoint why you feel like you need more of it - for security, for pleasure, for luxurious experiences or just to get by? Knowing how the dollars might better connect you to your hopes and dreams will help you to set that golden number. Then, see if you can plan a course to refresh your piggy bank without limiting yourself in the here and now. Key tip for manifesting abundance: Focus on reviving your soul - the treasure lives in the core of your desire and the number is sometimes secondary. Concentrate on the treasure - the $$$ will come….
“Abundance is not something we acquire. It’s something we tune into.” - Wayne Dyer
The 10 of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Alainn Tarot
The Nine of Wands…
If you started 2023 like I did and in the way that our card of the day so accurately displays, you may be having a moment of panic right now. Motivation and inspiration on day one compelled you to commit to starting the year right! However, sudden road-blocks and unforeseen hurdles on day two that made you feel a little monstrous and very much caught off-guard. If this year already feels like a battle you are losing, buck up. You are stronger than you think and you can weather this moment and many other tiny storms. If this does feel like a tiny hurricane, build a fort around you and defend yourself. Take a minute to ground yourself and align yourself with protection for the days to come and recognize that, even though you feel a little weary, you are capable of great things, despite the early setback. For me, this petit tornado comes in the form of full on laryngitis on a week when I am set to teach literally 8 tarot classes!!! For you, I don’t know what maleficence you are facing, but soldier on, Little Monsters. We can do this! We will do this and we will be stronger when we get to the other side of it!
“The storms come and go, the waves crash overhead, the big fish eat the little fish and I just keep on paddling.” - George R. R. Martin
“It’s just you, Little Monster. Own it or it will own you.” - Penelope Douglas
The Nine of Wands from the Monstarot by Joanna Nelson and Trish Sullivan
Your 2023 Theme…
I always love to pull themes for the year ahead (instead of listing goals) because I feel like change is more prevalent if you are simply living by the themes of the year and sometimes goals are unattainable. So, I decided on this first day of the New Year to pull a theme for you! If it resonates with you, feel free to utilize in in the way you think might best aid your growth in 2023. It may help inspire you to think of this theme as a lens through which you make life choices. Here goes….2022 may have been laden with worries, dark thoughts and unrealistic expectations. But, this year, you are taking control of your emotional realm, by letting go of any past trauma that haunts you or holds you back. Instead of dreaming about what might be and remaining hopeful, release the “should have, could have, would have” and level up by using your emotional power to manifest what your heart desires. Do it all in a way that invites a beautiful sense of calm and healing matched with maturity of an unparalleled level. In short your theme is: “Emotional Ownership to Manifest Personal Strength”. Have to make a tough decision, feel caught off guard, need to ask for a promotion, have a confession to make? How might you do it differently with your theme in mind? See how this works - have fun! Happy 2023!!!
“There is an old-fashioned word for the body of skills that emotional intelligence represents - character.” - Daniel Goleman
The Queen of Cups hovering above the Page of Cups (Reversed) and the 9 of Swords from The Light Seer’s Deck by Chris-Anne
Three Cards for 2023…
As we are on the precipice of 2023, why not pull a few cards for a little guidance on how we might best approach this New Year?!?
What we should let go of this year: The Hanged Man - taking time away to explore a new perspective is sometimes needed, but can also hold us back. Waiting in anticipation for the right moment to launch can be necessary, but this year it will stifle you. Let go of the idea that everything must be perfect and you have to be absolutely ready to dive into new adventures and take chances. This year, if you wait for the right moment, you may be waiting forever. Let yourself try, do and have without the pressure of doing it perfectly. Find the purpose as you go.
What we should invite this year: The Two of Pentacles (Reversed) A similar theme emerges! Invite the idea of imbalance. What?!? Aren’t you growing tired of working so hard to keep those balls in the air?! Drop them. Shake it up. Let the waves of life overtake you. Sound risky - it might be, but I think we’ll find that what we had been juggling for 2022 was not worth it after all and that there is so much more available to us if we just let go of those minor securities and invite what is more exciting to us. Equilibrium is overrated in 2023.
What surprise can we expect this year: Ace of Cups (Reversed) We are always longing for opportunity to come to us and the Aces are very thrilling when they appear…upright. But let’s turn this one on it’s head! The surprise is, you will create opportunities for love, togetherness and sharing of emotions for the people in your life. Let your cup spill out and surprise you this year - let your love splash around by being the one that brings the opportunities for others. Sounds fun!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice and to make an end is to make a beginning.” - T.S. Elliot
All cards from The Rider/Waite/Smith Deck
Eight of Wands…
As we move closer to the start of the New Year, let’s use the cards to illuminate what might be ahead. I asked the deck today, what our biggest obstacle in 2023 will be and pulled this Eight of Wands, which felt like a thrilling riddle to me. Fiery energy moving us in the direction of focused goals seems like a good thing, doesn’t it? However, as we shift to accommodate what we believe to be our distinct target, we may find we are reaching in the wrong direction. Going after the gold could be the obstacle here! Crazy, right? But, we may be honing in so strongly on one thing and missing out on our more fulfilling purpose. This year, when you find you are obsessively driven toward that one singular objective, take a step back and ask yourself what you might be missing or, quite frankly, avoiding by doing so. Treat your drive like the obstacle and you may discover the lost puzzle piece of who you are. Didn’t you always want to solve the riddle of your own existence? 2023 could be the year you do. This obstacle will be challenging, but full of action and fire!
“Why should I hasten to solve every riddle which life offers me? I am well assured that the questioner, who brings me so many problems, will bring me the answers in due time.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Eight of Wands from The Sacred Rose Tarot by Johanna Giargulo-Sherman
The Knight of Pentacles - Reversed…
I had to laugh when I pulled the card this morning. It’s clear my deck believes I didn’t quite get the message yesterday. “But deck,” I thought, “I have SO MUCH to do and only a few more days left to get it all done before I am thrust back into the madness of ‘normal’ life.” It’s funny, these days between Christmas and New Year are always a magical in-between in which we can (sometimes) catch our breath and ready ourselves for what may be coming in the new year. It’s a kind of nebulous thin space that allows you to think on the past year and prepare for any change you would like to invite into your life as you push that re-start button on January 1st! Some of us clearly prepare too hard and too much. Every year in this time frame, I wind up getting sick, so perhaps the lecture of my cards holds deeper meaning. Two days in a row, our Knight has crawled out to tell us to SLOW DOWN. Whether it’s illness or exhaustion, we need to listen to our bodies, calm our minds and spirits and get the rest needed to start our New Year right. Perhaps that is just it - this year, preparation is over-rated, but rest is EVERYTHING. I get it. Let’s all do what will restore our spirits most and, if that is nothing…so be it.
“Sometimes doing nothing is doing something.” - Thomas Dewar
The Knight of Pentacles (Reversed) from the John Bauer Tarot
The Lovers & The Sun Reversed…
See if you can welcome love in the shady parts of your life today. It’s easy to feel that warm, magic feeling when everything is bright and sunny. In the shade, though, some very peculiar things begin creep out. Whether you are experiencing this with a lover or yourself, invite the darkness. Don’t you want to love every bit of that person - your lover and yourself?!? There have always be hidden places to discover within them or you, so why not explore? Bring a flashlight, so you can shine a light on each daring secret. Be openly accepting of any concealed fears. Love all of the strangeness you find in this dark haven. It can be delicious to discover the stranger that lives inside of you and them. Do not fear the dark. Find out what it feels like to love in the shade. You will be surprised at how much closer you feel to self and to that beloved.
“Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger?
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself?” - Billy Joel
The Lovers and The Sun (Reversed) from The Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein
Two of Swords…
I see you, out in the cold, perched at an impasse, wondering if you should make a move. You should. Some decisions are really not fun because either way you feel blinded from what might lie beyond them. It’s challenging to know what way is the right way…but does it matter at this point? You may feel comfy having nested in your home in the in-between, but it was never meant to be your permanent residence. You have wings, after all, so let yourself fly in a new direction. Don’t let your mind ensnare you in the decision making process. Look within and you will see that true freedom will come once you head in ANY direction. In short, make a move - you won’t regret it and if you find you do, you can always change course. Time to fly…
“The more decisions you are forced to make alone, the more aware you are of your freedom to choose.” - Thornton Wilder
The Two of Swords from The Ostara Tarot by Krista Gibbard
The Star…
This is less of a draw and more of a wish for you. The star is a very integral part of the Christmas Story. Not surprising that it is at the forefront of this and many other holiday and religious celebrations, because it is a symbol of love, light, hope, and peace. Tonight, no matter how cold or snowy it is where you are, I encourage you to take a minute or two and step out into the night air and look up at the sky. You see, if you are feeling down, anxious, disappointed or lost, a glance at the sky can be enough to let you know you are not alone. Because of the crazy, inclement weather, many of us may not be able to gather with loved ones the way we planned to do. Take comfort and joy in the idea that somewhere they are looking up at the same night sky and wishing they could be with you. And, while we are all glancing up towards the light of the heavens, it may occur to us that the universe is so much greater than we can even comprehend and our individual light is needed to move the cosmos forward. The stars, after all, reflect back our own sparkle, as we are made of stardust. Collectively, we have faced so many challenges over the last few years, but yet, we continue to shine. I hope you find the love, light, hope and peace that the stars promise this year.
“Each star is a mirror reflecting the truth inside of you.” - Aberjhani
The Star Card - not sure of the deck, but thanking the stars for the Artist that made this rendering, because it inspired me today.
The Hanged Man…
At this time of year it can feel like we are stuck in that winter Netherland of the mysterious in-between. Maybe it feels like the Upsidedown without monsters or a self-imposed Narnia of the spirit. These next few weeks could be a vacation from everyday life, but also might trap you in a prison of waiting for what is to come. There’s a magical, yet foreboding nostalgia that permeates the air as we maneuver through all of the gatherings of the holiday season. People, places, food, gifts all delight the senses, but also remind us of the ever changing experience of life. The approach of the new year comes with mixed emotions and all kinds of thoughts. In fact, some may feel a great sense of anxiety as the year creeps slowly to a close, while others feel the thrill of the unknown energy of what is ahead. There’s a lot to absorb and so much energy being expelled. It is important, though, that you prepare yourself for this topsy-turvy path and understand that you have more control over your experience of it than you recognize. Take a moment tonight to check in with how you are feeling and tie yourself to any hidden wishes you hold within. Suspend yourself above it all and breathe. You’ll soon know when you are ready to surrender to this Netherland and just how you might best face its most twisted mazes. Take time for self now - you won’t regret it later.
“Each person deserves a day in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from cares that will not withdraw from us.” - Maya Angelou
The Hanged Man from The Inspirational Tarot
The Nine of Wands…
Sometimes it’s best to retreat into solitude and wait for that spark to come. In fact, today, you may want to disappear into a safe space to make sure that you are poised and ready to invite that little bit of inspiration. Self-protection, while restrictive can allow for greater clarity and fresh perspective. Give yourself permission to honor your personal needs and set the stage for a healthy moment of isolation. Create space and set boundaries to keep others in check, and ready yourself to foster the light that lands in your lap. Take the time you need and hide with purpose! On this Monday, it’s necessary to be a little cagey…and incredibly imaginative.
“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how to use it.” - Anna Taylor
The 9 of Wands from the Stella Tarot by Stella Kaoruko
The Page of Wands…
I’m guessing my deck didn’t like my take on this card yesterday or is pushing me to keep exploring this Page, because it reappears today as our card for the week ahead. It literally leapt out of my shuffle and landed like a challenge right in front of my feet! Yes - my deck can be quite sassy. So, put on your detective gear and let’s get all Nancy Drew-like about the week ahead. It isn’t just surface inspiration that we seek - we’ll have to dig very deep to uncover that which we truly need to thrive. Use this week to not only prepare for the holidays ahead, but to really examine the mysterious secrets that dwell within. What do you desire for your life that has been buried away because you feel like it’s way too exotic or luxurious to actually contemplate? It’s time to contemplate it, my loves. Really dissect these hidden puzzles - put them together and make sense of what you crave. Then, hatch your plan to unravel the riddles by figuring out how to go after the thing you most desire. Decipher so you can master. It’s time to solve the case of your “Personal Inner Question Mark”. Happy hunting…
“Mysteries abound where most we seek for answers.” - Ray Bradbury
The Page of Wands from the Tarot of Mystical Moments by Carin Welz Stein
The Seven of Wands…
You have been working so very hard to defend and protect all that you cherish in your life and you have earned a little respite. This weekend, recognize and celebrate the fact that you finally have the upper hand. You may still feel the pressure of what is at stake, but you can rest a bit in the understanding that you have gained control over the constant threats to your personal wellbeing. Best way to honor this moment? Find a cozy spot where you can enjoy the comforts of the season. Light some candles and welcome the glow of the holidays into your heart. Staying close to home is advised, but even if you can’t be sure to dial up the feelings of warmth and splendor within your space. Anything that torments you from outside of your protective lair is inconsequential. So banish dark thoughts and drink in the peaceful and reassuring pleasures of the culmination of your hard work. You won’t be able to remain this insulated forever, so enjoy it while you can! Savour the season and honor yourself.
“There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” - Jane Austen
The 7 of Wands from the Thelema Tarot by Renata Lechner
The Ace Of Swords…
Sometimes you gotta take a shot in the dark, because out of darkness great ideas are born. Tonight, think of that one idea you have but have not taken action on. You know - the one that calls to you when you try to pack it away - the one that emerges in your dreams, even when you have forgotten it. Every time that idea springs forth, you feel a tiny bit of excitement and a great deal of resistance. Don’t pretend you don’t understand what I am talking about… That is the idea that you must grab a hold of and use to break free of all worry and doubt that prohibits you from taking a chance. Cut through the entanglement of your own mind and take action. Trust the power of your own creativity - see where this little idea can take you! Happy travels!
“Take the risk or lose the chance.” - The Universe
The Ace of Swords from The Running Press Tarot
The King of Wands - The Nine of Pentacles (Reversed)…
You can tell that life is a flurry when every day I have to post a card of the late night (instead of the card of the day). This means, the cards I pulled in the morning travel with me throughout the craziness of the day, which can help them to percolate in my spirit. This message really did shine prominently throughout the whirlwind of distractions that rained down upon me today. In the blizzard of the holiday season, while we are all rushing about and trying to keep up with the dizzying pace that this holiday season brings, the colors of red and gold shine prominently through decorations, ad campaigns and even on the trees we might place in and around our homes. A bit of symbolism emerges in these colors - some say the red represents a kind of sacrifice we all must make and the gold the gifts that are coming. In this case, with these two cards, it’s important to note that true power lies in how we choose to sacrifice self this season and we may find the gifts aren’t as important as we thought. Another idea that emerged for me in the franticness of today is that the red and gold are colors that can be found in the constant fire - within and without - that fire warms us throughout this time. Even if you live in a warm environment, the fire within your heart and soul can keep your spirit alive amidst this frigidly wild season! Think about using the vibrant imagery of the season to inspire you this time of year. Also, ask yourself - where can I find the real gifts and how might I best use my personal power to inspire others? No matter what you celebrate, the vibrancy of these colors can motivate us toward deeper meaning.
“We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be giving part of ourselves - the riches of the heart and the mind.” - James E Faust
The King of Wands into the Nine of Pentacles (Reversed) from The Sacred Rose Tarot by Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman