The Five of Cups…

“Star light, Star bright, I wish I may, I wish I might….” Wishes are such a dangerous thing - aren’t they? On one hand, they are a source of pure hope and unfettered potential - on the other hand they can prove to be the bottomless well of our deepest disappointments. This week, we may find ourselves being drawn into the dark cavernous descent of that very brand of sorrow. It’s important that, when we become ensnared by that stagnated water, we do not lose a connection with our pure and potent magic. We must fight to pull ourselves from the weight of it, because we are born to run free with grace and nobility. Let us not sink into the depths of despair and become numb and despondent, but rather face our past defeats with poise and elegance. In order to move forward, it’s imperative that we free ourselves from self-pity and sorrow. We are, after, true magic makers and there is magic yet to make.

“Nothing is lost. . .Everything is transformed.”
― Michael Ende, The Neverending Story

The Five of Cups from The Mary-el Tarot by Marie White

The Emperor…

Take charge tonight in a deliciously mischievous way. If you feel like Saturday night is not going the way you had planned, put your foot down and demand the experience you most desire. Don’t let the whims of others take the lead - squash them and then tell them how the night will evolve. Truthfully, your brand of malevolence is far more exciting for everyone and though they may protest at first, eventually they will cave to your will. Because what you want is what everyone else craves and only you have the power to put it all in motion. You also have the uniquely creative vision of the entrancing games to be played under this particular moon. So, if the night isn’t going your way, stop complaining about it - just step in and change it.

“Be the moon and inspire people - even when you’re far from full.” - K Tolnoe

The Emperor from The Deviant Moon Tarot by Patrick Velenza

Three of Pentacles…

Collab is such a buzz word right now. This snappy sounding abbreviation makes teamwork sound easy and cool. But, really inventive collaboration begins to happen when there’s a real challenge at hand. When you venture to accomplish something enriching and spectacular, you may find that you reach a certain point in that journey when you realize it isn’t possible without the expertise of others. It can be complicated to connect with the right people to aid you in your journey. Not only is it imperative that you believe in power of contribution they might make, but there’s a high level of trust between all parties that must be established and maintained. This weekend, don’t be a part of the “Collab”. Instead, commit yourself to true synergy with your companions. Dedicate your full spirit to the full word. To create, you must collaborate.

“None of us is as smart as all of us.” - Ken Blanchard

The Three of Pentacles from The Spinoolean Tarot

The Tower…

When I pulled this card this morning it was a definite laugh out loud moment. Sometimes the cards reflect your life back to with such accuracy that you feel like your deck is making a joke at your expense. But, I took this card with me throughout the day and something deeper started to emerge for me regarding the Tower. When chaos and weirdness encircle you and life is overwhelming things can seem incredibly surreal. You may feel like you are living second to second, just trying to fend off the threats. But, when you are in the real thick of the battle (just before you realize it’s all going to crumble to the ground) you experience that moment of uneasy calm where everything comes into focus and a higher level of understanding is achieved. The real message waits there for you, if you are ready for it. Clarity will find you in the most hellacious times, but you must be perceptive enough to recognize it when you meet it in the middle of the eye of your storm. Breathe and listen to the secret whispering of your pounding heart when you find yourself there. You won’t be disappointed.

“Respond from the center of the hurricane, rather than reacting from the chaos of the storm.” - George Mumford

The Tower from The Psychobilly Tarot by W. Kurt Wenz

The Page of Pentacles…

Need a break or some kind of distraction? Get out of your life by getting into something else. What, though?!? Welp, I don’t know - what interests you? Sometimes we need a little divergence from the everyday, but we can’t plan a big trip or do something highly involved. BUT we can always plant our noses in a book to learn something new. Tonight make a plan to step outside of the humdrum existence you are beginning to resent by putting your nose into a juicy novel or going online to take an intriguing class. Create space for exploration and do not feel any guilt for your tiny escape plan. You have earned every second of it, my friend. Sweet dreams - read that book before you close your eyes. Let that adventure follow you into your sleep!

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” - Garrison Keller

The Page of Pentacles - Artist’s Rendering

The High Priestess - Reversed…

Some may believe that in love, the heart becomes an open book…but should it? As you flip through the many pages in the story of a relationship, your perception of what is actually written there can be deceiving. In all phases of attraction and connection, we tend to filter our own experience through a rose colored lens. So many times if you look back at a partnership that didn’t work out, you can pinpoint the very first moment you questioned what was there, but painted over it in rainbow hues. You see, the romance is a story that becomes a powerful aphrodisiac that can blind you from seeing the truth. Intuition is there with you, though, through the entire juicy novel. Trust what you know to be true. Listen to your inner compass. This week, you may need to re-write your narrative when it comes to love in small or big ways. But don’t you want a connection that transcends the traditional fairy tale? Trust what you know to be true in love and beyond - let the universe deliver your true destiny.

“Fairy tales are stories of triumph and transformation and true love. All things I fervently believe in.” - Kate Forsyth

The High Priestess (Reversed) Do you know what deck this is? I love the image, but can’t find what deck it is from on-line…

The Page of Wands…

A spark of passion is in the air and now it’s up to you to figure out how to foster the flame. All you really need to advance is a tiny flicker of excitement and a huge amount of curiosity. So examine who or what your light is shining on with deep interest. Devote some time today to exploring this person or idea further, but let your enthusiastic spirit lead the way as you dive into the study. There is so much potential for you to learn and grow in this situation and, perhaps, that is way you feel as passionately as you do about it. You have discovered a fire that deserves to be cultivated. Exploration of the best way to galvanize this new desire is the fun part. So fill your heart with magic by encouraging that tiny spark to blaze into a brilliant bonfire.

“Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames.” - Rumi

The Page of Wands from The Wizards Tarot Deck by Corrine Kenner and John J Blumen

Temperance (Reversed) into The Chariot…

You have what you need to make a big move. If you have been thinking about taking big action or heading a new direction altogether, the time is now. If you wait until you feel balanced and at ease about the decision for fast change - you will never make that change. Gather your tools and trust that the universe has you cloaked in protection. So much is on the horizon and your confidence and determination are at an all time high. Any uneasiness you feel is mere worry and guilt about what you are leaving behind and those are wasted emotions. You can’t change what could have been, so there’s no use holding onto the doubt of it. Move boldly and wildly forward without hesitation. Life is about to get exciting.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.” - Henry David Thoreau

Temperance (Reversed) into the Chariot from The Rider/Waite/Smith Deck

The Emperor…

We are off to a majestic start to the week. You may find your schedule full of important duties and obligations, but it seems you will be owning every single commitment. Navigating all of the colorful characters and energies that appear will involve a structured approach, though. Guidelines must be stated and followed, but I think you know that. Boundaries will be paramount in your approach. You set the tone, so take command of the manifesting challenges and celebrations (there will be both and everything in between). Let others do your bidding, but oversee their actions with focused benevolence and humanity. Let’s face it, you have so much going on, it’s like you have the whole world in your hands right now. The responsibility of it is awesome, but your special brand of dynamic leadership is exactly what is needed. Sit in your own power.

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." – Eleanor Roosevelt

The Emperor - Artist rendering by Annalobello on Deviant Art

The Queen of Pentacles/Coins…

The Queen of Coins flutters in with style to let you know this week is the perfect time for a glow up, my friends! Invite glamour into your life with every move you make. Dress in a manner that makes you feel extravagant. Plan for fun outings and if you are staying in, lavish yourself with self-care of the highest order. Splurge on something that feels frivolous just to boost your spirits. Greet each person you encounter as if they are lucky to be orbiting you and bless them with your elevated sensibilities and outlandish opinions. Relish every moment of your life by infusing each tiring second with colorful exuberance. Be the glitter bomb that invades all environments with rich, luxurious beauty. This week you have real opportunity to shine, so magnify it. The queen has spoken. What are you waiting for? Go pick out the outfit that will let you start the week as the true stunner you are.

“You can have anything you want in life, if you dress for it.”– Edith Head

The Queen of Coins from The Couture Tarot Deck by Megan Skinner

The Hermit - Reversed…

To stand before the mouth of a dark cave can feel like you are about to be swallowed by a giant whale. Each of us confronts a metaphorical cave or two within our lifetime and even in the abstract, we might feel like we are about to be devoured by the moment. What lies within is a mystery that is impossible to decipher from the outside and makes no promise to you that you will return to the surface unchanged and intact. But, we all have those moments when we know we must take that cold, lonely journey through the treacherous darkness to rediscover who we are. So, maybe we aren’t meant to resurface in the same way. Tonight, look into the mouth of the cave of what truly terrifies you and ask yourself what you stand to gain by venturing in, despite that fear. You may not have the real answer, but perhaps that is why you need to travel inside. I think what you will discover in this journey is that the light of your own being is strong enough to lead the way.

“In darkness, be your own light.” - Debasish Mridha

The Hermit by Enamorte for 78 Tarot Elemental

Page of Wands…

On this first weekend of February, get curious about your passion. What you love makes you lovable and how you direct your passion can inspire deeper love. If you are in a relationship, reconnect with the initial spark you felt for that other person and redesign a path to expand upon it. Examine what is hiding underneath the surface of your shared connection and see if you can let all of the juicy bits crawl out to the surface. Let that excitement nourish you both to grow and expand outside of your comfort zone and have fun discovering what more lies within the magic of your bond. If you are swinging single, let this weekend be a festival of flirtation. Explore each environment with the idea that potential for passion is there. Uncover the hidden mysteries of every new person you meet by asking them enchanting questions about who they are and who they want to be. Let your own personal spark flame out and expand everywhere you find yourself. This weekend is a passion party - love awaits if you let it in.

“Everything carries me to you, as if everything that exists, aromas, lights, metals were like little boats that sail toward those isles of yours that wait for me.” -Pablo Neruda

The Page of Wands from the Javanne Tarot by Javanna Jordell & Annelie Zofia

Ace of Pentacles…

I know you feel happy here in this serene sanctuary you have built for yourself, but opportunity calls! You must follow a path out side of your safe haven in order to realize your full potential. It’s true that what lies on the horizon will be a challenge - success is never promised, but even failure comes with rewards. When you put yourself out there in new and unknown territory, you stand to gain so much by expanding in raw and exciting ways. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know - find out what is truly there. The world outside of your protective garden has so much to offer and if you want to to claim the prize that the universe is dangling in front of you, it’s time to go find it, no matter how arduous the journey is.

“Climb every mountain, Ford every stream, Follow every rainbow, 'Till you find your dream.” - Mother Superior Sound of Music (I couldn’t resist…)

The Ace of Pentacles

The Chariot - Reversed…

I know you are feeling confident, determined and ready to move, but is that confidence? It could be ego spurring you into action and ego isn’t always the purest of motivators, so take a pause - slow down. Take a minute to put yourself in check. A confident and self-assured approach feels amazing - healthy and exciting! If it’s ego that driving you, you may feel there’s something underneath it all that just isn’t correct - an internal ickiness of sorts. This corrupted mode of motivation will not take you as far as you need because you may be just too cocky to understand all of the elements necessary to forge ahead successfully. So - chill out, de-puff and wait just a minute. If you truly want to get where you are planning to go, you’ve got to realign your intention.

“The ego is not who you really are. The ego is your self-image; your social mask; it is the role you are playing. Your social mask thrives on approval. It wants control and it is sustained by power, because it lives in fear.” - Deepak Chopra

The Chariot - Gee, I wish I knew which deck this is, but I do love the image.

Ace of Swords and Four of Swords…

Remember that time when you had to withdraw from the world around you in order to rescue your heart? That moment when you were so bereft that your mind descended down a never ending staircase of thoughts that twisted your psyche into believing you were invisible? At that moment your mind shut off, all was hopelessly quiet and you snuck away to hide. But, in your solitude you found a darkly beautiful path to restore your untethered longing. You listlessly curled up in rest and reconnected to the shimmer of light that still existed in your mind - that optimistic beam of self-belief that illuminated the truth of who you are. It was then that you could look within and hear the protective whispering of ancestors encouraging you to wake up gently and keep realizing your dreams. The love we feel for ourselves can often unravel and detach. I suppose my cards just wanted to remind you of that tonight - of how much you overcame in that moment of despair and just how protected and guided you are when you feel most alone.

“I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being.”―Hafiz of Shiraz

The Ace of Swords into The Four of Swords from The Light Seer’s Deck by Chris-Anne

Four of Pentacles…

Feeling a bit protective of your personal and financial security? I don’t blame you - tax time is approaching and inflation is threatening to rob us all of our hard earned dollars. It’s ok to play it safe….sometimes. But, how can you hope to have exciting life experiences and meet entrancing people if you are stuck there with all your stuff. It may feel dangerous, but it’s time to take a few chances and either share what you have or spend what you have to encourage a moment of sharing. Why stay hidden just to stay safe? BORING. Good times await as soon as you free yourself of this self-imposed high security lock-down. Let go of some of what you are holding onto to gain so much more.

"Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time."—Margaret Bonnano

The 4 of Pentacles from the Fenestra Tarot by Chatriya

The Two of Wands - Reversed…

It’s going to be a misty week - one that makes you long for brighter sparks of magic and adventure that lies beyond. It’s good to dream a bit and see where your passions lead you, but don’t take action on any whim just yet. Let it simmer inside, instead. Some of what you are feeling is just the light that wants to illuminate your mood through the fog. But, if you let it burn deep enough, there may be a truly radiant idea to be found there. An idea, though, that will need time to percolate. When it does start to really bubble, that is when you can turn up the heat by crafting a plan on how to fully realize it. You are at the very early stages here. This week, be patient and examine your internal fire deeply. You will know when the time is right to take action, because you will have already charted a path for it to become fully realized.

‘There are planners and there are dreamers. Planners make their dreams come true.” - Edwin Louis Cole

The Two of Wands (Reversed) Art by Enchanted Whispers Art

Three of Cups…

Tonight, connect with your nearest and dearest and raise a glass to all of the people who fill your heart with happiness. Three is a magic number, so if you were to raise your glass three times to give thanks an honor the soul stirring moments of your past year and those who have been a part of helping to create those moments for you - what are your top three? But, there’s more magic to be made from this exercise in joy - use those three moments that have risen to the surface to create a guide map for finding joy in the year ahead. I recently declared to three of my favorite people, “DEFINE JOY” and then promptly jumped off the zoom call. See, if you are seeking more joy in your life, you need to know what you are looking for. So, be a detective of fun tonight, gather your buddies and uncover the the three events of your past year inspired you and gleefully lifted you up (like the glasses you will raise). In honoring those moments of exhilaration, you will simultaneously be recognizing what truly makes you happy and taking a moment to invite more of it in. Celebrate with purpose - manifest - DEFINE JOY!!!

“Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” -Mother Teresa

The Three of Cups from The Illuminated Tarot by Carol Herzer

The Eight of Swords…

Do you feel like you are drifting but tethered? Do you know what I mean by that - like you are floating through life, but imprisoned by the expectations of others? Danger seems imminent when you are not fully able to act and react within your situation because of the limitations placed upon you by the outside world. But, if you become complacent in accepting this, you start to coast from day to day, not living up to your full potential. The ties that bind you may be self-inflicted acceptance of your current situation - because it seems easier to just float on rather than free yourself, which can feel daunting. Listen - the true obstacle is not external - the true challenge is to free your thinking and widen your perspective on what holds you back. I think if you look within, you’ll recognize that you are both imprisoned and the prisoner. Your thoughts are the rope that keeps you from advancing. Defy others by looking within so you can break the cycle. It’s time to stop presenting yourself as easy prey. You deserve the opportunity to free yourself - so take it!

“To know that you are a prisoner of your mind is the dawn of wisdom.” - Nisargardatta Maharaj

The 8 of Swords from The Vice Versa Tarot by Massimiliano Filadoro and Lunaea Weatherstone

The Devil into the King of Wands…

Tuesday has been daring us to push personal boundaries and rethink any guilt or shame we may be chained to. Sure - we all have our vices, but sometimes your most toxic inclinations - those actions that you wish you didn’t take, but just have to and you can’t seem to stop - that behavior can point you in a direction that is palpable, if you master it. You are probably thinking, “What on earth does Holly mean by this?!?” Well I suppose I mean that you should examine anything that you are continually drawn to that feels off-color or down right dangerous and see what the true need or want is deep within. What causes you to act this way or do these things? I think you may be surprised to find, though the behavior is subversive, the intention is authentic and may not be an evil one. How do you take the very potent piece of that internal spark and use it to create, envision, empower and strengthen who you are? Take control by cutting through the core of your imagined imprisonment to get to the root of that fire and then use it. Embrace and embolden that beast - there’s something powerful there.

“Each has its lesson; for our dreams in sooth, come they in shape of demons, gods, or elves, are allegories with deep hearts of truth that tell us solemn secrets of ourselves.” — Henry Timro

The Devil into the King of Wands from The Sacred Rose Tarot by Johanna Gargiulo-Sherman