Death - Reversed…

Last night in our final session of the Uncommon Goods Tarot Series, this card appeared for someone in a very unexpected way. which fired up a great debate about the meaning of its message. So, when I pulled it this morning, I definitely felt like my deck was telling me it needed further review. Sometimes we feel driven to make a big change - to “cut the cord” that binds us to what we perceive to be toxic and truly revolutionize our lives. But feeling like you want a full transformation doesn’t always mean you are ready. When the Death card appears, it speaks to inevitable change, so you don’t have to worry - that change you seek will come, but perhaps you aren’t fully sensing the challenges that come when cross over into new territory. Fresh ideas, thoughts and motivation can be exciting, but deceiving to what truly lies behind that gate. In this moment, you may not be ready for that which you seek. Walk slowly and build momentum as you approach the idea of how you will make that daunting transformation. There are certain sacrifices that come with this endeavor and they hold far greater consequence than you realize. Grow with each step you take toward the unknown of that choice and soon, you will be ready.

“Transformation is an ongoing process that tends to appear ordinary, when, in fact, something extraordinary is taking place.” - Suzy Ross

The Death Card - Reversed - I don’t know what deck this is, but I found this image online and it felt right as a journey into the unknown…

Queen of Cups…

Part of what you do best is hidden below the surface of who you are. When the world sends chaos, you have the intuitive ability to journey into the depths of self to find your own compassionate way to handle it all. You understand so much of the emotional turmoil that can be unearthed by outward disturbances and you know how to lead others around you with empathy. Some of this is because you remain incredibly buoyant of spirit while sinking, but fully comprehend that sometimes you must hit the bottom to find the real treasure of the moment. Whatever wave descends today, trust that you are wearing that crown and you will prevail despite the challenges. Swim into the deep to find your own true power.

“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” - Marie Curie

The Queen of Cups from The Universal Goddess Tarot by Lo Scarabeo

The Sun (Reversed) - The Nine of Pentacles…

There is and has been a dark and twisty feeling that you cannot shake recently. You may have felt like your light is being diminished or obscured in some way - that your true potential is not being fully expressed. And, you may be right. But, not all is lost - you can still take control of your surroundings and fully inhabit the radiance you know is uniquely yours. Remove the threat by taming it with your personal grounding and flair. Rise to your most elegant form despite that tiny nuance that blocks the sun. Strategize a plan tonight to make that foe - that disrupter -stand in attention to your own gaze and become the messenger for your bidding. Not sure how? Start by evoking a sense of protection for yourself - then let your light shine within those parameters. Once you have reconnected to your truest form of self, you will discover the best way to entrap them without the use of a cage. Use the user. They are but a decoration to your own gorgeous existence.

“Don’t ever let anyone put out your light because they are blinded by it.” - Shannon Alder

The Sun (Reversed) into The Nine of Pentacles from The Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

Five of Cups…

A definite theme is emerging for this week - from the 4 of Cups into the 5 of Cups. I don’t know about you, but lately I feel like I’ve been doing a little too much “future predicting” in my mind which always finds it’s way to my heart. It’s fine when I use my cards for prediction, but when I decide that fear and dread are on the horizon based on what I feel I lack in the present, emotions run wild and threaten to hijack a personal sense of wellbeing. Do you also “future predict”? It’s funny how these “future predictions” stem from past heartbreak and losses. On this Monday, in an effort to re-balance our emotional health, let’s focus on the positive of what we DO have in this moment. There is so much that supports us, so why linger on the past in a way that will damage our future? Clear the hair away from the eyes, push your heart center forward and feel strengthened by what or who is available to you in this moment on this Monday.

“Don’t predict the future. Prepare for it.” - Martin Dai Nguyen

The Five of Cups from The 78 Tarot Elemental - Art by Stefania Russo

Four of Cups….

This week, it’s time to snap out of that blasé attitude we have brought to everything lately. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. You and I have been feeling plainly OVER IT. And maybe our brand of ennui was justified to a degree, but now our dissatisfaction has become a default and that’s no way to live. There is so much we can sip and savor in our world, so let’s recalibrate our hearts by refocusing on the good that is being served. How about we make a pledge to ourselves and to each other that for every disappointment we encounter this week, we’ll discover and sample the silver lining. There IS an upside to every downside, if we take the time to really see and experience it. Let’s start by tasting all of the flavors that are on the menu. Revive the senses and bring yourself back to live. Cheers, from your ally who will join you in sipping this remedy!

“She wasn’t bored - just restless between adventures.” - Atticus

The Four of Cups from The Altered Tarot

Ten of Cups (Vials)…

I was so thrilled to see this card today. I don’t know if you have had the grey and stormy start to the year that I have, but I welcome the opportunity for a rainbow signifying better days ahead. The rainbow on the 10 of Cups is one of my favorite symbols to emerge in the Tarot - it calls to hope, fulfillment, vibrancy and harmony. This morning it made me recall pandemic times when all of the little humans in my Brooklyn neighborhood who were trapped in their apartments started a campaign of crafting and posting rainbows in the window as a means of communication. I would go out on a run (mask on) and each and every block would great me with a new and colorful symbol of hope. It really moved me in a time of great despair. It kept me smiling and believing there could be a bright reward after the storm. One thing I did learn from those little artistic warriors - we are ceertainly all in this together and a tiny gesture can go a long way. Today, see if you can be that kind of magic elixir for someone else. Brighten the day all around you by becoming the rainbow.

“When I see a rainbow, I know that someone, somewhere loves me.” - Anthony T. Hincks.

The 10 of Vials from the Numinous Tarot

Nine of Pentacles…

Good morning, beauties! You deserve to be lavished with coveted luxuries and to live in a state of glorious abundance. I know, sometimes, it’s hard for you to believe that, but it is imperative that you consider yourself someone who should be showered with the most gorgeous gifts that this earthly world has to offer. Don’t let yourself be blinded with guilt or allow yourself to think you don’t deserve it. You mean so much to so many and the world is more radiant and vibrant to have you in it. So relish in the eternal elegance of who you are. Foster this belief and you will begin to naturally manifest all the resplendence you are owed. Start today by repeating this to yourself, “I am a worthy of all the gifts that the universe bestows upon me.” And, then go out and do something for yourself that is magically superfluous but absolutely divine.

“I want it to be better than okay. You deserve better than okay.” - Tamara Webber

The Nine of Pentacles from the Cosmic Tarot by Norbert Losche (a particularly luxuriously illustrated deck!)

The Wheel of Fate (Reversed) into the Six of Swords…

Good news - the worst of it is over. You have successfully managed the twists and turns that you were thrown into. You may have felt like you were suspended upside down on the downside of existence, but now you are moving toward blue skies and better days. Set your sails toward dry, sunny land and don’t let your dark thoughts about what has transpired follow you. If anything, you can use those dark thoughts to put a little extra wind in your sails as you flee. This last part of your journey may be challenging, but knowing that your destination will be sunny and fun once you arrive should help keep you moving. So close - almost there. Keep going and you will soon see that sliver of sunlight land appear on the horizon. Land, ho!

“Don’t give up on the person you are becoming.” - Anonymous

The Wheel of Fate (Reversed) into the 6 of Swords from the Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

The Lovers…

Pulled this card this morning and I felt the thorns of those roses right away. As a reader you always want to trust your intuition when approaching your cards, my magical friends. And love is beautiful, but it can sting when you least expect it. When the Lovers Card emerges, there is a sense of ethereal excitement that comes with it for both reader and querent. It has a certain potency that is undeniable, much like the intoxication you feel when you first find yourself falling in love. As we know, though, love can evolve in many different directions and the closer you get to someone, the more questions you find yourself asking yourself. Tonight, think closely about any romantic and emotional entanglements you may currently be a part of in your life. If any of those attachments leaves you feeling cut open in an unhealthy way, perhaps you are a bit too close. Vulnerability is a beautiful elixir when it’s healthy in its content. But, if there is any tiny bit of doubt or pain, ask yourself if it’s worth it.

“The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much and forgetting that you are special, too.” - Ernest Hemingway

The Lovers - Art by Malleus

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