The Six of Cups…

Emotions will be flowering up today as you think back on the past. Reminiscing evokes both the joy and the heartbreak you have experienced with those you have held dear. Allow the feeling to blossom as they choose - do not judge them or try to qualify them. Your heart is sifting through these memories for a reason, so let it do its work. Relax into the idea of sharing what is revealed, even though so much time has passed. Love and understanding have a way of surprising you like an orchid plant that suddenly decides to re-bloom. It can never be the same, but the rare beauty is undeniable. Raise a glass to the old and welcome the new. Be tender with yourself and with others.

“Sometimes memories sneak out of my eyes and roll down my cheeks.” – Unknown

The Six of Cups from the Golden Tarot by Kat Black

The Empress…

How can you bring life into the world today? Think about how you might create something fresh and magical for the benefit of others. Creativity is something we all possess, whether we believe it or not, so make something divinely beautiful! Paint it, draw it, construct it, write it or even just think it in a way that can be shared with others. Ideas are tiny bits of inspiration that can grow into stunning realities. So, all you really need is a spark and the motivation to share it. Live in the realm of the Empress today by embodying a little bit of what she stands for - growth, abundance, creation and supreme caring. Become the worldly creature you were meant to be - make the kind of magic that will grow wildly strong to benefit others. Start today - all you have to do is plant the seed.

“In the theater of life, magic is the script written in the language of the extraordinary.” — Jon Finch

The Empress from the Wizard’s Tarot by Corrine Kenner - Illustrated by John J Blumen

Four of Swords…

It’s Wednesday and I’m sure you have a fair amount on your agenda, but see if you can move through your day with an easiness of mind and tone. Honestly, you may be feeling exhausted if you try to push yourself or manufacture a false sense of motivation. Lay into your responsibilities with a calm demeanor and an almost zen like mentality. Treat each place you find yourself like a hidden, sacred lair meant only for your own calm focus. Speak slowly and evenly and no matter what is thrown in your direction, put self-healing and self-preservation first. When you start behaving like the elevated spirit you truly are, everyone else will calibrate to your personal energy. You don’t always have to declare boundaries to set them. Sometimes, just by changing your tempo, you are able to orchestrate a much more noble tonality to your personal arrangement. Soon you will find the world around you changing to accommodate that sense of grace

“Grace can lie in a smooth, well-coordinated motion, or in a humble and tolerant attitude.”
― Sarah L. Kaufman, The Art of Grace: On Moving Well Through Life

The Four of Swords - Art by Enchanted Whispers Art

Two of Cups & Judgement…

You have very big questions about life. “Who am I?” “Who am I meant to be?” “How Can I make an impact?” “What am I meant to do?” “Where am I going next?” All these queries can become a bit overwhelming, but focus your current emotional energy on someone specific - they may hold the key to the self-discovery you are longing for. Which specific person, you ask? That friend, family member or partner who is a little strange, but is always there for you - to lift you up and support you through all of life’s questions. You know the one - the one that you are still amazed has fit into your life so joyfully, even though they are terrifically different from all others you attract. They have the power to heal you and to reveal to you who you are capable of becoming. Let them guide you to your destiny or at least your next big stop on this worldly journey. Their unending guidance will be paramount to your ultimate success. And when you arrive there, they will not stand in your way, but lift you even higher than you imagined. All they ask of you is that you love them in return.

“In the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” - Paul McCartney

The Two of Cups & Judgement from Dame Darcy’s Queen Alice Tarot

Eight of Cups…

I always pull a card before I set out on a race (don’t be impressed - my specialty is 5k and will only run up to 4 miles in a race - I am of a certain age, after all). The race was today -the question for my deck is always the same, “what will help me make it through this race?” Honestly, I woke up feeling especially vulnerable - I’m running slower than usual and I didn’t get a good night’s sleep - so in my mind, just getting to the finish line at a slow walk would be enough. I pulled the Eight of Cups and was a bit perplexed - I mean it’s a little heavy of a concept for just 3 miles. But, then I realized my deck was asking me to run away from negativity and toward something better. I suddenly understood this was a kind of magical metaphor wish that my deck was making on my behalf. So, I put it into practice - I loaded up a positive playlist, I enjoyed a delicious cup of coffee, I put on a powerful red shirt and prepared myself for the spell I was about to cast. Just keep moving toward light and hope - leave the bad stuff in the dust. I imagined along the way all of the Sh@$ of my existence trailing behind and getting lost - I saw the potential for greater things ahead of me at every turn. Honestly, the run became transformative and strengthening. I felt the full power of resilience and I hit a 10 minute mile…which has eluded me for sometime. All this to say, use your cards to make magic in your own life - keep moving forward in the direction of possibility! Happy Saturday. xo

"Where you moving? I said, onto better things” -Anonymous

The Eight of Cups from The Light Seer’s Deck by Chris-Anne

The Hermit…

Oooooh! I got a juicy new deck and the pick for our weekend is trippy - The Hermit from Dame Darcy’s Queen Alice Tarot! When the work is officially done, slink away and dissolve into your own, secret lair this weekend. Solitude may help to bend your mind in all the right ways and if you need, I think you can find more ways to bend it. If you are approached by others, become their riddle to decipher and only dole out wisdom if you feel moved to do so. You will find you know so much more about almost everything than anyone you encounter, so you can be choosey in who deserves to be bestowed with your knowledge. Hide away and relish in your own importance. When you are ready, you will emerge with a enlightened perspective on who you truly are…

“Who are YOU?” - The Caterpillar (Lewis Carroll - Alice in Wonderland)

The Hermit from Dame Darcy’s Queen Alice Tarot

Five of Swords…

I pulled this card today and I was inclined to throw it back and select another…but that is clearly my psyche trying to avoid a theme that my life wants me to confront. So, let’s confront it - shall we?!? When you look up the Five of Swords online some “keywords” pop up to describe its meaning and the first one you will see is DEFEAT. But, what kind of defeat and what defines defeat for you?! Also, if we look at where this card falls within the journey of the minors - 5s sit directly in the middle. So if it truly reflects defeat…it’s a minor one that may not signify the end of anything, really. Defeat can be the moment you decide to give in, but giving in is sometimes necessary to move forward. It’s complex - it’s mystifying - it’s stressful. If you don’t accept defeat, have you been defeated? And, so what if you do accept it? If you are feeling the energy of this card today, I ask you this - in accepting defeat, what might you have to gain?

“Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional.”― Roger Crawford

The Five of Swords from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant

The King of Swords…

What are you an expert on these days? Don’t give away any of your bright ideas - hold on to them. When you have so much knowledge, power is a given. Why? Because you can choose to use that knowledge to your advantage when you need it most. You know that quote “dumb as a fox”?!? Strategize the best way to take control of whatever life throws in your direction and that may mean, not laying all your cards on the table, but rather holding them close to the chest. The world is yours for the taking, but you must know how to manipulate things so you can truly gain what you want. Wield your hidden power with quiet wisdom.

“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” - Jimi Hendrix

The King of Swords from Tarot: The Complete Kit deck by Julie Paschkis

The High Priestess…

There is so much magic hidden inside of you and you know it. It’s easy to lose the sense of all the daring wisdom that dwells within, though. The mundane problems of life interfere with our own connection to self. This week, strive to elevate yourself all of the daily dramas. See them as non-issues by recognizing the incredible and awe-inspiring mystery of existence. The universe amazes and astounds and you carry within you a record of its most majestic secrets. Splash around in that power and the idea that you are so much more than the noise of the moment. You are the song of silence which is sung with greater reverence. Connect with and use the inherent knowledge of cosmos - your enchanting intuition - to lead you forward in a more authentic way.

“Intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life.” – Paulo Coelho

The High Priestess - Artist’s rendering found online

The Hanged Man…

So much going on for you lately! In some ways, you likely feel trapped and overwhelmed, but in other ways you have let an all-consuming ennui set in. Despite the strong dissociation, this is actually moment for you to learn and understand life’s complexities. Consider that you aren’t trapped, but rather confined in a way that allows for you to internally explore your own position. Though, you feel disconnected, you are actually working hard to sustain yourself in a myriad of situations and the work you are doing is not for the feint of heart. Do what you must to find your truth in the twisting vines of existence. It’s more than acceptable to take the time you need to rise above it all and turn it all on its head, so you can connect with the clarity you deserve.

“When you quiet your mind, you can enter a world of clarity, peace and understanding.” - Alice Coltrane

The Hanged Man from Tarot Illumnati by Huggens Kim

The Ten of Pentacles (Reversed)…

When making plans this weekend, try to plan events and gatherings with people that love you for who you are - not what you own or what you have acquired. The best company is company that doesn’t judge you, but will support you at any stage of your existence, whether it be king/queen of the world or just beautiful, surviving mess. Your people will the ones that show up to your party with open arms and fun energy whether you are dining at a five star restaurant or sitting on a stoop with a slice of $1 pizza. Foundation and security can be fleeting, but a healthy support system rests on the kind of merry mayhem you can make with like-minded spirits that just get you. If you celebrate with those specific people, you will have a weekend of fun that extends far beyond this weekend!

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” — Oprah Winfrey

The Ten of Pentacles (Reversed) - Art by Brian Huntress

Two of Swords…

You look so glamorous when you have to make a tough decision! Listen, you are doing all of the right things - taking a step back, closing your eyes and ears to the ideas and opinions of others, looking inward to find your way! So, trust your instincts. It’s undeniable that you are leaning in a particular direction. You cannot pause too long, or the opportunities will pass you by! Don’t give in because you cannot make your mind up. Go for it. You will never quite know either way, unless you take action.

“On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of decision, sat down to wait, and waiting died.” - George W. Cecil

The Two of Swords from The Mucha Tarot by Lo Scarabeo

The Queen of Swords and The Four of Wands (Reversed)…

Don’t let the power someone USED to hold over you affect the way you enjoy and inhabit your life today. We all have those monsters from our past - the ones that lorded over us with negative opinions, wielding their sense of control as a weapon. It truly is hard to let go of some of the things that were instilled in us as young, impressionable humans by those who had bad intentions. Even if they are far removed from your life, you may be holding onto the twisted principles they insisted upon and those hollow words that cut you to your core. Whatever remains of that malicious energy can infect how you choose to experience the world around you. If this is the case, it’s time to say goodbye to such a tormenter - for real. Write them a letter today and say to them exactly what needs to be said, but find enjoyment as you pen those words you never got to express. You decide what happens with that letter - maybe you hurl it into a lake or river - maybe you set it on fire - maybe you hold onto it as a reminder to live more fully in the moment. Release that energy and welcome color, togetherness, light and joy!

“Clear out the past, layout the present and prepare for a much better and brighter future.”― Omoakhuana Anthonia

The Queen of Swords & The Four of Wands (Reversed) from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

Justice…

You may think that what you know to be true is right, but balancing the scales of fairness is a lot more complex than meets the eye. There are differing opinions, yes…but there are also differing experiences in any given situation. When you see everything only from your viewpoint, you are not necessarily seeing things clearly. Today, face a tricky situation head on by taking your time to try to explore it from all vantages. Listen and understand with openness of mind, heart and spirit. Decisions don’t have to be made quickly, but should be approached with impartiality and this will be challenging. If you strip away your pre-conceived notions and face the idea that you don’t have all of the answers, you will ultimately make the right choices - choices based on honor and equity. Real power can be discovered in objectivity.

“Are you listening, or are you busy forming opinions?”
― Akiroq Brost

Justice from the Sawyer’s Path Tarot by Jamie Sawyer

The World - Reversed…

If you find yourself feeling turned upside down this week and spinning slightly out of orbit, don’t panic. When things get this shaky it’s likely a sign that you need to find the root of the problem. In this case, if fulfillment of personal purpose is what is at stake, then you should feel gratitude for the sign that something is not quite right in the path you are taking. It’s time to reconnect to the “ultimate why” that is driving you forward. Get as specific as you can in why you have made the choices that have brought you here and you may find the why is not quite resonating for you anymore. Pinpoint your deepest passions and you will see that you can realign your planet with authenticity. Sure, it will take hard work, but this week is the wake up call you need to find your way back to a meaningful way of life.

“Let your yearning for life challenge you to leave behind a second sun which the earth can orbit!”― Lawren Leo

The World (Reversed) from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant

The Death Card…

This is not the message I expected I’d have to deliver on a Saturday, so prepare yourself. A piece of you must die today. I know you are thinking, “Oh come ON, Holly - this is not fair.” But, I also expect you know exactly what I mean with this piece of news. There is a part of you that you have been dragging around with you, trying desperately to keep alive and, while it will be challenging, it is now time to let that part of you go quietly into the night. You don’t need it anymore - it is only weighing you down. Confront that which you have been avoiding. Do the difficult thing by letting this part of self cross over, so that something new and fresh can grow in its place. If it truly is an emotional experience for you, let yourself mourn tonight. Heck, hold a memorial and buy yourself some red, red roses to honor what you are saying goodbye to. Rebirth is on the other side of this moment, so don’t hold onto the sadness too long. You got this…it will all be ok.

“There’s an important difference between giving up and letting go.”— Jessica Hatchigan

The Death Card - Artist’s Rendering found on Etsy

The Page of Cups…

Your tiny world is FULL of delights. What strange wonder sparked your curiosity today?!? Haven’t experienced it yet - well, it’s coming your way. Be ready to welcome a tiny, but joyful glimmer of something different. Study this strange, new idea, thought, experience or even person you encounter. They deserve more than just a glance. Linger in the newness of this energy for a spell. Let yourself be enraptured by the unknown of it all. Allow this brush with the unexpected into your space and heart with open intrigue. This tiny little moment of something uniquely wondrous - this novelty you have found will inspire something greater within you - you just don’t know what yet…

“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” - Albert Einstein

The Page of Cups from The AstroMatrix Tarot Deck

Three of Swords (Reversed)…

Don’t worry - the cloudy situation you have been facing is lifting. The skies are clearing and so is your heart. No matter what has transpired, you are not to blame. Others may continue to hold on to this, but it’s imperative you release yourself from its hold. So, free your mind of any dark, lingering thoughts and let yourself breathe once more. Start by choosing positivity. Welcome a bright and optimistic outlook and you will soon see the sun break through to brighten your life.

"Negativity is an addiction to the bleak shadow that lingers around every human form--you can transfigure negativity by turning it toward the light of your soul." -- John O'Donohue

The Three of Swords (Reversed) from The Morgan Greer Tarot

Seven of Cups (Reversed) & Six of Swords (Reversed)…

Stop - just stop reflecting back on past decisions! Your mind is steering you in the direction of the “what ifs” and the “what ifs” are a supreme waste of your time and energy. Yes, your life would be different if you had made different decisions in the past, but you don’t know how and you never will. You may feel like there’s some safety waiting for you in the idea of “well, if I had…” but these excuses are so hollow. Because, “what if” you had? You will go around in circles with this, because regret for past decisions is a road to nowhere. Happiness, fulfillment and success are byproducts of decisions you can make for yourself in the here and now. Turn your mind to the present and you will be leading your heart toward a better future. Sorry for the Tarot tough-love on a Tuesday, but it needed to be said.

“Don't spend your life wondering "what if" and worrying over something you have no control. What's done is done. Looking backwards will cause you to miss out on new blessings ahead. Move on.”― Germany Kent

The 7 of Cups (Reversed) and The 6 of Swords (Reversed) from The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

Princess (Page) of Wands…

For all my princesses - The fire in your eyes reveals the burning passion in your heart. You are open and ready for something more in life - something that will fulfill your deepest needs and inspire you to reach outside of the bounds of what you consider to be safe. Listen to the world around you and absorb its power, so that you may use this fiery knowledge to advance in ways you have only begun to imagine. You are at the start of something great and you know it. Don’t let anyone tame or restrict your feral curiosity - it is your superpower. Feed your desires and consume what is offered with no apologies. You are ready to set the world on fire.

“To be a woman is to harness the power of the earth below you,sky above you, and fire within you.”
― Grace Gegenheimer, The Way She Blooms

The Princess (Page) of Wands - Online art by Craiyon