The Reversed Ten of Pentacles and the Reversed Three of Swords…

The idea of attaining financial security and prosperity feels like the answer, but what you truly need for greater happiness is deeper than all of that. Sure - if you had the comforts of abundance, life would be less worrisome - freer, so to speak. However, all the material wealth in the world won’t heal the cloudy wounds that are etched in your heart - only you can do that. The universe is pushing you right now - asking you to explore the depths of your spirit without the benefit of a safety net. It’s scary, but the work you do in these next few months will help to release you from the prison of your own making. There is no easy fix - only your own willingness to confront all of the things that are holding you back from making the changes you desperately need. It’s time to get uncomfortable in all the right ways. (Sorry, but not sorry for the tough-love coming from the cards today!)

“I wish I'd said it first, and I don't even know who did: The only problems that money can solve are money problems.” - Mignon McLaughlin

The Reversed Ten of Pentacles and the Reversed Three of Swords from The Tarot of the Holy Spectrum

Reversed 8 of Swords & Coffin from Lenormand Deck…

Seems the “Blood Moon” will continue to reign over our weekend. We may feel like were are being dropped from our confining cocoons, unsure if we are truly ready to release ourselves, but knowing there is no other option at this point. But, we should give our hearts over to the moon and welcome the shadow-self out to dance under its darkened light. Endings and beginnings are one, so there’s a strange murkiness that prevails when we are transitioning which shouldn’t be avoided. Don’t fight the melancholy. This moment offers you a chance to confront and grieve anything you feel you are losing, so that you may really begin again with magic and mystery leading the way. Fall into the abyss. Wallow in sadness. You will be ok and maybe you need this level of darkness.

“Blood moon risin’ in a sky of black dust, tell me baby - who do you trust?” - Bruce Springsteen

The Eight of Swords (Reversed) from the Tarot of the Witch’s Garden by Sasha Graham and The Coffin from The Simplicity Lenormand by Emilie Muniz

The Emperor…

Take control of your day…month…year - take control of your entire life! Starting today you are the Emperor over your own domain and you call the shots. Lead with authority, but also lead with kindness and compassion. This will ensure that others look to you with the respect and “say yes” attitude that you desire from them. They will fall in line if you dictate the plan with dignity and understanding. Treat power as your god-given right, especially when dealing with what matters most to you. Most will fall in line, but the rest can just sashay away. Now hold your head high and honor yourself by stepping into this brave and noble new version of self!

“Power does not corrupt men; fools, however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power.”– George Bernard Shaw

The Emperor from the Unfolding Path Tarot by Athene Noctua

Page of Swords (Reversed)…

Love can’t be taught - it must be experienced. To study love is to lose yourself in someone’s arms and wonder if you will ever be the same after? To gain knowledge of love is to grow in a relationship or friendship to the place of no return - that place where you just know that person will always be embedded in your heart. When I think on the people who have left a lasting impression in my life - the ones who have truly changed who I am by giving of themselves so freely- I recall friends, family members, co-workers, lovers and even pets. No matter where you find yourself tonight, I hope you are surrounded with that kind of love. And if you are not, remember the experiences of bliss and abandon that you have enjoyed, because they are always with you. Don’t try to understand - just feel and know that you are loved because you are love to so many others. Happy Valentine’s Day.

“If I never see you again I will always carry you inside, outside; on my fingertips and at brain edges and in centers - centers of what I am of what remains.” —Charles Bukowski

The Page of Swords (Reversed) from the Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

The King of Pentacles…

Do you find yourself with a sudden benefactor? Life has a fun way of surprising us with the support we most need. This person is an ally and has the means to bolster your vision and help you to make it grow. In fact, they see you as a version of yourself that you have not yet realized…but you will. Don’t feel pressured, just accept the contribution they would like to make. Colorful changes are coming. The benefits you receive may not even be financial, but they are just what you need. Give them your trust and be led to your rightful destiny. Doesn’t it feel good to finally be valued at your worth?

“Know your worth. Then add tax.” – Unknown

The King of Pentacles from the Tarot of a Moon Garden by Karen Marie Sweikhardt

The Wheel of Fortune…

Do you feel a bit dizzy? That is because life is spinning for you right now and, let’s face it, you are picking up speed. You can brace yourself and hold on for dear life, or you can trust that you have what you need at your disposal to survive the swirl and just have fun. Though it may not feel like it, you are protected in this moment. In fact, the universe is swirling things around so that they can align in your favor! So, lighten up. The stress of it is temporary - you might as well enjoy the ride.

“Each one of us is a set of shifting molecules, spinning in ecstasy.” - Jim Jarmusch

The Wheel of Fortune from the Star Tarot by Cathy McClelland

Ace of Pentacles - High Priestess (Reversed)…

I’ve been sitting on this one all day. It was extremely exciting to see that Ace of Pentacles appear again (it was our card for the week). Opportunity for a better path does appear for us, but to be followed by that Reversed High Priestess makes me take pause. Is it possible that the potential that has presented itself is not what it seems? Are we so hopeful for change that we have painted it with unattainable expectations? Is our intuition misfiring in a way that will mislead us? Tread carefully and question everything. This can be a good thing, but we mustn’t distort it. My “just say yes” pull from Sunday is now more of a “consider yes, but get more information first.” Examine the problem from all angles to really know it’s right when you say “yes”.

"Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together." — Robert Redford

The Ace of Pentacles and the High Priestess (Reversed) from Tarot of the Witch’s Garden by Sasha Graham

The Hermit…

This card has been coming up for us a lot lately and it’s quite a big card, so I thought I’d dive deeper into what is historically represented in the card. Some of the earliest versions of this card do not feature a lantern at all, but rather an hourglass and the figure itself becomes more of a Father Time reference. He stands filled with wisdom and mysticism, but as it relates to the sands of time. Mountains appear later on the card as a nod to obstacles, but also elevation. Tonight, think on this - as we age we acquire so much knowledge overtime as a result of all of the challenges we have faced and the mountains we have been made to climb. So much that our older selves can hardly remember or recognize who we once were. Time moves at lightning speed, but we set our own pace. Moments of solitude are necessary to honor our progress in a way that can create a spark for others. Sweet dreams, my little hermits!

“I wish I had the power to flip my reality upside down like an hourglass, and that life wasn't a finite affair, but rather a perpetually recurring passage through a hole in time.” - Anne Fortier

The Hermit from The Slow Tarot by Lacey Bryant

Eight of Cups…

Life glistens with possibilities, but only if you are ready and willing to leave something or someone behind. Keep your head held high as you walk away from all those disappointments. You have come too far to stay in a place where you aren’t getting what you want and need. It’s bittersweet to leave this behind when so many things feel unfinished, but you understand that it is called for, so just keep going. Once you find yourself in new surroundings, you will reflect back and all that you have been through will hold greater meaning. You were always meant for more.

“Walking away may hurt for a while, but staying in a toxic situation hurts forever.”– Unknown

The Eight of Cups from Tarot Mucha by Lo Scarabeo

Ten of Wands (Reversed) & The Moon…

I love that the Moon Card jumped out today directly after the Wolf Moon - the first full moon of 2025! This message followed me all day today and it truly resonated. It’s time to start over. You have been carrying so much for so long on your mission to make things grow. Some of those things DID grow and then you had to carry them further. The heaviness of having to be the one to shoulder so much is just not serving you anymore. Turn your back on what you have been through and let your deeper desires rise to the surface. Sit in the beauty of your own power and do not for a second doubt that there is no new path waiting for you. It’s there. Your subconscious will light the way and your wildest, but most loyal, companions will come to your side and sit with you in the silvery light of the unknown. Sometimes, the unknown spills out of your spirit to quicken your personal power - sometimes the unknown is your savior.

"People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

The Ten of Wands (Reversed) and The Moon from The Tarot of Mystical Moments by Catrin Welz-Stein

The Lovers…

If you are starting the year feeling like the tide has pulled you under and you aren’t sure how much longer you can hold your breath, don’t forget that there are people who love you. Whether it’s a friend, a family member or a partner - there is someone there for you to grab onto. They are just waiting for you to take hold and they long to breathe for you and with you. In fact, nothing would thrill them more than to be the one that helps you to swim instead of sink. Vulnerability and attachment in times of need can be the most beautiful moment to deepen a bond. Maybe 2025 is the year that you let them in a beautiful way. There’s something so incredibly alluring about a messy embrace in an urgent time of deep need. Let go of your heart, but cling tight to them - see what kind of magic rises to the surface.

"Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it." - Anais Nin

The Lovers from The Tempest Tarot found on Tarot by Maisy

Ace of Wands…

The whole planet vibrates with possibility. Inspiration can be found in the smallest of moments. You don’t need a grand idea to appear to you, if you are open to the day-to-day humming of life. Don’t believe me? Take a look back at your day and recall the small bits of magic that appeared while you were just going about your life. Did a sudden view or idea make you stop and take pause? What silliness triggered laughter for you? Who made you smile unexpectedly? Maybe there was a mysterious “coincidence” that emerged for you? Perhaps a beautiful memory resurfaced at the right time? There are so many conduits of enchantment on your journey. Which will be the one to ignite your own version of prosperity and promise an eternity of euphoria?

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist." — Oscar Wilde

The Ace of Wands from The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans

King of Swords & Six of Pentacles…

A true leader focuses their attention on the full picture. They will do all they can to gain the widest perspective possible and make sure they have a complete understanding of what is truly at stake. Many times, this means being ready to provide to others what is needed for the success of all. They don’t view this as charity - they see it as strategy. To ensure the security and happiness of others works to your advantage when you are in charge. Examine the many ways in which you inhabit a leadership role in your life. Scrutinize your own actions based on the needs of those who surround you. Be wise by giving of yourself when it is needed most and for the specific benefit of all. Clarity of mind is important and swift action may be necessary, but don’t miss the bigger picture.

“Big-picture thinkers broaden their outlook by striving to learn from every experience. They don't rest on their successes, they learn from them.” - John C. Maxwell

The King of Swords & The Six of Pentacles from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi

The Page of Pentacles - Reversed…

Projects take on surprising dynamics today and you might not be quite ready, but you will have to deal with it. Colorful circumstances require a steady and soft paint brush. You have the understanding of what is at hand, but maybe you should consider a more creative approach? The obvious answer may not be the solution to what you have at hand, so mix up that paint until you find the right hue. And make sure you confront this with curiosity in your heart and a positive outlook. Recognizing that you have what you need at your disposal to make beautiful strides is key to your success. Maybe optimism and belief in the resolution is what is needed most of all! Happy Monday.

“Life is a painting, and you are the artist. You have on your palette all the colors in the spectrum - the same ones available to Michaelangelo and DaVinci.” - Paul J. Meyer

The Hermit - Reversed…

You’ve done enough ruminating on who you would like to be in 2025. You know who you are and who you would like to become. It’s time to come out of hiding and take action upon all of the goals you have set for yourself this year. If you haven’t yet, set a strategy for yourself on how you will emerge from this holiday cocoon, because you will need a strong plan on how you would like to move forward with the energy you desire to share. You have a bright light - one that will draw the attention of others. The wisdom that resides within is ready to be experienced and the luck you long for will only be attracted in when you put your plan into action. So, come out of hiding and let your authentic spirit shine.

“Most of us remain strangers to ourselves, hiding who we are, and ask other strangers, hiding who they are, to love us.” - Leo Buscaglia

The Hermit - Art by Market Cartmell Cantrell for Wildcat Studios

The Nine of Swords…

It makes sense that we should all start to feel a bit of anxiety this weekend as real life begins to descend upon us after the holiday season break, thus the Nine of Swords as our card for the weekend ahead. It’s important, though, that we do not let these worries overtake our spirit! These next two days are key for readying ourselves for what awaits us in 2025. While it may seem overwhelming, we must keep it all in perspective. One thing at a time is the way to restart all daily obligations, so make a list for yourself this weekend, if you really find yourself fretting. List it all out in order of importance or urgency and then it will be clear where you should start on Monday. Or maybe there is a different strategy you would like to adopt as you tackle these descending responsibilities? But, do not let them frighten you. You are in control and you deserve a little peace, quiet and self-care this weekend! All those swirling scaries - they can wait til you are ready.

“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, 'Where have I gone wrong?' Then a voice says to me, 'This is going to take more than one night.” - Charles M. Schulz

The Nine of Swords - Artist’s Rendering found on Reddit Greg White

Ten of Pentacles…

Life will be golden when you acquire that fortune you’ve always dreamed of, right? The Ten of Pentacles is a promising card about generational wealth and having achieved the level of abundance to ensure all you love will be able to thrive and blossom. Whenever we discuss this card in my Uncommon Goods Class, someone always points out the dog, representing loyalty, companionship and unconditional love. So you see, a lifetime fulfilled isn’t just reliant on money. In this version of the card from The After Tarot Deck, we get a different version altogether. Here you see the child and the dog playing together in the money - using it as a toy. They don’t even know the true value! So, this year, aside from money, what are you going to collect in your treasure chest to be enjoyed with those you love for years to come???

"A wise person should have money in their head, but not in their heart." - Jonathan Swift

The Ten of Pentacles from the After Tarot Deck by Pietro Alligo, art by Giulia F. Massaglia

New Year’s Eve Cards…

Can you feel that strange, but exhilarating energy in the air tonight? If you are sensing what I am sensing, this shift may be a tiny bit unsettling, but in a good way. There is so much that is unknown about the year ahead, but the energy feels big - 2025 will be full of surprises. Whatever your approach, dear friends, you have ideas that will emerge in a playful way and the intuition to support yourself through all the ups and downs. Your mind will crave new and engaging knowledge and your thoughts will lift you up as you walk the tightrope of 2025. Close your eyes right as the countdown begins or just a minute before and take note of what your inner voice says to you. Remember that secret whispering when life feels strange and uncertain. Let your intuition empower you in this year of change. You may be unsure in this moment, but your mind and spirit are ready for anything the universe plans in 2025. Happy New Year!

“Intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life.”― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

The Page of Swords & The High Priestess from The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne

The Four of Swords - Reversed…

For our conclusion to our “Five Days of Magic” draw, I asked, “What is the secret ingredient we will need to intensify our magic in 2025?” I specifically pulled from my StarSpinner Deck, because I wanted to invite Fairytale energy into the year. Also, this deck holds a special kind of tenderness for me, because I use it in my Uncommon Goods Tarot Experiences and it has been such a rewarding experience to share my understanding of Tarot with so many others around the world. I am grateful everyday for this opportunity and the joy it has brought into my life - and gratitude is magic, my friends! A fun response from my StarSpinner Deck (since we had the very same card yesterday, but upright). It’s clear that finding a balance between restful thought and determined action is going to be vital to our success this year. Wake up, Sleeping Beauties! Though rescuers will always be drawn to you, you cannot rely on outside help this year. It’s time to ignite your mind through self-motivation. Whatever makes you feel the most passionate, must be applied to any spell you cast. Action is everything. Don’t just believe it, DO IT. There’s a golden door of opportunities waiting for you, but you must actively walk through it. 2025 is your year to rescue yourself.

“As a girl, you're supposed to love Sleeping Beauty. I mean, who wants to love Sleeping Beauty when you can be Aladdin?” - Elliot Page

The Four of Swords (Reversed) from The Star Spinner Tarot by Trungles

The Four of Swords…

I asked my deck today, “What will we need most in 2025 to ensure a successful year?”. The answer - the Four of Swords. Sanctuary and a place where we can go to balance our thoughts will be vital to a productive and peaceful year. Almost immediately when I pulled this card, I remembered a giant pine tree in our front yard which I would hide under during snow storms to look out upon the world from my own quiet fort, blanketed in snow. I would spend hours there playing in the snow, hidden away where no one could find me and it was truly magical. I think we all had these places when we were little - where we could sneak off and ruminate in our own tiny hidden kingdoms. Today, spend a little time remembering yours - that fort you built, the treehouse, the cupboard under the stairs or the nook in the closet. Close your eyes and find yourself there. What made you feel the most safe and protected in this spot? What did you dream about while you were there and how did this brief escape help to restore peace of mind? When you feel ready, return to the here and now and hatch a plan to “reconstruct” this sanctuary. It doesn’t have to be elaborate - just your own special spot where you can retreat for greater peace and clarity. 2025 wants you to have this.

“Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional”. –Chili Davis

The Four of Swords from The Dreaming Way Tarot by Rome Choi