Author: Cerridwen

December 8, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, December 8, 2025
Waning Moon
Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde

Here we are, at another week! I hope, in spite of the challenges we face on a large scale, you are finding personal joys.

Last week’s 7 of Canes was a well-timed warning in my life. Someone tried to scam me. Fortunately, I was paying attention, and I know how to counter it.

We are in a waning moon this week, and Neptune goes direct on Wednesday, the 10th, so we’ll get yet more relief from the retrogrades.

For December, we use the Yuletide Tarot by Kristopher Hughes, with art by Erin O’Leary Brown. You can read more about them by clinking the link on their names, and you can buy the deck from Llewellyn here.

The Minor Arcana correspondences are as follows:
Candles = Wands
Good Cheer = Cups
Canes = Swords
Gifts = Pentacles/Coins

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.
These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center—Spirit/Self: Four of Candles
This is the equivalent of the 4 of Wands in other decks, and a card of building something beautiful and stable. Celebrate your triumphs with those who matter to you. Enjoy the bounty of the moment. Family is who you deem it to be; it’s more than blood. Celebrate. This is a wonderful card to have at the center of the week. Hold that sense of love and celebration to your heart all week.

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: Eight of Candles
This is the equivalent to the 8 of Wands in other decks. Where many other decks show wands moving rapidly, these candles are firmly rooted in the snow and holly. However, the flames bend in the same direction, suggesting flow. Give yourself room this week to say “yes” to something unexpected that resonates with you. It will be something tangible (being in the north position) that also resonates with one of your passions (being a candle/wand). Ride that happy, positive energy, with celebration and joy.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Three of Good Cheer
This is the equivalent to the 3 of Cups in other decks. Celebrate with friends! Celebrate your connections! This is in the air position, so it’s about communicating. Meet a friend for coffee or a drink in between your busy, scheduled appointments. Really find out what is going on with each other, commiserate, and celebrate.

 

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: The World
Put yourself out there this week, being your authentic self and with your passion! We have been through a lot this year, and we’ve integrated more than we realize. We are closing out the year, we are closing out several difficult astrological cycles as planets move into new signs next year, the world is open to us. Give thanks, make plans, and celebrate! In this placement, it is about a deep knowing in your soul about what is right for you at this moment.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Nine of Good Cheer
This is the equivalent to the 9 of Cups – and it’s in the position of water/creativity/emotion. The 9 of Cups is often known as “the wish card” meaning make a wish and KNOW that it will come true. Take a minute to enjoy the fulfillment this week. Be joyful with what you have, and make a wish for the coming cycle. You are valued.

This week has enormous positive potential. People being what they are, there will be unhappy souls who try to throw a spanner into your joyful magic. If it’s possible to give them grace without ceding your boundaries and your own well-being, do so. Focus on the 4 of Candles and the sense of joy and belonging this week. Maybe you’re baking, maybe you’re writing cards, maybe you’re wrapping gifts, maybe you’re letting those around you know how much you value them. Hold onto the positive possibilities of the season and allow yourself to feel the joy. So much of this year has been about joy being forbidden, and the sense that because things are difficult (and those making it difficult delight in causing pain), that we’re not allowed to feel joy.

Let’s feel it anyway this week. Let’s use the joy and the sense of what the world CAN be, as a joyful, just place, and shape that energy into ways to do so.

Have a great week my friends. I would love to hear what resonated with you, or if you got something different from the reading.

December 1, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, December 1, 2025
Waxing Moon
Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde
Saturn and Mercury Direct

Welcome to a new week, a new month, and a different deck!

If this past weekend was a holiday one for you, I hope you enjoyed it, broke toxic traditions if necessary, and created new ones. Last week, I definitely felt the 7 of Wands, especially as the retrogrades went direct. It was a challenging week, although the holiday itself was lovely. Yesterday, we celebrated the First of Advent, another family tradition, lighting the first of the candles.

Saturn went direct on Thanksgiving (last Thursday), and Mercury went direct on the 29th (Saturday). We have a full moon this Thursday, December 4th. Our family tradition is to celebrate St. Nicholas night on the 5th into the 6th. This is also Krampus night, but our family has always focused on the more joyful aspects of the night.

For December, we use the Yuletide Tarot by Kristopher Hughes, with art by Erin O’Leary Brown. You can read more about them by clinking the link on their names, and you can buy the deck from Llewellyn here.

The Minor Arcana correspondences are as follows:
Candles = Wands
Good Cheer = Cups
Canes = Swords
Gifts = Pentacles/Coins

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork.

You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: 4 of Gifts
This is an interesting and somewhat disturbing card to have at the center of a reading leading into the holiday season. The man sits in his chair, clutching his gifts to his chest. Perhaps we feel we can’t be generous this year? Maybe we’re afraid to spend anything for the season (especially in the US right now) because of the current dumpster fire in which we live? Maybe we’re honoring the blackout on large corporate businesses, but still find much of the locally made goods beyond our budgets. Maybe we’re tired of being asked to give all the time, and feel the need to receive. Since we’re not receiving from those around us, we feel that we have to give to ourselves. That’s our current reality. Take a breath and give yourself grace. There’s a lot of uncertainty right now. Where will annual traditions make you feel more secure? What family stories or traditions can you share that will bring joy, without depleting you? We’re always encouraged to launch into the holiday season at full speed (and with Saturn and Mercury going direct, we feel that impulse even more). But maybe this year, with Jupiter in retrograde over the holidays, we need to have a slower holiday season. Give gently and in a way that makes you feel grounded rather than giving beyond your comfort due to expectations. Take time to assess the season, and make gentle changes that will make you and those around you comfortable and happy.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Seven of Canes
This is the equivalent to the 7 of Swords, which is the card of treachery and slyness. In the position of the north, tangibles, it has to do with material things. Is someone lying to you and trying to con you? I mean, here in the US, on a national level, we are in the midst of an enormous systemic grift, but this card is probably speaking to you on a more personal level. Tied to the previous card, the 4 of Gifts (4 of Pentacles), which tends to be about hoarding, and the images in both cards of clutching material goods close, there’s a sense of fear related to the week. Be cautious of opportunities that seem too good to be true this week. Also, make sure you are not hoarding beyond your needs. In terms of material goods this week, be thoughtful, and be careful not to be taken in by someone lying to you, while also not becoming the liar.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: The List
This is the equivalent to the Judgement card in other decks. We make our lists in this season, deciding to whom we send cards and/or give gifts, and which names we cross out. Others are doing the same to us. There’s nothing wrong with outgrowing connections that no longer serve us, or cutting back if we can’t afford something. But there are also connections that reward nurturance, and spending 5 minutes writing a card to someone who matters to us, or who might be lonely and need remembrance can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Make sure every choice is mindful and purposeful.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Father Christmas
This card is the equivalent to the Hermit in other decks. Since 2025 is the year of the hermit, it makes sense this would turn up in the “identity” slot. Listen to your inner guide. The holiday season tends to be about external pressures. But it is also winter, the dark time of the year, and we need time for quiet and reflection, so that we can hold up the lamp for others.

 

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Krampus
This card is the equivalent of the Devil in other decks, about being concerned with things on the physical plane, and feeling constrained by them. Again, it ties in with the 4 of Gifts, the 7 of Canes, the List, very closely. We are stressed about the material aspects of the coming weeks. We need to look within and find our light (Father Christmas) and the gentler, more loving, warmer aspects of the season that aren’t all connected to stuff. When you’re just trying to pay the bills AND show those around you that you celebrate them this season, it’s tough.

This week’s reading is about acknowledging the tensions you feel with seasonal expectations, and recalibrating. What will make YOU feel good within realistic parameters this season? How can you be generous and joyful without feeling depleted? Where will you have to draw boundaries?

Instead of driving forward full speed ahead (after all, no Chariot showed up this week), ease into the season with a realistic eye and taking small steps, rather than trying to get it all done.

Did anything in particular resonate with you? Or do you have a completely different interpretation? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

November 24, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, November 24, 2025
Waxing Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Mercury, Jupiter Retrograde

Hello, my friends, and welcome to another week!

This past week was challenging in many respects, especially in relation to the Devil card, so I was glad to hold onto the Sun and the 4 of Swords as much as possible. I leaned heavily into the 4 of Swords!

This week, we have two planets turning direct: Saturn (life lessons) on the 27th, and Mercury on the 29th. I will be glad to see the backside of the Mercury Retrograde. We’re getting a little relief from the retrograde pressures going into December, and it is very welcome.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.

For the month of November, we are using the Crow Tarot, by MJ Cullinane. You can learn more about the creator’s work and purchase the deck here.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Seven of Wands
The 7 of Wands is about defending your territory. Be confident and courageous. Stick up for yourself. You’ve earned where you are. Don’t let anyone knock you off your game this week. And yes, that includes at turbulent family Thanksgiving dinners, if it applies to you. You can be firm about your beliefs and your boundaries, while still being kind.

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: Queen of Swords
The Queen of Swords has learned from her mistakes, and will not repeat them. She is smart and sees the big picture, without getting bogged down into pettiness. On your day-to-day tangibles, take a breath to make sure you don’t make mistakes you’ve made in the past, know when to say “no” so that you don’t overextend (especially this week), and look at the big picture, instead of what someone demands right this second.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: The High Priestess
The High Priestess is a card of knowing and trusting your intuition. In the position of air/the intellect, it suggests that we KNOW the right answer, and as long as we don’t overthink it and get pushed into other people’s agendas (the two previous cards), we will make the right choices.

 

 

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: The Devil
This card came up in last week’s reading, in the North/Tangibles position. This week, it moves to the South, the position of fire, passion, and identity. Something very much tied to this world ignites our sense of passion and identity this week. The cynical part of me says, “yes, survival in this dumpster fire” but it goes beyond that. We don’t have to deny this world, in fact we can’t fully deny it while living in it. So let’s be passionate about being ourselves in it and doing the right thing by others. Let’s embody the positive aspects of the Devil card, and refuse those embodying the negative aspects sovereignty over us.

West –Water/Creativity/Emotion: The Star
Finally, a light at the end of our tunnel! The Star offers hope. It lights the way forward. In this position, it encourages us to honor our emotions and our creativity. Yes, we are angry that we are living in a dumpster fire. We’re not going to cave into toxic positivity and knuckled under to systemic oppression. We are going to trust our intuition, learn from our mistakes, hold our ground, and embody the positive aspects of the Devil card to prevail, and reinforce our 7 of Wands position.

We start at the center, we add each element and build on it for the week, and they reinforce the center.

There are three Major Arcana cards in this week’s reading, and a court card. After last week’s 4 of Swords respite, we are asked to be intuitive and courageous this week.

Did anything in particular resonate for you, or did you get something completely different from this reading? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Next week is a new month and a different deck! Have a great week, and we’ll check in again next week.

November 17, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, November 17, 2025
Waning Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Mercury, Jupiter Retrograde

And we have another week with six retrogrades pressing down on us. Deep breath. Some days, some moments are harder than others, and we just do the best we can. There’s a lot of toxic positivity going on about the retrogrades right now. If your experience is different than what they’re spouting, there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re having YOUR experience; they are trying to make a living from their work. Those two things might not be compatible.

Again, deep breath.

We have a new moon on Thursday. I suggest making it a gentle new moon of rest and hope, rather than making a lot of plans. I suggest looking at ways to simplify the holiday season so that you can actually enjoy it, rather than running around frantically based on expectations. There’s a lot that’s not working right now, and it’s not because you’re not doing enough “positive thinking” it’s because the systems designed to oppress are working. So carve out your small joys, and let them build into bigger ones that work for YOU. Disengage from as many toxic people and situations as you can, even if they are family related. Choose your family and your peace, as much as you can.

I much prefer sitting on my sofa watching the snow with a cat in my lap than racing around in the car making round after round of visits. Sending a card (be it physical or virtual) lets people know I am genuinely thinking about them and wishing them well, while still giving me physical and mental room to slow down. Baking cookies for friends and neighbors lets them know I want them to feel special and remembered. Your way might be something different. See what works for you.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.

For the month of November, we are using the Crow Tarot, by MJ Cullinane. You can learn more about the creator’s work and purchase the deck here.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

As I’m working on this reading, my local murder of crows is checking things out through the windows. Too funny!

Center – Spirit/Self: The Sun
It’s always a joy to see this card turn up anywhere in a reading, because it is profoundly positive. As the card literally and figuratively at the center of this reading, it reminds us that our souls burn brightly. The crow rides the white horse through the field of sunflowers. Be aware, this week, of the joys all around you. Treasure each smile, each kind word, each breeze, each sip of your favorite beverage, each time your cat purrs. There’s more than one way to ride to success, and you are on your way to finding yours.

North – Earth/Tangibles: The Devil
The Devil is a card of being tied (chained, as depicted by the art) to earthly things. And it landed in the north this week. Could it be a warning not to get too caught up in things like holiday shopping and the push to consume? Yes, it could. Sit with that a minute, and see if it resonates. What I’m getting, for myself, is that tangibles this week are also a way to success and freedom, tying it back to the sun. Small joys in the daily physicality of life will help you break the larger chains associated with the Devil this week.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect – Four of Swords
I love the 4 of Swords –the R & R card! Even better, this week, it lands in its home position of air. It’s time for some deep rest. That will help clear the way for your inner sunshine. Instead of the negative connotations of the Devil Card, build yourself a comfortable and cozy bower this week, and spend time in it, resting. If you’re a yoga person, do a lot of extra savasana or legs-up-the-wall pose or yoga Nidra. Go to bed earlier, if possible. Sleep in a little later, if possible – even 15 minutes can feel like a beautiful indulgence. Let yourself dream. This week, do less and dream more.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity – Six of Cups
The cards that turned up thus far in the reading aligned with the position in which they landed in the reading – the Sun at the center of spirit, the Devil at the earth position, the 4 of Swords in the air position. Now we are at fire, the passionate position of identity, burning bright – and we have a water/emotion card, the 6 of Cups. The 6 of Cups is about generosity and nostalgia. Can you help out at a youth program this week? Can you give advice or kindness to a younger member of your family or in your neighborhood? Do you have a fond memory with someone in your past, and write a card to let them know you’re thinking of them? Can you make a donation or volunteer time or share a social media post of a small business or artist to give them a little boost? Aside: In Feng Shui, fire and water make steam, which is incredibly powerful. That’s why you want to put a mirror over your fireplace, for balance and steam power, not a flat screen tv (electricity is associated with fire).

Water – West/Creativity/Emotion: Six of Wands
Here in the water position, we have a fire card. We can produce more steam! The 6 of Wands is about victory and esteem. The crow is in a laurel wreath, admired by other crows. Since it’s in the west position, you are likely to have a creative victory that brings acclaim, which then brings us back to the Sun at the center, a card of hope, optimism and success.

So, in spite of all the retrogrades and all the chaos out in the world, if we pull in a bit this week, rest, take care of ourselves in a way that makes us feel cherished (not in the ways we are told to perform “self-care”), we can extend kindness and have a creative victory that brings us even more success.

The temptation this week is to rush around and get everything done before American Thanksgiving next week, but this reading is suggesting that we take advantage of the slow-down of six retrogrades, and use it as a way to restore ourselves in order to meet the holiday season with more genuine pleasure and equanimity.

Did anything in the reading resonate with you, or did you get something completely different? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

November 10, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, November 10, 2025
Waning Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus, Mercury Retrograde
Jupiter goes retrograde tomorrow (Nov. 11)

Hello, my friends! We have five retrogrades happening, including the chaotic Mercury Retrograde, with Jupiter Retrograde joining tomorrow. My Mercury retrograde started with no heat, when the furnace broke down.

This is one of my spreads, that I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.

For the month of November, we are using the Crow Tarot, by MJ Cullinane. You can learn more about the creator’s work and purchase the deck here.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Center – Spirit/Self: Four of Wands
The 4 of Wands is one of my favorite cards in any deck, including this one. It’s about building something beautiful and lasting. It’s about joy and celebration. We have little of that right now, so approaching this week (in spite of what just happened in the US, where the Democrats folded instead of fought for healthcare for the American people) from a place deep within ourselves of celebration and building something long lasting and permanent will help us. We build it first on an energetic/spiritual level, and then on a physical level.

North – Tangibles/Earth: Page of Wands
The Page of Wands is about passionate being. It’s about being passionate in the world, and good news. In spite of the chaos, something good is on the horizon. Be ready to great it with joy and passion, and use it to build something beautiful (4 Wands).

 

 

East – Thought/Inspiration/Air: Seven of Pentacles
The 7 of Pentacles is a card of tangible things in the position of thought and inspiration. Remember that “thoughts are things” and where we direct our attention and our thoughts is what will likely come to fruition first. It’s about gathering. In this position, it encourages us to think about where we put our time and attention, where we want to “be” and how (Page of Wands) to build something beautiful (4 Wands).

South – Passion/Identity/Fire: Justice
A passion and a fiery need for Justice, especially in a time of betrayal, matters. At the same time, we want to make sure we’re not just lashing out. We need to seek justice in the long-term (tying back to 4 Wands). Think about where you want to put your time and energy (7 Pentacles) and know who to dismiss when they are no longer worth your time. That is also justice.

 

West – Emotion/Creativity/Water: Page of Swords
The Page of Swords is about discussions and talk – be careful it’s not about rumors. Be aware of those who may speak against you, and don’t speak without evidence against someone else. You may lose a few feathers, but stick to your truth. And watch for an important message that feeds into the other cards about justice, choosing where to put attention, types of being, and building something permanent.

There are two pages in this spread, which are about messages and something that is in a stage that still needs nurturance before it’s brought out into the world. Don’t rush (another warning form the 7 of Pentacles). Take your time, so you can embody something in the long term.

Did this resonate with you? Or did you get something different from the cards? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

November 3, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, November 3, 2025
Waxing Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Welcome to a new year on the Wheel of the Year calendar, having just passed Samhain, a new month, and a new deck!

I hope you had a blessed Samhain. I am in the midst of Tending the Dead, which you can read about at the link.

Since we’ve been using the same spread for over a year, I thought it was time to change up not just the deck, but also the spread.

Starting today, for the next few months, we will use something I call The Elemental Spread. It is very similar to many of the Medicine Wheel spreads I’ve seen, but I made a few tweaks to the way I use it over the years.

Here’s the graphic of the spread.

We start in the center, with Spirit/Self. This is the overall energy of the week, and how we relate to it.

We move to the position above, with is North/Tangibles, connected to the element of Earth, advice on how to deal with the week on a tangible, materialistic level.

We move clockwise to the third position, East/Thought, connected to the element of Air, advice on how to intellectually deal with the week.

Then we move down to the bottom of the spread, the 4th position, South/Passion, connected to the element of Fire, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of passion and identity.

Then we move up to the left side of the spread, the 5th position, West/Emotion, connected to the element of Water, advice on how to deal with the week from a place of creativity and emotion.

We wind up where we started, at the spirit center, integrating all the information for the week.

For the month of November, we are using the Crow Tarot, by MJ Cullinane. You can learn more about the creator’s work and purchase the deck here.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Spirit/Self – The Chariot
The Chariot is a card about taking control of your own direction and destiny. Move forward with confidence, down your chosen road. Use your will to move forward.

 

 

 

North/Tangibles – Ace of Swords
The way to move forward in the world this week is with new ideas. We have an air card in the position of tangibles, which means using your intellect in logical, material ways. It’s about planning and action, approaching situations from a fresh point of view.

 

 

East/Thought – Five of Pentacles
This card warns that your thoughts may turn negative this week, focusing on lack and struggle, rather than determination and purpose. Use your will (the Chariot) and new, active approached (Ace of Swords) to overcome negative thoughts and fears this week.

 

 

South/Passion – Two of Cups Reversed
I rarely read reversed cards, except for the Wheel of Fortune. When I began shuffling for this reading, all cards were in the upright position. The fact that this card turned up reversed anyway is significant. The 2 of Cups is about partnership, be it romantic or practical. When it’s reversed, it suggests an imbalance in a relationship, which can lead to resentment. Is the 5 of Pentacles energy coming from you or from a partner who is afraid? Or are you afraid, and the partner dismissive? Whichever the case, consider new approached (Ace of Swords) in order to regain the balance and move forward.

West/Emotion – Seven of Cups
The 7 of Cups is about choices and options. It’s often interpreted negatively, as someone dithering and not making a decision. I find it comes up, for me, when someone is trying to rush me into a decision that is in their best interests, rather than my own. So the 7 comes up to warn me not to rush things, but to daydream the possibilities all the way through, and make the best decision for me. This ties into the 2 of Cups Reversed, with an imbalance in a relationship. While the Ace of Swords and the Chariot suggest you need to be quick off the mark, also look at your options and don’t let anyone push you into anything.

That ties all the cards back into the Chariot – you may feel a lack, but looking at things from a fresh perspective and not allowing yourself to be pushed into a choice that feels wrong because of a challenge in partnership will ultimately allow you to move forward with success and will.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get a different interpretation? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Reminder to back up all your tech and prepare to slow down. Mercury goes retrograde on the 9th until the 29th (just in time to muck with people’s Thanksgiving plans). Deep breath, stay safe.

October 27, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, October 27, 2025
Waxing Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Welcome to a new week! And we’re in the final stretch of October, with Samhain and Day of the Dead at the end of the week. There’s big energy during a waxing moon, even with the retrogrades.

As we did last year in October, we are using The Halloween Tarot, by Karin Lee, with art by Kipling West. You can buy the deck from US Games here.

This deck has different names for the suits.
Pumpkins = Pentacles
Ghosts = Cups
Bats = Swords
Imps = Wands

If you’re new to the weekly readings, this is a spread of mine. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

The Collective Energy of the Week – Four of Imps
This card has come up frequently all month, in various positions. Last week, it was in the Opportunity slot. In the October 6 reading, it was in the Stretch slot. This week, it is the collective energy for the week, which is a terrific position for it. It means the collective energy can be aimed at building something permanent and beautiful. Considering what’s going on right now, that’s an important message. At the same time, we can’t just sit back and expect it to happen because a card turned up. It’s up to us to MAKE it happen.

The Week’s Challenge – The Emperor
It depicts Frankenstein’s monster, which may feel uncomfortably relevant as to the self-styled would-be Emperor roaming around out there. But this is our reading, for our actions, and it reminds us to be responsible leaders. Each of us has the challenge of being a responsible leader in our own lives and community, no matter what is going on around us. The challenge this week is not to merely be reactive, but to be responsibly active.

The Week’s Opportunity – Page of Imps
Last week, this card was in the Challenge slot. This week, it moves to the Opportunity slot. This is about exploring something related to your sense of self and your passion. It needs to be nurtured and is not yet ready to share. While last week, this was a challenge (possibly because, with the other energies swirling around, you were tempted to share before its time), this week, you have the opportunity to sit with it and explore. You don’t want to share it yet. You want to spend time with it and enjoy it.

The Week’s Stretch – Three of Pumpkins
This week, we need to dig in and do the work, and take pride in it. Since it’s a three, we’re also not doing it alone. Ask for help when you need it. Give help when you can when it’s asked. Collaboration will get us farther than solo struggle this week, even though it might be hard to either ask for help, or put aside your own worries and give help. Do both, and everyone’s tasks will get done with skill and on time.

 

The Week’s Comfort – Six of Imps
With all the wands and focus on identity and the material world this week, it’s a comfort to know we are riding to victory. Often, the 6 of Wands (this card’s equivalent), has a single figure riding a horse in a victory parade. This card shows all six imps (and the black cat) riding to victory TOGETHER. That ties in to all the previous cards about building, responsible leadership, self-exploration, and working together. Doing the work together is the road to victory.

You will note that no bats (swords) or ghosts (cups) showed up in this week’s reading. It’s less about thinking and feeling, and more about being (imps/wands) and doing (pumpkins, Emperor).

Next week, we will be in November. Not only will we work with a different deck, but it’s time to work with a different spread! We’ve been working with this spread for over a year. I hope you feel comfortable enough with it now to try it on your own, should you choose.

Next week a new agricultural/soul year starts, and we’ll work with both a different deck and a new spread.

Did anything in particular resonate with you in this reading? Or did you have a completely different interpretation? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

October 20, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, October 20, 2025
Dark Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Welcome to another week! It feels better, being out of the Pluto Retrograde, doesn’t it? Although, for me, this past week was more chaotic than I would have liked, more like a Mercury Retrograde week than anything else.

But it’s a new week. And tomorrow is a new moon in Libra. I’d like a little balance and harmony, please and thank you.

As we did last year in October, we are using The Halloween Tarot, by Karin Lee, with art by Kipling West. You can buy the deck from US Games here.

This deck has different names for the suits.
Pumpkins = Pentacles
Ghosts = Cups
Bats = Swords
Imps = Wands

If you’re new to the weekly readings, this is a spread of mine. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

The Collective Energy of the Week – Strength
For me, this card is not about aggression, but about quiet determination. I don’t have to be loud and cruel. I can be quietly persuasive. However, it’s also about holding boundaries and staying strong in the face of adversity. Since this card is in the collective position, it means, as a collective, we need to hold onto our core values with strength.

 

 

The Week’s Challenge – Page of Imps
This is the equivalent to the Page of Wands in other decks. It is about enthusiasm exploring a new sense of self. This isn’t yet ready to bring out into the world, even though the impulse may be to share it. Work with it and on it a bit this week, and nurture it, rather than sharing too early, even though the impulse to share before it is time so to do will be a challenge.

 

The Week’s Opportunity – Four of Imps
Two weeks ago, this card appeared in the “stretch” position. This week, it’s moved into the “opportunity” slot. The 4 of Imps (wands) is about building something permanent and beautiful. This ties in directly to the two previous cards, about quiet persuasion and not sharing something before it’s ready. It also ties into the 7 of Pentacles card in last week’s “challenge” slot, about patience, and letting things grow. Hold the course, and keep steadily building.

The Week’s Stretch – Two of Ghosts
The 2 of Ghosts (Cups) is about partnership, be it romantic or platonic, friendship, harmony, and working together. In this position, of a “stretch” it may mean giving someone the benefit of the doubt or a second chance. Or it might mean making the effort to connect. Consider this week’s stretch advice to meet everyone as a potential ally, until they prove otherwise. You will get some lovely surprises.

 

The Week’s Comfort – Page of Pumpkins
This card is equivalent to the Page of Pentacles in other decks. It’s tied to the physical plane, new opportunities and curiosity about tangibles, including money and home. Again, it’s something to be nurtured, not flaunted this week, and take comfort in it. There’s more support around you than you think (which is supported by both the 4 of Imps and the 2 of Ghosts).

You will note that there are no bats (swords) in the week’s reading. This week has more to do with being and feeling than thinking. Also the two pages indicate new choices on the horizon, that need some nurturing. This ties in with tomorrow’s new moon.

Gentleness and nurturance for the week are indicated in the cards. Offer it when and where you can; accept it when it’s offered. Step back and hold boundaries when there’s aggression toward you.

Did anything in particular resonate with you, or did you have a different interpretation? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

October 13, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

Monday, October 13, 2025
Waning Moon
Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde
Pluto DIRECT today

Happy new week!

Pluto goes direct today, so don’t be surprised if there is some chaos and exhaustion. Pluto is now moving direct in Aquarius, bringing illumination and collective transformation. There is no more hiding or looking the other way. There is only action and consequence.

All those nines in last week’s ready were lovely to lean into during the residency, although I never feel I make the “best use” of my time in residence. But what is “best use” other than enjoying oneself? When I look back, I got more done than I thought when I was in the moment.

As we did last year in October, we are using The Halloween Tarot, by Karin Lee, with art by Kipling West. You can buy the deck from US Games here.

This deck has different names for the suits.
Pumpkins = Pentacles
Ghosts = Cups
Bats = Swords
Imps = Wands

If you’re new to the weekly readings, this is a spread of mine. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

The Collective Energy of the Week – The Chariot
Major Arcana energy indicating forward motion sets the tone for the week here. With Pluto going direct, it makes sense. It’s time for the collective to move forward to create something better than the mire we’ve been stuck in for months. The pumpkin driving the car is having a fine old time. The black cat beside him looks a tad concerned. The action needs to be done with purpose, not moving just to move. You are in the driver’s seat of your own life, so make decisions to move things forward. When the Collective makes decisions that move forward the collective good, that’s when we can progress and defeat that which has tried to crush us.

The Week’s Challenge – Seven of Pumpkins
This is equivalent to the 7 of Pentacles. The challenge this week will be patience. We want to move forward at top speed, but some of what we’ve planted these past few months still needs time and nurturance. Look at all you’ve done, smile, and be patient and nurturing to those aspects that still need a little bit of time. You are making progress.

 

 

The Week’s Opportunity – King of Imps
This is equivalent to the King of Wands. What ignites your passion? What passion project needs to be completed before you start something new? Look for a chance to complete something deeply connected to your sense of self and your passion this week. The King will help you balance the drive of the chariot with the necessary patience of the 7 of Pumpkins so it will have a successful completion point.

 

The Week’s Stretch – Knight of Bats
This is equivalent to the Knight of Swords. There are ideas that need to come forth into the world. That ties into the three previous cards about forward motion, patience, and completing a passion project. Make sure everything is in place, all the I’s dotted, all the T’s crossed, before you send it out. Take the extra five minutes for a final proofread, or to snip the stray threads, or whatever it needs to go out into the world as its best self. Especially if the project is justice-oriented, take the extra minute to make sure everything adds up.

The Week’s Comfort – Five of Imps
Since fives are about conflict, this is an odd one to have in a comfort spot. The 5 of Imps (Wands) is about passionate rebellion. With the Chariot as the card for the overall energy of the week, join with others in rebellion for something about which you are passionate. You may come from differing points of view, but if you all get in the same car and drive in the same direction with purpose, you will achieve your goal, especially if you sprinkle in a little patience, care, and making sure the details are correct.

That all makes sense, when you look at the week with Pluto going direct and things headed toward the events planned for October 18. This is very much a week of collaboration and collective work to move forward.

Did anything in particular resonate with you, or did you get something completely different from these cards? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

October 6, 2025: Community Tarot Reading for the Week


Monday, October 6, 2025
Full Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Welcome to October! And we have a full moon in Aries today, full of fiery possibilities in spite of the retrogrades!

I am lucky to be in an artist residency this week, and enjoying myself thoroughly. So I’m happy to see ghosts and pumpkins, and surprised by the lack of bats.

This week, we switch decks. As we did last year, we are using The Halloween Tarot, by Karin Lee, with art by Kipling West. You can buy the deck from US Games here.

This deck has different names for the suits.
Pumpkins = Pentacles
Ghosts = Cups
Bats = Swords
Imps = Wands

If you’re new to the weekly readings, this is a spread of mine. It’s read from left to right, 5 cards. Any card that needs more interpretation can be built into further, above and below, with either more tarot cards, another tarot deck, or an oracle deck.

These interpretations are mine, based on my experience, intuition and responses to the artwork. You may have a different experience. This is an overview of the week as it stands now; every decision we make from the moment of the reading can change the outcome. If there’s something in the reading that worries you, you have the information ahead of time so that you can plan, make better choices, or handle it differently than predicted for a better outcome. Tarot sets out possibilities, which you change through your choices and actions.

Left to right, the positions are as follows:
1. The Collective Energy of the Week
2. The Week’s Challenge
3. The Week’s Opportunity
4. The Week’s Stretch
5. The Week’s Comfort

The Collective Energy of the Week – King of Ghosts
The card in this slot last week was the King of Pentacles. This week is the King of Ghosts (Cups). This is a generous, thoughtful person in charge of their emotions. They give comfort and support, but do not turn away from what makes many uncomfortable. Observe the bones on his robe, and the fact that he’s interacting with spirits. The collective energy of the week reminds us not to turn away from uncomfortable emotions.

 

The Week’s Challenge – 9 of Ghosts
This is the equivalent of the 9 of Cups. Last week, the 10 of Cups was in this slot. This week, we have backstepped to the 9. The 9 of Cups is often called “the wish card.” In this particular card, look at the art. The figure sitting on the bench, with a cat at their side, is also supported by nine ghosts. Take the chance this week, and make a wish – it’s a new moon, a great time to do so. When you make the wish, remember that you are supported. It’s in the challenge position because we often wish others well, and forget to do the same for ourselves. Make that wish for something that matters to YOU this week.

The Week’s Opportunity – 9 of Imps
The 9 of Imps (Wands) is often about being ready for anything, and being capable of everything. In this card, in particular, the imp is negotiating with the black cat, trying to gain its trust. In the background are eight of the imp’s companions, watching. Again, like with the previous card, there is support. You are the leader and the inspiration in this, but you have support behind you. Imps are also about identity and passion, so be on the lookout for an opportunity giving you an opportunity to lead that aligns with your passion and positive sense of self.

The Week’s Stretch – 4 of Imps
More imps! The 4 of Imps (wands) is about building something beautiful and permanent. There’s a celebration, peace, and joy. Between the wishing and the leading and taking care of others predicted in the three previous cards, it may be a stretch to find moments of celebration, but remember, you are building something that will be wonderful in the long term. Find moments this week to celebrate that.

The Week’s Comfort – 9 of Pumpkins
The 9 of Pumpkins is the 9 of Pentacles in other decks. It’s a card of personal, sovereign abundance and stability. You earned this, enjoy it! There’s a calm enjoyment.

Three nines in a tarot reading are significant, especially when you note which 9 is missing – the nine of bats (swords), which is a card that often indicates anxiety and upset. We have Ghosts (love, creativity, and, per the art on the card, support for your wishes), Imps (leadership, passion, ability to handle anything), and Pumpkins (material things). The other cards are about emotional stability and generosity, and building something with long-term benefits (the King of Ghosts and 4 of Imps).

Part of this week will be honoring that you deserve good things. Open your arms and accept them.

Did anything in particular resonate with you this week? Or did you find a different interpretation? I would love to hear from you in the comments!