Category: Community Tarot Reading for the Week

 

Monday, January 26, 2026
Waxing Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde

Hello, my friends, here we are in the last week of January.

Neptune moves out of Pisces today. For Pisces, especially, it brings an end to 14 very difficult and deceptive years.

Last week’s reading resonated here in the US, especially with the 3 of Swords at the center. First, we were betrayed by the 7 Vichy Dems in the House of Representatives who voted to keep funding domestic terrorism. On Saturday, those same federally sponsored terrorists murdered another person in Minnesota, with no consequences. Again. Meanwhile, politicians keep telling us to be polite as we’re murdered, so they can fundraise off outrage, instead of stopping those who kill and making them face consequences. It is very much 3 of Swords heartbreak and betrayal.

Even so, there were 10 of Cups moments in my own life, and it was hard to hold both.

At the end of this week, we end the month, and we start February with a full moon. At the start of next week is Imbolc, things stirring beneath the surface.

We also switch to a different tarot deck next week, for the month of February.

Several of this week’s cards have shown up in previous readings this month, tying the readings even more closely together.

This is the Ask the Witch tarot, which is beautiful, and the card backs are labyrinths, so you can use them for meditation as easily as the front of the card. The deck is edited by Francesca Matteoni, and illustrated by Simone Pace. You can get the deck from Red Wheel Weiser here.

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: 3 of Wands
This card was in the North/Tangibles position in the January 12th reading. It is here, in the center/spirit position this week. What’s your plan? What actionable steps are you going to take this week? Keeping your head down and going along to get along is not an option. What are you actually going to DO and how does this align with who you ARE? Again, Wands are about passion and identity, and standing in who we are is vitally important this week.

North – Earth/Tangibles: The Sun
The sun is a wonderfully positive card, and depicts Bastet, the cat goddess. If you have cats in your household, spoil them even more than usual this week, in honor of Bastet. This is a card of vitality and lasting success, and it is in the tangible position of the spread. The caveat here, tying it to the 3 of Wands, it that the Sun will shine on us IF we stand true to our integrity and TAKE ACTION. If we do nothing, nothing will improve. If we go along to get along, it will get worse. The actions we take from our place of integrity will allow Bastet’s blessing for long-term success.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: The Devil
Our thoughts are, rightly, tied up with tangibles. There is a lot going on that we need to think about, respond to, and act on. The Devil is often considered a negative card. However, in this deck, it depicts Lilith, and demands you take your power back. Lilith and Bastet are not in conflict here. We have to do Lilith’s bidding and take back our power in order to have long-term success and blessings from Bastet. We MUST figure out a way through this mess, first by making a plan, and then by following it through. It demands we deal with the realities in front of us and do not look away.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: 5 of Wands
You need to decide who you are and what you stand for this week, and then do it. No hiding, no pretending, even when it causes conflict. There is no more room for you to be quiet. Get in there and fight the good fight. If there is disagreement between those fighting beside you for the better world, listen to each other and see where you can come to an agreement. But do not capitulate to those who want to maintain the status quo.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: 2 of Swords
This card was in the South/Identity position in last week’s reading, and has moved into the creativity/emotion slot this week. That means that what began last week, when you had to make a decision in what you stand for, continues to challenge you emotionally and creatively. How can we channel this rage into creative work that will engage a large audience? What decisions do we have to make based in both intellect and emotion to support standing in our core integrity?

This is not a gentle reading. It’s telling us we must take a stand this week, or things will only get worse. Two of the five cards are Major Arcana cards, which means big energy. The other three are minor arcana, with two being wands (identity) and one being swords (intellect). There are no cups and no pentacles in this reading. This week is about action and integrity.

Did anything resonate with you, or did you get something different from these cards? If you’re having trouble leaving messages in the comments, feel free to comment on the Instagram account for Cerridwen’s Cottage.

Monday, January 19, 2026
Waxing Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde

Here we are, at another week. We had a new moon yesterday in Capricorn, demanding that we put in the work, while we are physically and emotionally exhausted from the daily fights necessary to survive. This week’s reading details the tensions we experience.

The new moon in Capricorn is not going to wait until we’re ready. It’s demanding that we make plans and take action now. The tension between that Capricorn energy and what we are feeling is apparent in the cards.

This is the Ask the Witch tarot, which is beautiful, and the card backs are labyrinths, so you can use them for meditation as easily as the front of the card. The deck is edited by Francesca Matteoni, and illustrated by Simone Pace. You can get the deck from Red Wheel Weiser here.

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: 3 of Swords
I flinched when I placed this card down at the center of the spread. The 3 of Swords is about heartbreak and betrayal. We are certainly being betrayed by systems that claim they had to exist in order to protect us, and we’re learning that was a lie. Not just a mistake, but a deliberate lie, to keep us docile. The 3 of Swords reminds us that we can’t pretend this isn’t happening, and that we’re not in pain. The first step to taking action is acknowledging the pain and discomfort and sitting with it, in order to use it as a foundation for change. Looking away and pretending it doesn’t exist will make it worse. And Capricorn sits, tapping on their watch, telling us to acknowledge, integrate, and take action.

North – Earth/Tangibles: 10 of Cups
Here’s the first conflict – our personal, immediate, tangible reality contains love and beauty, even while we feel pain and betrayal. You can look around you and say, “I feel pain, but the cat is purring” and the purring cat is the 10 of Cups. Or there’s a healthy plant, or a warming, soothing beverage. The 10 of Cups doesn’t deny the pain of the 3 of Swords. They are co-existing. There are tangible positives adjacent to the pain. Accept both, or the friction between them will grow. This card is absolutely gorgeous, and I encourage you to return to it any time this week feels unbearably heavy.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: 4 of Cups
Our thought patterns are centered around the 3 of Swords and not the 10 of Cups. We are saying, “it must be one or the other” rather than “I can use the 10 of Cups to heal the 3 of Swords.” There are three cups on the ground, with blackened foliage around them, suggesting bitterness. Instead of assuming the 4th cup being offered is more of the same, take a chance that it might be closer to the 10 of Cups than the 3 of Swords. Where you place your thoughts this week will pave your path in this next moon cycle. If you spiral in pain and doubt, that’s what the next moon-to-moon cycle will focus on. If you use the pain and anger as a boost toward something better, the better will start to form. Watch and shift thought patterns this week.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: 2 of Swords
We are at a crossroads of our identity and passion, with the 3 of Swords as the catalyst. We don’t know what to do or who to be. There are difficult decisions necessary. What kind of person do we want to be moving forward? How do we best walk our talk, and maintain our integrity? With all the exterior noise and chaos going on, block off periods of time of silence to withdraw and let your inner voice (guided by that crescent moon in the art, the waxing moon, as it is waxing) through. Don’t get so caught up in the 3 of Swords and the negative aspects of the 4 of Cups that you miss everything tangible in the 10 of Cups.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Page of Cups
The Page of Cups is a dreamer, and the starfish represents regeneration. We need to use the pain of the 3 of Swords as a baseline and dream our way toward the 10 of Cups. By choosing to take a risk on what’s being offered in the 4 of Cups, and withdrawing to listen to our intuition in the 2 of Swords, and creating specific blocks of time for dreamtime and meditation, we can use the pain of the 3 of Swords as a positive catalyst, instead of getting stuck in it, and feeling there is nothing we can do, and no way out.

Notice that there are no Major Arcana cards in this week’s spread. It is all minor arcana, with a single court card, a cup in its home position of emotion. This week’s spread is about the daily details and the moment-to-moment choices we make. It is not a pleasant spread, but it is a necessary one.

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

As an aside, in the three weeks leading up to Imbolc and the three weeks leading out of it, I’m working with the Seasons of the Witch Imbolc Oracle by Lorraine Anderson and Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic. You can learn more about it by clicking the deck name. I did a one-card reading last Friday, will do a two-card reading next Friday, and a 3-card reading the Friday before Imbolc, then go backwards, 3-2-1. I did not share Friday’s reading, because it was more personal than communal, but I might share the others.

Hang on, my friends, and live your core integrity.

Monday, January 12, 2026
Waning Moon
Uranus and Jupiter Retrograde

Good morning, and welcome to a new week, while we, in the US, are still reeling from last week. Last week’s 5 of Pentacles in the identity position made even more sense as the week went on, especially if you are a woman. There was a lot of grief. And I definitely needed Hecate and Holda this past week.

We are in the final quarter of the moon’s wane this week, with the dark moon on Saturday the 17th, and the new moon on the 18th. This final moon quarter is when I do banishing, releasing, and cleansing work. The only thing I release on a full moon is what I am building, so it can manifest. On the waning moon, moving to dark moon, I release what I want to get rid of. The dark moon itself is what I used for strong banishing work. That is not the “only” way or the “right” way. It is the way I’ve found works best within the rhythms of my life.

We had three extra cards fall out of the deck as I shuffled this week. In the photo, they are off to the left of the spread. We will discuss them at the bottom of the spread.

It’s a new month, so we’re working with a new deck. This is the Ask the Witch tarot, which is beautiful, and the card backs are labyrinths, so you can use them for meditation as easily as the front of the card. The deck is edited by Francesca Matteoni, and illustrated by Simone Pace. You can get the deck from Red Wheel Weiser here.

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: 7 of Wands
This card warns us that, this week, we need to be ready for anything and hold our boundaries. The pressure on them will get worse. We have to be ready to protect what we care about, which is very relevant to current events. Show up for yourself and your neighbors this week.

 

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: 3 of Wands
The 3 of Wands is about making a plan, and then taking steps on that roadmap. It’s about vision paired with action. Your roadmap is a guide, and you will adjust as you need to, but things can’t stay as they are. You are defending (above) what you care about, while in motion to create something better in very real, tangible ways. Don’t be afraid to take action that puts big dreams into motion.

 

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: 10 of Pentacles
This is a card of stability, legacy, emotional and financial support. With everything that’s going on, I was surprised that this turned up in the spread at all. When we look at it in this position, however, it makes sense. Imagine the world this way, and feel, deep in your bones, the positive emotions this brings up. Then, pair that with your intellect as you make your roadmap, defend what matters, and take action to bring this 10 of Pentacles world into being.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: The Wheel of Fortune
The Fates show up here in the Wheel of Fortune card. This is the only card that I read reversed if it comes up that way. It is upright here, which means the cycle is moving toward something better. Since it is in the position of identity, it means we must embody the mantra “be the change you want to see in the world.” Things won’t get better unless we take the actions the 3 of Wands in the north tells us we need to take to create the 10 of Pentacles world we want. The Wheel of Fortune is also one of the two cards, numerologically, for 2026. 2026 adds up to 10, which is the number of this card. While many distill that down to 1, The Magician, I am working with both of those cards/numbers this year, and this is a good reminder that this is where we are, and we must take the power ourselves to turn the wheel in the direction we want. That language, those words, are hard to write without pain, since turning a wheel is part of what got a woman killed last week. She literally turned the wheel of her car (chariot) away from danger and an enraged misogynist murdered her. And our government is proud of him for that murder.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: The Hanged Man
Luonnator, the Finnish daughter of nature, is depicted in this card, which is in the position of our creativity and emotions. She reminds us that everything won’t be solved in this week. It will take time for our actions to have positive results. Slow, steady growth will do more than rash, impulsive actions. Keep showing up. Keep creating.

 

The three additional cards:

The Star: Aradia, Queen of the Witches, comes to us in the Star, offering us hope and light in dark times.

 

 

 

 

Strength: Joan of Arc shows up in the Strength card, reminding us that resistance is necessary, and sacrifice is often part of that. Considering how an innocent woman was murdered in the US last week, this card is both an encouragement and a warning. We all know what happened to Joan at the hands of tyrants. But doing nothing is not an option.

 

The Page of Wands encourages curiosity and fresh ideas, which is something we will need to create change and a better world. The old methods have rotted. The politicians clinging to them and refusing to do what needs to be done for positive change need to be swept away to make room for fresh ideas and trying new things.

There are three wand cards in this spread, reminding us how important it is to be true to ourselves and our core integrity. We also have four Major Arcana cards in the spread, indicating life-altering energy. And a single pentacle card, albeit a good one, saying it’s about tangibles. No cups, no swords in the spread, although there is water in the Hanged Man card in the west/emotions position, and water in the Star card.

This week focuses on being and doing.

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

Stay safe.

Monday, December 29, 2025
Waxing Moon
Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde

Welcome to the time between times, where we don’t know or care what day it is, and all we want to do is rest. I hope you can build some time for that into your week.

I hope last week was a good balance for you between joy, peace, nostalgia, and all good things.

This week has a lot going on. We have New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and all that goes with it. I hope you are creating your own traditions, and integrating them with those you enjoy and want to continue from earlier in your life.

We are in a waxing moon, with a full moon on Saturday, January 3rd. Chiron goes direct on the 2nd, meaning a long stretch of healing work comes to a close, and you integrate that healing between now and the next Chiron retrograde, which begins on August 3rd of 2026.

This is the last week we are using the Yuletide Tarot by Kristoffer Hughes, with art by Erin O’Leary Brown. You can learn about each of them by clicking the link on their names, and you can buy the deck from Llewellyn here.

In January, we will switch decks.

The Minor Arcana correspondences for the Yuletide Tarot 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: Page of Gifts
This is the equivalent to the Page of Pentacles in other decks. The Page is engrossed in a book, a favorite of all the gifts under the tree. I relate to that! In our family, we spend a lot of time enjoying our new books on the Eve and the Day! The Page is curious, interested, dedicated to studying and learning. Sometimes, it can cross the line into obsession, especially with a new interest. It’s easy to get caught up in all the calls to create a “new you” and all the things you “should” do in this New Year. Consider taking time to figure out what you really want. It doesn’t have to all change on January 1. It can slowly evolve throughout the year, changing as your life changes. Take your time and study the possibilities.

North – Earth/Tangibles: Ten of Good Cheer
This is the equivalent to the 10 of Cups in other decks. There’s so much pressure around “having a good time” around New Year’s Eve and implementing massive changes on New Year’s Day that we often don’t have any fun at all. So remember to enjoy what’s around you, your home, family (be it blood or found), and the joys of what YOU really want, not what others tell you that you should want. Live the joy that is your home, family, and friends. This week, especially, they are tangibles in your life.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Page of Candles
This is the equivalent to the Page of Wands in other decks. Feed your passions this week. Light those candles of inspiration and inner fire, and tend to them this week. Allow your passions to provide inspiration. That ties in with the Page of Gifts and the 10 of Good Cheer: study and enjoyment around your passions will lead to inspiration. It’s a fire card in an air slot, indicating that the fire of inspiration needs attention this week.

 

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Knight of Canes
This is the equivalent of the Knight of Swords (intellect) in other decks, and it is in the position of fire/identity. Knights take their suit out into the world. This Knight can be unapologetically blunt, but it’s because he burns with passion and belief of his mission. This supports the previous cards encouraging your inspiration this week, although you might want to pause and temper your speech a bit, so that you don’t cause harm. However, if someone causes you harm, especially if it’s deliberate, bite back.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: Strength
The figure in this card offers gentleness and nourishment to the wild reindeer. They deal with each other at eye level, as equals. With all the expectations and loud noises and demands of the New Year, hold firm in the inspiration, passion, and seeds starting to form in these other cards, take them forth when it’s time with firm boundaries, blunt words if needed, but also compassion. Start the New Year and meet the full moon with a gentle strength.

We have one Major Arcana, three Court Cards, and one Minor Arcana card (a joyful one) this week. Take as much time for yourself as you can, and share joyfully with those of your choice. Meet the new year with a gentle strength.

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

I wish you a lovely and a gentle entry into the New Year.

Monday, December 22, 2025
Waxing Moon
Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde

Hello to this new week! We just had a new moon last Friday, the Solstice was yesterday, and, for many of us, there are stresses and celebrations coming this week.

Deep breath.

For December, we use the Yuletide Tarot by Kristoffer 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: Matrona
This card was in the south/identity/passion position last week, but moves to the center/spirit this week. Be as nurturing as you can this week. Encourage yourself and those around you to take a breath, because creation is a process and it needs time and nurture. Be as kind as possible as often as possible, and also hold your boundaries, so you don’t get depleted.

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: Sinterklaas
This card is the equivalent to the Hierophant, in other decks. Sinterklaas embodies the spirit of the season. Tied with Matrona, the card reminds us to be our best selves this season, without letting ourselves be exploited, which is sometimes a difficult path. But there is support – look at the forest creatures willing to lend a hand. No, not like a Disney cartoon, but the energies are around and you can tap into them as you need. Take time for yourself and let ancient magics speak to you. Enjoy your favorite traditions of the season. Let those you don’t enjoy fall away and create something new. Be present with the season in tangible ways that are meaningful to YOU, not to the advertisers trying to get your money.

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: Seven of Good Cheer
This is the equivalent to Seven of Cups in other decks. So many choices! We are popular this week, and may feel like we have an endless round of “good cheer” events where we have to show up. It can be exhausting, but we want to have fun, and don’t want to miss anything.  No matter what you choose, that choice will be right, and you don’t have to say “yes” to everything. In fact, say “yes” to yourself in there a few times. This card of emotion is in the position of thought/intellect, so you may be calculating where you feel you should put your energy. Tying back to the two previous cards, remember to let your intuition and your sensory enjoyment guide you in these choices. Wherever you end up will be the right place, and you don’t have to be everywhere.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: Three of Gifts
This is the equivalent to 3 of Pentacles in other decks. It’s about those last-minute touches you are putting on everything, and all that you’ve learned that drive you to create right now. This card is unusual because this figure works alone, and the threes are usually about collaboration. Don’t forget to include others, and make it a group activity. You can finish off your creative projects, write cards together, bake together – enjoy the spirit of collaboration, balancing it with getting it all done.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion: King of Canes
This is the equivalent of the King of Swords in other decks, and it is in the position of emotions. It’s a reminder that sometimes people fall off our holiday card lists, or we lose touch, or we want to cut them away because the relationship is unhealthy. That’s okay. Do so with kindness, whenever possible. People grow away from each other, and relationships have to either evolve or end. It’s as natural a cycle as moving from Solstice to Imbolc, moving from the holidays into the New Year.

The main themes this week are kindness and a balance between personal boundaries and collaboration or group involvements. You can take care of yourself while taking care of each other. We’ve been taught that one party is always supposed to give all to make the holidays work, but what if we all contributed some labor, some laughter, and some love, and built something more inclusive?

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

Have a wonderful week!

Monday, December 15, 2025
Waning Moon
Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter Retrograde

Hello, and happy new week!

There’s a lot going on this week – we have the dark moon on Thursday the 18th, and the new moon on Friday the 19th. We have the Winter Solstice on Sunday, the 21st, the longest night and the shortest day.

Neptune went direct last week, so we have a little of ease with that.

With everything going on for the holidays, it’s often difficult to remember that, naturally, we want to rest now. Societal pressures want us to do a lot, while our natural instinct is to rest. Keep a balance, and trust yourself before anything else.

Last week’s reading was lovely and positive, and, while it was a busy week for me, there was also a lot of joy in it.

For December, we use the Yuletide Tarot by Kristoffer 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 to the 4 of Wands in other decks, and also the same card we had in this position in last week’s reading. We are still building something substantial and beautiful. It’s the stability of being loved for who you are, not who you think you should be, and is as much about found family as blood. Keep building!

 

 

North – Earth/Tangibles: Queen of Candles
This is the equivalent of the Queen of Wands. She is someone confident in who she is, passionate about who she is and what she stands for, generous and loving. Move through the world this week with confidence. Be the you-est you that you can be – that’s what the world needs right now.

 

 

East – Air/Thought/Intellect: 6 of Canes
This is the equivalent of the 6 of Swords in other decks, and about travel/leaving. It’s about motion. There’s a lot going on, and a lot that requires your intellectual capacity. Know when it’s time to leave a given situation, be it a holiday party or an uncomfortable visit. You can be kind about the departure, but know when to go. Use your head, not your ego. Everyone is exhausted at this time of year. You have to know how to be a good guest as much as being a good host. Don’t overstay.

South – Fire/Passion/Identity: The Matrona
This is the Empress in other decks. This is about birthing, be it literal or figurative. This is about care and letting things take their time, so that they can come into the world properly, without being rushed. When you feel pressured this week, remember to stop for a moment and take a deep breath. The Matrona ties very directly to the Queen of Candles in the top position, with the line through the 4 of Candles. Be generous and loving whenever possible this week.

West – Water/Creativity/Emotion – 5 of Candles
This is the equivalent to the 5 of Wands in other decks. Fives are about conflict. The big warning this week is: watch your temper. Don’t get drawn into conflicts that aren’t yours. Stick to your identity (wands), know when it’s time to leave (6 Canes), tap into the loving energy of the 4 of Candles, the Queen of Candles, and the Matrona. There will be drama queens running around. You can be an audience without being a participant.

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

I wish you a blessed Solstice!

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.

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.

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!

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.