News & The Kemmyrk Blog

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Monday, September 29, 2025
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

Welcome to another week, as we slide out of September and into October. The nights outweigh the days right now, and the desire is to get cozy and turn inward. Although, where I live, it is unseasonably warm for late September.

We are still in five retrogrades, so life can feel stalled and frustrating. Deep breath, and take time to reassess. Over the coming months, Pluto, Neptune, and Saturn will go direct, although Mercury and Jupiter will go retrograde. So take as much time as you can now to line up ducks, because they will do their best not to stay in their row.

This month, we’re using the Tarot of the Owls Mini Deck by Pamela Chen, with art by Elisabeth Alba. You can learn more about Pamela Chen’s work here, about Elisabeth’s work here, and the deck is available from Llewellyn. This deck was a gift (back in March, for my birthday), and I’m excited to spend the month with it.

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 for the Week – King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacles knows how to manage his resources. There is plenty, and he knows how to distribute these resources for the good of his people. The owl wears his crown, and is calm and focused on his stone throne. He has a gold coin with his likeness, and the throne is nestled in an abundance of grapes that are ready to be harvested. The energy of the week is abundance with an eye to using it well.

The Week’s Challenge – 10 of Cups
The 10 of Cups is about an abundance of love, creativity, and inspiration, all within a sturdy, grounded foundation (the earth of the card). The reason it is the in “challenge” position is that it’s sometimes hard to believe that this abundance exists and that we deserve it. This week, whenever you start to worry about “lack” in the arena of cups, call up the beautiful, joyful image of this card and remember that it’s all there. You just have to remember to tap into it.

The Week’s Opportunity – The Moon
This card in this deck came up in the September 8th reading as the Energy for the Week. This week, it’s in the Opportunity slot. You will have the chance to trust your intuition and let it carry you to the abundance indicated by the King of Pentacles and the 10 of Cups. Your logical side might argue, but trust your intuition.

 

 

The Week’s Stretch – Five of Wands
The five of wands is about challenges in the realm of passion and/or identity. It doesn’t have to be an argument; it can be a lively discussion, especially if it’s with people whose opinions and motivations you trust. Be careful not to be reactive and take offense. Really listen and think about the layers of every discussion. There’s something of value there.

 

 

The Week’s Comfort – Four of Cups
This is an unusual card to be in the Comfort slot, but the artwork on it clarifies it. The 4 of Cups is often about feeling bored or disassociated. The owl looks off to the right of the card, ignoring the three full cups on his other side, and not even noticing the cut that’s being offered to him. What are you taking for granted? What’s being offered that you aren’t yet seeing? This ties directly into the King of Pentacles (material abundance), the 10 of Cups (emotional/creative fulfilment), The Moon (trust your intuition to see WHERE this new opportunity is offered), deeply listen and absorb the lively discussions, and remember to look at what you already have/have achieved, instead of feeling lack. You’re in a much more positive position than you realize!

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

The next time we meet, it will be on the Full Moon, and in October, which means a new deck!

Have a wonderful week.

Monday, September 22, 2025
Waxing Moon
Pluto, Neptune, Chiron, Saturn, Uranus Retrograde
Autumn Equinox (Northern Hemisphere)

Happy Equinox! It’s the Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere. Whichever way your light is tipping, may it bring you peace and joy.

You may well have an eclipse hangover today. Be kind to yourself. We don’t have to worry about eclipses again until mid-February of next year.

Whatever blooms at this time of year that makes me sneeze and my eyes itch and run, it is out there! Phew! We have drought conditions where I live right now. Hopefully, there will be some rain soon and some relief on multiple fronts.

This month, we’re using the Tarot of the Owls Mini Deck by Pamela Chen, with art by Elisabeth Alba. You can learn more about Pamela Chen’s work here, about Elisabeth’s work here, and the deck is available from Llewellyn. This deck was a gift (back in March, for my birthday), and I’m excited to spend the month with it.

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 for the Week – Six of Cups
The 6 of Cups is about generosity, especially between generations. There is plenty, and when we share, we can help each other. The older owl is sharing with the younger owl. Each cup holds something different, and the four cups in the foreground of the card each have a color correspondence to an element. There is bounty enough to share. In the current climate where those who have a lot continue to take from those who have a little, it’s important for us to remember to share. Sharing in community makes us all stronger.

The Week’s Challenge – The Lovers
This is a reminder to work from a place from love, and that, this week, remembering that and acting from it, could be a challenge. The pair of owls are nuzzling each other, nestled within abundant branches. This ties back to the previous card. There is enough. Operate from love and abundance this week, even when it’s a challenge.

 

 

The Week’s Opportunity – Knight of Swords
Ideas and fresh approaches have been percolating long enough and formed sharply enough that it’s time to take them out into the world. You will have a chance to do so this week. Be alert for the opportunity and take flight. The world needs your ideas.

 

 

The Week’s Stretch – The World
The World is about coming to the end of a cycle in order to build on it as the start of a new cycle. The eclipses we’ve just survived support that. The World is open to you. Take your ideas out into it, from a place of generosity, kindness and abundance (tying into the previous cards). Remember there is more than what is directly in front of you. We’re in this for the long game.

 

The Week’s Comfort – Nine of Swords
Yes, the 9 of Swords is very odd to have in the “comfort” position. For me, the 9 of Swords comes up when I am mired in my own anxieties and lose perspective. The way I interpret this card coming up in the “comfort” slot this week is that it is a reminder that we often trap ourselves in our own anxieties that are more about us and less about what is actually going on. Take a deep breath. Lean heavily into the generosity of the community and the love and abundance around you, and know there is more good in the situation than you currently see. Look at the owl in the artwork: the owl has the swords behind them, and the shadows make the owl feel trapped. But that’s what they are — shadows. The owl is in a green patch amongst the snow., and can take flight whenever they choose.

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

Monday, September 15, 2025
Waning moon
Pluto, Neptune, Saturn, Chiron, Uranus Retrograde

We are still between eclipses this week. We had a lunar eclipse on the full moon of September 7th. We will have a solar eclipse with the new moon on Sunday the 21st (part of this week), leading us into the Autumn Equinox on Monday, September 22, the day of our next reading (it will be the Spring Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere).

And we have five retrogrades going.

Deep breath, one foot in front of the other. Be aware of what’s around you, look for opportunities, but don’t let anyone rush you into anything.

This month, we’re using the Tarot of the Owls Mini Deck by Pamela Chen, with art by Elisabeth Alba. You can learn more about Pamela Chen’s work here, about Elisabeth’s work here, and the deck is available from Llewellyn. This deck was a gift (back in March, for my birthday), and I’m excited to spend the month with it.

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

I found last week’s reading helpful in navigating several situations. Looking at this week’s cards, I see lots of opportunity. There are three Major Arcana cards here, which means, yet again, some big energies in the week.

The Collective Energy of the Week – The Chariot
Take the reins, my friends, and take control of your own destiny. I love that the owl is in a chariot pulled by two cats, symbols of Freya, and often associated with the chariot even more than horses. You have all the elements represented here – green for earth, yellow for air, red for fire, blue for water. The stone bridge on the chariot indicates a firm foundation, and there’s a lush landscape all around. Go for it!

 

The Week’s Challenge – Six of Wands
The Six of Wands is a card of victory and honor. Why is it in a challenge position? It could mean that you have to speak up to get credit for something you deserve. Or, it could mean that you are being overly modest and SHOULD take the credit you deserve. In either instance, it’s a positive card, encouraging you to spread your wings. Tying it to the chariot, it indicates you will succeed on the path you’ve embarked on with the chariot.

 

The Week’s Opportunity – Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups is about fresh ideas, emotions, creativity, opportunity. The little duck (or perhaps a swan) has broken out of its shell and nuzzles the cup. It’s in a sheltered space, and there’s water visible outside of the sheltered space, indicating it is safe to try something new creatively or emotionally. On a personal level, I’m happy to see this card this week; it speaks directly to a new opportunity for me. The Chariot and the Six of Wands indicate support.

The Week’s Stretch – The Wheel of Fortune
There will be times this week when we wonder, “when will things turn in my favor?” It may feel like you can see it, but you can’t reach it yet. The Wheel of Fortune encourages you to stretch – possibly with this new creative opportunity supported by the Chariot and 6 Wands. Accepting the Ace instead of putting it off will make the wheel turn for the better.

 

The Week’s Comfort – Justice
I find the Justice card very much cause and effect in immediate ways, whereas the Judgement card is about longer life patterns. Since we have Justice here, if we take the reins, take credit where it’s due, accept a new creative opportunity that turns the wheel in our direction, the justice card tells us we will see tangible results in the short term, not just way down the road. That is our comfort.

This week is about paying attention to OUR roads and following that path, not being pushed off the path or pushed down a road for someone else’s convenience.

Did anything in particular resonate with you in regard to these cards? Or did you get a different interpretation? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.