by Anna Ervin
Whether you believe in energy work or not, a deck of tarot cards can be a wonderful tool for personal growth and self-awareness. The cards tell the story of the fool’s journey, a series of lessons and obstacles and triumphs that the fool (or each one of us) experiences in a lifetime.
According to Briget at Biddy Tarot, “Tarot is the storybook of our life, the mirror to our soul, and the key to our inner wisdom.”
But if you do believe in energy and manifestation, you’re probably already aware of the fact that Tarot cards can be used to predict the direction that your energy is heading in. With the new year coming up I thought, why not draw a forecast of the next 12 months?
I set the intention for this seventeen-card spread to deliver a quick, helpful guide for the Herbage fam to utilize as we navigate the upcoming year. I drew the first twelve from the Smith-Waite Centennial deck, placing a card for each month. The last four cards were pulled from the Wild Unknown deck by Kim Krans, one for each “season” or quarter of the year.
I decided to end the reading on a positive note with an affirmation to focus on for the year. This card came from deck, ‘The Universe Has Your Back’ by Gabby Bernstein.
January – March
The overwhelming theme for the first quarter of 2021 will be Strength. This means the need to show up for yourself every single day will be eminent. Try to allow whatever comes up at this time to just flow. How can you invite love to have a stronger presence in your life?
In January we see the King of Cups, an indicator of responsibility over self-expression. Sometimes we need to put our emotions aside in order to get things done. However, creating space in your life to explore your feelings might benefit you at this time. Use those emotions to tap into your own creative potential. This is a good time to pour into artistic work.
February deals with a conscious choice to turn a blind eye toward a problem or choice in your life. The Two of Swords indicates that we are refusing to see the situation for what it really is, blinding ourselves to the truth. You might be feeling defensive around this time, remember to tune into Strength. Set your fears aside, and answer to whatever problems you face from a place of love and understanding. You’re not stuck, you just have to make a choice.
March will see these issues clear up as you find yourself making small steps towards stability and success with the Two of Wands. Recent accomplishments have opened up space in your life for contemplation of the future. How can you grow and expand from here? Use this time to manifest goals and dream big.
April – June
In the second quarter the Nine of Swords indicates that a great deal of sorrow and anxiety will hang over us. This is likely related to someone or something we have attachments to, rather than our own pain. Are you carrying the burdens of others or finding yourself worried about things out of your control? Try to tune into clarity and peace through this period. Nine of Swords aside, this quarter is all about pentacles, which represent the material world. Get outside and tune into nature this Spring.
April introduces the Ten of Pentacles, a card that typically deals with riches and abundance. The Nine of Swords hanging over us reminds us to avoid taking these blessings for granted. You may be able to find a lot of support in your family and environment. Focus on gratitude during this month.
During May we find ourselves reflecting over progress in the Seven of Pentacles, possibly searching for meaning in our accomplishments. It’s important to take a step back and observe the fruits of your labor before moving forward. Is the progress you’ve made truly fulfilling your soul’s purpose? If not, it may be time to change directions.
June predicts financial hardship and a feeling of isolation or abandonment through the Five of Pentacles. If you feel that the world has turned it’s back on you, this card invites you to ask yourself if maybe you’re just being a little stubborn. It’s not always easy to allow others to lighten the load for you, but you’ll never get the help you need unless you ask for it and let it in. Try making a gratitude list, you might find that you’re more resourceful in manifesting good fortune than you thought.
July – September
Again, we find ourselves tapping into courage in quarter three. This time, the Seven of Wands indicates that you may feel like you’re going against the grain or finding yourself in situations where you’re having to stand up for your beliefs. Nobody else will fight this battle for you, look for that support within yourself.
The Emperor comes up in July urging us to create boundaries and enforce them. Step into your power by learning to discipline yourself and create more stability in your routine, but don’t let the pendulum swing too far. Stability can open up space for creativity and joy, but too much can stifle it. Use this time to reorganize your office or establish a new morning routine.
In August we move into the Ten of Wands, indicating burn out after taking on too much at once. This would be a good time to tap into that Emperor card in order to invite more direction and organization into your life. You might be feeling overwhelmed, but at this point it’s important to follow through. What’s priority right now? How can you lighten your load?
September invites us to catch a break after all of that hard work and discipline. The Nine of Cups suggests that you may find yourself enjoying simple pleasures and tuning into the little things in life that bring you joy this month. Take a mini vacation, catch up with friends, pour into a new or old hobby.
October – December
The Daughter of Swords leads us into the last quarter of 2021, reminding us to pay attention to detail. This is a good time to focus on honesty, with yourself and with others. You may find yourself observing the way other people carry out their lives. It’s okay to learn from those around us, but make sure you’re paying attention to the lessons that come up in your own story too. Try not to be too nitpicky with others.
The Nine of Swords appears once again in October, indicating another short period of angst and distress. Try to take some time during this month to let go of attachments that aren’t in your best interest. Donate old items to Goodwill and smudge your house this month to clear up any stagnant energy. Whatever needs to be in your life will remain, but it’s time to let go of anything that’s no longer serving you.
Moving into November we find ourselves dealing with personal development. The Chariot implies that some aspect of our personality will shift into something new, and this evolution will propel a deep sense of confidence and strong will. You’ll most likely see big achievements as a result of this change. Work on affirmations during this time.
Finally, December brings wisdom bred from sorrow. The Queen of Swords is wise but rigid. She has learned from the painful challenges faced in the past. You may be feeling a refreshing sense of clarity by the end of the year, but you’re frowning at the world around you. It’s okay to grow weary of painful situations, but don’t let them make you bitter. Try to shift your focus to the positive aspects of your journey.
I find deeper meaning and personal growth amid the discomfort.
