Weekly Forecast: January 3-9

Six of Swords / Six of Cups / Two of Swords

long journeys, tender homecomings, and food for thought

In a season that comes with a lot of pressure - ambitious New Years resolutions, plans for festive gathering, time spent with family - it’s reassuring to see a card that encapsulates the more poignant, quiet, and even melancholy side of the holidays and new year. Like the boat in the Six of Swords, the waters we’ve been traveling lately have been rough, to say the least. This week we’re gently floating towards a new shore; land is in sight, the waters are calm, and we can just begin to make out the contours of our new terrain.

The Six of Swords is a card that pulls at my heartstrings, something you don’t usually say about a suit that’s filled with violent imagery. Yet here I can see the truly bittersweet experience of viewing life as it is: the elation and tenderness of love; the fear of losing it; the frightening chaos and injustice of the world; the fascinating multitudes of color, beauty, and curiosity everywhere you turn. Taking this all in at once, accepting it, and moving forward holding all sorts of contradictions is difficult, adult work. In this Six of Swords, we see the middle of a journey rooted in this worldview. We’ve made a decision, set sail, and we’re halfway to the other side. What is it we’re reaching for this year? What hard work has shoved us off a familiar shore? And what can we just start to see emerging on the horizon?

This is a time to embrace the magic of the in-between, the animating tension of opposites, and the difficult but essential decisions we’ve made recently. We’ve been using our swords-y powers of discernment to chart our own path, and now is a good time to acknowledge the depth of these actions and to celebrate our integrity and bravery. Make room for all of the feelings as this card shows us that we have to leave things behind in order to effect any meaningful change. The Six of Swords is not without grief, but it also embodies the stirring of refreshing movement. We’ve done what we must and now things are just starting to unfurl. What has been set in motion? What is winding down, depositing us somewhere new?

As I type this I wonder if we may need to wiggle free of restrictive rituals, record-keeping, and reflection for the new year. Instead of making resolutions, why not look to our past actions to see what we’ve already committed ourselves to? We can then re-commit to those goals with more passion and specificity. Our reading shows a move from the cerebral to the emotional as we move from the Six of Swords to the Six of Cups. I’m delighted by this pair of sixes - we’re transforming! - and it’s rare to see the sharp and pointy swords segue into this flowing, feeling suite of water.

The Six of Cups, in particular, is a massively tender card. I’m imagining us reading the other shore shown in the Six of Swords and finding a cozy paradise. Perhaps we’ve made some changes in our everyday lives that have blossomed into something truly supportive. In what ways have we made our life more affirming? Think of the word “home” and see where it takes you - what homes have you cultivated, where do you feel the most yourself, and how much has this feeling grown over the past year?

When I think of the Six of Cups I think of the openness of childhood, that time when our true self was the default, bumbling around joyfully with interests, desires, and quirks on full display. We’re returning to this charmed place now, but with the strength of our adult selves to back us up. Whatever shame, repression, or discomfort we had to battle through to get here has been fought back admirably. It’s time to value and express ourselves in our full and weird splendor.

There may be some kickback towards the end of the week, however. The swords make a return, this time to the closed and cautious Two of Swords. We may feel tempted to close up like an anemone at the first ripple of danger. Take a look around, however, before making any hard and fast decisions. Is it justified fear or the shadow of something long gone? Old defense mechanisms can come up when we let our guard down. And, as we can see in the Six of Cups, sometimes we let in the wrong people either from openhearted naiveté over-enthusiasm. The good news is that we’ve learned so much - both how to enjoy life and to wield our swords to protect ourselves when necessary. It will be important to use this experience as a moment of clarification and motivation, not an excuse to go back or get smaller.

this week, embrace

• Contradictory feelings

• The sweet melancholy of being in-between

• Rest

• Enjoying simple pleasures, especially those that tap into your creativity/inner child/playful self

• Trusted and true friends and family

• Pushing through the desire to limit yourself out of fear

this week, avoid

• Big changes

• Intricate new projects

• Dumbing-down your struggles and accomplishments

• Over-analyzing what makes you feel good or brings you joy

• Oversharing with people who don’t understand or appreciate you

get creative

• Six of Swords: Set aside time to journal about the big change you’ve made this past year. In what ways has your thinking changed or clarified? Use your swords skills of observation, analysis, and discernment to see how your actions might point you to new and useful values. In other words, what do the things you’ve been doing mean about you, your life, and your goals?

• Six of Cups: Devote a chunk of time (however much as you can) to treat for yourself. Think of it as a date: set a time, send an invitation, and set the stage for something tender, memorable, and meaningful. Some places to look for inspiration: What you loved as a child, something exciting that only you would enjoy, a collection of simple treats you can spread out as a sumptuous buffet.

• Two of Swords: When you find yourself stuck, get curious. The swords are about our mental world and in this card we see ourselves backsliding from the growth of the six to the starting point of the two. But this can be helpful! Look around as see the why behind these thoughts. Are they self-limiting, shame-based, seemingly practical? It’s helpful to identify the places we go when we feel threatened so we can notice and then redirect moving forward. Treat this experience as an information-gathering expedition rather than a setback.

Reading Tarot in Times of Stress, Crisis, or Overwhelm

Stormy feelings can sometimes lead to stormy readings / Image by Felix Mittermeier

We’ve all been there. Something wild is happening in our lives - maybe we’re at a pivotal crossroads, upset at a recent event, or feeling onslaught by waves of stress - and we want to turn to tarot for advice, guidance, something that will make us feel better or, better yet, tell us what one earth to do.

While tarot can be a wonderfully helpful and clarifying tool, it reflects what we bring to it, and in cases like these we can muddy the waters of our reading with anxiety, fear, and worry. That doesn’t mean, however, that we should forego reading altogether. Like any conversation, tarot does best with some thought, guidelines, and expectations. Here are some that help me when reading for myself during tough times.

Set boundaries before you start

It’s helpful to frame readings during times of stress in a way that will be the most healing for you. Are you feeling disconnected from yourself? You might want a grounding reading. Overwhelmed? You might ask for clarity. Lost? You might want to ask for one, simple next step. Take time to sit with yourself, figure out what you need, and then plan your reading around these insights. Choose a spread that reflects whatever you’re experiencing or create one yourself. You’re the one doing the reading; you get to set the tone.

Step away from prophecies and declarations!

Nothing adds more stress to a situation than a prophecy you don’t want! So why ask for this to begin with? Spoiler-alert: You don’t have to! I’ve found that it’s been particularly helpful to remind myself that the cards are suggestions, a representation of a moment in time that we can always change with our actions. Personally, I like to use my time shuffling to contemplate the question, goal, or topic of the reading, being sure to focus on open-ended advice or insight without specific information about the future.

Remember - tarot is just one piece of information to take into consideration

You wouldn’t make a complicated, impactful decision just because one person told you to, right? The insight we get from a tarot reading is just one facet of our complex lives, one piece of information that makes up a much bigger whole. Whatever insights you get from your reading should fit with a bevy of other sources - facts, the opinions of trusted friends and advisors, your intellect, practical considerations, and many more. This removes immense pressure from your reading and allows it to do what it does best: give you insight into your intuition.

Daily Motivation Tarot Spread

Tarot Interview with Lucas Taylor of Brightleaf Tarot

Photo: Lucas Taylor | @brightleaftarot

It was such a treat interviewing Lucas Taylor for the latest episode of the Incandescent Tarot Podcast. Lucas is a tarot reader and collector @brightleaftarot and brings a distinctive and powerful intuitive style to his work with the cards, not to mention a vivacious and contagious energy! I had so much fun talking with him I couldn’t resist asking him some more tarot-specific questions which I’m sharing with you here today.

Check out our conversation directly on Substack, Apple Podcasts, or wherever else you get your podcasts, and be sure to leave a rating and review if you enjoyed the episode! You can find Lucas online @brightleaftarot.

Photo & Reading by Lucas

Favorite Current Deck

I love all my children equally, but probably Spolia Tarot.

Tarot Pet-Peeve

Beautiful cards printed on terrible cardstock.

Favorite Card(s)

The Tower and The High Priestess

Trickiest/Least Favorite Card(s)

Hierophant, but mostly because I simply do not vibe with the majority of decks that use imagery of a Pope. I don't have a personal relationship with that imagery and I think it's a weird choice for how I interpret that card.

A Moment when Tarot Called You Out

Every time I try to avoid making a decision and try to make tarot decide for me. It's always like, nice try dumbass but you have to figure this out yourself.

Favorite Breakthrough with a Card

The Tower for sure. I think there is a lot of opportunity when this card comes up to let those structures fall around you without letting it devastate you, taking a breath, sorting through the rubble, Marie Kondo-ing the pieces and letting go of what doesn't serve you so that you can rebuild better and stronger to move forward in a really aligned way.

Your Reading Style in 3 Words

Intuitive, Accessible, Supportive

A Samhain/Halloween Tarot Spread for Ancestral Connection

I was going through the collection of spreads here on the site and couldn’t believe I was missing something for this special time of the year. You’ve probably heard the classic saying that Samhain/Halloween is “the time of the year when the veil between worlds is the thinnest,” and it’s true that the theme of ancestral communication is powerfully active.

I created this spread to provide an accessible and open framework for reaching out to your ancestors. This isn’t ouija board-level divination, but rather a way to illuminate the lessons active in your life that have been passed down by your family and how you can work with them. I hope you find it useful and inspiring.

Click here or on the image above for a detailed walkthrough and happy reading!

Tarot Readings Supporting Black Mamas Bailout Action

So many thanks to all of you who donated to the fundraiser! We raised over $3k towards the bailout fund and couldn’t have done it without you.

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I’m honored to be part of a group of tarot readers supporting Southerners on New Ground Durham’s Black Mamas Bail Out Action. Use this link (also in image below) to book a reading from one of us on a pay-what-you-can basis. 100% of the proceeds will be going towards the Bail Out Action.

• Reading requests accepted until October 29th

• Specify your topic, question, or a request for a general reading

• Receive your reading in text or audio format, plus an image of the cards, within 3-4 days of booking

Interview with Mariza Ryce Aparicio-Tovar, creator of The Gentle Tarot

I got an email the other day that filled me with joy.

It was from Mariza Ryce Aparicio-Tovar, an indigenous artist and creator of a new tarot deck - The Gentle Tarot. Reading through her email and kickstarter and looking at her cards it was clear that this was both a person and project with something deeply healing and important to say. I couldn’t wait to learn more and share it with you all.

Inspired by our natural environment, Mariza explores issues of mental health and self-love with hopes of advocating care for our planet and ourselves so that collectively we may experience our full potential. Talk about what we need more of in this world. Her artwork is, quite simply, gorgeous and uses the structure of tarot to celebrate these themes, resulting in a deck that feels both gentle and powerful. It reminds me of the expansive beauty of tarot. as a place to uplift values, traditions, and guidance in a lived-in way that everyday people can interact with meaningfully.

I hope you enjoy our conversation below and check out Mariza’s work and kickstarter (seriously, not only is this deck stunning and timely, the kickstarter itself has some of the best rewards I’ve seen in ages!)

Cards from The Gentle Tarot

Hello Mari and thank you so much for sharing your work here on Incandescent Tarot - I’m truly delighted to have you. I’m also so curious about your tarot journey - what brought you to the cards and how has creating a deck influenced your relationship with them?

My first experience with tarot was in college, but I did not fall in love with tarot until after college in 2010. I had quit my jobs in Seattle and was about to hitchhike solo down the west coast to LA when a couple of close friends of mine offered me a reading. Every card in the spread gave me chills and the energy in the cards and in the room was like an introduction to a new friend. I have since practiced. 

Most of my history with tarot has been a sweet and soulful connection between my closest friends. Although I do practice on my own, there is something special about having the magic witnessed, read out loud and validated.

“At first I was very hesitant, doubtful of being worthy of putting my own interpretation to the cards, but now that I see that they have a life of their own, I surrender to and embrace the creative process. It feels like magic to add my version - with humility and love.”

Creating a deck has definitely strengthened my relationship with tarot. I have spent many hours sitting with meanings and over the years I have sat intently with art from different decks. Creating one has enhanced my admiration for other artists’ decks and for tarot’s essence in general. At first I was very hesitant, doubtful of being worthy of putting my own interpretation to the cards, but now that I see that they have a life of their own, I surrender to and embrace the creative process. It feels like magic to add my version - with humility and love.

Your connection to nature in remote Alaska and your indigenous background are major influences in your work with this deck. What did it feel like to channel these connections into the structure of a tarot deck? And, on a more personal level, how does tarot fit into your spiritual life? 

Three of Thunder, Two of Cups, and The Moon from The Gentle Tarot

I did not necessarily channel these influences into the deck. My spirituality and inspiration from nature are always present in my personal work. Before this project, I worked on an Unalaska Flora and Fauna series. I notice a huge difference in that project and this one. Whereas the former was more restrictive/less experimental, illustrating tarot has proven to be a perfect amount of freedom for me to explore very spiritually inclined, intimate pieces that I may not have otherwise shared with the public. Three of Thunder comes to mind, as well as Ten of Thunder. 

Tarot fits into my spiritual life as if it were a close friend, one that is always there, available for support and guidance. Tarot experiences, like other seemingly random-not-so-random incidences in life, to me are like a portal for the unseen. Ultimately, we carry all of the love and guidance that we need. The question is whether we allow ourselves to receive these reminders. I love how tarot is a direct connection to ethereal space, one that is tangible and easily shared with others.

That’s so beautifully put and I love how you include a quick tarot how-to in your kickstarter, inviting people who aren't familiar with tarot into working with the cards in such a welcoming way. How would you describe your "tarot philosophy"?

Thank you! My older brother requested it, since he was interested but clueless about tarot. :)  

In terms of “tarot philosophy,” I would have to say that it is one of self-care and self-worth. As mentioned above, I believe we all have the strength, insight, and power that we need. It is too often and too easily forgotten. Life is not easy and the daily struggle is real. I like to view tarot as a steady support. Sometimes we bury issues and tarot can bring them back to the surface. After spending so much time with each individual card, I can see how they all pretty much steer you towards the same direction – towards one that is true to your heart.

You mention your belief in the tie between our mental health and connection to the environment - how has this influenced your life, spirituality, and work with tarot? How do you think people can begin to strengthen, reclaim, or forge these connections? 

A connection with nature is a relationship available to everyone. There were many times during my college years where I would go for my run and always stop at a specific tree for a hug. That hug provided connection equal to or greater than a hug from another person. It helped me get through tough times. 

“A relationship with nature heavily influences my life, as it is the basis of my spirituality. Sharing this connection through the Gentle Tarot is an attempt to remind others and myself of how we are not alone. We are loved and cared for. ”

There is no real divide between us and our natural environment. If we all remembered this, we would feel the unconditional love found there. This relationship, like any other, includes giving and receiving. It feels good to give and to take care of something you love. My mom always says to walk gently upon the earth. Reverence for nature, being receptive to its needs, and allowing yourself to be part of the natural environment causing least amount of harm as possible, are all part of this relationship. 

A relationship with nature heavily influences my life, as it is the basis of my spirituality. Sharing this connection through the Gentle Tarot is an attempt to remind others and myself of how we are not alone. We are loved and cared for. 

I think a simple way people can explore and strengthen this connection is to go for a barefoot walk, sit silently and feel the elements. Maybe lie down on the ground and feel how your weight is supported and held. Hug a tree! :) I am serious. Give it a good squeeze! Plants, animals, rocks, fire, wind are friends. Remember that we are all connected. I hope the nature-filled art in The Gentle Tarot serves as a colorful reminder of this.

Two of Thunder, Strength, and Ten of Cups from The Gentle Tarot

…and now for some speed-round questions: What was the most surprising part of making this deck?

The most surprising part has been how fluid and consistent my creative output has been. I definitely took long enough to start (8 years!), now they are pouring out.

What was the easiest card to create? The most difficult?

The easiest card to create may have been the first card, the Moon. I often work and re-work cards over the period of several days, but the Moon was set on the first attempt. The Emperor was the most difficult. Getting his soft fur and rolls just right were a healthy challenge for my digital painting skills.

How would you describe your deck in three words?

Loving, colorful, kind

What do you hope your tarot deck will bring to the people who use it?

I hope the Gentle Tarot brings people reassurance, support, and unconditional love. I hope that it reminds them that they are not alone, and our natural environment is also there for their support. My biggest wish is that the Gentle Tarot help others reach for their wildest dreams, as it has helped me go for mine. 

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Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, process, and gorgeous deck with us, Mariza! If you’re as inspired by this as I am, head over to The Gentle Tarot kickstarter to learn more and support this wonderful creation.

A Tarot Spread for Facing Fear

I created this spread earlier this Spring and somehow neglected to share it with you all after posting on my Mighty Networks. Well, no longer! Here it is for everyone to enjoy. My goal was to make a reading to calm and center during times of upheaval, revealing both the inflation and wisdom behind fear.

I hope this spread helps to ground you and gives you a way to use tarot when you’re a bit freaked out that doesn’t involve free-form readings where The Tower could show up and scare the bejeezus out of you! (We’ve all been there.)

Do let me know how it works for you and feel free to post and suggestions for future spreads in the comments below.

Introducing Weekly Audio Tarot Readings

One of the things I’ve missed the most is sharing Weekly Forecasts. I started these with the launch of Incandescent Tarot over three years ago and wrote one every week, only missing several holidays. It was a lot of readings! And, as it turned out, a lot of work - especially in the written format. (I’m terrible at sticking to timelines and can spend hours editing, despite my better judgment.)

Recently, however, I moved my newsletter to Substack and was delighted to find that they have a beta podcasting feature. So, last week I decided to give it a try: I recorded my first audio weekly forecast. It was an absolute blast.

I’ve decided to relaunch the forecasts as a podcast, available by subscription on Substack. For just $5/month (just over $1 per forecast) you can listen to full-fledged tarot readings about the energies, challenges, and opportunities for the week ahead.

So what do you get for subscribing? You’ll receive an email with a link to the audio forecast each Monday that you can listen to on your email or via the podcast platform of your choice. These forecasts are 15-20 minutes long and include three cards. It’s a wonderful way to center yourself, plan for the week ahead, and experience a tarot reading in real time. (I do all of my readings “live” which means no pre-preparation. It’s exactly as if you’re getting a reading as a client in my studio or via zoom.)

I do hope you’ll join me and I’m so happy to be offering these forecasts again. Click below to subscribe and, as always, thank you for being here and a part of the Incandescent Tarot journey.