Nine of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! Last week we saw the firm duality of the Eight of Wands, and today we’ll be looking at the Nine. I like to think of the Nine of Wands as a coin. One side represents courage and persistence, while the other denotes overwhelm and paranoia. The coin itself is Trust. Neither side is better or worse than the other. Instead, the side that you find facing you, is a reflection of your own outlook.

Upright, the Nine of Wands is a card of resilience and boundaries. You may be on the edge of exhaustion, but you are ready to do what it takes to get to the finish line. It’s a test of faith and grit that comes at a time when you may feel battered and bruised, but know that every obstacle you overcome makes you stronger and wiser. Find your cheerleaders and personal bodyguards who can protect and encourage you to the finish. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries on what you need to be successful and then communicate those needs to others.

Adversely, the reversed Nine of Wands suggests you are struggling to keep working towards your goal. You feel pummeled with every setback on your path. It feels like everyone is out to get you, which can lead to defensiveness and paranoia. Trust that others will find their karma, and focus on your own game. Don’t worry about what other people are thinking or saying about you. This can be significantly difficult to do when those you would go to for help are on the suspect list. If you know this is a temporary setback, you may need to push through it to get yourself to the goal. If there is no end in sight, try to embrace trust and delegate some problem solving to others to help lighten your load.

Does my coin idea make sense now? One side shows you trusting yourself and surrounding yourself with others who believe in you. The other shows a skepticism of all those around you and a lack of belief in your own ability to continue coping with setback after setback. Regardless of your outlook on trust when this card appears, it will always represent that you are oh-so-close to your goals! Keep pushing, my darlings!

Eight of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! We are chugging right along through the Wands, and today we’ll be talking about the Eight of Wands. This particular eight is one of the few cards of the tarot that has a clear yes and no meaning. These are very rare, and I usually encourage people to ask a question of the deck that cannot be answered with a yes or a no. However, the Eight of Wands has a very clear distinction.

Upright, the Eight of Wands represents fast-paced change and action. Whatever struggles you have been facing are cleared away, and you should use this opportunity to funnel high energy toward your goals. You may find yourself incredibly busy, but in a way that leaves you enthusiastic for the progress you’re making. Strike while the iron is hot, but try not to get too many tasks on your plate, or you may find that you’ve started many projects and completed none of them. Finish what you start before moving on to the next, and use the high energy in this card to propel you forward. This card is an enormous green light!

The reversal, therefore, is a foretelling of delays and frustration. It says to hold off on your activities for a short time until circumstances become more stable or predictable. If you’ve been feeling stuck and trying to force progress, try doing something different to get the energy moving, then return your focus to the task at hand. It may also be that you are getting your ducks in a row so that you will be in an excellent position to move forward when the delays and obstacles facing you have passed. Regardless of the reasoning, now is the time to shift gears. Slow down, reassess your next steps before continuing or put the project on hold all together.

However the Eight of Wands comes to you, it will most certainly carry a high energy to it. Whether it’s a speed boost or a slam on the brakes, make sure to listen closely, my darlings. Fear can cause us to resist high speed change, and impatience can have us slipping up and making mistakes when we try to force the outcomes we want.

Seven of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings. We’re moving right along through the Wands. This week we’re looking at the Seven of Wands, a card of obstacles, perseverance, and exhaustion.

Upright, this card shows up to denote that you are in a position desired by many. You will need to secure your territory against those who challenge you trying to take your place. You may hold a contentious point of view, so be ready to support your argument even if you don’t have everything ready to do so. Try to map out the worst case scenario before you move forward. These obstacles can be overcome by pulling from your self-confidence. Keep fighting for what you believe in, and confront those who oppose or threaten your success.

When Reversed, the Seven of Wands represents exhaustion and overwhelm. It may feel as if you are under constant siege, and you’re left wondering if the fight is worth it. You’re burnt out and ready to give up altogether. Even though you are weary, keep fighting for what you believe in. You can’t win over everyone, but drawing a line in the sand can help you stay true to yourself. Have faith that you can achieve what you set out to do. If you find yourself trying to avoid conflict. This is not the same as giving up. Choosing your battles helps you focus on the most important points of your struggle.

Burn out is all too common in society these days, my darlings. We all know the struggle of exhaustion. The Seven of Wands is a reminder that you can persevere. You can push through this and though it is difficult now, you will find it was worth it to fight the good fight.

Six of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! Happy Halloween and a Blessed Samhain! Last time we talked about conflict resolution. Today, we’re looking at the Six of Wands and how it connects to the facets of success.

Upright, the Six of Wands speaks to public recognition and self-confidence. You’ve reached an important milestone and are self-assured and successful. Not only have you achieved your goals, but you are receiving public acknowledgment of your hard work. This outpouring of support encourages you to put yourself out there and continue your endeavors! Be open to love and cheers from your biggest fans. This is an important milestone, but you aren’t at the finish line yet, so don’t let fear or guilt stand in the way of your ultimate success.

Reversed, this card denotes that you have reached that important milestone, but you prefer to keep it to yourself for now. It encourages you to create your own definition of success. If you’re lacking the confidence to share because you are seeking validation or comparing yourself to others, you have stripped yourself of your personal power. Bring your attention inward and ask “what does success mean to me?” This can help align your decisions with who you really are and increase your confidence and self-belief. It can also speak to a fall from grace. Perhaps you have shared your achievement, but aren’t receiving the recognition you feel you deserve. Bitterness in this situation can feed arrogance and egotistical behaviors going forward. Reign in your pride, or you may find that someone is likely to knock you down a peg.

Exercising humility, even in the face of roaring support and success, will help keep you grounded even as you accomplish your goals time and time again. As the cards always remind us, all things in moderation. Balance between self-belief and staying grounded is crucial, my darlings, but we can persevere!

Six of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! Last week we talked about conflict resolution. Today, we’re looking at the Six of Wands and how it connects to the facets of success.

Upright, the Six of Wands speaks to public recognition and self-confidence. You’ve reached an important milestone and are self-assured and successful. Not only have you achieved your goals, but you are receiving public acknowledgment of your hard work. This outpouring of support encourages you to put yourself out there and continue your endeavors! Be open to love and cheers from your biggest fans. This is an important milestone, but you aren’t at the finish line yet, so don’t let fear or guilt stand in the way of your ultimate success.

Reversed, this card denotes that you have reached that important milestone, but you prefer to keep it to yourself for now. It encourages you to create your own definition of success. If you’re lacking the confidence to share because you are seeking validation or comparing yourself to others, you have stripped yourself of your personal power. Bring your attention inward and ask “what does success mean to me?” This can help align your decisions with who you really are and increase your confidence and self-belief. It can also speak to a fall from grace. Perhaps you have shared your achievement, but aren’t receiving the recognition you feel you deserve. Bitterness in this situation can feed arrogance and egotistical behaviors going forward. Reign in your pride, or you may find that someone is likely to knock you down a peg.

Exercising humility, even in the face of roaring support and success, will help keep you grounded even as you accomplish your goals time and time again. As the cards always remind us, all things in moderation. Balance between self-belief and staying grounded is crucial, my darlings, but we can persevere!

Four of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! Today we get to talk about an all-around positive card; the Four of Wands! Now fours generally stand for stability and alignment. In the suit of wands, that comes through in a spiritual way.

Upright, the Four of Wands shows up to tell you that it’s time to pause and celebrate what you’ve achieved up to this point. It can also represent a homecoming, or a return to people or places that are familiar to you. Generally, it is as a card of joyful celebration, bliss, and a mindful appreciation for the good things in life. Take a small break before embarking on the next part of your journey.

The reversal can still indicate celebration, but on a personal scale that you don’t feel compelled to share with others. You should definitely take the time to create your own reward for the hard work you’ve done to achieve this level of inner harmony and stability. If this doesn’t resonate, it may also denote a period of transition in which you feel out of balance, unsure on what or whom you can rely. This is an important transition, one that you need to make, but can leave you feeling uncertain about your future.

Whichever way this card arrives, take a break to celebrate your success or to assess your resources so you can move toward a stable future. The little things can make all the difference, my darlings. Take your time before driving forward.

Three of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! Today’s focus will be the Three of Wands, which builds wonderfully off of the Two that we covered last week. Where the Two had us stopping to align ourselves with our authentic and vulnerable self, the Three says the game plan is well underway!

Upright, this card says that you are considering opportunities to expand your strategy and maximize the potential of your ideas. This could be through study, travel, or learning, and following these opportunities will stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Aligning with our Highest Authentic Self is a vulnerable task! Trust in your vision and be confident that you will achieve it. This card also brings the potential for travel, especially overseas or over a body of water. Be adventurous and go to unknown places to discover more about yourself and potentially explore international career opportunities.

Reversed, the Three of Wands says that, while growth and expansion beyond your comfort zone are available to you, you are playing small by closing yourself off from new opportunities and limiting your potential for success. There is disappointment, frustration and a general feeling that you’ve wasted your time by even starting on this path. External delays and obstacles have brought your operation to a halt, and you’re struggling to put your plans into action. Have you overcommitted yourself? Did you prepare adequately for this path and its challenges? Or were you unrealistic about the risks associated with your plans? If there are suddenly more steps than you anticipated, try breaking down your ideas into smaller tasks to make them more manageable.

Every path will have its challenges and setbacks. The important thing to remember is that, when they arise, the way we react to them will set the tone for how quickly they’ll be resolved. Staying calm and realistic about timelines and expectations will help maintain a positive outlook, even when delays come. Frustration will divert us from our goals, my darlings. Stay focused, take time to regroup if need be, and don’t be afraid to change tactic.

Ace of Wands

Hello hello, my darlings! Today we start in with Wands. First and foremost, as a suit, Wands are associated with the element of Fire, and represent spirituality, inspiration, creativity, ambition, and strength. Think along the lines of passion, enthusiasm, and sexuality. If a reading is mostly wands, you can be sure that you’re seeking greater purpose or meaning in your life, wanting to understand more about what energizes and motivates you. Wands are about aligning with your Higher Authentic Self. So let’s dive in, shall we?

Like all other aces, the Ace of Wands represents a new beginning or opportunity, a moment charged with potential. Being part of the Wands suit, it brings the elements of expansion and growth. Upright, this card is a firm yes to start the project you’re considering. Follow your instincts and listen to your gut. Now is the time to act, rather than plan. The potential is there, and it is up to you to turn that potential into results. Use this opportunity to grow on a personal or spiritual level where you can follow your creative spirit.

The reversal denotes a sense of restlessness. Your energy is raring to go, but you have so many ideas surfacing, that you’re unsure which direction to go. When you think about what other opportunities there are, you struggle to know what you want. Define where your true passion lies. There’s no point in working towards a goal that doesn’t motivate you. What do you aspire to? Your energy may also be restless in a frustrated way if you are facing delays that slow the progress of a project that’s already underway. The key here is: Not now, but maybe later. Be patient, and wait for the opportune moment to move forward. Proper timing is essential for positive results.

This ace is one of the few cards in the tarot deck that gives a clear “go for it” or “hold your horses” response. I’ve always suggested asking questions of your tarot cards that start with “how” or “what” to get the clearest response. Yes or no questions such as “will I get this job?” or “is this person going to fall for me?” tend to get muddy unclear responses, but if you get the Ace of Wands, now you’ll have a clearer idea of what to expect, my darlings! Stay witchy, stay magical, and I’ll see you next week.

King of Pentacles

Hello, hello, my darlings! We made it! The final card of this suit! The King of Pentacles, like the other Kings in tarot, represents a sense of mastery over a domain. Being Pentacles, this King in particular is closely tied to wealth, business, and security.

Upright, The King of Pentacles is an indicator that you are at the final fulfillment of a business venture or investment. You have worked hard to map out your business plan, and have translated that vision into something tangible, and often very lucrative! You can enjoy all that you have accomplished and the success you have created. He also knows when to share wealth and that abundance can come in more forms than money. He provides others with advice, guidance, and wisdom in financial or work related matters.

The flip side of this King asks you to assess your relationship with money and wealth. You may not be managing your wealth well. Are you treating your money with respect, or do you need to draw upon your self-discipline so you can save for the future while still enjoying the fruits of your labor? Are you putting too much importance on money, placing it before everything and everyone else? If these resonate, step back for a moment and look at the impact your obsession with wealth and status is having on your relationships and well-being. It can also represent someone who is very stubborn and rigid in their approach. Being grounded is a good thing, but give yourself permission every now and then to break free and do something different.

In the consumerist world we live in today, it can be hard to balance the actual worth of wealth with the perceived worth of wealth. That’s just another reason I find the tarot to be an invaluable tool to help stay aligned with my Highest Good. I hope these deep dives can help you use it to your advantage as well, and thank you for sharing in this journey with me, my darlings. Next week, we’ll delve into the next suit in the Minor Arcana: Wands. Until then!

Queen of Pentacles

Hello hello, my darlings! I gotta say, I’m pretty proud of myself for hopping back into this and making such wonderful progress over the last few weeks. Today will be no different as we look at the second to last card in the Pentacles: the Queen.

Upright, the Queen represents prosperity and security, while also bringing a nurturing aspect to the reading. You have created or are successfully maintaining a healthy balance between home life and work life. You’ve worked hard to generate this level of financial and/or physical security, which allows you the freedom to share your wealth and abundance with those you love. Make sure to remain compassionate and practical when dealing with others and your present circumstances. Sharing with others doesn’t mean that you go without. Focus on creating a balanced life for yourself. Be resourceful and down to earth when dealing with issues as they arise. Straightforward solutions that fix the problem with minimal fuss is the key. At times she may also speak to a mother figure in your life who can provide you with loving support and nurturing to help get through the influences of your past.

When she is reversed, she encourages you to spend your generous energy and care on yourself. Trust that work and family can survive without you for a short period of time while you pay more attention to your own needs. You may be focused on working toward sustainable financial independence, but have lost the balance between work life and home life. You’re putting too much attention on one side to the detriment of the other. Sometimes you just can’t do everything and will need to make choices about where your priorities truly lie. Talk to your partner or your boss and adjust expectations as necessary so you don’t feel over-committed to one area.

While all of the Queens have a nurturing aspect, the Queen of Pentacles carries a specific air of a working parent. You are strong and capable, my darlings, but as the wheel turns, so do we too need to make sure that as we thrive, we make time for rest.