I rewrote the introduction for this newsletter a dozen times trying to find the words to explain why I havenāt posted in three years. Instead of listing excuses, and before the delete button on my laptop pops off, Iāll start with the first four words I typed: Long time, no Tarot. Brilliant prose, I know.Ā
Iāll read Tarot for anyone upon request, but lately I read for myself as seldom as I eat a banana. Both are not an everyday, weekly or monthly occurrence. In the past, I pulled a Tarot card whenever I felt a calling, like obliging a food craving I canāt ignore because my body is telling me it needs the nutrients. I pulled a card for the day regularly and gave myself an extended reading at the start of each month.
These days, Iām deficient in not only potassium but spirituality, the latter being the reason for why Iāve neglected this newsletter and what I believe to be my soulās purpose: using Tarot as a creative catalyst to write and connect with others.Ā
After the giant rug pull that was the global pandemic and with extra time to spare, I wrote the first chapter of Whatās In the Cards? and it felt like I was finally returning to myself.Ā I launched this newsletter on September 18, 2020 with the same fresh eyes as The Fool, the first Major Arcana card in a Tarot deck.
But time isnāt always kind. The past three years have been hard, collectively and personally. After a spell of disappointment, triggered abandonment wounds and overall malaise, my vision blurred and I lost faith in almost everything, myself included. Fear, dejection and anxiety have always been my triggers for avoidance, making it easy for me to lose focus with my values, wants and needs. As a result, I ignored my Tarot deck(s) and I dialed my spiritual frequency all the way back to low-mode.
On December 30, I experienced a small yet powerful revelation.
With a stomach running on Saltines and Pepcid after battling a week-long stomach flu, my body begged for a banana. This is a craving Iād typically ignore. Iām more of an apple or any-other-fruit girl. I went to great lengths to find one that was perfectly ripe. See: Walked to two different grocery stores before realizing Brooklyn Bagel is and will always be the source of my salvation.Ā
With my fruit in tow, I walked home laughing at myself over my voracious commitment to hunger cues but not my soul cues. I want to believe I am a person who doesnāt turn away from their instincts, wants or desires or silence lifeās spiritual downloads. If Iāve learned anything about habit building itās that wanting to be a certain way gets you nowhere. The secret is already believing.
My New Year commitment is believing I am that girl. I will strengthen my soul connection, dial it in, put my spiritual volume on blast and acknowledge what calls to me, whether itās my Tarot practice, writing this newsletter, eating a banana or doing something else entirely.
Iām not pressuring myself to know how to answer the call each time or to respond immediately, but I do believe I am ready and capable. That takes more strength than I ever realized.
Bold Messages
The FoolĀ
I recently reread the first Whatās In the Cards? interview with my friend Jillian Anthony and the writer behind one of my favorite Substack newsletters, Cruel Summer Book Club. If youāre in need of an awakening or a new beginning, especially after a period of grief, I highly recommend you subscribe to her work.
Time Isnāt Always KindĀ
This is a lyric from āTurpentineā by H.C. McEntire and Amy Ray. This is one of my favorite songs of 2023, in addition to these repeat-worthy tracks. Special thanks to Easier Listening for helping me discover some incredible music this year.
Tarot Deck(s)Ā
I collect Tarot decks and intend to write a post about my favorites. My latest find is Small Spells by Rachel Howe. Iāve admired this deck for many years and am excited to use it today for my 2024 reading. I highly recommend Biddy Tarotās New Year Spread.
My New Year CommitmentĀ
I typically make resolutions. In 2023, I ran with the āInā and āOutā trend. I donāt have the energy for either. However, I do love the idea of welcoming a word for the year and releasing one that no longer serves you. This beautiful post by Dianna Cohen explains the power behind this exercise. In 2024, I want to welcome empowerment. In 2024, I want to release timidness.
StrengthĀ
The collective Tarot card for the year is Strength. Numerically, 2024 equals 8, meaning itās a number 8 year. I think 2023 left many of us feeling defeated with very little left to give, so this is a very welcomed message. Rachel Howeās interpretation of Strength perfectly encapsulates the mood of the moment: Visual: A wild panther surrounded by hands offering flowers and breaking its chains. Description: Diffusing a situation through kindness and generosity, not domination. Loving your enemies, embracing your weaknesses, overcoming a problem through care and sweetness. Extending a loving gesture in a time of chaos or conflict. Responding to anger or fear with integrity, not reacting.
Sheās back! Love what you wrote. Sometimes we need to go with our intuition to feed the soul. Sometimes we need to be reminded. Love you and sorry you had to battle that nasty stomach bug. PS Brooklyn Bagel fixes everything!!
You! Are! That! Girl! So great to see you writing here again! WELCOME to 2024! And thank you for sharing CSBC :)