If you are involved in shadow work, remember that all your feelings are valid – even the ‘dark’ ones. It is what we do with that emotional energy that ultimately builds our character.
April
Your card: Ace of Wands. You feel very motivated, and it lets you know that there are many opportunities for growth and renewal when you engage with your dignity. Continuing to ignore these aspects of yourself will not work for you, so it is a good time to think about taking a new process of shadow work, and start the work of integration. If you find your motivation flagging, figure out what – and why – the block is there for you, and trace it back. Give yourself grace.
May
Your card: Ace of Swords. You may be dealing with a lot of inner confusion and chaos, and chances are you need to take a big step back and be aware of what you are putting out into the world. Think about how your emotions are reflected, and try to be more aware of what you put out to others, especially when it comes to their motivation. You might be surprised how it reveals some of your negative thoughts about yourself. Be kind to yourself.
June
Your Card: Ten of Swords. There is nothing easy about the end, even if we know it is the best thing for us. But that moment – when your dream has just died and you haven’t seen the dawn – is one of the darkest things for us. It can create a lot of negative thoughts about you, and start writing negative stories that will equip you along the way. Let go of them, and instead be compassionate and loving. Mistakes, failures, and despair are part of our lives. They don’t define us, unless we let them. Allow yourself to feel the sadness, but feel the warmth of the morning. Forgive yourself first.
July
Your card: Two of Wands. You may have once felt like you were making progress but now you feel stagnant. It’s time to take a solid inventory of where you stand versus where you want to be. Does what you are working on align with your goals and values? Or are you smashing speed records as you go down the wrong road? Or – are you making excuses to drop the table and start again out of fear of success? Be kind to yourself as you examine what part of you may be holding you back, and why.
August
Your card: Knight of Wands. It is fitting that this card, linked to your birth month, has a message from your shadow prepared for you. It’s easy to get frustrated, it’s hard to try to find your core. Have you always factored your personal preferences and values into the choices you made? Or have you been devoting your energy to suppressing your emotions, hoping they will change into something else? Refocus your mind’s eye on what you really want.
September
Your card: Ace of Cups. What matters is your feelings, and that’s not always your comfortable reality. Approach yourself and your dignity with compassion. It can be challenging to accept all parts of ourselves, especially when we are told that there are parts that are ‘rejected,’ but ‘bad’ emotions and feelings have a lot to teach us as positive. Be as kind to yourself as you are to others as you work through your feelings.
October
Your card: Knight of Pentacles. Balanced, yet passionate. He is patient and persistent. That’s what you need to drive right now. Instead of getting impatient with some of your shadow traits, understand how they affect who you are and the patterns in your day. Instead of condemning them and working against them, understand their causes and empathize. Be kind and gentle.
November
Your card: Justice. In seeking justice and balance, it is important to acknowledge all parts of yourself. You are no stranger to the dark side of life, but you have always struggled with the trauma of ongoing injustice, and the emotional return to feelings of helplessness and betrayal. Anger is justified when you are hurt and ultimately it is how we use that energy that determines who we are as people. Don’t trivialize your feelings – deal with them and use them. You deserve the clarity that comes after such efforts.
December
Your Card: The Hanged Man. Change your perspective. Your shadows are not there to frustrate or hinder you – they are ultimately mechanisms designed to protect you, built from your past. Spend some time reassessing your relationship on those aspects. Your shadow can be a powerful teacher, pointing you in the direction that can heal your wounds. Your resilience ultimately depends on your ability to change your perspective, and open your heart.
January
Your card: Four of Cups. Are you really lonely, or are you trying to reject the world before it abandons you? Normally I would tell you to put your gratitude in the middle, but it’s hard when it feels like nothing is worth the effort, and your expectations are empty. Instead of organizing your situation by labeling your frustrations, focus on what you want and don’t get. Asceticism is not accepting who you are. Take a moment, and think about how you can reframe yourself on the path to gratitude.
February
Your Card: Eight of Cups. You hold on tight, especially when something or someone has worked your way into your routine. Just because something has always been in your life doesn’t mean it’s useful to you, and it’s time to think about what you can move forward with. If you don’t stop, you will end up filled with anger and will start to self-destruct. It’s hard to walk away, especially if you’ve been dumped, but sometimes there’s no other choice. Give yourself the love you deserve, to choose a path that respects your values and supports the person you are becoming.
March
Your card: The Six of Wands. There is nothing wrong with celebrating your victories and setting your wishes among the stars. But be aware of the timing and the source of your desires. Don’t celebrate early – make sure you skip the line before you invite everyone. And realize that you are actually celebrating your victory, and not just seeking validation and strength from everyone around you. You don’t need to prove your worth. You deserve their attention and time no matter what, and most importantly you deserve their respect.
