Tarot Through The Holidays
Whether you celebrate a specific tradition this time of year, or simply wish to honour the turning of the year, we wanted to share some simple ideas for incorporating tarot into the the holidays - however they look to you! Please enjoy this list, take care of yourself and enjoy whatever the remainder of 2021 has to offer!
Find Your Centre
We’re putting this one first because it can not be overstated just how stressful this time of tear can be for many. Whether it’s an overcrowded schedule, obligations and deadlines, the prospect of overspending, having to host or attend an array of social events, or just making time for more on top of what we’re all, already dealing with, December can be hard. For this reason, we think tarot is a great tool not just for predictions or setting intentions, but also as a means of finding our centre during trying times.
We’ve selected a handful of cards we feel would serve as excellent allies to gain a sense of inner peace when things get a bit too hectic. You can use these cards in the following ways: observing and reflecting on the imagery, journaling what they mean to you, or holding their energy as you sit in quiet meditation.
If you have an altar or sacred space, you may even find it helpful to display one there that you find particularly potent or helpful.
The 6 of Cups: A reminder to focus on simplicity, the spirit of giving, sincere service, happy memories and small pleasures.
The Star: A symbol of hope, meditation, inspiration, individuality, and following our true north.
Temperance: The ultimate mediator; teaching us to improve our vibration by blending our inner elements in an effort to cultivate harmony and equilibrium.
Ace of Cups: The ultimate tool for inner replenishment, the Ace of Cups speaks to honouring our reserves with an emphasis on self-care and inner peace.
4 of Swords: Permission to pause, rest and reflect as needed.
Decorate Your Space With Intention
In November we were asked to contribute to an article on RedFin titled It’s a Sign: Experts Share Holiday Decor Inspiration for Your Zodiac Sign
The article is full of really fun and unique ideas for incorporating Astrology into home decor for the holiday season. Some of the suggestions are even sign specific, like this one below from Path & Purpose.
“For Cancer, the phrase “home for the holidays” is quintessentially you. You have a strong emotional desire to nurture, feel emotionally connected, and be at home, surrounded by family this time of year. Decorate the house with reminders of the past, such as old family photos, children’s decorated ornaments, or grandma’s old cookie recipes this holiday season.”
You can read our tip along with all the others by checking out the article!
Give A Reading / Get A Reading
End of year readings are a common way to reflect on the year that’s been while getting advice and insight for the one that’s upcoming. We don’t offer year end readings specifically, but we do have a simple technique for embracing transitions of all kinds.
You can purchase one for yourself straight from us, or perform a lengthier iteration of it as detailed below:
We also offer gift cards for those special people in your life needing a little extra insight or magick in their lives!
A Gift Exchange With A Twist
If you have friends or family in your life who you love to exchange gifts with this time of year, and who also are into tarot, why not do a gift exchange with a twist? Instead of pulling names, pull cards! We think it would be more interesting to work just with the Majors for this purpose. Here is how it could work: First, figure out who would be involved. Then, separate the Majors from the deck, shuffle, and secretly assign one to each person. That person should also know who they are buying the gift for. That part could be kept secret, or it could be out in the open, but the card should remain just with the gift buyer.
Then, with the card you selected in mind, you would purchase or craft something that captured its essence in some way. For example, if you pulled The Empress, you may consider essential oils or bath salts. The Hierophant may have you heading to the book store. Or, The Devil may have you loading up on sweet indulgences. The sky is the limit where creativity is concerned!
Reflect On The Numbers
In our last post, we shared an overview of the numerology for the Collective and Personal Years as we head into 2022.
in 2021, we were collectively in a Year 5 (The Hierophant). In 2022, we will be in a Collective Year 6 (The Lovers). One unique way we can observe the shift in energy, is by comparing those two associated cards. In what ways do they connect? How do they differ? What might that mean for 2022 in comparison to 2021?
Take a look at the image to follow and note anything that stands out to you. We’ll share a handful of our observations below.
Similarities:
There is triplicity present in each scene i.e. the kneelers and The Hierophant form a trinagle, while the Hierophant holds a triple staff and wears a 3 tiered crown. In The Lovers, we see that same triangular shape made between the angel, man and woman. This could mean that 2022 will continue to place emphasis on synthesis i.e. harmony between various elements, body/mind/spirit, sub/self/super consciousness etc.
Hands are raised and held in an open gesture in each scene. This could indicate that in 2022 it will continue to be important to be upfront, authentic and clear in your intentions.
Differences:
Nudity vs. elaborate dress. In this case, The Lovers is leaning into nudity which indicates that 2022 may require more vulnerability than 2021. It may be more difficult to keep up appearances if they don’t match the truth of the situation, so embrace authenticity as much as possible.
Natural vs. man-made. The Hierophant appears to be indoors, with concrete pillars and a grey background, whereas The Lovers is outside amidst a natural landscape under a bright sun. 2022 may be a reminder of our connection to nature, not just the outdoors but the nature of ourselves and those around us. The Hierophant, exoterically speaking, upholds tradition whereas The Lovers places focus on what feels best for us, regardless of the status quo. Especially as it relates to our relationship with the holidays, The Lovers asks “what is truly meaningful to me and how can I authentically express and embrace this?”
Similar to the exercise above, you can perform this with your own Personal Year Number. Simply take the associated tarot card for 2021 and compare it to the one for 2022. What is similar? What is different? What might that mean? For example, in 2021 I (Julia) was in a Personal Year 3, and 2022 will be a Personal Year 4, so my two cards would be The Empress transitioning to The Emperor. You can read more about calculating your Personal Year Number if you’re not sure how to do that.
We hope you enjoyed some of these suggestions for incorporating your tarot practice into the holiday season. We know we’re only scratching the surface with these tips, so perhaps they could also be a spring board to launch additional cr4eative ideas!
Blessings,
Julia & Tim