I dunno, but today feels like this deck fits: pick a card
The Tarot of Light & Shadow
I’m Natalie. I started this weekly newsletter back in 2020.
Every Monday I offer pick-a-card readings to help you set the tone for your week ahead. If you enjoy this letter, consider sharing it with folks.
Hello seekers,
It’s Inauguration Day here in the US, and if you surf around, you’ll find a hot take from every angle.
My hot take was shared here earlier today on Notes:
Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting your enemy to die.
(It’s up for debate who really said this, and if this is even the right quote)
But whatever.
It’s a big day energetically here in the US. Feel what you have to feel, but notice if you’re allowing it too much power.
You’ll know if you start spending all of your time feeling not so great, spiteful, hateful, and like you want to fight somebody (to name a few).
My work is about discharging and integrating negative emotions so you can have a different, healthier relationship to whatever it is that’s making you feel bad.
I’m not saying don’t be mad or scared.
I’m saying don’t let it write the next steps in your life.
That gives away your power.
And energy towards what might happen, which is a waste of time and precious energy.
Instead of that hateful comment or story or doom scrolling, why not something rooted in love?
Start with snuggling your cat, taking a nap, making your favorite food.
Let the energy move through you rather than consume you.
There’s a line between spiritual bypassing and empowering people.
I’m not saying it’s a fine line, but a line. I help people walk that line. I suppose you could call it a path.
(That was on purpose).
Let’s get to the cards.
Whatever you’re feeling, these Monday readings are a great way to set a new tone and focus for your week ahead.
So take a few breaths and choose the card that most resonates with you.
Trust your first instinct.
Love to you all,
N
PS: When you’re ready, here’s some other stuff you might like:
✨Want your own deck? Mine is now available to order HERE!
✨Book a reading! Readings are 1:1 with me via zoom. View the calendar here.
✨Emotional release & clarity: These are 90-minute sessions combining release and readings to help shift big energy and give you more direction. You can learn all about on the NEW site!
The Cards:
deck: The Tarot of Light and Shadow
The crystals & stones:
1- Black Moonstone: calm emotions, feminine energy, hormonal imbalances✨root & third eye chakras
2- Tumbled Apatite: speaking clearly and honestly, communicating✨throat chakra
3-Garnierite: soothing, grounding, and strength during turmoil✨heart chakra
Hold up!
Choose a card from the photo above before scrolling down.
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one
Five of Wands (shadow)
This card is a strong reminder to acknowledge where your abundance comes from. It’s asking you to take some time to be present when you’re indulging in anything: free time, food, friends…even substances that change your consciousness (this includes coffee and sugar!).
It can be easy to move through life consuming things and seeking “happiness” and yet still feeling empty. The secret is in taking the time to acknowledge and give thanks for things instead of breezing by that part.
One exercise is thinking about how many people took part in your enjoyment of something you love. It can be as simple as a cup of coffee: the farmers, packagers, transporters, storefronts, etc. Let your mind wander the path of gratitude for a while.
Two of Cups (light)
This card is all about love, harmony, connection, and “filling your cup” so to speak. In this position in the spread, it reinforces the practice of being present in what you enjoy.
There is always a deep connection to the community that we often don’t recognize, especially during stretches of isolation. If you’re feeling particularly alone lately, remember you’re always held up by so many invisible people, all over the world.
Learn from the shadow of blind consumption (five of wands) and take a breath of thanks.
two
King of Cups (shadow)
The King of Cups may represent a gregarious, kind, fun-loving person in your life. Typically a strong male presence, this person—or energy signature that keeps popping up—reminds us to trust our instincts.
In the shadow position, the Kind of Cups is a reminder of the somewhat manipulative, often moody, side of the person who is the life of the party.
If you’re under that spell of someone or something that is just “so much fun” or super generous, that’s okay. But be present to the whole experience and try to sense the intentions that might be underneath.
This doesn’t mean there’s some nefarious narrative going on, just to be aware of it so you’re aren’t surprised by any inconsistencies that might arise like the person seeming distant all of a sudden, or a big mood swing.
Four of Cups (light)
This is a wonderful time—especially if you’re surrounded by a lot of King of Cups energy right now—to really check in with yourself. Get in touch with your inner wisdom and your body’s messages.
You are always your brightest guiding light, even if sometimes other’s seem brighter…and “righter” so you just go along with it.
If it doesn’t feel quite right, check in. Take some time to really ask yourself what you’d like, what you need, and how you can be better supported.
three
The High Priestess (shadow)
Be aware of the places where you are judging yourself and others too harshly. The High Priestess’s shadow side can be slightly overbearing, very strong in ego-voice, and tend towards nagging or gossip.
The thing about shadow energy is that we need it. It isn’t wrong or right, it’s just a part of the big picture.
If there is an area in your life where you’re unhappy with yourself, or where you feel like you’re not connecting with others you care about, acknowledge that it might be your own shadow pattern that you’re embracing too tightly.
Release some of what you’re trying to control. Let folks be and let be.
Remember, stay curious. Curiosity and judgement cannot exist in the same space.
The World (light)
You are very close to completing something big.
Perhaps this is deeply internal, like a deeper spiritual understanding and knowing.
It might be external, some kind of long road reaching a point of completion or wholeness on a new level.
Now is a time, in conjunction with the High Priestess’s shadow, to be curious. Enjoy what you’ve worked hard for, the abundance all around you. Let yourself just enjoy things for a minute instead of ever-pushing forward.
It is a beautiful time for the practice of presence. Just be.
Decks:
The Tarot of Light & Shadow: https://tarotarts.com/products/the-tarot-of-light-and-shadow
Thank you for the insightful tarot reading. ❤️
Thank you so much for this Natalie. I chose one, Black moonstone - reading was bang on & now I'm smiling. New subscriber too.. hello, delighted to have you in my feed!