The Tarot of Light & Shadow
And the process of setting intentions 🪐
Hello dear readers, and welcome to another week on planet Earth!
I’ve recently started a new education program to help me along in my photography coaching journey and I’m LOVING how much it dovetails with this world—all things cards and intuition—in so many ways.
A big focus in our curriculum this week is the process of setting intentions. There are a gazillion books and resources and teachers when it comes to our dreams, goals, and intentions, but I wanted to suggest one piece for y’all today:
Before you pick your card, let something you are working toward (a goal, outcome, etc) come to mind. It could be moving out of state or finally organizing your kitchen drawers…doesn’t matter.
Once you’ve got it (and avoid over-thinking) take a few deep, belly breaths.
Now, imagine this outcome having happened already.
What do you FEEL? Try and sit with that feeling for a minute or two.
Take that goal and feeling into today’s reading and see what comes up for you :)
Happy visualizing!
Natalie
PS: Thanks to my high-vibe & generous friend, Drew, for the Australian Boulder Opal (featured below, center). If you haven’t googled the magic of these yet…do it!
The CARDS
Deck: The Tarot of Light and Shadow by John Matthews and Andrea Aste
Before you scroll down, pick a card above first!
Take your time, breathe, listen to your body, then choose ☀️
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one
Shadow: Knight of Cups
Light: Ten of Swords
You’re reaching the end of a very painful and challenging season in your life. The Knight asks you to look at your emotional body, to really dig in and ask yourself:
Have I been making decisions from a place of my feelings being hurt?
What is the silent resentment or wound that is surfacing?
It is time to tie up the loose and painful end of this chapter, friend. Perhaps you’re not even viewing this as a chapter or season, but something that you’ve carried for a long time.
In releasing your attempt to control the outcome—and reaching for unhealthy distractions to soothe your aching heart—you can be free of this burden AND allow something new in its place.
Focus on resources and practices to support a release.
Mantra for the week: I forgive myself for the choices that have led me to this place and am excited for what comes next.
two
Shadow: The Emperor
Light: Knight of Swords
You are likely in a position to make a challenging decision for yourself, family, business, or community.
When the Emperor is in shadow, he reminds us to look out for ways we’re trying to control things too much. Perhaps by being overbearing or strongly dominant.
This often shows up as being stubborn, unreasonable, or a poor listener.
Examine the ways where you may be overlooking key facts or valuable information because you’ve become so fixed on a specific outcome.
The Knight’s energy is here to support exploring all possibilities. This is an excellent time for a brainstorm or pro/con list related to the decision you’re making. Do your best to recognize logic and ego as separate inputs from emotion and heart.
Mantra for the week: I am open to understanding where I need to release control in order to allow the outcome that’s for the greater good of all.
three
Shadow: King of Serpents
Light: Knight of Wands
The King is a quiet, yet powerful, presence in your life right now. He is the stable glue that supports your material life here on Earth: your home, job, food, possessions, etc. He is the energy that arrives when you make decisions around finances, business, and other material things.
Now is the time to push forward with the project or job.
This is an effort grounded in the physical world, not deeply associated with emotions, overthinking, or new opportunities.
This is something you’ve wanted to do for a while.
It could be rebuilding the back deck, reorganizing your space, or getting an application out to that job you saw posted. Perhaps it’s preparing the garden, buying or selling large investment assets, or finally trying to sew that new jacket you’ve always wanted to make from scratch.
The Knight is full of fire and ideas and the energy to get you there. Look for a like-minded, energetic person for support right now. They will appear if you ask.
Mantra for the week: I am ready and supported to move forward with my project with ease.