JANUARY TAROT REFLECTION

Lately, I’ve been trying something new with tarot practice.

I started using tarot cards to reflect on past events. I picked cards that matched what I went through and how I felt last month. I call this the Tarot Reflection Method. For January, the cards that stood out were Strength, IX of Wands, and VIII of Pentacles. I chose them by thinking carefully about my experiences and feelings. These cards captured the act of loving deeply, pushing through exhaustion, and persevering.

The Strength Card - Love Without Control

This month, I summoned my strength by being present instead of forcing things or trying to fix everything.

Here’s some background: My husband and I drove over 25 hours to Texas to see his aunt in hospice. We got there just in time, as she passed away the next day. Even though he was exhausted, my husband stayed steady, kind, and present for his whole family.

He was the anchor for everyone, and I didn’t want to add to his burden. I wanted to support him. Even though my husband never asks for help, I still wanted to be there for him, to be his rock as he is for others. I kept it simple: I placed my hand on his shoulder, gave him gentle hugs, and gave him space when he needed it. I learned that just being there can mean a lot, even without the right words. Showing compassion helped us both.

Keywords for the Strength card: Courage, bravery, inner strength, compassion, patience, gentleness, Self-control, mastery, composure, persuasion, influence, resilience, fortitude, taming raw emotion or impulses.

The IX of Wands Card -  Being Tired yet Still Standing

As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours. The day we got back from our long drive home, I found out my stepfather has cancer. My mom’s news filled me with fear for both her and my stepdad.

I was already exhausted from our trip to Texas, and now I felt anxious, too. My throat and chest were tight, and I kept my emotions and words inside.

I kept moving forward without falling apart.

That’s what the IX of Wands is about—feeling tired and guarded, but still standing. It’s about showing up, even when life keeps coming at you.

Keywords for the IX of Wands: Resilience, persistence, grit, stamina, perseverance, exhausted but determined, battle-scarred, wary, vigilant, defending boundaries, last stand, holding ground, continuing, protection, near completion, final challenge, testing, caution.

VIII of Pentacles - Devotion Without Performance

In January, I didn’t work on any art projects or even touch my art supplies, and I’m okay with that. I know my worth as an artist doesn’t depend on what I make. My creativity is more than what others see.

Even without a finished product.
Even without proof.
I am still an artist, even in months when life keeps me from creating. Even when my hands aren’t messy with ink or paint, I remind myself that my creative life is about how I see the world.

Now that January is over, I’m ready to return to my love of art and get back into my creative practice.

Keywords for VIII of Pentacles:  Expertise, craftsmanship, apprenticeship, learning, refining, talent, diligence, productivity, dedication, focus, long-term commitment, attention to detail, precision, perfectionism, quality control, success, rewards for hard work, building a reputation.

Closing: The Wheel Keeps Turning

The month of January as a whole reminded me of The Wheel of Fortune.

Some moments were full of love and tenderness, while others brought grief, fear, and exhaustion. I moved through these feelings, often caught off guard, but I always knew that life keeps changing. Still, the wheel kept turning, and I kept going too.

This month didn’t ask me to master the ride.
It asked me to hold tight and stay on it.

To show up imperfectly.
I trust that the lows will shift, just as the highs always do.

As January ends and February begins, I’m holding on to what I've learned and turning my attention back to my creative practice. I want to embrace where I am without pressure and see what beauty I can create in my life and for those around me. That’s my intention, but if it doesn’t work out, I’ll hold on to the Wheel of Fortune for another ride, trusting that everything will be alright.

Wheel of Fortune Keywords: change, cycles, fate, destiny, luck, fortune, turning point, revolution, progression, shift, momentum, unexpected events, opportunities, karma, flexibility, detachment, evolution.