Exploring Your Tarot Year Card In 10 Steps

Exploring your tarot year card is a great way to set goals and intentions for the year ahead.

Tapping into the energies of your tarot year card can help focus on areas in your life that need attention.

These energies may also indicate issues and situations that you may have to face and suggest lessons to be learned in the months ahead.

The global year card in 2022 is The Lovers, and your personal tarot year card is based on your date of birth. Learn how to calculate it here.

It is best to explore your year card throughout the year. Set aside a journaling session once a month to take stock and dive a little deeper.

Be creative with your tarot year card.

It is your personal growth symbol for 12 months, so enjoy the process of getting to know and embracing it, even if it’s a card you don’t like (mine is Death this year) – this could be a confrontation with some shadow aspects you have been putting off or ignored.

And sometimes, life can be brutal, and we have to get through dark times, too. With the help of your tarot year card, you can emerge on the other side with wisdom and renewed strength.

So here is how you can enjoy exploring your tarot year card in 10 steps:

1. First impressions: keywords and phrases that come into your mind when you see the image. Also, any feelings that come up.

2. What to do / action to take: something practical and doable; active steps that can help following your aspirations, goals and plans for the year.

3. What to avoid: personal traits / habits / beliefs that could hinder a desired development or outcome. Perhaps giving up a bad habit relating to this card.

4. What to look out for: something that is hidden; opportunities, obstacles, internal blocks

5. What needs attention: this could relate to a skill you need to develop, people around you, work, relationships, lifestyle… a specific area in your life.

6. Power word / Motto: a catch phrase, mantra or just one single word that will guide you along the right track a towards achieving your desired outcome.

7. Affirmation: a positive statement to help you shift your mindset.

8. Find quotes that relate to your year card that inspire you

9. Create a playlist of songs that reflect the positive essence of your year card

10. Write a poem / haiku based on your year card

You can download the image of these 10 steps on my Patreon and print it for your journal.

Enjoy!

Christiane

Get Unstuck Tarot Spread

get unstuck tarot spread The recent global events – pandemic, environmental disasters, lockdowns, chaotic leadership – have left many people traumatised, which has caused an increase in mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.

Millions of people lack direction during these unsettling times as we are all questioning our way of life, what brought us to this point and where the heck are we going from here.

If you feel stuck in your life – perhaps you are thinking about changing your career, letting go of a relationship, moving countries, living off-grid, starting a business, or making some other profound change – then perhaps you want to try the Get Unstuck Tarot Spread.

This spread is designed to help you make the right choices, overcome insecurities and self-doubt, denial, procrastination and perhaps even self-sabotage.

What are you struggling with in terms of choice and decision-making?
What is keeping you in a place where you can’t seem to move forward?

Sounds dramatic, but in reality this energy is often lingering in the background without us realising and can affect various areas in our lives at once.

Pay attention to just one area that needs resolving, and it can have a positive effect on everything else.

When we become aware of it, we can begin to do something about it.

Here is a three-card spread you can try to get unstuck:

1. Where in your life are you feeling stuck right now?

You will probably already know the answer to this question, but pulling a card can offer you deeper insight.

2. What is the underlying cause?

Focus here on internal battles, blocks, attitudes, beliefs, vices.

3. What can you do to get unstuck?

An action you can take to get unstuck. This may not be the holy grail of solutions, but at least a first step towards untanglement.

The Get Unstuck Tarot Spread is a simple spread with straight-forward questions – from getting unstuck to getting inspired to get moving again.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

10 Tarot Affirmations To Overcome Anxiety

Creating tarot affirmations to overcome anxiety is a magical and effective way to practice mindfulness during difficult times.

There is no doubt that the lockdown measures around the world caused by the pandemic have offered many people a chance to slow down, spend more time with loved ones and even generated new business ideas and opportunities.

Over the last year in this surreal state of stagnation, I also cherished the quiet life away from noisy crowds, busy traffic and hectic travel schedules.

All well and good, but at the same time many people have also been affected by loss, insecurity, worries and fears of what the future might hold.

Mental health issues during the Covid-19 have increased, such as depression and anxiety.

There are many activities that can be cultivated to cope with mental health issues, but in this article I focus on practicing mindfulness with tarot affirmations to overcome anxiety.

Affirmations are often used to turn negative thinking into a more optimistic outlook, and they can work really well when used regularly.

Each card in the Tarot offers its own powerful messages, and when you draw your daily card, choose affirmations as suggested below.

Repeat these affirmations to yourself regularly during the day to cultivate positivity, resilience and joy. This can help you snap out of the negative self-talk loop.

Here are suggestions for some of the Major Arcana cards:

The Fool

Today will be a great day.
I am looking forward to what today brings.
I find joy in the present.
I take each moment as it comes.
I am positive.
I am open to receive what makes me happy.
I am doing well.
I am curious and love exploring new possibilities.
One step at a time.

The Empress

I am creative. I am comfortable.
I take good care of myself.
I draw energy from nature.
I treat myself to healthy food and drink.
I am natural and at ease with myself.
I am loved. I am loving.
I love myself. I am beautiful.
I am practical and get things done.
I have all I need to feel abundant.
I am grounded and confident.

The Chariot

When the going gets tough, I am determined to keep going.
I persevere despite difficulties.
I am in the right frame of mind.
I am focused. I will succeed.
I am breaking free from my comfort zone of destructive thoughts.
I actively choose my destiny.
My willpower guides me from turmoil to safe haven.
I am a fighter.
I am conquering my worries and fears.

Strength

I am strong.
I am in control of my thoughts.
I am determined to overcome what is dragging me down.
I am gentle but also persistent.
I refuse to give up on myself.
I successfully balance my fears with my passion for life.
I have the power to tame uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.
Today I have the energy and desire to have a wonderful day.

Justice

My heart and mind are in alignment.
I can see the bigger picture.
My thoughts are guided by logic and reason rather than assumptions and drama.
I am honest with myself and others.
I take responsibility for my wellbeing.
I have the power to choose wisely.
I balance my intellect with compassion, comfort with challenge.
I make peace with my mind.

Death

Today I emerge from my cocoon and rise towards the sun like an eagle.
I am changing. I am maturing.
I am transforming my life with a new way of thinking.
I can feel my mind shifting and evolving.
I choose life. I accept change.
Out of darkness into the light.
I am shedding my limitations.
I am regenerating, giving birth to new potential.

The Devil

I am the master of my own destiny.
I sever unhealthy bonds.
I stay clear of destructive habits.
I am emerging from the shadows of fear and despair.
I am tapping into my inner resources to enhance my relationships, work, health, and home.
I confront difficulties rather than living in denial.
I am persistent and motivated to live my best life.

The Star

I am shining my light.
I am showing up.
I am standing tall in my grace and serenity.
I believe in my inner strength and abilities.
I connect with spirit.
I am hopeful. I am inspired.
Positive thoughts are flowing through my mind.
My self-esteem is flourishing.
The universe is guiding me in the right direction.
I believe in miracles. Magic is all around me.

The Sun

I am present. I am joyful.
I am vibrant.
I am inspired to create magic guided by my inner light.
I can see and think clearly.
All is falling into place.
All is making sense.
All is unravelled.
I am true to myself.
I am unique.
I am healing, and I heal others.
All is well. I take time to just be.
Life is good.

The World

I am safe. I am enough.
I am right where I need to be.
I am comfortable in my own skin.
I keep my options open.
I have the power to seek new adventures and experiences at any time.
I have the power of choice.
I know myself and make the most of my knowledge.
I am the master of my hopes and fears, dreams, and reality.

Download and print the full set of 22 Major Arcana affirmation cards from my Patreon:

You will find many more divination printables on my Patreon that help to support you in looking after your mental health and living your best life.

Learn more and join today.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

PS: Also check out my Healthy Habits Empowering Morning Affirmations based on the 22 Major Arcana cards

The Lion’s Gate Opening Tarot Spread

lion's gate opening tarot spread The opening of the Lion’s Gate Portal is one of the most magical celestial events that occurs every year reaching its peak on the 8th of August during Leo season.

It coincides with the rise of the morning star Sirius, which will be visible in the Eastern sky above the horizon just before dawn between the 26th July and 12th August.

Sirius is situated below Orion’s belt in the Canis Major (Greater Dog) constellation.

In ancient Egypt it marked the annual flooding of the Nile, which nourished the dry soil for growing crops.

There is a theory that the pyramids of Giza including the Sphinx (lion’s body!) were built in such a way that they aligned with Sirius and two stars situated in Orion’s belt forming a triangle.

This triangle – the Gate Portal – is now temporarily visible in our night sky before sunrise, and Earth’s alignment with Sirius marks a time of empowerment, accelerated evolution, spiritual activation and ascention.

That all sounds pretty epic, but just like eclipses, solstices and equinoxes, we can observe and harness these powerful portal energies to raise our vibrations.

Now we are standing in front of the Lion’s Gate Portal and are about to step through.

Stepping through and stepping up.

This is a joyous and exciting moment. Tune into this magical cosmic energy to spiritually cleanse and renew.

Focus on your Solar Plexus Chakra, which is associated with Leo – confidence, abundance, healthy boundaries, willpower, creativity and leadership, making decisions, setting directions, personal identity, authenticity, courage and resilience.

Remember, we are experiencing a global shift at the point of no return, but stepping through the Lion’s Gate Portal into unknown territory also opens up to new potential and possibilities.

Activate your inner power with this tarot spread to guide you through the Portal:

1. What do I need to leave behind?
2. What do I need to take with me?
3. What will I find?
4. What energy will I activate?
5. What will become clear to me?
6. How will this change me?
7. How will this benefit me?
8. Enlightened message from Sirius:

What insights are you receiving from the cards? How are they challenging you? What do they trigger? What shift can you sense?

Enjoy exploring this spread, and please do share with me, which cards you have drawn. I’d love to hear from you.

Christiane

Podcast: Using The Tarot For Guidance During Challenging Times

Using the Tarot for guidance during challenging times is a current but also timeless topic, because we have to deal with all kinds of crisis situations throughout our lives.

When we are faced with a situation that is beyond our control, it can make us feel helpess, in shock and disbelief.

And while we have to deal with anger, frustration, anxiety and even loss, the last thing on our mind is being spiritually blissful and grateful.

But practicing mindfulness with the Tarot can help us ground ourselves in the here and now.

With the Tarot we can explore uncertain times to maintain and nourish our mental health, and learn to accept this moment in time as a stepping stone on our life journey.

By looking inwards with the Tarot, we can create balance, a shift in perspective and over time discover a way forward.

In my first podcast, I share with you my thoughts on how adversity can affect us, and how we can use the Tarot to empower us when dealing with loss and uncertainty:

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Audio: Practicing Mindfulness with the Tarot

practicing mindfulness with the tarot Mindfulness has become quite a buzzword in recent years.

The term was first coined by Jon Kabat-Zinn and describes the process of “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.”

It’s not about emptying your mind or suppressing thoughts; it’s about becoming a detached observer, simply being aware of physical sensations and how your mind wanders.

The purpose of practicing mindfulness is to reduce stress, over-thinking and improve overall wellbeing.

Research has shown that regular practice of mindfulness actually works.

If you are learning and working with the Tarot, you are also practicing mindfulness, perhaps without realising.

Practicing mindfulness with the Tarot is a powerful combination to boost your mental and spiritual wellbeing, and with regular practice can heal and transform your life.

A simple one-card draw can create a mindful moment of reflection and contemplation.

But you can also combine the one-card draw with a mindfulness meditation.

This is an easy way to learn mindfulness and include it in your daily spiritual practice.

Beginner’s Tarot Mindfulness Meditation

Take a seat in a quiet place and make yourself comfortable.
Ground yourself by taking a deep breath (slowly inhale and exhale) and repeat until you feel calm and focused.
Draw or choose a card from your tarot deck. Observe the image without judgement for a few minutes. Don’t think about its possible meanings. Just explore its colours, shapes, symbols.
Remain still and focus your sensations. Close your eyes and observe how your clothes feel on your skin and where you feel pressure on your body from where you sit.
Spend a few minutes on what you can hear. This could be your breath, a clock ticking, music somewhere in the backround, traffic noise etc.
Reflect on what you have just experienced. You have focused on an object (tarot card), sensations and sounds, which has given you a break from your preoccupations. Perhaps you have learned something new about the tarot image you just have observed.
How do you feel? Over time, this mindfulness meditation can be a nourishing way to refresh and clear your mind.

As you can see, this is an easy introduction to practicing mindfulness with the Tarot and should not take longer than ten minutes.

Listen to this meditation on Soundcloud:

If you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed or over-thinking, then take a mindful moment with your tarot deck, sit back, relax and connect with the cards at the same time.

Warmest wishes,

Christiane

Finding Direction in Your Life with the Tarot

hermt tarot — Smith Waite Tarot, Centennial edition

If you are feeling a little rudderless and wonder where to go from here or if you’re on the right track, then it can be helpful finding direction in your life with the Tarot.

Autumn is Hermit season (he’s linked to Virgo), and at this time of year questions about purpose, progress and direction often pop up in people’s minds.

First, contemplate the symbolism of the Hermit.

He’s reached the top of the mountain (the one that is in the background of the Fool), and with his lamp illuminating the way he is trying to find a path down the mountain on the other side.

The top of the mountain represents the current situation, a milestone, where he is right now in his life. What next?

In practical terms, this can relate to a job, relationship or lifestyle choice you are thinking about.

Try the following spread to explore your current path, a path that is open to you or the path you wish to take:

Path – Obstacle – Growth

Example – a relationship situation:

sharman caselli tarot deck — Sharman Caselli Tarot Deck

The Seven of Swords as the current Path suggests something being hidden, which needs to be revealed, or at one point the truth will come out. There’s a need to be open and honest, with yourself and the other person.

The Knight of Swords as the Obstacle suggests cruel words, accusations, quick judgement, but also brutal honesty, which can clear the air but can be hurtful.

Avoid nastiness and words you may regret later. Be kinder than you want to be.

The Three of Pentacles as Growth indicates the possibility of reconciliation and rebuilding of this relationship in a healthier and more sustainable way.

Lessons learned include a greater mutual understanding, building trust with honesty and supporting each other.

Support may also come from a third party, like a family member, friend or counsellor.

Here’s another spread to explore your current situation and new direction:

Where I am now – Where I want to be – Action to take

Here are some spreads that help you make choices:

Choice a – Choice B – What you need to know to decide

You may even have the choice between three options, so add Choice C if necessary.

Heart – Mind – Balance

Torn between head and heart? This can relate to a career change for example. How can you balance your conflicting thoughts and feelings?

What I want – What I need

What you want is not always what you need right now.

The Sun suggests the desire for happiness, but the Three of Swords may indicate that you need to work through some unresolved grief first.

And if there is no grief in your life, why are you not happy? It’s your choice.

Here are some journaling prompts that can help you find purpose and direction:

What gives me joy?
Where do I need to be patient (or have been patient for too long)?
What do I need to release?
What do I want to walk away from?

Wait and See

Sometimes it is counter-productive to think too much or putting pressure on yourself.

It is actually okay to float for a while and let answers come to you while searching for some inspiration (another Hermit hobby ?)

Here are some cards that indicate the need to be still, to contemplate, to surrender to the present, to wait and see:

tarot contemplation cards — Tarot cards indicating contemplation, wait and see, a new direction ahead… Sharman-Caselli deck

The High Priestess: The mother of wait and see. Silence is golden. Be still and listen. Sit back and observe.

Two of Swords: Caught between a rock and a hard stone; trying to balance heart and mind. There is no harm taking your time. Procrastination can lead to a situation resolving itself or a decision is made for you.

Four of Swords: Take time out from over-thinking. Just rest. Before you can make any kind of decision or gain clarity about what to do next, you need to unplug from the overwhelm for a while.

The Hanged Man: my year card in 2012, and it took me a whole year to start moving again. At one point you just have to surrender, bend rather than break. It’s not always down to you, so go with the flow. In your own time.

Seven of Pentacles: a choice between something established and something new. The new is still a seed and needs more attention before you can see its true potential, so be patient and let it grow while you still nurture what you have. And that new seed may never grow into anything. Time will tell.

Seven of Cups: a castle in the sky, which needs a solid foundation. Daydreaming about beautiful possibilities is fun, sometimes it’s all you need. Sometimes you don’t need to turn a dream into reality, as long as it makes you feel happy and inspired.

Finding direction with the Tarot is a fun and insightful way to reorganise conflicting thoughts and gain some clarity before you take the next step on your journey.

Want to learn more? Need guidance and personal support? Then check out, how you can work with me.

Warmest wishes,

Category: Practical Tarot

Exploring Your Tarot Year Card In 10 Steps

So here is how you can enjoy exploring your tarot year card in 10 steps:

Christiane

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Get Unstuck Tarot Spread