2024 is here

Let's hope it will be kind.

Hello Dear Friend,

How are you doing today? Happy New Years Day to you.

May 2024 be a year filled with joy and laughter.

May it not be the struggle that 2023 seems to have been. I would think that it was just me who found 2023 tough, but I have heard from many people that they found it a hard year.

I have chosen a slightly different card draw for todays reading.

Are you ready? Then I will dive right in…

This month’s spread

I have used a spread from Joanna Powell Colbert which I found in an internet search. As ever take what you feel is aimed at you. Disregard anything that doesn’t fit, and above all, if the card speaks to you in a different way, then go with that.

The Cards

Card 1 - What do I leave behind in the Old Year?

Ten of Cups - looking at this card, my initial thoughts were why would you want to leave this idyllic scene, or even the hope of it, behind you? But on deeper reflection I feel it is asking us to put behind us the striving for the ‘Instagram Perfect’ life. You are constanly being bombarded with messages which conflict - live a happy single life - find your perfect person - be successful - follow your dreams - don’t forget along the way to have a baby and buy a house… It is exhausting. So stop striving to be ‘all the things’ that folks tell you you ‘should be’. Release the struggle, enjoy all you do have, whatever that is, and stay open to the possibility that there is more out there for you.

Card 2 - What do I open up to in the New Year?

Nine of Pentacles - This card shows a strong, confident, powerful, person, and with it being a Pentacle card, possibly a rich, woman. The Nine of Pentacles is all about self-reliance, acknowledging that you have the ability to create the life you want. You are enough. You don’t need the approval of others to be validated.
Don’t forget though with all this independence and ability, that although you can do everything by yourelf - it doesn’t mean you have to. Asking for help or support is not a sign of weakness.

Card 3 - Key Opportunity of the New Year?

The Lovers - The key thing to remember with this card is that it is not all about romantic love, it encompasses friendships, business partnerships, any kind of relationship really. Don’t forget though this also represents self-love. So is your opportunity of this year to nurture and love yourself? To be open to new partnerships? Or even to re-evaluate current relationships, to see if the balance is right.

Card 4 - Key Challenge of the New Year?

Page of Swords - This young man looks sad, but determined as he contemplates his onward journey. He is full of curiosity and a willingness to succeed in whatever it is he has set his sights on, but even if he fails, he will learn from his mistakes. He will get up and forge forwards again, determined to succeed the next time.
With a view to the Key Challenge of the New Year - do you have an idea? What is holding you back from starting? Sometimes we need a guide along the way, a teacher or mentor, maybe a friend to bounce ideas off of, keep this in mind as you chase your dreams in this coming year.

Card 5 - Hidden Concern (taken from the bottom of the deck)

Three of Swords - Even the look of this card is concerning, ragged and cold the figure huddles at the base of the swords, but what does it really represent? Well it does represent the hurts the world can inflict on you, but as this is reflecting hidden concern - maybe it is just your own worries that are creating possible hurts. Even if there is real pain and trauma in your life, it is how we respond to it which counts. None of us are going to get through life without suffering trauma or pain, so ask yourself how do you react to being hurt? Perhaps there is an old wound which you are still carying with you, maybe now is the time to lay it to rest.

Photo by SIMON LEE on Unsplash

Like the art of Kintsugi, visibly mending with golden lacquer, your scars and wounds are part of who you are now, a reminder of your journey to the person you are now. Remember also that the swords pointing down is a sign of mental energy, so try not to let your worries sap your energy.

Card 6 - Deep Wisdom/Counsel (taken from the middle of the deck)

The Emperor - I got a little stuck when I reached this card, I have a love/hate relationship with male authority figures, so I am working on the assumption that that is what threw me for a wobble. In reality the Emperor card represents boundaries, structure, authority, stability, and protection. Perhaps you have my reaction to the card, maybe journalling on that may help iron out the whys and wherefores. In relation to deep wisdom - is there someone you go to for advice? Is there someone who gives you the feeling of safety and protection? Or is it yourself you trust, and others come to for counsel and security. The Emperor asks you to explore your relationship with authority.

Card 7 - Key theme of the New Year

Three of Cups - This card shows celebration, thanksgiving, and shared happiness. This is a lovely card to have as a key theme for the year ahead. It speaks of deep friendships, support and encouragement, of sharing abundance and success.

Whatever the year brings you, remember to cherish the friendships you have. Nurture them, be a good friend to others, forge stronger bonds, and celebrate your year with them.

Summary

Surrender to the Old Year the struggle to be the perfect person, whatever that is, and embrace your own strength and self-reliance to achieve your goals for the New Year. Be open to new relaionships, perhaps with others, perhaps with yourself, maybe this is the year to be nurturing towards yourself, body and soul. The challenge of 2024? Do you have an idea? What is preventing you from starting? Take strength from the previous cards and don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. Don’t allow the worry over possible hurts to sap your energy, it is the trauma we have already faced which gives us the strength to face any new pain. Explore your feelings around authority, do you find it within yourself or from an external source?

The key theme is friendship, forging links, expanding trust and supporting one another, whatever 2024 brings forth.

As ever these are just my ramblings and are not set in stone, take what you need from the reading and use it. If the cards resonate with you in a different way, go with it. Your heart and soul know what is best for you. Follow the nudges and messages from Spirit and the angels, remember, the more you pay attention, the more you will see.

I will be back on Sunday with my usual letter to you dear friend, until next time, as ever, may your angels and guides watch over you and protect you until we meet again.

Love and Light,

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Until next time, bye for now.

Links:

The Deck I used in this reading is the *Llewellyn Tarot Deck, it is based on the myths, legends, and culture of Medieval Wales.

Joanna Powell Colbert Website

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