From Winter Solstice to New Years, I reflect on what has been and plan for what is to be. Also, I’m data geek. I keep excel sheets on the tarotcast’s cards each sign gets throughout the year. So, this tarotcast is dedicated to our rearview mirror view of the 2018.
I look at the data in two ways: how many times each card was pulled (for anomalies), and what the actual cards were for each sign (trends). For fun I want to see if the data shows statistical difference and or trends, and so far, it has. This means that certain cards get pulled outside the average, (which this year was 8 times) in a 12-month period. Now, to be truly scientific I would have to do this for many years. I am only on year three, but let’s see how this works with the data I have so far. (You can see year in review for 2016 and 2017 ). Also, some of you had asked why I put in the specific cards that is for my readers that want to learn more about tarot, so for you that just want the trends just skip over the card names.
First, I look at general trends. (Hint: Look at these trends not only for yourself but also at society in general.) This year was the year of Kings. Kings were pulled more than any other card and nines the least. Specifically, the highest was King of Swords decision making and strategy. Then the King of Wands with the need to gain control of our life, and The King of Cups coming in third with gaining control over our emotions. The challenge with Kings is we either get control like the #MeToo movement, or we don’t like some of the events in government which felt like we are going backwards.
Of course, this makes sense when you look at the cards that were pulled the least. I see these as areas where we did not have enough support. The lowest cards pulled where the Nines representing how we feel satisfied. Specifically, the Ace of Cups and Wands, Nine of Pentacles and Cups, Hierophant and Wheel where the lowest pulled. Overall, we were lacking in new experiences and gains of love and spirituality. And we just never felt satisfied that we had enough alone time and felt like something emotional was missing in our lives.
I think this also had to do with the Hierophant, structure and institutions, just wasn’t supported in 2018. Examples are the trouble with Brexit, Trump ever rotating cabinet, journalist getting killed, just to name a few. Then also the Wheel change of fortune also being low- this is a feeling of things not really changing- which is also mirrored in the Aces, new beginnings with emotion and spirit, being also pulled the least.
Overall this was a big year of information and what do we represent what are our truths. The two cards pulled the most King of Swords and page of Swords. This is a year when trying to figure out the truth, personally and in the bigger social schema, became apparent. A year where what is the truth was challenged and either we succeeded or failed finding it. Some examples of where finding or hiding the truth is highlighted were the #metoo movement, Billy Cosby trial, the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s, Trump investigation, Russian tampering of the election and the Kavanaugh hearing.
Then for your individual signs I look at the card trends just within your sign’s tarotcast below.
P.S. The photo above was taken by Charles Pinion, and the photos below are from my favorite tarotcast pics of the year
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Aries
This year compared to other signs you had a calm year except you all decided to deal with most of it at the beginning of 2018 and are now ending with a big bang. Starting in late August, Aces of swords, new ways of though and communication showed up too and you have been in your head ever since then. If you haven’t done a major shift in your life you have two weeks left. The theme for 2018 for you was learning. You were one of the signs that had the most pages and they were all swords. Which means this year most of your learning had to do with information or things unseen that you had to cajole out of hiding.
Taurus
Even though this was an average year of intensity and on the lower side for beginning and endings. People have played a pretty important role throughout 2018 Of all the court cards the Kings (getting a handle on/controlling) visited you more than any other sign in 2018. This year basically has been a year of finally wrangling in some weaker spots in how you do things or finally getting things off your to do list that have been there for a long time. It was your year to take control of a variety of aspects that deal with how you conduct not only your daily life but your destiny.
Gemini
This year was less intense than 2017 you had within the average amount of high energy cards. But you had to deal with something big and different every month, so 2018 was “no rest for the weary.” But here’s the thing, you all managed it well. You had the Kings visit you constantly throughout the year, which means all this year – you came, you ruled, and you left the place a bit better than what was there.
Cancer
For you the year was average with its up and downs, though around your birthday you had a respite. You all had the most aces and 10s, compared to other signs, which are beginning and ends. The beginnings were predominately in the physical plane (Ace of Pentacles) so lots of project starts and endings were in the area of the heart (10 of Cups). This was also a year where you hid from the world (lowest court cards than other signs) but when you did poke out of your burrow it was only to help others in their hour of need (more Queens than other court cards).
Leo
This year was the year of people for Leos. You had the highest number of court cards (20) than any other sign. And most of those were King cards in the suit of Wands. This year your challenge and hopefully accomplishment was to stand up for your passions and find time to create. It was a year where you were challenged to take control of your life, for the Chariot card visited often reminding you that truly only you should and can control the reins.
Virgo
Compared to the rest of your signs 2018 was a year of choosing the middle path and actively learning to balance your life. The Magician, Judgment and the number 3 seem to be your theme this year. You and the Magician were experimenting this year, the threes were helping with being reflective and contemplative. And by the end Judgement challenged you to start integrating with what you had learned. By the end of 2018 even though overall it was low-key you are using your time well to evolve to a new level.
Libra
Unlike 2017 you had the average amount of people in your life compared to other signs, but when you were dealing with people there was more give than take. This got a bit out of hand until November when you drew the line in the sand, and if you didn’t you had another chance to do that last week. You also had below the average of karmic or intense cards this year. You would think it was a slow year; however, you smashed them all in the beginning part of the year. So, since summer you have been challenged with a plethora of sixes asking you to give yourself some compassion. If you haven’t rested take the next two weeks to do just that.
Scorpio
You were right on the average for beginnings, ends and people. And you were on the higher side of average with the big energies, though almost all of the big stuff you dealt happened from January to August (15 out of the 16 karmic cards). Your main theme was the Death, Emperor and Empress having you slowly grow with burst of creation and then building onto to that. So even though it was an average year you did a lot with the energy around you. I suggest you so a little reflecting on all that you have accomplished, because you will be surprised with all you did. Or if you bizarrely find you didn’t get anything accomplished the Lovers card at the end of this year should help you get rid of what has been tempting you away from your path.
Sagittarius
You all had the highest number of karmic cards-big themes (17 the average was 13) this year. You started off the year dealing with people but by April you lower your interactions to come in last place with pulling court cards . Of course, this makes sense because you upped your ante with karmic cards from April to June. You only had nine weeks in the summer when something wasn’t banging on your karmic door. Then the Fates started calling on you again in September thru the end of the year. But here is the interesting thing after each karmic push you had a 10 card show up to help you finish the cycle. The three main focuses were on emotions, passion/drive and work. So if you worked it right you have gotten some karma debt lifted off your shoulders or at least know how to work better with it.
Capricorn
You had an average year compared to other signs with big themes, people, beginnings and endings. Your big themes this year were healing (Star twice), shining/growth (Sun 3 times) and opening new doors (World twice). You were one of the few signs that went back to and dig deeper in to your themes. Even though the year started feeling a bit chaotic by March you were up to the challenge of getting things back to creating the new “normal.”
Aquarius
In 2017 you had the highest amount of higher arcane cards (karmic) and this year you have the lowest. So overall even though 2018 seems breezier than 2017, it wasn’t. This year you have the most Aces (new beginnings) than any other sign. All but one of those Aces were in the realm of the physical plane. So, you were dealing with new projects at home and/or work which kept your life challenging and possibly changing. However, you were visited by the Hanged Man (twice) so a feeling of things not changing with all the change made it a confusing year of starts and stops. Also, you had a lot of King cards. This challenged you to take on new tasks, find ways to get a better handle on your boundaries, so you would build and rule your life more the way you want. By the end of the year you are working hard and succeeding at getting things stable in your life with a mini bombardment of 4s (stability) and 6s (balance).
Pisces
In 2016 and 2017 your sign had the highest in new beginnings, but this year, you have fallen within the average range with big themes, people, beginnings and endings. However, every month had a major karmic card or two except for August. So it has felt bigger and more karmic than in the years past. Also, each of those themes were different except for the World (new opportunities). That could have left you with a sense of not going deep enough with any one theme; however, half of your court cards are pages . This means this has been a year where you, if you played your cards right (teehee), have learned exponentially. I recommend taking the next week and looking on all that you have learned.
May light be on you, around you, and within you,
Nina
This week is Solstice; where darkness is at its height in the northern hemisphere, and light reigns in the southern. The Photographs above and below are from Roadside Lights by the artist 
The Sun represents growth and positivity, so this week should feel amazing. Though there are a few challenges: you might feel some growing pains, it might be hard to feel positive in all the rush or while you are growing you could overshadow someone’s else growth. This can look as simple as finding all your x-mas presents just make sure you don’t butt in line to grab the deal. Or this can look as complex as growing your confidence but doing it in a way that others don’t feel left out. The big lesson is Shine without Shadowing.
This is an interesting combination. The Empress is the card of creation and the Moon is the card of things hidden. This week is like tending your night-blooming flowers. There is more creation happening in the dark of your subconscious and/or solitude, than with the light and society. This can look as simple/complex as doing some stream of consciousness writing, collage, black-out poetry, cleaning out your fridge/freezer and making some new culinary dish, or writing down your dreams. The challenge letting out new creations that are waiting to spring up from your subconscious.
The Knight of Cups swoops in to advise you to get in touch with your emotions. This is a great week to take a deep dive in to what is driving your emotions. If you don’t like what you see, kick it out and if you do, feed it. If you are having a hard time tapping into your emotions watch Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street or The Grinch.
The Ace of Pentacles are new beginning on the material plane. This is a great week to start a new project, change jobs, move, try new recipes, start a new exercise regime. Look at what you want to grow or change on the material plane
Hmm your second 8 in a row so let’s take a gander at 8s for a minute. Eights in numerology mean manifestation through mastery. Last week the Eight of swords want you to master your negative thoughts. This week the Eight of Pentacles wants you to master something on the material plane. This look like a project, money, or deal coming together. Focus more on doing then, how it gets done. Trust yourself you are skilled.
This week has all the potential for being fantastic, if you can just get out of your own way and shine. Leave your ego and your mind on the curb and let life take you to some new places. You will find more grace and enlightenment if you follow you spirit and your heart. This can look as simple/complex as taking a walk/ride to see Holiday lights, going to a holiday party with someone you like, buying candy canes and giving them to every homeless person you pass, or staying at home getting cozy with nog and a book. The challenge with doing any of these things is thinking yourself out of it like: holiday lights are a stupid competition, yuck parties, the homeless need homes not candy, or I’m lazy. This week is about using your judgment to enjoy joy.
The Queen of Swords is about strategy in all you do. Need to get holiday gifts – make a list of what you need and then map out the best path. Need to get a project done – hire a babysitter so you can pull a long day, so you don’t have to do work during the holidays. If you are traveling pack early and preorder your taxi. This week can get hectic but a good battle plan will get you through it.
Holidays can be hard for all the water signs because there are a lot of emotions swimming around good or bad – yours or others. It can be draining. This week might push on your emotions, so you pull inward. And you can do that if you don’t do it all week. The challenge is to see that contemplation is fine if you look up and out to reorient to the positive. If you find yourself going to far inward call a friend to take you out for a hot tottie or tea. Love and laughter are the keys this week.
You are finishing out your birth month with the Ten of Pentacles or the prosperous kingdom card. The coming year has the Magician calling for creation and the Hanged Man calling for new and unique perspectives. All tens are summation cards so 2019 is a place where not only are you creating new and unique projects, traveling to new roads, but it is about enjoying your all that you have done to get to this place. This week is your first step in seeing how prosperous your kingdom is. Enjoy the bounty.
It’s a balancing act this week. Balancing intake with outtake, rest and activities, food and water, society and solitude. If you feel off kilter it is a sign to stop and ground yourself. This is a good card to practice going into your birth month.
Two of Cups is the card of relationships. Take time this week to have one on ones with people you love. You need to reconnect with the people you hold dear. The challenge is to truly be there with them. This can be hard with the hectic holiday season, but it will fill your cup more than drain it. Think small intimate moments than grand gestures.
The Ten of Wands is about putting too much on your plate because of a sense of obligation. This week is more about doing a few things well, than doing a bunch of things half-ass. The challenge is giving yourself a break. Lay down at least two of your to-dos on your list. You can pick them back up next week if they don’t fade away before that.
Last week the Death card asked you some hard questions like: What cycles are you starting up again? What ideas or projects do you want to store and work on next year? What do you want to let die or finish before spring? The Star card continues the theme of introspection by adding the questions: What do you need to heal, so you can move in to 2019 with a lighter load? And if you could hope for an outcome what would it be?
Last week the Strength card had you assess the hows and whys of your internal struggle to get things done. This week the Three of Wands wants you to continue pondering those questions, but also would like you planning your focuses for the winter season. What three things would you like to get done that will carry you into the spring of 2019?
The Death card is an appropriate as you head into the winter months. This week has that feel of slow natural change that happens each season. This card asks you questions like: What cycles are you starting up again? What ideas or projects do you want to store and work on next year? What do you want to let die or finish before spring? This week start mulling these questions in your head, so by winter Solstice you will have a good strategy and platform for 2019.
You are going to need your strength this week. Not because the outside world is trying your patience, but this week is more about your internal struggle to get things done. This card wants you to assess how you hold yourself back. Do you think you are not strong enough? Or are your opinions and expectations too strong? Does your will power not let you rest or does it drag you down into inertia? The Strength card shows up right before one needs to gather their strength to create momentum with the material goals in life. While the rest of us are hibernating, winter will be the perfect time for you all to kick ass, so use this time to garner your strength.
The Ten of Pentacles brings another week of focusing on building your net worth. What you have going right now is a pretty good gig. Keep at it and adding to it.
Happy Birthday Scorpio. The above is what I consider the cutest snake in the world; however it is venomous. It is the tree dwelling bush viper found only in ancient rain forest of sub-Saharan Africa.
Last week, the High Priestess challenged you to go within, find your center and then watch cycles. This week the Knight of Pentacles has you take what you learned last week and turn outward applying it to what you are doing in the world. This is a week were being practical is paramount.
The King of Pentacles is the doer and builder of the lower arcane. Take that energy he brings to you expanding on work, projects and anything that has to do with the material plane. Your only challenge is not to “bulldoze” anything into existence. So be careful how and what you are treading on to get to get things done.
The High Priestess comes into your life when you need to take your own counsel. She challenges you to go within, find your center and then watch. The answer lies within the cycles you see with your intuitive gaze. This can look as simple as pulling back from a conversation when it feels a bit wonky and listen to what is really being said, or as complex as taking a retreat to find the keys to why your life isn’t really working the way you want it to.
The last two weeks the Fool challenged you to acknowledge and let go of the excess so you can pack lighter for the road ahead, and the Lovers challenged you to pick good companions for this journey. This week the Two of Swords continues the theme with decision making. This card advises that which you pick isn’t the point but making the decision which is the key, or in other words, indecision is your foe this week.
The Seven of Swords asks you to be careful by making sure you know the whys behind what you are doing this week. Your thoughts and communication skills will be challenged. This can come in a variety of forms. This card advises you to stay true to your morals and if you are feeling challenged see if you can postpone the conversation or project until you can gain your composure and thoughts.
You all have the most Halloween like reading with Death and Eight of Swords, but no need to be spooked. This week is just asking you to let go of limiting thoughts, so you can move with the organic change and growth that is happening in your life. This is as simple as when confronted with a limitation or boundary or what seemly is a road block, take what looks like the darker and unfamiliar path. It is the places that are dark and unknown that hold the secrets of fertilization and growth.
Last week, the Wheel said your fortune was changing. What came last week was a gift no matter its packaging, and your challenge was to see what you would do with this gift. Now the Eight of Pentacles takes that gift and challenges you to work on it by refining your skills, and finding your flow. They say it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, so practice, practice, practice.
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