2021: Setting Intentions and Manifestations through Tarot

While 2020 has come and gone, albeit in a strange Twilight Zone daze, 2021 is most certainly here to stay (for the next 11 months because I am late to the New Year game).

For the last few years, in lieu of making New Year's resolutions, I prefer to do a special tarot spread for the year. By pulling 12 cards, I am able to set targeted intentions and themes to focus on each month instead of tackling a single dauntingly lofty goal for the entire year. Moreover, another benefit of tarot readings is their versatile nature--one can pose a question to the deck regarding any topic: love, career, creative endeavors, personal growth, you name it, and receive plenty to reflect on in return.

In the past, I've done readings with a clear focus on my career (namely how to be happy despite being stuck in a 3-hour one-way commute everyday, slaving away at a desk job I didn't even love). Spoiler alert: the answer wasn't to grin and bear it. As much as I've tried to ignore it, my reading that year all but yelled at me that no good was going to come out of sticking around. It helped remind me how much I've sacrificed in exchange for adhering to the expectations of those around me. Since then, I've painstakingly taken the steps to prioritize my own health and happiness over my need to strive for perfection, and my life has and continues to improve exponentially.

This year, I primarily meditated on my passion projects and what my path for growth could look like in light of the continued pandemic. For the longest time, I've set art and hobbies, not to mention everyday logistical nightmares, aside with the thought that I could always get to it tomorrow. However, what 2020 has taught me, if anything, is that tomorrow is never guaranteed. As cliched as it sounds, you do miss 100% of the shots you don't take, which is why my overarching message for 2021 is action. Whether it comes to finally learning Japanese, applying to my dream job, filing my taxes, or even just drafting the next blog post, I'll be doing so with the mentality of progress over perfection.

Note: I've listed pictures, keywords, and brief descriptions of my reading below.

2021 Tarot Reading:

Sample format:

• Month: Card Name (Card Position) Key Themes of Card (courtesy of Biddy Tarot) "Suggested intentions and reminders for the month"

1. January: Page of Pentacles (Upright) Manifestation, financial opportunity, development "New beginnings" "Manifest" "Stay committed" "Pragmatic approach"
   

2. February: The Hanged Man (Reversed) Delays, resistance, stalling, indecision "New perspectives" "Slow down, surrender, and let go" "Take a leap"
   

3. March: Five of Pentacles (Upright) Financial loss, poverty, lack mindset, isolation, worry "This too shall pass" "Find support" "Express gratitude" "Manifest positivity"
   

4. April: Three of Swords (Upright) Heartbreak, emotional pain, sorrow, grief, hurt "Learn from pain" "Experience the emotion" "Sonder and compassion" "Become resilient"
   

5. May: Seven of Wands (Reversed) Exhaustion, giving up, overwhelmed "Stop comparing yourself" "Stand your ground" "Don't be a people pleaser"
   

6. June: Seven of Swords (Reversed) Imposter syndrome, self deceit, keeping secrets "Honesty is key" "You are worthy"
   

7. July: Ten of Pentacles (Upright) Wealth, financial security, family, long-term success, contribution "Sharing is caring" "Family" "Legacy" "Lasting success"
   

8. August: Ten of Wands (Upright) Burden, extra responsibility, hard work, completion "Completion of a cycle" "Confirm time management systems" "Extra responsibility for ongoing success"
   

9. September: Four of Pentacles (Reversed) Over-spending, greed, self-protection "Re-evaluate priorities and relationship with money, wealth, and material possessions" "Control your inner environment" "Assess cost versus benefit"
   

10. October: The Chariot (Reversed) Self-discipline, opposition, lack of direction "Re-evaluate the situation" "Remember the mission" "Meditate to align internal processes" "Focus on what you can control"
    

11. November: Nine of Swords (Reversed) Inner turmoil, deep-seated fears, secrets, releasing worry "Confirm reality of mindset and fears" "Seek support if needed" "Prioritize positivity and healing"
    

12. December: Judgment (Reversed) Self-doubt, inner critic, ignoring the call "Reflect and self-evaluate" "Forgive, accept, and love" "Answer the Universe's call" "Replace fear/criticism with positivity and potential"

Tarot readings have such a rich history, which I'd be happy to dive in deeper in a later post. Have you ever done a tarot reading. If not, what themes would you like to focus on this year? Sound off in the comments below!