Musing Mystical

Riding the Cosmic Cycle, by Cariabella

Riding the Cosmic Cycle:
How Navigating the Wheel of Fortune Makes You the Magician

Working with the Tarot can clear subconscious blockages and catalyze deep spiritual growth, ultimately leading to personal fulfillment and the manifestation of your material desires.

To achieve this spiritual awakening, we can view the Major Arcana in two distinct phases. First, the cards from The Magician to The Hermit represent the conscious goals we strive to reach. Second, the cards from The Wheel of Fortune to The Moon represent the profound process of shadow work.

In this article, we will explore how navigating the lessons of The Wheel ultimately leads us back to the mastery of The Magician—which is precisely where our journey begins.

We’ve all been there. You wake up on top of the world, ready to conquer the day. Then, an unpleasant interaction occurs—someone speaks to you rudely, or a sudden crisis disrupts your reality—and your mood plummets. You spend the rest of the day ruminating, replaying the scenario until you are mentally and emotionally exhausted. Just like that, a single external moment has hijacked your consciousness and drained your vital energy.

When this happens, you are being tossed around on the chaotic outer rim of The Wheel of Fortune.

Many people spend their entire lives reacting to the spin of this wheel, completely unaware that this chaotic rotation is actually the first step in necessary shadow work and inner transformation. The ultimate goal of the self-awakening paradigm is to move from the helpless spinning of the Wheel to the absolute mastery of The Magician.

But how do we bridge that gap? The secret lies in a precise, three-step psychological and spiritual process of assessing and balancing the four core elements of our psyche.

Step 1: Accept the Reality of the Spin

The first step is a shift in perspective. The Wheel of Fortune represents the eternal truth that change is the only constant. It illustrates a simultaneous descent and ascent: as the wheel rotates, what is on top moves downward, and what is below moves upward.

This continuous flow is governed by a hidden spiritual law woven into nature, famously spelled out by the letters on the wheel itself: ROTA TARO ORAT TORA ATOR (“The Wheel of Tarot speaks the Law of Hathor”).

Look closely at the card’s symbology:

On the right, a yellow serpent descends, expressing divine will in action. It reminds us that everything happening to you is happening for a reason—to make you grow spiritually.
On the left, Hermanubis ascends, symbolizing the evolution of human consciousness from lower to higher states.

Every time you stop fighting the external rotation and instead choose to overcome the event, your consciousness expands and you become stronger from within.

Step 2: The Four-Element Trigger Audit

When something happens that triggers you, the instinctual response is to react blindly. The spiritual path demands that you pause, recognize the trigger, and analyze how it is affecting the four classical elements within your psyche.

On the Wheel of Fortune card, these are represented by the Hebrew letters of the Tetragrammaton (Yod, Heh, Vav, Heh) on the outer circle, as well as the four mystical creatures in the corners. Carl Jung beautifully mapped these four elements onto the foundational cognitive functions of the human mind.

When a crisis hits, perform a sudden audit of these four areas:

• Earth (Sensation / Final Heh): How is your connection to the physical world? Are your five senses overwhelmed? Is your body physically tense or grounded?
• Water (Feeling / Heh): What does your emotional landscape look like? How is this event threatening your internal values or interpersonal relationships?
• Air (Thinking / Vav): Is your logic and intellect spinning out of control? Are you trapped in an obsessive, rationalizing mind-loop, or can you look at the problem with objective analysis?
• Fire (Intuition / Yod): Have you lost your connection to your higher vision and inspiration? What do your gut feelings and spontaneous understandings tell you about the future possibilities of this situation?

By stepping back to observe and categorize your reaction, you take the first step toward self-consciousness—the objective, directing part of the mind.

Step 3: Step Into the Center and Run the Alchemy

At the center of the wheel rests the symbols for Mercury, Sulphur, Water, and Salt—the universal mechanics of alchemical transformation. Water, in particular, represents dissolution: the necessary breaking down of our rigid ego structures.

To move from the spinning rim to the still center of the wheel, you must consciously undergo the four primary psychological phases of Carl Jung’s alchemical Magnum Opus (Great Work):

Nigredo (The Blackening): You confront your Shadow. Instead of distracting yourself from the trigger, you face the painful breakdown, the darkness, and the repressed trauma head-on.
Albedo (The Whitening): The stage of purification and catharsis. You bring objective detachment and balance, sorting through your inner polarities.
Citrinitas (The Yellowing): The dawn of higher consciousness. You become illuminated by wisdom, insight, and true spiritual awakening.
Rubedo (The Reddening): The final synthesis where conscious and unconscious aspects permanently unite, culminating in the realization of the True Self.

The Result: Becoming The Magician

When you balance the four elements by undergoing this rigorous alchemical process, you achieve the metaphorical “Fifth Element”—the unified, awakened Self. This state of integration is represented on the Wheel of Fortune card by the Sphinx seated majestically and immutably at the very apex of the wheel.

By mastering the elements, you step off the wheel of reaction and step into the card of The Magician.

The Magician doesn’t get tossed around by external circumstances because he possesses absolute mastery over his mind. You unlock the iconic posture of the Magician: one hand raised aloft holding a wand toward the heavens, the other pointing down to the earth.

You embody the ancient Hermetic axiom: “As above, so below.” You realize you are a divine conduit—a messenger through whom higher spiritual energy flows down into material reality. You possess the active agency to direct cosmic energy to manifest your desires.

The Endless Cycle of Renewal

This spiritual alignment is never a static, “one-and-done” achievement. It is a lifelong, ongoing practice. This continuous evolution is vividly illustrated by the Ouroboros—the serpent biting its own tail clasped around the Magician’s waist.

It reminds us that creation, destruction, and renewal are eternal. To stay in your power, you must continually shed your old skins, letting the ego dissolve so your highest Self can be perpetually reborn.

Stop fighting the spin of the wheel. Embrace the rotation, audit your triggers, run your inner alchemy, and step into your true power as the conscious creator of your reality.

Replenishing the Subconscious: The Psychological Magic of The Hanged Man and The Empress, by Cariabella

Working with the Tarot extends far beyond simple fortune-telling: it offers a profound psychological roadmap. By using its symbolism, we can clear deep-seated subconscious blockages, foster genuine spiritual growth, and align our inner energy to manifest both spiritual fulfillment and real-world abundance.

Within the structure of the Major Arcana, the early cards reflect the conscious goals of our initial awakening, while the later cards walk us through the raw, intense terrain of shadow work. Bridging these two realms is a crucial evolutionary step: learning how the surrender of The Hanged Man clears subconscious interference, making way for the radiant, unlimited creative power of The Empress.

The Gardener of Your Inner Sanctuary

Imagine discovering that the master gardener responsible for cultivating your lush, fertile inner world—The Empress—is actually The Hanged Man.

At first glance, no two archetypes seem more opposed:

• The Hanged Man: Suspended upside down in solitary stillness, bound to a scaffold of living wood.

• The Empress: Seated regally on a plush throne, surrounded by flowing water, golden wheat, and boundless nature.

Far from being contradictory, these two cards form a potent esoteric formula. The Hanged Man represents the deliberate surrender of egoic force, while The Empress is the fertile subconscious mind that blossoms once that forcing stops.

The Mind as a Garden: Weeds and Seeds

In Tarot symbolism, The Empress embodies the subconscious mind in its pristine, unburdened state—the rich matrix from which all ideas take physical form.

The subconscious does not rationalize, critique, or evaluate. Like fertile soil, it blindly accepts whatever seeds are planted—whether rooted in scarcity or abundance—and automatically multiplies them into deeply ingrained habits, visceral beliefs, and outer life conditions.

Cultivating this mental landscape requires balancing two simultaneous actions:

1. Pulling Weeds: Clearing unresolved emotional blockages and toxic mental habits.

2. Planting Seeds: Consciously introducing vivid visual and emotional patterns of what you wish to create.

Why Force Fails

You cannot plant a delicate rose in a patch of untamed weeds and expect it to bloom. Similarly, trying to force a “prosperity mindset” through mechanical affirmations while holding hidden fears about survival will yield zero results. Clearing old blockages and incubating new outcomes must happen together.

Jung vs. Case: Two Approaches to the Inner Soil

During the early 20th century, two influential thinkers addressed the mechanics of the creative mind: Carl Jung, pioneer of analytical psychology, and Paul Foster Case, renowned occultist and Tarot authority.

While both agreed that creative imagination bridges the conscious and unconscious, their approaches highlight a compelling dialogue between psychological exploration and structured spiritual technique.

Carl Jung: Navigating the Primordial Unconscious

Jung viewed creative imagination as the living language of the psyche—a direct pathway into the collective unconscious.

• Active Imagination: Jung advocated for directly entering inner imagery rather than remaining a passive observer. By stepping into a relaxed, reflective state, one can engage in conscious dialogue with subconscious archetypes and figures.

• The Play Instinct: Jung asserted that genuine creation springs not from intellectual effort, but from the uninhibited play instinct driven by inner necessity.

• The Visionary Mode: Beyond personal experience, Jung identified a visionary mode of creativity that reaches deep archetypal layers, allowing the individual to channel universal human motifs.

• The Path to Wholeness: Ultimately, this process serves individuation—integrating repressed or hidden aspects of the self (the Shadow) into conscious awareness to achieve psychological synthesis.

Paul Foster Case: The Deductive Logic of Manifestation

Case approached creative imagination as a precise method for systematically reprogramming the subconscious mind.

• The Empress as Subconscious Matrix: In Case’s system, Key 3 (The Empress) symbolizes the subconscious capacity to generate new configurations from stored memories and impressions.

• The Process of Conception: Case mapped this through Tarot symbolism: The Magician (conscious focus) projects an intention into The High Priestess (subconscious memory pool), yielding The Empress (creative gestation), which brings the idea into form.

• Deductive Reasoning: Because the subconscious operates deductively, it draws specific, real-world manifestations from broader, underlying principles.

• Mental Architecture: By consistently holding clear, positive images in the conscious mind, one systematically restructures subconscious programming.

The Mechanics of The Hanged Man

True transformation is rarely a straightforward march forward; it often demands a radical, intentional pause. This is where The Hanged Man enters the work.

Suspended from a tree, looking out from an inverted perspective, The Hanged Man offers an antidote to the human habit of doing the same thing over and over while expecting a different result.

When stress or conflict hits, our default reaction is to double down—we replay arguments, nurse grievances, and try to muscle external circumstances into changing. This mental looping pollutes the mind, poisoning the fertile soil of The Empress. The emotionally sensitive subconscious latches onto that anger or panic, storing and multiplying it across our life experiences.

Putting the Method into Practice

1. How to Clear the Soil (Surrender)

When negative emotional loops surface, assume the posture of The Hanged Man. Refuse to engage with the drama. Consciously declare: “I am not playing this game.”

Hand the situation over to your higher self or universal intelligence, trusting that stepping back creates the space for resolution. With practice, this deliberate detachment starves the subconscious weeds of their energy.

2. How to Plant New Seeds (Incubation)

Once the noise has quieted, evoke the emotional state of what you wish to create. If you seek financial vitality, cultivate genuine gratitude and delight over even small amounts of money coming into your life. Celebrate that feeling and hold it. You are giving your subconscious explicit, emotion-backed instructions on what to multiply.

The Alchemy of Transformation

You cannot fertilize the subconscious mind while your ego is panicking, micromanaging, and running in circles. Trying to overhaul your life through raw willpower alone puts the cart before the horse, leading only to internal friction and burnout.

The Hanged Man provides the breakthrough. By stepping back, inverting your perspective, and surrendering false control, you stop polluting your inner soil. Only then can you step into the sunlit garden of The Empress—resting securely on her throne, planting clear intentions, and allowing her natural, effortless fertility to manifest a transformed reality.

Wild Earth Tarot, by Coni Curi

Wild Earth Tarot, by Coni Curi
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468185, 144 pages, 78 cards, September 2026

Wild Earth Tarot by Coni Curi is a refreshing reminder that nature doesn’t simply surround us but also speaks to us in its own language. In this deck, flowers, vines, insects, birds, and organic forms become the archetypes themselves. Nature becomes not just something to observe, but a living source of wisdom, reflection, and connection.

At first, I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret the energy of this deck. The Major Arcana immediately felt wild, earthy, and deeply feminine, almost as though the cards were speaking through an untamed, instinctual energy that I wasn’t yet accustomed to. But as I spent more time with the deck, I began to notice that there was a very specific methodology woven into the Minor Arcana. Beneath their blossoming imagery, the cards follow a thoughtful structure that gives the deck a sense of grounding and coherence.

It was this balance between the untamed quality of the Major Arcana and the intentional framework of the Minor Arcana that gradually helped me understand how the deck wanted to be read. In the guidebook, Curi writes:

“Unlike other tarot cards, here the minor arcana have their own voice. Its structure is based on the Marseille deck but the content is replete with cycles, elements, and narratives that speak to each other.”¹

As for the aesthetics, Curi embraces a minimalist aesthetic that encourages contemplation and intuitive discovery. Her signature vintage-inspired style is soft, earthy, and deeply inviting. The muted color palette gives the deck an heirloom quality, as though it could have been discovered tucked away in an old botanical journal. Fruits, flowers, insects, birds, and other elements of the natural world weave seamlessly into the archetypes, creating cards that feel elegant in their simplicity.

However, there’s actually plenty of symbolism throughout the deck that adds layers of meaning to the readings. For instance, the elemental suits are color-coded, making it visually intuitive to read the cards. Then each suit also has a corresponding symbol: Bees for Swords, flowers for Wands, fruit for Coins, and swans for Cups. The meaning of these symbols is explained in the guidebook. Additionally, Curi has also drawn in hidden symbols, which are repeated or transformed throughout the deck, leaving it up to the readers to spot these.

At the beginning of the guidebook, Curi provides an introduction to the cards along with some spreads that can be used for the deck. Then for every card there’s three keywords at the top followed by a one sentence overall meaning and an image of the card. Curi’s message for each card draws upon the symbolism of the card but is also direct and meaningful. She highlights the significance of the imagery on the card, providing insight that is grounded and tangible.

I appreciate how Curi makes connections between cards too in the guidebook entries. She describes the imagery for the Nine of Wands, writing “a yellow flower opens up facing forwards, similar to that of the Three of Wands but more mature and mindful and bearing the stars of The Hermit (card IX).”² This allows readers to see the interdependence of the cards, a true nod to the beauty of nature and its infinite connectivity.

And this aspect is something I really like about the Wild Earth Tarot. There’s an invitation to slow down and attune ourselves to a different rhythm, see new patterns, and uncover a perspective that is built on mutuality. Tarot has been interpreted through so many lenses, so this one being so fluid and organic makes for a certain type of reading. I’ve found this deck is best for working with when I want to cultivate long-term visions or goals, rather than rapid fire readings where I’m quickly trying to figure out an answer and move on. This deck likes to be pampered a bit, sat and chatted with, and even offered a snack. Lol! It sounds silly but it’s true from my experience so far.

As a result, I’ve been more indulgent in my time when doing readings with it. And taking the time to carefully observe the relationships between the cards has enhanced how my readings turn out as a result: a gentle knowingness providing undoubted clarity I’ve particularly liked using a method that Curi suggests in the beginning for discerning more information, which is adding the numbers of the cards together until they are below 21 and referencing the Major Arcana card associated with it. This further helps to illuminate the message coming through.

One of my favorite cards in the deck is The Fool. I absolutely love the message Curi shares:

“The traveller is formed in tandem with the path.”³

This quote is so inspiring, and something that gave me the courage to move in a new direction with my business.

Ultimately, Wild Earth Tarot feels like an invitation to see the tarot through the lens of the natural world. The traditional tarot transforms into a living, breathing body of knowledge where voices of the natural world get an opportunity to share their wisdom. Curi’s cyclic approach syncs the tarot with the on-going processes of growth and renewal, from the ripening of fruit to the roots of resilience, allowing readers to ascertain when it’s time to grow, remain steady, or release. Plus, there’s so much beauty in the botanical symbolism.

I highly recommend this deck for those who are seeking a deck that has fresh and lively energy. The focus on the Marseille deck is a unique feature, which those familiar with the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith deck might find novelly refreshing, offering new insights.

Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot, by Lorraine Anderson and Tijana Lukovic

Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot: A journey through Mabon and Samhain, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208748, 128 pages, 78 cards, August 2026

There is something inherently magical about the transition into autumn: the world seems to slow down, the days grow shorter, and nature begins its beautiful process of letting go. It’s my favorite time of the year! Seasons of the Witch Autumn Tarot: A Journey Through Mabon and Sanhaim by Lorriane Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic captures the season’s liminal quality beautifully, inviting readers to experience the traditional tarot through the shifting energies of autumn.

This 78-card tarot deck is a continuation of the beloved Seasons of the Witch collection. Anderson reimagines the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system through the themes of Mabon and Samhain when the Wheel of the Year turns to the darker times. Harvest, gratitude, balance, transition, release, shadow work, death, rebirth, and the wisdom that comes from turning inward all become part of the reading experience, fostering new insights within the structure of traditional tarot meanings.

From the second I held this deck, I felt a magnetic pull towards it. The energy was just radiating the essence of fall. And while I am enjoying the end of summer, this deck has gotten me so excited for the shift of summer into autumn. For me, this is the magic of the Seasons of the Witch collection; the decks really foster an alignment with the season.

As soon as I opened the box, I was absolutely taken with the gilded orange edges filled with captivating images that are much more relatable for me than the traditional RWS imagery. The artwork by Tijana Lukovic highlights the warmth and coziness of Mabon with the mysterious, rustling atmosphere associated with Samhain. The palette of warm oranges, reds, browns, and autumnal golds makes the deck feel like stepping into a crisp October evening.

Shuffling through the deck, there are golden leaves, pumpkins, candles, woodland settings, witches, spirits, ghosts, and shadowy figures, which transport readers into the liminal space of autumn. There’s spookiness, enchantment, solace, and magic all within the artwork.

I see cards with a woman grieving, women together doing a spell, a woman gazing out the window reading a book, and one simply enjoying a steaming cup of something delicious I’m sure. Essentially, I see many versions of myself in the deck, which is why I feel like I resonate with it so readily.

Yet at the same time, there’s an otherworldly, fairy-tale-like quality to the deck that invites a feeling of whimsy too. This dance between the mundane and the mystical, where daily ritual becomes a portal for wider connection is so apparent in this deck. Lukovic just has a truly remarkable ability to capture the soulfulness of each season. I can’t get enough of all her expressive images!

Further reflecting the autumn energy is the revisioning of the suits, which puts the tarot cards into a different archetypal perspective. Cups become jack-o’-lanterns, representing emotional warmth and light in the darkness; Wands become broomsticks, emphasizing cleansing and sweeping away what is no longer needed; Swords take the form of branches, connecting the suit with resilience and nature’s wisdom; and Pentacles become mirrors, turning attention toward self-worth, material relationships, and the reflection between our inner and outer worlds.

Anderson also makes some changes to the traditional tarot terminology to further immerse the reader in the seasonal world of autumn. For instance, the Sun becomes Sunset, the Moon becomes The Waning Moon, the World becomes Descending Into Winter. The last change to the traditional RWS design is reimaging the Court Cards. Anderson calls Initiates (Pages), Seekers (Knights), Shepherds (Queens), and Keepers (Kings). According to the guidebook, this terminology will continue for all of the Seasons of the Witch tarot decks. These changes give the familiar tarot symbolism an entirely new atmosphere while maintaining recognizable connections to the familiar system.

All of the deck descriptions I’ve mentioned can be found in the guidebook, which is quite informative. Following an introduction by Anderson, there’s a page with themes for autumn, along with a passage about the seasons as archetypes. Anderson offers guidance for working with the deck, including how to do cleansing and dedication, situations to use the deck beyond the time of Autumn, and combining tarot with oracle cards. I especially appreciated her method for reading reversals with the deck, which was an emphasis on the card rather than an inverted meaning. From here, Anderson shares spreads for readers. They range from one-card pulls to a full 10-card spread to get to know the deck.

As for the cards’ guidebook entries, all of them follow the same format. First, there’s an image of the card followed by a description of the artwork. This is very valuable because it highlights the imagery, giving readers’ perspective they might have otherwise not noticed. This is followed by a divinatory message, which I noticed aligns with the message from the traditional tarot card represented. The final section of the entry is a list of additional meanings for the cards; this is very helpful for expanding the message for readers to consider alternative possibilities.

As an example, I was doing a one-card pull and drew The Autumn High Priest. This is one of the cards that differs a bit from traditional tarot, making it much more resonant and approachable for me. The imagery shows women whispering counsel into the ear of a woman veiled in a white gown. The description reads, “The presence of each of these women emphasizes community, tradition, and the transfer of knowledge from teacher to student.”⁴ What a wonderful framing of the energy!

Anderson does go on to explain the energy, mentioning how it relates to the traditional Hierophant card, while also keeping a nature-based, spiritual connection present in the message. The additional meanings include things such as honoring seasonal practices that keep us rooted, working within a hierarchy, formal study or initiation into a new discipline, and family influence on one’s love life. The different ways this card can be read allow for plenty of flexibility, allowing for readers to apply the essence of the card to find meaningful insight into their personal situation.

All in all, for readers who already love the Seasons of the Witch oracle decks, Autumn Tarot feels like a natural expansion of the collection. Though, it also works beautifully as a standalone deck for anyone who loves seasonal spirituality, witchcraft, nature-based practices, or tarot with a strong archetypal atmosphere. For those who find spiritual meaning in the turning of the Wheel of the Year or simply love the introspective magic of autumn, this is a beautiful invitation to slow down, look inward, and listen to what the season has to teach us. I love it so much!!

Tarot of the Unconscious, by Aliza Einhorn

Tarot of the Unconscious: Uncovering the Hidden Link Between Psychoanalysis and the Cards, by Aliza Einhorn
Weiser Books, 157863895X, 224 pages, June 2026

Tarot of the Unconscious: Uncovering the Hidden Link Between Psychoanalysis and the Cards is a very niche perspective on the tarot, examining how to read tarot through the lens for self-reflection, drawing on the work and legacy of Sigmund Freud. As a depth psychologist, I was intrigued by this approach, especially since most decks focus rather on Carl Jung’s work, leaning into archetypes, synchronicity, and the collective unconscious. I was curious to see the intersection between Freudian psychology and tarot wisdom.

To me, the Freudian approach to the unconscious is messy, intimate, and quite uncomfortable at times, if I’m being honest. But Einhorn delves into this unconscious realm with ease. Showing how the cards can reveal internal contradictions, compulsions, grief, projection, and other emotional truths, the tarot becomes a tool for examining and reflecting on your own unconscious mind.

“A far more personal approach exists here: Freud’s notion that your unconscious is a reflection of you.”⁵

This book is a merging of Einhorn’s two worlds as a tarot reader and trained psychoanalyst. Throughout the book, she often references experiences from her training or teaching. I was actually a little surprised by how interconnected the material was with Einhorn’s world: I could feel the New York buzz, envision her encounters, and hear her teaching her tarot students. This was a nice personal touch, making the book much more than simply route descriptions of the cards.

Tarot of the Unconscious begins with an introduction where Einhorn explains the background of the tarot, Freud, and how she discovers they converge. She writes, “I began to feel that Tarot and psychoanalysis were a natural pair, like garlic and olive oil, like New York City and the subway system, like Freud and the mysteries of the psyche.”⁶

I like this quote because it highlights Einhorn’s style of writing: grounded with emotional realism. This is refreshing in a realm that can quickly get heady yet esoteric. Her approach is perfect for initiating readers into this realm of psychological honesty without getting submerged in the depth or losing the plot; she keeps things engaging yet brings accountability to the work.

The book then turns to the cards themselves. Beginning with the Major Arcana, Einhorn examines each one through an overarching lens of psychoanalysis and Freud. For all of them, she draws in Freud’s work, biography, or personality to highlight the card’s message. With the Devil, Einhorn discusses Freud’s “legendary cigar-smoking habit”[/efn_note]page 74[/efn_note], while for the Moon card readers learn about Freud’s interest in omens. I’m not going to lie, it’s a LOT about Freud, so I do caution readers with this because if you’re not really into learning about him then this book could be a bit….. much!

Einhorn also provides meanings for each Major Arcana card both upright and reversed. Additionally, there’s a tarot spread for every card too.

This general format continues on in the next section focusing on Minor Arcana cards. Similar to the Major Arcana, there’s plenty of tarot studies from Einhorn’s personal experience. What’s different in the guidance for this section is that for each card Einhorn offers what she believes Freud would say about the card. So, readers are still getting plenty of insight into his work with this fanciful and creative twist.

The card’s meaning, upright and reversed, is also explained along with a spread to be used for a specific type of self-reflection.The Four of Cups spread is to shine light on what you dare not see, while the Six of Swords spread is for when “all you need is a way out of town.”⁷

Now here’s another interesting thing about Einhorn’s Tarot of the Unconscious method: the Aces and Court cards are read differently, corresponding to their element. I’m not going to give away her special method – you can read the book yourself for that! But I will say that it’s an interesting approach that also leaves plenty of room for your own free associations with the cards too.

The final section includes additional ways to work with the cards. Einhorn covers journaling in a tarot diary, creating your own spreads, and a telepathy game to aid readers in sinking into the stream of their unconscious.

While I did enjoy reading this book, by the end I was kind of over all the Freud facts. His work was interesting but he has never been my favorite psychologist, and Einhorn brings back every single tarot card (except Aces and Court Cards) to him which got to be a bit overzealous. This said, I did appreciate learning more about psychoanalysis and the history of the time it emerged. But I would have appreciated more of Einhorn’s insights from her own practice and teaching tarot; I guess I should go check out her other books for that!

Overall, Tarot of the Unconscious is an interesting approach to the cards. Einhorn’s passion for both tarot and Freud is very apparent on each page, and she certainly has a unique perspective when it comes to seeing parallels between the two. I’d recommend this book for those interested in exploring a psychoanalytic lens when reading tarot or those who are seeking ways to work with the tarot for self-reflection. There is good material on how symbolism and psyche come together through reading the cards; the deck serves as a mirror for unconscious material, filled with a symbolic language for emotional excavation.

2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar, by Patsy Bennett

2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar, by Patsy Bennett
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468444, 736 pages, July 2026

For anyone who enjoys beginning each day with a glimpse into the cosmos, 2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar by Patsy Bennett offers a delightful daily calendar filled with astrological insights and practical guidance, providing a moment for reflection. I consider this a little “astrological snack” because this page-a-day calendar delivers bite-sized wisdom that helps readers connect with the ever-changing rhythms of the planets one day at a time.

Each daily entry features concise astrological guidance based on the current planetary influences, lunar phases, and significant celestial events throughout 2027. Bennett has a talent for translating astrology into everyday language, making the calendar equally enjoyable for longtime astrology enthusiasts and those who are just beginning to explore the subject.

Bennett does a great job weaving astrological knowledge into digestible pieces that build understanding over time without ever feeling overwhelming. The guidance is encouraging and upbeat, inviting readers to observe how the day’s energy may unfold and to make conscious choices rather than treating astrology as a fixed fate. Here’s an example from September 24th, 2027, “Seek Balance”:

“You’re likely to feel like letting off some steam. Everything in moderation!”⁸

I really appreciate the consistency and structure this day-to-day brings. I can’t be the only one who sometimes loses track of the date, right? So having this in a place where I can connect with it each morning is nice. The top of the page has the date and day of the week. To the left is the glyph for the current zodiac season, and to the right is the constellation of that sign. The astrological message,which is somewhat horoscope-esque, is front and center: there’s a main directive with a sentence of insight. And below that is the current sign of the moon and any significant transits that day. (Also, if you notice the image of Feb 6, eclipses don’t have the main directive!).

Call me a Luddite, but I love this analog way to connect with the current transits rather than opening up an app in the morning. Spending a few minutes each morning is a nice little ritual, grounding me into the current astrological energy. I like seeing the constellation illustration, immediately knowing where the moon is, and becoming aware of any significant planetary aspects that day.

It’s worth noting though that Bennett doesn’t provide any information about the meaning of the planetary aspect or energy of the moon in each sign in this day-to-day calendar. Newbies or those inexperienced with astrology can definitely still use this calendar based on Bennett’s advice for the day. But if you’re not familiar with the terms and interested in learning more, then I would recommend her 2027 Astrology Planner Calendar because that provides more foundational information for those new to astrology.

For those comfortable with the terminology though, this little calendar is a true gem! I rarely keep track of all the small transits, such as Sun trine Mercury or Pluto sextile Venus, so having an on-hand reference for what’s going on with the planets that day is very helpful, especially when flipping to the new page is a low-effort ritual to easily build into my morning.

In this way, the calendar also is a great way to enhance your astrological awareness, building your cosmic wisdom through praxis. You can read a ton of books on the topic, but it’s when you start intentionally tracking the movement of the planets and what events actually transpire that you gain a more nuanced perspective of astrology. Over the course of the year, the calendar helps you to naturally become more familiar with planetary movements, zodiac influences, retrogrades, eclipses, and lunar cycles simply by engaging with the brief daily observations.

Overall, beautifully organized and easy to use, 2027 Astrology Day-to-Day Calendar is the kind of resource that earns an annual place on a desk, kitchen counter, or bedside table. Bennett’s organization and translation of the transit is perfect for navigating the year with greater awareness and intention. Whether you’re an experienced astrologer or simply curious about how celestial rhythms influence daily life, this calendar offers an uplifting and engaging way to gain a bit of cosmic perspective every day.

2027 Astrology Planner Calendar, by Patsy Bennett

2027 Astrology Planner Calendar – Northern Hemisphere, by Patsy Bennett
Rockpool Publishing,1922786349, 160 pages, May 2026

I’m a huge believer that the best way to learn astrology is by being aware of the current transits and keeping a day to day record of events. Oftentimes it’s hard to really understand the bigger patterns happening due to the influence of the planets until we connect the dots over a period of time. 2027 Astrology Planner Calendar – Northern Hemisphere by Patsy Bennett is perfect for this, blending practical scheduling with astrological timing.

Admittedly, my initial thought was that red wouldn’t have been my choice of color for a planner I was going to work with so closely for a year (I’d have preferred a more celestial blue or purple! But navy blue is the color of the 2026 one, so I guess Bennett wanted a different color this year. I *can* be open to change!!)

Once I got past this aesthetic preference, I did start to appreciate the durable cover, flexible spine, and pink bookmark ribbon. Bennett begins with a nice overview of the year, grounding readers in the major astrological transits. She also highlights for everyone how to use the planner, including an overview of moon sign energies and description of the astrological aspects. There’s also a page noting the dates of the retrograde periods for Mercury, Venus, and Mars this year. This general guidance makes the planner translatable for those who are new or still learning the basics of astrology, allowing the wisdom of the planner to be accessible.

The planner begins with December 31st, 2026 and moves through January 2, 2028, encapsulating all of 2027! At the start of each zodiac season, Bennett gives an overview of the astrological energy in play, highlighting the major events, and provides a special forecast for those who have that sun sign. It’s nice to have the “announcement” of the sign switching built into the format of the planner, rather than a mundane one that never delineated such a meaningful event!

As for the planner portion, there’s a big blank space for two days or one day with lines and a general calendar below (best to look at the images in this review for explanation!). The clean layout balances usable planning space with just enough astrological insight to make each week feel connected to the larger cosmic picture. At the top of the blank space for the day is a general horoscope-esque advice and at the bottom is the sign of the moon and any significant planetary aspect. For instance, April 4, 2027 at the top reads:

“This is a good day to make a commitment to someone, and also for formulating long-term, positive plans. You will enjoy relaxing and allowing your mind to unwind, so ensure you find some space for yourself.”⁹

The planetary aspects for this day are Saturn trine Jupiter and Moon in Pisces. And, oh, there’s just so many things I love about all these details! First, as someone who embraces a lunar life, having the moon sign right there in a planner is so useful when making plans. Do I really want to go rock climbing with the moon in Cancer, or might it be best a few weeks later with the moon in Capricorn? If you consider things like this, as I do, then you’ll love having it written right there without having to pull up an app!

Then the even more nuanced astrological energy comes through in the transits too, which I often tend to… not pay attention to in my daily life. Without this planner, I am not always paying attention to the transits, such as when the Sun trines Pluto or Mars is sextile Jupiter, but with the planner laying it out so clearly so me, I have so much more astrological awareness in my daily life, which is valuable because now I actually pay attention to and gain insight into those days where the planets are interacting.

For those who truly love aligning with the planets, this planner has all you need. And the additional little snippets of advice by Bennett are a true bonus. Sure, I can translate the aspects myself, but it’s nice to have someone else give the guidance, making my mind not work as hard. And it’s truly a gift for those who are just learning astrology because they can gain the insight through Bennett while also seeing how the transits shape the guidance for the day.

The planner really helps everyone consciously align their goals, projects, and personal growth with astrology. And it’s so nice that the astrological guidance is practical rather than prescriptive, helping us all understand certain energies without becoming overly technical. In this way, the planner allows intentional living and personal reflection, deepening one’s astrological awareness and harmony with the year’s celestial rhythms.

Overall, 2027 Astrology Planner Calendar – Northern Hemisphere is a thoughtful blend of planner and astrological companion. Whether you’re setting weekly intentions, structuring daily life, or simply hoping to become more aware of the rhythms of the sky, Bennett offers an approachable resource that makes weaving astrology into everyday life both simple and enjoyable. Those who already enjoy tracking moon cycles, manifesting with lunar phases, or planning rituals around planetary movements will especially appreciate having everything gathered in one place.

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson, Tijana Lukovic, and Rose Giada

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar, by Lorraine Anderson with illustrations by Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada
Rockpool Publishing, 1922468487, 28 pages, August 2026

2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar is so much more than a place to jot down appointments, activities, and events. It is a beautiful companion for living in rhythm with the seasons. Created by Lorraine Anderson and brought to life through the enchanting artwork of Tijana Lukovic and Rose Giada, this calendar transforms an everyday organizational tool into a yearlong spiritual practice.

Admittedly, while I love living in harmony with the seasons, I am also a structured planner. This calendar combines both the natural rhythms and day-to-day reality with ease. Official holidays worldwide (UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, etc.) are joined by sabbats and moon phases, making it especially useful for those who live a dual life of mundane and magical dates. And alongside the nicely-sized calendar grids for appointments and reminders is a monthly ritual that offers a way to ground and connect with the season.

Each month features breathtaking full-color artwork that captures the dreamlike, folkloric aesthetic fans of the Seasons of the Witch oracle series have come to love. Lukovic and Giada’s illustrations feel both timeless and contemporary, blending mystical symbolism with lush natural imagery. I always feel like I could step into the setting when I gaze at them. And I love how whenever I look up at the page, I can imagine myself, calm and settled in the scene depicted. As someone who adores their artwork, it’s a real pleasure to see it larger in this 12 x 12 inch calendar!

Within the calendar’s monthly frame, there’s also one ritual for each month. Looking through them, they’re all very easy to perform without needing an excess of materials; Anderson keeps this simple, allowing for readers to integrate the seasonal energy at their own pace.

Some examples of the monthly rituals include a summer berry milk bath, honest journal reflection, ritualizing the sunset, deep cleaning, communing with an every day familiar, making a fennel digestive soda, and creating a poinsettia vessel. As you can see, there’s a full spectrum of ritual, giving readers a variety of ways to make their daily life inspired and attuned to the energies around them.

And just this one act of sacred devotion to focus on each month is enough to keep my inner magical fire going, despite the many obligations that scatter my energy and pull me in different directions. I feel more aligned with my witchcraft practice, which tends to ebb and flow depending on the time and attention I have available, by weaving Anderson’s rituals into my month (I know this from having the 2026 version of the calendar!). And I think she does a wonderful job of matching the seasonal energy with the ritual for each month.

Fans of Anderson’s oracle decks (me!!!) will recognize familiar themes of self-reflection, seasonal wisdom, and personal transformation woven in the calendar. However, no prior experience with the oracle series is necessary; this calendar stands alone as a quite magical household item. Even those simply looking for an aesthetically stunning wall calendar will appreciate its blend of practical planning and quiet inspiration.

Additionally worth noting, Rockpool Publishing has continued its commitment to environmentally responsible production by eliminating single-use shrink wrap and using FSC-certified, responsibly sourced paper. These details align beautifully with the earth-centered philosophy reflected throughout the calendar itself.

Overall, in the midst of my focus on plans and productivity, the content in the 2027 Seasons of the Witch Wall Calendar invites me to slow down, tap into my inner knowing, and cherish the magic of each day. It’s both a practical and pretty thing to have hanging in a room. The combination of the imagery with the monthly ritual gently reminds me to appreciate the moment and attune myself to the different phases, elevating the humble wall calendar into a daily ritual of connection. For anyone seeking to weave mindfulness, seasonal awareness, and beauty into everyday life, I highly recommend this calendar!

Tarot Divinatorium, by André Sanchez

Tarot Divinatorium, by André Sanchez
Rockpool Publishing, 1923208470, 176 pages, 76 cards, April 2026

Art lovers rejoice in the stunning Tarot Divinatorium by André Sanchez! This elegant deck, designed to honor the history of tarot, transforms the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) structure into a lavish visual language of art, symbolism, and beauty. Through intricate digital collage and classical art aesthetics, Sanchez invites readers into a time “where gentle noblemen and women await your queries with open hearts and reassuring insights.”¹⁰

At first glance, the deck is breathtaking. Rich gilded borders frame each card like museum masterpieces, while layers of Renaissance and Baroque imagery create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and surreal. Rather than simply reproducing Pamela Colman Smith’s iconic scenes, Sanchez reconstructs them using fragments of historical paintings, religious iconography, botanical motifs, and celestial symbolism. The result is a deck that feels luxurious and elegant.

What’s even cooler is that Sanchez had depicted classical paintings into every card. On the border, there are two paintings, representing the positive aspects (left side) and negative aspects (right side). These painting vignettes give readers a whole other layer of symbolism to work with, as you can go learn about the painting/artist, research it, and look at that too for further intuitive insights. For those who love art or art history, this is an amazing element of this deck; it’s something I’ve never seen done before.

I find it very fascinating to think about the time and dedication Sanchez put into creating this deck, meditating on the different meanings of the tarot cards and finding not just one but two paintings to represent the polarities of the cards’ meanings. It’s so neat to see these little paintings within Sanchez’s own original artwork, bringing such fascinating layers of meaning to the deck. This is definitely one of the most creative interpretations of tarot that I’ve seen.

Looking at this deck gives me the same feelings I felt walking around Philadelphia Museum of Art just the other day: awe and inspiration. The energy of this deck is regal, majestic, romantic, opulent, contemplative, and sacred all at once. There’s a luminous, timeless feeling that comes from gazing at the tarot archetypes depicted with Sanchez’s artistry, with each card hinting at hidden wisdom and every frame inviting closer inspection. I like how Sanchez didn’t do all borders the same way, so placement of the painting vignettes varies, giving the eyes an adventure of finding the little details. I could gaze at these cards all day long!

As for the guidebook, it’s well illustrated, colored, and easy to hold in one’s hand. For each entry, Sanchez provides insight into the meaning while also explaining the card’s imagery for further clarity. He also shares information about the left and right vignette, so readers know the paintings depicted and gain knowledge about how it represents the message of the card.

There’s a headlined subtext for each card too, which is useful for those who want quick guidance. For example, it reads “New Spiritual Power”¹¹ under the Magician, and “Exciting Invitations”¹² under the Knight of Cups. I appreciate these quick descriptions because they make it easy to piece messages from spreads that have multiple cards.

This goes to show that while there’s a lot of artistic complexity and symbolism within the deck, the guidebook distills it quite nicely, making it accessible for all readers to find meaning. The familiar RWS framework ensures that experienced tarot readers will immediately recognize the narrative and symbolism of each card, while newcomers could still comfortably learn the traditional system without feeling overwhelmed. The imagery expands upon the original card meanings rather than obscuring them, making the deck equally suitable for intuitive readings and deeper symbolic exploration.

One of my favorite cards in the deck is The Devil. In the card, a semi-transparent veiled naked woman looms standing on a crescent moon with a black goat at her heels and snake wrapping around her leg. She has black wings and a crown of black and red flowers. Looking at it carefully, one notices black candles burning on each side too. Sanchez highlights all these symbolic elements in the guidebook entry, writing:

“There is an energy of obsession and jealousy surrounding this situation: the need for others to be obedient and bow to your will and the need to control. An element of weakness when faced with temptation is indicated.”¹³

Very potent! And the paintings associated with it are Portrait de Bacchus by Peter Paul Rubens (positive aspect) and Temptation of Saint Anthony by Joos van Craesbeeck (negative aspect). I really enjoyed going and spending time looking at these images as well.

Overall, this riveting deck is filled with avenues to explore. Sanchez preserves the symbolic integrity of the RWS system while presenting it through a contemporary artistic lens rooted in classical mastery and beauty. The result is a tarot deck that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. This is a collector’s deck that is equally capable of serving as a practical reading tool.

Whether displayed as an art piece or used for daily divination, Tarot Divinatorium offers an immersive experience that reminds us tarot is not only a system of symbols but also a visual language capable of transcending time through artistic legacy. Readers who appreciate fine art, layered symbolism, and intricate design will enjoy this deck. There’s so much to explore, and it’s a very compelling deck to work with time and time again for inspiration, creative appreciation, and discerning wisdom.

From Accountability to Absolute Peace, by Cariabella

From Accountability to Absolute Peace:
How Justice Opens the Gateway to the High Priestess

Working with the Tarot is far more than an exercise in fortune-telling; it is a profound map for clearing subconscious blockages, unlocking spiritual growth, and aligning your energy to manifest both spiritual fulfillment and material desires.

In this article, we map out a vital evolutionary step: how actively working with the objective energy of Justice bridges the internal gap, clearing the path to the absolute, intuitive peace of The High Priestess.

To achieve true fulfillment and manifest your desires, you must dive deep into your subconscious mind. Famed psychologist Carl Jung noted that it is precisely through the tension of opposites—polarities—that we connect with the subconscious.

This duality is beautifully illustrated by the two pillars—one black, one white—standing beside The High Priestess. By actively working with these opposing forces, we bridge the gap between our conscious and subconscious minds, granting ourselves permission to step behind her veil and access the deep, flowing waters of divine intuition.

But how do we cross that threshold? We do it by executing the structural work of The Justice Card.

1. Analyze and Weigh Your Attitude

The figure on the Justice card looks directly at you. Her unyielding, piercing gaze signifies raw awareness and radical discernment. We cannot grow while lying to ourselves; healing begins only when we see the absolute truth of our lives and take total ownership of our reality. While you cannot always control external events, you have absolute control over your reactions.

Sit on your own metaphorical stone throne, hold up her scales, and objectively analyze your attitude toward your health, wealth, emotions, and self-esteem by answering three core questions:

• What happened? Look at the triggering event objectively, stripping away all drama, blame, or distortion.

• How did it affect you? Identify the exact thoughts, physical sensations, and emotions it triggered.

• What area of life is it impacting? Pinpoint the root. Are you fighting about a bill because of a subconscious fear of scarcity? Did someone embarrass you, piercing an unhealed wound in your self-esteem?

Answering these questions allows us to identify the exact opposites we need to work on. In any given situation, you might uncover one or more pairs of conflicting polarities. Once identified, we take these pairs and run them through the next step of the process.

2. Bridge the Opposites: The 7 Subconscious Laws

It is time to wield the Sword of Justice. Our ultimate goal is to balance the conscious and unconscious minds. True mastery over our knee-jerk emotional reactions happens when we apply the Seven Key Subconscious Principles. These principles are represented by the imagery on the High Priestess’s veil—the palms and pomegranates—and are implemented by the Sword of Justice.

1. The Law of Similarity – Using a past, successful parallel to solve a current conflict.

2. The Law of Contrast – Flipping the script when you hit a psychological wall.

3. The Law of Recency – Using your freshest emotional memory as a behavioral guide.

4. The Law of Repetition – Building the muscle memory of psychological balance.

5. The Law of Intensity – Using an emotional wake-up call to cement a permanent rule.

6. The Law of Multiplicity – Allowing a single point of friction to spark multiple creative solutions.

7. The Law of Structure – Organizing internal chaos into a usable, external system.

The Laws in Action: Balancing the Scales of Wealth

To see these laws in action, let’s examine a universal human friction point: Saving Money (Security) vs. Spending Money (Living in the Present). If you only save, you live in anxiety and deprivation. If you only spend, you face financial ruin.

Here is how the seven laws navigate that tension to bring you into perfect balance:

1. Similarity: You are torn between buying a plane ticket for a friend’s wedding or keeping that money in your emergency fund. To break the deadlock, you look for a similar tension you successfully resolved in the past. You remember being torn over buying a gym membership; you eventually realized health was an investment, bought it, and never regretted it.

2. Contrast: For six months, you have been on a hyper-strict budget, tracking every single cent. You now feel miserable, exhausted, and resentful. To flip the script, you consciously choose to treat yourself to a beautiful dinner out, recognizing that occasional indulgence is the necessary, healthy contrast required to sustain long-term financial discipline.

3. Recency: You are standing in a store staring at an expensive designer jacket, locked in a mental tug-of-war. Suddenly, you recall yesterday afternoon, when you logged into your bank account and felt a deep, profound sense of peace seeing your savings grow. That fresh memory anchors you, giving you the strength to walk away.

4. Repetition: The first time you say “no” to a luxury item, it feels painful. The first time you say “yes” to a vacation, you feel guilty. Yet, you keep practicing this balance month after month. Over time, repetition rewires your brain, transforming financial anxiety into an effortless, steady rhythm.

5. Intensity: Your car unexpectedly breaks down, leaving you with a $1,500 repair bill. Because you practiced the Justice Protocol and saved money, you pay the bill easily. The relief you feel is incredibly intense, cementing a lifelong rule to always maintain an emergency fund. Conversely, you vividly remember the raw panic of an emergency years ago when you had zero savings—an intense memory that keeps you accountable.

6. Multiplicity: You sit down, frustrated by the constant tug-of-war between wanting to eat out with friends and wanting to build your savings. Instead of treating it as a rigid “yes or no” choice, you let that tension stretch your creativity. You host a potluck, start a cooking club, or find a side hustle that funds your social life, creating multiple wins from a single friction point.

7. Structure: Struggling with daily anxiety over whether you are spending too much or saving enough is chaotic. To fix it, you apply physical structure. You download a budgeting app or create a spreadsheet utilizing a clear framework, like the 50/30/20 rule (50% Needs, 30% Wants, 20% Savings), transforming emotional overwhelm into organized clarity.

Step Behind the Veil

By implementing the Justice Protocol and mastering these seven laws, you successfully clear the mental debris and emotional static of your life. Only when the scales of Justice are balanced can you naturally step into the quiet, sacred domain of The High Priestess.

In her lap sits the scroll marked “TORA”—the divine law and memory containing the record of all human experience, accessible through symbols, myths, and dreams.

Because she is perfectly connected to the subconscious, she acts as your ultimate gateway to the collective unconscious. By doing the heavy lifting of Justice, you earn the right to step past the noise of the external world, pull back the veil, and bathe in the infinite wisdom of the universe.

The Chinese Five Elements Oracle, by Vicki Iskandar

The Chinese Five Elements Oracle: A 60-Card Deck and Guidebook, by Vicki Iskandar and illustrated by Candice Soon
Hay House LLC, 140197063X, 192 pages, 60 cards, October 2023

In Taoism, the five elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are the building blocks of the universe. The elements present at birth shape our personalities and desires. Through Chinese astrology, we can attune to our own personal elemental compositions, promoting deeper self-awareness, growth, and healing.

The Chinese Five Elements Oracle combines the five elements with the twelve zodiac animals to create all sixty possible pairings. This deck was created by Indonesian-born Chinese Feng Shui consultant and astrologer Vicki Iskandar, and illustrated by Candice Soon, a self-taught artist from Singapore. It consists of sixty cards and a 185-page guidebook, representing Iskandar’s unique vision of the sixty Pillars, brought to life through Soon’s gorgeous illustrations. In her personal practice, Iskandar blends Chinese and Western astrology. Since 2012, she has shared daily astrological guidance on Twitter under the handle @5elementsoracle.

This deck is beginner-friendly, with the accompanying guidebook offering a comprehensive introduction to Chinese metaphysics, Taoism, and astrology. According to Chinese mythology, the ordering of the animal signs was established based on the outcome of a Great Race. The Rat hitched a ride on the Ox and leaped across the finish line first, winning the race and being awarded the position of first sign in the Chinese zodiac by the Jade Emperor, the Taoist ruler of the Universe.

The sixty cards, or Pillars, are divided into six cycles of ten Heavenly Stems, and the opening cycle explores the themes of Wisdom and Communication, beginning with the Wood Rat, the deck’s inaugural card and leader of the first cycle. I was born in the year of the Wood Rat, so I was thrilled to discover it was the first card in the deck when I opened the box.

Iskandar explains that the sixty cards are organized into a cyclical pattern known as the “great sexagenary cycle.”¹⁴ Each ten-card cycle begins with Yang Wood and concludes with Yin Water, while the twelve animal signs follow their traditional order: “The Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon, the Snake, the Horse, the Sheep (also called Goat or Ram), the Monkey, the Bird (or Rooster), the Dog, and the Pig (or Boar).”¹⁵

Iskandar substitutes the more familiar Rooster with the Bird, often depicted as a phoenix, due to the sign’s Yin Metal elemental energy. The Rooster, with its masculine connotations, doesn’t accurately reflect the sign’s feminine nature. Iskandar emphasizes the importance of understanding the elemental composition of each animal sign rather than relying on superficial characteristics.

Intrigued by the potential insights offered by this oracle, I immediately began exploring the Pillars associated with my family, friends, and pets. I wanted to familiarize myself with the individual qualities of each sign before delving into divinatory use of the cards.

2024 is the year of the Wood Dragon, and I examined the corresponding card in this deck to contemplate how this energy might be influencing the collective. The wise Wood Dragon is the first of the “Power and Authority Cards,” and according to Iskandar, it “represents tremendous strength and faith in a positive outcome, even in the midst of adversity.”¹⁶ This card advises us to lead authentic lives, act with integrity, and use our personal power and influence for the greater good.

Feeling prepared to delve into the oracle’s divinatory potential, I turned my attention to the suggested practices outlined in the guidebook. Iskandar emphasizes the importance of a clear and receptive mindset, recommending a brief meditation before each reading. She also advises against using the cards during the energetically potent periods of the New and Full Moons, which are either too Yin or too Yang, as well as during stormy weather.

Iskandar offers a variety of oracle spreads, and I decided to start with the one card draw, which is called “One with the Tao.”¹⁷

“Taoism is about simplicity, and the simplest way to ask for guidance is to draw a card from the deck, especially when you’re seeking a quick answer, an insight into a specific matter, or an affirmation from your guides,” Iskandar says. “If a card jumps out before you pick one, it’s the Tao picking a card for you.”¹⁸

Turning the cards facedown to shuffle, I was dazzled by the beauty of the card backs, which depict the yin-yang dalliance of a phoenix and a dragon, the ultimate power couple in Feng Shui. They swirl in a galaxy of color, before a backdrop of stars. The phoenix has a rainbow of tail feathers with peacock eyes, while the dragon coils around her with sea green hair and a blur of pastel scales.

I didn’t have a specific question in mind, so I just asked for general guidance from the Tao. While I was shuffling, I saw a dragon’s head appear before my mind’s eye, signifying Yang energy. After I spent some time thoroughly shuffling the deck, the Tao flipped over a card for me: “Wood Horse: Live and Love Joyfully,” which depicts a horse galloping through a forest with sunlight streaming down through the canopy of branches and leaves.

This energetic card carries the elemental energy of Yang Wood, symbolizing expansion and growth, and the Horse is a harbinger of “unbridled joy.”

“Heaven is there to guide you to a bright future, while Earth stands ready to bring you opportunities,”¹⁹ Iskandar says.

What a beautiful and reassuring message!

This versatile deck is a wonderful tool for exploring Chinese astrology, delving into natal charts, and seeking oracular wisdom from the Tao. For those eager to dive deeper into Chinese astrology beyond their year Pillar, Iskandar’s website offers a BaZi chart calculator to reveal your Four Pillars of Destiny and more. There’s also Jade Almanac, which shares tons of free information about one’s BaZi chart.

The Chinese Five Elements Oracle is a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty. This is the first deck of its kind that I’ve seen, and it will be a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced practitioners of Chinese astrology.