2023 Tarot Yearly Overview

I desperately want the Tarot Cards to give me good news for 2023.

We could all use a bit of hope and optimism going into this year.  Like many others over the last few years, my family has suffered the loss of loved ones, my mental health hasn’t been great, and I feel like I’ve been spinning my wheels and getting nowhere with many of my creative projects.

My prayer while pulling cards for this year went something like, “Please, 2023, won’t you be kind to us?”

When choosing a Tarot Deck for the yearly overview, I deliberately went to my deck that has lighter colors, brighter images, and usually gives a more optimistic reading.  My Steampunk deck, that sassy smart-ass, wasn’t even considered in the running. And although the True Black Deck is beautiful and usually a positive reading, I needed a bit more light and color in my life.

The Shadowscapes deck is full of color and brightness, so that’s the one I chose for this year. I’m also posting this on the evening of the first full moon of the year. Hopefully, it will give the Tarot Cards a bit more positive mojo.

What type of deck did you choose to start the year off with?

Just like the last few years, I chose to use the same yearly overview layout from Jass Place. One card for every month, plus one card for each quarter, and three oracle cards. Side note: I used Colette Baron-Reid’s Spirit Animal Deck for the Oracle Cards. I also did not feel the need for the two extra oracle cards for clarification this year.  Here’s what Jass’s layout looks like and my pull prior to the oracle cards:

Disclaimer: Please seek professional help for serious legal, financial, marital, or medical issues. I am not a professional.

Monthly Cards

January – (#13) Death in the inverted position

The Death card in Tarot is really a card of transformation. It is a card that heralds the completion of one chapter of your life and the beginning of another.  And whenever something ends, many of us tend to try to hold on for too long.

Finding the right time to let go of something, whether it be a person, a dream, or a way of life, can be difficult. When this card is in the inverse position, it can be a warning that we may be holding on too tight to something that we are meant to let go of. 

Remember that it is okay to let go of things that no longer serve us, help us grow, and people or situations that hold us back.

Practice letting go. Say goodbye, express your gratitude for what once helped you, but it is time to move forward.

Rest assured that just because one chapter has ended, not everything has. New and better things await you.

February – Nine of Cups Inverted

The Nine of Cups is a card that deals with social situations, it is also an indicator of indulgence, and it is a reminder that others are watching what you are doing. 

In the inverse position, this card can be a warning against overindulgence. Too much food or drink can lead to obvious repercussions.  Too much candor and honest can sometimes lead to less-than-ideal outcomes with our relationships and social circles.  

But on the other hand, too much restriction can lead to deprivation, or a lack of something you need.

Remember to avoid the extremes and practice tact or caution in social situations.

The Cups suite is your emotional realm. When you enter social situations, when you choose a pastime to indulge in, make sure it is something that you want to do. Make sure it is something that will fill your emotional well rather than something you think others expect you to do, love, or enjoy.

March – (#21) The World Inverted

The World is the final Major Arcana card, and it is one that usually indicates prosperity, abundance, and the “birth,” completion, or conclusion of something. 

When it is in the inverted position, it can mean there may be delays, or you are missing the final piece to the puzzle. 

It doesn’t mean that your projects or dreams will never be completed, it just means that you might not be able to finish within the original timeline.

Remember to be flexible with your deadlines; leave yourself a little wiggle room in case you need it.

And remember that you may need to “mother” your projects along. Mother Earth holds us all in her arms. Be kind, but stern with yourself and your efforts this month.

You are creating something amazing! Be proud of your efforts! If need be, write a list of all your accomplishments and stick them somewhere you can see them (like on the fridge!).

Pat yourself on the back for all you have already finished and recognize that you are still growing and learning.

April – Four of Swords Inverted

The Four of Swords is a card of rest and reflection. When it is in the inverse position, it may not be by choice. This is a period of time where you must recuperate.

When it is not by choice, it may mean a short period of illness and recovery, but it could also indicate that you may be pressing your gas pedal a little too hard and burning yourself out. 

Take a break. Re-evaluate your recent priorities and habits. Are they sustainable in the long run?

Look at your goals and to-do lists.

Make sure your goals still align with where you are in your life.

Check to make sure you aren’t taking on too much and you aren’t taking on tasks that aren’t yours to shoulder.

What is it that refills your creative well? How recently have you done that?

Do you need a breather from social media? From the news? From your relatives? What is it you need to shut the door on temporarily in order to get peace and quiet?

May – Seven of Wands

The Seven of Wands is a card of bravery and strength in the face of opposition.  Persistence is key to your success. There may be some negotiation or bartering needed, but victory (and profit) will be yours.

Remember your bottom line when negotiating or making deals.

Have the courage to challenge something that seems daunting or out of reach. Persistence will help you reach that goal.

This is also a card about defense and boundaries. Make sure you have set healthy boundaries.

Defend these boundaries if necessary. Remember you set boundaries for your own safety, health, and wellbeing for a reason.

Do not let others compromise your boundaries.

June – Two of Wands

The Two of Wands is a card of influence, ambition, and control. The Wands are the suit of fire, meaning that they deal with your passions. The things that drive you, spark your imagination and your motivation, are what the Wands can reference.

Whatever has been driving you and motivating you in the last couple of months is now firmly under your control. You have complete authority over decisions in regards to this project, hobby, passion.

If this is in regards to a relationship, your words have a huge influence on how the relationship is going. Take care that you do not become a tyrant in this relationship. There may need to be a shift in control in order to maintain a healthy balance within the relationship.

July – Eight of Cups Inverted

The Eight of Cups is a card that indicates there is something crucial missing. Since the Cups suite usually deals with emotions, there may be something you want or need that is being unfulfilled.

Now is the time to reflect on your current or upcoming commitments. Have you committed to something you cannot complete in the stated deadline? Have you committed to something or someone you really did not wish to?

For things already in progress: Why isn’t it working the way you thought it would? Is there something wrong, or did you have expectations that were unrealistic?

Check in on your goals and plans. Examine the timeline. Break it down into action steps. Was there something you missed in the plan? Or did you misjudge the timing of something?

For thing you haven’t yet committed to: Why haven’t you taken the leap? Are you missing an important piece of information? Does something feel like it’s out of alignment with your long term goals? Is there a huge amount of doubt or red flags when there shouldn’t be?

If something feels wrong, examine why. Find out more information, ask around. If something feels like a red flag, ask yourself why you would want to proceed, and how your life could be impacted if things go wrong.

Reflect on what it is you truly need, and take action to fulfill these needs.

August – Ten of Wands

The Ten of Wands is a card that indicates you may be overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious. And you may be taking on responsibilities that are not yours to bear.

However, you are close to the finish line. Do not give up. Your goal or destination is within sight.

You can choose to utilize your persistence or to take a short break to evaluate whether all of your burdens are really necessary on this last leg of the trip.

Don’t unnecessarily take on burdens at this point. If a responsibility belongs to someone else, make sure they know it. Hand that burden or task back to them.

Re-evaluate how much of the weight you are carrying in terms of your relationships and your group projects or efforts. Examine if there is an unfair distribution of tasks, energy, time, or resources. If there is, now is the time to communicate this.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. It’s okay to do so.

September – (#2) High Priestess

The High Priestess is a card of intuitive wisdom and spirituality.

Now is a great time to trust your gut feelings and get in tune with your inner voice.

If you have a nagging feeling that something needs to change, do it.

If you’ve got a persistent itch to take a leap of faith, don’t hesitate.

Pay attention to signs from the universe. Be on the look-out for synchronicity and repeated coincidences.

If you keep seeing something repeatedly, consider whether it could be a symbolic message.

For example, let’s say you always pick up a particular type of feather when you go on a trip. Suddenly, you start seeing those feathers or that type of bird. Perhaps you should consider making a trip soon.

Or you call your best friend by a nickname, and you see instances of that name on posters, ads, etc. It’s time to check in with Bestie. Give them a call.

You are considering a new job, and you keep seeing things that remind you of celebrations in your youth. That’s a good sign. You’ll have something to celebrate soon! Go for it!

October – Page of Wands

The Page of Wands is a card of pure energy, so get ready for a wild ride!

This card indicates that courage is paired with impulsivity, abundant energy, ambition, and motivation.

This month is going to be pedal to the metal, go-go-go! But in an excited way, not a someone-is-chasing-me way.

You will have lots of energy and motivation this month, and it’s could be geared towards either your passion project or a relationship.

It might be tempting to pour all of your emotions into one single project or one person at this time. However, that one thing or person should not be your “be all, end all” or your reason for living.

Make sure you take time off from your hyperfocus this month to refill your well and rest. Otherwise you could burn out.

Emotions can range from warm and passionate to raging and unstable, so be wary of the negative or destructive impact your passion can have when it isn’t channeled properly.

Know that your spark of inspiration can also be given to others. Your enthusiasm can be catching. Take the time to share what it is you are working on so that others might become more inspired and motivated themselves.

November – Three of Wands

The Three of Wands is a card of stability and established strength. This will be a welcome change form the fireball energy of October. 

It is a card that lets us know that we have grown enough to begin setting up the next step in our journey: our own settlement or our next stronghold.

This is a card that also represents business leadership and success.

Take the lead, apply for the promotion, or ask for a raise.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to step out on your own, go independent, or to set up a side hustle, now might just be the time you were waiting for.

December – Six of Pentacles

This is a card of both business and charity.  December will be a great time to make money, but also a time to donate to others who are either less fortunate than yourself, or to organizations that are focused on righting social injustices.

The holiday season is always tough, so focus on acts of goodwill and benevolence.

Just remember that you should reflect on where you are spending your funds (in terms of time, energy, emotions, and finances). Make sure you recognize that these resources are limited. Choose wisely.

Look into whatever it is you are considering investing your resources. Make sure that when you do allocate these precious resources, it does some good. We want our resources to help something or someone grow, to make the world a better place.

Quarterly Themes

Winter Theme (January through March) – King of Pentacles

This is a card of success, especially in the material realm. Business, investments, and financial decisions are likely to be successful during the first quarter.

Now is the time to make decisions that will allow you to grow your wealth, increase your financial stability or independence, and set yourself up for even more future success.

Plant the seeds now to reap the rewards later.

This is also a card of being grounded in your relationships. Feeling like you have roots and are strongly anchored so that no storm can upset you.

Now is the time to make sure you are nurturing your relationships and appreciate the hard work and effort that has already been put in by yourself and others.

Spring Theme (April through June) – Ace of Wands

This is a card of creative inspiration. The second quarter is a great time to start something new.

The Spring is always the season of growth, newness (or renewal), and rejuvenation. It’s perfect to get an Ace for this season. Aces also indicate the beginning of a journey. And in the case of Wands, it is a fiery and passionate journey.

If you are looking for love, now is a great time to seek it. Flirtation and Excitement are available should you choose to look for it.

In terms of career and work, make sure you are working on something that lights your fire! Choose a passion project, or join a team working on a project that excites you.

This is also a great time to look for new investments (new places to invest your time, energy, or money).

Be confident in your new beginnings, because your motivation and willpower will help you see it succeed.

Summer Theme (July through September) – Six of Cups

This is a card of nostalgia and reunions. It is a time to make memories and reflect on older memories and cherished times.

Are there people or projects you would like to revisit or rekindle with? The third quarter might be the perfect time to edit or revise a project in order to make it even better. 

Does your website, business, or creative passion need updated equipment or software? Is it in need of a facelift? A rebranding?

 Do you need to reflect on why you started the project in the first place in order to find that spark again?

Be warned that the longing for days gone by is sometimes caused by false memories or excessive attachment due to sentimentality. Do not be caught up in this. Remember to reflect on memories while keeping your future in mind.

Fall Theme (October through December) – Ace of Pentacles

This is a card of new beginnings in the physical and material areas. It is a card that indicates contentment and comfort, as well as financial rewards and prosperity.

Those seeds of wealth you planted in the first quarter have begun to bear fruit.  This quarter is a good time to celebrate your accomplishments, learn to feel contentment and happiness in your achievements.

Don’t just look only at the future; make sure you take the time to see the progress and growth you have achieved.

This is also a great time to pay attention to your body. Do you need to change up your physical habits? Get something checked out by the doctor?

Check in with yourself and be honest about how your body is feeling. If something is off, begin the process of finding a way to make it better.

Oracle Cards for Advice

Reminder: Oracle Cards are from Colette Baron-Reid’s Spirit Animal Oracle Deck.

Oracle 1 – What energy should I cultivate for this year?

Dog Spirit – Be loyal to what you love

Six of the Tarot Cards for this year are in the Wand suite. This means that this year should be heavily focused on your passion projects, the things that spark your imagination, and the things that motivate you.

For me, this means my writing and reading. What does it mean for you?

Perhaps this is an indicator that you should be trying out a whole bunch of new hobbies to find one you really enjoy.

Take a pottery class, make a stained glass window, paint, make some jewelry! If you’re more of an outdoors person, go camping! Take a hike! Visit the national parks, forests, and nature landmarks nearby. Go flyfishing! Hunt for gemstones!

Try them all out! Find what it is you love!

For people, make sure you maintain relationships with those you love to spend time with. Visit in person, text, call, video call! Spend time that you both enjoy together.

Find your “Why” this year. What drives you? What is your motivation, your purpose? Find it and chase it!

Oracle 2 – What is the first piece of advice I should pay attention to for this year?

Badger Spirit – Be Fearless and Bold

Conquer your fears. Boot that imposter syndrome to the curb! If you put in the time, effort, and energy, you deserve every bit of success you earn in return. So put in the work, and be bold about showing it off, selling it to others, submitting it to contests, etc. Whatever it is that you want to do to have others recognize your hard work (and awesomeness), go ahead.

This is one of my favorite Oracle cards. I love the bright black-eyed susan flowers contrasted against the badger.

It also brings to mind the video about the Honey Badger that just doesn’t care what others think about it or what others try to stop it. The badger is just going to do what it wants and what it needs.

Having the Badger as the answer to what advice we should be listening to is such an encouragement. It’s a reassurance that it’s going to be okay. You don’t have to worry about what others will think of your efforts. You just have to do what you’ve set your mind to.

Oracle 3 – What is the second piece of advice I should pay attention to for this year?

Frog Spirit – Clear out the Clutter

In order to reach your goals, you may have to let go of some other things (or people) that are not helping you achieve them.

Don’t have enough time to reach your goals? Reflect on where you are currently spending your time and cut out the time wasters, or cut back on other areas in order to make room for your goals.

Too many distractions? Get rid of as many as you can, or at least severely cut back on them.  This may mean taking a break from social media, decluttering your house, putting up a sign for your spouse or family that you’re working for an hour, etc.

Do you get bogged down in all the tips, tricks, hacks, and extra supplies that others recommend? Do you find yourself spending more time learning how to use all of those than actually working on your project? Consider cutting all of that out.

Go back to the basics and find out what is really necessary for your goals, not other people’s goals.

It’s a nice reassurance that you don’t have to have the fancy tools, the technology, or the bits and bobs. All you need is the basic supplies, yourself, and your own efforts.

Quick After Thoughts

Overall, 2023’s reading is pretty encouraging. There are a couple of areas to be wary of (especially at the beginning of the year), but the repeated success in passion and business areas are good signs. And please remember that this reading is my personal reading for 2023. I am very focused on my creative projects and my career at the moment. If you are choosing to focus on different realms (family or love), your reading might look different.

Take the time to do a reading for yourself.  It’s fun and informative to look back at this reading either at the end of every quarter or at the end of the year. See what the cards got right for you.

Feel free to let me know how your 2023 overview reading went in the comments!

Also, if you need a daily Tarot Journal, check out my undated daily 3-Card Draw or Single Card Draw Tarot Journals on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/author/julianneturner  Now available in paperback or hardback!