Jan 14 - King of Swords (images)

King of Swords Across Decks 🎴✨

Know when to walk away, know when to run

As a suit, Swords represent the intellect - thought, logic, language, and clarity. The King of Swords is the master of that realm. Clever, analytical, and sometimes (though not always) a little cold, he understands systems, people, and situations at a glance. In Rider–Waite–Smith decks he appears as a literal king, but in other decks he may be a strategist, a professional, or another kind of authority figure.

---

1. Cat Tarot — Real cats, real characters

The King of Swords in this deck has lived in his home for a long time. He knows every corner, every sound, and every secret - including the best places to nap and the most effective butterfly-chasing routes.

King of Swords Vibes:

🧪 Key themes: knowledge, experience, familiarity
🎨 Emotional tone: relaxed, assured
✨ Unique: Every figure in this deck is a cat (apart from the Devil!), all behaving exactly as real cats do.

---

2. Gaian Tarot — Nature and pagan wisdom

The Gaian Tarot focuses on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Here, the King of Swords is renamed the Elder of Air. He has spent years perfecting his craft - flute playing - and now plays simply for the joy of it, with only a small bird as his audience.

King of Swords Vibes:

🧪 Key themes: wisdom, patience, mastery
🎨 Emotional tone: calm, practised
✨ Unique: This King is genuinely elderly, subverting the usual image of the King in his physical prime.

---

3. Floating World Tarot — Bright and animated

Inspired by Japanese history and culture, this deck presents the King of Swords as a samurai: a warrior who survives by intellect, discipline, and honour. The Moon above him hints that even the most rational mind has hidden depths.

King of Swords Vibes:

🧪 Key themes: honour, integrity, strategy
🎨 Emotional tone: serene, composed
✨ Unique: This King is younger than the others and bears traditional samurai face markings, blending authority with personal code.

---

Reflection

Each of these Kings knows his domain completely - the back garden, the flute, or the sword. Mastery comes not from raw power, but from deep understanding.

What realm are you the King of?

Caption:
"Rule with mind and justice." 🌙✨

Jan 13 - 🖖 Captain Picard: Emperor or King of Swords?

(Spoiler: He has very Emperor energy - but also he will logic you into emotional clarity.)

There are many types of leaders in fiction.
And then there’s Jean-Luc Picard - stoic, principled, bald by choice, and a man whose tea order alone commands respect.

So where does he land in the tarot?
Let’s break down the case for two serious contenders.

---

🏛️ The Emperor Case

Picard is an Emperor through and through:

• He leads with structure, clarity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

• He values hierarchy, discipline, and knows that rules exist for a reason.

• He is protective - not just of his crew, but of principles.

• He can command with a single raised eyebrow and doesn’t need to shout to assert power.

The Emperor represents stability, authority, and the ability to hold the line.
Picard doesn’t rule through fear - he leads through reason and example.
Even when he’s emotionally conflicted, he always returns to the bridge.

---

⚔️ The King of Swords Case

But Picard also fits the King of Swords:

• He’s highly intellectual and analytical.

• He often makes decisions based on logic rather than emotion.

• He believes in truth, diplomacy, and precision of speech.

• His moral compass is guided by thoughtfulness and language - he believes in words as much as action.

The King of Swords is all about discernment, strategy, and integrity in communication.
That’s Picard in the negotiation room. Or facing off with Q. Or casually quoting Shakespeare while under attack.

---

🃏 So… Which One Is He?

He’s an Emperor with a King of Swords brain.

Picard embodies both cards at once:

The Emperor sits on the throne.
The King of Swords writes the speech.

He commands respect, maintains order, and holds the boundary - but he does it with reason, intelligence, and often, poetry.

He’s not the loudest man in the room. He’s the one the room turns to when it matters.

---

✨ Final Thought:

If you ever draw The Emperor or the King of Swords and wonder what kind of leader you’re being called to be, ask yourself:

“What would Picard do?”

(Hint: He’d pause. Breathe. Sip his tea. And say exactly what needed to be said.)

Jan 12 - Labyrinth Tarot deck mini review

“Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered…” you’ll find yourself holding a deck that feels like it slipped straight out of the Goblin King’s hands. The Labyrinth Tarot (Minerva Siegel & Tomás Hijo) captures that strange, dreamlike world where every turn hides a riddle - and every card hums with mischief and mystery.

The Major Arcana are stunning, filled with familiar faces and a shimmer of otherworldly symbolism. You can almost hear Jareth purr, “It’s only forever…” as you turn The Magician. The Minors are simpler - less ornate, more symbolic - but they carry the same flicker of charm that makes the film unforgettable.

The card stock feels sturdy, the box a treasure in itself, and the guidebook strikes a nice balance between fandom delight and proper tarot insight. The deluxe edition (in the U.S.) adds a card stand and velvet pouch, because of course it does - Jareth would never settle for less.

Published by Titan Books in the UK and Insight Editions (Simon & Schuster) in the U.S.

Verdict: Not the easiest deck for deep, introspective readings, but absolutely perfect for magical moments, creative spreads, and anyone who’s ever wished their tarot would start singing “Dance, magic, dance.”

Jan 11 - The Chariot (images)

The Chariot Across Decks 🎴✨

Don't stop me now!

The Chariot is about momentum: the energy that keeps us moving toward what we want. In Rider–Waite–Smith–inspired decks, this is usually shown as a literal chariot pulled forward by opposing forces. In modern decks, the imagery may change, but the message remains the same: drive, determination, and forward motion.

---

1. Light Seer’s — Modern and inclusive

The Light Seer’s is one of the best-known modern decks. In this image, the figure crouched on the roof of the chariot doesn’t appear to be in control in a traditional sense - but he isn’t worried. He’s allowing fate and momentum to carry him exactly where he needs to go.

Chariot Vibes:

🧪 Key themes: movement, willpower, no hesitation
🎨 Emotional tone: trusting, open
✨ Unique: Look closely - the horses aren’t attached to the carriage. This journey is powered purely by intention and will.

---

2. Labyrinth Tarot — Fandom fun

Anyone who’s seen Labyrinth will instantly recognise Sir Didymus, the bravest knight in the realm. Didymus never hesitates when he wants something - whether charging into danger or protecting Sarah. He simply goes.

Chariot Vibes:

🧪 Key themes: momentum, courage, heroism
🎨 Emotional tone: fearless, unwavering
✨ Unique: Didymus’ “chariot” isn’t a vehicle at all - it’s Ambrosius, his loyal steed, carrying him forward without question.

---

3. Everyday Witch — Colourful and cute

The most contemporary of the three, this card shows a young witch on a motorbike paused at a crossroads. Whichever direction she chooses, she has the power to get herself - and her ever-present cat companion - where she wants to go.

Chariot Vibes:

🧪 Key themes: direction, self-determination, power
🎨 Emotional tone: decisive, bright
✨ Unique: The road signs are black and white - a subtle nod to the traditional opposing steeds of the RWS Chariot.

---

Reflection

Across decks, the Chariot reminds us that progress comes from focus, commitment, and trusting our own momentum. Once we choose a direction, the path opens beneath our wheels.

Where do you need to go today?

---

Caption:
“Drive your energy forward.” 🌙✨

Jan 10 - Seven of Cups (Images)

Seven of Cups Across Decks 🎴✨

It's my life, and it's now or never

The Seven of Cups is about choices - not just any choices, but the kind that can overwhelm us. Opportunities glitter and beckon, some tempting, some dangerous, and the card asks us to look carefully before reaching for any one of them.

---

1. Tarot of White Cats — Fun and irreverent

Based on the RWS, this deck adds levity without losing the classic feel. The figure (or cat) is mesmerized by the offerings - wealth, fame… and danger lurking in the shadows.

Seven of Cups Vibes:
🧪 Key themes: deliberation, careful choice, temptation
🎨 Emotional tone: light, playful, fun
✨ Unique: includes a snake and a dragon, signaling hidden risks

---

2. Cat Tarot — Real Cats, Real Choices

Unlike other cat decks, this one shows cats behaving exactly as they do in life. The overwhelmed cat faces seven bowls of delicious food - so many options, it can’t focus on just one.

Seven of Cups Vibes:
🧪 Key themes: too many choices, distraction, overwhelm
🎨 Emotional tone: bright, colourful, whimsical
✨ Unique: all the options are appealing and similar - the abundance itself is the challenge

---

3. Transient Light — Minimalist chic

A soft, sepia-toned, minimalist deck that emphasises imagery over character. Seven wicker baskets overflow with objects - games, flowers, jewels, and even a snake - leaving the focus entirely on the choices themselves.

Seven of Cups Vibes:
🧪 Key themes: variety, consideration, reflection
🎨 Emotional tone: calm, contemplative, thoughtful
✨ Unique: no character in the image; the attention is entirely on the options presented

---

Reflection:

Across these decks, the Seven of Cups reminds us that more isn’t always better. Whether playful, realistic, or minimal, the card encourages pause and careful consideration before committing to a choice.

---

Caption

“Pause. Consider. Choose wisely.” 🌙✨

---

Jan 9 - The Structure of a Deck

 If you’ve ever wondered what makes a tarot deck tick, today’s your mini-guide. A standard deck has 78 cards, split into two main sections:

✨ Major Arcana (22 cards): These are the heavyweights - life-changing events, big lessons, archetypes. Think The Fool, The Tower, The High Priestess… the cards that tell the story of the soul’s journey. If you see a tarot reading in a movie or TV show, these are probably the cards that come up.

✨ Minor Arcana (56 cards): These reflect day-to-day life. They’re divided into four suits - usually Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles - and each suit has ten numbered cards plus four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). Some themed decks will change the suit names or Court positions, but the meanings usually stay the same.

• Cups → emotions, relationships, heart matters

• Wands → creativity, ambition, action

• Swords → intellect, challenges, decisions

• Pentacles → money, work, practicalities

Think of your deck like a theatre: the Major Arcana are the lead actors, and the Minor Arcana are the supporting cast, making the story richer and more detailed.

Once you get familiar with the structure, reading becomes less intimidating - and a lot more fun.

Jan 8 - Tarot Characters: Ace of Wands (Pop Culture)

🔥 The Ace of Wands is the spark - inspiration, courage, and the moment something begins. It’s the flash of “what if?”, the rush of energy that says go, even before you know where the path leads. This card is about potential catching fire.

Here are three moments that capture the Ace of Wands in motion:

---

Rapunzel Leaves the Tower (Tangled)

When Rapunzel steps beyond the tower, it’s not a carefully planned escape - it’s a leap powered by curiosity and creative hunger. Fear comes with her, but it doesn’t stop her. This is the Ace of Wands as the first brave act that changes everything.

Ace of Wands Vibes:
• Creative awakening
• Courage sparked by curiosity
• The beginning of something bigger

---

“I Aim to Misbehave” (Mal Reynolds, Firefly)

Mal’s declaration isn’t strategy - it’s intention. In that moment, he chooses motion, resistance, and self-defined purpose. The Ace of Wands lives here: fire lit by conviction, ready to act even without guarantees.

Ace of Wands Vibes:
• Defiant inspiration
• Choosing action
• Fire with a cause

---

Moana Sets Sail (Moana)

Moana doesn’t leave with a map - she leaves with a calling. That first push into the ocean is instinct, passion, and trust in something unseen. It’s the Ace of Wands as pure ignition: the moment inspiration demands movement.

Ace of Wands Vibes:
• Inspired risk
• Following the call
• Potential set in motion

---

🔥 The Ace of Wands asks: what’s lighting the spark for you - and what would happen if you acted on it, even just a little?

Jan 7 - The Devil (images)

The Devil Across Decks 🎴✨

God knows I want to break free!

The Devil speaks to the moments when we feel stuck - old habits, lingering fears, or temptations that look sweeter than they are. In traditional decks he appears as the horned figure of Christian lore; in modern decks he’s often softened, reframed, or even renamed, but the core idea remains: what holds us back, and how do we reclaim our power?

---

1. Stained Glass Tarot — Christian Beauty

The Stained Glass Tarot draws on the luminous beauty of cathedral windows, casting each card in jewel-bright colour. Here, The Devil appears in a classic form - red skin, wings, horns - framed in stained glass intensity.

The Devil Vibes:
🔥 Key themes: addiction, entrapment, fear
🎨 Emotional tone: heavy, intense, claustrophobic
✨ Unique: a traditional Devil staring directly at the viewer, unblinking

---

2. Everyday Witch — Everyday Temptations

In the Everyday Witch Tarot, the Devil is far more approachable: a seemingly normal figure offering treats and money to two distracted young people. The cats, as always, know better - ears back, tails twitching, trying to steer their humans away.

The Devil Vibes:
🧪 Key themes: temptation, distraction, uncertainty
🎨 Emotional tone: uneasy, slightly comical, gently cautionary
✨ Unique: the Devil blends in at first… until you notice the tail

---

3. Cosy Witch Tarot — A Brighter Reframing

This modern deck renames several cards for inclusivity and warmth. The Devil becomes The Broom, shifting focus from bondage to liberation: sweeping out outdated patterns and clearing space for something better.

The Devil Vibes:
🌿 Key themes: taking action, freeing yourself, reclaiming power
🎨 Emotional tone: hopeful, energising, bright
✨ Unique: reframes The Devil entirely - freedom through small, intentional action

---

Reflection:

Across these decks, The Devil shifts from fearsome captor to sneaky tempter to a symbol of self-liberation. Each asks a different question: What binds you? What tempts you? What can you clear away today?

Caption:

Nothing is stronger than we are. 

---

Jan 6 - 🎩 Neal Caffrey: Magician or Devil?

(Or both—with great cheekbones.)

You’ve heard of “hot girl walks.”
Now meet: “hot art thief reads.”
Today’s tarot pop culture spotlight shines on the ever-enigmatic Neal Caffrey, conman extraordinaire from White Collar - and possibly an embodiment of not one, but two Major Arcana cards.

So… is Neal a Magician or a Devil?
Let’s shuffle into the drama.

---

🪄 The Magician Case

Neal Caffrey practically is The Magician:

• He’s charming, persuasive, and knows exactly which card to play.

• He uses his tools (and people) with precision.

• His intellect and charisma turn every con into an art form.

• He manifests escape plans, forged documents, and elaborate distractions out of thin air.

The Magician is all about willpower, confidence, and turning raw potential into tangible results - with flair. That’s basically Neal’s full résumé.

“The Magician says, ‘I have the tools.’
Neal says, ‘I already used them, and you didn’t notice.’”

---

😈 The Devil Case

But let’s be honest - he’s got Devil energy too.

• Temptation is his brand.

• He’s danced with obsession (Kate, anyone?).

• He’s not above manipulation, half-truths, or pushing buttons just because he can.

• He’s charming enough to convince you the chains are jewellery.

The Devil represents entrapment by desire or illusion - and Neal walks that line like he’s on a catwalk. Especially when it comes to the freedom he claims to want... and the attachments he can’t quite cut.

---

🃏 So… Which One Is He?

Honestly? He’s both - and that’s what makes him fascinating.

The Magician when he’s pulling off a brilliant plan.
The Devil when he’s playing everyone in the room (including himself).

Neal Caffrey is the tarot equivalent of pulling two cards at once and realising they’re in cahoots.
He’s the seduction and the spectacle. The sleight of hand and the trapdoor underneath it.

---

✨ Final Thought:

If you ever draw The Magician and feel a little unsure… ask yourself:

Is this Neal Caffrey energy, or am I conning myself with charisma?

(And if you pull The Devil after? Yeah. He’s back in the suit again. Lock your safe.)

Jan 5 - Choosing your first deck

You’ve decided to dive into tarot — wonderful! Now comes the fun (and slightly overwhelming) part: choosing your first deck. With thousands of designs out there, how do you know which one is yours?

✨ Look for imagery that speaks to you. You’re going to be staring at these pictures a lot. If a deck makes you smile, gasp, or daydream - that’s a good sign.

✨ Look at the theme. Most decks have a theme - nature, cats, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. If the theme is something you hate, the deck is probably not for you; if it's something you enjoy, it goes in the 'maybe' pile.

✨ Check the symbolism. If you’re brand new, a Rider–Waite–Smith–style deck is often easier to learn from, since most books and online guides use its imagery.

✨ Think about size. Some decks are massive coffee-table slabs, others are pocket-sized minis. Do you want “dramatic altar centrepiece” or “fits neatly in your bag”?

✨ Trust your gut. Your first deck doesn’t need to be “perfect forever.” It just needs to feel friendly enough to start the conversation.

And if you can’t decide between two or three? Don’t worry. Tarot decks are like houseplants and cats - they tend to multiply when no one’s looking. 🌱🐈✨

Jan 4 - 🛑 Tarot Myth #1: “You Must Be Gifted Your First Deck”

🧭 The Myth

“You can’t buy your own tarot deck. It must be gifted to you - or it won’t work.” “It’s bad luck.” “It breaks the magic.” “You’re not a real reader unless someone chooses it for you.”

🕵️‍♀️ Where It Came From

• Mystique marketing: Making tarot feel rare and exclusive added to its “secret knowledge” vibe.

• Gatekeeping: A subtle way to make new readers feel like outsiders.

• Tradition: Some lineages encouraged gifting as a symbolic gesture - but it was never universal.

💡 The Reality

You can absolutely buy your own deck. You can borrow one. Find it in a charity shop. Print it. Collage it. Carve it into a potato if you’re feeling chaotic.

Your deck works because you bring meaning to it - not because someone else wrapped it in moonlight and good intentions.

🎁 Ritual Reframe

Want to “gift” yourself a deck? Wrap it. Write a note. Hide it for two days. Then open it like it’s your birthday and whisper, “Thank you, mysterious benefactor.” Boom. Myth satisfied.

🧠 Reader Prompts

• How did you get your first deck?

• Have you ever gifted one to yourself - or someone else?

• What emotional logic guides your deck choices?

✨ Final Thought

Tarot is about connection, not permission. The best deck for you is the one that calls to you - not the one someone else decides you’re “ready” for.

Jan 3 - The Fool (Images)

The Fool Across Decks 🎴✨

"To get over this edge, you need a leap of faith..."

The Fool represents beginnings, risk, and trust in the unknown. Comparing across decks shows how artists frame innocence, danger, and possibility in different symbolic languages.

1. Golden Art Nouveau - Classic Reimagining

A vibrant reworking of the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition, with bold colours, golden backgrounds and crisp lines. 

The Fool Vibes:

• 🌄 Key themes: adventure, naivety, divine trust

• 🎨 Emotional tone: bright, optimistic, almost theatrical

• ✨ Unique: faithful to tradition but heightened with modern saturation

2. The Kids' Tarot - Easy Metaphors

The Kids' Tarot is designed for children to be able to understand and use, with bright colours, chunky images and easy to follow images. The Fool here is represented as a figure about to start a journey - the destination is a mystery, but he's going anyway, faithful dog at his side. 

The Fool Vibes:

• 🌸 Key themes: innocence, joy, excitement

• 🎨 Emotional tone: soft, lyrical, storybook-like

• ✨ Unique: framed as a purposeful journey, not just wandering

3. Tarot of the Divine - Open Seas

The Tarot of the Divine is based on legends and folklore from around the world. Here, the Fool is The Little Mermaid, breaching the sea for the first time and seeing the world spread out in front of her. 

The Fool Vibes:

• 🐾 Key themes: curiosity, mischief, instinct

• 🎨 Emotional tone: lighthearted, buoyant, wonder-filled

• ✨ Unique: reframes risk as discovery, with her joy and wonder visible.

Reflection

Across these decks, The Fool shifts from bold adventurer to ornamental dreamer to mischievous wanderer. Each asks: is the leap into the unknown a risk, a grace, or a game?

Caption

*"Every step is a story untold." 🌙✨

Jan 2 - Welcome to the RWS

A brief, slightly irreverent introduction to the deck you probably already own

You know it. You’ve seen it. You might even have three versions of it already.
Let’s talk about the deck that launched a thousand readings: the Rider-Waite-Smith.

(Or, as some of us lovingly call it: the “RWS” or “The One With All the Yellow.”)

---

🎨 A Very Quick Backstory

The deck first appeared in 1909, born of a curious trio:

• Arthur Edward Waite – a mystic and scholar who wanted to make tarot less fortune-teller and more symbolic.

• Pamela Colman Smith – the brilliant artist who illustrated all 78 cards (often overlooked, but not here, thank you).

• William Rider – the publisher who put it out into the world.

So yes - Rider-Waite-Smith is kind of like calling Harry Potter “Publisher-Boy-Witch.” But we digress.

---

🔍 What Makes It Special?

• All the Minor Arcana are illustrated.
  That was a game changer at the time. Before this, most decks looked like numbered playing cards.

• Symbolism for days.
  Every little gesture, colour, and background element is intentional (and sometimes wildly esoteric).

• It’s the default “language” of tarot.
  Most modern decks - even wildly artistic or niche ones - still reference RWS meanings and structure.

---

💛 Why People Still Use It

• It’s readable.
  If you’re just starting, it tells stories with its images.

• It’s versatile.
  Works for intuition, structure, journaling, or waving around dramatically during Mercury retrograde.

• It’s classic.
  Like a little black dress. But with swords.

---

😬 The Downsides?

• Pamela Colman Smith rarely got the credit she deserved.
  That’s slowly changing - but we’ll say her name again: Pamela. Colman. Smith. Icon.

• The art style doesn’t vibe with everyone.
  (That’s okay! Tarot isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s one-size-finds-your-weird.)

---

🧙‍♀️ Final Thought:

The RWS isn’t the only deck - but it’s a great one to know. It’s foundational, flexible, and full of Easter eggs.

Think of it like the original flavour of tarot. You don’t have to like it best, but it helps to have tasted it at least once.

✨ Bonus Prompt:
Pull a card from the RWS (or your RWS-based deck).
Ask: What part of me is ready to see this image in a new way?

Jan 1 - New Year Spread

Because we all know Time is fake - but new tarot spreads are still ✨a vibe✨.

Welcome to 2026!
Whether you greeted it with intention, exhaustion, or a questionable mimosa, today’s the perfect day to check in with your deck and ask:

“Okay, so what chaos are we keeping, and what can I leave in the compost pile of last year?”

This 6-card spread gives you a practical, magical, and slightly sassy look at the year ahead - with just the right amount of reflection and not too much pressure.

---

🔮 The New Year Spread

1. What to Keep From Last Year
This card shows what still serves you in 2026.
It could be a habit, mindset, or chaotic goblin energy that actually works.
(No judgment if it’s “surviving on coffee and spite.”)

2. What to Let Go
Time to yeet what no longer belongs.
Old drama, stale self-doubt, that one card you kept ignoring…
Toss it with your expired almond milk and move on.

3. Last Year’s Big Lesson
The wisdom you fought, flailed, or finessed your way through.
Even if you learned it the hard way (especially if you learned it the hard way).
This one comes with a spiritual participation trophy.

4. This Year’s Focus
Where to direct your sparkly New Year energy.
Maybe it’s creativity. Maybe it’s boundaries.
Maybe it’s just remembering to water your plants and your soul.

5. What to Leave Behind (Again)
Something you think you’ve released but might be sneakily clinging to.
This card gives you a gentle nudge - or a full spiritual dropkick.

6. This Year’s Big Lesson
Spoiler alert: You’re going to grow.
This card offers a heads-up on the theme, the challenge, or the glow-up ahead.
Embrace the chaos. You’ve got this.

---

🎊 Final Thought:

You don’t need a resolution.
You’ve got intuition, resilience, and a deck full of advice you’ll pretend not to take until March.
Pull the cards, light a candle, eat something round for luck, and walk boldly into the weird.

Happy New Year, you mystical masterpiece.