Ilin Shieh
December Mini-read
In light of the newest stay-at-home order in my area, I’ve decided to do a heart-centered throw for myself and all, for any messages of inspiration for the upcoming month. The cards don’t disappoint, and it’s exactly what I needed to hear.
Here we go with the Herbcrafter’s spread of four clarified by flanking White Sage Tarot.

CURRENT STATE
Nine of Fire, King of Cups, 7 of Pentacles
So many things on the table, so many things started, then paused, then began again, then paused. Yes, the classical interpretation of the Jupiter/Saturn dance applies here - that we’ve been one foot on the gas pedal and one foot on the breaks. It can be exhausting as indicated by the Nine of Fire (nine of wands). At this year-end period, we are once again asked to pause, slow down, look at what’s on the table, and just take inventory of what we’ve already accomplished. Bring in gratitude and a sense of satisfaction and contentment for what is already here. Reflect on the abundance of the here-and-now with the 7 of Pentacles. King of Cups suggests a balance of the yin/yang and the ability to ride the emotional waves with ease and maturity. We acknowledge challenges and at the same time give and receive sentiments of the holiday season. Share a hot cocoa with loved ones in person, or over zoom.
INTERNAL INFLUENCE
Awakening, 9 of Wands, King of Wands
Awakening (Judgement) speaks of resurrection. It’s not quite Easter yet as we’re just celebrating the birth of Jesus. But waking up to our true nature, or our Christ/Buddha/Allah nature is highlighted. The 9 of Wands here is about moving forward even if it’s against conditioning’s grain and projection of what shoulda/woulda/coulda. We resurrect our passion and stick to it with confidence like the King of Wands. His eyes is on the prize and he has the resourcefulness, creativity, and passion to hold steady regardless of dissent, and find the silver-lining in every step. Does it mean we are ready for full-on action? Probably not, looking at the rest of the spread and this group being in the internal influence position. Rather, it’s pointing to a recognition of inner light, and an internal renewal that reminds us of the grace of being alive. And we are tending to the pilot light through prayers, meditations, devotions, and whatever connects us to the divine and activate the ecstasy of being.
EXTERNAL INFLUENCE
Two of Air, 10 of Wands, 2 of Cups Two of Air aptly describes what all of us are going through with the pandemic. We don’t know what’s going on, and we don’t know what’s going to happen. Our longterm vision is blocked, and at the same time we are carrying heavy loads to not only take care of our families, but also to do our best to stay physically and mentally healthy. 10 of Wands doesn’t necessary say we need to drop everything. But it does suggest looking through the inventory to see what we can let go. Leave some space in our lives to connect with people/places/things that nurture our soul. Again, this combination does suggest we keep the necessary commitments and take responsibility where it's due even in times of confusion and lack of clarity. We are just making the intention and some space to give and receive support with the 2 of Cups. And chances are, once we clear out the clutter, we’d realized we were never alone, and that deep connections are available right where we are. Hope and love have always been here.
OUTCOME
Ten of Air, Ace of Swords, The Hermit
Ten of Air (ten of swords) points directly to Let Go and Let God. Yes, from the last three groups we’ve done our best to inventory, connect to gratitude, realign with passion, clear out what doesn’t serve us so we have space to exchange gifts of love and support - in essence, Marie Kondo our lives. And then, in the outcome pile, we let go. Ten of Air reaches the zenith of what we can bear, and we now allow the sword of divine insight to cut through to the heart of the matter. There is literally nothing else to do with the Hermit. Even compost takes time to break down before there is renewed fertility. So trust, even when there seems like nothing is happening, that everything is happening in exactly the right timing and divine synchronicity. Harking back to Awakening in internal influence, if we must do something, it’s whatever that’s needed to tend to that inner light. On winter solstice and Jupiter/Saturn conjunction, light a candle, say a prayer, and just sit with wisdom and love. Allow insights to flow like gifts from the universe. There is nothing else we need to do but to allow a benevolent and wondrous universe. And may it be just so. Namaste.