It is an immense task to foresee the major trends for an entire year for the world at large, but I will do my best! This reading is done with tarot in reference to the major astrological trends of the year. During the recent Great Conjunction workshop, I described the major transits for 2021 and how they show up for each rising sign. This ‘year ahead’ tarot spread further reinforces the interpretation of the astrological transits. It is truly uncanny how the cards align with the planets!
First, notice the amount of kings in this reading. We have three kings but only one in an upright position. Thematically the year shows a clash among leaders and disagreements in which direction we are headed. No surprise there! It is interesting to see, however, that we have one clear leader taking charge — the ever logical King of Swords. I’ll be getting to him in a moment though.
CARD ONE: The first card at the center, the 8 of wands, represents the major overall theme for the entire globe. The key words for this card are speed, quick action, and movement. We seem to have momentum to move away from the heavy restriction we knew all too well in 2020. As a friend told me this morning, it is as if we are being ‘sling-shotted out of a year of stagnation’. I can see how this momentum is directly applied toward the globe working to disperse various vaccines as quickly as possible to almost every single living person. A monumental task that takes continuous effort. Overall, we can expect a year that is focused on adapting quickly to overcome great challenges.
These swift fiery movements correspond to Mercury in Sagittarius — the speedy messenger. This is archetypally the ‘excited evangelist’ who is eager to spread a message across the land. News cycles will continue to churn out ‘exciting’ news each day, and the likelihood of more travel. The overall energy is like a hive of bees who are busy collecting pollen from one flower to the next. With so much buzz and activity, I would suggest committing to a meditation or mindfulness practice to stay grounded this year.
CARD TWO: The card below the center represents the south nodal axis and the eclipse cycles in Sagittarius this year. Here we look to what is karmically being released, purged, or purified. The 6 of Pentacles is a card that seeks balance between those who have abundant resources and those who are lacking. How we support those who are less fortunate reflects our values as a society, and this will be reckoned with throughout the year. Many people will be analyzing what is fair when it comes to supporting a suffering economy and those that are least advantaged. The wisdom of the 6 of Pentacles with the South node tells us the more we give the more we receive. The more we lift everyone up, the more likely we are to succeed as a whole. When we have a healthy distribution of wealth, we have stability for all. In the sign of Sagittarius, we are likely to see changes in our belief systems and ideologies. These are the karmic teachings of this card and the lessons we may grapple with throughout the year.
CARD THREE: The card above the center represents the north nodal axis and the eclipses in Gemini and Taurus. Here we look to the ‘head of the dragon’ and what is likely to be intensely focused upon throughout the year. The nine of swords reversed has a definite connection to the mind and our thought patterns. North nodal eclipses often reveal an addictive behavior, so it’s no surprise to see a more negative card here! Anxiety and fear of the future are the core meanings of this card, and these are obviously issues many of us have been dealing with since last spring.
So let me break this down. Looking at Gemini, we have likely been hungry for information in order to understand the big changes that have been occurring. Sometimes, however, the more information we consume the more anxious we feel. I believe this card is reflecting the ‘trap’ of getting caught in a negative thought pattern and searching for more information for relief. The problem is, when we seek that knowledge — it may make the anxiety worse. We may feel alone in our worries and fears, but we certainly are not! The reversed nine of swords also shows that our imagination is likely far more cruel than any reality.
In a positive view, I can see how these eclipses may help to break a cycle of anxiety and seek out stabilizing support. Further, I can see that the true wisdom lies within us and not ‘out there’. As a remediate measure, I would suggest less time spent with smart phones and lots more time in nature. Choose an old school paperbound book over an article on the internet and really feel the paper as you turn each page. Sometimes the best medicine is the simplest kind.
CARD FOUR: The card on the bottom right represents magnificent Jupiter. In December, Jupiter entered Aquarius and will be playing a supportive role to Saturn most of the year. Jupiter shows us where and how we are likely to experience expansion, blessings and uplift in our lives. The Page of Wands does in fact offer a supportive role to any other court cards, and appears to be offering aid to all the Kings in this reading. Throughout the year, we can expect the Page of Wands to offer us many exciting opportunities and positivity towards new endeavors. Jupiter will finally have the strength to manifest some new adventures and explorations. There is a learning curve with any page, however, so we can expect some youthful folly as well!
In the sign of Aquarius, Jupiter is not super adept, but it appears we will have plenty of eagerness and positivity towards establishing the ‘new paradigm’ in the era of air. The new Jupiter-Saturn cycle that began on the winter solstice foretells a new 20 year cycle of Aquarian themes and a new 200 year cycle of the air element. Jupiter being represented by this fiery page tells me there is a lot of excitement in establishing new ways of living and governing that reflect our modern times. His positivity feeds directly into the momentum the 8 of wands at the center of the spread. Added, there is a feeling of inclusivity, and Jupiter would likely say this ‘new age’ is for everyone!
CARD FIVE: The card on the top right represents the key leader for this year — Saturn. I cannot think of a better card to represent the strength of this Aquarian Saturn. For about the next two years, we will have the planet of restriction, limitations and structure in its home sign of revolutionary Aquarius. The King of Swords reinforces the intense Saturnian themes for the year. An authoritative logic rules and points leadership toward reform. We are in a two year phase that will set the tone for decades to come. Major decisions are likely to be made in how society is structured and important new laws will be put in place. All of this will be done from a highly logical point of view. In the sign of Aquarius, we look to reform traditions in order to create a better tomorrow. Some of these reforms are likely to be controversial or felt as oppressive by certain groups. As we move forward in these next years, there will be varying opinions in how much tradition to retain. I’m not convinced that the King of Swords will be making any radical moves, however, unless it is assured they will create more stability. As an Aquarian myself, I’m still hopeful for positive changes in how various governing bodies will advance issues such as global warming and serving underprivileged groups.
CARD SIX: The card on the bottom left represents radical Uranus. This freedom loving planet will first square Jupiter, then square Saturn all year long. Squares represent conflict, so we have a definite feud between the authoritative energies of logical Saturn and rebellious Uranus. As I said previously, Saturn (or the King of Swords) is the one in charge due to its super position in the sky. The reversed King of Wands appropriately represents Uranus, and reflects its slightly inferior status.
So what does this mean? We are likely to have spurts of excitement and moments of breakthrough throughout the year, but they will be tempered by Saturn. I wouldn’t be surprised if we continue to have many restrictions, due to the pandemic, in most places through much of the year. The authoritative King of Swords will be there to consistently remind us the rules. The reversed position of the Kind of Wands can also represent a delayed liberation. We are waiting, somewhat impatiently, to regain our freedom loving ways.
The tension between Uranus and Saturn all year long will create a highly dynamic year, and one that will inspire breakthroughs in science and technology. We first got a taste of this transit in the spring of 2020 when we had vast protests across the globe. Thus, we can expect the King of Wands to continue to bring the fire and fight for change and liberation. Thankfully we have the Page of Wands in the mix to keep the vibe more positive!
CARD SEVEN: The last card on the upper left corner represents how these major themes will most apply to the United States this year. Here we have the King of Pentacles in a reversed position. This King is the figure of economic dominance, but he is currently subdued by his surrounding conditions. We have entered a new era, but this king is holding onto old traditions that keep him from progressing and evolving. As a society, we will likely contend with a stagnate economy and may question our values as we move forward. To be honest, I’m happy I did not see a more foreboding card here! Though the King is upside down, we can still find vast amounts of strength. Many of the obstacles we experience this year are temporary and they can be overcome successfully. The success we find in Pentacles is teamwork and supporting one another through the ups and downs.
2021 will continue some of the themes from last year, and the work we’ve already begun. The biggest difference is we will experience more forward movement and opportunities to break free from stagnation. On a personal level, many of us will be seeking more authenticity and living a life better aligned with our values. If you are interested in a personal reading to see what might be in store for you this year, make sure to schedule something soon. Sending you many expansive blessings this new year!
-Suzy