I have my own tarot card of the month spread I do at the beginning of the year. My card for June is The Star, and the card you pulled, 5 of swords and the whole taking a sword to the knee bit really changed the mood of the whole thing, like The Star (who I labeled in my notes as being my mojo) is on one knee because its been hurt… so that was cool, yes June has been heavy. Julys card for me is The Empress and now I get to keep her in mind along with Judgement. I feel like July might be… exposing. It’s interesting merging your monthly cards with mine, builds layers.
Molly, hi, and thanks for that connection around the knee imagery, I would never have connected that myself, but it feels absolutely spot on! Wow!
Yes, June has been heavy, I think, for everyone who has shared their experience of it with me so far... I am really pleased to see the back of it, as I said in the post. I have seen some astrologers posting that July will be a little calmer and provide more opportunities for reflection... so wishing this for you, too!
I seem to have failed to do a year reading this year (seemed to have, because I was sure I did, but I can't find it anywhere!) so it's all a bit on-the-hop atm... thanks for sharing your cards over last month and this one... I LOVE The Star (especially the Thoth image, which I think is truly magical) and The Empress is a lovely card, too (do you do a majors only year reading, or is this two majors on the run?) which lives alongside Justice beautifully, I think, in terms of nurturing with true intentions... the airy Justice (with its note of caution above) will be beautifully tempered by the love and care available from The Empress... what do you think?
Right?! I sure do hope July brings a little more calm, or at least upliftment/enjoyment. I know that on the 4th, Neptune retrogrades in Aries for a few months, not entirely sure what that means, but perhaps it will elicit some inner freedom, paired with Judgement's ability to discern what brings lasting joy, that is, of course, if you're willing to act on such dreams.
I have been debating what deck to use next, I guess Thoth it is! I haven't done any real work with that one yet because it's kind of intimidating, there's so much to learn and unpack with it! I don't do only majors for my year ahead, it just turned out that way. August for me (my birthday month 🦁) is the 8 of Swords, not the most pleasant card, but I'll be ready for it!
Yes, about nurturing true intentions, it's liberating; however, it requires effort. I think for me it'll be about being more intentional about my language (voice, body, and vibes) to express in more feminine qualities, which will be a learning curve, as in, I'll have to stop and think, "what would The Empress do??" That'll be my motto. Instead of being so old-fashioned and willy-nilly in my response habits. Also, confidence. So yeah,
When Neptune retrogrades in Aries, the vibe is direct, fiery, and action-oriented. Expect a reality check in areas where you've been overly idealistic or procrastinating on tough decisions. This phase of Neptune retrograde can be confrontational, but it's also incredibly empowering. Aries encourages you to take action. 7 Apr 2025 (Popsugar.com)
... dang! So maybe not so restful after all! 🙀
I used the Thoth years ago, and it is an AMAZING deck, the only one I have that actually vibrates in my hand! I've only been back for a year after a long break from Tarot and haven't found the confidence to pick it up again yet, cos it is a tough taskmaster... but, wow... the readings you get... 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Leo? More than a match for the 8 of Swords... fire and air energy, you'll burn away all those imagined restrictions in no time. Have a great birthday... and keep asking yourself this question...
As always, you are so good at asking questions that point us in great directions.
The predominant messages I’ve been getting lately seem to revolve around letting things unfold. July is going to be a month where I stay centered and considerable strategy and tactics.
And this card fits right in with that. Using a deck with Greek gods is appropriate because the sovereign energy means Agency in making decisions. When there’s agency, we don’t feel the rush or the confusion, which lends itself to more balanced decision-making.
Centred and consideration strike me as a very good way to spend July, especially given this card of balanced strategy... 👍🏼 Yeah, I get a really strong feeling from these cards that rushing won't help us, and as you say, not rushing "lends itself to more balanced decision-making." I certainly need more of that in my life right now, too.
I'm glad you enjoyed reading this, and always love reading your comments, thank you 🤍
Our pet (DoF... from Daughter of Frankie 😊) has had two carcinomas removed, and has been coping with neurological issues as a result of anaemia and anaesthetic, but... it gives me very great pleasure to tell you that following exceptional care from my wife she is recovering very well indeed! Every day she becomes more mobile, noisy and generally annoying... and we LOVE it... thanks for asking 🙏🏼
This card resonates well for me along with your commentary. Justice has been a difficult one for me lately and I feel like I started this energy early in June. I’ve been speaking out against injustices I’m observing in the US and Canada in alignment with my soul’s truth. Near predatory persecution on vulnerable populations like trans and indigenous people has been stirring up a lot of righteous anger in me as I worry about the lessons we failed to learn from history. I feel like it’s only a matter of time until I’m the next target as a gay married man. Strategic and tactical response is good advice. The righteous anger is good, but even better channeled into its most effective impact. Thanks!
Ryan, I can only imagine how that feels, and my imagination tells me that it has to be horrific at the moment, I really feel for you.
It's always my hope when reading that I can offer something that will get people thinking, and I'm especially struck by your above, "The righteous anger is good, but even better channeled into its most effective impact." This reminded me of the advice given to most fighters... 'don't let anger take over, keep a cool head' and your above suggests you will embrace this approach... and trust me, I am here cheering on you and all the vulnerable populations struggling at the moment with such a vicious administration.
Wishing you, and yours, swift relief from the persecutors around you 🙏🏼
OMG Phil, I’ve had the Mythic Tarot for 30 years, and read with it steadily. And I never noticed it resequenced the majors: Justice, Temperance, Strength, Hermit. That will teach me to read the deck guidebooks properly!
Yeah, I really need to work with the mythic references, Jason's story, and etc. because I love the extra layers of meaning they add... and... I love the myths, having grown up on them as a kid.
I had this deck (book and reading cloth) as a new reader may years ago, and it felt too complicated back then, so I swapped it for Tarot of the Cloisters (I think it was... round deck...) because I was mentoring someone who used that deck... didn't regret the mentoring, but definitely regretted the swap!
This is a fabulous reading and deeply motivating. I feel ready to see what my birthday month has in store for me now! With Athena's energy driving me, I feel ready to tackle anything.
Interestingly, I have always liked Athena as a Goddess. I like the fact that she wields the psyche and the battlefront in equal measure - she is wisdom and war, after all! I found this growing up to be diametrically opposite to each other until recently when I re-read Sun Tzu Art of War and which now makes sense in terms of the reading you give.
Hi Tom, many thanks for your lovely feedback, and happy birthday in advance (Cancer, or Leo?) 🙏🏼😊
Yes, there's a real power about Athena, isn't there? We need her right now, too! I'm glad you feel her energy will drive you towards tackling everything 🙂
I haven't read Sun Tzu, for years now... and I never read the complete version (mine was a shortened pocket version) but your comment above has reminded me that it is on an old reading list somewhere, and I am long overdue reading it properly, thanks 👍🏼
I'm a Leo. Athena's swift action with the sword is accurate and deliberate. The sword meaning our intellect as well as actually. We need to know what is actually going on right now and act accordingly. Blessings 🙏🕉️✨✨
Knowing what is actually going on is a big part of the problem. As I was preparing this post, I wrote an overlong few paragraphs about truth, because the word deception was very much running around my mind... Ultimately, I edited it all out, but it has really caused an itch, and may very well be developed this week.
We live in a world of misinformation (he clichéd 😀) designed, I believe to obscure what is really going on... Athena's sword is possibly the only one strong enough to cut through the crap.
It is a battlefield and one Athena is well-versed in. Ai hallucination shows that Ai is crumbling around us which is symptomatic of the Snake Year, as well as a 9 year we are in. We are shedding blockages holding us back. Pluto in Aquarius is starting to flex its muscles too. We need to be prepared for what is to come. I would love to read your edits. Blessings ✨✨✨
Yes, it's all feeling transitional in one way, or another, and I think this may well be a big part of the uncertainty around us at the moment, too... change can be VERY uncomfortable... the Taurus in me can really struggle with it, and I imagine I'm not the only one 😄
We probably all need a good Leo leader! 😉
I'll drop you a DM about the edits... they are very first draft, and plonked into a draft waiting for me to develop them into a post on truth... 🙏🏼
I am also Taurus Rising and that energy feels deeply unsettled at the moment which which then emboldens my Leo Sun! And no, you are not the only one!! 🙏✨✨
Justice is way better than 5 of swords, Phil. Makes me hopeful, although sometimes the cards see justice isn't quite the same as I do:))) 5 of swords was a mess. Exhaustive, depressive,, mess. I really want that to end, I do.
I am absolutely with you on that! June hasn’t been great, I’m afraid, and I’m really hoping that that Justice energy will help us all straighten things out. Wishing you an end to your mess, really soon! 🙏🏼
I felt that 5 of swords energy for June. I have this deck I’ve been obsessed with mythology since I was a child. Athena represents!! Justice to me in a reading about the balance and wrongs being righted. Its corrected the balance of our inner and outer worlds too, hopefully more peace in the world for our future. It’s also about thinking it’s the card associated with Libra ♎️ (Air) and balancing our own thoughts, actions and deeds so they align with our values.
Hey, thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting... is it ok to call you Dael? 🧐
I'm understanding that the 5S energy was widespread, it seems to have impacted on lots of people... hope you are the other side of that now?
I love your point above, "Its corrected the balance of our inner and outer worlds too, hopefully more peace in the world for our future." I so hope we all realise this soon, too, because the current state of things is really rather scary, and ultimately we are the only ones who can change this, with Athena's energy at the forefront of everything we do.
Balance was the word that really stood out for me throughout the preparation of this reading, too. I found myself burrowing down that rabbit-hole, and starting to question truth and deception, and where that tipping point is... might have to post on that in the next couple of weeks... 🤔
Thanks again for your comments, much appreciated 🙏🏼😊🕯️
I have my own tarot card of the month spread I do at the beginning of the year. My card for June is The Star, and the card you pulled, 5 of swords and the whole taking a sword to the knee bit really changed the mood of the whole thing, like The Star (who I labeled in my notes as being my mojo) is on one knee because its been hurt… so that was cool, yes June has been heavy. Julys card for me is The Empress and now I get to keep her in mind along with Judgement. I feel like July might be… exposing. It’s interesting merging your monthly cards with mine, builds layers.
Molly, hi, and thanks for that connection around the knee imagery, I would never have connected that myself, but it feels absolutely spot on! Wow!
Yes, June has been heavy, I think, for everyone who has shared their experience of it with me so far... I am really pleased to see the back of it, as I said in the post. I have seen some astrologers posting that July will be a little calmer and provide more opportunities for reflection... so wishing this for you, too!
I seem to have failed to do a year reading this year (seemed to have, because I was sure I did, but I can't find it anywhere!) so it's all a bit on-the-hop atm... thanks for sharing your cards over last month and this one... I LOVE The Star (especially the Thoth image, which I think is truly magical) and The Empress is a lovely card, too (do you do a majors only year reading, or is this two majors on the run?) which lives alongside Justice beautifully, I think, in terms of nurturing with true intentions... the airy Justice (with its note of caution above) will be beautifully tempered by the love and care available from The Empress... what do you think?
Thanks for sharing, Molly 🙏🏼😊
Right?! I sure do hope July brings a little more calm, or at least upliftment/enjoyment. I know that on the 4th, Neptune retrogrades in Aries for a few months, not entirely sure what that means, but perhaps it will elicit some inner freedom, paired with Judgement's ability to discern what brings lasting joy, that is, of course, if you're willing to act on such dreams.
I have been debating what deck to use next, I guess Thoth it is! I haven't done any real work with that one yet because it's kind of intimidating, there's so much to learn and unpack with it! I don't do only majors for my year ahead, it just turned out that way. August for me (my birthday month 🦁) is the 8 of Swords, not the most pleasant card, but I'll be ready for it!
Yes, about nurturing true intentions, it's liberating; however, it requires effort. I think for me it'll be about being more intentional about my language (voice, body, and vibes) to express in more feminine qualities, which will be a learning curve, as in, I'll have to stop and think, "what would The Empress do??" That'll be my motto. Instead of being so old-fashioned and willy-nilly in my response habits. Also, confidence. So yeah,
thank you!✌️❤️
What does Neptune retrograde in Aries mean?
When Neptune retrogrades in Aries, the vibe is direct, fiery, and action-oriented. Expect a reality check in areas where you've been overly idealistic or procrastinating on tough decisions. This phase of Neptune retrograde can be confrontational, but it's also incredibly empowering. Aries encourages you to take action. 7 Apr 2025 (Popsugar.com)
... dang! So maybe not so restful after all! 🙀
I used the Thoth years ago, and it is an AMAZING deck, the only one I have that actually vibrates in my hand! I've only been back for a year after a long break from Tarot and haven't found the confidence to pick it up again yet, cos it is a tough taskmaster... but, wow... the readings you get... 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Leo? More than a match for the 8 of Swords... fire and air energy, you'll burn away all those imagined restrictions in no time. Have a great birthday... and keep asking yourself this question...
"what would The Empress do??" 😉
As always, you are so good at asking questions that point us in great directions.
The predominant messages I’ve been getting lately seem to revolve around letting things unfold. July is going to be a month where I stay centered and considerable strategy and tactics.
And this card fits right in with that. Using a deck with Greek gods is appropriate because the sovereign energy means Agency in making decisions. When there’s agency, we don’t feel the rush or the confusion, which lends itself to more balanced decision-making.
Great read as always.!
Hope your pet is doing a lot better!
Hi Leo 👋🏼 thanks for reading and commenting!
Centred and consideration strike me as a very good way to spend July, especially given this card of balanced strategy... 👍🏼 Yeah, I get a really strong feeling from these cards that rushing won't help us, and as you say, not rushing "lends itself to more balanced decision-making." I certainly need more of that in my life right now, too.
I'm glad you enjoyed reading this, and always love reading your comments, thank you 🤍
Our pet (DoF... from Daughter of Frankie 😊) has had two carcinomas removed, and has been coping with neurological issues as a result of anaemia and anaesthetic, but... it gives me very great pleasure to tell you that following exceptional care from my wife she is recovering very well indeed! Every day she becomes more mobile, noisy and generally annoying... and we LOVE it... thanks for asking 🙏🏼
Glad to hear that, Phil!
Us too 🤗
This card resonates well for me along with your commentary. Justice has been a difficult one for me lately and I feel like I started this energy early in June. I’ve been speaking out against injustices I’m observing in the US and Canada in alignment with my soul’s truth. Near predatory persecution on vulnerable populations like trans and indigenous people has been stirring up a lot of righteous anger in me as I worry about the lessons we failed to learn from history. I feel like it’s only a matter of time until I’m the next target as a gay married man. Strategic and tactical response is good advice. The righteous anger is good, but even better channeled into its most effective impact. Thanks!
Ryan, I can only imagine how that feels, and my imagination tells me that it has to be horrific at the moment, I really feel for you.
It's always my hope when reading that I can offer something that will get people thinking, and I'm especially struck by your above, "The righteous anger is good, but even better channeled into its most effective impact." This reminded me of the advice given to most fighters... 'don't let anger take over, keep a cool head' and your above suggests you will embrace this approach... and trust me, I am here cheering on you and all the vulnerable populations struggling at the moment with such a vicious administration.
Wishing you, and yours, swift relief from the persecutors around you 🙏🏼
Aww Phil, this was such a compassionate and loving reply. Thanks so much. I feel seen and uplifted even while sick with a cold.
Oh Ryan... Summer Cold, make sure it doesn't become Man Flu (because that's REALLY serious!)... don't forget your vitamins, ok!!! 💊🤧
Seriously, get well soon 👍🏼
Covid as it turns out … the newest variation gives razor blade throat. So watch out for it.
Thanks for the warning, that sounds really nasty... Have you had COVID before?
Yeah second time with it. Went through our whole household last time.
OMG Phil, I’ve had the Mythic Tarot for 30 years, and read with it steadily. And I never noticed it resequenced the majors: Justice, Temperance, Strength, Hermit. That will teach me to read the deck guidebooks properly!
😂 I didn't read it properly, I was looking for something to support the numerology, and then discovered it doesn't! I looked up the 'why' online. 😀
It's a fab deck, isn't it! I'm so glad to have another copy 😊
It is a kind of nifty retelling of the moral lessons though, and a silent reminder that Hellenistic culture held each in high regard.
Yeah, I really need to work with the mythic references, Jason's story, and etc. because I love the extra layers of meaning they add... and... I love the myths, having grown up on them as a kid.
I had this deck (book and reading cloth) as a new reader may years ago, and it felt too complicated back then, so I swapped it for Tarot of the Cloisters (I think it was... round deck...) because I was mentoring someone who used that deck... didn't regret the mentoring, but definitely regretted the swap!
This is a fabulous reading and deeply motivating. I feel ready to see what my birthday month has in store for me now! With Athena's energy driving me, I feel ready to tackle anything.
Interestingly, I have always liked Athena as a Goddess. I like the fact that she wields the psyche and the battlefront in equal measure - she is wisdom and war, after all! I found this growing up to be diametrically opposite to each other until recently when I re-read Sun Tzu Art of War and which now makes sense in terms of the reading you give.
Sending you many Blessings, Namaste 🙏✨🕉️✨
Hi Tom, many thanks for your lovely feedback, and happy birthday in advance (Cancer, or Leo?) 🙏🏼😊
Yes, there's a real power about Athena, isn't there? We need her right now, too! I'm glad you feel her energy will drive you towards tackling everything 🙂
I haven't read Sun Tzu, for years now... and I never read the complete version (mine was a shortened pocket version) but your comment above has reminded me that it is on an old reading list somewhere, and I am long overdue reading it properly, thanks 👍🏼
As always, Tom, Namaste 🙏🏼🕯️
I'm a Leo. Athena's swift action with the sword is accurate and deliberate. The sword meaning our intellect as well as actually. We need to know what is actually going on right now and act accordingly. Blessings 🙏🕉️✨✨
Knowing what is actually going on is a big part of the problem. As I was preparing this post, I wrote an overlong few paragraphs about truth, because the word deception was very much running around my mind... Ultimately, I edited it all out, but it has really caused an itch, and may very well be developed this week.
We live in a world of misinformation (he clichéd 😀) designed, I believe to obscure what is really going on... Athena's sword is possibly the only one strong enough to cut through the crap.
It is a battlefield and one Athena is well-versed in. Ai hallucination shows that Ai is crumbling around us which is symptomatic of the Snake Year, as well as a 9 year we are in. We are shedding blockages holding us back. Pluto in Aquarius is starting to flex its muscles too. We need to be prepared for what is to come. I would love to read your edits. Blessings ✨✨✨
Yes, it's all feeling transitional in one way, or another, and I think this may well be a big part of the uncertainty around us at the moment, too... change can be VERY uncomfortable... the Taurus in me can really struggle with it, and I imagine I'm not the only one 😄
We probably all need a good Leo leader! 😉
I'll drop you a DM about the edits... they are very first draft, and plonked into a draft waiting for me to develop them into a post on truth... 🙏🏼
I am also Taurus Rising and that energy feels deeply unsettled at the moment which which then emboldens my Leo Sun! And no, you are not the only one!! 🙏✨✨
Justice is way better than 5 of swords, Phil. Makes me hopeful, although sometimes the cards see justice isn't quite the same as I do:))) 5 of swords was a mess. Exhaustive, depressive,, mess. I really want that to end, I do.
I am absolutely with you on that! June hasn’t been great, I’m afraid, and I’m really hoping that that Justice energy will help us all straighten things out. Wishing you an end to your mess, really soon! 🙏🏼
I felt that 5 of swords energy for June. I have this deck I’ve been obsessed with mythology since I was a child. Athena represents!! Justice to me in a reading about the balance and wrongs being righted. Its corrected the balance of our inner and outer worlds too, hopefully more peace in the world for our future. It’s also about thinking it’s the card associated with Libra ♎️ (Air) and balancing our own thoughts, actions and deeds so they align with our values.
Hey, thanks for stopping by, reading, and commenting... is it ok to call you Dael? 🧐
I'm understanding that the 5S energy was widespread, it seems to have impacted on lots of people... hope you are the other side of that now?
I love your point above, "Its corrected the balance of our inner and outer worlds too, hopefully more peace in the world for our future." I so hope we all realise this soon, too, because the current state of things is really rather scary, and ultimately we are the only ones who can change this, with Athena's energy at the forefront of everything we do.
Balance was the word that really stood out for me throughout the preparation of this reading, too. I found myself burrowing down that rabbit-hole, and starting to question truth and deception, and where that tipping point is... might have to post on that in the next couple of weeks... 🤔
Thanks again for your comments, much appreciated 🙏🏼😊🕯️
Thanks very much for the restack Ryan, much appreciated 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼