Photo by Edz Norton on Unsplash
I’ve been reading Tarot for decades. Or really, I’ve had Tarot decks for decades and only in the last five years or so have I started to actually read them regularly instead of just collecting them for the amazing art and the possibility of someday making it a part of my daily spiritual practice.
2026: the year I focus on Tarot
This seems like a great place to start, and I’ll do so with a pick a card message for 2026.
Pick a card:
For this reading, I’m using The Midnight City Tarot Deck. I adore this deck. With it’s gorgeous art and New York City-theme, it’s one of my absolute favorites. I even bought the companion oracle deck — it’s the only oracle I’ve ever bought.
I do apologize for my crappy photos that don’t do the deck justice. They do work for my purpose here, but please check it out through the link to see just how amazing they are.
Let’s do this.
Pick a card and see what the message the universe has for you in the new year.
Card 1: Death
The Death card often throws people into a panic because they associate it with literal death. But in Tarot, it actually signifies a change — the end of something, a transition. But like that old saying about doors opening and closing, The Death card sees something coming to an end and a new cycle beginning.
Maybe you’re graduating this year and off to the next stage of your life. Maybe a relationship will come to an end, but you’ll emerge with a new sense of confidence and freedom. Maybe you’ll say goodbye to your gray hair by dying it pink.
Whatever lies ahead, know that you’re ready and embrace the change. It will do you good, even if first it doesn’t seem so.
Card 2: Temperance
Are you a go big or go home type of person? Do you laugh at the thought of patience being a virtue? Do you jump into things with little thought?
Temperance is all about balance, moderation, purpose, and harmony. It’s a sign to step back, take a deep breath, and honestly evaluate where your life needs more balance.
Do you work too much? Are you ignoring self-care? Do you say yes to things even when you’re already completely overwhelmed? How often do you do something impulsively? This is where Temperance comes in.
Being out of balance can affect your mind, body, and soul. This card is telling you that all or nothing isn’t always the best path to take. And when life throws those inevitable challenges and choices at you, think before you act.
Card 3: 8 of Swords
When the 8 of Swords shows up, it suggests that you feel trapped in some aspect of your life. In other words, you’re stuck.
This could refer to your job, your relationships, and even your feelings about yourself. Are you isolating yourself from your friends but feeling left out? Have you settled into a situation because it’s comfortable and familiar?
The 8 of Swords wants you to stop and think about what’s keeping you trapped in the situation or negative thoughts. Is it possible that the position you’re in is self-imposed? Are your hands really tied, or is there something you can do to free yourself? You have more choices than you think.
3-card reading
Overall, the cards are telling you to take control (8 of Swords) and accept the changes (Death) and challenges that will arise this year. But, of course, not before you take into account the message from the Temperance card.
I don’t believe it’s a coincide that these cards came up during the first full moon of the new year, which just happens to be a wolf moon, one of the biggest and brightest of them all.
I hope you have a blessed new year!
Hi, I'm Gia. 