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This month’s card is the Major Arcana’s Strength, symbolizing deep inner resolve, patience, and compassionate control. We are encouraged to explore our inner selves and acknowledge the quiet, enduring bravery that rests just beneath the surface.

The Strength card famously depicts a serene, self-assured woman gently influencing a formidable lion. Her white attire represents purity and spiritual clarity, while the lion embodies raw feelings, instincts, and unrestrained desires. The infinity symbol hovering above signifies timeless wisdom and the equilibrium between the physical and spiritual realms.

This imagery perfectly illustrates the synergy between bravery and compassion. Instead of overpowering the lion with fear or brute strength, the woman tames it through affection and comprehension.

Her tranquil presence mirrors her inner strength and her dedication to responding thoughtfully rather than impulsively. Ultimately, the scene portrays the victory of the spirit over the ego and the mindful over the reactive.

Rather than seeking dominance through control or aggression, the Strength card highlights that true mastery arises from the heart, expressed through calm perseverance, loving intent, and unwavering self-confidence.

The card calls for emotional equilibrium, encouraging us to act from our higher selves, especially amidst chaos or obstacles. Now is the moment to connect with your spiritual core, trust your intuition, and transcend fear with the grace of one who understands their value.

Whether facing personal hurdles, seeking emotional recovery, or stepping into a leadership position, the essence of Strength is akin to a lioness supporting you: fierce yet calm. This month will be a significant opportunity to amplify your voice, establish boundaries that serve you well, and present yourself and others with authentic brightness. Allow your spirit to resonate, not in hostility, but in divine assurance.

The lion’s bravery is forged in the fires of hardship, and its roar encapsulates the spirit of triumph over adversity ~ Rashida Rowe

Here are the primary areas of focus for this month:

Health & Well-Being

With Strength guiding you, August is the perfect time to revitalize your energy and cultivate a more nurturing relationship with your body and emotions. You might feel drawn to incorporate gentler, holistic healing practices, such as yoga, breathwork, or energy modalities. Prioritize sustainable health habits this month that foster long-term wellness over crash diets or extreme routines.

On an emotional level, Strength encourages you to reconnect with your inner child. You may uncover suppressed fears or past injuries that merit understanding rather than judgment. Trust your ability to bounce back. You’re not meant to force healing, but to create an environment that fosters it. Let patience and self-kindness steer your recovery, whether it be physical or emotional.

Money & Finances

In the financial realm, the Strength card prompts you to exercise thoughtful restraint and calculated confidence. This is not the moment for impulsive purchases or overly risky financial moves. Instead, take control over your finances with wisdom and poise this month. Budgeting, saving, and planning for the long haul will yield far better results than pursuing quick gains.

If you find yourself under financial pressure, tackle it with bravery and maturity. The card suggests that solutions lie not in anxiety, but in your capacity to navigate calmly and make empowered choices. You might also feel inspired to pursue income opportunities that resonate with your passions or principles, particularly those that allow you to lead with heart and authenticity.

Career & Business

Strength in the workplace is characterized by stepping into leadership through emotional acuity and stability. August may test your character, perhaps through a demanding boss, a tricky project, or a high-stakes choice. Nonetheless, your achievements will stem from handling these occurrences with elegance. Remember to respond thoughtfully, not impulsively.

This is a time to articulate your truth with diplomacy and assurance. Those who remain steadfast yet fair will gain recognition. If contemplating a career shift, seek positions that enable you to motivate others, advocate for fairness, and support healing and growth. Your bravery in pursuing a meaningful journey will be duly acknowledged.

Love & Relationships

Regardless of your relationship status, strength will usher healing and genuine connection into your love life. This month, relationships will thrive on patience, open-hearted dialogue, and mutual regard. Should tensions arise, the card advises a gentle yet firm approach: create space for the emotions of others without absorbing their turmoil.

If you’re single, this energy will assist you in attracting partners who equally value your strength and vulnerability. Remain open, yet never dim your light for anyone. Those in relationships may need to navigate challenges that ultimately enhance their closeness, especially if both partners are willing to grow together instead of dominate.

Personal Growth

This August, spiritually and emotionally, offers a rich opportunity for empowerment. The Strength card invites you to liberate yourself from limiting beliefs, quiet your inner critic, and follow your intuition. You are encouraged to extend the same compassion you afford others to yourself.

Additionally, this month is a chance to reclaim your narrative. Whatever has caused you to feel diminished in the past—be it fear, failure, or rejection—can be reinterpreted through the lens of resilience. Tools like journaling, therapy, or energy healing can assist you in rewriting these narratives. Remember, your spirit is unbreakable.

Let August be a chapter of quiet strength, sacred confidence, and fierce grace. The lion within you is ready to awaken.

As August 2025 unfolds, it’s crucial to pause and reflect on the energies enveloping us and how we can navigate them gracefully and powerfully. One compelling card that often surfaces during this time in tarot readings is the Strength card.

The Strength card, the eighth in the Major Arcana, is depicted by a woman gently soothing a lion. This card signifies inner strength, bravery, and resilience. It serves as a reminder that we harbor the capacity to overcome any challenges we encounter and to confront our fears directly.

In August 2025, the Strength card may beckon us to access our internal reserves of bravery and fortitude. This could bring moments where we are confronted with obstacles or tough situations, prompting us to dig deep and muster the strength to persist. It may also be a period requiring us to face our fears and insecurities to advance along our path.

When the Strength card emerges in a tarot reading, it signifies the importance of believing in ourselves and in our capabilities. It encourages us to have confidence in our inner strength and to trust in our resilience. This is a message of empowerment and assurance, reminding us that we can handle whatever challenges arise.

In the context of August 2025, the Strength card may indicate the necessity of finding balance in our lives. It could signal a time to prioritize self-care and self-love, nurturing all aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By addressing our own needs and honoring ourselves, we can fortify our internal reserves and approach any challenges with poise and confidence.

Overall, the Strength card in August 2025 stands as a potent symbol of resilience, courage, and inner strength. It urges us to trust in ourselves and our abilities, and to confront our fears with bravery and grace. By accessing our inner power and seeking equilibrium in our lives, we can navigate the energies of this month with assurance and determination. Continue reading →

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You’re being irrational; that never happened. Stop being so sensitive. I have never encountered this issue with anyone but you. It was always your idea, not mine! Seriously, you’re just imagining things. Everyone else concurs, apart from you. You’re simply fabricating stories.

These are merely a few examples of what you might hear if someone is gaslighting you. It typically arises when you confront them about their negative behavior, only to have your truth distorted in return…in ways that can genuinely disorient you!

Gaslighting is a type of psychological abuse that frequently appears in toxic romantic relationships, but it can also emerge in interactions with friends, colleagues, bosses, family members, and even neighbors and landlords.

At its essence, gaslighting manipulates your sense of reality, leaving you bewildered, anxious, and questioning your own perceptions and feelings. Sometimes it is apparent and overt. Other times, it occurs so subtly that you might not even recognize you’re being influenced.

The phrase “gaslighting” originates from the 1938 stage play Gas Light, which was adapted into the 1944 film of the same name.

In the narrative, a husband deceives his affluent wife into believing she is losing her mind by making minor alterations to their environment, such as dimming the gas lights, and then denying any changes. His objective is to instill doubt in her sanity, allowing him to have her committed to a psychiatric facility and gain access to her inheritance.

As a psychic reader, I frequently meet clients grappling with perplexing or painful relational dynamics. Their experiences often unambiguously indicate the presence of gaslighting.

I have witnessed numerous instances of this manipulation in my readings, and it is much more prevalent and detrimental than people generally realize. It also emphasizes the necessity of identifying when this is happening to you, whether in your personal life, at work, or online. The digital era facilitates manipulative behaviors manifesting in subtle, widespread manners.

Here are some fundamental signs that may suggest you are experiencing gaslighting:

Self-Doubt

You begin to second-guess everything about yourself. The gaslighter insists you’re misremembering incidents, exaggerating, or even outright fabricating. They may assert that others share their perspective, using false consensus to erode your credibility. They might intentionally set you up to seem forgetful, overly emotional, or unstable in front of others. Privately, they may chastise you until you break down and then publicly accuse you of overreacting. Gradually, you start to consider that perhaps you are at fault.

Confusion

You find yourself questioning your recollection or interpretation of discussions. You start to feel as if you might be unraveling. Even basic decisions become overwhelming without reassurance. Doubt about yourself intensifies like never before.  You put in extra effort to satisfy, tiptoeing around them, eager to avoid provoking them. Yet, the target seems to perpetually shift.

Uncertainty

You feel more anxious, insecure, and dependent than you did previously. You struggle to make even straightforward decisions. You sense a lack of trust in your own judgment. Although deep down you might realize you’re being manipulated, you can’t shake the feeling that perhaps you’re only imagining this.

Rationalization

You justify their behavior to yourself. You convince yourself they didn’t mean harm or are under stress. You might even lie to others to shield their reputation. You start to normalize what previously seemed intolerable.

Dysphoria

You begin to dream about escaping. A different lifestyle. Another version of yourself. Anything to break away from the mental haze and emotional suffering. You feel burdened, as if your spirit is gradually being crushed.

Depression

You experience unhappiness, anxiety, and a disconnection from your true self. You reminisce about a time when you felt joy and clarity, but that seems distant now. Your internal gauge has been skewed. That persistent tightness in your chest or abdomen? It’s your body reacting to prolonged stress and emotional turmoil.

Isolation & Dependency

You increasingly depend on their version of reality instead of your own. They have distanced you from friends and family, consistently criticize your support network, or generate drama to create a division between you and others. Over time, they have become your only emotional anchor.

Shame

You start to absorb the notion that you are too sensitive or emotional. Gaslighters frequently apologize while embedding blame, uttering phrases like, “I’m sorry you’re so easily offended,” or “I’m sorry that the truth hurts you.” These comments may sound like apologies but are meant to make you feel defective.

Invalidation

You feel diminished, unimportant, with your needs and opinions minimized. Your emotions are persistently dismissed. You’re told you’re overreacting or overly dramatic. When you express hurt, they imply you’re too delicate to absorb the truth. Instead of providing comfort, they respond with haughty indifference or mocking remarks.

Paranoia

The unending deceit leaves you wondering if anything you’re told is genuine. You may begin to distrust others too, withdrawing from loved ones out of fear or embarrassment. You stop disclosing details about your life because explaining your circumstances feels draining, or you fear others won’t believe you.

Fear

Gaslighters frequently depend on fear to enforce control. They may raise their voices, threaten to abandon you, withhold affection, or induce guilt to ensure compliance. You may continually find yourself apologizing, even when you’ve done nothing wrong.

Psychosis

You feel as if you are losing touch with reality. The gaslighter may deny uttering things you distinctly remember or change their preferences suddenly, punishing you for not keeping pace. One day they profess a love for strawberries. The next, they assert they despise them and berate you for being inconsiderate for offering them. You’re scolded for cooking wheat spaghetti despite their allergy, then reprimanded for preparing rice pasta because they “only eat wheat.” Your reality is perpetually being rewritten.

If any of this resonates, know that you are not isolated, nor are you merely imagining it. A key part of the gaslighter’s manipulation is to convince you that escape is impossible. That you won’t find another partner. That you can’t secure a different job. That you are too weak to thrive independently.

All of that is false. You are resilient. You possess capabilities. And you deserve love, clarity, and peace.

Begin by confiding in someone you trust. Seek support, whether it’s from a friend, therapist, psychic, or online community. Someone who can assist you in remembering your true self. Someone who will affirm that you are not losing your mind and that your experiences are valid.

The person who gaslights you does so not out of strength, but due to profound insecurity and self-hatred. Those who are truly confident uplift others. They celebrate your achievements and offer solace in your struggles. They do not belittle, manipulate, or disorient.

Gaslighting is not love. It is control disguising itself as concern. It is cruelty masquerading as honesty. Life is too precious to be experienced through someone else’s warped lens. You deserve to be acknowledged, heard, and secure. You deserve more.

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Acquiring your initial tarot card deck can seem intimidating, particularly for newcomers. Nevertheless, if approached correctly, it can become an enchanting and rewarding journey.

I recall the moment I chose to purchase my first deck years back. I was inundated with suggestions from well-meaning friends and experienced readers, all enthusiastic about guiding me toward their personal selections.

True to my defiant spirit, I dismissed all of it. Instead, I heeded my intuition.

I made my way to a quaint metaphysical shop in the city and meandered to the back, where several rotating racks showcased the tarot decks.

One specific deck instantly enchanted me. It had an angelic motif, and although the artwork and Roman numerals weren’t particularly beginner-friendly, I felt drawn to it. I just knew it was meant for me.

Even though I was inexperienced with Tarot, I had absorbed as much knowledge as possible before choosing my first deck. I consumed every book I could find and devoted hours to exploring spiritual forums and metaphysical blogs.

The insights I gleaned from seasoned readers, although at times contradictory, provided me a solid grounding in ritual practices and deck maintenance.

I was particularly attracted to the concept of honoring the cards as sacred tools rather than mere objects. By the time I got my new deck home, I had already developed a sense of how to respect it and align with its energy.

I retreated to my herbal room and spread out the cards on a black silk cloth. I blessed the deck with consecration oils made from rosemary, basil, star anise, frankincense, myrrh, and patchouli. Holding a pendulum over the deck, I set my intentions and asked the spirit for blessings and activation.

When you learn to trust your intuition, miracles begin to occur. Intuitive thoughts are gifts from the higher self ~ Susan Jeffers

I fanned the cards across my table and moved my palm over them to infuse my energy into the deck. I requested that it find its way to the right hands when the time came for it to move on. I let the deck rest overnight, surrounded by crystals, gemstones, and my magical wand, to charge it with positive energy.

In the weeks that followed, I consistently drew the Queen of Pentacles. At that moment, I didn’t grasp why. I wasn’t an earth sign, nor was I expecting a child or managing a business. Yet, years later, the meaning became clear. I was being shown my untapped potential. The card represented that I would ultimately create a successful Tarot practice and assist others in doing the same.

Tarot cards transcend mere paper; they are gateways. Once you discover a deck that resonates with you, it transforms into a sacred companion and source of wisdom. It reflects your inner self.

Another vital step involves selecting a pouch or case for your deck. I prefer those with a Velcro® closure to keep the cards secure while traveling. I also like to include crystals such as citrine, amethyst, blue kyanite, and black tourmaline nestled with the cards. Choose stones that feel protective or enhancing to your personal energy.

When you feel ready to practice, begin with someone close to you who has an open mind. My first genuine reading occurred in a Tarot class where I was paired with a woman who offered no information. Despite my anxiety, I trusted the spirit. The reading resonated powerfully with her, leaving her visibly amazed, even though she was more knowledgeable about Tarot than I was at that time.

Whether your interest in the cards stems from curiosity or a profound spiritual calling, trust that if a deck speaks to you, it’s likely calling you too. Your Tarot deck may turn out to be one of your most treasured guides, fostering growth, healing, and the unfolding of the Great Mysteries.

The authentic Tarot is pure symbolism; it communicates in no other way and offers no alternative signs ~ A. E. Waite

Tips For Selecting The Ideal Deck

Conduct some research. Before investing in a deck, take the time to read reviews from other users and peruse sample card images online. This will give you insight into how the deck performs in practice, the type of guidance the accompanying booklet offers, and whether the style meets your preferences. Examining the imagery also lets you assess your intuitive response before making a commitment. It’s prudent to consider who authored the deck. Some decks prioritize aesthetic appeal and may lack the symbolic richness or traditional framework that supports effective learning. Whenever possible, opt for decks crafted by experienced Tarot readers or instructors, as they are more likely to provide thoughtful and accessible interpretations for novices.

Listen to your instincts. Allow your inner sense to lead you in the selection process. If you find yourself inexplicably attracted to a deck, regardless of others’ opinions, trust that connection. Intuition is frequently your most reliable guide when choosing a spiritual instrument.

Start simply (or not). If you are new to Tarot, a deck featuring clear illustrations and a helpful guidebook can lay a solid groundwork. However, if you feel a strong affinity for a more intricate or abstract deck, don’t shy away. Sometimes your spirit is ready for a challenge even when your mind hasn’t fully caught up.

Reflect on the design. Select a deck with artwork that resonates with your heart and spirit. You should feel emotionally or spiritually inspired by the visuals, as these images will serve as the intuitive language through which Tarot communicates with you. A strong visual bond will ease the connection with the deck over time. Simultaneously, avoid overly abstract or intricate designs. Look for imagery that clearly conveys the card’s meaning, enabling you to interpret it without consistently relying on a guidebook. For novices, it’s often preferable to avoid “pip-style” or minimalist decks, which feature only repeating symbols like cups or swords arranged in patterns rather than complete scenes or characters. These decks typically depend on numerology and suit symbolism without delivering the visual narratives that help new readers understand meanings and build confidence more readily.

Evaluate the energy. Some decks possess a light and uplifting feel, while others may embody a darker, more introspective essence. Pay attention to how a deck feels in your hands or even in images online. Match its overall energy to the type of guidance you wish to provide, whether gentle healing, profound transformation, or balanced insight.

Review the structure. Ensure the deck adheres to a system you find comfortable. Most traditional Tarot decks rely on the Rider-Waite-Smith framework, featuring 78 cards comprised of Major and Minor Arcana and four suits. If you’re just starting, I recommend selecting a deck based on this tradition. Some modern decks resemble oracle cards. While these decks can complement the collection of an advanced reader, they often aren’t suitable for beginners.

Think about the size. Consider how the cards feel in your hands. If a deck is too large or cumbersome to shuffle, it might disrupt the natural flow of your readings. A comfortable fit will facilitate the development of a confident and intuitive practice.

Evaluate the symbolism. Seek symbolic language that aligns with your spiritual view. This could encompass colors, sacred geometry, astrology, numerology, or archetypes. A deck rich in symbols that resonate with you will deepen your interpretations. Keep in mind that while some novelty decks may boast beautiful designs, they don’t always correspond with the traditional meanings of the Tarot and can sometimes confuse beginners.

Allow the deck to choose you. Occasionally, the right deck seems to find you. If a specific deck continues appearing in your searches, dreams, or even random discussions, take that as a sign. Often, the most fitting companion is the one that persistently calls to your spirit.

Tarot cards have served as a medium for divination, introspection, and spiritual guidance for centuries. If you’re venturing into the tarot realm and seeking to acquire your initial deck, selecting from the plethora of options available can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide designed to assist you in finding the perfect tarot deck for your journey.

1. Explore Various Decks: There are numerous tarot decks available, each boasting its own distinctive artwork and symbolism. Take some time to investigate different decks and discover one that resonates with your energy. Popular choices include the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Thoth deck, and the Wild Unknown deck.

2. Trust Your Intuition: When picking a tarot deck, it’s essential to rely on your instincts. Look at various decks and identify which one pulls you in most. You might feel a profound connection to a specific deck, or you may realize that one deck simply isn’t right for you. Trust your feelings and choose a deck that feels aligned with you.

3. Reflect on Your Reading Style: Different tarot decks present different themes and aesthetics, so contemplate how you intend to utilize your deck. If you’re interested in traditional tarot readings, you may prefer a deck with classic imagery and symbolism. Alternatively, if you’re inclined to use tarot for personal insights and reflection, you might gravitate toward a deck with modern or abstract designs.

4. Factor in Your Experience Level: If you’re new to tarot, you may wish to start with a straightforward deck that is easy to interpret. The Rider-Waite-Smith deck is a favored option for novices due to its clear and uncomplicated imagery. As you grow more confident, you might explore more intricate decks with deeper symbolic meanings.

5. Seek a Deck with a Guidebook: Many tarot decks come with a guidebook that outlines the meanings of the cards and offers guidance on how to use the deck effectively. If you’re new to tarot, look for a deck that includes a guidebook to aid your learning process. This resource can be invaluable as you begin to decipher the cards and establish your unique reading style.

6. Listen to Your Inner Voice: Ultimately, the most crucial aspect of selecting a tarot deck is to heed your instincts. Choose a deck that profoundly resonates with you and that you feel a strong connection to. Your intuition will steer you toward the appropriate deck, so it’s important to pay attention to that inner guidance when making your choice.

In summary, choosing your first tarot deck is a personal and intuitive journey. Dedicate time to explore various decks, trust your instincts, and select one that resonates with your essence. With the right deck, you can confidently embark on your exploration of the tarot world with clarity and purpose. Continue reading →

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