Ouch. It always stings harder than you’d expect.
Throughout my childhood, I was literally programmed to become a conflict‑avoidant people pleaser. Cults prefer obedient, compliant, highly responsive‑to‑social‑pressure members. You’re not taught to self‑regulate; you’re taught to regulate all your behavior and even your sense of reality based upon how other members react to you.
So when I come up against anger directed at me—especially unexpected or from someone I care about—it hits harder than it should. I overreact. I agonize. I feel worthless and automatically prepare to be abandoned. A lot of this is my particular background, but I’m pretty sure most people experience similar feelings sometimes, maybe just less intensely. (I hope less intensely.)
If any of this sounds familiar to you, this Tarot Forecast will be of particular interest.
Coming Up in the Cards
This week features the Meow Tarot, but don’t let their lighthearted presentation fool you. These kitties mean business, and they are pointing the way out of the trauma-triggered cycle for those who care to listen.
Outlook: Reversed King of Swords
Oh man! The reversed King of Swords can be harsh. Think hasty conclusions, irrational anger based on questionable assumptions, or breakdowns in logic. He undoubtedly intends to be rational, but he’s not there yet.
With this as an outlook, don’t be surprised if you see people jumping to conclusions, assuming the worst, or diving down a rabbit hole without a parachute. This is temporary. Reason will most likely prevail, but maybe not right this minute. Just don’t dive into the righteous anger with them or build your worth upon their questionable judgement, okay?
Advice: The Lovers
After the rawness of the King of Swords reversed, The Lovers are a welcome contrast as advice.
The Lovers aren’t just heralds of romance. Following their lead means making a choice to connect and looking for points of harmony. They decide to come together based on what they feel is most important, ignoring what they don’t.
This is not the same as people‑pleasing, which is born from fear and scarcity. This type of alliance is always one of choice. This isn’t “win them over to your side” energy. It’s much more “decide what matters most and build on that” energy—which is good, since that’s a lot more achievable.
What’s This Mean?
Taken together, I expect misunderstandings, short tempers, and questionable conclusions to be very much in the air right now. If one of these hits you, try not to take it as a verdict on your worth; most of it won’t actually be about you.
Treat it as a passing weather pattern, and deliberately look for where the love is, not where the criticism is. That takes the bite out and keeps you well positioned for when this influence dies down—especially if you were trained to read every frown as proof you’re failing or fundamentally unworthy.
You don’t have to fix every misunderstanding this week, or even any of them. You just have to decide what you actually do want to stand for. And then do it.
Now for You
What’s one place where you’re feeling this sharp point right now? And what potential cushion of harmony can you identify to lean into?
