Ever have somebody running around trash-talking you? Making you out to look bad with lies and distortions—maybe to people you know, even people you don’t?
You try to tell yourself it doesn’t matter. People will believe what they want to believe, right?
But that doesn’t always work as well as we’d like. It still hurts. It’s still frustrating. And it’s still offensive, because it’s so unfair.
As someone who’s been unfairly demonized for years on end, I get it. And that’s the vibe I’m getting with the forecast next week. So let’s see what the cards suggest for handling it.
Next Week in the Cards
Our forecast this week, courtesy the rather sassy Housewives’ Tarot deck. Love these ladies, even when they show up standing on their heads.
Outlook: Reversed Seven of Cups
Don’t expect truth or clarity this week. People are likely infatuated with the cleverness of their own lies. Let them be. It’s not really like you have much of a choice in the matter, anyway.
What’s important to remember: their stories aren’t as perfectly woven or flawlessly presented as they think. That fact will make a difference down the road, at least to anybody who counts.
Sure, there might be a few honest misunderstandings. But underneath a lot of that fog? Intentional deception. Maybe with a little gaslighting mixed in for ambiance. Don’t take what you hear at face value—especially if the message is emotionally charged. You can’t trust it.
And if you’re worried about everybody else falling for it? Some probably will. But mostly the ones already inclined to think the worst. People tend to believe stories that line up with what they already believe.
In short, if your brother-in-law buys into the family trash-talk about you? He probably already thought you were a loser. But if he knows you’re an honest, good-hearted person? He’ll hear the drama and go, “Yeah, that doesn’t track.” Have some faith here.
Advice: Reversed Five of Pentacles
You may not need as much help fighting misconceptions as you think.
The damage? It’s not as serious as it first feels in that heat-of-the-moment flash of anger, resentment, and hurt. That moment burns—but when it settles, you’ll see more clearly.
Eventually, if you’re villainized long enough, you start to recognize the patterns. People have an enormous capacity for self-deception—but usually when it serves them. Maybe it’s fear, obligation, or guilt—the narcissistic control trifecta. Maybe it’s easier than facing uncomfortable truths. Or maybe it props up their own status. There are countless reasons why a lie can be chosen over truth.
Because people hang on to lies when those lies do something for them or gives them something they believe they need—even if what they get is painful, dysfunctional, or not what they’d consciously choose.
Fixing that? Definitely above our pay grade.
What you can do is stabilize yourself. Find your own clarity. Don’t act out in the moment, and don’t spiral under the stress.
Take a deep breath. Give the situation a minute to settle down—and more importantly, give yourself that minute. See what’s actually going on. Truth withstands scrutiny so the people who are left with lies are the ones afraid to scrutinize. We can’t fix that.
My full expectation? The stuff that truly matters is still intact. Top of that list: your own self-respect, and your confidence in living your life the way you see fit. The people who resonate with that honesty and self-integrity will stick around.
The ones who are determined to ride the crazy train will leave, no matter what. You don’t have to take credit—or blame—for any of it. Even if you end up their excuse.
Now for You:
What lies might you be emotionally reacting to? How can you find enough distance to feel better?