3 tarot card readers tell us how to have a great 2021

Elaine: I’m a tarot reader and linguistics student with a penchant for mindful reflection. As a practitioner, I constantly seek to explore new modalities. Some of my collaborations include Tarot + Sound with @theserenesage, and Tarot + Yoga with @unapologeticyoga.

Kristie: Hi guys! I’m Kristie and I have been doing remote tarot readings for about seven years now. It all began when I was going through a break-up and had a lot of time on my hands. I wanted to learn something new and strange, so tarot pretty much fit the bill. As a reader, I believe my job is to uncover hard truths, check your blind spots, give new perspectives, and provide clarity. I also would like to emphasise that I do not do whole life predictions because I deeply believe that things may change along the way as our attitude, energy and understanding of life evolves. That being said, when tarot is explored objectively, one can gain clarity of the self and a higher understanding of their current state. More often than not, my clients show up to be the ones unveiling the best advice and next best course of action within themselves.

Amanda: Hi! I’ve been working with tarot and providing readings since 2016. I’ve also been studying astrology more regularly since 2018, and have recently started providing consultations on natal charts. While I’ve used tarot as a predictive tool in the past, I’ve centred my focus on using tarot as a “reflective” tool for us to understand ourselves and our present situations, so we can make the best decisions to manifest an outcome we desire. I tend to see my consultations as a safe space for strangers to connect and receive a third-party perspective. Tarot is the medium used to draw out details we might otherwise miss – to me, tarot is magical in that way, because true wisdom lies not in knowing the outcomes, but being empowered to own our present and our past, so we may always chart a future that works for us.

Elaine: In sum, 2020 was both a wake-up call and a huge reset button. The most cogent theme has been the notion of “change”. My theory is that life-threatening concerns over COVID-19 have propelled people to investigate their own ways of living. For some, the year’s tumult gave them the final push to make big changes for themselves – new job, new relationship, new passion project. An overwhelming number of questions were about job switches, despite the supposedly poor climate for job-hunting.

As much as it has been defined by chaos, 2020 was also an opportune year for many to bring order into their lives. Those in long-distance relationships asked for advice on maintaining their connection with loved ones. Notably, there was also an increase in those seeking advice for self-care and growth. Many sought balance beyond a work-life dichotomy; spirituality rose to the surface numerous times. In the face of uncertainty, many asked, “What is my purpose in life?”

Kristie: I think it’s going to be no surprise that the topics most people asked about are still the same as in pre-pandemic times: work and personal relationships. There has definitely been increased feelings of instability and anxiety in the majority of clients I worked with though. Some got pay cuts, some got retrenched, some had fears of being let go at any time, among other stressors. However, I must say that a good number of clients received positive job offers despite the “bad economy”. Through reading cards for others and seeing how other people are experiencing life, I am a true believer that everyone has their own story and “luck” to live out. The world could be falling apart and that amazing job could still end up in your lap if the time is right, and your mindset is right. The economy could be thriving, but you could be rejecting every offer that comes, or maybe even totally missing opportunities because you’re just not energetically ready to receive them.

Amanda: Thinking back, it’s pretty interesting to chart the progression of questions I encountered as the year went by. When the year started, and before the pandemic hit us really badly, people were very much interested to know how 2020 would go for them. As things gradually worsened, particularly during the circuit breaker period, my consultations revolved around job insecurity, relationship issues, mental health, and uncertainty.

As Singapore opened up, consultations revolved around pursuing more fulfilling paths instead of what we’ve been socially conditioned to deem as “successful”. I would say that the pandemic has forced us all to be real with ourselves in terms of the things we value, and for some of us, we are realising that the old way of life hasn’t worked. During this unpredictable time, the consultation journey has become less future-looking and more inward-looking.

Elaine: Based on numerological calculations, the card of the year for 2021 is actually the Hierophant. This is a mentor-like archetype that deals with traditions and institutions. Moving on from 2020’s chaos, the Hierophant invites us to liberate ourselves from old rules and beliefs that no longer serve us. This might manifest in myriad ways: embracing technological innovations or radicalising social structures, for instance. Overall, 2021 builds on what was started in 2020, supplemented by elements of discernment and higher consciousness.

Kristie: The year 2021 should feel rather neutral. As much chaos that happens this year, there will be an equal amount of positive news and happy events for the collective. It will center around the theme of speed and adaptation, and there will be uncomfortable, awkward moments of adjustment for many. The hot topics include information, technology, automation and innovation. Structures, systems and workflows that have failed, or been found to be weak, may transform to become more flexible and versatile. ‘Side-hustle culture’ will come to the fore as individuals pick up alternative knowledge and learning practices, and seek to create multiple sources of income. There will also be an increased focus on relationships, closeness and equality, so do expect a “returning” to people, events, businesses or relationships from the past, where the main focus will be to find common ground.

Amanda: Rather than focusing on predicting what 2021 is going to be like, I’ve decided to draw just two cards on what lessons from 2020 we need to bring forward into 2021.

We have the Three of Swords and the King of Wands, both giving me pretty intense energies. I’m not super surprised either, as 2020 was very intense and tumultuous for all of us, I’m sure. The cards are reminding us of the disappointments and traumas of last year – not to demoralise us, but to push us towards severing what no longer works for us. They are also calling us to look towards moments where we have come up with unique or innovative ways to overcome the limitations of 2020, and to move into 2021 with the sort of visionary energy we’ve experienced before. We’re called to step into ourselves with greater confidence, to truly live in our own skin, and to courageously chart our paths ahead with 2020’s lessons in mind.

Elaine: I pulled three cards to ask for advice.

Three of Cups: Always have a close circle of friends on standby. Whether it’s for laughs or a good cry, you never know when you might need them.

Ace of Swords: Act swiftly on new opportunities and ideas that come your way. This card also favours those who innovate and adapt quickly. What can you do to differentiate yourself from the crowd?

The Empress: Extend your care outwards, while maintaining a strong core of self-care. Don’t be afraid to show compassion and a helping hand to those who need it – yourself included.

Kristie: The biggest advice for the collective is to look beyond the current landscape and current situation. Stop panicking and stop rushing through your plans and processes. You are just going to end up back at square one, wasting energy, time, and emotions when you overreact and try to complete too many things at a time. This is a great time to do something different, to brainstorm, imagine possibilities, and experiment. Speed up and expand your ideas and horizons, but slow down in your conclusions and fears. Anything that causes a shake-up or frustration is something that is likely not going to matter very soon anyway. 

Focus on this question: how can you create a positive impact on others on a bigger scale? As individuals, perhaps educate yourself about other cultures and learn how you can build relations and connections with those who are different from you. If you do not have a vision or list of things to manifest for yourself yet, I suggest creating one that covers at least three years from now. Try to create a routine of “reflection and review” in both your personal and professional practice. 

Amanda: I think my previous answer has covered some of the advice, but to sum it up, 2020 has equipped us with memories and experiences that have shaken us at our core. In this process, we need to let go of what no longer works for us and move forward with courage and vision. We already have the knowledge to create the 2021 that we want – it is now up to us to manifest it!