Often tarot reading is seen as a tool to predict the future. But for me, the cards act more as friends and guides supporting our decisions. Besides asking about future trends, when drawing cards, we also get a chance to ask ourselves: How are we viewing the current situation? How do we feel about it? Are we overly afraid of the future and trying to control it too much? And what choices can we take action on? The purpose isn’t to determine the future we want, but to live better in the present, no matter what the future holds.
Given the current global challenges—the war impacting economies, livelihoods, and mental health—in Episode 1 titled 'What abilities should be brought out now?', I chose to use the Playful Heart Tarot deck by the young artist KITTENCHOPS ILLUSTRATION. This deck features bright, cheerful drawings of smiling children with colorful, candy-like tones to communicate, send messages, or offer advice to the little child within each of us.
The child aspect in tarot doesn't just symbolize youth or innocence but often represents initiation, creativity born from experimentation without constraints, and imagination ready to grow. Regardless of what happens outside, I hope the childlike energy within us is protected, so we continue to have the power to create good things for ourselves and others in the future.
My tarot readings may not be the typical fortune-telling style, but as someone who has always worked in storytelling, I believe the cards hold messages meant to communicate with us. I act as the messenger delivering those messages. These messages are most effective when we contemplate and connect them with our own experiences.
The zodiac date references used in this column follow Thai astrology. However, if you personally follow Western astrology, I encourage you to read based on either your zodiac sign or rising sign, whichever feels more comfortable or connected.
♈ Aries (13 Apr - 13 May): Stand firm and act on what you love (2 of Cups - 4 of Wands - 8 of Swords)
Whatever you once loved or felt passionate about, it’s time to pick that up again—things that brought you joy when doing them. Dust it off and take serious action, as it might be a key to building a solid foundation and a sustainable life for you.
Abilities to bring out now
- Turn feelings into reality: Transform the energy of long-held emotions into tangible actions so others can see and understand what you do or feel.
- Build a stable foundation: This might not be just temporary happiness that fades but could become a 'home' or stability for you and those close to you.
- Believe in people: You may have close ones who share your beliefs. Try connecting and sharing the benefits of what you create with them; many might be interested.
- Unlock mental cages: The 'voice in the head' is a bigger issue than many think. It often fills with worries, uncertainties, and insecurities. The 8 of Swords hints that the biggest obstacle might be this voice blocking you from starting.
- Trust yourself: Examine whether your fears (like fear of failure or being seen as strange) are true or just voices from others you've internalized.
- Stop neglecting yourself: It’s understandable that a busy life leaves little time to reflect on old ideas, but try briefly reviving those ideas and stand firm again. It might come with a feeling like, 'Yes, I love this and will do it.'
Summary: Now everything is ready—the love for what you do and the chance to build stability. Take yourself out of fearful thoughts and turn 'liking' into 'reality.' You may discover many new things, and rest assured, many people are ready to support you always!
♉ Taurus (14 May - 13 Jun): Embrace the role of a beginner learner (Embrace Inner Child - 7 of Wands - Page of Swords)
Everyone has times when they play the role of a ‘beginner.’ Sometimes we judge being a beginner as negative, but actually, beginners bring openness, freshness, and readiness to learn. We just need to find the other side of this coin and use it properly.
Abilities to bring out now
- Time to update yourself and open to new information: The Page of Swords often represents someone starting to study something. They might be far from expert, but the advantage is openness to new information without clinging to old doctrines. Look at info with fresh eyes—you might find perspectives others miss.
- Start experimenting: Making mistakes and trying confirms you’re taking action. The key isn’t perfect results but moving forward step by step in your own way.
- Try new ways to care for yourself: One learning mode worth your time now is experimenting with new self-care methods. Understand basic self-care you can do daily.
- Lower your defenses—no need to be a fighter all the time: The 7 of Wands hints that if you’ve been defending yourself or your beliefs to exhaustion against outside noise, now is the time to gradually lower your guard. Not everyone around is always 'the enemy.'
- Explore why you fear the ‘beginner’ image: Sometimes, reluctance to appear as a beginner comes from unresolved issues—fear of judgment or incompetence. Understanding this opens doors to a more flexible life.
- Tell yourself 'I can receive care': Past challenges may have forced you to believe only strength gets you through. It’s time to switch to receiving care and nurture, starting with being kind and gentle to yourself.
Summary: If you open up as a beginner student eager to learn, flexibility follows. You won’t have to bear life’s weight alone or constantly compete. Enjoy learning, trial and error, and have fun with it. You’ll see things with fresh eyes and pressure yourself less. Try it and see.
♊ Gemini (14 Jun - 14 Jul): Seek balance and helpfulness (6 of Pentacles - 2 of Wands - Ace of Swords)
Everyone’s formula for life balance is different. Naturally, we weigh what 'just right' means for ourselves in a life shared with others, where giving and receiving alternate. I hope you don’t forget balance for yourself and those close to you.
Abilities to bring out now
- Balance helping yourself vs. helping others: Pentacles often relate to tangible assets. If you’re thinking about sharing or offering concrete help, like funding to start something, find a balance so you help but don’t lose yourself.
- Choose paths with future potential: Some choices might not yield immediate great results but may be sustainable long-term benefits for you and those close. Keep an open mind before deciding.
- Trust your judgment: What’s ‘good’ and ‘just right’ varies per person. If you’ve thought it through, trust your reasoning. Everyone’s truth differs.
- Take your time—go together slowly: It’s normal to want to progress solo for agility, but the 2 of Wands subtly highlights the importance of partners and support. Sometimes moving forward more slowly with others, even with less gain, keeps life from being lonely.
- Consult others when needed: Finding balance can be tough and without a fixed answer. Don’t try to figure it all alone; seek advice and listen.
Summary: This is your time and chance to think, consult, and discuss until you find a path balanced for you and those you care about—whether close ones, colleagues, or clients. Decisions that honor both yourself and your supporters are often the right ones.
♋ Cancer (15 Jul - 16 Aug): The courage to embrace happiness (The Fool - 4 of Wands - Ace of Cups)
Have you ever passed through old stories but your heart is still stuck there? Know that happiness and peace now await you. The crucial step now is to 'open your heart,' accept new joy, and tell yourself, 'I have passed those stories and am now here, stronger.'
Abilities to bring out now
- Let yourself be free: The Fool card says now is a very important time to allow yourself freedom from old baggage or old lifestyle patterns.
- See the support around you: If you recently quit a job, graduated, or ended a relationship and feel lost, the 4 of Wands hints you have chances to meet better people and places. Importantly, you have other ‘families’ in your life supporting you. Don’t think you’re alone. The support you receive is real and won’t leave easily.
- Allow yourself small happinesses: Let yourself feel daily small joys and delights. If you look for and notice them, what carries life well isn’t big surprising happiness but these small moments.
- Practice the skill of happiness: We may grow up with different life frameworks, some too strict to allow much happiness. Happiness is a skill we can practice. Explore if there are areas where you don’t allow yourself full joy from the heart.
- The first step might be scary, but take it: Old habits and familiarity are life’s safe zones. Starting something new or stepping out is naturally scary. Take a little risk; you might find exciting new spaces waiting. The trick is to start without needing 100% confidence.
Summary: We can always start anew if we allow ourselves. Whatever storms you’ve passed, you will gradually rebuild stability. Begin by blessing yourself for this new life phase and enjoy creating your new path.
♌ Leo (17 Aug - 16 Sep): Pause to review treasures and resources in life (Knight of Wands - 6 of Cups - 3 of Cups)
You might be one ready to dash forward passionately like a car speeding toward a goal. But as important as speed is setting a clear destination and regularly checking the vehicle’s condition—that is, your accumulated energy.
Abilities to bring out now
- Check your feelings and needs: Your cards start strong with the Knight of Wands but follow with two water-element cards. It’s time to update yourself on whether the goal you’re rushing toward is still what you truly want. Is your drive balanced or just anxious haste ignoring your readiness?
- Pause to reflect on ‘what’s behind’: One thing that sustains us long-term is support from those around. Reflect on the value of your supporters—family, old friends, safe spaces. Reach out to them; you might find gifts waiting.
- Dust off past creations: Sometimes we look only for ‘new’ and forget good ideas shelved long ago. Refresh old interests; you may find groups who share your passion and have fun together.
- Remind yourself you’re good enough and now is enough: No need to rush endlessly or chase distant rewards. Take time to review your life’s background; you may find ‘ready resources’ already at hand.
- Life doesn’t have to be driven by constant self-proving: It’s great to be eager to improve or move forward, but resting doesn’t mean stopping. Taking breaks, enjoying meals, and refueling your ‘life engine’ is fine. Celebrate successes along the way, not just at the end.
Summary: Your engine will keep running and reach your goal if you remember to reflect and connect with those behind you. Slow down, switch to an energy-saving mode, and you might enjoy new views and notice flowers you never saw before.
♍ Virgo (17 Sep - 16 Oct): Develop your vision into a stable system (Queen of Wands - The Hierophant - 5 of Cups)
You are skilled with unique talents and a natural style that gives charm to what you do. To sustain this, it’s time to crystallize your perspective and experience into a structured system—like your own manual.
Abilities to bring out now
- Be confident: Your passion or interest in something is more significant than you think. Before you get serious, you must be confident that when someone is truly passionate, their energy naturally radiates. Believe in yourself and what you love—it really has power.
- Share your knowledge and understanding: The Hierophant often relates to formal teaching. You have the ability to share this understanding beneficially. You’re ready to be a teacher, trainer, coach, storyteller, or content creator sharing knowledge accurately and engagingly.
- Seek advice from experienced adults: Approach those with more experience in turning passion into sustainable work or support. If you want to learn more now, you’ll find the right teacher.
- Don’t quit if confidence hasn’t come yet: Sometimes you wait until you feel ‘ready’ to start something, but beneath that readiness hides doubt like “Am I good enough?” I encourage you to start acting gradually; those doubting voices will quiet down over time.
- Believe what benefits you can also benefit others: You might think your interests seem nerdy or too serious, and wonder if anyone else cares. Challenge yourself; what you bravely share now may open opportunities and help people unexpectedly.
Summary: Draw out your confident energy to share good and useful things in your own style. In challenging times like now, the more you share, the more you and those receiving your gifts will see opportunities. You’ll look back proudly on what you did.
♎ Libra (17 Oct - 15 Nov): Content with what you have but keep creating new opportunities (5 of Pentacles - 9 of Cups - Page of Pentacles)
When the 5 of Pentacles appears, it marks a turning point that can improve or worsen depending on your strategy and perspective. In tough situations, remember you can turn the game around by seeing opportunities others don’t.
Abilities to bring out now
- Tighten your belt; conserve money and energy: The 5 of Pentacles often signals resource scarcity, illness, or financial strain. Don’t push yourself too hard now; allocate your physical and financial strength carefully. Don’t exhaust your livelihood all at once.
- See the positives in what remains: Mixed situations may lead to negativity, like the half-full glass metaphor. The 9 of Cups offers a different view: though not perfect, you can still be satisfied with what you have. Count what you currently possess that brings you satisfaction.
- Create new opportunities: The world may not be favorable, but if you gradually train yourself—manage finances, energy, initiate new financial chances—one day these will multiply value in your life. If you see potential in what remains, you might help others recognize its value and reward you.
- Don’t get discouraged to the point of exhaustion: You might already be tired and have responsibilities, sometimes feeling resentful that things aren’t easier. But don’t dwell on that feeling too long; each new day brings small changes.
- Define satisfaction your way: Comparing to society might make you feel lacking sometimes. But you can review what success and satisfaction truly mean to you—they don’t have to match others’.
- Share when you can: If you’re overwhelmed, communicate. Don’t fake smiles to comfort others while crying inside. People who truly care will understand your real situation and get through it with you.
Summary: Occasional setbacks happen, but we can’t stay down forever. Calm down; things are molding you to be more sincere, plan better, and see more possibilities. This is a learning opportunity to build situations slowly but well.
♏ Scorpio (16 Oct - 15 Nov): Open the way to the right opportunities for yourself (Yes card - Queen of Swords - 2 of Cups)
You drew the special Yes card, which lifts your spirits and signals that things are falling into place. You can say Yes to them comfortably. Be the referee who blows the starting whistle for yourself—good things are coming.
Abilities to bring out now
- Trust that you’ve thought things through: The Queen of Swords is a sharp-minded leader who sees what’s important to maintain. Whatever your role, trust your judgment.
- ‘Give the green light’ to what’s right and suitable: Open your heart to some opportunities, agree to offers that seem good, or decide firmly on things you’ve thought about long and well. No more hesitation.
- Say yes clearly: For some, opening the right opportunity means accepting a suitable relationship—whether a lover, new friend, or partner. Communicate clearly that you’re willing to start together. Don’t hold back or be reserved; show your joy openly.
- Life doesn’t have to be hard, and you don’t have to be strong all the time: Have you unconsciously believed life must be tough, that you must fight, protect yourself? While these make you cautious, they may prevent you from relaxing. Try switching to a more chill mode, especially when with the right people.
- Learn to trust feelings sometimes: In some life areas, we distrust easily and constantly check for failure. If you listen not only to feelings but also reason, there’s less to worry about. Give weight to the good feelings; your heart will thank you.
Summary: No matter how you’ve fought before, it’s time to open the door to good times when you can lower your guard and relax. Step up as the leader of your own happiness and say yes to what your heart says is right. You’re the first gatekeeper to allow yourself to find the happiness you seek.
♐ Sagittarius (16 Dec - 13 Jan): Start anew with every step (1 of Wands - Take the First Step Today - The World)
These cards create an inspiring atmosphere. You’re in a time of creative beginnings following dreams or newly sparked ideas. If your heart is ready and doesn’t give up on the long path, fulfillment and inner joy await you at the end.
Abilities to bring out now
- Honor small ideas: This is a time of creative initiation and new passions. Think of a matchstick’s spark—small but the first light that can spread brightness and heat to cook a delicious meal. Don’t underestimate small ideas you’re excited about; be the first to strike the match.
- Break tasks into steps: If today’s work seems too big, break it into small daily steps. These are the seeds that accumulate and grow later, like the tree on the Take the First Step Today card.
- Pay attention to details: Many successes come from not overlooking small details. As the saying goes, 'God is in the details.' Your small daily actions are like stitches creating a beautiful fabric.
- It’s okay to have repeated first steps: Experimentation means trying. Not every attempt succeeds immediately. Start taking ‘first steps’ even if you must repeat them through obstacles. Treat each day as a new experiment.
- Stop seeking perfection: The trap in The World card is expecting too much perfection at the end. Try seeing each small step as complete in its own way. You’ll enjoy and be satisfied with each step more.
Summary: When starting something big and important, if you think the finish line is far away, your heart may tire before then. Don’t underestimate the effort of starting fresh every day. After enough time, you’ll see great results yourself.
♑ Capricorn (14 Jan - 12 Feb): Activate love and mutual support mode (5 of Pentacles - 5 of Wands - The Empress)
Though life pushes us into a ‘survive and compete’ mode, causing stress and conflict, the key is to try the ‘share and survive together’ mode, which will lead to better outcomes.
Abilities to bring out now
- Turn on love mode: If conflicts arise in personal relationships, try using love—kindness and compassion. Recognize everyone may have bad days affecting feelings, but we can still choose to give respectful love to ourselves and others, healing together.
- Compete constructively: At work, if caught in fierce competition, focus on values. Compete by doing what you believe in from the heart, aiming to deliver benefits and good feelings, not to grab gains.
- Practice self-worth recognition: The Empress card signifies abundance and self-love. If you feel lacking, your words, thoughts, and actions may seek external validation. Fill yourself with love first, then share it; you won’t feel depleted but gain more by giving.
- Don’t get swept up in dust stirred by others: We can’t avoid facing clashing opinions, even when all are struggling. Try to keep inner calm and not get emotionally drawn into conflicts.
- Choose places where you are valued: If you’ve tried your best but others don’t truly believe in your value, plan to find spaces or groups sharing your direction more.
- Don’t forget your true strengths and values: Systems may make us just another player, but don’t forget your powerful signature and beliefs. You can sustain yourself through storms and win against yourself without competing with others.
Summary: In the right places—personal life, work, or society—you won’t need to be in a battlefield of rivalry. If you feel lost now, replenish love and understanding for yourself and those around you, and choose environments of sharing love, not endless competition.
♒ Aquarius (13 Feb - 13 Mar): Sustain long-term choices (The Lovers - Page of Swords - 4 of Wands)
You see options others might overlook—true alternative thinking—so you don’t need to force yourself into mainstream currents. Open new paths and refresh what you manage. You might discover and present new definitions of sustainability.
Abilities to bring out now
- Explore diverse options when deciding: Facing important decisions—work, relationships, health, or long-term security—open your mind to many choices. What’s good for others isn’t always right for you.
- Gather lots of new information: Keep updated. Outdated views may close doors. Seek advice from younger, different thinkers; exchange ideas with new generations in your field.
- Combine to create new formulas: Use old experience with new perspectives. Share ideas between veterans and newcomers, or bridge generation gaps in your family. You might find new flavors you seek.
- Dare to swim against the tide if truly good: A key word in your 4 of Wands is 'sustainability.' Even if your idea seems unpopular, like a new flavor unfamiliar to many, if you’re sure it’s balanced and good for you and others long-term, have courage to present it. Don’t abandon it.
- Give time to prove itself: Many successes take time. If you’re confident your chosen path fits your heart, stand firm long enough. Don’t give up midway easily.
Summary: One day, your path and creations, though misunderstood or met with skepticism, may be appreciated and loved by many. Even if the future outcome isn’t exactly as imagined, you learn to stand firm and trust your choices, building a solid foundation for the journey ahead.
♓ Pisces (14 Mar - 12 Apr): Letting go of the unnecessary (9 of Pentacles - Queen of Swords - 10 of Swords)
Your cards are powerful. It may be time to believe that you alone can care for, take responsibility for, and protect what’s important, especially in work and life, without relying on others.
Abilities to bring out now
- Be clear to protect what matters: The Queen of Swords knows how to set boundaries and has the sharpness to protect what’s right. In some situations, you choose clarity to draw lines with certain things or people, not always yielding.
- Grant yourself freedom: Be brave to end what’s unnecessary or reached its limit. Within these words lies freedom’s power. The 9 of Pentacles is about self-reliance and independent action. Letting go of some things helps you better care for what truly matters.
- Dare to pursue solo projects: If considering personal work, freelance, or going your own way, trust your capacity. If you’ve done this for a while but aren’t 100% sure you can continue alone, look back—you’ll see the path you’ve truly paved yourself.
- Separate others’ opinions: Everyone’s life balance differs—some prefer teamwork, others solo work; some comfortable with living with elders, others prefer independence. When unsure, separate others’ views from your own. You have freedom to decide.
- Decide clearly but allow adjustment time: Sudden changes are tough. Even with decisions made, give yourself time to gradually withdraw and those involved time to adjust. Observe feelings and changes slowly without abrupt breaks causing distress.
- Give closure to your heart: If troubled, allow yourself to feel naturally. If unresolved feelings linger, write them down or talk with understanding people. You may find things to wrap up neatly or feel relief from no longer carrying some burdens.
Summary: Good change may await after challenging times, meaning you’ve braved breaking some habits. Tell yourself you can respect your own choices. You will gradually stand strong in your space.
