I want to open this column by confessing that this is the most anxious column I've ever written, fitting for September since Virgo (my own zodiac sign) represents perfectionists who constantly ask, “What else can be improved?” For this reason, in this latest column, I chose to read tarot on the topic, “How can I be kinder to myself today?”,
Improving things isn't bad, but endless self-improvement can hide an overactive inner critic that focuses more on what’s not good enough than on what we have done or are learning.
Being kind to oneself is not just about escaping bad feelings; it includes many important aspects such as truly listening to how we feel, recognizing our needs and providing for them, not pressuring ourselves to be something we're not, and so forth. In short, self-kindness is not about sweet words or comforting phrases to avoid old feelings but relies on understanding and genuine practice.
An interesting point in this month's column is that many zodiac signs share similar themes. If not pressuring themselves about work (like having to do more or be better), they pressure themselves about relationships (like needing to be a better partner or always show positive emotions). I see these themes reflecting what we worry about today, and it’s very natural and understandable (I experience it too).
One thing I want you to keep in mind while reading is that you don't have to be exactly like the examples I give. You may have experienced some of these pressures but not all the time. Try to connect with whether you have felt similar self-pressure or self-criticism, and if you notice it, think about what you want to do to feel better.
For this tarot reading, I used the Gentle Universe Tarot deck illustrated by Thai artist Nawan Junhasiri, featuring round cards with dreamy, childlike artwork full of gentleness. I chose this deck hoping we won’t forget happiness and will allow ourselves to remain childlike—that is, able to have fun, make mistakes, be flexible, tumble, and be silly, no matter how old we are.
The zodiac dates referenced in this column follow the Thai astrological calendar, but if you personally follow Western astrology, I encourage you to read both your sun and rising signs as you feel comfortable or connected.
♈ Aries (13 Apr - 13 May): Be a good lover to yourself.
(The Empress - The Chariot - The Sun - Ace of Wands)
Have you felt your happiness diminish recently? It's not because you did anything wrong but perhaps because you’ve been giving your energy and care outward continuously. Now is the time to be a good lover to yourself :)
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The Empress is the card of love and care. It hints that you may pressure yourself to “always love and care for others perfectly,” to be a supportive, understanding person. Some may have a strong 'motherly' energy (regardless of gender). Because of this, you might sometimes forget to take care of yourself.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- Have you set any goals? Try following through on them seriously. Some might travel far to a long-awaited destination. Just stepping away from the old and heading toward your goal, near or far, will help.
- It’s okay not to be serious all the time—be a child sometimes. Openly express your needs and feelings without hiding. The Sun card also symbolizes childhood; your inner child may be waiting to be heard and warmly cared for.
- Try starting something new you haven’t tried before—something that helps you reconnect with fun and creativity. Take classes without worrying about the outcome. You’ll find your spark of joy.
Summary: The key is to “come back to yourself,” care for your needs, listen to your inner voice about simple things like what you want to eat or where you want to sit comfortably, and allow yourself to have those things. Give love to yourself unconditionally, and your inner happiness will bloom easily.
♉ Taurus (14 May - 13 Jun): Just being here is more than enough.
(9 of Cups - 2 of Swords - King of Pentacles - Death)
Whenever you try too hard to be something for someone else, it’s a force against your inner nature, even if well-intentioned. In truth, simply 'being' is already meaningful to someone.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- You want to always share happiness, like a sign in your heart saying 'Good vibes only,' trying to share only positive energy (which is not necessary). This doesn’t mean you have to hide or suppress negative feelings but that you shouldn’t pressure yourself to be a constant source of happiness for others.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The 2 of Swords suggests choosing to be silent sometimes, not communicating or turning off notifications. Give yourself quiet time to think without guilt, especially when you have unresolved thoughts. Don’t rush to conclusions; it’s normal to feel conflicted sometimes.
- Good things you give others don’t always have to be obvious happiness. Sometimes it’s quietly standing beside someone on a tough day or providing practical help. Even if you don’t show happiness, your presence means a lot to someone.
- Death reminds you not to cling to the old—old versions of yourself trying to be the source of happiness or old stories you may have outgrown. Allow changes to happen naturally; you don’t have to preserve a perfect image all the time.
Summary: These cards tell you that just by being here, you already provide stability to those around you without trying too hard. From now on, be honest with yourself as you are, try to be natural with those you trust, and you’ll find people who want you to let go of the ‘effort’ too.
♊ Gemini (14 Jun - 14 Jul): It's okay to fall, hurt, and ask for help.
(10 of Swords - The Hierophant - Page of Cups - The Emperor)
Your cards hint that lately you have been a brave warrior in real life, trying to handle everything yourself, suffering silently, moving on alone, rarely telling anyone how exhausted or how difficult your personal life has been. But your heart quietly (or loudly) whispers that it’s too much.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The 10 of Swords is intense, suggesting you may pressure yourself to 'never be weak' despite deep pain. You may feel you must not cry, be sick, or give up, no matter how tired, forcing yourself to keep going and carrying burdens unnecessarily.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The Hierophant represents wisdom and elders. Some things might not be as hard as you think if you seek trustworthy people or those who have been through it before. You don’t have to figure everything out alone, reducing pain when things don’t go as planned.
- If you still feel heavy, the Page of Cups encourages you not to overlook small daily feelings. Look for light happiness each day and don’t ignore your gentle sensitivities. Take care gradually before exhaustion or stress accumulates.
- The Emperor similarly advises you not to forget that your life can have support. When things become overwhelming, reach out to those stronger than you. You don’t have to be the lone brave hero all the time; let others step in.
Summary: You don’t have to carry everything for others until you’re worn out. If you’re exhausted physically and mentally, I strongly encourage you to rest, get proper care, and things will ease over time.
♋ Cancer (15 Jul - 16 Aug): What’s right for your heart is enough.
(Justice - Knight of Pentacles - Strength - The World)
Today's world is full of judgments. Just scrolling your feed can expose you to opinions about what is right or wrong, who is right or wrong. This constant noise can make us fear external judgment of our choices and actions.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- Justice suggests you may pressure yourself deeply that everything you do must be 100% correct, fair, and sensible, according to society’s standards. Sometimes you might tell yourself, “Don’t give weight to things lacking real-world credibility,” even if your inner voice says otherwise.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The Knight of Pentacles advises you to cherish something valuable to you long-term without always following external reason. For example, you might choose a boring or slow hobby that others see as useless but you know it nurtures your heart and life.
- Stand firm in your choices even if they seem odd to others. When doubts arise about yourself, welcome your unique qualities. Whatever comments come, just keep doing what you want without needing to prove or convince others.
- Try expanding your horizons—travel, meet friends from different cultures and languages. Don’t cling to answers within a narrow world. Over time, you’ll find confidence in your own decisions and judgment.
Summary: Even if the outside world judges you and your actions, remind yourself that you know your experiences best. If you stumble or fail on your chosen path, it’s a lesson you’re ready to accept and learn from, better than listening to external judgments that make you forget your deepest beliefs.
♌ Leo (17 Aug - 16 Sep): Be yourself for someone to discover.
(3 of Cups - Strength - Queen of Wands - 8 of Pentacles)
You have the energy and want others to see what you do. You want to feel confident as a part of society, not forgotten. But your inner light shines brightest when you ‘break away’ to be yourself.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The 3 of Cups hints you care about socializing, spending time with friends, or being in the spotlight for work, laughing with others while you might secretly want to go home, hide quietly, or express disagreement.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- Your zodiac card Strength appears here, telling you not to fear. Be confident and brave to follow your choices even if they are different, raw, or rebellious. Your uniqueness ensures you will be seen by the right people wherever you are.
- The Queen of Wands with the black cat on the piano keys encourages you to lead boldly by sharing your unique ideas. Play your own tune for the world to hear. Your music will reach people who resonate with your frequency.
- The 8 of Pentacles features a rainbow snail telling you to keep doing what you love even if no one notices. Spending slow, nerdy alone time with your activities is perfectly fine.
Summary: It’s time to use your courage in new ‘spaces’ where you feel confident. Your uniqueness will shine brightly when you commit long enough.
♍ Virgo (17 Sep - 16 Oct): Let joy drive you forward.
(2 of Wands - The Sun - Ace of Wands - The Devil)
Recently, have you felt bursts of motivation to act but then the spark fades before you finish, leaving regret wondering “What if I had taken it more seriously?”
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- Starting or continuing projects is hard for you because when ideas come up, your mind immediately analyzes if they’re really ‘usable’ or if you must be sure they’re perfect before proceeding. This mindset often stalls your progress, leaving ideas stuck at the starting point repeatedly.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The Sun card reappears, showing a person surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. It invites you to observe nature’s expansion, like flowers. Success in creating something may come from appreciating the essence of your ideas or work and letting things unfold naturally. Even small appreciation can let your work blossom in people’s hearts.
- The Ace of Wands with a matchstick symbol invites you to value sudden, unexpected ideas. Creativity needs space to breathe like a flame needs oxygen. Don’t pressure yourself to the point of suffocation.
- The Devil often means attachment, but here it suggests that being passionately devoted or a fan of something—even if others see it as attachment—is okay. Seriousness born from love of your work is never wasted.
Summary: Think of a beautiful flower. You don’t demand more from it than its joy. You at the beginning stage are the same. Don’t expect to see far ahead; just start and appreciate small results. Soon one flower will become a beautiful garden.
♎ Libra (17 Oct - 15 Nov): Happiness doesn’t always have to be useful.
(Ace of Pentacles - 10 of Cups - 9 of Cups - The Magician)
Remember when we were kids, doing things aimlessly but feeling full of joy? As adults, we must justify why we do things, wonder if it’s worth the effort, leading to uncertainty and forgetting what true happiness is, distancing ourselves from it.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The Ace of Pentacles reflects a focus on tangible value and benefit, which isn’t bad, but if everything you do must be measured by worth (in your eyes or others’), good things may be cut off prematurely due to voices saying “Don’t be unrealistic.”
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- Being with happiness and close people who energize you without measuring value or results. Remember, many meaningful things in life have infinite worth.
- Interestingly, you got 10 of Cups followed by 9 of Cups, both emphasizing happiness and contentment. These cards say small happiness in your own space is fine; you don’t always have to achieve visible results. The smiles on your face are proof everyone sees.
- The Magician closes, reminding you that your unique creativity is strong. Loosen restrictions to let fun flow. If you’re always serious, new ideas can’t emerge.
Summary: The message is simple: it’s time to have fun without worrying about outcomes. Think of childhood happiness and shared joy with loved ones. What comes to mind? Give yourself time to truly act, and you may find unexpected good ideas waiting.
♏ Scorpio (16 Nov - 15 Dec): You don’t have to be ‘nice’ all the time.
(Knight of Cups - Ace of Cups - 3 of Pentacles - 2 of Pentacles)
You naturally have strong fierceness. Sometimes in social settings, you may tone down to seem friendly, not fierce, and approachable. But if it’s not genuinely how you feel, it can wear your heart down over time.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The Knight of Cups features a narwhal called the 'unicorn of the sea,' bringing stars to a cat on land. You might expect yourself to be the one bringing special, good things to friends and others—to be the cute one who cheers others up. But some days when you can’t do that, it’s okay. True companions don’t expect more than wanting to see you happy for yourself.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- Enjoy small happiness without rushing to transform it for others. For example, spend private time savoring a warm cup of coffee.
- Create shared happiness by ‘doing together.’ The 3 of Pentacles shows three children carrying valuable belongings—stars and the moon—under a vast sky. You’re not alone in delivering happiness or help; invite others to do things together and celebrate mutual growth.
- The 2 of Pentacles shows a tightrope walker juggling, symbolizing balancing two flowing aspects of life. This card encourages tuning daily rhythms to value both yourself and others.
Summary: You have your own charm without needing to be the ‘perfect giver’ in others’ eyes. Those who truly know you see your intelligence and depth. Sharing happiness and growing together is as valuable as any gift you bring.
♐ Sagittarius (16 Dec - 13 Jan): You’re not slowing down, just becoming more balanced.
(Page of Cups - 9 of Wands - 7 of Cups - 7 of Pentacles)
Having good energy, feeling refreshed, and clear thinking is something many desire. But human emotions and mental energy are like the sky—bright and lively by day, calm and dark by night. We can’t maintain the same level constantly; everything needs quiet recharge time like a power bank, right?
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The Page of Cups symbolizes innocence and fresh inspiration. In the pressure position, it may mean you pressure yourself to always be cheerful, inspired, and chasing dreams. You feel you can’t be down or discouraged without disappointment or confusion.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The 9 of Wands shows a child’s injured knee wrapped in bandages, telling you directly: “If you’re tired, admit it; if you’re frustrated, admit it; if you’re discouraged, admit it.” Accepting that today you’re not ready doesn’t drain your energy but helps heal properly so you don’t push on and worsen injuries.
- The 7 of Cups, with blowing bubbles imagery, suggests confusion and uncertainty are normal. Thoughts come and go like bubbles that soon burst. Observing these moments helps you avoid blaming yourself for occasional confusion, daydreaming, or silly thoughts—all part of being childlike, which everyone has.
- You don’t have to be creative or come up with new things constantly. Doing routine, repetitive tasks is fine if it helps maintain discipline or sustain previous efforts.
Summary: We don’t have to run the ‘new’ race all the time. Some days our energy is like that of a mature person—calm, patient, even a bit old-fashioned. Waking up wanting to do the same work without big changes doesn’t mean we’re stagnant or dry; we’re just becoming balanced in a different way.
♑ Capricorn (14 Jan - 12 Feb): You don’t have to try all the time.
(9 of Wands - The Lovers - Temperance - 4 of Pentacles)
You’re surely one of the most patient people, especially at work. You stand strong, trying not to become a problem yourself. But importantly, you shouldn’t endure until you collapse unnoticed.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The 9 of Wands is the card of enduring to the last breath. If you see the end is near, you endure, even if it hurts or exhausts you physically and mentally. Another aspect is that the injured person rarely tells anyone what they’re going through. Could you try not to silently endure alone anymore?
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The Lovers card symbolizes choices and loved ones. The two hands entwined with thorned rose branches mean that although situations may be challenging, there are people willing to go through difficulties with you. Also, remember you can choose what to endure and what not to. You have both choices and companions on your journey.
- Temperance invites you back to the middle path—knowing when to ease or intensify, blending until balance is found. You don’t need to be too relaxed but also don’t have to endure like ascetics. You might negotiate or find compromises others can adjust to as well.
- The 4 of Pentacles symbolizes a ‘safe zone’ and ‘safe space.’ When you’ve used up your energy, bring yourself back to a small space where you’ve built physical and mental safety. That’s not selfish.
Summary: Strong people don’t have to live in exhaustion constantly. If you open communication and dare to relax more, you may find help, freedom within reach, and realize you don’t have to be the only one trying endlessly without a clear goal.
♒ Aquarius (13 Feb - 13 Mar): The army marches on the heart.
(King of Wands - Queen of Wands - Temperance - Knight of Cups)
Sometimes you’re tired but choose not to rest because you feel responsible for those under your care. Things might falter if you show weakness or say “I’m so tired.” But remember, you’re human, and others may already notice your fatigue.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The King of Wands holding flame suggests you pressure yourself to be brave, take risks, lead at the forefront, always have passion, and never falter. In other words, as a leader, no matter how stressful, you must endure. But after enduring so long, are you close to burnout?
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- Interestingly, the first advice card shares energy with the previous pressure card but adds feminine energy (flowing, nurturing) to balance. The card suggests using your existing determination more playfully and balanced, including pausing like musical rests. These silent moments aren’t meaningless but help you reflect on how you feel and where you want to go next.
- Temperance directly encourages you to “find the middle path.” Think of a delicious dish with balanced flavors—not too spicy, sour, or bitter, possibly with elements that don’t add flavor but improve texture. It means life doesn’t need to be intense at every moment.
- If you’ve always been the commander, now you don’t have to build everything alone. Welcome help and support from those who share your vision so they can lighten your load.
Summary: Having people help ‘nurture’ your passion doesn’t mean you lose control or importance. Sometimes stepping back from leadership temporarily helps you return refreshed and balanced to move forward with others.
♓ Pisces (14 Mar - 12 Apr): Reach your destination in your own time.
(8 of Pentacles - Death - King of Cups - 8 of Swords)
Your surroundings may make you feel insecure if you aren’t skilled or expert in something. But your cards suggest you rarely give yourself space to breathe without thinking about anything due to the workload. Some days you forget to check in with your feelings entirely.
⚠️ What pressures do you often place on yourself?
- The 8 of Pentacles indicates you don’t want to waste time; every second should be used to improve or master something. You might pressure yourself thinking, ‘At this age, I should have achieved...’ feeling impatient with your progress.
You can be kinder to yourself by...
- The Death card with a dragonfly symbol invites you to recognize that “everyone’s transition timing differs. It may take time and can’t be predicted, but it will come.” Like the dragonfly spending a long underwater childhood before flying, trust your own timing. The challenges you face will end.
- The King of Cups with a calm blue heart says, “Only you own your feelings and heart.” Your balance point and limits are yours to decide. If stress is high, spend time with flowing water energy—relax in water.
- Release mental cages about how things should be, as you may falsely think there’s only one solution (like having to do a lot and be excellent on time). Repeating that thought binds you unnecessarily.
Summary: Long-term progress or mastery can’t come from pressure. The ‘best day’ may never exist. Everything is learning day by day, opening new mental doors gradually rather than sprinting toward a final finish line that may not exist.
