An invitation, of sorts.

December 2024 Collective Offering

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Hey hey tarot besties,

Welcome to December! Now, I don’t really believe in the whole virgin son-of-god birth thing, but this month tends to inspire a sense of awe and wonder in me, regardless. Partly because of the way streets and windows suddenly light up with beauty and community feel, and partly because I spend the month marvelling at how the ever loving fuck time has gone so fast and it’s December AGAIN. Either way, between the twinkles, the general air of excitement, and the existential questioning, it always goes by in a bit of blur.

So, whether you’re someone who revels in the social gatherings that pop up at this time of year, or if you’re the kind who prefers to enjoy the vibes from a place of cosy solitude, I hope this month offers you what you want and need, and a tiny bit of space for reflection.

Ilayda x

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Wtf are the cards saying?

In a nutshell: Leadership can be quiet. Truth can be uncomfortable. Connection can be revolutionary.

The world is a noisy place right now and my head and heart are particularly fatigued by it all. I keep asking myself: who actually has the authority (Emperor) to speak on things? And who, among all the opinions and ideas and think-pieces and excuses and explanations, actually has the capacity to see and tell a full and unbiased truth? (Ace of Swords). More than that, as the noise creeps in, where can we find comfort and connection and joy and respite (3 of Cups), so as to build our sense of resilience and keep our reason-to-live-juice supplies topped up?

I have lots of thoughts and inklings about potential answers to the above, both my own and those brought to life through the symbolism and themes of the cards. But you know what? I'm not sure my voice needs adding to the mix so much at the moment, even with the cards as my collaborators in building a story.

So this month, I'm taking my cue from the Emperor, who in his highest form, embodies the archetype of a phenomenal leader. Someone who understands that leadership is so much more and less than lauding their own opinion and ways-of-being over others. Someone who brings order to chaos - not through control or rigidly sticking to what's always been done - but through invitation, creation and innovation.

So this is all you'll get from me in terms of card explanations and meandering thought this month; the rest is an invitation, in the form of a series of questions, inspired by this combination of cards.

Consider the questions – you can work with them all, or just a few that jump out to you, that snag on something in the pools of your unconscious. Write about them, or go on a walk and think about them, or discuss them with a loved one. OR disregard them altogether, until one floats across your brain on an idle afternoon and stirs up a feeling. The choice is yours: I'm providing a stimulus, it's up to you how you incorporate that with your inner and outer worlds. Feel free to let me know how you get on... or not. You'll do what's right for you, I'm sure.

• What roles do structure and boundaries play in your life? Are they sources of security or places of resistance?

• When you think about leadership, what qualities come to mind? How do they show up in your actions, even in small ways?

• How do you respond when the systems around you feel oppressive or stifling? Where might you have the power to create change, even in small, personal ways?

• What truths have been bubbling under the surface of your awareness? What's something that you've lowkey known about yourself/the world/someone else, but not been able to lean into? What might it take to bring this truth into the open?

• How do you approach clarity and honesty—with yourself and with others? Where are the places where you feel resistance to confronting the truth?

• Who are the people you turn to for joy, support, or grounding? When was the last time you turned to them, how did it feel to get what you needed? How do you nurture those relationships?

• In a world that can feel disconnected and isolating, what are the small ways you create or sustain meaningful connection? If you're not sure you have any, what could you do to start fostering some?

• What role does joy play in your life? Is it something you prioritise, or something you feel you need to earn? Dig deeper into your answer. Then dig deeper again.

• How do you balance individual growth with collective care? Where might one be taking precedence over the other?

• What do you long to build, and what foundations need to be laid to support it? Who or what can help you with this?

Here’s to doing this differently every now and then, eh?

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UPDATES

December/January Availability for 1-1 Tarot Readings
It’s busy season! New Year readings are available, and I’d love to connect with you over the cards again. Book your readings here.

Events
Did you know I read Tarot for parties and events?! I also run workshops on how to read and use the Tarot! Give your event an injection of magic - email realvibestarot@gmail.com to discuss your needs.