December: Shadow Awareness

December embodies the energy of the Seven of Swords—a time to face our inner saboteur, to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves, and to overcome the mental patterns that hold us back.

At first glance, the Seven of Swords may seem like a card of trickery or deceit, but its deeper wisdom lies in its ability to illuminate the ways we deceive ourselves. This card acts as a mirror, reflecting the inner doubts, fears, and self-sabotaging patterns that keep us from moving forward.

The Seven of Swords asks us to look at the mental chatter—the “yes-but” tape that loops in our minds, listing all the reasons why something can’t or won’t work. It’s a reminder of how we create limitations through our thoughts, whispering, “What’s the use?” or “It’s not possible.”

This card invites us to examine the shadow of self-doubt and bring awareness to the ways we block ourselves from achieving our true desires. The six ways that we sabotage what we want are revealed y the astrological symbols on the handles of the swords:

• Saturn: “There’s too much red tape. It’s too complicated.”
• Mercury: “I can’t… If only… Someday, I’ll…”
• Jupiter: “I’m just not lucky enough. It’s too limiting anyway.”
• Mars: “I don’t have the energy. I’m exhausted, burned out. It’s dull. It’s boring.”
• Venus: “I don’t care enough. It doesn’t mean anything to me.”
• The Sun and Moon: Conscious and subconscious fears that undermine our will.

Each of these voices represents a form of resistance, pulling us away from the clarity and focus of our central desire. The Seven of Swords reminds us that these doubts are not truths—they are fleeting mental constructs that can be dismantled with awareness and intention.

This month is an invitation to release self-sabotage and negative self-talk. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward freedom, allowing us to align with what we truly want.

December’s energy is about clarity and self-compassion, about holding space for both the doubts we carry and the potential we have to overcome them. This is a time to take ownership of our mental landscape, to step into the light of self-belief, and to trust in our capacity to move forward.

Practical Steps for Navigating the Energy of the Seven of Swords in December:

1. Practice Mindful Awareness:
Notice when self-sabotaging thoughts arise. Acknowledge them without judgment, and gently challenge their validity. Replace “I can’t” with “What if I could?”

2. Journal Your Central Desire:
What is the central sword for you—the thing you want most? Write it down, and list the doubts that arise. Then, write counter-statements to affirm your ability to move forward.

3. Release Limiting Beliefs:
Identify the voices of Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, the Sun, and the Moon in your own thoughts. Create a ritual of release to let go of these limiting beliefs, whether through burning a list, meditating, or creating affirmations.

4. Focus on Small Wins:
Combat feelings of futility by taking small, actionable steps toward your goals. Celebrate each success to build confidence and momentum.

5. Seek Support:
Sometimes, we need an outside perspective to help us see the bigger picture. Share your dreams and challenges with trusted friends, mentors, or a supportive community.

6. Cultivate Curiosity:
Approach your doubts with curiosity rather than judgment. Ask, “What can I learn from this fear?” or “What’s the smallest step I can take to prove this belief wrong?”

The Seven of Swords invites us to see the ways we stand in our own way—not to scold ourselves, but to illuminate the path forward. This December, as the year winds to a close, take time to clear the mental clutter and connect with the clarity of your true desires.

In facing the shadows of doubt, we create space for courage, possibility, and alignment. As the Seven of Swords teaches, the only true futility is giving up before we’ve begun. By embracing this energy with awareness, we move closer to the life we want to create.

Always,

Your Trusted Friend ❤︎

“Breaking through Self-Sabotage” Tarot Spread

Optional Journal Prompts for Each Card:

• The Shadow: What fears or limiting beliefs does this card reveal?
• The Reflection: Where do I see this energy playing out in my day-to-day life?
• The Breakthrough: How can I begin to implement this card’s advice in small, actionable steps?

This spread invites deep reflection and actionable insight, providing a clear pathway to awareness and growth. Use this spread to gain clear insights into how to move through this month’s energy in a way that aligns with your highest self.

Trust your intuition as you interpret the cards and embrace the opportunities for emotional richness and personal development that December has to offer.