If you’re not familiar with the practice, tarot is a form of divination that uses a deck of cards to provide us with a sense of direction. And for Shawn Engel, on-demand tarot reader and witch at The James Hotel in New York City, tarot is one of her go-to’s for Valentine’s Day — and any other tarot readings about love. “Tarot can provide guidance on blind spots in your relationships, such as where you can communicate better, energy on what everyone is bringing to the table, and how to enrich your relationship with activities,” she tells Refinery29. “It’s super fun for Valentine’s Day because it gives the couple a full view of things to work on and explore. It deepens the relationship in real time!”
These readings aren’t here to predict or change the future, but rather give us insights and information we may not have considered before. “Tarot is not something that will make or break a relationship, but it is a helpful tool for insight,” Engel says. “There is nothing to be afraid of, there is only information that can be applied if desired!”
We sat down with Sarah Potter, a tarot reader, professional witch, and color magic practitioner based in New York City, for a very special collective Valentine’s Day tarot reading (just for Refinery29 readers!). Read ahead for some collective card pulls and a special card pull for Earth, Water, Fire, and Air signs.
9 of Pentacles
The very first card Potter pulls for us is the 9 of Pentacles. “When I look at the 9 of Pentacles, it’s about indulging — indulging in your free time,” she says. Whenever Potter sees this card, she says the phrase “there’s so much more to life than work” comes to mind. “All work and no play is no fun,” Potter says. And for Valentine’s Day in particular, the vibes this card are giving off are to prioritise yourself — treat yourself, love yourself, and take yourself out on a solo date.
Forget romance, Galentine’s, and any big hurrah for the holiday — what do you want to do?
Queen of Cups
Next up is the Queen of Cups, which Potter describes as having a nurturing energy, and she helps us tune into our emotional needs and what makes us feel good and secure. Potter says that seeing this card pulled after that 9 of Pentacles tells her that we should be asking ourselves what we need and what we want from Valentine’s Day, and honestly life in general. “Whatever that first answer is that comes in, that’s it,” she says.
Knight of Cups (Reversed)
Potter describes the Knight of Cups as romantic and expressive, but seeing it reversed means romancing yourself. “Everything that you would maybe do for someone else, show yourself that,” she says, adding that a fun ritual to do on V-day would be to write a love letter for yourself. “Write down everything that you love about yourself and all of your good qualities,” Potter says. “I think sometimes it’s really nice to see something like that in person.”
“Looking at these cards, it’s a lovely time to say, what do I want to do for Valentine’s Day?” Potter says. “Ask yourself, how am I romancing myself? How am I indulging myself? How am I making myself feel good? If you don’t love yourself, how are you going to show other people how you need to be loved?”
“If you’re thinking about loss, if you’re thinking about heartbreak, if you’ve been feeling kind of sad, sluggish, maybe disappointed as to how life has been feeling, use Valentine’s Day as your excuse to give yourself what you need to take care of yourself,” Potter says. “Don’t hold back, spare no expense, feel no guilt about it. Take the day off!”
“What I’m seeing here is really honoring your own needs, especially if you feel like no one else has,” she says.
Air Signs: The Magician
“Whatever you want to do, make it happen,” Potter says. “Whatever your idea of a dream day is, that’s what your Valentine’s Day should be.” Come up with the plan and put it into action, whether it’s a solo spa day, a lazy day in bed, or a night out at your favourite restaurant. This Valentine’s Day is really your oyster, Air signs — don’t let this energy go to waste!
Water Signs: King of Cups
Go with the flow, Water signs. “If you’re feeling any resistance, that’s telling you you’re going the wrong way,” Potter says. “See where the day takes you and roll with it.” If your V-Day plans end up far different than you’ve pictured, let that be a blessing rather than a curse — today will end up showing you what you need, so let fate take the reins.
Earth Signs: Death
We swear, the Death card isn’t as bad as it sounds. It doesn’t symbolise literal death, of course, but rather a change. “What do you want to transform? What changes are you making?” Potter asks. “Allow your idea Valentine’s Day to change and transform. Make it yours.” If you’re stuck on the idea of getting an expensive dinner at a not-so-great restaurant or receiving a perfect bouquet of flowers, get it out of your head now. People, even friends and family, can show their love to you in far more unconventional ways that still can mean just as much — if not more.
Fire Signs: Three of Wands (Reversed)
Get out of your comfort zone, Fire signs (not that you need us to tell you). This is a really lovely time to take a chance on something. You could let someone know how you feel, put your heart out there. Or maybe if you’re coupled up or if you’re planning a date, do something that you wouldn’t normally do.” Jump out of a plane! Have dinner in the dark! Do a dance class! Whatever puts you out of your comfort zone, do it — you won’t regret it.
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