Ready to close out 2023? Ready or not, there are a few retrograde-related events that you may want to take a look at first…
Neptune will end its retrograde this month on the 6th, propelling us more into clarity and understanding as we can now fully utilize the insights that the retrograde provided us. Jupiter will also go direct in Taurus on the 30th, ending its retrograde as well.
But just when you thought the tide of retrogrades was about to recede fully, know that this isn’t all that’s in the stars! Actually, Mercury retrograde will take off this month on the 13th — and despite all the infamy that this retrograde collects, it can actually be quite the catalyst for growth and self-reflection.
What a doozy of events, right? In order to digest what this all means properly, we’ve decided to turn to the Tarot for guidance (with one Major Arcana and one Minor Arcana each!).
December 2023 Tarotscopes
Aries
Judgement & 5 of Cups
Aries, it’s time to reflect, contemplate, and understand.
Although the 5 of Cups indicates that this month may have you looking back on the tougher times in your life — periods of loss, disappointment, and heartache — that doesn’t mean that it’s all gloom and doom.
In fact, Judgement hints that you may have some newfound perspective and awareness up your sleeve now that will color these events in a new light. You’re capable of gleaning valuable insight from these times and discovering lessons that you may have missed before.
Keep your heart and mind open, and be willing to learn and receive.
Taurus
The World (Reversed) & 8 of Cups (Reversed)
Taurus, your world is currently flipped upside-down, but that doesn’t mean you have to wallow in defeat.
The World reversed literally is on the table for you, which actually isn’t as dramatic as everything being flipped on its head. Instead, you’re more prone to experiencing a general feeling of disconnect and a lack of fulfillment in your pursuits.
Coupled with the 8 of Cups reversed, you may be dragging your feet when it comes to moving on and away from things that don’t really serve you anymore, whether it’s a person, an expectation, or an idea you have about yourself or others.
Your limiting beliefs, and not the world itself, may be what you need to re-examine this month.
Gemini
The Hierophant (Reversed) & Ace of Swords (Reversed)
Gemini is feeling a little risky and unconventional this month.
With The Hierophant reversed you’re not interested in playing by others’ rules right now. Convention and tradition currently bore you, although this isn’t all that new or random for inventive and occasionally unpredictable Gemini.
However, the Ace of Swords reversed warns against doing anything too rash or forward. Just because you aren’t vibing with what is expected and predictable… doesn’t mean you need to go off the rails and do something just for the sake of doing something.
Remember: it’s possible to be innovative and thoughtful.
Cancer
The Star (Reversed) & Ace of Pentacles
Cancer has opportunities on the way, but these things are not always as easy as they seem.
Although the Ace of Pentacles is a positive omen for job opportunities, financial boons and benefits, and planting seeds of abundance for the future, The Star reversed indicates frustration and stagnation happening on an internal, spiritual level.
If you aren’t connected to your own internal vision, you’re also less likely to have a clear perspective on the actual opportunities that surround you.
While it may be tempting to fixate on everything that is purely tangible and practical, remember that true abundance first comes from within.
Leo
The Emperor & 2 of Wands (Reversed)
Leo may be the brave lion others need right now, but is also struggling to keep up with their own affairs.
The Emperor indicates that you’re holding an air of confidence and leadership that others are going to be looking up to this month. People are relying on you for your stable expertise and powerful presence.
However, the 2 of Wands reversed notes that you may feel shakier when it comes to your pursuits, even if it feels like others see you as responsible and fine on your own.
Remember that a good leader isn’t afraid to call upon their kingdom for help, Leo. There isn’t any shame in reaching out for a helping hand.
Virgo
The High Priestess (Reversed) & 8 of Pentacles (Reversed)
Virgo certainly wants to charge through with a productive spirit, but sometimes, it can’t all come down to practicalities.
The 8 of Pentacles reversed describes your struggle with getting motivated into a working routine this month. You may procrastinate or lag when it comes to your existing projects and responsibilities.
This is likely because, as The High Priestess reversed points out, you’re experiencing a spiritual, intuitive blockage within yourself. Sometimes, we need to go within ourselves on a more unconscious, unseen level before we reach out to the visible and obvious tasks on the table.
You may not need to power through and check more items off the to-do list… you might actually need a solid meditation session first.
Libra
The Tower & 3 of Swords
Libra, this month may be one for the books — and to rip off the bandaid, it’s not going to be an easy ride.
The Tower and the 3 of Swords are somewhat infamous cards that point to upheaval and heartbreak, respectively. This month shows you reckoning with serious themes of transformation and the serious discomfort that this can occasionally cause.
Don’t let that spook you, though. Just because you’re undergoing some changes and may experience the crumbling of a few familiar structures and routines doesn’t mean that this is gloom and doom.
It may be uncomfortable, but it will also be for the better. After the storm, a clear path will be left in its wake.
Read this next: 6 “Scary” Tarot Cards That Are Positive
Scorpio
The Wheel of Fortune & 4 of Swords (Reversed)
Scorpio, it’s time to do a little trust fall with the Universe.
The Wheel of Fortune notes that this month is mostly out of your hands, and the best things within it will likely find you unexpectedly. Surrender and keep your heart and hands open, willing to receive what the Universe has to offer.
It may not be as easy as it sounds, of course. The 4 of Swords reversed may indicate some resistance on your end — you may want to jump into action even when the Universe prompts you to rest or slow down.
However, you’re going to need to trust that if an “obstacle” is placed in your way, that may just be a request for pause and reflection… which may be needed in order for you to receive something great.
Sagittarius
The Empress & Page of Swords
Sagittarius is embracing a creative, communicative spirit within themselves this month.
The Empress is a positive omen for your creative capabilities, sense of abundance, and ability to merge rest and work successfully.
Plus, the Page of Swords offers a youthful, communicative edge to that, noting that you may find more success within these ventures as you communicate with others around you and branch outside of your comfort zone.
This month is really about you and moving with the flow of what feels good within your skills and capabilities — don’t forget to enjoy yourself, and remember to prioritize process over outcome!
Capricorn
The Fool (Reversed) & King of Wands (Reversed)
Capricorn, once again, you are prompted to slow down before making any rash decisions.
The Fool reversed forecasts some troubles with getting things started. You may want to proceed fast and forward into new beginnings, but the King of Wands reversed describes your sense of ambition and drive being suppressed or scattered.
Nothing may be overtly falling apart, but nothing is going as planned, either. This frustrating period of time may feel like it’s been lasting forever, but in truth, it will pass just like any other.
Patience, wise goat. There is always something worth waiting for on the other side.
Aquarius
Strength & Queen of Swords
Aquarius, you’ve done the work. Now, it’s time to show it off.
The Queen of Swords speaks to your independence, communicative prowess, and your ability to see through to the truth. You cut through the fog and confusion with more ease right now, able to see what’s really important.
This was well-earned, as Strength indicates that this powerful energy is coming to the forefront because you’ve really reflected upon your past experiences and gathered the lessons that were most important from them.
Kudos to you for winning the battle. Now, what will you do with your winnings?
Pisces
The Hanged Man (Reversed) & 7 of Swords
Pisces is still trying to pull themselves closer to change and progress, but it hasn’t been an easy road.
The Hanged Man reversed points to your frustrations with stagnancy and the constant cycles of self-reflection. You may feel like you’ve contemplated everything that could ever be contemplated, and now you just want to get a move on.
However, the 7 of Swords notes that you may feel compelled to do this by taking shortcuts or trying to get ahead without thinking too much about the consequences, absorbed only in your own desires.
Slow down and pause. Even though you may feel like you’ve been pausing for eternity… a state of rest and reflection will still be better than a state of messy chaos born from boredom and dissatisfaction.
Your Curated December 2023 Spiritual Resource List
Take a few deep breaths. Whether or not your Tarotscope provided insight that you wanted to hear or offered words of caution that weren’t as sunshine and rainbows-like, you don’t have to digest it all right away.
In fact, it’s more likely that your Tarotscope will be helpful as the month progresses, clueing you in on things that only “future you” can fully comprehend.
For now, we’ve collected some essential resources to send you on your way in this final month of 2023:
- Review what Mercury retrograde really entrails
- Connect with the energy of 2023’s retrogrades
Want to see what else the cards have to say? Check your daily Tarot reading, or try a free 3-card Tarot spread!