If you’ve gotten an Intuitive Reading from me, chances are you’ve heard me geek out about the fact that Tarot and Astrology are inextricably linked. The imagery, the symbolism, the energy… The more I learn about each of these modalities, the more connections I find between the two. Today’s reading exemplifies that intimate connection.

When I sat down to pull cards for the collective reading this morning, I had planned to pull one card as a central theme and then 1-2 more to clarify the message, but the Tarot had something else in mind. As I was shuffling, two cards jumped from the deck onto the table—and we always pay attention to “jumpers.”

I flipped them over to find The Star (XVII) and the Seven of Swords. Goosebumps, people… and here’s why: The Star is ruled by Aquarius, the current Astrological season we are in and the sign that we’ll have a New Moon/Solar Eclipse in on February 17th. The Seven of Swords is also linked to Aquarius. In fact, it just so happens to be associated with the last decan of Aquarius—an even smaller wedge of the Zodiac sign that falls in the very same ten-day chunk of time that we happen to currently be in (I can’t make this stuff up!).

After The Star and Seven of Swords literally jumped out of the deck, I decided to pull one more card to help solidify the message. I got the Ten of Swords. So what does this all mean?

As I mentioned, The Star is ruled by Aquarius, the sign of community. Though it is associated with the element of Air (as are the Swords), it is represented by the water bearer. Air energy has to do with the mind. Logic. Thought. Ideas. Communication. Like the angelic figure shown in this card, Aquarius is here to disperse a message, to share a vision for a brighter future for the greater good. At number 17 in the major Arcana, The Star comes directly after the Tower (which we’ve been seeing a lot of lately). It represents the calm after the storm of chaos and destruction. As a Minneapolis-area Tarot reader, I’ve been writing a lot about mutual aid, about supporting the community, about resisting ICE and the fascist regime it takes its orders from. The Star feels like a welcome reminder that, although the Tower has not finished toppling just yet, there is hope on the other side. We take care of us.

Take a look at the shifty figure depicted in the Seven of Swords and you’ll get a flavor for its meaning—deception, sneakiness, secrets, lies. My mind immediately turns to the horrific and unthinkable details we have (finally) begun receiving from the Epstein files. The lies, gaslighting, manipulation, and cover-ups at play are beyond anything most of us could have possibly imagined. Be gentle with yourself as you consume this information. But don’t look away. Don’t let it slide. It’s high time to hold those in power accountable for their actions. Side note: If you’re looking for a “just the facts” run-down of what we know so far (that doesn’t get into too many of the appalling details related to the violent acts), I recommend this We Can Do Hard Things podcast episode. While the interpretation I just suggested is pretty literal, the energy of the Seven of Swords may be present in other ways this week as well. Perhaps something in your life just feels “off.” Pay attention to what feels disingenuous this week and do your best to keep yourself and others honest. The ruse is up.

Which brings us to the Ten of Swords. Like the figure who lies face-down with ten swords stabbed into its back, it’s time to put an end to something. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. It might be messy. It might be uncomfortable. It might even be painful. But it’s necessary. The Astrology of this week supports this energy. February 17th’s New Moon/Solar Eclipse in Aquarius brings abrupt endings and a necessary shift in power dynamics. Whatever the Seven of Swords energy has been pointing to, whatever has felt “off,” needs to be metaphorically put to death in order for things to be set right again. It might not be a clean ending, and it’s likely to go down kicking and screaming. Something is coming to a bitter end, but don’t despair—it’s ultimately for the greater good.

Aquarius season ends on February 18, just one day after that clarifying New Moon, at which point we move into Pisces season. According to the Chinese Zodiac, we’ll be leaving the Year of the Wood Snake and entering the Year of the Fire Horse. The Seven and Ten of Swords remind us that we are like the snake shedding the skin we have outgrown.