2026: A Number One Year

Last week, I wrote about the Numerology and Tarot cards associated with the year 2025 (a #9 year) and offered reflection questions for us to ponder. This week, I’d like to look ahead to the forthcoming New Year and share some insights through the lens of Numerology and Tarot.

2026 is a #1 year (2+0+2+6 = 10; 1+0 = 1). In numerology, the number one relates to:

New beginnings
A cycle refreshing
Initiation
Creation
Leadership
Independence
Autonomy
Authority
The Self
Aries/Mars

The following Tarot cards are associated with the number one. Here are their messages for us as we transition into this #1 year.

Ace of Swords, Ace of Pentacles, Ace of Wands, Ace of Cups

Aces are all about new beginnings. This year, the energy is ripe for trying something new—starting a new hobby, passion project, job, or side hustle; putting yourself out there; making a new friend; bringing new life to the world (literally or metaphorically); starting a new relationship; being open to new ideas, thoughts, or perspectives. Opportunity awaits around every corner—it’s up to you to decide which one(s) to take!

Ten of Swords

Sometimes in order for one thing to begin, another has to end. Look for those things that may be nearing their shelf life. It may be time to put the final nail in that coffin, so to speak.

Ten of Pentacles

The Ten of Pentacles reminds me of that annoying interview question, “Where do you see yourself in five (or ten or twenty) years?” Daunting as the question can be, it’s an important one. The Ten of Pentacles relates to the legacy you are building—for yourself, for your loved ones. Take some time to think about your Future Self. What kind of life do you envision them living? The things you put in place this year have the potential to make a long-lasting impact on your life. What are you working towards or laying the groundwork for? You don’t have to have it all figured out, but it can be helpful to have a goal to work towards.

Ten of Wands

This card brings to mind the phrase “many irons in the fire.” This year may have you shouldering many responsibilities, interests, tasks, or schedules. It’s not all bad, but if you find yourself feeling like the figure in this card—weighed down by all the things you’re attempting to carry on your own—it may be time to call in reinforcements. Keep your capacity in mind as you begin filling out that 2026 calendar. 

Ten of Cups

I always think of the Ten of Cups as the “happily ever after” card. Depicted in the imagery is somewhat of a stereotypical “happily ever after” scene: a man and a woman embrace in a verdant field with two frolicking children nearby, their home in the background, and a beautiful rainbow in the sky above them. The only thing missing is the golden retriever and the white picket fence. While this scene may not fit everyone’s description of “happily ever after,” the Ten of Cups serves as an invitation to define for yourself what a happy life might look like. Or perhaps your work is to REdefine the idea you’ve held for so long about what it means to live a happy, fulfilled life. Maybe happily ever after is right here, right now. Maybe it looks different than you expected or planned for, but it’s still just as worthy of joy as the version in your head (or the Hollywood version or the version society expects you to subscribe to). And YOU are just as worthy of joy. What steps will you take this year towards reaching your own unique brand of happily ever after?

The Magician (I)

The Magician possesses all the tools of the Tarot—Pentacles, Cups, Swords, and Wands. Notice the infinity symbol above his head? This symbol is present just a few other times throughout the traditional 72-card Tarot, and this is our first encounter with it. As you might imagine, the infinity symbol represents the infinite nature of humanity. It reminds us that we are forever transforming, forever capable of starting anew. Just like the Magician, we have all the tools we need at our fingertips. Manifest your dreams into reality using your never-ending supply of tools. Your intellect, intuition, talents, and practical skills are infinitely at your disposal. Keep in mind: your thoughts and the words you use become your beliefs, become your actions, become your reality. As I’m fond of telling my HypnoBirthing® clients, our words (and thoughts) are spells–so let’s cast them with care.

The Wheel of Fortune (X)

This card always reminds me of a carnival ride. Sometimes it’s like a tilt-a-whirl that has your head spinning and you find yourself wondering when and where it will spit you out. Other times it’s like a rollercoaster going up and down, this way and that, leaving you breathless.

This time, I’d like to propose that the Wheel of Fortune is more like a Ferris wheel. As the wheel slowly turns, the rider experiences different perspectives throughout the 360 degree journey. Sometimes the wheel propels you downwards and other times it pulls you back up. As you near the ground, you see the things in your most immediate view. These are the moments in life where you’re living day-by-day, in survival mode, in reaction mode. You move about your life tackling whatever situation is right before you, whatever is most urgent, because that’s all you can do to get by at this particular time in your life. Perhaps the year 2025 felt a little like that for you? I know it did at times for me.

As we enter the year 2026, I’d like to imagine that the wheel is gradually pulling us back up. As we find ourselves closer to the top, we are now poised to “zoom out” and see the bigger picture. We have the space, time, and capacity to plan ahead and be more proactive. We can more easily see how our past actions or circumstances may have impacted where we are now. And we can choose to pivot or make tweaks to our choices going forward. What a blessing, to be able to see the forest AND the trees. May the Wheel of Fortune be gentle with us all this year!

The Sun (XIX)

2025 held the moody, silvery, shadowy energy of the Moon. This year, we’re trading that energy in for the warm, bright, shiny optimism of the Sun (no shade to you, Moon, we still love ya!).

The Sun is, of course, the source of all light. It fuels our life force. Our planet–and all the others in our solar system–literally revolve around it. It has a stereotypically “masculine” energy, representing the power to initiate. The Sun is associated with the physical body. It is practical and can quite literally “bring things to light” or allow answers or realizations to “dawn” on you.

Sun energy invites us to step into the spotlight, show off where you shine, promote yourself or your offerings, and get active and connected to your physical body. The Sun encourages you to orient yourself towards the good in your life. As the Law of Attraction states, “like attracts like.” Where your attention goes, your energy flows. In order to create more goodness, more joy, more positivity in your life, it’s important to notice the good that’s here right now. Let yourself be seen. Step into the light. Seek out joy (create joy!).

The Sun lights our path and prompts us to ask ourselves: Where has my energy been lacking? How can I bring more light and attention to that area of my body or that area of my life? Sometimes the answers we seek are so obvious that we may overlook them. Let the Sun illuminate your path.

❄️❄️❄️

2026 will be a Number One Year for all of us, so we will see these themes reflected in the collective energy, but did you know we each have our own Personal Year Number as well?

Next week, I’ll be sharing your Personal Year Number for 2026 and providing a personalized message from your very own Tarot Teacher. Check back here, or better yet–get it delivered to your inbox.

Which Tarot Teacher resonated most with you? Tell us in the comments.