Verona Moon's House of Tarot

Auntie V has been TIRED.

Throughout 2025, one card kept showing up, not just in my personal readings, but for anyone else’s that I did. That card? The 8 of Pentacles.

(I wrote about it in depth here, when it was happening)

The 8 of Pentacles is the “keep-your-head-down-and-focus, practice-makes-perfect” card. But over and over it appeared, and what happens when you put so much energy into one thing, particularly your craft?

For me, it causes burnout. I mistakenly took “work on your craft” as “be productive and hustle, and show your work.” Around November, I couldn’t do it much longer. I set everything aside, cards included. I watched arthouse movies with the teens in my life. I read so many books. I daydreamed and journaled privately. I was thoughtful about the news and content I allowed in my head at night before bed. I listened to guided meditations about starseeds and inner light and world peace, versus the ‘abundance mindset’ and ‘creativity boosts’ that I typically fall asleep to. (Dears, if you don’t have Insight Timer, I implore you to get that amazing app! Not an ad, just pure endorsement!).

And guess what? During Imbolc, a season of returning light, I was ready to cast the cards. I worked on developing a spread that reflected the dawning light of the season and Leo full-moon energy.

Can you guess what happened? The 8 of Pentacles showed up again…but this time in reverse!

What does it mean to have a reversed card show up? If you prefer to use reversals in your readings, which I do, they usually reflect weakened energy, a shadow side, blocked action, or well, the opposite of what the card means upright.

For me personally, when the 8 of Pentacles appeared upside down in this spread, it was like a lightning bolt to the heart! My deck had been tucked away from the energies around me, and I believe it absorbed my season of rest. It affirmed that productivity doesn’t have to be physical or tangible, and that I don’t have to SHOW anything to prove I’ve been practicing my craft. Internal work and slow work is growth and mastery, too, darlings.

Have you had any major moments or ah-ha insights that Tarot cards have helped you recognize? I’d love to hear them! Pull up a chair and let’s chat.

Until next time, protect your peace and slow down for the season.

–Auntie V