Iris X Reading of the Week/Week beginning on 7/21/25:

Iris X Reading of the Week/Week beginning on 7/21/25: 

Hello to the friends of Iris X Readings! I love all kinds of Tarot decks, but the oldest decks really do have my heart. This week's reading is on the Visconti Sforza Tarot- a 15th century Tarot deck from Italy. It is old and scuffed up. I got it in 2003 as my second Tarot deck. I had been reading on my first deck (a universal Waite Tarot) for many years by that point, and I decided to branch out when I saw this deck at Silver Moon in Brattleboro Vermont. I bought one for a friend of mine and they got one for me. We were doing a lot of readings at the time, and ultimately I am not sure if I have my deck or their deck. This one holds a lot of history for me- and it Is the history of Tarot. I shuffled the cards and asked for a reading for someone who will see this post. Read on- see if it's for you. 

The reading begins with the VIII of Swords. If this is your reading, you are getting trapped in your thoughts. You are overthinking everything and it is making you feel frozen in place. While the circumstances around you are arguably challenging, you are not as trapped as you believe yourself to be. If there is an open door- walk out of it. Don't let your mind hold you in place when it's time to go. 

The Knight of Pentacles appears next showing a need to feel more grounded and rooted to the earth. Take a deep breath. Sit under a tree and relax for a bit. You are stuck in your head, and you need to put your feet firmly into the earth. Slow down. Don't allow anyone or anything to rush you or push you. Your balance and stability are important. 

The III of Cups is the card of friendship, gathering and celebration. Gathering with like minded people would be good for you. It is important to take breaks and to be happy, even when circumstances are difficult (Especially!) If this is your reading, you have a really good group of friends in your life. Don't be alone and isolated when you can be with people that you love. You may be pushing back against this idea, but you will feel better once  you are with friends. 

The key to this reading is The Hermit. It is the only Major arcana card of the reading, and it is what the whole reading is about. The Hermit holds an hourglass and keeps his eyes on the path ahead. He doesn't look far into the future, but at the next few steps that he has to take. As the key to the reading, the Hermit represents slowing down and bringing your focus to what is right in front of you. Take time to yourself and protect yourself and those around you. It may be wise to see this time as a vision quest of sorts. The hourglass runs out- it is the time that it is. Keep walking. 

Here's what I see. If this is your reading, you have been feeling really overwhelmed. You are thinking yourself into a trap that you can't get out of. It is important right now to be grounded and calm. Spend time with your friends and family. Celebrate and be happy. But know when you need to walk alone to ground yourself. Try to keep your eyes on the next steps and do the next best thing to do. You are complicating your life with your mind right now. Everything is spinning too fast and you feel like you can't get a firm grip on the situation. The key is in slowing Way down and being very conscious and clear. Take walks in the woods. Inform yourself of the world around you. Look up close at trees and plants and moss. Be slow and steady; mindful of where you are and how you can best help. Trapping yourself in fear with your mind is just not the best use of your wise mind. Use that same mind to get out of the trap and be grounded, spiritual and calm in the center of chaos. 

Have a good week! If you are interested in a reading this week, I have time on Thursday, Friday and Sunday! Send a message to irisxtarot@gmail.com to set up a time.