Tarot Forecast August 17th to 23rd 2026
- Julie Embleton
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Tarot for the Collective
Welcome to a new week and a brand new tarot forecast to guide you through the incoming days. Did you watch the solar eclipse on Wednesday? We set ourselves up on the beach and watched through the selfie camera on our phones, but it didn’t capture much. The lens glare captured the shadow better than anything! It’s been a wild time astrologically, and many of us are feeling the impact of the energy, so this week, I’m asking the cards how we can slow down and incorporate more self care into our lives with the following questions: What area of my life needs a little TLC, How can I be kinder to myself when tired, What belief stops me from taking a break. I’ll also weave in the influence of this month’s anchor card which is the 6 of Cups.
What area of my life needs a little TLC?
We open with the 7 of Swords. This first card indicates carrying too much on your own, and potentially leaning into dishonest behaviour in order to push through. This can look like cutting corners or taking advantage of others. But this coping mechanism can also be pointed directly at yourself; pushing through on adrenaline, telling yourself it’s easier if you do everything yourself—basically taking advantage of yourself by talking over the quiet voice of sense.
Take a look at that to-do list and ask yourself how much of it truly needs completing. Perhaps you need to delegate, or ask someone to share the load? Either way, it’s you first when it comes to TLC this week. Allow the whisper of need to be heard.
The 6 of Cups softens this even further, guiding you into simple and soothing practices. Keep it simple; a power nap, five minutes cuddling with a pet, half an hour with a hobby.
Affirmation: I don’t have to do everything alone. I choose gentleness, support, and true rest.
How can I be kinder to myself when tired?
The World gives you permission to complete the day when you’re ready—not when the final item is ticked off a list. Your nervous system deserves reassurance when you’re tired, so be mindful of treating low energy with more demands. Kindness to self is allowing ‘enough’ to be ‘done for the day’, especially if you’re prone to perfection. The World also asks for wholeness. Tend to your body, mind, emotions, and spirit with the medicine of guilt-free softness.
Again, with the 6 of Cups, we’re guided towards familiar comforts; whatever simple pleasures bring you back to yourself. A beloved book, a favourite brew, a walk in nature. Pick your pleasure and treat yourself.
Affirmation: I honour my limits. I am allowed to pause, complete, and restore.
What belief stops me from taking a break?
The Empress is the ultimate nurturer. She’s the creator who makes everything bloom. Appearing in the position of beliefs preventing rest, it suggests you believe that if you stop, everything stops. Or that your worth is based upon what you produce and provide. If you feel responsible for everyone’s comfort (including your future self’s) you may sitting in the shadow side of The Empress. Reflect on where you may be over-mothering and feeding everything except yourself. Rest is a reward. (Little Miss Tessa agrees with this. She’s been busy making mischief all morning and is taking a guilt-free nap as I write.) With the 6 of Cups, the message it to allow your inner child have its say. Ask it what would feel sweet, safe, and replenishing today.
Affirmation: My rest is sacred. I nourish myself first, and my life flourishes from there.
Journal Prompts
Where am I quietly doing it all alone right now?
What does complete for today look like for me?
What am I afraid will happen if I take a break?
This week, be mindful of treating rest like something you must earn. The 7 of Swords shows where you’ve been carrying too much, The World reminds you that ‘done’ can be enough, and The Empress reveals the deeper misguided belief beneath it all; that your value is tied to what you provide, produce, and hold together.
With the 6 of Cups, your medicine is softness. Return to what comforts you. Self care this week is not indulgence. It’s a right! As always, take what resonates and leave aside what doesn’t.
Have a soothing, restful week, my friends.
If you’re looking for guidance around limiting beliefs or finding rest, a reading with me can help to identify the sticking points and bring in clarity and freedom. If a soothing healing session sounds appealing, I also offer distance Rahanni sessions. Follow the links to book or learn more.
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