Iris X Reading of the Week/Week beginning on 10/20/25:

‘Tis the season to pull out a 'creepy' Tarot deck. If I am to be honest, I love the decks that people think of as too dark. I love old traditional images- skeletal grim reapers and angry devil cards. Though I do like to have a vast array of options of Tarot decks for people who are less comfortable with scary imagery. The deck that I used this week is Not one of those decks. The Murder of Crows Tarot by Corrado Roi is both stunning and startling. The imagery is dark and deep. I love this deck. But, I am a Soothsayer at heart, and I don't wish to scare anyone- I certainly don't need to play into the 'scary tarot reader' aesthetic. So, I don't use the Murder of Crows Tarot at events. If a person was unsuspecting, it would be quite startling. But as I flip through the cards, I think... I may start bringing this deck out at events. It truly is a beautiful, strange, compelling- and even upsetting deck of cards. I shuffled the Murder of Crows and asked for a reading for someone who will see this post. Read on- see if the Crows have something to say to you. 

The reading begins with the 3 of Swords- a card of pain, disappointment, and heartbreak. The swords often hit the heart as 'truths'. There are times that once we know something, we can't unknow it. The truth hits and pierces the heart, and we are left with the Crow bearing down and the rain soaking us as we cry. Something didn't go as you expected, and there is nothing that you can do about it. You have been hurt in many ways. Despite the challenges that life has put you through, you still feel everything very strongly. There are times that this feels more like a curse than a blessing. You are in pain- and so you are alive. You are exhausted and sad. 

The Star appears next. You may not feel it, but you are on the other side of the pain that you have been in- you are healing. Healing always sounds like a beautiful process, but it is more often more messy and disorganized than this. Something has caused your heart significant damage, and you are healing. Today is better than yesterday. But it cannot be expected that you will feel better all at once. For now, let yourself rest a bit and seek inspiration through creative outlets. 

The Queen of Pentacles appears telling you that it is important for you to have a place where you feel safe and grounded. You need to feel connected with nature and something larger than yourself. You have to feel rooted to the earth and healthy. You need a sanctuary that reconnects you to yourself. You are the Queen of Pentacles, which means that while you might feel adrift, you are still moving forward with purpose and making good decisions. You may be on a bit of 'autopilot' as you heal. Make sure that you stop and breathe. 

The key to this reading is the VI of Swords. You need a break. If there is something that is causing you damage, the answer is to distance yourself from it as much as you possibly can. Find a place of safety even if you have to take all that you have and escape. You have been getting a flight instinct, and it's important to look at that. There are times that we are running away, and that can be hard on the spirit. It is best to move forward Towards something. You may feel like you are in the in-between right now, neither here nor there. You have to aim yourself towards a place of peace and safety, and make progress towards getting there every day. Even if only a bit. 

Here's what I see. If this is your reading, you are heartbroken. The truth has hit your heart like swords and you are struggling to find a way out of the hard situation that you are in. Every part of you says- escape. It is important to note that you are already healing; already you are past the worst of how you will feel. The ice in you is thawing out, and you are able to feel everything with clarity. This includes the pain that you are in; but it also includes inspiration and creativity. You are on a path to healing and getting better, even if you feel right now like your heart will not recover. As you are struggling, you are also the Queen of Pentacles- you are still moving forward with purpose, making the right decisions. In fact, some people would have no idea that you are functioning with swords in your heart. You keep that under wraps and move forward with purpose even if you feel like you are lost. You are still standing and maintaining balance in the center of chaos. Make sure you get time to ground yourself and get fresh air. Find a place of peace and sanctuary near the woods. Even if you feel like you don't know what to do or where to go, it is probable that you have to leave the situation that you are in. The swords to the heart are too much, and you have to be in a place where you feel safe and secure. Don't be afraid to pack up and walk away. As you do this, you will be healing. It may not seem like it right now- but it truly will be ok. When the Star is in a reading, we know that you will be feeling blessed, creative, inspired and calm. And that you are on the other side of a very hard situation. Things should start looking up now- hang in there. And don't stay anywhere that causes you great pain and distress. 

If you need a reading this week, send a message to irisxtarot@gmail.com. A reminder that I will be at the Shadow and Soul Emporium reading cards and palms on Thursday night! Hope to see you there if you are local!