Time to get your hands dirty | One-card tarot

How are we feeling after The Devil's message yesterday?

Hopefully, we've all reflected on what we truly want for ourselves. The sooner we release the shame, guilt, and critical self-judgment about what we want and need, the easier it'll be to make progress.

Whether we got crystal clear on a plan of action or are working with a general sense of what we want to accomplish, The Emperor is here to keep us accountable.

It's interesting to receive two major arcana cards back to back. This shows how powerful this moment is for embracing change. Wholehearted commitment to these shifts can literally transform our lives. Are you willing to prioritize yourself as your primary responsibility?

I've written extensively on my blog about how my Saturn Return transformed me emotionally and spiritually. These tarot pulls signal it's time for that inner work to manifest in the physical world.

And what better card than The Emperor to make that happen?

Now, this Emperor knows success and strategy go hand in hand. His message echoes an old truth: "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail".

We can have all the wishful thinking in the world, and while some believe that's all manifestation requires, our actions are what actually open doors for change.

The Emperor embodies execution – he knows exactly what must be done and what it will cost. Yes, the price may be blood, sweat, and tears, but that's how transformation happens. So let's get our hands dirty. What does this look like in practice?

Want to tone your body? You must address your physical health through diet, exercise, and managing health conditions.

Looking for work-life balance? You may need to sacrifice buying the latest gadgets to reduce your financial burden and work fewer hours.

Want deeper relationships? You must invest time in meaningful conversations and be vulnerable, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Nothing changes if you don't.

Since change is inevitable anyway, The Emperor asks: why not be the one directing it?

Here are some Emperor affirmations to help you step into this energy:

• "I am the architect of my own life."
• "I have the discipline to follow through on my commitments."
• "I take responsibility for my choices and their outcomes."

This is obviously masculine energy (hello, The Emperor literally represents patriarchal authority), and while I typically prefer softer approaches, there's undeniable satisfaction in doing the hard work that creates your dream life.

Sometimes, you have to face reality and build it brick by boring brick.

But that's precisely what makes life delicious – owning it completely while you're here.

Now go build something extraordinary and beautiful and completely yours.

Thanks for being here.

Sincerely,

Nadine of the New Moon ♥