tarot card of the year
The other day, I wrote about how the Hermit is the card for 2025. This brings lessons of introspection, soul-searching, self-discovery and reflection. To determine what the card of the year is, we simply add the numbers of the year together, so for 2025 we have 2 + 0 + 2 + 5, which brings us to 9. Number 9 in the Major Arcana is the Hermit.
But what does the tarot card of the year mean?
This is the overarching theme for us as a collective. Take it or leave it, of course, but it’s an interesting note to make. If we allow it, this year will bring more individual reflection, time for disconnecting from the online world, and space to go within to ask bigger questions and seek deeper understanding. It’s a year where we all have the opportunity to know ourselves in a more meaningful way, and connect more strongly with our inner voice.
(If you’re looking to learn more about the Hermit, check out my blog post Into the Hermit – The Card for 2025).
But did you know that along with the collective card for the year, you also have a personal card for the year?
Calculating Your Personal Card for the Year
This method was created by Mary K. Greer, and for me, it seems to click! It’s worth mentioning that a number like 13 could technically reduce to 4 (1 + 3 = 4). Because the years go in order, consider what your previous year was like – did it feel more like a 3 year or a 12 year? If you feel like a personal year of 4 better aligns, it’s okay to use that.
Have your number? Look below to see what Major Arcana your number is associated with. Click on the card name or scroll down to read your message for the year, and what that means paired with the Hermit.
Your personal card for the year is...
Remember that this is a general card for the year. This does not dictate whether or not you will have a good or bad year. These are merely lessons and themes to keep in mind that may help you make the most out of 2025.
The messages included combine the personal card for the year with the collective card for the year, the Hermit.
Take what resonates, and look within to see what additional guidance comes to you.
1 - The Magician
This year, you are called to combine the outward spark of creation with the inward search for truth. The Magician encourages you to recognize step into your personal power, and harness the tools at your disposal, while the Hermit asks you to take time to reflect, refine your intentions, and align your actions with your inner wisdom.
Strengths: Getting clear on your direction, and being able to take ideas and desires from thought to reality. Discovering and understanding skills that you already have that will help you succeed.
Challenge: Balance action and solitude. Avoid distractions or the temptation to rush forward without reflection. Don’t allow others to take you off track.
This year isn’t just about doing—it’s about being: embody your goals from the inside out. With the Magician’s energy igniting your potential and the Hermit guiding you toward wisdom, you’ll uncover new paths that are empowering and meaningful.
Affirmation: I manifest my goals with clarity and intention, aligning my actions with my inner truth.
Question for Reflection: What tools and inner resources can you harness to become who you want to be?
Deck: The Pulp Tarot by Todd Alcott
2 - The High Priestess
This is a deeply introspective combination that asks you to explore the realms of intuition and self-knowledge. The High Priestess sits on the veil of the conscious and subconscious worlds, listening for messages from source, and trusting her intuition to lead the way.
Strengths: The development of your intuition and inner voice; finding a deeper trust in yourself and the guidance you receive from within. A stronger connection to source (spirit, God, the universe – whatever you want to name it).
Challenge: Getting lost in thoughts or contemplation. Becoming overly detached from the physical world.
Just like the High Priestess, sit on the veil between the seen and unseen. Let intuition illuminate your inner journey. This year, the Hermit’s quest for answers and truth meets the High Priestess’s intuition and mystery. Keep in mind that we don’t always get all the answers. They will come when needed.
Affirmation: I honour my inner voice, trusting the wisdom that emerges from stillness and intuition.
Question for Reflection: How can you strengthen your relationship with your intuition this year?
Deck: True Black Tarot by Arthur Wang
3 - the Empress
Creativity, nurture and abundance combined within reflection and self-discovery. The Empress asks you to give birth to new creative ideas, and nurture their growth. Take care of yourself so that you’re able to care for others. Seek comfort and beauty whilst seeing the abundance present in the world around you.
Strengths: The ability to create something beautiful and meaningful that serves yourself and others from a place of deep personal alignment. Knowing when to make time for your own self-care, and when to step in to nurture others.
Challenge: Avoid isolation; embrace connection and collaboration where needed. You have so much to give, but be sure to take the time to fill your own cup.
The Hermit’s wisdom helps you ground the Empress’s nurturing energy, making sure your growth is both meaningful and sustainable. Trust that nurturing yourself allows you to share your gifts abundantly.
Affirmation: I nurture my growth and creativity, grounding my actions in authenticity and self-care.
Question for Reflection: What steps can you take to align your creative expression with your inner wisdom?
Deck: Prisma Visions Tarot by James R. Eads
4 - The Emperor
It’s time to step up and lead. Create a solid and stable foundation which you can continue to build on. Act with authority, while remaining focused, disciplined, and dedicated to your cause. Remember, your success comes from building with purpose and clarity.
Strengths: Getting clear on your sense of purpose and the ability to create structure and stability from that. The blending of inner wisdom and outer action.
Challenge: Remaining flexible in order to avoid rigid thinking or excessive control. Being overly strict (especially with yourself); reflect before asserting rules or authority.
Act from a place of truth. Use moments of solitude to refine your goals and then take decisive actions to make them a reality. You are the ruler of your kingdom; protect what you’ve created and trust your inner wisdom to help lead the way. Remember, no one rules a kingdom alone, and Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Affirmation: I build a stable foundation for my life, blending introspection with structure and self-discipline.
Question for Reflection: How can you lead with integrity while staying true to your personal values?
Deck: The White Numen Tarot by Liminal 11
5 - The Hierophant
The Hierophant represents learning from traditions and collective wisdom. Seek community in likeminded souls. Learn from others, so that you can forge your own path. Sometimes, the tried, tested and true way is there for a reason – understand why things are being done a certain way before you throw change into the mix.
Strengths: Being able to take in and understand collective wisdom; the search for answers from those who came before, but then being able to blend those with your own inner knowing.
Challenge: Questioning and releasing deep-seated beliefs that no longer resonate with who you are.
With the Hermit thrown into the mix, it’s important right now for you to decide which traditions and beliefs serve you, and which need to be reevaluated so that you can live in alignment with your evolving truth. Synthesize inner and outer teachings to create a path that feels uniquely yours.
Affirmation: I embrace the wisdom of tradition and forge a path that honours my evolving truth.
Question for Reflection: What teachings or traditions feel aligned with your personal growth at this time?
Deck: The Fountain Tarot by Andi Todaro, Jason Gruhl, and Jonathan Saiz
6 - The Lovers
Connection, harmony and authentic choices are your themes for this year. Focus on building meaningful relationships with those in your life; be present, and genuine. It’s important to understand yourself, so you can show up in your relationships with authenticity and balance.
Strengths: Self-reflection that helps bring clarity and depth your relationships. Making choices that are in alignment with your values and who you want to be.
Challenge: Balancing independence with vulnerability. Wanting to withdraw, or close yourself off to others. Showing your authentic self to people you have perceived to view you otherwise.
This year, it’s important to cultivate relationships that reflect your values and growth. Integrate your personal journey with the shared experiences of others. Remember, you choose how much access to you people in your life have: choose wisely.
Affirmation: I foster meaningful relationships by staying true to myself and making space for authentic connection.
Question for Reflection: How can you create harmony between your personal path and your relationships?
Deck: The Light Seer’s Tarot by Chris-Anne
7 - The Chariot
The Chariot is a great sign for success – as long as you’re willing and determined to make things happen. Your victory will come from having a clear destination. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone, and move forward with intention. You are in the driver’s seat.
Strengths: Having a clear direction backed by wisdom and drive. Recognizing bumps in the road, and not being deterred at finding a way through.
Challenge: Rushing ahead without fully understanding what you want or your motivations. Losing momentum when you allow others to control your path.
The Chariot and the Hermit combine introspection with determination, helping you connect your inner truth with meaningful action. Remember that true success comes from a harmonious balance of inner wisdom and outer willpower. You are in control of your path: take the roads you wish to travel.
Affirmation: I move towards success with purpose and direction, guide by my inner light.
Question for Reflection: How can you ensure that your actions are in alignment with your deepest intentions?
Deck: Lumina Tarot by Lauren Aletta (Inner Hue)
8 - Strength
Trust in your inner strength, courage, and fortitude this year. Lead with a gentle hand, and act from a place of kindness and compassion (to others and yourself). Allow yourself forgiveness and grace, especially in times of frustration and strife. True strength and resilience comes from within.
Strengths: Facing challenges and obstacles with courage and self-awareness. Having the fortitude to follow your inner voice and true path.
Challenge: Balance thought with action. Avoid retreating too much when faced with challenges. Taming the inner lion, but not completely silencing him.
It is through self-understanding and personal preservice that you will find confidence and empowerment. There is a quiet power that comes from inner reflection. Where the Hermit seeks understanding, Strength offers the compassion and resilience to navigate obstacles with grace.
Affirmation: I face challenges with courage and compassion, and allow my inner guidance to be my greatest strength.
Question for Reflection: What inner strengths can you rely on to navigate challenges this year?
Deck: Children of Litha Tarot by Xia Hunt
9 - The Hermit
It’s a double Hermit year for you! But that doesn’t mean you have to hide yourself away for the year. Make a conscious effort to disconnect from the chaos of daily life so that you can go within.
Strengths: Trusting your inner voice and guidance. Allowing yourself to follow your own path of soul-searching and truth. Taking time for self-discovery, and reflection.
Challenge: Cutting yourself off from the things and people that want to be part of your journey. Navigating changes that come with personal and spiritual growth. How to ingrate your newfound knowledge into every day life.
You can have profound personal growth this year if you allow it. Tune into your thoughts, contemplate, and ask questions. Know that all the answers won’t come at once, and that’s okay. Give yourself time and space to explore, but be sure to come down off the mountain and be present in the world to share what you’ve learned. Guide others as you yourself have been guided.
Affirmation: I embrace the depth of my inner journey, knowing that wisdom unfolds in stillness and self-discovery.
Question for Reflection: What truths are you ready to uncover within yourself this year?
Decks: Golden Art Nouveau Tarot by Giulia Massaglia, and Linestrider Tarot by Siolo Thompson
10 - Wheel of Fortune
The Wheel of Fortune is the reminder that life is cyclical; that nothing is up or down forever. Ride the tides of life, and allow things to flow. Welcome change, and know that there are elements in this universe that are beyond your control. Embrace the unpredictability of life instead of standing in your own way.
Strengths: Allowing things to flow, and adapting to change as it comes. Being able to maintain a clear sense of inner direction despite life’s waves. Releasing the illusion of control to attract greater luck and ease.
Challenge: Accepting that not everything is meant to be understand, and that not all questions are meant to be answered. Letting go of control.
With change comes an opportunity for growth. Let your inner light be the guide to navigation transitions as they come. The Hermit urge you to find inner stability amidst the external shifts that the Wheel of Fortune brings. Trust in the larger forces at play.
Affirmation: I embrace the cycles of change, releasing control and allowing flow into my life.
Question for Reflection: How can you stay grounded and connected during times of change and uncertainty?
Deck: Enchanted Realms Tarot by Artis Magicae
11 - Justice
Justice asks you to operate from a place of honesty, and integrity. Come from a place that is just and fair, and take accountability for the part that you play. Act in alignment with your truths and values, both for your own self interest and for that of the greater good.
Strengths: A strong moral compass and dedication to truth and fairness. Making decisions with thoughtfulness, honesty, and clarity.
Challenge: Being overly critical or judgemental in terms of what is just and right. Seeking personal fairness in unfair situations (it’s not always about your part).
Spend time this year really reflecting on your values, and what you find to be fair and true. Seek alignment with your morals and integrity. Justice encourages you to find balance in all aspects of life, while the Hermit reminds you to look within to find the truth that guides your decisions.
Affirmation: I seek truth and fairness, making choices that reflect my highest values and deepest wisdom.
Question for Reflection: What can help you make honest, fair choices that align with your personal truths?
Deck: Neon Moon Tarot by Pixel Occult
12 - The Hanged Man
Focus on slowing down this year, with the knowledge that sometimes the best course of action, is inaction itself. Give yourself the opportunity to see things from fresh perspectives and new vantage points. Surrender to the unknown; to the uncertainty that comes with the human experience.
Strengths: Increased self-awareness, and the desire to see things from different perspectives. Contemplation, and trusting the process.
Challenge: Embracing stillness and uncertainty. Feeling stuck at a perceived lack of movement. Realizing you may have to take a step back to go forward.
The Hermit invites you to seek wisdom within, while the Hanged Man challenges you to release control and embrace a new way of seeing the world. Let go of outdated beliefs, patterns, or expectations. The greatest insights come when you release the need for immediate answers or action.
Affirmation: I find clarity in surrender, trusting that new perspectives will guide my path forward.
Question for Reflection: Where in your life do you need to let go so that new insights can emerge?
Deck: Creatures Tarot by Sara Kathleen
13 - Death
With Death at the helm, this is a year of deep personal growth and change. It’s time to release what no longer serves you, to de-clutter your heart, space, and mind. Shed the old, outdated, no-longer-real pieces of yourself so that you can transition into the person you are becoming. Change is uncomfortable, but necessary to thrive.
Strengths: Facing (and making) the changes necessary with wisdom and self-awareness. Understanding what you need at your core, and acting upon it.
Challenge: Letting go of the past, especially physical tokens and memories. Fear of what comes next, and fully creating the space needed for transformation.
The Hermit’s soul-searching meets Death’s energy of endings and rebirth to shine a light on the need to release old layers, beliefs, and attachments. This year may feel like a turning point. Trust yourself through the process, and be patient as you navigate this cycle of transformation.
Affirmation: I release what no longer serves me so that I can create space for transformation and renewal.
Question for Reflection: What are you ready to let go of to allow growth and change?
Deck: Pagan Otherworlds Tarot by Uusi
14 - Temperance
Temperance invites you to find balance, patience, and harmony across all aspects of life. Seek moderation over excess, and mindfulness over mindlessness. Walk the middle path between extremes. Blend energies, emotions, and perspectives to find a healthy sense of flow.
Strengths: Patience in your navigation of life. Cultivating harmony through balanced and thoughtful actions. Existing in the here and now. Finding inner calm.
Challenge: Bringing things back to balance when they get thrown off course without getting upset or frustrated. Avoid complacency and stagnation by finding ways to bring your insights into the world without losing your center.
The Hermit’s introspection strengthens Temperance’s need for moderation and balance, guiding you to reflect on what truly nourishes your soul and how you can create equilibrium between your internal and external worlds.
Affirmation: I find balance by blending patience, moderation and reflection to create harmony in my life.
Question for Reflection: How can you integrate opposing forces in your life to create a better sense of harmony?
Deck: Baroque Tarot by Mustapha
15 - The Devil
It’s time to free yourself from fears, face the shadows, and break patterns that keep you trapped. The Devil asks you to examine where you’ve giving away your power. What bad habits do you fall back into, or what beliefs keep you from pursuing what you truly desire?
Strengths: Truly understanding what keeps you trapped or stuck. Uncovering limiting beliefs and patterns through reflection and the desire for self-discovery. Empowering yourself to move beyond fears and attachments.
Challenge: Resistance to change and cutting through negative bonds. Facing uncomfortable truths in solitude. Breaking the illusion of powerlessness.
The Hermit gives us the strength and light to face the shadows that the Devil lurks within. Trust yourself to cut the chains that keep you stuck and distracted. This is a year to find freedom, and reclaim your personal power.
Affirmation: I confront and release what binds me, using self-awareness to reclaim my power and freedom.
Question for Reflection: What patterns or attachments are you ready to transform and release?
16 - The Tower
The Tower generally indicates that you there is necessary change that needs to be made; there are cracks in the foundation, and the best thing to do is take it all down and rebuild. It may feel chaotic, but it’s a necessary disruption to clear the way for new growth and truth.
Strengths: Ability to rebuild bigger, better, and stronger with your acquired knowledge and experience. Clarity through chaos. Facing change head-on and coming out better for it.
Challenge: Accepting chaos and uncertainty as part of the process. Finding stability amidst disruption, and embracing the opportunity to change. Understanding life isn’t out to get you.
Where the Tower brings change and upheaval, the Hermit encourages you to trust and reflect upon what’s being dismantled. You’ll quickly know when something isn’t working for your anymore; trust that feeling, and allow the change to happen.
Affirmation: I am prepared to rebuild, and trust that even the most unexpected changes will lead me to deeper truths.
Question for Reflection: What big shifts and changes do you know need to made in your life and how can you rebuild?
Deck: Red Hand Tarot by Pixel Occult
17 - The star
The Star represents hope, faith, and renewal. It’s a source of light and inspiration, reminding you that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Find beauty in the world around you, and let it illuminate your soul. Trust in yourself, and in the universe. Don’t hide away: it’s your time to shine bright.
Strengths: Self-trust, and knowing you’re on the right path. Finding hope and direction through introspection. Seeing clearly, and embracing a sense of healing..
Challenge: Maintaining faith and trust in the universe during periods of isolation or uncertainty. Balancing going within and allowing yourself to shine.
Together, The Star and The Hermit remind you that healing and guidance come from within. Trust in your inner voice to lead the way, especially when it comes to sharing yourself wholly and unabashedly. Move forward with faith and optimism while continuing to seek deeper understanding.
Affirmation: I look to the future with hope, trusting in myself and my place in universe.
Question for Reflection: What helps you tap into hope and faith during difficult times?
Deck: Tarot by Caro by Caro Clarke
18 - The Moon
The Moon brings with it an active imagination, where you can hone in on your intuition, or be overwhelmed with illusions, anxieties and fears. It’s important to not give into the shadows. Instead, focus on turning on the light, and seeing things for what they are.
Strengths: Uncovering hidden truths through self-analysis. Gaining insight and overcoming fears and subconscious desires. Using solitude to find clarity and guidance when things feel cloudy and uncertain.
Challenge: Confronting illusions, and seeing things for what they are, instead of what you’ve built them up to be. Trusting your inner voice while navigating emotional fog.
Both the Hermit and the Moon ask you to uncover what’s hidden. The Hermit through self-reflection and introspection, and the Moon through confronting darkness, and bringing secrets to light.
Affirmation: I navigate the unknown with trust, letting my inner wisdom illuminate the shadows of my journey.
Question for Reflection: How can you embrace uncertainty while staying connected to your inner truth?
Deck: Tarot of the Divine by Yoshi Yoshitani
19 - The Sun
The Sun leads the way to vibrance and vitality. Step into your confidence, recognize your achievements, and seek joy in the every day. Make time for laughter and fun. Get outside, and share your radiance with the world.
Strengths: Sharing your light in meaningful and authentic ways. Integrating fun into daily life. Connecting with your inner child. Celebrating and enjoying success.
Challenge: Avoid retreating into isolation when the opportunity to shine presents itself. Trusting that your inner work has prepared you to step into the spotlight.
This is a year for profound self-discovery and awareness. The Sun shines light on the Hermit’s inner journey, helping reveal truths and illuminate the path forward. Time spent in reflection will lead to breakthroughs and newfound confidence. Find joy in self-expression, and allow the clarity you’ve gained to guide you towards a happier, more authentic path.
Affirmation: I embrace joy and illumination as I step into confidence and allow my light to shine.
Question for Reflection: How can you make room in your life for more fun, joy, and laughter?
Deck: Alpaca Tarot by Quynh Tran
20 - Judgement
Judgement makes for a powerful year, awakening to your higher purpose, and taking responsibility for your personal growth. Give yourself ample opportunities for self-realization and renewal. Learn from past lessons: break patterns, and don’t repeat the same mistakes you’ve made before.
Strengths: Combining deep self-awareness with transformative action, awakening to your highest potential. Seeing a clear path forward, and knowing that it’s where you’re meant to be.
Challenge: Don’t spend too much time reflecting on the past. This isn’t an exercise is self-criticism. Balance following your calling with existing in the “real” world.
Judgement asks you to rise above self-doubt and trust your path, while the Hermit gives you the power to remain grounded in wisdom and authenticity. It’s a year of significant growth; do the inner so you have the courage to step into your calling.
Affirmation: I rise to my higher purpose, allowing self-reflection to guide me towards my calling.
Question for Reflection: How have you grown and what lessons have you learned over the last year?
Deck: TAROCCHI by Mr. Friborg
21 - The World
This is a year of culmination, of completing one chapter in your life, and stepping into the next. See things through to the end, and close any doors that you’re done with. Take time to celebrate your achievements, and reflect on how far you’ve come. On a more mundane level, the World represents a great year to travel if that aligns.
Strengths: Alignment of inner wisdom and your external accomplishments. You are grounded, reflective, and ready to embrace new possibilities.
Challenge: Balance the desire for solitude with the need to connect and share your success with others. Celebrate your journey without retreating too soon. It’s okay to be in the spotlight and proud of your successes (big or small).
The World encourages celebration and recognition of your achievements, while the Hermit reminds you that true fulfillment is found within. Integrate the lessons learned to help you step into the next phase of your life.
Affirmation: I celebrate the cycles of completion, integrating my inner wisdom with the larger story of my life.
Question for Reflection: How can you celebrate the cycles that are you coming to a close, and prepare for the next phase?
Deck: Tarot Disassembled by Jennifer Steidley (Ferocious Ink)
22 - The Fool
Look for a chance at new beginnings and a fresh start this year. The Fool encourages you to take a leap of faith, and jump in hoping for nothing but the best. Focus on the journey, rather than the destination. Your opportunities are limitless, but it’s up to you to take the step forward.
Strengths: Blending inner wisdom with action and spontaneity to navigate new opportunities. Embracing the unknown with trust and faith in yourself.
Challenges: Avoid overthinking or sitting too long in hesitation due to fear of the unknown. Having faith in yourself to leap forward when the path ahead is unclear.
The Hermit brings experience and seasoned wisdom, where the Fool embodies the untamed curiosity necessary for growth. Together, they invite you to embrace life as both a seeker and an adventurer. Ground your steps in truth and awareness, but trust in the magic of the universe with an open heart.
Affirmation: I trust the journey ahead, knowing that my curiosity and inner wisdom guide me to meaningful adventures.
Question for Reflection: How can you balance spontaneity with thoughtful self-reflection in the year ahead?
Deck: Tarot of the Holy Spectrum by Chase Voorhees