Three cards for remembrance
Today we observe Remembrance Day here in Canada, and while it’s a day to remember those who have given their lives for our freedoms, it’s also a day to reflect. As such, I thought it would be interesting to create a post diving into a few tarot cards that have themes of remembrance and reflection.
While many cards touch on these ideas, I’ve chosen three that offer unique insights on our relationship with where we’ve been:
- Judgement
- Six of Cups
- Ten of Pentacles
This post includes journal prompts and challenges for each card, helping you connect more deeply with their wisdom.
If you enjoy this format of exploration, my one-card readings offer personalized guidance and come with a breakdown of symbols, reflective questions, and actionable insights, helping you gain clarity and direction as you move forward.
Judgement
Keywords: reflection, self-evaluation, judgement, atonement, awakening, soul purpose, renewal, forgiveness, reckoning, healing, transformation, call to action
Description: The archangel Gabriel sounds his trumpet signalling an awakening. On his horn flies a white flag with a red cross, symbolizing healing and redemption. Below, people rise from their coffins, stripped bare, symbolizing their vulnerability and openness to change. With arms outstretched, they surrender to the moment of reckoning, ready to be judged by the truth of their souls.
"Judgement represents a moment to look back and remember with understanding. It asks us to integrate our past experiences, acknowledging that each has brought us closer to who we are today.” - Robert M. Place
I often see people shift uncomfortably in their seat when Judgement appears in their reading. We’re used to the idea of being judged, but that’s not what this card is asking us to do. Instead, it’s inviting us to reflect and evaluate— to understand where we’ve been so that we can gain clarity on where to go.
How can we fully grasp the lessons we’ve learned or recognize the patterns we’re repeating if we don’t take a moment to look back? We don’t have to go through the gauntlet again unless we choose to. Judgement offers us the chance to walk through a different door.
Through this honest, raw evaluation, things begin to click. We gain a clearer sense of our passion and purpose. We recognize the paths that have led us closer to our highest self, and which have led us astray. We have the opportunity to forgive and atone for past mistakes, but also the chance to take pride in how far we’ve come.
Questions from Judgement
What lessons have you learned that you haven’t fully processed or integrated? How can you honor those lessons now?
Are there any patterns or habits you keep repeating? What can you do differently to break the cycle?
What moments or decisions have shaped who you are today? How can you view these moments with compassion and understanding?
What do you need to forgive yourself for? How can you release any lingering guilt or regret and move forward?
What parts of your past are you still holding onto that no longer serve you How can you release them to make room for new growth?
Engaging with judgement
Write down ten truths about yourself. There can be things like what you’ve struggled with, lessons that you’ve learned, or the qualifies you feel define you. How have these truths have shaped your journey? Which ones you might need to let go of in order to evolve?
Set aside some time to do a “life review.” Go back over your past year and reflect on significant events, decisions, and lessons. What have you learned? What are you grateful for? How did these experiences shape who you are today? What would you like to experience again – and what road do you want to stay clear of?
Forgive yourself for one thing you’ve been holding onto: a mistake, regret, or missed opportunity. Once you’ve forgiven yourself, write a letter to someone in your past forgiving them. If you’re unable to don’t want to send the letter, don’t send it. Keep it as a reminder or burn it to let it all go.
Six of Cups
Keywords: nostalgia, innocence, childhood, healing, pleasure, comfort, the good old days, memories, the past, finding simple joy
Description: Two children stand inside the castle walls, protected and safe from the outside world. They are surrounded by white flowers in vases, symbols of purity and innocence. The boy hands a vase to the little girl, representing sharing and the passing down of memories. In the background, a man walks away, leaving the comfort of the castle for the unknown future that lies beyond.
“This card symbolizes the happiness and purity of memories, a sense of inner child joy that asks us to revisit our past with kindness and curiosity. The Six of Cups reminds us that those memories can be a source of healing.” - Mary K. Greer
The Six of Cups is a card of finding comfort in our memories of the past. It represents nostalgia and reconnecting with days gone by. As we move through life, we can yearn for times when things felt easier and simpler—a time when we were happy and content, untouched by the pressures of life.
There’s nothing wrong with finding comfort in where we’ve been, but it’s important not to view the past through rose-tinted glasses. The past, after all, is perception and imagination; it’s an amalgamation of experiences, feelings, and thoughts—and is often less reliable than we believe.
Which memories are worth holding onto, and which ones might be holding us back? The Six of Cups encourages us to embrace the joy and simplicity of those memories but to also let go of any illusions that keep us from growing. By balancing nostalgia with presence, we can find healing and inspiration, carrying forward only what truly serves us.
Questions from the Six of Cups
What memories from your past bring you the most comfort? Who was present in those memories?
Are there any moments from childhood or earlier years that shaped who you are today? What did you learn from those experiences?
In what ways might you view the past through rose-tinted glasses? How can you gain a balanced perspective on both the joys and challenges of those times?
Are there any memories or attachments that may be holding you back? How might you gently let go or reframe them to serve your growth?
What do you feel nostalgic for, and why? How can you honor that nostalgia while staying rooted in the present?
Engaging with the Six of Cups
Write a letter to your childhood self. What advice or encouragement would you give them? What would you want them to know? Try this exercise with a friend or family member that you haven’t connected with for a while. What would you tell them about who you are today?
What is something you used to love doing that you haven’t done for a long time? Pick it up again. See if it still brings you comfort and joy.
Is there a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while and miss? Reach out to them. It’s never too late to reconnect (note: this is not your sign to contact that toxic ex).
ten of pentacles
Keywords: legacy, foundations, abundance, security, tradition, inheritance, longevity, success, family, ancestry, achievement, reaching goals
Description: Three generations relax in the courtyard of their ancestral home. Crests decorate the wall, making the land as theirs. We see an older man, hair white with age, wearing an elaborate robe adorned with grapevines – a symbol of abundance and wealth. He watches over his family: a young couple, his grandchild, and the dogs.
"The Ten of Pentacles represents an established family or lineage, encompassing the whole of one's memory and history. It is the fullness of life, connected to the roots that have sustained us and will continue to sustain others.” — Arthur Waite
The Ten of Pentacles is filled with themes of memory, legacy, and the bonds we form with our family (including chosen family), community, and tradition. It encourages us to reflect on the ways memories and traditions shape who we are and the values we pass on.
There are times where it’s important to honour the past and to recognize that we are part of a bigger story. Memories create a sense of continuity, connecting us to previous generations and reminding us of the lessons they imparted. We can find value in revisiting these memories, allowing them to ground us in times of change and serve as guideposts for future decisions.
What is your legacy? What are you building here, and who do you want to be remembered as? It’s not just about passing down wealth or material things. It’s the traditions, memories, and communities that carry on when we’re no longer here. The Ten of Pentacles emphasizes memory as a foundation of identity. By preserving these memories, we cultivate belonging and provide a sense of rootedness for ourselves and those who come after us.
Questions from the Ten of pentacles
What parts of your family’s history or traditions do you cherish most? How do you keep them alive today?
Take a moment to consider your family’s roots. What stories, memories, or experiences have been passed down through the generations? How do these shape your sense of belonging and identity?
Reflect on any generational patterns that may have been passed down in your family—whether positive or negative. How can you either continue or break these patterns for the future?
If you were to pass down one object or piece of knowledge to the next generation, what would it be? Why would it be important for you to pass that down?
In what ways can you honor the people and experiences you’ve had that made you who you are today? How can you acknowledge them in a way that brings you peace?
Engaging with ten of pentacles
Honour your ancestors and loved ones who have passed in a way that is meaningful to you. Light a candle, place a photo, heirloom, or meaningful object on your altar or a nearby table/desk. Spend a few moments remembering them, offering gratitude for their guidance and influence on your life.
What moments in your life have been significant, but are often forgotten about or overlooked? Reclaim those memories! Write them down or share them with someone you love. These might be small, quiet moments that shaped your life but were never fully honoured.
Gift something meaningful to a loved one or someone in need. This can be anything from a photo, handmade item, heirloom, or heartfelt letter. The act of giving something of value from your heart builds a legacy of love, kindness, and connection.
I hope this post has offered you some valuable insights and inspiration. I’d love to hear what resonated with you—feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments!
And for anyone interested in diving further into tarot, consider joining Adrienne Amari’s Tarot Lounge—a supportive space for learning, reflection, and growth on your tarot journey.
It’s the last giveaway during our twleve days together!
