Wordsmithing Magic from the Crossroads

Waite Smith tarot seven of pentacles young man in garden gazing at vines with pentacles

Weekly Tarot

May 11-17, 2026
Seven of Pentacles

A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.
Gertrude Jekyll, Horticulturist, garden designer, photographer, writer, and artist

In this week of the New Moon in Taurus and Mercury’s ingress into Gemini, we are visited by an old friend who, over the years, has frequently appeared as a steadying influence during crisis times, which the coming week’s events may hold in store, and on important lunar dates. Welcome this week to the Seven of Pentacles.

The Pentacles of the Tarot inform us of the physical world and material matters in our lives: our health, our resources, our homes, and our work. And seven is a number of magic, spirituality, and initiation into a deeper level of Mystery.

As most people may be aware, seven is considered a “lucky” number. But why?

Traditionally, seven is a number of magic, spirituality, and initiation into a deeper realm of Mystery.

There are seven main chakras, the human body is said to renew itself on a cellular level every seven years, each phase of the Moon is seven days long, there are seven colors in the spectrum, and seven notes in the musical scale.

When working with the Major Arcana of the Tarot, we like to divide the twenty-two cards into three groups of seven, with The Fool standing alone. In this construct, each grouping represents a different level of understanding and depth.

And for most of its history, astronomy consisted of seven planets, not the nine that our more powerful telescopes revealed in the last century. (Nine, that is, if you, like most astrologers, some of NASA’s scientists, and I still, include Pluto in that number).

Thus, as Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm discuss in their companion guide to the DruidCraft Tarot, “Contemplating the existence of these [Tarot] sevens, we realize we are touching upon an essential structure of both the macrocosm and the microcosm…”

And the Pentacles are all about the practical matters in our lives that have to do with money, health, home, and work. An important macrocosm, indeed.

The Fullness of Time

Although it is not our harvest time in the Northern Hemisphere, growers are now engaged in planting and cultivating with plans for the coming Summer ahead. Harvesting is much on their minds now.

Here we see a young man pausing and contemplating his harvest. The vine is laden with fruit, the Pentacles of abundance. Has he done everything he can to take the finest care of this garden?

He seems to be considering whether his results are ready for gathering in. If so, when is the best time? If not, what does he still need to do to ensure the bounty he desires?

How about you?

Astrological Timings

After so many recent weeks of Tarot showing us galloping Fire Horses and hot-headed warrior influences, clearly echoed by the astrology, the planetary cycles are cooling just a little bit.

This will be especially noticeable when Saturday’s New Moon arrives. As you probably know, New Moons are the ideal time to plant our “seeds,” whether they are literal herbaceous ones, starting up a new enterprise or project, or even conceiving actual children.

At this New Moon, magical people will be setting our intentions so that by the Full Blue Moon of May 31, we will see that measurable results are underway, if not completely fulfilled already.

For this week’s New Moon, Annie Heese at Café Astrology tells us:

On Saturday afternoon, the New Moon is exact, occurring in the sign of Taurus. The New Moon in Taurus marks the beginning of a new cycle: the Aries New Moon cycle ends and the Taurus New Moon cycle begins.

A New Moon in Taurus is a good time to commit to personal goals that express the positive energies of the sign of the Bull. It’s time to enjoy life’s simple and physical pleasures–savor good food and enjoy activities that bring us in touch with our Grandmother Gaia and with our bodies. It’s time to stop and smell the roses and to become more aware of what makes us feel comfortable and secure.

This is a solid cycle for re-evaluating our relationship with money and possessions and discovering what truly makes us happy and fulfilled.

Pretty spot on–revaluating money and possessions is precisely what our young farmer is doing. What do you need to start during this powerful window between Beltane and the Summer Solstice in order to build security and well-being? Are you considering new work? A more focused health regimen? Or perhaps some home improvement?

What are your finances looking like? Perhaps a review of your budget would be wise at this time, particularly in light of the wild fluctuations in food and gas prices.

World-renowned astrologer, news expert, and magical friend Elisabeth Grace agrees. She notes that both the New Moon in earthy Taurus and some “surprisingly easy patterns” this week can give us a chance to catch our breath, look around, and see what we are building with all that extremely motivational Aries energy. I especially loved the Sabian Symbol for this New Moon; it ties back in to this Tarot visitor in a powerful way.

Then we can look forward to building on our intentions next week, when Mars moves from warrior Aries into steadfast Taurus. Be sure to read her complete article to get the whole scoop.

Slow and Steady

Ripening is a process that happens in the fullness of time. We humans love our illusion that we can manage time. But no matter how precisely we may try to schedule, measure, and squeeze it into a straight line, the truth is, time behaves more like a circle or a spiral. And in that turning, we are all, in the end, subject to the laws and rhythms of our Mother Earth and Her cosmic neighbors.

There is only so much that we can govern by our labor and diligence. Then the rest is up to Nature.

So, too, this young man has done his part, and now he has no choice but to trust the Earth’s own wisdom. With this discerning comprehension, he is cooperating with the good fortune of the Sevens.

And so can we.

Feeding Our World During War

In addition to the catastrophic consequences of the ongoing war in Ukraine, there is a mounting concern regarding global food insecurity due to the illegal, misbegotten war that Bibi and Convicted Felon started with Iran. Fuel for the agriculture industry’s machinery is being delayed with prices soaring. But the world’s fertilizer is also in jeopardy, and right at growing time.

About one third of the global fertilizer supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the U.N.  has warned of a potential global food catastrophe, while the World Bank has warned that food insecurity could rise by 20 percent.

According to Jorge Moreira da Silva, the executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services and head of the U.N. Task Force on the Strait of Hormuz:

We are mostly concerned about the consequences of the disruption on fertilizers. I know that everyone is talking about energy, oil, and gas, but the fact that there is so much dependence from so many countries, particularly in Africa and in Southeast Asia, fertilizers from the Gulf will very likely trigger a massive food security crisis with devastating consequences on the poor. That is why we cannot delay. We must find a solution.

So I feel I would be doing you a disservice to not take this visitor literally this week. Where does the food on your table come from? How are the farmers in your area coping with the challenges of the price jolts tied to the… whatever they are calling it at the moment… in the Strait of Hormuz?

I am NOT suggesting a panic response or the stupid hoarding that Covid triggered. But I think this messenger may be gently nudging us to pay attention. Consider what our options are. And help our neighbors if we can.

Inviting Good Fortune

Now, for this week’s New Moon, what seed of your vision and desire will you plant?  With Taurus’ powerful nurturing blessings, what tending and care can you bestow that will reap rich rewards? With a grateful heart, you, too, invite the helping hand of Fortune.

In what ways might you now allow natural timing to support you? How is time your ally, not your enemy?

As you envision the rewards of your labors, are you being invited to pause a moment? Gaze at what you have been planning and creating and take stock. Perhaps this is a time for you to consider what you have learned or what you might change next time.

But before you rush off to your next thing, take this time to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the fruitfulness given to you.

Whatever you understand as your garden, may it be lush, blessed, and your finest, most loving Teacher.


Although I am now on Substack, my Card of the Week continues to be a labor of love, without paywalls. But if you’d like to make a donation, I would be profoundly grateful. Or you can become a paid Subscriber over there. In any case, thank you.

 

13 Luminous Sparks… add one

Leave a Comment

Gail May 11, 2026, 6:44 pm

Here is my daily mantra: Abundance and Prosperity for every living creature. Respect and Dignity for every living creature. It is with these four foundational principles that will allow all of the others to fall into place. Thank you, Dear Beth!

Beth May 11, 2026, 6:53 pm

Ohhhh… I really, really like that, Gail. That’s beautiful. Thank you!

Athene Noctua Bubo May 11, 2026, 7:23 pm

I am trying to garden. Slowly, but surely I am learning w/ the help of my 80 year old neighbor and free programs with Master-Gardeners from the local university at my public library. I am hoping to learn to grow enough veggies to supplement and eventually not have to buy any at certain times of the year. Because I have pet rabbits in the house, I never lack for fertilizer. I just empty their litter box right into the garden box, and build up that soil. Thank you for the lovely reading.

Beth May 11, 2026, 7:56 pm

I love this! What a wonderful way to learn — plus pet rabbits (just make sure they don’t get out, or goodbye! Beatrix Potter was not exaggerating!). 🐇

Good luck and happy 7 of Pentacles to you!

Beth May 12, 2026, 8:40 am

Thanks, Jeanette. And welcome!

Coastal hedgewitch May 15, 2026, 7:43 am

I completely identify with this card this week and everything you have brought to this writing! My focus this week has been in the wrapping up of my garden plantings and in the creation of sacred outdoor spaces within it🤍 I feel Chiron’s pull to release and I’m nurturing my body and heart for the times to come. Like you, I LOVE the sabien symbol for this new moon and my nephew and I have planned to serenade our garden with our drums tomorrow as we make, what I believe, a very important transition for the coming times. Thankyou Beth! May the 🪄Force🪄 be with us all🙌

Marguerite May 11, 2026, 10:40 pm

I do love that you’re on Substack and hope it does everything you want it to🦋. I was just discussing with my friend how the shelves at grocery stores are not stocked fully and less variety. But I am working on clearing and cleaning up the yard/garden and purging drawers, closets and donate cloths, books etc. planting seeds for sure. Needs to happen after 25 years in the same wonderful house. Time for a house face lift or a possible new location! Blessings of the new moon and new adventure on Substack.

Beth May 12, 2026, 8:39 am

Wowie! That is a lot of very exciting change that can absolutely inspire new growth and blossoming, Marguerite! Blessings and VERY best wishes! 💚✨💚

Laura May 15, 2026, 9:18 pm

I live in the city so a I have a little herb garden sitting on my internal window sills. Basil, thyme, aloe, rosemary. I love them all so much. The green is much needed and appreciated.

Really loved this whole post. Thank you for reminding us that slow and steady wins the race, and to take time to let things grow naturally.

Beth May 16, 2026, 7:12 pm

I lived for a number of years in a 2nd story apartment, and like you, my window herbies were my oasis. The scent and gentle wisdom of the Green is so vital, even if we don’t have an enormous garden. They are such beautiful friends and teachers. 💚

Dancing Owl May 16, 2026, 12:31 pm

I love seeing this card after so many weeks of cards related to moving forward – time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished/planted so far and on our next steps. A welcome breather!

Beth May 16, 2026, 7:16 pm

Me too! And with this lovely New Moon in Taurus, it is such a good time to reconnect to Slow Time. Hope it’s a magical gift for you!

Anything you do not
give freely and abundantly
becomes lost to you.

~ Annie Dillard

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