Advocacy for the Anxious
A Tarot Spread for Determining How You Can Help
I’m a highly anxious, introverted person who struggles with polar opposite desires of protecting my energy during times of uncertainty and chaos, and feeling the call to use my voice, platform, and privilege in advocacy.
During moments like this, I often turn to the tarot for guidance.
In this post, I’m sharing a method in which I’m using my cards to determine my best approach for supporting others and advocating for justice and peace in the midst of fear, oppression, and violence.
As we observe and honor Juneteenth next week,
It behooves me to mention the clear evidence that even today, in 2025, the United States is still being controlled by the same mentalities who weaponized their power and privilege to colonize this land and use slave labor to build upon its razed paths. How absurd to think the same country established by immigrants is eradicating immigration today.
Alas, as basic human rights are being challenged, many Americans and our allies are observing their Constitutional First Amendment rights. Many are protesting, while many of us, including me, are watching from behind screens, weary and uncertain as to how to move.
For many, however, being physically present at protests is not an option.
People of color are at an elevated risk at losing their lives while protesting. People, like me, whose anxiety freezes our brains and bones in times of crises find it difficult to know what to do.
What, if anything, can we do to help?
Today, I offer a tarot spread for holistic insight into how anxious folx can participate in advocacy and support. This spread was inspired by another, Gifts of the Magi, which is included in my new book, Mystic Storyteller.
Advocacy for the Anxious
Intentionally choose a card to represent you, right now, as your significator. Place it on the center space. As you can see in the above image, I’ve chosen The Magician, which is Mini Me in my new deck but is also the energy I want to demonstrate right now.
Next, shuffle your deck until you are satisfied that the cards are ready, and then turn the deck facedown as if you were about to deal them.
From the top of the deck, start turning cards over and laying them in the space for Card 2. Stop at your first Cups card and then move on to the space for Card 3.
Card 3 will be the first Pentacles card to land in this space. Repeat the process by turning over cards and laying them on the space until you arrive at your first Pentacles card.
Repeat again for Card 4 (Swords) and Card 5 (Wands).
Ask yourself the following questions:
Card 2: Cups / Heart – What emotional support am I able to offer in this moment to help?
Card 3: Pentacles / Body – How can I physically or financially offer assistance or support?
Card 4: Swords / Mind – How can I use my thoughts and/or words in advocacy right now?
Card 5: Wands / Spirit – How can I use my energy to inspire others right now?
After trying this spread, if you feel called to share your reading and/or offer support, please leave a comment. Otherwise, please check out the following resources I highly recommend for anxious folx like me.
Resources I have found educational
(She/Her), In the Company of Cards – I learn so much more about current events and world affairs from Erika’s work here on Substack and her YouTube channel than any media outlet. – The Light of Day is my go-to for learning how to collect and disseminate information from a witchy, pagan lens. Their article Basic Media Literacy Tips for Witches and Pagans was so helpful as I crafted this post you are reading right now. (She/Her) – When wild things are unfolding in the media, The Tarot Lady looks to the stars. Over on her Patreon page, she pulls charts of the day, along with the charts of players responsible for such wild happenings, to discern astrological correspondences and offer insight around the what, why, and how behind current events.About Mandy
Amanda "Mandy" Hughes is an author and instructional designer who uses the tarot to inspire storytelling. Her book Mystic Storyteller: A Writer’s Guide to Using the Tarot for Creative Inspiration and companion tarot deck are helping her peers do exactly that. She also writes fiction under pen name A. Lee Hughes. Mandy lives in Georgia with her husband and four sons, two of whom are furrier than the others (but not by much). Visit her website at www.haintbluecreative.com and find her on Substack @HaintBlueCreative.
I appreciate how you mentioned not knowing how to support others in a time of turmoil. Being here and your words support us all. I resonate and often wonder if my pieces are too light and fluffy, but then I realize that is what’s needed the most!
Your deck is stunning, Amanda!