October affirmations and the Monthly Tarot Ritual

This time of year always feels like my new year. While I know we are preparing to enter winter, autumn feels like a buzz of work and creativity before retreating into a cozy season of rest and retreat.

This start to October feels a bit uneasy as we keep hitting very warm temperatures during the day, England is still in drought and I’m waiting for the first frost. I remember when Septembers were crisp and crunchy and brisk.

So rather than waiting for the weather to tell me it’s autumn, I’m making the shift myself, and my monthly tarot ritual is where I do that.

As I said in April, I don’t use tarot to predict anything. It’s a check-in, a quiet half hour where I ask what I need and let the cards nudge me toward something I probably already knew.

My Monthly Tarot Ritual

Set the space. On the first day of the month I light a candle, have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine (it all depends on when I manage to do the reading) and clear a corner of the table while pulling my journal out and deciding which tarot deck to use.

Look back first. Before drawing anything new I go back to last month’s cards and notes. Did the message land? Does it make more sense now? This also helps me see the journey or transition from the last month into the current month.

And then I do a nine card draw:

Current Self
Theme
Key Goal
Obstacle
Major Accomplishment
What to Avoid
What to Embrace
Where to Find Support
Advice & Encouragement

What’s interesting about keeping your monthly tarot spreads consistent is seeing how the same card shows up throughout a year. I find that often happens, especially in years of deep personal growth.

I’ve been using this monthly spread for at least 6 years. There have been months that, for whatever reason I missed, but for the most part I have been consistent.

A three card spread for October

If you want to keep your tarot card draw simple for the month, use a three card spread.

Draw three cards:

What to release: what I’m ready to let fall away with the leaves. What to plant: the idea or project that deserves my energy in this busy, creative stretch before winter. What to trust: encouragement for the parts I can’t control. This month, that includes the weather.

Write it down. First thoughts only, no overthinking. And then from these interpretations you can build your affirmations for the month. If you’re new to tarot, use a reference but also go with your gut.

October 2026 Affirmations

If autumn is my new year, these are my intentions for it: get moving, make things, and stay steady when the seasons won’t.

“I am allowed to begin again.”
“I don’t need closure from others to create closure within myself.”
“I release attachment to how I thought things should unfold.”
“I trust that what is meant for me does not require me to abandon myself.”
“I choose peace over overthinking.”
“I allow myself to step out of isolation and back into life.”
“I trust myself to find balance when life feels uncertain.”
“I release what was, embrace what is, and remain open to what can be.”
“I am learning to recognise when something no longer nourishes me.”

Maybe the frost will come next week, or maybe not until November. Either way, I’m making the season with candles, cards and a few good intentions. If you try the spread yourself, you don’t need to know every card by heart. A guidebook and your own intuition are plenty.

Which affirmation are you carrying into your autumn new year?

"I am allowed to begin again" October Affirmations