A tarot reading, tequila, and May’s story of the month
As we step into May with Praise by Sara Cate as our book of the month, I wanted to bring something a little different to our reading experience.
A while back, I got The Sugar Skull Tarot Deck and Tarot & Tequila: A Tarot Guide with Cocktails, which pairs specific drinks with cards from the deck. These have largely sat unused, so I thought, what better time to crack the cards out and give the cocktail book a try than Cinco de Mayo?! I did a basic 3-card spread to help spark deeper conversation and reflection before we even crack open the first page of this month’s sure-to-be-spicy story.
I posed the question: “What challenge or tension in the story mirrors something in real life?”
Here’s what the cards revealed, along with some prompts to reflect on while reading. Further down, I’ll share a fun cocktail tie-in that adds an extra layer of flavor to this month’s theme:
The challenge in the story
Card 1: King of Pentacles
The King of Pentacles speaks to themes of success, power, stability, and control. This card hints that we may encounter a figure (or relationship) where control and security come into tension, perhaps even exploring the costs or sacrifices that come with holding power, both materially and emotionally.
As you read, consider:
Who holds power in the story, and how do they use it?
Does the pursuit of control or success come at the cost of vulnerability or connection?
How might this tension mirror dynamics we encounter in everyday life?
The mirror in real life
Card 2: Six of Swords
The Six of Swords invites us to reflect on transitions and healing. It’s the card of moving away from troubled waters toward calmer shores. As readers, this card reminds us to consider our own experiences of leaving something behind, be it past relationships, old versions of ourselves, or limiting beliefs. As we follow the characters the story, we can watch for moments where they, too, are journeying toward something new or shedding the past.
For your own reflection:
Where do we see the characters navigating change or leaving something behind?
How do moments of transition reflect journeys we’ve taken or are taking in our own lives?
What does it mean to move toward healing, both in fiction and in reality?
Guidance or insight
Card 3: Ten of Swords
The Ten of Swords may look grim at first glance, but it carries the message of necessary endings and release. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the hardest moments crack us open to profound transformation.
While reading, think about:
Are there moments in the book where a breaking point leads to transformation?
How do the characters cope with loss or betrayal?
What wisdom can we carry into our own lives about letting go?
Six of Swords Cocktail
2 ounces Blanco tequila
1 ounce blackberry puree
1 ounce lime juice
1 ounce black peppercorn syrup (recipe follows)
Sea salt and sugar, for rim
Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Add all of the ingredients and shake well. Place some salt and sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled 12-ounce glass into the mixture to coat the edge. Strain the drink into the mixture to coat the edge. Strain the drink into the glass over fresh ice.
Black peppercorn syrup recipe: Put 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar into a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Discard the peppercorns and chill the syrup overnight. This keeps for two weeks, refrigerated.
(recipe from Tarot & Tequila by David A Ross)
Sipping into the story
Of the three cards drawn, only the second card, the Six of Swords, had an accompanying cocktail in the book. That feels fitting to me, since the second position in a 3-card spread usually represents the present moment, and here we are, kicking off a new read together!
The cocktail book’s tequila definition for Six of Swords reads:
"Take a booze cruise! The weeks are becoming monotonous, and a much-needed break will do you some good. A planned night out with allotted time for margaritas is in your future. Consider calling an Uber for the night so you don't have to worry about an unsavory outcome."
Since it's the beginning of a new month (and with today being Cinco de Mayo) it feels like the perfect excuse to raise a glass as we dive into this month's story!
As you read, remember to embrace the moment and reflect on this month’s book. I'm excited to hear your thoughts and comments based on these prompts or any insights of your own, whether in our Fable group, here on the blog, or over on social media. Here’s to a month of meaningful conversation, connection, and maybe a tequila toast (or two) along the way!
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