I just received a new deck from Mari in the Sky called My Friend Fire, and before I even sat down with it, I noticed what was already on my mind.

Time.

I was sitting in an intuitive writing class and the instructor brought up the topic of the new year and how it does funny things with time. And I started to think about the last few weeks…

One of my agitation points has been time. And if I was being totally honest with myself, this isn’t a new January thing popping up.  Time has always felt sharper and more pronounced in January. I don’t know if it’s the calendar turning over or the collective focus on goals and productivity, but I can definitely see a pattern.

I’ve noticed that in past Januarys, I had made decisions and choices from a story I didn’t fully realize I was telling myself:

There isn’t enough time.

Not just for the day-to-day tasks, but for the bigger work I want to bring into the world and all the things I want to do and experience in my life. 

So when time starts to feel tight, it doesn’t just create pressure. It creates a little bit of agitation.

Instead of trying to think my way out of that feeling, I brought it to the new deck.

When a new deck arrives, I take my time with it. I clear it, spend time with the imagery, let my body and intuition get familiar with  the energy before I ever ask a question. 

And when I do work with the cards for myself, I always listen to me first. The human side and the soul side. If Spirit has something to add, I invite that in after.

I pulled a few cards and of course got a jumper.

And the arc they created together was clear and surprisingly supportive.

Release your magic into the world, by sharing your voice.
It’s time to let of  the story around time because it’s not helping, it’s hindering..
Take a small step and trust the process.
And don’t forget to fill your own cup.

That last part landed the deepest.

When time anxiety shows up for me, it’s usually because I’m measuring my life by output alone, by what gets done or what gets completed or accomplished.

But the fear of time slipping away isn’t just about work.

It’s also about joy and connection, being present with those I love. Making room for life to unfold alongside the things I’m creating.

My Friend Fire reminded me that urgency and meaning aren’t the same thing. And the way we hold time matters just as much as how we use it.

This deck has a very lovely, supportive energy. Like a friend who knows when you need encouragement instead of pressure.

A perfect fit for January.

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