16. Failed Harvest

Reap what you sow, repairing the damage.

Embrace the lessons of life and sow the seeds of a brighter future.

All actions and inactions have consequences, and this card represents the result of actions that were not in alignment with kindness, compassion and nourishment. In this instance the choices you’ve made have caused negative effects for you and anyone else involved. The words you’ve said were harmful and the actions you took were given in malice even if that wasn’t your conscious intention, or you might’ve failed to show up when someone needed you most, including yourself.

Just as with a failed crop, you can clear out the old, fertilize and begin again the next season. Be warned that this could mean the end of a relationship or career or other such closing of a chapter: this is the cost of the lesson, however unpleasant it may seem. You may not be able to salvage the current situation but you can begin again, only this time applying more knowledge, care and understanding.

Karma isn’t reserved just for how you treat others. Be mindful that this card applies to you as much as anyone else, as failing to give yourself spiritual nutrition and support your goals will just as likely end in a dream falling apart before your eyes. The same is true about being unkind to or giving yourself unrealistic expectations.

The power of self-forgiveness should not be underestimated! It helps you move forward, learn from your mistakes, embrace new experiences and create more meaningful relationships.

When it comes to forgiving yourself for past mistakes or regrets it can be difficult to let go, but when you learn how to forgive yourself you can also learn how to move on with your life in a positive way. Start by taking some time out for yourself and writing down the things you need to forgive yourself for. Give yourself permission to recognize those mistakes without judgment and write them down without censoring yourself, then take a deep breath and address each mistake one at a time. For each mistake, say out loud a few words of self-forgiveness or write them down on paper. Acknowledge the power of your words and the impact they can have on your life. Speak to yourself as if you are a dear friend who deserves compassion and understanding.

When you’re done, take some time to reflect on how this exercise made you feel: hopefully lighter, more buoyant and empowered. Remember that while it may be difficult at times to forgive yourself for past mistakes, it is always worth it in the end because it allows you to accept your past and create a better future for yourself and those around you.