This week, I pulled a five-card spread with the Ukrainian Tarot, exploring themes of vitality, resilience, destiny, reflection, and celebration. Each card is rooted in folklore, history, and the natural world, creating a narrative that moves from the spark of life to the joy of shared community.
1. The Seed 🌱 — 6 of Fire (Viburnum Berries) 🔥
What is beginning in your life right now?
Clusters of bright red berries hang close in the foreground, spilling into the blurred forest behind. These are viburnum berries, symbols of life, blood, and immortality. Folklore tells of a murdered lover whose tree grows from her grave, and a flute carved from the wood calls out her killer. Life, death, and memory intertwine here - a reminder that actions and intentions carry forward beyond the immediate.
The 6 of Fire as The Seed reminds us that beginnings are full of potential, resonance, and the courage to step into unknown but fertile ground.
2. The Root 🌾 — Tower (Khotyn Fortress) 🏰
What gives you strength, stability, or grounding?
A formidable fortress rises along a river, scarred by centuries of siege and attack. Khotyn has fallen and been rebuilt countless times, yet it still stands - a testament to resilience and endurance. Unlike some Towers that emphasise sudden collapse, this one whispers: sometimes things fall despite all your efforts, and that’s not your fault. Survival and the ability to rebuild are true marks of strength.
As The Root, Khotyn anchors the reading: your strength lies not only in what you build, but in your capacity to endure and rebuild when life tests you.
3. The Challenge 🔥 — 8 of Water (Snake in the Bones) 🌊🐍
What tension or obstacle is asking to be met?
A snake slithers through a still body of water, patient and quiet. Folklore tells of a man who tried to avoid his foretold death by releasing his horse, only to be killed later by a snake dwelling in the horse’s grave. This card reminds us that letting go of attachments doesn’t always change destiny, and sometimes events unfold beyond our control. Awareness and acceptance become the tools of navigating life’s currents.
As The Challenge, the 8 of Water invites reflection on fate, attachment, and the subtle currents that influence outcomes.
4. The Action 🦋 — 6 of Water (Willow by the River) 🌿💧
What energy, initiative, or step can you take?
A willow leans gracefully over the water, catching a ray of sunlight. In Ukrainian tradition, willow branches are a symbol of remembrance, honouring the past like the palms that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. This card invites reflection on memory, connection, and honouring what came before.
In the Action position, the 6 of Water suggests pausing to integrate lessons, honour continuity, and nurture insight - moving with awareness rather than force.
5. The Gift ✨ — 2 of Fire (Circle Dance) 🔥💃
What will be the reward or insight if you follow the path?
Figures in traditional costumes move in a tight, joyful circle, rhythm and energy almost tangible. This card celebrates community, collaboration, and shared joy, rooted in tradition. Following the themes of vitality, resilience, fate, and reflection, the 2 of Fire invites us to move together, celebrate life, and honour the shared rhythms that carry us forward.
As The Gift, it shows that the culmination of this journey is connection, celebration, and the joy that comes from sharing life’s dance with others.
🌿 Reflection
This spread traces a journey from the spark of life and vitality (6 of Fire) through resilience and grounding (Tower), acceptance of fate (8 of Water), reflection and nurturing action (6 of Water), to celebration and shared community (2 of Fire).
The Hearth & Path spread highlights how the Ukrainian Tarot blends folklore, historical resonance, and visual storytelling. Even amid challenge or uncertainty, there is a rhythm to follow, roots to honour, and joy to share. Step forward with awareness, stand steadfast when tested, and let the shared energy of your community carry you. 🌿✨
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