Tarot Weeding: 9 of Swords, Queen of Cups & Tarocco

Weekly Tarot Weeding: August 23–29, 2026

It’s often true that we are our own worst critics. We set expectations too high, focus on where we’ve fallen short, and sometimes spend way too much time beating ourselves up over things that probably aren’t as serious as they feel in the moment. That’s exactly what the 9 of Swords is calling out this week. See all of those swords? Yeah, you might be the one putting them there.

9 of Swords: Get Out of Your Own Head

The 9 of Swords brings us face-to-face with the thoughts, worries, and expectations we create for ourselves. When something doesn’t go according to plan, it can be easy to turn inward and start picking ourselves apart. Could you have done something differently? Maybe. Does that mean you need to spend the entire week replaying it in your head? Absolutely not. This card is your reminder to recognize when reflection has crossed over into unnecessary self-criticism. Learn what you can, put the swords down, and keep moving.

Queen of Cups: Your Reflection Isn’t Always Reality

The Queen of Cups is no stranger to getting caught up in her emotions either. She looks into the water for her reflection, but what looks back at her can be distorted and untrue. Sound familiar? How we see ourselves in a difficult moment isn’t necessarily how everyone else sees us, and it isn’t always an accurate picture of who we actually are. Together, the 9 of Swords and Queen of Cups are asking you to go a little easier on yourself this week. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You don’t have to get everything right the first time. And you definitely don’t have to turn every mistake into a full-blown existential crisis. We’re all just mushrooms having a human experience. It’s not that serious.

This Week’s Weed: Tarocco

To accompany this week’s reminder to get out of your head, we’re pairing our cards with Tarocco, also known as Blood Orange. Tarocco is a sativa-dominant hybrid and a phenotype of Tangie, with genetics tracing back to Cali Orange and Appalachia. Its flavor profile leans heavily into bright, sweet citrus with a spicy kick that adds some extra complexity. Tarocco is associated with an uplifting, buzzy experience that can still feel calm and relaxed, making it a fitting pairing for a week centered around turning down the volume on your inner critic. And even if you’re not usually a sativa fan, this might be the week to give Tarocco a rip.

Your Tarot Weeding for the Week

The 9 of Swords wants you to recognize when you’re making life harder inside your own head. The Queen of Cups asks you to question whether the reflection you’re judging is really the whole picture. So this week, cut yourself some slack. Put down the swords. Step away from the distorted reflection. Smoke something good. Laugh at yourself a little.

Shop Tarocco and other cannabis strains at HiMoM and find something to help you enjoy the week ahead.