Amanda Reads: Monthly Overview for June
New book releases and Tarot guidance for the month of June 2023
Welcome to our monthly overview for June, my friends! I could’ve sworn I just did the overview post for May, but here we are turning the pages of our planners to a fresh new month. There’s nothing quite like it.
New around here and wondering what a monthly overview means, and how it’s different from your regularly scheduled weekly content? I’m glad you asked! At the start of each new month, I do a mega-edition of Amanda Reads that includes new book release highlights and a Tarot card for every week of the month ahead.
Next week, we’ll be back with your regularly scheduled reading recs and one-card tarot pull for the week ahead. For now, grab your iced coffee, tea, or whatever you like, and let’s take a look at the month ahead!
This month’s card pull comes from the Zenned Out Journey Tarot, a nicely sized deck for travel because the cards are relatively small and thin. I love the vibrant colors in this one, and am also a big fan of how this month’s reading played out, with one card from each of the four suits. It gives a very balanced vibe for the month ahead.
Week 1: June 4th-June 10th
Card of the Week: Ace of Pentacles
You love to see an ace staring a fresh month, because that one energy is all about new beginnings. The Ace of Pentacles suggests setting up a fresh, solid foundation in the physical realm. This might mean new financial or job opportunities, or perhaps a bit of spring cleaning to make your space feel more like home. This week, consider how you can refresh your sense of groundedness and stability.
New Release of the Week:
There are so many exciting books coming out on June 6th that it was genuinely hard to choose. I’m going to highlight one from the TBR that I’m very eager to start, Body Neutral: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Body Image Issues by Jessi Kneeland, out June 6th.
Kneeland is a long-time body image coach, who is sharing the method they use with their clients in this hefty book that Penguin Random House kindly sent me. I am optimistic that this is the missing link all the anti-diet culture books haven’t been able to satisfy for me.
Moon Phase: Full Moon on June 3rd
Week 2: June 11th-June 17th
Card of the Week: 10 of Swords
I confess this is one of those cards that always makes me wince a bit, because 10 swords in the back is no fun for anyone. This card often reflects a sense of loss or betrayal, though I’ve found it also comes up when I’m thinking too much about old wounds. After the sense of renewal that last week brought, you may find yourself coming up against obstacles, setbacks, or struggles in your personal life. Remember that you don’t have to lie down and let life throw too many swords at you. This week, claim your energy and power where you can and be gentle if big emotions do wind up showing up for you.
New Release of the Week:
Wannabee: Reckonings with the Pop Culture that Shapes Me by Aisha Harris, out June 13th. This book by NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour host is my kind of book—a personal analysis of pop culture and the ways it shapes our lives. Yes, please.
Moon Phase: Last Quarter Moon on June 10th
Week 3: June 18th-June 24th
Card of the Week: Three of Wands
The threes are just a bundle of fun in the minor arcana, and the three of wands is all about that creative energy. You may feel your creativity waking up this week, or realize that you’re ready to make some moves on a project that’s been ongoing or lingering in your mind. Take some time this week to foster creativity when and where you can, especially if you’re feeling the call to retreat after last week’s 10 of Swords vibes.
New Release of the Week:
The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson, out June 20th. The highly anticipated sequel to Her Majesty’s Royal Coven, which was a previous recommendation in this newsletter. I love Dawson’s way of blending the magic and the modern, crafting unpredictable and captivating stories. I can’t wait to read this one!
Moon Phase: New Moon on June 18th
Week 4: June 25th-July 1st
Card of the Week: Four of Cups
The four of cups invites a time of reflection and re-evaluation, perfect for end-of-the-month journaling as we wrap up June. This week, take some time to think back on the month. How did it go? Where were the wins, where were the challenges? What would you do differently next month? What would you keep the same?
New Release of the Week:
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue, out June 27th. This book got a blurb from Gabrielle Zevin which begins “If you’ve ever been unsure what to do with your degree in English…” and honestly, haven’t we all? Rachel is a student who works at a bookstore and gets entangled into some messy young love antics.
Moon Phase: First Quarter Moon on June 26th
That’s it for our June monthly overview, my friends! I hope the month is off to a good start, and that you’ve got some nice summer plans on the horizon. Next week, I’ll be back with my regularly scheduled weekly newsletter, and I hope to see you there. Maybe even invite a friend along!