This may actually be the key to sticking with those New Year’s resolutions!
Let’s be honest: For most of us, New Year’s resolutions come and go within just a few weeks (or, ahem, days) of setting them. As you say goodbye to the visions you had of going to the gym, saving money and getting your life together, you’re suddenly back to square one. You may blame a lack of motivation or structure, but the problem might actually be when you’re setting those goals—at least according to one tarot expert, who says that you shouldn’t wait until Jan. 1, especially for 2026.
“Waiting until January to set intentions often means starting from a place of pressure and depletion,” says Echo, a professional tarot reader at Tarotap. “There’s always this expectation to start fresh on Jan. 1, since it’s the start of the year, but more often than not, many of us are exhausted and more focused on recovery than renewal.”
When setting intentions, Echo follows the astrological calendar, which shows the “flow of energy” throughout the year. With that intel, you can set intentions on days that inherently provide energy for success—and this year, that’s Nov. 22. She then suggests pairing the astrological calendar with tarot cards to develop those goals, connect to authentic desires and strategize for the year ahead.
So why is Nov. 22 a particularly good date for setting your intentions? And what else do you need to know to make this work for you? Read on to find out and stick with those resolutions for a change!
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What are tarot cards?
Before we continue, here’s a quick primer on tarot cards.
A tarot deck is made up of 78 cards, with 56 minor arcana and 22 major arcana cards. As a professional tarot reader myself, the way I explain it is that the minor arcana is almost exactly the same as a playing-card deck. There are four suits, an Ace (1) through 10 numbered system and a court card system (Jack, Queen, King). The only difference is that there are two “Jacks”—a Page and a Knight—so there are 56 minor arcana instead of the regular 52-card playing deck. The major arcana comprises the more deeply spiritual or esoteric cards, such as the Wheel of Fortune, Death and The Tower, that you’ve likely seen in movies or shows.
Two things that Echo wants to make clear (and I agree with) is that tarot is not something to fear and it’s not about telling the future. Instead, it helps you make sense of your current path and provides access to your inner self. “These cards are like mirrors,” Echo says, “showing you what influences your thoughts, emotions and choices, so that you can move forward with clarity.”
How do tarot cards relate to astrology?
Now, you might be wondering, Why is this tarot reader talking about astrology? The bottom line is these two spiritual modalities are deeply intertwined. Astrology and the cards work together to describe the same energy. “Astrology maps the planetary cycles that influence us, and tarot translates those energies into imagery and story,” Echo says. It’s as if astrology is the textbook, and tarot is the picture book.
The example Echo gives is that of the Temperance card, ruled by Sagittarius. The card itself represents balance and expansion—and those are two key themes of Sagittarius season, which starts on Nov. 22!
Why is Nov. 22 the best day to set goals for 2026?
By now, you get it: Jan. 1 is probably the worst time to set goals for the year. You’re exhausted from the holidays, and there’s pressure to just “get going” after a long break. Plus, from an astrological perspective, it’s Capricorn season by then, which is too “business-first” to dream big.
That’s why it’s best to start goal-setting as the end of the year approaches and before the holiday chaos sets in—specifically, when the sun moves into Sagittarius. Echo calls this moment a “natural energetic reset.” Sagittarius is all about expansion and optimism, and when the sun enters this sign, our collective energy gets a boost and we believe in more and dream bigger. “Setting intentions on this day aligns with this energy, so you’re catching the cosmic wind early compared to struggling to build momentum later,” she explains.
Even better? This is all going on alongside a powerful Scorpio new moon, which makes for a big cosmic opportunity. “That’s a rare combination: Scorpio helps us release what’s holding us back, and Sagittarius fuels the fire to dream bigger,” explains Echo. “The energy that day is cleansing and motivating, making it ideal for setting intentions that have staying power through 2026.”
What types of goals should you consider setting?
First and foremost, Echo says it’s important to attach your goals to something you’re truly excited about. If you’re tapping into joy and thrill, you’re much more likely to succeed. So ask yourself, “What truly excites me?” instead of “What should I do?”
And make sure to go big or go home with this. That’s what Sagittarius is all about! This sign is like your never-ending cheerleader. It feels simultaneously safe and exciting to dream big during Sagittarius season because this sign rules belief and faith, so when you really tap into it, you feel supported and like everything is going to be OK. Because of that, it’s best to think long-term and with purpose, according to Echo.
Finally, only choose goals that you will actually follow through on. Intention in alignment with habitual practice is what makes the goal come true, not just the goal itself
Here are a few examples of clear goals:
- Create a deeper connection with my partner by prioritizing monthly date nights.
- Apply to at least one job that excites me every week until I land one of them.
- Set up a savings account for travel, and give myself a small reward when it hits $3,000.
What are some smart strategies for setting your goals?
- Write from the future. This sounds hokey, but it works. Echo suggests imagining that it’s December 2026 and describing your year as if it’s already happened. This may strengthen belief and clarity.
- Create an anchor. Choose a small object—such as a crystal, coin or charm—that represents your biggest goal. Echo says keeping your token visible throughout the year can help remind you of your dreams so that you don’t fall off the New Year’s resolution wagon yet again!
- Align your actions. Create a daily practice or routine that matches up to the person you want to be. If you want to create a deeper connection with your partner, what one little thing can you do every day to help them feel connected? “Manifestation begins with intention, but grows through consistent, practical follow-through,” Echo say. It’s important not only to believe in your goal but also to create habitual actions that align with it.
What should you avoid doing?
- Don’t set vague goals. When setting goals, make sure you’re setting yourself up for success. The more specific, the better. “‘Be happier‘ or ‘earn more’ will not resonate unless they hold a specific personal meaning,” Echo says.
- Don’t come up with your goals when you’re emotionally drained. Again, this is why you should avoid Jan. 1! Without the patience and extra energy to spend on creation, you’ll be left with mediocre goals that you aren’t excited about.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. These are your goals, and they need to belong to you—and you alone. When you create goals to meet expectations, you’re doing it for a version of you that exists in comparison to something else. And nope, they’re not going to stick if you do that. “Sagittarius rewards authenticity, not perfection,” Echo adds.
What happens if you miss setting goals on Nov. 22?
Don’t stress! There are always opportunities to make things happen. “Energy is never limited to one day,” Echo says. In fact, there’s another day at the end of the year that will work perfectly for manifestation. Another great opportunity is during the Sagittarius new moon on Dec. 19, which also happens right around the winter solstice. New moons always represent new beginnings, but this particular lunar event offers a uniquely optimistic moment because it’s sitting next to Venus, the planet of money and love. If your goals have anything to do with money or love, Dec. 19 is actually a lovely day to set them.
In fact, these two dates can work in tandem. “Think of Nov. 22 as the ignition and Dec. 19 as the booster,” says Echo.
Ultimately, Echo stresses that energy is abundant, and true manifestation power comes from personal intention and perspective. And, she says, “what matters most is showing up with belief, clarity and willingness to take action.”
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