Looking back at the year, exploring my Life Tree Cards and thinking about what I’d still like to do before 2027.
Half-term has finished, and November is already here!
In the traditional Japanese calendar, we’re approaching Rittō (立冬), which marks the beginning of winter.
I’ve always enjoyed following the Japanese seasonal calendar, or koyomi (暦), with its 24 seasonal divisions. It’s a lovely way to notice how nature changes throughout the year.
And recently, it got me thinking about my own life cycle.
Looking Back at 2026 🌳
With November and December still ahead of us, I’ve started wondering how I’d like to spend these final two months of the year.
But before looking ahead, I wanted to look back.
What have I done this year? What has happened in my life? What went well, and what didn’t quite go as planned?
And that’s when I picked up my Life Tree Cards.
I wanted to do a little 答え合わせ (kotae-awase) — a Japanese expression meaning something like checking your answers.
Not because I was looking for a right or wrong answer, but because I was curious to see how my actual experiences in 2026 compared with the themes of my personal life cycle.
2026 is my year of Wind, and 2027 will be my year of Sky.
It was interesting to revisit my Wind card with almost a whole year’s worth of experiences behind me!
For me, Life Tree Cards aren’t about predicting the future. They’re a way to reflect on what I’ve experienced, notice patterns and consider what I’ve learned.
And as I look towards my year of Sky, I’m thinking about what I’d still like to complete before 2026 ends.
Photo: My Life Tree Cards — Wind for 2026 and Sky for 2027.
What Would You Still Like to Do Before 2027?
I think November and December are more than simply the end of the year.
They’re also an opportunity to consider how we’d like to finish it.
I’ve been looking at things I’ve started, ideas I’ve been meaning to put into action and a few tasks that have been waiting rather patiently for my attention! :))
Some I’d really like to complete. Others may no longer matter as much as they once did.
Rather than rushing towards January with another long list of New Year’s resolutions, I’m thinking about what matters to me now and what I’d like to carry into 2027.
You might find it interesting to ask yourself the same question.
Is there something you’ve been meaning to finish?
Perhaps it’s a small project, a conversation you’ve been putting off or something you’ve wanted to do for yourself.
It doesn’t have to be a big achievement.
Sometimes it’s simply satisfying to finish something that’s been sitting on your list for months!
Three Questions for the Final Two Months of 2026
Three words have been helping me organise my thoughts.
Release — What am I ready to let go of?
It might be an unfinished plan that no longer feels relevant, an expectation I’ve placed on myself or something that has been taking up too much of my attention.
Restore — What deserves more of my care and attention?
Perhaps it’s a relationship, a personal interest or something in my everyday life that I’ve been neglecting.
Reorganise — What could I approach differently?
Maybe there’s a simpler way to manage my time, make progress on a project or create room for something important.
If you’d like to try this, take a notebook and spend a few minutes writing down whatever comes to mind.
You don’t need to answer everything at once.
The idea is simply to notice what feels important to you as this year draws towards its close.
Exploring Your Own Life Tree Cycle 🌱
One of the things I appreciate about Life Tree Cards is the opportunity to look at life from a different perspective.
The cards follow a 12-year life cycle, with different themes to explore along the way.
When I look back at my own year, I’m not trying to prove that the cards were right. I’m interested in how the themes compare with what actually happened, and whether they help me understand my experiences in a new way.
If you’re curious about your own life cycle, I offer two ways to explore it.
Private Life Tree Card Sessions
Available online or in person, these sessions offer an opportunity to explore your Birth Number Card, your personal life-cycle themes and questions that are relevant to your life right now.
Personalised Life Tree Digital Workbook
I also create personalised PDF workbooks using your date of birth.
Your workbook includes your Birth Number Card, your life-cycle themes for 2026 and 2027, and reflection exercises to help you explore what you’d like to release, restore and reorganise as you look towards the coming year.
Life Tree sessions are available in English and Japanese.
If you’d like to find out more, you’re welcome to contact me through naomisato.co.uk.
Life Tree Cards are a tool for personal reflection and self-discovery, rather than prediction or a substitute for medical or psychological care.
A Final Thought
I’m curious to see what I can complete before the year ends — and perhaps tick a few things off that rather patient to-do list! :))
But I’m also interested in what this year has taught me and what I’d like to take forward.
What’s one thing you’d feel really pleased to complete before 2026 ends?
With warmth,
Naomi 🌿