The start of hurricane season is a busy time of year. You need to prep your emergency supply kit, figure out your evacuation zone, locate your nearest shelter, make an evacuation plan and sign up for emergency alerts. After you've done all that, it's time to get down to the really important tasks: Consult your natal chart and horoscope and pull some tarot cards to see what hurricane season has in store.

That's what I did recently at Elysian Fields, Sarasota's popular metaphysical bookstore and gift shop. There, I met Nichell Delvaille, who calls herself an "intuitive storyteller" and specializes in horoscopes and tarot card readings. (She doesn't like the term "psychic," because she says it has negative connotations.) Using the date on which the City of Sarasota was incorporated (Oct. 14, 1902) and estimating its moment of birth as 8:08 p.m. because the city was formed in the evening, Delvaille created a natal chart for the whole city and offered her insight into what it might signify for the storm season to come.

Back in February, Sarasota's Climate Adaptation Center offered its predictions for this year's hurricane season, estimating that the Atlantic will see 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and two or three major hurricanes. According to Delvaille, Sarasota has what is called a "grand water trine," which provides both "healing power" and "protection." On top of that, "Neptune sits in its first house," she says, pointing out that there just happens to be a statue of Neptune on St. Armands Circle.

"This area of Sarasota has this energy of spiritual protection," she says. She cites the many popular local legends about being Sarasota being spared from direct hits from hurricanes, as well as more scientific explanations for our good (so far) fortune.

Based on her outlook, Delvaille thinks it's likely that Florida will see between two and four "approaching storms," with two hitting the state. Where? Delvaille believes Tampa or north of Tampa along the Gulf Coast could be at risk, as well as Fort Lauderdale. "I don't know the extremity of the damage," she admits. Consulting the Farmers' Almanac, she estimates that the third week of August will be the riskiest period of the season, and while Sarasota may not see a catastrophic storm, Delvaille does see significant flooding in our future.

Delvaille has been interested in metaphysical topics since she was in high school, perusing horoscopes in the back of fashion magazines during French class. She says they appealed to her because they pointed to a deeper, hidden meaning to life. She grew up in Connecticut and spent two decades in New York City in the music industry, working as a producer and art director for videos and photo shoots. Now she holds several certifications in spiritual disciplines, as well as fields like life coaching and wellness. Two years ago, she wanted to find work in the metaphysical industry and selected Sarasota because of how open-minded to spiritual topics the city is. "I chose this place because of its metaphysical high vibration," she says. "I thought my career would do well here."

Moving from astrology to the tarot deck, Delvaille selects the Five of Wands, the Six of Cups and the Seven of Cups for Sarasota's upcoming hurricane season. The Five of Wands suggests Florida may see five major storms this year, while the Six of Cups again seems to indicate that Sarasota will be protected from the worst of them. The Seven of Cups, meanwhile, implies that some people in Sarasota will experience some type of "water damage" this year, while many will be just fine. "Of course, there's going to be wind, there's going to be flooding, but major storms? I think Sarasota stays protected for another year or two," she says.

However, gazing beyond this year's season, Delvaille sees danger for Florida as a whole in 2025 or 2026. "There's something about the land being transformed," she says, envisioning a tumultuous time of "death," "chaos" and "deconstruction" followed by "rebirth." That may seem like a long time off, but it's never too early to get ready.

To learn more about Delvaille, follow her on Instagram and TikTok. Elysian Fields has two locations: 1273 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 361-3006; and 8207 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park, (941) 893-5787. For more info, visit elysianfieldsgifts.com.