Caroline DeBruhl, Author at Creative Loafing Tampa

A close-up illustration of the King of Swords from the Rider-Waite Tarot deck. A figure with a stern expression wears a yellow crown and a red hood under a blue tunic and purple cape. They hold a large silver sword upright in their right hand against a pale blue sky with a single cloud and soaring birds.

Columns, News & Views, Tampa Bay Journalism Project

Oracle of Ybor: Your friend is a fucking asshole

I cannot imagine what it felt like to receive such an atom bomb of a letter.

by Caroline DeBruhl March 17, 2026March 17, 2026

Dear Oracle, I recently had an awful friendship breakup with someone I was very close to. I met “D” a couple of years ago and we soon were seeing each other multiple times a week. I knew her parents, I helped plan her wedding. Then, there was some miscommunication around what I thought was a […]

A close-up illustration of "The World" tarot card. A central figure with long blonde hair is depicted partially draped in a purple sash, holding two white wands while floating within a large oval wreath made of green leaves. The background is a solid light green, and white clouds are visible in the upper corners. The image has a classic, textured printing aesthetic with visible Ben-Day dots.

Oracle Of Ybor: I’m about to start a family with a longtime partner, but I keep thinking about my exes

I don’t think I still want them…but I do think I still want them to want ME.

by Caroline DeBruhl February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Zoom in of a vintage tarot cart featuring The Chariot.

Oracle of Ybor: How do I avoid burnout under fascism?

Balancing strength, stamina and care is key.

by Caroline DeBruhl January 22, 2026February 18, 2026

A close-up illustration from the Seven of Swords tarot card featuring a figure in a red fez and orange tunic. He moves stealthily, carrying a bundle of five swords in his arms while looking back over his shoulder at two swords standing upright in the ground against a bright yellow background.

Oracle of Ybor: How do I beat the winter blues?

The cards indicate connecting with the good in others, even when it’s tough.

by Caroline DeBruhl December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

The Five of Swords tarot card from the Rider-Waite deck is centered among a pile of scattered cards. The card depicts a man holding three swords and looking over his shoulder while two defeated figures walk away, leaving two swords on the ground.

Oracle of Ybor: I’m worried about my somewhat controlling daughter who moved from Florida to rural Missouri

Her husband is kind, but can be a bit cocky, too.

by Caroline DeBruhl November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Close-up illustration of the Three of Cups Tarot card from the Rider-Waite deck, showing three figures celebrating together by raising three golden cups against a blue background.

Oracle of Ybor: I’m in a ‘What am I doing with my life?’ spiral

The cards suggest spending the next six weeks reflecting.

by Caroline DeBruhl November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

A close-up illustration of the "Strength" tarot card. Against a solid yellow background, a woman in a white dress with a floral crown gently holds open the jaws of a red lion. An infinity symbol, or lemniscate, floats above her head.

Oracle of Ybor: After losing my wife to cancer, how do I date casually?

Seeking happiness is a way to honor her.

by Caroline DeBruhl October 17, 2025November 4, 2025

A close-up illustration of the Ace of Pentacles tarot card, showing a pale hand reaching out from a white, spiraling cloud in the top left. The hand is holding a large, bright yellow coin or disc inscribed with a black pentagram (five-pointed star). The background is a bright blue with subtle white rays of light emanating from the coin.

Oracle of Ybor: What do the cards say about being able to actually buy a house?

I do think you’ll be able to find a house that feels like a lasting love.

by Caroline DeBruhl October 6, 2025October 6, 2025

A high-angle, close-up shot of the "Seven of Cups" tarot card lying upright on a scattered pile of other tarot cards. The central card depicts the silhouette of a person facing seven golden cups floating in clouds, each holding a different object or illusion.

Oracle of Ybor: ‘Numb, dumb and confused’ after a breakup

This is the first time a question-writer has sent in their own tarot pull.

by Caroline DeBruhl September 18, 2025November 4, 2025

Illustration from a tarot card showing the Knight of Pentacles. A knight in full armor sits on a dark horse, holding a golden pentacle coin with a five-pointed star symbol. The background is bright yellow, and the knight wears a red tunic over blue armor with a sprig of greenery attached to the helmet.

Oracle of Ybor: Your now-married ex’s birthday is not an excuse to call and see how he’s doing

‘I hope your old love finds peace this year, and I hope that you do, too.’

by Caroline DeBruhl September 8, 2025September 8, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: Your psychological wounds make you feel possessed

Nightmares can manifest as a “personal demon.”

by Caroline DeBruhl August 28, 2025September 1, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: With so much injustice in the world, I am filled with rage

I am channeling my anger towards something more productive.

by Caroline DeBruhl August 11, 2025September 1, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: My family supports me with money, but I still feel dismissed by them

And what do I do about my friend’s shady new accountant?

by Caroline DeBruhl July 28, 2025August 18, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: Your restaurant is in the summer slump, and maybe you need a business partner

That might involve letting go of some power, but perhaps another set of eyes will help you get to calmer seas.

by Caroline DeBruhl July 14, 2025July 17, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I need to be the center of attention all the time

Everyone is the main character in their life, and sometimes, we have to be the supporting cast.

by Caroline DeBruhl June 29, 2025July 7, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: When it comes to ICE raids, the cards tell us to take action

They don’t call for questions or debate.

by Caroline DeBruhl June 15, 2025July 31, 2025

Oracle Of Ybor: The Two of Swords has something to say about the resentment you have for family

If that sword falls, it’ll be you who cuts them off.

by Caroline DeBruhl May 19, 2025June 8, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: What you hear in your friend’s voice might not be depression but defeat

Respectfully, mind your own goddamn business.

by Caroline DeBruhl May 4, 2025May 19, 2025

Oracle of Ybor: Leave the job and don’t go to grad school to impress your folks

Love isn’t all we need.

by Caroline DeBruhl April 19, 2025July 19, 2025

Oracle Of Ybor: You’re retiring, but the Wheel of Fortune reminds us that nothing stays fixed

As you reflect on your old life, imagine the possibilities of the new.

by Caroline DeBruhl April 7, 2025April 16, 2025