My Story
Ascension is key.
Grief paused my life. Purpose restarted it. This is how Cardinal Valor came to be — and who I am today.
My name is Ashley Ali, and this is my story. I hope it resonates with you.
In 2020, my life paused.
My mother passed away, and I had to start life all over again. COVID-19 took a toll on my health, too. I had a future to rebuild and a whole life ahead of me — and grief and sickness became the catalyst that changed everything. My home, my career choices and my values all changed for the better. I found purpose and joy again when it seemed that hope was lost.
In loving memory
For Mom
October 31, 1954 – April 9, 2020
Cardinal Valor began with my mother. I had twenty-eight years with her, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Her love, care, humor, strength and traditional cultural values are the roots of everything I do — and Dad and I do our best to keep them alive, in our own way. Her support, her vibes and her aura can always be felt.
My grief can feel like a large bonsai tree that grew from the mud and covers every part of my life — the choices I make, the values I hold. It’s heavy, wild and very beautiful all at once. With time, healing and reflection, I’ve learned to grow through what I’ve gone through, one day at a time. That is the heart of everything Cardinal Valor holds space for.
Light can be found in the darkness, if you remember to turn on the light.
I miss my Mother’s light always, but I’m so happy it keeps us all warm and loved. I would choose her to be my mom in every lifetime — it is an honor to be her daughter and only child.
How it started
A witching hour and a haircut.
When the pandemic closed the barbershops, I was cutting veterans’ hair out of my garage — and reading cards for anyone who asked. It became “witching hour and a haircut” — if you were a veteran.
Word spread. “Card readings, please” became a regular request, then a constant one, until it was clear: this is the thing, for real. Cardinal Valor officially launched in 2021, and I’ve been learning, training and growing it ever since.
Roots & training
Eyes and heart wide open.
Vedic spirituality, western astrology, Hinduism and my background in School Counseling helped me heal — and begin life again with my eyes and heart wide open. I read with a yogic oracle deck, and I’m a certified Dharma Coach.
- Certified Dharma Coach
- Yogic oracle card reader
- Background in School Counseling
- Vedic spirituality & western astrology
- First-generation Indo-Caribbean-American, woman-owned
About the purple
Yes, it’s the color of the crown and the third eye. But mostly it’s a reminder — to me and to you — that you’re allowed to be your own version of your weird self, in peace.
Cardinal Valor today
Simply Ashley, and Cardinal Valor.
Five years in, the work has grown from one-on-one readings into workshops, community and social justice talks, healing circles and wellness checks for professionals — in rooms from New York City to Texas to Washington, D.C.
I move forward rooted in dignity, discernment, advocacy, and the belief that healing work must be done at a deeply human and professional level. My “why” hasn’t changed: to help people be their best selves, stay in tune with their guides, and fill in the gaps left by elders and family.
What I believe
The Cardinal Valor values
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01
Embody and embrace your inner magic and authenticity.
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02
Always pour from a full cup. Rest and productivity require balance, awareness and effort.
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03
Learning and healing is a lifelong journey. Enjoy the journey when you can.
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04
Feelings are not the final answer and destination. Reflection is key.
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05
Your inner child, teenager and young adult are still part of you. Nurture and nourish them — they helped you get this far.
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06
If you help one person learn, grow and heal, it will save a generation. Choose to be light in darkness.
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07
We do not operate alone. Asking for help is the best thing you can do for yourself.
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08
Discernment and wisdom are key. Trust yourself. Trust the process. Trust the universe.
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09
Power doesn’t require perfection — just effort and progress.
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10
You don’t need to become gentler, quieter or less intense to be “good.” Stay awake, use what you’ve learned and keep your heart open. The mission isn’t to be flawless. It’s to be free.
A few gems
Lessons I keep coming back to
The previous generation’s ceiling is our generation’s floor.
There are no bunkbeds in the grave.
Enjoy your cocoon phase.
I dedicate my practice to my late Mother, my loved ones and the ancestors who paved the way for me.
Love & Light Always, Ashley
Ready when you are.
Whether you’re booking a reading, planning a workshop or inviting me to speak, let’s talk about what you need.