Tarot Spread by
ANNA ROSE
Article by
CORINNE PRESTON
About the winter solstice
The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurring around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere and June 21st or 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere. This event happens when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest from the sun, causing the sun to appear at its lowest point in the sky. As a result, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and longest night, while the Southern Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest night.
The Winter Solstice has been celebrated for centuries across various cultures as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. It represents a time when the darkness reaches its peak, but from this moment on, the days slowly begin to lengthen again, signaling the return of light. Many view it as a time to honor personal growth, recharge, and reconnect with inner strength. As the days gradually begin to lengthen, it's also considered a time to welcome new beginnings, set goals for the coming year, and align with the natural rhythms of the Earth. In many cultures, it’s a time for celebrating the return of light, symbolizing hope and the promise of transformation.
USE TAROT TO ALIGN WITH THE SEASON
Welcome the energy of the Winter Solstice with this tarot spread for the season that will help you connect with the nature around you and with your intentions for this Winter.
As we reach the end of December and the hush of Winter is settling around us, it's time to get quiet and enter a season of rest and reflection. One way to tap into this energy and make the most of this season of death, rest, and rebirth is to grab your favorite tarot deck and do a reading for yourself to tap into the inner truths the season will reveal to you.
At this time of year when nights are at their longest and the whole world is muted, we can take our cue from nature to turn inward and spend time reflecting on ourselves and our journey through the seasons, leaving Autumn behind, moving through the season of Winter, and preparing ourselves for the awakening of Spring.
Use this Winter Solstice tarot spread to help you step into the dark without fear or worry and embrace the lessons you discover in the shadows.
Shop Our Best Tarot Decks
Preparing for Your Tarot Reading
When you are ready to do your Winter Solstice spread, grab your favorite tarot or oracle deck (check out The Wildwood deck to align with the season's energy) and any other items you may need to settle into this sacred space.
You may want to grab your favorite crystal (here's a list of crystals for Capricorn that are perfect for the season), a pen and journal, a candle (our Winter candle will bring the vibes), or play some calming music to help get you in the zone.
Once settled, center yourself with some deep breaths, shuffle your cards, and begin to lay out your Winter Solstice tarot spread.
WINTER SOLSTICE Tarot Spread
Laying your tarot or oracle cards, contemplate the following questions and let your intuition guide you.
1. What's hiding in the darkness / my subconscious that I need to explore?
2. What will give me strength as I face my shadow self?
3. What must I work to release during this season of rest?
4. What aspect of my life most requires hibernation?
5. How will this hibernation benefit me?
6. What lessons can I learn from this season?
Find more on interpreting your spread below.
Discover the
Magical World of Crystals
Not sure where to start? Our free eBook will introduce you to 7 crystals to get you started, plus learn their energetic properties as well as the history, legends, and geological information of these must-have stones.
how to reflect on your tarot reading
After completing a Winter Solstice tarot reading, reflection is key to understanding the messages and aligning with the energies of the season. Here’s how you can reflect on your reading:
1. Reflect on each card Carefully
Take time to review each card in the spread and consider its meaning in the context of the questions posed in the spread. Reflect not only on the card's traditional meanings but also on any imagery, symbols, or emotions that arise when you look at it.
2. Contemplate Solstice Themes
Think about the symbolism of the cards in relation to the Winter Solstice's themes of reflection, release, and renewal.
- What shadows or hidden aspects of yourself are revealed in the cards?
- Are there any messages about what to let go of or what new beginnings to focus on?
Consider how the themes of the equinox can guide your interpretation and use them as a lens through which to view each card’s message.
3. connect with the energy of the season
The Winter Solstice represents a time when the light begins to return. Reflect on how the reading speaks to this transition from darkness to light.
- Are there areas of your life where you’re ready for change or growth?
- How does the reading align with your current emotional or spiritual needs?
Reflect on the energies or behaviors that the cards suggest you need to release to create space for new growth. Acknowledge these things without judgment, understanding that release is a natural part of the cycle of life.
4. Set intentions for the new year
Use your reflections to set intentions for the year ahead. The Winter Solstice is a powerful time to begin planting the seeds for growth. Based on your reading, what goals or energies do you want to manifest? Write these intentions down and visualize how they will come into being.
By taking time to reflect thoughtfully on your Winter Solstice tarot reading, you can gain valuable insight into your inner self and align your intentions with the energies of the season.
Explore our other tarot spreads
Love this article?
Check out these other articles of the season:
