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 cultures, often seen as a time to honor personal growth, recharge, and reconnect with inner strength. Many traditions view it as a powerful moment for transformation, reflection, and renewal. In some traditions that honor this day in these ways, this solstice is also called Yule.
USE TAROT TO ALIGN WITH THE SEASON
Embrace the energy of Winter Solstice with a tarot spread for the season that will help you connect with yourself and the world around you.
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.
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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.
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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. Review 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. Ask yourself how each card relates to the theme of release and reflection. Journaling your thoughts for each card can be a powerful tool for understanding the messages they hold.
2. Contemplate Solstice Themes
Think about the symbolism of the cards in relation to the Winter Solstice's themes of reflection, release, and renewal. Think about how these themes appear in your spread.
- What shadows or hidden aspects of yourself are revealed in the cards?
- What aspect of myself or my life needs healing or nurturing during this dark period?
Consider how the themes of the solstice can guide your interpretation and use them as a lens through which to view each card’s message.
3. Reflect on What Needs to be Released
The Winter Solstice is a time for introspection and reflection, just as nature becomes dark and still. As you analyze your spread, identify any cards that signify old habits, beliefs, or situations that are holding you back. 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. use intuition and feeling
Your intuition is a crucial component of any tarot reading. Allow yourself to feel your way through the spread, trusting your gut instincts and inner voice. If a card evokes a particular feeling or seems to speak to you in an unexpected way, explore that sensation. Write down your intuitive thoughts and impressions without filtering or analyzing them too much. Often, our subconscious mind provides insights that our conscious mind might overlook.
5. consider the bigger picture
After reflecting on each card individually, take a step back and look at the spread as a whole. Consider how the cards interact with one another and how their messages combine to create a cohesive narrative about your life at this moment.
• Are there recurring themes or patterns?
• Do certain suits or numbers appear frequently, hinting at particular areas of focus?
Looking at the spread as a whole can provide a broader perspective and reveal deeper layers of meaning.
6. Set Intentions
As you conclude your reflection, consider setting intentions for the coming months based on the insights you’ve gained. These intentions might focus on what you wish to release or what you want to cultivate.
Be specific and compassionate with yourself, recognizing that intentions should be about growth and self-care, not self-criticism. Write these intentions down and place them somewhere visible, or keep them in a journal to revisit throughout the season.
7. Practice Gratitude
Take a moment to express gratitude for the guidance you’ve received, the process of reflection, and the journey you are on. Acknowledge both your strengths and the areas you’re working on without judgment. Gratitude can be a powerful practice to ground your reflection and cultivate a positive mindset moving forward.
8. Plan for Continued Reflection
The insights from a tarot spread can unfold over time, so plan for continued reflection. Revisit your notes and intentions periodically throughout the season to see how your understanding of the cards' messages evolves. You might even draw additional cards later to gain more clarity or insight as you work with the solstice's energies.
As you move forward into the darker half of the year, let this reflection be your guide, a tool for growth and a reminder that every season offers an opportunity for transformation. With each solstice, we are given a unique chance to balance, realign, and move forward with renewed purpose and clarity. Embrace it fully, and let it illuminate your path.
Happy Yule!
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