Okay so last week I kept seeing people online talking about New Year Tarot spreads and honestly, I felt kinda lost. Everyone was using fancy terms and complicated layouts. Looked like you needed a PhD in card reading just to start! Figured I’d just dive in and try the simplest spread I could actually understand. Five cards? Okay, I can probably handle five without messing it up too bad.
First things first, I needed my stuff. Grabbed my main deck – the one with the slightly worn edges, feels most comfortable. Found a clean spot on my coffee table, wiped the crumbs off. Couldn’t be bothered with fancy crystals or incense today, just wanted it straightforward. Took a few deep breaths, tried to clear my head a bit. Wasn’t feeling super mystical, just… curious, you know?
Step 1: Shuffling and Cutting
Held the deck, thinking roughly about the year ahead. Big stuff, little stuff, whatever. Shuffled for ages, way longer than needed probably. Cards went flying a couple of times – clumsy fingers! Gathered them up, shuffled some more till it felt… done? Split the deck randomly into three piles with my left hand. Put it back together in a different order. No idea why you do that exactly, but everyone says to, so sure.
Step 2: Pulling Card #1 – The Theme Card
Thought: “Okay, card number one. What’s the big vibe for my next year?” Took the top card off the deck. Flipped it over… Wheel of Fortune. Huh. Major changes? Ups and downs? Okay, noted. Kinda makes sense, life’s been unpredictable lately. Set it face up in front of me.
Step 3: Card #2 – Challenges
Next card: “What might trip me up?” Flipped it: Seven of Swords. Oh great. Secrets? Feeling like someone’s not playing straight? Or maybe just me being too sneaky? Need to watch out for that. Made me squirm a little, put it down next to card one.
Step 4: Card #3 – Hidden Influences
Card three time: “What’s sneaking around affecting stuff I can’t see?” Pulled… The Hermit. Interesting! Like I might need more alone time? Or maybe I’m holding onto answers I already have and need to shine a light? Less hiding, more finding wisdom within? Added that to the line.
Step 5: Card #4 – Growth Potential
Alright, now for the good stuff! “Where’s the big chance to grow?” Turned the card – Two of Pentacles. Balancing act! Juggling responsibilities? Money? Time? Learning to handle the chaos? Makes sense with the Wheel… got it, flexibility is key.
Step 6: Card #5 – Possible Outcome
Last card: “So, where’s all this headed? Give me a clue.” Got… The Star. Whew! Felt like a relief after that Seven of Swords. Hope? Healing? Finding some peace after the ups and downs? Something positive to aim for, anyway. Placed that down at the end.
Stared at the whole line on the table:
- Wheel of Fortune (Theme – change)
- Seven of Swords (Challenges – betrayal/deception)
- The Hermit (Hidden Influence – introspection)
- Two of Pentacles (Growth – juggling/balance)
- The Star (Possible Outcome – hope/healing)
Not gonna lie, it felt kinda messy at first glance. Change, deception, going solo, juggling like a circus act… but ending with hope? Spent maybe 20 minutes just looking, seeing how they connected. The Seven of Swords next to The Hermit made me think maybe the “deception” is also about maybe fooling myself, needing that alone time (Hermit) to see things clearly, which helps with the juggling (Two of Pentacles) during all the changes (Wheel) to reach that hopeful place (The Star). Makes my brain hurt a bit, but it clicks.
Wrote the cards down real quick in my journal before I forgot. Took a picture too, because the Star looked pretty. Was it super profound? Dunno. Did it feel kinda real? Yeah. Way better than trying some crazy 10-card spread I didn’t understand. Simple was definitely the way to go for me. Now let’s see if any of this actually happens in 2024!
