Winter Solstice Tarot Spread

A great time to gain new insight and seek guidance is at the beginning and ending of new seasons, cycles or life events. Below is a recommended spread for the Winter Solstice and a sample reading using this spread. 

Intention: What should I know to guide me into this new season?
Card 1: The overall theme of the season.
Card 2: Insight into love and relationships.
Card 3: Insight about money and personal finances.
Card 4: What is holding me back during this season or what am I holding onto? 
Card 5: What will flourish during this season or what should I put my energy into?
Card 6: The areas for personal growth or ways I will grow during this season. 

Card 1: The Devil (upright)
The devil represents my darker side like negative thoughts that can hold me back from being my best self.  Since this is in the theme place, I know that going into this next season, this is something that will consistently come up. This card also means that I could be trapped between short term pleasure and long term pain.  I'll need to keep this in mind when decisions arise this winter and take time to reflect on how my negative behavior has impacted me. 

Card 2: Page of Pentacles (upside down)
The page of pentacles is a bit foolish and is telling me that in my relationships and love this season I've been dreaming but not putting anything into action.  Perhaps there are things I've wanted to improve on in my marriage, this card reminds me to reflect on past mistakes and improve in order to keep my relationship strong. 

Card 3: Four of Cups (upright)
Since I'm a small business owner, anytime I'm exploring finances and money, I usually use the guidance here for my business but occasionally I get some insight into my employment as well.  In this instance with the Four of Cups, I'm going to use this toward my own business since it doesn't apply in my other situations.  Here, the Four of Cups tells me that I'll encounter many business opportunities in the near future and should trust my judgement on whether to accept them or turn them away.  This card suggests that my cup will be full and I'll have new opportunities I can pursue. 

Card 4: The Magician (upright)
The Magician shows me that I will have all the tools needed to move forward in my life but without a clear vision I'm unable to do that.  This card reminds me that I need to form a plan and use all the tools I've been given to take inspired action. 

Card 5: Page of Swords (upside down)
The Page of Swords represents self expression but also usually means I've internalized my self expression and need to take action.  Since this place in the spread represents what will flourish, I'll be in a place this season to express myself publicly and be receptive of others' ideas. 

Card 6: Queen of Cups (upright)
The Queen of Cups is nurturing and compassionate, since this card represents my personal growth for the winter, I learn that I'll benefit and grow by listening and caring for the people in my life in a nurturing way.  I'll need to lead with my heart and inner guidance in order to move in the right direction. 

My overall takeaway from this reading is that I'll go through some personal obstacles, the Devil tells me that my inner darkness with be a constant battle but the Queen of Cups shows that in the end if I trust myself to make the right decisions I'll come out of this season stronger and more in-tune with what I need and what the people around me need.