A New Year tarot spread is a specific layout designed to bring clarity on the opportunities, challenges, and overall energy of your upcoming year. That said, there are many types of new year spreads and selecting the right one can get confusing. This is especially true as a beginner, since you may not know which tarot spreads will align with your questions.
As a psychic that uses tarot as my primary tool, I understand the importance of choosing the right spread. And to bring you a glimpse into your New Year without the headache, I’ve put together my top 5 favorite New Year spreads. That way, you can skip the doubts and get right into receiving the answers you need.
But, even with the perfect spread it can be challenging to read your own cards without being biased. It’s normal to want the best for the upcoming New Year but it’s important to interpret the cards as intended. When I feel my own personal bias may be getting in the way, I like to connect with a tarot reader on California Psychics for objective insights.
5 Types of New Year Spreads to Try For 2024
I encourage you to explore the following spreads so you can find the best one for your situation. Everyone has different goals going into the New Year but I’m confident you’ll find a spread that suits your needs.
1. The Month-by-Month Spread
The Month-by-Month spread involves drawing a card for each month of the upcoming year, providing a detailed overview of the energies and events that may unfold. Since this spread touches on each month of the year, it’ll help you anticipate and navigate specific events, challenges, and opportunities.
2. The Past, Present, & Future Spread
In this classic spread, you draw three cards to represent the past, present, and future so you can look into the influences shaping your journey. The main goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how past experiences, current situations, and future potentials will intersect in your year ahead.
3. The Four-Quarter Review Spread
Dividing the year into four quarters, this spread assigns specific themes to each quarter, offering a focused approach to the unfolding year. This is similar to a month-by-month spread but instead of being so specific, it will highlight the general themes and energies you can expect throughout the major phases of your year.
4. The Goal-Setting Spread
If you’re an intermediate reader and are looking for more thorough spreads, this may be what you’re looking for. The purpose of this spread type is to bring you clarity on your goals for the upcoming year, how you can manifest them, the roadblocks you may encounter, and the final outcome.
5. The Detailed Evaluation Spread
This spread is detailed but in all the best ways. It incorporates a little bit of everything into one spread so you can have a comprehensive view of your year ahead. The spread will touch upon the main energy surrounding your career, relationships, health, and personal growth. It basically leaves no stone unturned and allows you to make the most of your year.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Interpret a New Year Tarot Spread?
1. Consider Card Types
Begin by distinguishing between Major Arcana and Minor Arcana cards. Major Arcana highlights significant life events and profound spiritual lessons so they should be emphasized more. Consider not only the individual meanings but also their strategic placement within the spread, as this can unveil the broader narrative and potential turning points awaiting you.
On the other hand, Minor Arcana cards provide a lens into day-to-day situations, offering nuanced insights into the more immediate aspects of your life. These cards capture the essence of the everyday experiences that collectively mold the fabric of your year. This dual awareness of both arcanas sets the stage for a holistic understanding of your year.
2. Analyze Card Positions
Consider each position in your tarot spread as a distinct viewpoint, offering a lens through which to analyze the card it holds. The positions in your spread serve as interpretative frameworks, guiding your focus towards specific aspects of your life. Whether it’s relationships and career, interpret the cards from these points of references.
Using the goal-setting spread, you get 8 of pentacles, Death, the Devil, and 9 of cups. The 8 of pentacles means work should be the focus. The Death card means you’ll need to let go of something to get the outcome you want. The Devil can indicate your negative mindset may be holding you back. And 9 of Cups indicates an outcome of personal satisfaction.
3. Explore Card Interactions
Observing how cards influence or face each other introduces an additional layer of meaning to your interpretations. Pay close attention to cards that share proximity or seem to exert influence over one another. When cards interact within the spread, it can indicate the ways in which different aspects of your life may intersect or influence each other.
This is most common with characters in cards that directly face each other since it signifies a unique exchange of energies. For example, if you get the Emperor and its facing the Empress, that means that these two themes are interconnected. Doing so will provide you with more depth but also more accurate interpretations for your year ahead.
4. Consider Elemental Associations
Paying attention to the elements of each card will provide even more information on what type of energy you can expect. For this, you need to understand the element that’s associated with each card. For example:
- Wands are associated with Fire and embody the spark of inspiration and passion.
- Cups are associated with Water and delve into emotions and intuition.
- Swords represent Air and cut through complexities with intellect, communication, and clarity.
- Pentacles represent Earth and relate to material aspects and practicality.
Take note of any balance or imbalance in elements. A harmonious balance suggests a well-rounded year, where different aspects of your life find equilibrium. Additionally, a lot of Fire may signify a year characterized by inspiration, passion, and creative pursuits, whereas a lot of Water could point towards a period of emotional exploration.
5. Pay Attention to Numerology
Numerical values assigned to cards carry profound significance as each number represents unique energies and themes. You first want to acknowledge the individual meanings associated with each number. For instance, cards with 3s may signify collaboration, creativity, or expansion, bringing a sense of dynamic energy to the cards it graces.
Pay meticulous attention to the cumulative impact of numbers within the spread. Explore how the presence of specific numbers influences the overall narrative of your year. Are there recurring numbers that weave a thematic thread throughout different aspects of your life? Delve into the essence of these numbers and consider their individual attributes.
6. Trust Your Intuition
Begin your interpretation with structured meanings and established interpretations for each card. These form the framework for your analysis and offer a solid foundation rooted in the collective symbolism associated with tarot cards. But as you delve into the spread, trust your intuition as a guiding force.
Your personal connections to the cards may evoke subtle nuances and unique insights that resonate with your individual journey. If you feel a strong hunch or a deep resonance with a particular card that veers away from traditional interpretations, honor that intuitive nudge. Your intuitive responses add a layer of authenticity to the reading.
Common Barriers to Interpreting Your Own Tarot Cards
While tarot serves as a mirror to reflect the depths of our inner landscapes, interpreting your own cards isn’t always simple. Recognizing and understanding common challenges in interpreting your own cards is essential for cultivating a more insightful and authentic tarot practice. Some common barriers include:
- Personal Bias: Difficulty maintaining objectivity when interpreting cards related to personal circumstances, leading to biased interpretations.
- Emotional Involvement: Emotional attachment to the outcome may cloud judgment, hindering the ability to interpret cards impartially.
- Limited Perspective: Challenges in stepping back to see the bigger picture, making it hard to connect individual cards into a cohesive narrative.
- Overthinking: Tendency to overanalyze or overthink card meanings, causing confusion and muddling the overall interpretation.
- Fear of Misinterpretation: Fear of misinterpreting cards may create self-doubt, preventing individuals from trusting their intuitive insights.
For situations where you’re in need of objective advice, consider a reading with a professional tarot reader. That way, you can get a perspective that’s untainted by personal bias or emotional involvement. In case you’re a beginner as well, you won’t have to worry about interpreting the cards incorrectly and can use the reading as a learning opportunity.
Best Sites for Tarot Readings in 2024 — Full List
1. California Psychics — Best Overall for Tarot Readings
- 300+ readers available
- Chat and call readings
- $1, $2, or $4/min
- Karma rewards program
- Satisfaction guarantee
California Psychics is my top recommendation because of its long-standing reputation and outstanding roster of tarot readers. It’s been in business for over 25 years and many of its readers have just as much experience, if not more. Not only is it a reputable platform but you can feel confidence in your tarot reader no matter your choice.
My favorite thing about California Psychics is that it provides a lot of information on its tarot readers. For instance, I wanted to connect with a straightforward reader and could identify the options with this style because it was listed on each profile. There are also readers with a compassionate and inspirational style if that falls more in line with your preference.
At first glance, California Psychics can seem like a high-ticket option compared to other sites. However, as a newbie you can get a reading starting at $1/min in addition to a $20 credit for joining its karma rewards program. This can land you a lengthy tarot session and you’ll get the opportunity to decide if the regular rates are worth it.
2. Purple Garden — Connect With Your Tarot Reader via Chat, Call, or Video
- 250+ tarot readers
- Chat, call, and video sessions
- $10 credit for newbies
- 2% cashback program
- Refunds for technical issues
Purple Garden is a great alternative for tarot readings because it offers you a lot of flexibility. It’s one of the only sites that offers chat, call, and video sessions which means you can get a tarot reading in whichever way you prefer. I personally prefer the video readings because I’m able to get a visual of the cards my advisor pulls.
I find browsing for tarot readers to be painless because each reader has an introduction video on their profile. Instead of having to read through countless bios, I can simply click play and get the lowdown on each option’s expertise. It’s also beneficial because you can get a feel for the advisor’s demeanor to see if you feel drawn to them or not.
Although I would prefer if Purple Garden had a satisfaction guarantee, it makes up for this with its transparent review sections. Each tarot reader has a breakdown of positive versus negative reviews, so there’s no way poor experiences can be hidden. I’ve noticed that this helps me make calculated choices so I can avoid the chance of a low quality session.
3. Keen — Choose Your Ideal Tarot Advisor With Its Free Mail Feature
- 250+ tarot readers
- Connect over chat and call
- First 5 minutes for $1
- Keen rewards
- Satisfaction guarantee
You should consider a tarot reader on Keen if you’re feeling nervous about choosing the right one. With its free mail feature, you can contact any tarot advisor you’re considering prior to booking and ask them follow up questions. I wanted to see if my reader also incorporated oracle cards, so I contacted her to make sure she did.
I like that many of the tarot readers on Keen are gifted with a variety of psychic abilities. My biggest concern was finding a reader that was also clairvoyant and I had no problem finding countless options. Having access to readers with psychic gifts adds a layer of depth to the tarot reading and I was blown away by the insights I received.
Sometimes it’s not possible to get last-minute tarot insights on Keen because popular readers get busy. But, I’ve never had to wait longer than 15 minutes in a queue. Additionally, you can schedule your sessions in advance for a time and date that works for your schedule. Sometimes this is better because you can spiritually prepare for your tarot reading.
FAQs on Tarot Spreads
Can I create my own tarot spread?
Yes, you can create your own tarot spread. Designing a personalized spread allows you to tailor the reading to specific questions or aspects of your life that you want insights into. Begin by identifying the theme or area of focus, then choose the number of cards and their positions accordingly.
As you create your spread, consider the symbolic significance of each position and how it contributes to the overall narrative. Allow your intuition to guide the placement of cards and the themes they represent. Experimenting with your custom spreads adds a layer of personalization to your tarot readings.
What if I get negative cards in my spread?
Negative cards in your tarot spread are not inherently alarming. These cards often serve as mirrors reflecting aspects of challenges, obstacles, or areas for growth in your life. Instead of fearing them, approach negative cards with curiosity and an open mind. Consider them as invitations for self-reflection and an opportunity to navigate challenges with insight.
Fearing the outcome of your tarot reading is a common barrier to effectively reading your own cards. If you’re too emotionally invested in the cards you pull, you may not do the self-reflection that’s needed. But remember that tarot readings are not deterministic and rather, they offer insights into current energies and potential paths.
Can tarot predict the future?
Yes and no. Inherently, tarot is not a tool for predicting the future in a deterministic sense and should be used as an instrument for gaining insights into current energies. The future is influenced by numerous factors, including personal choices and external events, which may evolve dynamically.
However, there are tarot readers that possess psychic abilities that can predict the future. And while psychic tarot readers can’t control the future, they may be more gifted at reading into it. Just make sure that you go into your tarot readings with an open mind and remember that the future is ever changing.
Do reversed cards have different meanings?
Yes, reversed cards in tarot often carry distinct meanings. While some readers choose not to use reversed cards, others find them valuable for adding nuance and depth to interpretations. Reversed cards may suggest blocked energy, internal conflicts, or a need for introspection related to the card’s upright meaning.
If you feel reversed cards are too confusing, you can keep your spread to strictly upright cards only. Since there are many cards in the tarot, all conveying a variety of energies, you’ll still be able to get the same message using reversals or not. It’s really up to your own personal preference so don’t feel pressured to take reversals if you don’t want to.
Bottom Line
New Year tarot spreads are a great way to get prepared for what lies ahead so you can make the most out of it. Not only can it bring you mental clarity, but you can navigate any blessings and challenges with far more wit. Even if you’re a beginner to tarot, a structured New Year spread can make reading for yourself more manageable and enjoyable.
As a reader myself, I know that it can be challenging to separate desire from objectivity when it comes to tarot. Because of this, I’ve realized that there is great value in seeking the help of another reader when needed. My go-to site for this is California Psychics because it has some of the most experienced readers I’ve seen and you can get a reading for $1/min.
To summarize, the best sites for tarot readings are…
| Our Rank | Provider | Our Rating | Review | Visit Website |
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| 1 |
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9.8
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Read Review |
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| 2 |
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9.6
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| 3 |
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9.4
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