I'm currently reading The Winter Solstice: The Sacred Traditions of Christmas by John Matthews (with contributions from Caitlín Matthews). In fact, it's one of Caitlín's contributions that inspired this spread.
On this eve of Midwinter, I'm feeling a deepening and quieting in my soul, and Caitlín's short poem "Sun Still; Sun Return" (shared in the book) felt like the perfect jumping off point for a contemplative Tarot spread--especially for those wanting to move through sorrow and into the light of joy on the longest night of the year:
Here at the gateway of the year,
may we strive to make good cheer.
In our revels shall joy abound
and sorrow be cast underground.
Here is the six-card Tarot spread I created based on Caitlín's poem. You can use other divinatory tools, instead, if you prefer (casting charms, oracle cards, runes, etc.):
Sun Still; Sun Return Spread
- What do I need to know most at this Gateway of the Year?
- How can I best generate/create good cheer?
- How can I best celebrate an opening to joy?
- What sorrow needs cast underground?
- How can I best do that?
- A point of light and illumination
I just performed this Winter Solstice Spread with the Green Witch Tarot and found it quite insightful and comforting.
Do let me know if you try this spread--and how it worked for you. I wish you much joy, peace and good health as we welcome the Return of the Light.