How to Choose a Tarot Deck That Matches Your Winter Mood
Look, I get it. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting darker, and you’re feeling that itch. No, not the dry skin from the heater, the spiritual itch. The one that says, “Hey, maybe I should buy a tarot deck of pretty cards and let them judge my life choices.”
Welcome to the Winter Solstice, friends. It’s the goth kid of seasonal events, and frankly, it’s the perfect time to dive into tarot.
Winter Solstice Magic: Why You’re Feeling Spooky
The Winter Solstice, usually hitting around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere, marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Historically, humans have been freaking out about the sun disappearing for millennia. The Neolithic crowd built monuments like Newgrange in Ireland and Stonehenge in England just to catch the sunrise on this specific day, probably to reassure themselves that the world wasn’t ending.
Ancient Romans threw Saturnalia, a weeklong rager with role reversals and gift-giving. The Norse celebrated Yule with fire and feasting. Basically, when the sun goes away, humans light fires and party. It’s a time of deep introspection, shadow work, and acknowledging the return of the light. The “veil” is thin right now, meaning your intuition is likely screaming louder than your seasonal depression. It’s prime time for divination.
Tarot Explained (Briefly, Because We Have Stuff to Do)
The tarot deck isn’t just for that weird aunt who smells like patchouli and cat litter. It’s a tool for self-reflection. Think of a standard 78-card “tarot deck” as a mirror. It doesn’t predict the future like a crystal ball; it reflects your current subconscious state back at you.
You’ve got the Major Arcana (the big life lessons, like Death and The Lovers) and the Minor Arcana (the day-to-day grind). When you pull a card, you aren’t summoning demons; you’re just using archetypes to figure out why you’re still texting your ex.
How to Choose the Right Tarot Deck for You
Picking a “beginner tarot” tarot deck is daunting because there are approximately 4 billion of them on Etsy alone. Here is the no-nonsense guide to finding your soulmate in card form.
1. Vibe Check the Artwork
This is the most important part. If you hate the art, you won’t use the Tarot deck. Do you want the classic Rider-Waite Smith imagery? It’s the gold standard for learning because almost every book references it. Or are you more into “The Wild Unknown” with its sketchy animals? Maybe you want a “Game of Thrones” deck where Arya Stark is Death (spoilers, but accurate). If the art makes you feel something—even if that something is “ooh, creepy”—that’s the one.
2. Check the Card Stock (Don’t Skip This)
There is nothing worse than a Tarot deck that feels like flimsy construction paper. You want a good shuffle. Matte finishes are great for photography (gotta get those Insta pics) and handling, while glossy cards can get sticky. If you have small hands, don’t buy giant oracle-sized cards unless you enjoy playing 52-pickup every time you try to shuffle.
3. Read the Reviews
Don’t just buy the first pretty box you see. Check reviews to ensure you aren’t buying a cheap knockoff with typos. Also, check if it comes with a guidebook. If you’re a newbie, a “little white book” that actually explains things is a lifesaver.
Spreads to Break in your New Deck This Holiday
So you bought the deck. Now what? You need to bond with it. Here are two spreads perfect for the solstice energy.
The “Three Nights” Technique
This is for the drama queens who love a ritual.
- Dec 19: Pull three cards asking, “What is dying in my life?” (Dramatic, I know).
- Dec 20: Pull three cards asking, “What is growing in the darkness?”
- Dec 21: Pull three cards asking, “What light am I welcoming back?”
The Basic Light Return Spread
Just want a quick vibe check on the Solstice? Try this 5-card lineup:
- Far Left: What I need to release (Bye, toxic habits).
- Left: What I need to acknowledge (Yes, you are the problem sometimes).
- Center: The Turning Point (The main energy shift).
- Right: What I welcome in (Manifesting that money, honey).
- Far Right: My Guiding Star (Your focus for the coming year).
Conclusion
Whether you’re doing this for deep spiritual healing or just because you like the aesthetic, the Winter Solstice is the best time to start your tarot journey. Grab a deck that speaks to you, light a candle (safely, please), and embrace the darkness. The sun is coming back eventually, but until then, you’ve got your cards to keep you warm.
