Every year I do a New Year's tarot spread for myself. It covers the basis of what the previous year looked like, what to find within this year, and lessons to come. I usually try to do it the day of the new year, but alas, I was lazy.
Much like the amount of months in the year, there are 12 prompts within the reading. I've listed them below:
Let's jump into it.
As a reminder, most names will be changed to protect the identities of these people. Names in italics are modified
This year held a lot of hurt. It felt like I achieved so much I wanted to explore about myself, but it also took away a lot of things & relationships that were no longer enriching me... It was uncomfortable to change, but I've learned so much about myself through it. I feel like I mourned the friendship of Lianne and I. It feels so different. I feel fear now. It really breaks my heart. I love her like a sister, but it almost feels like our lives went in different directions.
The reversed meaning of the card symbolizes the fear the letting the past go. I feel like I left a lot of things in the past that I kept rehashing. My fear of the work place. My fear of losing people. The fear of losing myself. Like the year of the snake suggests, I shed a lot & it was uncomfortable- but necessary. I met so many wonderful people by doing it scared. I met the girls at Knott's (Dianne, Barbs, & Quinn) and Kole. I met Janes, one of my best friends. I met everyone at my current workplace.
My heart is so full.
The biggest lesson I feel like I learned this year was actually something I heard Izzy from KAOS say. "Do it scared." I've always thought that because I felt scared or uneasy by something, it meant I was wrong- but that wasn't the case. I was scared. Scared of rejection. Scared of ridicule. Scared of being outcast. But, I'm glad I learned it. It isn't easy and I know I will continue to learn, but it's taught me to do it. Do it scared.
Moving forward. With the last few months, I've alweays assumed that moving forward was just that- moving forward. But I was running. Flying away. But, now I have learned that "doing it scared" gives me strength and confidence to keep going. We're going the right way. Don't look back, there are things better for you up ahead. I am no longer moving forward out of fear & need to escape- but to heal and progress my journey. I am destined for more than where I currently am.
Really and truly this year I want to focus on my family and I. I want to focus on improving myself. I want to find contentment in my career. I want to continue to grow and find feedback in aspects of my life that will empower others. Meaningful connections are things I want to continue to cultivate and invest in. No matter how uphill the battle will be, how many run-ins I will come across. My circle, no matter how big or small, will fulfill me.
Leaving behind people and ideas are some of the scariest things. What if it's the wrong choice? How will I know that I made the correct choice? Will I regret what I do? Confident in my choices is where I want to be. There is more. I know it.
In order to learn more and allow myself to "do" more- openmindedness is something I need to practice. I find myself constantly being stuck with "Well, this is just how it is." BUT, it doesn't have to be! My search for contentment will not be an easy road, but I know it will be worth it
I want to achieve a level of comfort, like the Nine of Pentacles. To enjoy my life with those around me, spoil those who I love, and give freely. I will get there, through connections, love, & discipline.
My friends. My family. The people in my life. Myself. I truly think that the encouragement and accountability of those I trust will guide me where I need to be.
Unapologetically being myself. There is a fire in me that I will not put out, just like the card implies. I am strong, I am opinionated, I am full of love & light. I will not put out the fire, but rather hone it and use it as a tool. I am my biggest cheerleader. I am louder than the negativity and inferiority I feel. I will give my fire until the last of my days
My own worst enemy is myself. I know that I have the tendency to doubt my actions and second guess myself, but I don't want that. I want to face the darkness in me and bring light to it so I may not only guide others out of it, but to show myself that I can and I SHOULD.
The moon warms me of something I have always known: that I am my biggest cheerleader and my loudest critic. But rather than hate the critic or bend to the knee of it- listen to it. Just like the Hierophant reversed says... Be open minded. Do not be afraid of the critic, but listen to it to see where you need to improve and heed to it! You need to remind yourself that you want it just as bad as your shadow self. Love on them, bring them into the light, and create a healthy listening relationship with yourself.
My relationships with people are some of the most important things to me. I yearn for community, love, compassion, and kindness from others- because I know I would offer that to those around me. I've always lvoed with "Do unto others that you wish to be done to you."
Something I have always hated is conflicts and confrontatrion. If I can avoid it- I will. The Five of Swords tells me that conflicts and arguments are a normal part of a relationship. To let me know that not everything will be a cakewalk if you want it badly enough. Having hard conversations to see ye to eye are what strengthens the love and trust I want to have with people. Boundaries.
I've never been good at finances. I don't want to to put the blame on anyone else, but my lack of discipline. I want to be financially stable. I want to live a comfortable life with my partner and our pets. I want to be in a career that I am proud of. I know work will be work at the end of the day, but to love what I do is my ultimate goal. I don't know where I am meant to be in terms of the workforce, whether that's my current workplace or elsewhere.
This card feels tough to connect with, but it also feels os painfully obvious. I fear I am too focused in on myself and do not have the generosity to those around me. If I am not careful with myself and my relationship with material items, I will fall into greed. Looking at a depper meaning through Biddy Tarot-0 I belive this card is askling me to have a good relationship with money. To respect it and not only its power- but also as a tool. Live within your means- when money hits your account, enjoy it! But at that same token, do not take advantage of it.
"All we need to know is already within us."
I've known that to pursue the careers I've wanted, I need to have a sense of higher education. Whether that is schooling, mentorship, etc. This card asks me to sit with myself and find within me: What do I want to do? Really and truly.
I think over the last year, at least in regard to my physical health, I've done a lot and gotten a lot of progress done. Since March 2025, I've lost 70+ lbs (and counting!). Through my self discipline and major support of family and friends, I've been able to achieve this goal that seemed almost unreachable. Now that a large sum of it has been done, my concern comes to, "Okay, now how do I maintain and upkeep this momentum?"
Keep going! The Strength card tells me that I already know how strong I am- don't forget it. I often find myself putting myself on the backburner of situations or just straight up forgetting how far I have come- this card tells me not to. Through my own discipline, I've been able to accomplish so much! Keep the momentum and remember your strength.
Again, your worst enemy and loudest enemy will always be yourself. The reversed meaning of the card serves as a warning that letting self flagelence, doubt, insecurities, and anxiety will not only NOT move your forward, but push you further away from your goal- and move you in the opposite directions of it.
I yearn to find a completeness within myself. I think about Shel Silverstein's The Missing Piece. I don't want to "find" my "missing piece" in another person, but rather through myself. When everything and everyone is gone, to be in love and filled with myself is what I want to be left with... And to be okay with it, too.
To truly experience life, I cannot be scared of the whole spectrum. In order to feel fulfilled with the completeness I want, I need to live life wholly. I often find myself taking the safe route because- why wouldn't you? It's stable, secure, and virtually poses no threats. Now, what kind of life is that? That being said, don't be eager to jump into a random street fight to try and live life, but jump at opportunities that will challenge you and enrich you. The more experiences you live through and choose not to go through, the "easier" way, the more fulfilling life will be.
Based on the cards that I've pulled, to be in love with life is to live life. Life will have its ups and downs, uprises and downfalls, but as Frank Sinatra says: That's Life! And what a beautiful complex way to experience the world and what the universe has to offer! Take care of yourself. Take care of your relationships (with living and non-living things). You will be fine. Trust yourself. Listen to yourself. Continue to grow.
As important as living life is, the most important thing next to it would be rest. Living life requires bouts of rest. Learn to sit with yourself. Learn about yourself! This part of life is what helps avoid the enemy that everyone fears: BURNOUT. The only way to feel truly ready for the next adventure life has for you will be through resting and preparing yourself. Not through a little short rest (but those will come in handy!), but a real deserved long rest.
I don't know what this year will hold for me, to be completely honest. The year (calendar) started off so strange. (A random man at an event asking to take a picture of my partner and I, Uber messing up our NYE ride plans post event, a certain city at KAOS, the strange betrayal (?) of Naomi) I don't know what this year has in store or where it will take me... But I am ready. I may not fully understand, but I am willing... and maybe that's all I need to be.
Approach this year with childlike wonder. The universe has so many exciting opportunities for you! Be excited for the adventure that the Universe wants to take you on!! Remember, life isn't meant to be simple- at least, not for you/in your eyes. Make friends, spread love, fight with your heart, and don't let your fire burn out.
"Mwindo makes many enemies on his journey, but has just as many friends who help him along the way."
Like I said, I don't know what this year has for me, but I will take each challenge with a sparkle in my eye and the grit to move forward. I was scared for this last card, to be quite frank, but I know that the universe is and will always have my best interest in mind. I just need to trust her
Everything in the meaning of this card points towards wealth and material gain. While I won't deny an opportunity of that nature, I know it is also heavily implying that new and exciting things are coming this way. The quote "In the garden, you have everything you need to ensure success." reminds me that everything is exactly where it is meant to be. It may come in an unconventional way, but use your intuition to discern what is what from the universe: A blessing or a lesson. Both are good and hold great value- but will yuou be able to tell the difference? Trust in yourself. You have all the knowledge and confidence you need for this.
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Thank you for reading my spread of 2026. As I write this out and transfer it from notebook to my blog, it's now currently April 6, 2026 at 6:43pm. Looking back at a lot of things, I know that the universe is looking out for me. The pain of a lost love, the excitement that blooms from new relationships, the rebuilding of old friendships. It's all things that I have been told about since the beginning of this spread. We're only 4 months into the year at this point-- what more will the Universe show me this time around?
Cheers,
Aura