I'll admit it to everyone: when it comes to reading the Tarot, I am well-versed, and I know it. (That's not even a humble brag.) I teach classes about Tarot; I could talk about Tarot all day long. And a lot of the time, I find that the resources that are popular currently are not fan favorites of mine by any stretch of the imagination. I think it is because it all feels very "love and light" and, if you know me, you know that isn't how I roll. Plus, being a kid that really got into witchcraft and the occult in the 1990s, I feel like a lot of Tarot resources are steeped in Wicca (which is problematic in itself.) The pattern has continued even into contemporary Tarot literature.
I was in JoAnn's shopping for Halloween fabric when I came across the Tarot Spreads Yearbook by Chelsey Pippin Mizzi. (Not gonna lie: JoAnn's has been popping off with random Tarot Decks and witchy books for a while now, and should definitely be a stop if you are looking for find some gems.)
The Amazon description for the book reads:
The Tarot Spreads Yearbook features 52 spreads that allow beginners to get to know their decks and cards, build confidence, and find the reading methods that are most comfortable for them - all while having fun and honing their intuition.
Featuring simple spreads for quick and easy readings, as well as more complex in-depth spreads for longer readings, the book is an easily accessible handbook for readers just setting out on their Tarot journey, the more experienced Tarot reader looking to expand and explore new ways of using their cards, or even just the casual Tarot reader who is looking for a fun way to experiment.
With 52 ideas for spreads that cover all areas of life, The Tarot Spreads Yearbook introduces readers to using the tarot as a tool for mindfulness, allowing the reader to feel more in tune with the world around them and develop trust in their own instincts.
I am always looking to expand my Tarot knowledge even though I already know a lot about the subject, especially when it comes to the history of cartomancy and intuitive reading. I thought it would be a good challenge to take on weekly. It gives me something witchy to focus on that doesn't seem super taxing (my neurodivergent folks know how hard it can be to keep up with practices when they aren't feeling their best.)
The book is split into four main seasons: Growth, Shadow, Change, Care. Each section has spreads dedicated to intentions, conflict, resources, career, family, choice, etc. There are also journal prompts and questions to ask yourself while you make your study of the Tarot.
I really like how there isn't any practice-specific writing in the yearbook; it makes it accessible to any Tarot reader, no matter their spiritual beliefs. And it is very much a book that you don't have to dedicate any specific time; it's go at your own pace, which gets an A+ in my book.
I kicked off the section dedicated to the Season of Growth. We are asked a few questions to consider before we get to the initial spread:
How do I want to grow this season?
What's a moment of growth from my past that I'm proud of?
What are my biggest fears when it comes to growth?
Who are the people in my life who can support me while I grow?
How can I be kind to myself while I grow?
I could tell that this journal and yearbook practice would require me to be pretty mindful of my current emotional state. I cracked open a new journal and answered the questions honestly before reading two pages about cards in the Tarot associated with growth (the Empress, the Queen of Pentacles, and the Eight of Pentacles.)
Before I go any further about the spread I started with, I do want to discourage all those people who say "I don't need to use Tarot spreads" or "Spreads are for newbs." Everyone experiences and utilizes Tarot differently. I have no opinion either way about spreads and I think are some pretty cool ones that people come up with. A lot of my Tarot offerings have themes and spreads I have designed, but I can also draw cards freely for clients. I honestly think this could be a tool if you are an experienced reader and find yourself in a rut when it comes to Tarot. It also seems very new-to-Tarot-friendly.
In the Season of Growth, the first spread is all about intentions. I really like what the author wrote to summarize this spread:
When we want something to grow, we need to plant a seed. We need to water that seed, and we need to tend to it so it can blossom into a strong flower and bear meaningful fruit. This spread is designed to help you plant those seeds for your growth, and to prepare yourself for the growth journey ahead.
I chose to use my new deck I received for my birthday, the Macabre Tarot by Sam Rook. This deck in particular focuses on shadow work and breaking through/accepting discomfort. It seemed perfect given the season of the book and the season we are currently in.
I won't get too detailed about the reading altogether, but let me just say that it was enlightening. It pointed out something in particular to me (a fear of a lack of resources) that has been prohibiting my own growth. I love the fact that Tarot can still surprise me even after 25+ years of reading the cards. It's also given me something to meditate on throughout this week as I prepare for a very big interview for a job I desperately want.
Overall, it seems like a practice that will integrate well into my schedule. I'll keep you all posted on how it is going over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed that I stick with it for a year and finish all 52 spreads.
If you are interested in purchasing the book, I definitely recommend! And be sure to follow Chelsey on Instagram!
Happy Hauntings!
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