Winter Solstice Tarot Reading

Happy solstice everyone! Thanks to instagram.com/seedsofshakti for another wonderful spread.

1. As the sun is reborn, what is being illuminated for me on the darkest day of the year? (Queen of Wands – Reversed) Reversed, this card speaks to renewing one’s sense of self and self-confidence. Hoo boy could I use more of that in my life. I’ve got a direction but it’s proving harder than I’d hoped to get there. But I do feel like sticking to this path is a true expression of who I am.
2. What do I need to release and surrender to the sun’s fire? (Nine of Swords) I need to let go of anxiety and fear. It would be hard for this card to be any more accurate. Those two feelings often dominate my thoughts about my future. The less I fall prey to them the better I’ll be at actually bringing about that future.
3. With light beginning to return, what intentions should I set? (Six of Swords – Reversed) Reversed, this is a card about personal transitions and unfinished business. I’ve set my sights on a firm goal, and on a transition from my current place of insecurity and turmoil to a more stable situation. This isn’t the first time I’ve done this, but this time I have more of a plan than has ever been the case.
4. How can I hold space for the light to spread and strengthen my intentions? (Six of Wands) Again, the idea of self-confidence. I struggle to believe in my self. I’ve never had much self-esteem, but my plan for 2023 is based in the idea that there’s one thing I’m particularly skilled at, and I’d like to build a life around it.
5. What will manifest from my winter solstice intentions? (King of Cups – Reversed) Reversed, one of the meanings is self-compassion. That feels very much of a piece with everything above. The immediate future needs to be about believing in my skills, yes, but also in my own worth and the fact that I’m deserving of happiness.
6. Message from the sun. (Three of Swords – Reversed) Reversed, this deals with optimism, forgiveness and the release of pain. This whole reading feels like it’s pointed solidly in one direction.
7. Message from the ancestors. (Five of Wands) This card is the outlier tonight. I don’t exactly know what to take from it, but the first thing that suggests itself is that turmoil and conflict are a big part of my life, but my opponent tends to be … me. Perhaps part of the forgiveness mentioned above is letting go of these struggles against myself.