Horn of Plenty, and Other Autumn Tarot Spreads
Autumn is a time many practitioners of witchcraft and divination associate with introspection, growth, and renewal, a time when we embrace the necessary death of the season, knowing we shall awaken once more with spring’s return. Though the days darken and life slows, that doesn’t mean that our practices must do so. On the contrary, the dark season is an ideal time to embrace growth in our magical journeys, to release that which blocks us from moving forward in our practice, and to embrace and invite newness and change into our lives and ways.
Tarot as a means of divination has long been used to aid those seeking guidance and is ideal for those who question how they move forward, how they can let go of the past, and what may await them further up the road. In this piece, you’ll find three spreads that are perfect to incorporate into your autumn readings – the Horn of Plenty (for those thinking about or hoping to start a new project or endeavor), the Witch’s Tree (for those looking to grow or change in their practice, or those questioning where their magical journey should be focused), and the Starburst (for those who are leaning into change). Though these spreads use up to eight cards, beginners need not be intimidated. You can customize your spread, cutting down on the number of cards pulled to shorten your reading and get down to the meat of the matter. Feel free to alter your spreads to meet your needs.
HORN OF PLENTY
For anyone planning or hoping to start a new project or endeavor (a change of career, a change of location, a change in relationship status, starting a new business, pursuing a new interest or hobby, etc.), the Horn of Plenty Tarot spread can help you navigate your journey, offering a glimpse into where to start, what could be holding you back, and all that can be achieved or gained if you choose this path.
The cards represent -
1: Your goal, new project, or hope
2: Where you should start
3: What could be holding you back? What blocks your path ahead?
4: What should you embrace or invite into your life that will help you move forward?
5: What should you release or let go of that will not serve you (and may hinder you) in your journey?
6, 7, & 8: What can be gained or achieved if you follow this path / the plenty that awaits you
THE WITCH’S TREE
Whether you’re just starting your journey into witchcraft and are unsure of where your talents lie, or you’re looking for something new to incorporate into your practice, or you’re ready to leave the path you’ve known thus far and start something new – the Witch’s Tree Tarot spread can help you on your way.
The cards represent –
1: Your Magical Gift or Talent / What should you focus on
2: What should you build your foundation on?
3: What may hinder you on this journey
4: What to let go of to move forward
5: What you should embrace
6: What you should always remember when the road gets hard
7: Long-Term Results
THE STARBURST
Embracing change and leaning into newness can be daunting. The Starburst Tarot spread can illuminate the darkness and clear away some of the fog that envelops us as we move from an end into a new beginning.
The cards represent –
1: Where you stand now
2: What have you recently overcome / been through?
3: How this impacted you?
4: How can that experience serve you going forward?
5: What to lean into in the days to come
6: Wisdom to carry with you
7 & 8: the outcome / what new beginning awaits you
Keziah (she/her/they/them) | Keziah is one of Crowsbone’s staff writers. She is a diviner, a dream interpreter, a jewitch, and a practitioner of traditional regional folk magic and medicine from the area she was raised in (the Southern United States) and from the practices of her ancestors (she is Jewish, a second generation Irish-American, and Aniyvwiya, with French and Scottish roots). She is a scholar of folklore, mythology, and Jewish mysticism, and a would-be historian. Outside of magical craft and all things related, Keziah enjoys puzzles, codes and ciphers, baking, reading, and drinking tea.