when one card isn't enough

Over the weekend I picked up a copy of Complete Book of Tarot Spreads. What I really want is Barbara Moore's Tarot Spreads, but so far that one hasn't turned up for $4 at the used bookstore.

I used to be skeptical of these kinds of books. I mean, once you've seen enough spreads you can just make up your own, right? Are there really going to be any ideas in here that I couldn't have thought up on the fly?

The answer: sometimes, yes. Also, I was feeling like I needed a kick in the something. New idea, new inspiration, whatever.

Right now I am digging this 8-card spread out of the Complete Book called "Facing the Gap." I've actually started using it for daily readings, which might seem like a bit of overkill, but I've felt like I need a little more information, more nuance, than just one card can give. Also, if I'm going to be honest, my brain is a chaotic disaster mess right now. Astrology says what?

(Plus I'd been pulling Lust like almost every day and using it as an excuse to eat lots of ice cream. Which is not exactly the best strategy for me not being in a sugar coma.)

Without further rambling intro: the new spread, and today's cards.

Naming the Year

One Word 365: a call to simplification, to focus. Forget your resolutions, forget your plans and lists and whatever else.  Pick a word, just one word, for the whole year.

A mantra, a shield, a thing to cling to against the forces that rage and push and distract. Just one thing.

I am prone to starting too many projects at once. I am guarding against it.

But.