Why Did This Year Feel So Heavy? A 5-Card Tarot Spread for Reflection
Some years come with a little extra gravity. You get to the end of the calendar and realise you’ve been carrying far more than you ever admitted out loud. The world kept spinning, you kept functioning, but something underneath it all stayed tight.
If you’ve been asking yourself “Why did this year feel so heavy?” you’re not alone. A lot of people felt this year in their chest. This 5-card spread helps you name the things you pushed aside and see the growth that happened even on the days you felt like you were barely keeping up.
Yes this spread does bring tears. But the good kind: the kind that finally lets something unclench.
The 5-Card Spread: Why Did This Year Feel So Heavy?
Card 1 — The Weight You Didn’t Name
Most of us carry something quietly. This card shows what sat in the background of your year, even when you pretended it wasn’t there or didn’t tell the full story.
Card 2: The Growth That Happened Anyway
Even when you feel stuck, some part of you is shifting. This card highlights the progress you didn’t give yourself credit for. It is the kind of growth that happens on the days you think you are doing “nothing.”
Card 3: What You Needed More Of
This is not about regret. It is simply a moment of honesty. This card points to what would have made this year feel gentler on your system. It may be more space, more rest, more support, more boundaries, or something else entirely.
Card 4: What You Can Set Down Now
There is always something we end up carrying long past its expiry date. This card shows what does not need to come with you into the new year. It may be mental, emotional, or energetic.
Card 5: What Will Feel Lighter Next Year
A quiet shift is coming. This card offers a glimpse of what may soften, ease up, or finally feel less demanding in the year ahead.
Why Some Years Feel Heavier Than Others
A year becomes “heavy” for many reasons:
– slow-burn emotional exhaustion
– changes that pile up without time to process
– being the steady one for everyone else
– holding your world together while your inner world shifts
– unspoken responsibilities
– growth that demanded more of you than usual
Use This Spread With a Tarot Deck That Supports You
If you want a deck that keeps your readings clear and intuitive (especially when your mind is already full), the Solis Divinity Tarot decks were designed for exactly that.
Each card includes keywords to help you stay grounded in the message rather than second-guessing the symbolism.
Perfect for end-of-year rituals, emotional check-ins, or quietly reconnecting with yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tarot spread beginner-friendly?
Yes. Each position is designed to be clear, reflective, and easy to interpret — even if you’ve never done a year-end reading before.
Can I use oracle cards instead of tarot?
Absolutely. The spread works with either tarot or oracle decks. It’s more about reflection than system-specific symbolism.
When is the best time to use this spread?
Most people use it at the end of the year, during birthdays, or anytime they feel overdue for an emotional reset.
What if I pull difficult cards?
Treat them as information, not judgment. Difficult cards often reveal hidden pressure points and help you understand what needs softness, support, or release.