Tarot for the Seasons: November - Retreat & Rest
- Julie Embleton
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
As Samhain guides us gently into a new year, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve shared through a full cycle of Tarot Inspiration blogs. It’s been such fun creating spreads and rituals to accompany the special dates, and to witness the insights and connections that have blossomed along the way.
But now, with the turning of the wheel into a new year, I’m excited to invite you into something fresh; Tarot for the Seasons; a new format, a new rhythm, and a new opportunity to deepen your tarot practice. This time, I’m introducing a monthly tarot and spiritual challenge, designed to honour the energy of each season while offering you practical, meaningful prompts to explore at your own pace. Welcome, and I hope you'll enjoy this new offering!
Whether you feel called to dip in for a single week, journey with me for a full month, or simply pick and choose what resonates, Tarot for the Seasons is yours to use in whatever way feels right. There’s no pressure, only encouragement and inspiration, and of course, the invitation to retreat, reflect, and reconnect with your intuition!
To support you on this journey, I’ve created a free Tarot Tracker you can download, print, and tuck into your journal, or complete digitally. Each month, simply fill in the prompts from the challenge, record your card draws, and reflect on your insights. It’s an easy way to keep track of your progress and deepen your connection with your cards and yourself. Choose between the print or fillable version. Both are available for immediate and free dowload below.
If you’d like to share your card draws, insights, or simply join the conversation, I’d love to welcome you over on Instagram (@CelticSoulSanctuary) Or, you can email me at julie@creativesoultarot.com
Here’s to new beginnings, deeper wisdom, and the quiet magic of the season, tarot lovers. I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us!
Welcome to November’s Tarot Challenge!
As November’s shadows lengthen and the world outside grows quieter, we’re invited to step back from the noise and find sanctuary within ourselves. This month, our tarot journey is devoted to retreat and reflection, an invite to take a mindful, nourishing pause before the year’s end. Through each weekly challenge, we’ll explore what it means to create inner sanctuary, listen to intuition, honour the lessons of the past, and gently prepare for renewal.
Tarot & the Energy of November
November is a month of inner turning. The world slows, and we’re offered a precious opportunity to rest, process, and reconnect with our authentic selves. Tarot is a trusted companion here, helping us access insight, compassion, and clarity as we navigate this season of stillness.
You’re invited to use any tarot (or oracle) deck you love, and record your insights in the tracker sheet. If you’d like to share your journey, jump in on Instagram for added support and inspiration. Ready to dive in? Let's go!
Week 1: Creating Sanctuary
Prompt: What does sanctuary mean for you at this moment in your life? Where can you carve out space—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—to feel safe, supported, and at peace?
Expanded Guidance: This week, reflect on your need for sanctuary. Consider not just your physical space, but also your emotional and spiritual boundaries. Is your environment nurturing, or are there energies you need to clear? Use your cards to uncover where you need more peace and how you might create it. Allow this spread to be a gentle check-in with yourself, asking, “What do I need to let go of to feel truly at home in myself?”
Week 1 Spread: Creating Sanctuary
Where can I create more peace in my life?
What do I need to let go of to feel safe and supported?
A message from my inner guide about sanctuary.
Week 2: Deep Listening
Prompt: What is your intuition whispering to you this week? In the stillness, what guidance is waiting to be heard?
Expanded Guidance: Pause and listen to your inner voice. This is a time to trust subtle nudges and quiet feelings. Are there messages you’ve been ignoring, or feelings you’ve brushed aside? Use your cards to tune in to your intuition and notice what arises when you ask for guidance. You might journal about moments when you’ve trusted your gut and how it served you, or times you wish you had. Let this week be about cultivating a deeper relationship with your own wisdom.
Week 2 Spread: Deep Listening
What am I being guided to notice right now?
Where am I resisting my inner wisdom?
How can I better trust and follow my intuition?
Week 3: Honouring the Past
Prompt: What lessons from this year are asking to be acknowledged and honoured? How have your experiences shaped your journey?
Expanded Guidance: Take time to reflect on the year so far; its challenges, triumphs, and surprises. What have you learned about yourself? Are there patterns or stories that keep resurfacing? Use your cards to bring clarity to the lessons that want your attention. This is a moment for gratitude, even for the difficult bits, and for recognising your growth. Consider writing a letter of thanks to yourself or your guides, honouring the wisdom gained.
Week 3 Spread: Honouring the Past
A significant lesson I’ve learned this year
How this lesson has shaped me
What gratitude can I offer for this experience?
Week 4: Gentle Renewal
Prompt: How can you restore your energy and prepare for what’s next? What support is available to you as you move towards renewal?
Expanded Guidance: As the month closes, turn your attention to replenishment and gentle preparation for the new. What practices or boundaries help you feel restored? Who or what can you lean on for support? Use your cards to uncover where renewal is needed and how you can nurture yourself. Let this week’s work be soft and kind, focusing on self-compassion and hope for the future.
Week 4 Spread: Gentle Renewal
Where do I need rest and renewal?
What support is available to me?
A message of encouragement for the month ahead
Free Downloadable Tracker
Stay engaged with your journey by downloading the free tracker below. Use it to record your card pulls, insights, and intentions. This accountability will help you deepen your reflections throughout the month. Choose between a printable version or one you can fill in on your favourite device. You'll need a PDF program (such as Adobe Acrobat) on your device.
Further Journaling
If you enjoy journaling (with or without tarot!) I’ve also crafted seven journaling prompts inspired by November’s theme of Retreat & Reflect. I invite you to explore these reflective prompts whenever you feel called. There’s no right or wrong way to use them, simply dip in as inspiration strikes, or return to them throughout November to support your journey of retreat and reflection.
Where in my life do I most crave stillness right now, and how can I honour that need?
What does ‘retreat’ mean to me, and how can I create a sense of sanctuary, even in small ways, each day?
When have I listened to my intuition recently, and what was the outcome?
How could I invite more trust in my inner voice?
Which boundaries—physical, emotional, or spiritual—would best support my well-being this month?
What is one thing from this year I want to lovingly release, and what new energy do I wish to welcome in its place?
How do I recharge when I’m feeling depleted? What practices or rituals help me return to myself?
Who or what has quietly supported me this year, and how can I express gratitude for that presence in my life?
May November’s retreat offer you the peace, clarity, and renewal you need, my friend. Honour your need for stillness. Your inner wisdom is waiting to be heard.
Don't forget to join in the conversation by sharing your spreads or insights on Instagram by tagging @CelticSoulSanctuary. Your reflections may inspire others to retreat and reflect alongside you!
Whether you’re a seasoned journal keeper or just starting out, there’s always something new to discover. If you’d like a bit more inspiration, you’re welcome to explore my Creative Soul Tarot Journal or join the 7 Days to Inner Clarity challenge. Both are gentle ways to deepen your connection with yourself.
