Using cards to make decisions is quite an old practice. This is because cards are ubiquitous in almost every culture in the world. Not only are they used for fun, they can also be the best divining tool one can ever have! So, it is no surprise that some make a tarot spread for decision making. After all, trying to choose between seemingly equal options can be difficult. But how do you exactly use tarot for decision making? Read on to find out!
What is a decision making tarot spread?
A tarot spread for decision making is one that a person uses to, well, decide. Its usual usage is when things can be potentially overwhelming for a certain person. After all, trying to weigh the pros and cons of everything can be difficult. You may even have blind spots that you won’t be able to notice for one reason or another.
There is no set configuration for a decision tarot spread. The spread that you create will depend a lot on your situation and needs. You may even have to consider the complexity of the decision, and the level of tarot proficiency that you have. This way, you can ensure that your tarot experience is appropriate to whatever it is that you need. After all, no two decisions are the same, and the process of choosing is unique as well.
How can I make a tarot spread for decision making?
Making a decision tarot spread can be easy once you have the basics down. So, before you go ahead making spreads, it is best that you refresh your memory on tarot fundamentals.
- The Arcanas
A standard tarot deck consists of two major types. The first one is called the Major Arcana. Major Arcana cards are known to have considerable weight behind their meanings, and are identifiable through their very elaborate designs. There are 22 of them in a standard tarot deck, and are considered to be significant and relevant. Sometimes, some people only use Major Arcana cards when creating a tarot spread for decision making.
The second card type is that of the Minor Arcana. There are 56 of them in a standard tarot card deck, and each one has their own meanings and symbolisms. Though they are not as “weighty” as a Major Arcana, they can help when making day to day decisions. Much like ordinary playing cards, they come in four suits. The suits itself has individual meanings. So don’t sleep on these cards, they are also as meaningful as the Major ones!
- Different Meanings, Symbolisms, and Significance
Every single card in a tarot deck has its own meanings behind them. This makes them quite exciting to use in a decision making tarot spread. Learning about each and every meaning is important so that you can have a fairly accurate reading of your cards! And you don’t have to remember every single detail as well. Almost every tarot reader has some form of guide with them to help them along when they struggle to remember certain things.
Consider the background of every card once you start interpreting things. You also need to keep in mind the purpose of your spread. This way, you will not start reading your cards for the purposes of your love life when it is actually for your career. It also helps if you practice a lot. This entails making decision making tarot spreads for small decisions like groceries, shopping, among others. Building a relationship with your cards is important as well. This way, you can be assured that your readings are what you need, not what you project them to be.
So, what should be my tarot spread for making a decision?
- Three Card Spread
This is perhaps the most basic tarot spread of all. It uses a minimal amount of cards, while also maximizing the facts of the situation. It can also give you a good answer when you are short on time.
So how do you do this? First, you must shuffle your cards. As you shuffle, think about the decision you need to take. Make sure that you do not rush, and you free your mind from other distractions. When you are ready, put the deck face down. Then, pull out three cards. Arrange them in the order that you took them out.
Now that you have three cards, flip them in order. The first card will tell you how things will go if you choose option 1. Then do the same for card number 2. This will represent your future with option number 2. Then flip over card number 3. This card represents the advice that the universe is telling you. It is not necessarily saying what you should choose. Rather, the card is simply enlightening you on the decisions that you are about to take.
Remember to interpret the card meanings in the context of your situation. Make sure that you do not let your prejudices or desired outcomes influence this process, though. Or else, your card reading will be for nothing.
- Five Card Spread
The five card spread is perhaps the more common tarot spread for guidance. It is not just used in decision making, but also for clarifying situations as well. For this context, this tarot spread for decision making will have you examine your motivations and inner self. Indeed, you will have to be completely honest with yourself as you use this tarot spread.
Like the previous spread, you need to meditate on your situation as you shuffle your cards. Think about the things that have been going on around you so far. As always, focus, and do not let anything sidetrack you. When you are ready, set the deck face down and prepare to get cards.
Take the first card and set it a bit far away from you. This is so that you will have some space for your succeeding cards. Then take the second card and put it in the space below the first card. When you have the third card, set it on the space below the second card. At this point you will have a straight line of cards in front of you.
Get the fourth card from the deck and set it on the left hand side of the second card. Last but not the least, the fifth card should be on the right hand side of the second card. The arrangement should look like a cross.
Slowly, one by one, flip the card over in the order that you placed them. The first card will be for your motivations. This entails the things that keep you excited and eager to do something with your life. No matter how small or big these may be, it has certainly influenced your life, regardless if you are aware or not.
The second card represents what you want to happen right after making the decision. It is your ideal situation, and the very thing that you have long been hoping for. Card number three would therefore represent the values that you hold close to your heart. Your personal beliefs, worldview, and the effect they have in how you interact with the world will reveal itself here.
Finally, the fourth card will reveal to you what will happen if you commit with your first option. The fifth card will then reveal the outcome of the second option. Interpret all of the cards, and make sure that you are being as objective as possible. Do this with reverence, respect, and most of all, an open mind. You may not like what the cards reveal to you, but it is what it is. What you do with the information will then be up to you.
- Six Card Spread
This tarot spread for decision making focuses more on the options itself. If you don’t want to go through some sort of self interrogation, then this decision making tarot spread may just be for you. This is advantageous if you already are fully aware of the situation, yet still feel like you need to understand the pros and cons of everything.
To start, shuffle your cards as you meditate on your situation. Think about the options that you have at the moment. Do not hold back; rather, focus your mind entirely on this matter. When you are ready, set the deck face down.
Pull out the first card and set it a bit far from you to make space for your other cards. Then, take the second card. Put it below the first card, but just a little bit to the left. The third call will then go below the first card, but a bit more to the right. At this point, your cards will be looking like they are making pyramid formation.
Do the same for the fourth up to the sixth cards. Make sure that you do not rush and that you take your time. By the time that you are finished, you will have two “pyramids” in front of you. When you are ready, slowly flip the cards over in the order that you took them from the deck.
The first card represents your first option. It will tell you what it is entirely about, including the secrets that you may not be aware about. The second card is the pros for your first option. The advantages, as well as benefits that you will be getting will reveal itself through this card. Card number three would then be for the cons of option one. The disadvantages of your decision will all show themselves here.
The fourth to sixth cards will be pretty much the same as the first three. The only difference is that it speaks about the second option. As always, make sure that you assess the answers you are given as objectively as you can. There is no need to rush, as you need to properly understand what’s going on.
What are the things that I need to remember when doing a tarot spread for decision making?
There are quite a few things that you need to keep in mind when doing such spreads. This will ensure that your experience is smooth sailing and you will be able to get the answers that you need.
- Do not ask yes or no questions
This is a common newbie mistake in tarot reading. Because the answers that the cards give are not absolute, the questions also need to be open ended. For example, rather than asking “Should I take this new job offer?”, it would be much better to ask “What can I expect if I accept or if I decline this job offer?”
- It is okay to shuffle your cards in however way you like
Some people are unsure in the way that they shuffle their cards. It may be that they kind of expect for there to be a ritualistic way to shuffle one’s tarot deck. However, the truth is that a person can shuffle the card in whichever way they want. If you want to turn your card 180 degrees, do it! This will be much better than just having your card upright. Doing this will yield a much more accurate reading for you. Just remember not to flip your card upside down, such that you reveal the card face itself.
- Cleanse and recharge your cards every after use
Here is another common tarot reader mistake: not giving their cards the TLC it deserves! Again, tarot cards are not just tools for divination. They are also your companions as you seek out the truths of this world. Therefore, after every session, you need to cleanse your tarot cards. Use smudge sticks, incense smoke, or even crystals to help cleanse your tarot cards. Doing this will lift the negative energies that have weighed down your cards during your tarot reading.
You also need to make sure that you do not overuse your tarot cards. They have cosmic energies in and of themselves, and you need to make sure that they replenish their strength every time. If you don’t, your readings will be chaotic and incoherent! There is no need to use tarot cards on decisions such as chores, outfits, or even meal options. Be mindful of the fact that it is a divine tool worthy of your reverence and respect. If you want, you can take out your cards during a Full Moon. It will help the cards get their much needed cosmic batteries loaded up to the maximum level.
All these are to ensure that your tarot cards will give an accurate reading, and you will be able to bond with it. Making sure that your deck is in a great condition will do wonders for your inner life.
- Remember that what the cards says is not absolute
Your tarot cards are not some sort of time device that will tell you what will happen in the future. Rather, it is a tool that will tell you the reality of what is happening in your life in the context of your inquiry. Its predictions are therefore based on the choices that you make in your present.
There is no need for you to obey everything that your tarot cards say. You are a human being, gifted with an independent critical mind and free will. Tarot only exists to guide you, not to dictate you. At the end of the day, the decisions that you make are wholly, truly yours.
