Decision Tarot Spread

Intro

This spread is one I came up with myself. I’m sure a variation of this spread already exists and may be called something else, but I call it the decision spread and this is how I use it. If you or whomever you are reading for is facing a difficult decision, this reading will help shed some light on the choices and their effects.

The Method

Same as with any tarot spread, start by having the querent state their question out loud or in their head. If you would like, choose a significator and place it face up in the middle of the table. Next you or the querent will shuffle the deck, cutting the deck when you are finished (optional).

Once the deck is shuffled, pick your cards and lay them out as shown in the diagram. This diagram is an example of a decision with two choices, but you can add more cards if you have other choices. In general, I use two cards per decision. I will explain this later.

Interpreting the cards

Below, I have included the method I use for reading this spread.

Use whichever method of interpretation you are comfortable with.

Card one is the general atmosphere surrounding the decision in question and the influences at work around it. It may tell how the querent feels about the decision, why this decision needs to be made in the first place, who may be involved or affected by this decision, etc. 

The second card shows the immediate effects of the first choice. This means what will happen in the first few days, weeks, or months after the decision is made, depending on how big of a decision it is. It may show how the querent is affected, as well as those around them involved in the decision.

The third card shows the long term effects of the first choice. This means what will happen months or years after the decision is made; how the rest of the querent’s life and the lives of those involved will be affected by this decision.

The fourth and fifth cards are the same as the second and third cards, respectively. These cards show the immediate and long term effects of the second choice. The results of these two choices can be compared so that the querent can weigh their options and better make their decision.

This spread can also work if there are more than two choices involved. Simply add two more cards for each additional choice and read them as you would the second and third cards – immediate and long term effects. Below, I’ve included the layout and meanings for a spread of a decision with three possible choices.

Example Reading

Here’s a reading I did as an example:

The querent for this reading would like to remain anonymous. For the decision, the querent was trying to decide between starting online therapy, starting in person therapy, or waiting to start therapy. I chose not to draw a significator card. I shuffled the deck, cut it three times, and laid all the cards out face up before beginning.

My Reading

Card 1: atmosphere

This position represents the general atmosphere surrounding the decision and influences at work around it. I drew the three of wands, upright. This means strategy, planning, strength, travel.

Interpretation: The querent is being strategic about things. They want to consider all their options and weigh their possible outcomes before making a decision. It takes strength to know when you need to make a change, and the querent is carefully planning to make sure they make the right choice.

Card 2: choice 1 – immediate

Choice 1 is online therapy. This position represents the immediate effects of choice 1. I drew the queen of pentacles, reversed. This means imbalance, reclusive, superficial, martyrdom.

Interpretation: The querent may face some imbalance at first if choosing this option. They may feel like they’re being greedy by choosing to prioritize their mental health. Choosing to stay home instead of going in person may cause them to feel more reclusive. They may face some pain in addressing the issues they are facing, but feel as though the pain is worth it to make progress.

Card 3: choice 1 – long term

Choice 1 is online therapy. This position represents the long term effects of choice 1. I drew Possibilities, reversed. A lot of decks will include an extra card in their major arcana which is not part of the classic 21 major arcana cards. This card did not have a recorded meaning, so I used my intuition to read the meaning based on the imagery.

Interpretation: The querent may feel like they don’t have a lot of options when it comes to online therapy. They may have a ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ mentality where they feel like have to settle for an option they may not be comfortable with – someone they don’t feel is the right fit for them. They may stick with this person out of convenience, seeing that there aren’t many available options.

Card 4: choice 2 – immediate

Choice 2 is in person therapy. This position represents the immediate effects of choice 2. I drew the four of pentacles, reversed. This card means greed, loss, materialistic, mistrust.

Interpretation: Again, we see that making the decision to seek help may make the querent feel like they are being greedy by prioritizing their mental health. They might feel they aren’t quite connecting with the therapist the way they had hoped leading them to feel mistrustful of them at first and finding it hard to open up.

Card 5: choice 2 – long term

Choice 2 is in person therapy. This position represents the long term effects of choice 2. I drew the four of swords, reversed. This card means resentment, stagnant, exhaustion, frustration.

Interpretation: The querent may begin to feel stagnant, like they aren’t making any progress. This can be due to the last card – feeling like they aren’t connecting to the therapist they have chosen. They may begin to feel exhausted and frustrated after working so hard and seeing little results. This can lead them to dislike the therapist they have chosen; maybe even cause them to leave altogether, thinking things are hopeless.

Card 6: choice 3 – immediate

Choice 3 is waiting. This position represents the immediate effects of choice 3. I drew Strength, upright. This card means inner calm, courage, control, patience.

Interpretation: At first glance, this may seem like the best option. The querent may feel in control. They may feel empowered, thinking they have the strength to figure things out on their own without help. Waiting takes patience, and there is a certain calm in biding your time, waiting for the right moment. Perhaps, in the short term, this option is best.

Card 7: choice 3 – long term

Choice 3 is waiting. This position represents the long term effects of choice 3. I drew The Empress, reversed. This card means neglect, indecisiveness, disconnection, resistance.

Interpretation: Waiting too long may make the querent feel neglected. They may feel like they have undervalued the importance of their mental health. This can lead to indecisiveness, leading them to more delay for concern of making the wrong choice and may make them feel disconnected, having left their problems unsolved for so long. They may even feel hesitant to choose to seek help for fear of making the wrong choice again.

Final Takeaway

It seems to me that the best option for the querent at this time would be to wait. Choosing the right therapist is very important and there might not be a great option for them now. Jumping the gun and choosing someone out of convenience may lead to subpar care and may turn them off to getting help later on. For the immediate future, it seems the best decision is to wait.

In the long term, waiting will lead to further problems. Yes, waiting now may be the right decision, but the querent needs to be sure not to wait too long. As long as they keep an eye out for the right therapist, that person will come along. Patience is a virtue, and if the querent bides their time, things will work out. If they consider carefully and weight their options, they will make the right decision.

No sources for this post. Next time we’ll talk about some more tarot spreads, so check back soon!