Tarot for decisions: how to choose between two options with a reading

Torn between two paths? Use a 5-card crossroads spread to compare option A and option B fairly and hear what your own gut is already saying.

5 min read

A tarot reading for decisions is useful when you have two paths in front of you and keep going in circles about which one you actually want. The cards will not choose for you. What they can do is put the two paths side by side, so you can see where each one leads and which one you are ready for right now.

Before you draw, write both options down clearly

  1. Name option A and option B plainly, for example "stay at my current company" and "move to the new company".
  2. Write the facts for each: salary, commute, time required.
  3. Write the feelings for each separately: excited, scared, bored.
  4. Then draw the cards and see whether they echo what you wrote or point to something you had not considered.

The 5-card crossroads spread

  • Card 1, you right now: what state of mind are you deciding from?
  • Card 2, path A, and card 3, the outcome of path A.
  • Card 4, path B, and card 5, the outcome of path B.

Stay or move jobs

Question: Should I stay at my current job or move to a new company?

Cards: The Hermit, position You right now; Four of Pentacles, position Path A; Four of Cups, position Outcome of path A; The Fool, position Path B; Three of Wands, position Outcome of path B

Sample answer: You right now: The Hermit. You have stepped back to think this through seriously, which is a good sign. Path A, staying: Four of Pentacles, the security you are holding tightly. The outcome is Four of Cups, which suggests you may feel bored and overlook an opportunity being offered right in front of you. Path B, moving: The Fool, a fresh start that takes courage. The outcome is Three of Wands, a wider horizon, though you may wait a while for results. Overall the cards suggest path B offers growth and path A offers safety. Ask yourself which of the two you want more right now, and check your financial cushion before you decide.

The reading compares both paths fairly, names the benefit and the cost of each, and hands the decision back to the person asking.

Reading a crossroads fairly

  • Give both paths equal weight. Do not lean toward the one you already like.
  • A path with nicer cards is not necessarily the one to pick. Sometimes the harder road is the one you want to walk.
  • If both paths look equally good, either one can work. Decide by what matters most to you.
  • The "you right now" card matters a lot. If it shows doubt or fear, you may need to deal with that before deciding.

Tip: Try a coin flip in your head. If the cards point to A and you feel disappointed, that feeling is telling you that you want B. The cards are useful because they surface that feeling.

Summary

  1. Write both options clearly and keep facts separate from feelings.
  2. The 5-card crossroads: you, path A, outcome of A, path B, outcome of B.
  3. Read both paths fairly, then hand the decision back to yourself.

Frequently asked questions

What if I have more than two options?
Cut it down to the two most serious ones first, or draw one card per option and compare them.
If the cards point to the path I do not want, do I have to follow them?
No. The cards help you see pros and cons. The decision is yours, and it should always rest on real information too.
Can I lay out the crossroads myself?
Yes. Use the card table to lay out the cards yourself and read them by position. Free members can draw up to 3 cards, and Plus and Pro members can draw up to 13.
Can I use tarot for a huge decision like marriage or moving abroad?
You can use it to help you think, but big decisions deserve conversations with the people involved and with qualified professionals, and plenty of time to think it over.