Tarot before an exam or job interview: how to prepare and calm your nerves

Go beyond "will I pass?" Use a tarot reading to find what to prepare, ease anxiety and plan the big day, with sample questions and a worked reading.

5 min read

It makes sense to want a reading before an exam or a job interview, because we all want to know the outcome in advance. But tarot can do more than say yes or no to "will I pass?" It can help you find what to prepare, ease your nerves and plan the day so you walk in readier.

Good questions to ask before an exam or interview

  • "What should I focus on most before this exam?"
  • "What is keeping me from studying as fully as I want to?"
  • "Which of my strengths should I talk about in the interview?"
  • "What should I watch out for on the day?"

Before a job interview

Question: I have an interview next week for a job I really want. How should I prepare?

Cards: Nine of Swords, position Situation; The Magician, position What to do; Six of Wands, position Likely result

Sample answer: Situation: Nine of Swords, a person sitting up in bed in the middle of the night with their face in their hands. Worry is costing you sleep, and your mind keeps landing on everything that could go wrong. What to do: The Magician, with every tool laid out on the table. You already have what you need. Write down three accomplishments you are proud of, then practice telling them out loud to a friend. Likely result: Six of Wands, a rider being cheered. If you prepare what you will say, you can walk into the room with more confidence. As for the outcome, count it as success that you did everything you could.

The reading does not promise the job. It gives you things to do before the day.

Turn the reading into a prep plan

  1. Write down the one thing the cards say to prepare, then break it into small daily tasks.
  2. If the cards mention worry, protect your sleep the night before.
  3. Practice for real: do old exam papers against the clock, or answer interview questions out loud.
  4. Set out what you need the night before: documents, ID, the route you will take.

Weaker answer: The cards say you will definitely pass, so there is no need to study more.

Stronger answer: The cards say your foundation is solid. Review the two chapters you feel least sure about, and get a good night's sleep before the exam.

The first answer makes the person stop preparing, and if the result goes badly they lose the chance and their trust in the reading. The second gives encouragement and something to do next.

Tip: If you are so anxious that you cannot sleep for several nights, talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, a teacher or a counselor. The best preparation is a rested mind.

Summary

  1. Ask "what should I prepare?" instead of "will I pass?"
  2. Turn the reading into small daily tasks.
  3. Sleep well, practice for real and set out what you need the day before.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask whether I will pass the exam?
You can, but nobody can guarantee the result. You will get more from using the reading as a guide to preparation.
How far ahead of the exam should I do a reading?
Early enough to act on the advice, for example one to two weeks ahead. A reading the night before can make you more anxious.
What if I draw a hard card before the exam?
Read it as something to watch for, such as worry or overconfidence, and prepare for that. It does not mean you will fail.
Can I do a reading about my studies in general?
Yes: how to schedule your study time, choosing a major, or a scholarship application. Phrase the question around things you can do yourself.