Sometimes you might have a specific question you want to ask the Tarot, and sometimes you just want some general guidance from the cards. *Personally,*I think this is one of the best ways to use your deck because it allows them to tell us what they know we need to hear. Rather than us guessing.
I’ve been using this Tarot spread for guidance with clients and in my personal practice for years, finding it consistently illuminating for those seeking direction in life’s complex way. A spread for guidance is very helpful if you’re facing important life decisions or feeling uncertain about your path forward.
This type of spread can provide insights into different aspects of a situation, potential outcomes, and factors you may not have consciously considered. It’s especially helpful when you’re seeking clarity on career choices, relationship issues, or personal growth opportunities, as it can offer a fresh perspective and highlight areas that may need more attention or reflection.
The Spread
- The Seeker’s Crossroads, Your current situation and the choices before you
- The Whispering Wind, little influences or advice you may be overlooking
- The Guiding Star, The direction or path that will lead to your highest good
- The Shadow’s Edge, Obstacles or challenges you need to overcome
- The Lantern’s Glow, Inner resources or strengths you can draw upon
- The Unfolding picture, Potential outcomes based on following the guidance
- The Mirror of Truth, What you need to honestly acknowledge about yourself or the situation
Significant Cards
In a Tarot spread for guidance:
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The Fool often appears as a sign of new beginnings and the need to embrace a fresh perspective, encouraging the seeker to approach their situation with openness and trust.
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The Six of Swords in this context typically suggests a change or way towards calmer waters, signaling that guidance may come through letting go of past difficulties and moving forward.
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Watch for the Strength card, which usually represents inner courage and the ability to overcome challenges through patience and gentle perseverance, reminding the seeker to tap into their inner resources for guidance.
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The appearance of the Queen of Wands in such a spread often points to the importance of confidence and self-assurance in finding one’s path, encouraging the seeker to trust their instincts and take inspired action.
Timing & Preparation
Try to perform this spread during a quiet, uninterrupted moment when you have the opportunity to focus and reflect. Before beginning, a simple ritual to prepare yourself is to take three deep breaths while holding your deck, allowing yourself to become centered and open to the wisdom the cards may offer.
For a Tarot spread focused on guidance, the classic Rider-Waite, Smith deck is an good choice (it usually is) because of its rich symbolism and clear imagery. The Thoth Tarot deck, created by Aleister Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris, is another powerful option for guidance readings, as its complex esoteric symbolism can help guide your decision making.
For a lesser-known but equally effective choice, maybe the Wildwood Tarot, which draws on pre-Celtic mythology and nature-based wisdom to provide small guidance and help readers connect with their intuition. Of course, any deck can be used for guidance spreads, as the most effective readings often come from working with a deck that clicks with you personally.
When reading a spread for guidance, pay close attention to how the cards interact and tell a story together rather than interpreting each one in isolation. Look for recurring symbols, numbers, or elements throughout the spread, as these often indicate important themes or areas that require focus.
Please share your experience with this reading or your variations 