In a recent discussion, I was asked about tarot’s role in decision-making. We’ve looked at tarot and accuracy, and sharing bad news with a client, but what happens when they want you or the cards to make a decision for them?
SPJ asked:
I’ve heard it’s not “good” practice to expect the tarot to make decisions for you and it may be better to only ask it what the outcomes to things might be if you continue down the same path?
Many will suggest that the mere fact the querent is aware of new possibilities may alter the outcome, but past experience has demonstrated that it is incredibly rare for someone to radically change their character, even when it may be in their best interest to do so.
That said, decision spreads can be a great way to map out possibilities and test out ideas to see what the outcomes might be. This can give a fuller picture of the issue at hand, illuminate areas of not previously considered, and offer fresh insight on existing hunches.
Whatever decisions are made, influenced by the reading or not, ultimately come from those involved in the problem – even when there is a clear suggestion of a more favourable outcome from one path versus another.
The tarot, for all its elaborate imagery and esoteric symbolism, is not sentient. It’s merely another tool.
First published on Plutoncia.net 10 May 2008.
Image credit: Marilyn Roxie
