Using Tarot Spreads to Support Team Leaders

Using Tarot Spreads to Support Team Leaders

ByFlavia Martinez Travaglio

If you think tarot is all velvet curtains and mystical pronouncements, let me set the record straight: in the hands of a modern professional, tarot can be a surprisingly sharp tool for leadership development. Over the past few years, I’ve guided managers, team leads, and even skeptical HR execs through tarot spreads designed specifically to tackle real workplace challenges—no starry-eyed fortune-telling, just structured reflection and actionable insight. So, if your team’s stuck, morale is strange, or you’re facing a tough decision, this guide is for you.

Why Tarot for Team Leaders?

Let’s get practical. Leadership isn’t just about to-do lists and KPIs—it’s about people, relationships, and intuition. Tarot spreads provide a structured, creative way to reflect on dynamics you might otherwise miss. Unlike generic “team building” exercises, tarot spreads are personal, adaptable, and (surprisingly) quick to set up. No mystical experience required—just an open mind and 15 distraction-free minutes.

Case Study: The Overwhelmed Project Lead

Meet Alex, a project manager juggling a remote team across time zones. Deadlines were slipping, and frustration was brewing. Instead of another Zoom pep talk, we tried a tailored tarot spread. Here’s what happened:

  • Goal: Identify hidden blockages in team communication.
  • Setup: 3-card “Team Lens” spread during a lunchtime break.
  • Result: Alex uncovered an unspoken tension around feedback cycles, leading to a new weekly check-in ritual (no tarot cards required after the session!).

“I was surprised at how practical the spread felt. It wasn’t about predicting the future—it was about seeing the present differently.”

– Alex, Project Lead

15-Minute Tarot Spread for Team Leaders

Here’s my go-to spread for managers facing a tricky leadership challenge. Budget 15 minutes, and you can do this solo, or (if your team is open) as a group exercise.

Materials Needed

  • Your favorite tarot deck (if you’re new, see my recommendations below)
  • Notebook or notes app
  • Optional: calming playlist (for focus, not mysticism)

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Set a Clear Intention (2 min): Write down the challenge in one sentence. Example: “How can I better support my team during this product launch?”
  2. Shuffle the Deck (2 min): While shuffling, focus on your intention. No need for fancy shuffling—just mix them up.
  3. Draw Three Cards (1 min): Lay them out left to right.
  4. Interpret the Spread (8 min): Use this framework:
    • Card 1 – Current Team Energy: What’s really going on beneath the surface?
    • Card 2 – Hidden Challenge: What am I missing or avoiding as a leader?
    • Card 3 – Next Step: What’s the most constructive action I can take?
  5. Write One Concrete Action (2 min): Based on the cards, jot down a single, specific next step. (Example: “Schedule a feedback roundtable.”)

Best Tarot Decks for Professional Use

If you want a deck that’s stylish enough for your office, here’s a quick comparison:

Name Key Feature Size/Material Price Range Amazon link
Modern Witch Tarot Inclusive art, easy to read Standard, cardstock $20–$25 Check price on Amazon
Light Seer’s Tarot Contemporary, positive vibes Standard, thick cards $22–$30 See today’s deal
The Wild Unknown Tarot Minimalist, nature-based Standard, matte finish $25–$35 Check price on Amazon

Tip: If you’re new, I recommend the Modern Witch Tarot for its clarity and approachable design.

When (and When Not) to Use Tarot in Leadership

  • Best for: Reflection, brainstorming, emotional check-ins, tough decisions, and creative blocks.
  • Not for: Replacing HR policies, diagnosing burnout, or making legally binding choices.

Tarot is a mirror, not a manual. It helps you see what’s already at play, so you can act with more awareness—no need for cosmic permission slips.

Quick Tarot Spread Checklist for Team Leaders

  • ☑ Define your leadership challenge in one sentence
  • ☑ Shuffle deck with intention
  • ☑ Draw 3 cards: Team Energy | Hidden Challenge | Next Step
  • ☑ Reflect and jot down a practical action
  • ☑ Debrief with a trusted peer if needed

Recommended Resources & Tools

Remember: Leadership is an ongoing practice—not a one-time reading. Tarot spreads are just one tool in your kit. Use them for clarity, not certainty.

Final thoughts: You don’t need to believe in magic to use tarot at work. You just need curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to experiment. Next time you’re stuck as a leader, give this 15-minute spread a try. You might be surprised at what you see.

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