Lesson 20: Tarot for Business Decisions
Making business decisions often feels like balancing on a tightrope. Whether you’re a manager, HR specialist, or entrepreneur, you probably know the feeling: too much data, endless meetings, and sometimes, not enough clarity. But what if you could add a dash of creative insight to the process—without compromising reason or professionalism? Enter tarot: not as a mystical oracle, but as a practical tool for fresh perspectives and creative brainstorming.
Why Tarot? Context for Modern Professionals
Before you roll your eyes, let’s get one thing straight: nobody is suggesting that you replace your quarterly reports with tarot cards. But used thoughtfully, tarot can spark new ways of seeing challenges, help teams break out of mental ruts, and open discussion in surprising, productive ways. In fact, some HR departments and managers are already using tarot and similar tools during team workshops, leadership retreats, and even for solo reflection when stuck on a tough decision.
Tarot is less about ‘predicting the future’ and more about asking the right questions.
It’s a creative aid—like mind-mapping, but with richer imagery and narrative prompts. And yes, there’s even research suggesting that visual tools can boost problem-solving and decision-making by engaging different parts of the brain (Source).
Case Study: HR Team Facing a Hiring Dilemma
Let’s meet Jane, an HR lead at a tech startup. Her team needed to choose between two candidates for a key role. Both had strong resumes, but each brought different strengths—and the debate was going in circles. Instead of another pros-and-cons list, Jane suggested a 15-minute tarot spread. The team was skeptical (and mildly amused), but agreed to try it. The result? A fresh conversation that broke the deadlock and led to a confident, well-reasoned choice.
How They Did It: Step-by-Step Tarot for Business Decisions
- Preparation (3 min): Jane explained that tarot wouldn’t make the decision for them, but would provide new angles. She grabbed a simple, work-appropriate tarot deck (see options below).
- Framing the Question (2 min): Instead of “Who should we hire?”, they asked, “What unique strengths does each candidate bring to our team’s growth?”
- Drawing Cards (2 min): One card for each candidate, plus a third for ‘hidden factors’ the team might not have considered.
- Discussion (8 min): The cards served as prompts. For example, a card symbolizing teamwork sparked a discussion about company culture fit, while another card led to questions about adaptability.
Sample 3-Card Business Spread
- Card 1: Candidate A’s potential impact
- Card 2: Candidate B’s potential impact
- Card 3: Hidden opportunities or challenges
15-Minute Tarot Session: Step-by-Step Checklist
| Step | Details | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Clarify the Question | What specific decision or dilemma are you exploring? | 2 min |
| Choose a Tarot Deck | Pick a neutral, professional-looking deck | 1 min |
| Shuffle & Draw Cards | Use a 3-card spread (see above) | 2 min |
| Interpret Together | Discuss what each card suggests about your options | 8 min |
| Summarize Insights | Note any new perspectives or considerations | 2 min |
Choosing the Right Tarot Deck for the Workplace
Not all tarot decks are created equal. Some are artsy and fun, others are classic and serious. If you’re bringing tarot into a business context, opt for something subtle and easy to interpret.
| Name | Key Feature | Size/Material | Price Range | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Witch Tarot | Clean, modern artwork; inclusive | Standard cards, sturdy box | $20–$25 | Check price on Amazon |
| Rider-Waite Tarot | Classic, widely recognized imagery | Laminated, easy shuffle | $15–$20 | See today’s deal |
| Aeon Tarot | Minimalist, businesslike design | Compact, travel-friendly | $18–$30 | Buy on Amazon |
- Modern Witch Tarot: Great for diverse teams. Modern, stylish, but not too “woo-woo.”
- Rider-Waite Tarot: The gold standard. Familiar and easy to find guides for.
- Aeon Tarot: Minimalist, blends in on any desk. Perfect for people who want subtlety.
Pro tip: If your team is new to tarot, start with a deck that has clear imagery and comes with a straightforward guidebook.
Tarot Apps for Quick Business Insight
If you want to keep things digital (or discreet), try these apps:
- Labyrinthos Tarot: Free, clean interface, and a great learning tool. Download here
- Golden Thread Tarot: Tracks your readings, offers daily prompts. Try the app
- Tarot Simple: For Android, ad-free, focused on basics. See on Google Play
Who Should Try Tarot for Business Decisions?
- Managers and Team Leaders: When you need a fresh angle or want to engage your team in creative problem-solving.
- HR Professionals: For team-building, conflict resolution, or exploring company culture fit.
- Entrepreneurs and Freelancers: When you’re stuck in a rut or facing a tough decision solo.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Quick, fun, stimulates discussion, no special skills required, affordable.
- Cons: Not everyone will take it seriously; works best as a supplement, not a substitute for standard processes.
Practical Tips for Using Tarot at Work
- Set clear boundaries: Tarot is a brainstorming tool, not a replacement for data-driven decisions.
- Keep it short: 15 minutes is usually enough.
- Be inclusive: Present it as one option among many for creative thinking.
- Practice discretion: Some teams will love it, others may prefer more conventional methods.
Remember: There’s no need to be a tarot expert. Let the cards prompt questions—your team will do the rest.
Recommended Reading & Resources
- Why Leaders Should Always Ask the Right Questions (Inc.)
- Tarot for Your Self by Mary K. Greer — classic beginner-friendly guide
- Modern Tarot by Michelle Tea — modern approach, includes practical spreads
“Tarot isn’t about fortune-telling. It’s about exploring possibilities.”
So, next time you’re stuck in a meeting loop, consider pulling out a tarot deck—just as a way to see the situation from a new angle. You might be surprised at the creative solutions your team discovers.
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