Tarot Spread for Career Choices

Tarot Spread for Career Choices

ByMelissa Kennedy

Making a decision about your career can feel like standing at a crossroads with a dozen signposts—and none of them are labeled. If you’ve been staring at job postings, wondering whether to leap, stay, or pivot, tarot can offer a fresh perspective. Not magic, not mind-reading—just a practical, structured way to clarify your own thoughts and feelings. Let’s walk through a 15-minute tarot spread designed to help you get clarity on career choices, plus tips for interpreting the cards even if you’re a total beginner.

Why Use Tarot for Career Decisions?

Tarot isn’t just for predicting the future or answering “yes or no” questions. The cards can help you:

  • Uncover hidden motivations that are influencing your decisions
  • Identify fears or limiting beliefs (hello, imposter syndrome!)
  • Spot opportunities and challenges in each career path
  • Reflect on what actually matters to you, not just what looks good on paper

“Tarot helps me see what my gut’s been trying to tell me all along—but with pictures.”

Case Study: Anna’s Job Dilemma

Anna, a marketing manager, was torn between staying at her stable job or jumping to a riskier startup. She used a simple tarot spread to look at each option. The cards didn’t hand her an answer. But they did surface her real priorities (flexibility, creativity) and her main fear (starting over). She made her choice feeling more confident—and less anxious.

15-Minute Career Choice Tarot Spread

What You’ll Need

  • Your favorite tarot deck (if you’re new, see the comparison table below)
  • A notepad and pen
  • Timer (optional, but keeps you on track)

Step-by-Step: The 6-Card Career Crossroads Spread

  1. Set your intention. Take a deep breath. Focus on your question, e.g., “What do I need to know about choosing between Job A and Job B?”
  2. Shuffle and draw 6 cards. Lay them out in two columns:
    • Column 1: Option A (e.g., current job)
    • Column 2: Option B (e.g., new offer)
  3. Position meanings:
    • Card 1 (A): What’s drawing me to this option?
    • Card 2 (A): Main challenge if I choose this
    • Card 3 (A): Outcome if I commit
    • Card 4 (B): What’s drawing me to this option?
    • Card 5 (B): Main challenge if I choose this
    • Card 6 (B): Outcome if I commit
  4. Interpret the cards. Use the meanings as a starting point, but pay attention to your own reactions and associations. See “Interpreting Career Cards” below.

Interpreting Career Cards: What to Look For

  • Major Arcana cards (like The Fool, The Tower) often signal big life themes—change, risk, growth.
  • Cups focus on emotions and relationships. Are you craving connection or worried about office politics?
  • Pentacles point to practical matters—money, security, resources.
  • Swords represent mental challenges, communication, and stress.
  • Wands are about passion, motivation, and creativity.

If you draw The Star for “outcome,” expect inspiration and hopefulness. If you see the Ten of Swords, maybe reconsider—or at least, dig deeper before deciding.

Quick Tarot Card Cheat Sheet for Career Readings

Card Career Meaning
The Fool New beginnings, taking a leap, risk
Eight of Pentacles Skill-building, mastery, focused work
Three of Cups Teamwork, support network, celebration
The Devil Feeling stuck, burnout, unhealthy patterns
Six of Wands Recognition, success, leadership

Best Tarot Decks for Career Readings (2024)

Name Key Feature Size/Material Price Range Amazon Link
Rider-Waite-Smith Classic, easy to learn Standard, cardstock $15–$25 Check price on Amazon
Modern Witch Tarot Diverse, modern artwork Standard, thick card $18–$28 See today’s deal
Light Seer’s Tarot Uplifting, intuitive Matte finish, sturdy box $20–$35 Check price on Amazon
  • Rider-Waite-Smith: Best if you’re new and want tons of guidebook resources.
  • Modern Witch Tarot: Great for visual learners and anyone seeking inclusive imagery.
  • Light Seer’s Tarot: Ideal if you prefer an upbeat, intuitive vibe.

Pros & Cons of Using Tarot for Career Choices

  • Pros:
    • Helps clarify your feelings and priorities
    • Encourages reflection without outside pressure
    • Fun, creative, and can be done solo or with friends
  • Cons:
    • Not a substitute for practical research (like talking to recruiters or reviewing salary data)
    • Can reflect your current mood—so check in with yourself before making big decisions

15-Minute Tarot Career Reading Checklist

  • Pick your question (e.g., “Should I stay or go?”)
  • Set up your space—quiet, comfortable, and distraction-free
  • Shuffle and lay out your cards
  • Take notes on your first impressions—no filter!
  • Use a guidebook or cheat sheet to interpret symbols
  • Reflect: What new insights came up? What feels clearer?
  • Optional: Pull a single card for “What’s my next best step?”

Helpful Tools & Resources

Pro tip: Use tarot as a conversation starter with a mentor or coach. Sometimes just saying your interpretations out loud brings instant clarity.

Final Thoughts

Tarot can’t choose for you, and it won’t land you your dream job. But it’s a powerful tool for self-awareness and honest reflection, especially when you’re stuck in your own head. Next time you’re facing a big career choice, give this simple spread a try—you might be surprised at what you discover.

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