Last month a client came to me wanting to know if she should do this or that. The spreads I have used in the past for such an inquiry didn't feel adequate for some reason, so I scribbled in my notebook for awhile until I devised this spread. It provides pros and cons for both available options. It also shows what force is drawing you to each choice, as well as a "bottom line" and message of advice.
I wanted to share this spread here because I have used it many times since, and it always provides very clear answers. It's definitely become my go-to spread for this type of reading.
Pros and Cons Spread
Before laying out the cards, decide which of your options will be #1 and which will be #2.
Card Layout
1..........2
..6..5..7..
3..........4
1. Pro for Option 1 - The benefit of choosing Option 1.
2. Pro for Option 2 - The benefit of choosing Option 2.
3. Con for Option 1 (taken from bottom of deck) - The downside to choosing Option 1.
4. Con for Option 2 (taken from bottom of deck) - The downside to choosing Option 2.
5. Bottom line (taken from bottom of deck) - The single most important thing to consider when deciding.
6. What makes you lean toward Option 1
7. What makes you lean toward Option 2
5-6-7. Message to consider - Read these three cards together as a summary.
The above diagram shows the order in which I lay out the cards. However, when I read the cards, I usually read them in the following order:
Cards 1/3: Option 1 pros/cons,
Cards 2/4: Option 2 pros/cons
Cards 6/7: The two "leaning" cards
Card 5: Center card
Cards 6/5/7: Three card message
Of course you can read it in any order that is most comfortable to you.
Here's a sample reading I did today using this spread:
I have a couple websites in mind to create, but only have the money to purchase one domain name at this time. I wanted to know which option was a better one to pursue right now, if I have to choose only one.
(Click on the image below to enlarge.)
Card 1 (Pro): Benefit of Choosing Website #1
Ten of Cups
This is a website that would begin with word of mouth from friends and family. The Ten of Cups shows a comfort level with the people I would begin working with on this site.
Card 3 (Con): Downside to Choosing Website #1
Strength
What stood out to me in this card was all the feline eyes on me. I will have the people closest to me watching me, seeing if I succeed or fail. That pressure will cause me to possess and display a certain strength. I will have to really believe in myself if choosing this option.
Card 2 (Pro): Benefit of Choosing Website #2
Eight of Cups
This website will be building on a business I already have been working on. It's not as new as the first one. This card represents the progress I hope to achieve as I take my work to the next level.
Card 4 (Con): Downside to Choosing Website #2
Ace of Swords
I don't know why, but I saw the eagles in the card as vultures... circling around, waiting for something to die. Looking at this card, I heard profound silence...the aura coming off this card was like the sound of crickets chirping. No business. No progress. It's a cold feeling card, with no human warmth to it. The sword has been placed, but there is nothing happening after that. It doesn't seem as though this option will bring in much more business.
Card 6: What makes me lean toward Website #1
Ten of Wands
I am struggling right now, which makes the comfort of the Ten of Cups very appealing. The hardship I am going through makes me lean more toward the business where I can rely on word of mouth from those who love me, because it feels more comforting and safe.
Card 7: What makes me lean toward Website #2
The High Priestess
I lean toward this option because I have more knowledge and experience invested in this business. It's not new to me. And it has more of a mystical side to it than the other one will allow me to have.
Card 5: The bottom line
Seven of Wands
What I saw in this card was a question: "If you had so much business that you had to beat people off with a stick, which business would you prefer doing?" If success came to me in such a rush, which option would be better for me? Financially, Website #1 would be slightly more advantageous for me. If I'm looking for a higher degree of fame or acknowledgment, it would be Website #2. So, if choosing between the two, I would probably go with #1.
Cards 6/5/7: Three card message
Ten of Wands, Seven of Wands, High Priestess
There is a man crawling on the ground under the weight of the wands on his back. His load is so heavy he can't even stand any longer. In the next card, he puts the wands down and keeps only one. The crystals at the end of the wands are glowing like candle flames. With just the one, he was able to light the others. When I make my choice, I will be able to eventually light the flames of other business prospects. But it starts with one. The man stands up straight now and is standing at the threshold of where he wants to be. The High Priestess awaits him beyond the doorway. She has the answers he seeks. This tells me that I need to meditate on it. I have recently begun my daily meditation practice after a long break. I believe this will be the key to confirming my final decision.
As it stands, from the look and feel of the cards, I think I will choose Website #1. I think ultimately it will be a bigger challenge for me, but will result in greater personal growth.
Looking at the cards again, the orange and furry warmth of the animals in the pro/con cards of Option 1 are in stark contrast with the cold water/air feeling of the pro/con cards of Option 2. This is another layer of depth to the reading pointing me toward Option 1. I will still meditate on it further and see what other advice I receive.
I wanted to share this spread here because I have used it many times since, and it always provides very clear answers. It's definitely become my go-to spread for this type of reading.
Pros and Cons Spread
Before laying out the cards, decide which of your options will be #1 and which will be #2.
Card Layout
1..........2
..6..5..7..
3..........4
1. Pro for Option 1 - The benefit of choosing Option 1.
2. Pro for Option 2 - The benefit of choosing Option 2.
3. Con for Option 1 (taken from bottom of deck) - The downside to choosing Option 1.
4. Con for Option 2 (taken from bottom of deck) - The downside to choosing Option 2.
5. Bottom line (taken from bottom of deck) - The single most important thing to consider when deciding.
6. What makes you lean toward Option 1
7. What makes you lean toward Option 2
5-6-7. Message to consider - Read these three cards together as a summary.
The above diagram shows the order in which I lay out the cards. However, when I read the cards, I usually read them in the following order:
Cards 1/3: Option 1 pros/cons,
Cards 2/4: Option 2 pros/cons
Cards 6/7: The two "leaning" cards
Card 5: Center card
Cards 6/5/7: Three card message
Of course you can read it in any order that is most comfortable to you.
Here's a sample reading I did today using this spread:
I have a couple websites in mind to create, but only have the money to purchase one domain name at this time. I wanted to know which option was a better one to pursue right now, if I have to choose only one.
(Click on the image below to enlarge.)
Card 1 (Pro): Benefit of Choosing Website #1
Ten of Cups
This is a website that would begin with word of mouth from friends and family. The Ten of Cups shows a comfort level with the people I would begin working with on this site.
Card 3 (Con): Downside to Choosing Website #1
Strength
What stood out to me in this card was all the feline eyes on me. I will have the people closest to me watching me, seeing if I succeed or fail. That pressure will cause me to possess and display a certain strength. I will have to really believe in myself if choosing this option.
Card 2 (Pro): Benefit of Choosing Website #2
Eight of Cups
This website will be building on a business I already have been working on. It's not as new as the first one. This card represents the progress I hope to achieve as I take my work to the next level.
Card 4 (Con): Downside to Choosing Website #2
Ace of Swords
I don't know why, but I saw the eagles in the card as vultures... circling around, waiting for something to die. Looking at this card, I heard profound silence...the aura coming off this card was like the sound of crickets chirping. No business. No progress. It's a cold feeling card, with no human warmth to it. The sword has been placed, but there is nothing happening after that. It doesn't seem as though this option will bring in much more business.
Card 6: What makes me lean toward Website #1
Ten of Wands
I am struggling right now, which makes the comfort of the Ten of Cups very appealing. The hardship I am going through makes me lean more toward the business where I can rely on word of mouth from those who love me, because it feels more comforting and safe.
Card 7: What makes me lean toward Website #2
The High Priestess
I lean toward this option because I have more knowledge and experience invested in this business. It's not new to me. And it has more of a mystical side to it than the other one will allow me to have.
Card 5: The bottom line
Seven of Wands
What I saw in this card was a question: "If you had so much business that you had to beat people off with a stick, which business would you prefer doing?" If success came to me in such a rush, which option would be better for me? Financially, Website #1 would be slightly more advantageous for me. If I'm looking for a higher degree of fame or acknowledgment, it would be Website #2. So, if choosing between the two, I would probably go with #1.
Cards 6/5/7: Three card message
Ten of Wands, Seven of Wands, High Priestess
There is a man crawling on the ground under the weight of the wands on his back. His load is so heavy he can't even stand any longer. In the next card, he puts the wands down and keeps only one. The crystals at the end of the wands are glowing like candle flames. With just the one, he was able to light the others. When I make my choice, I will be able to eventually light the flames of other business prospects. But it starts with one. The man stands up straight now and is standing at the threshold of where he wants to be. The High Priestess awaits him beyond the doorway. She has the answers he seeks. This tells me that I need to meditate on it. I have recently begun my daily meditation practice after a long break. I believe this will be the key to confirming my final decision.
As it stands, from the look and feel of the cards, I think I will choose Website #1. I think ultimately it will be a bigger challenge for me, but will result in greater personal growth.
Looking at the cards again, the orange and furry warmth of the animals in the pro/con cards of Option 1 are in stark contrast with the cold water/air feeling of the pro/con cards of Option 2. This is another layer of depth to the reading pointing me toward Option 1. I will still meditate on it further and see what other advice I receive.
Deck: Legacy of the Divine Tarot (by Ciro Marchetti, published by Llewellyn)
~ Kiki
Tarot Dame
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3 comments:
I like this, I use something very similar for a "this or that" situation type spread, with some differences though. What gets me though, is how often the cards are able to present both sides so accurately.
What a wonderful spread and reading! I think it's funny that the 7 of Wands showed up again in this reading, but this time as a card of hope, rather than to gently mock you. It's saying sorry for laughing at your fears ;)
the Ace of Swords immediately makes me think of the internet. I agree with you that this way appears to be the more difficult choice, as it's just the beginning of a concept, even though it's a business you already have in the works. The contrast between the coolness of these 2 cards and the warmth of the others is remarkable. Maybe it reflects a little how you feel inside about the two options?
Ryan... Yes, after creating this spread, I almost wish all my querents would ask me a "this or that" question because the spread works so well! :)
submerina... Thank you, I'm glad you like the spread and enjoyed the reading. It really was neat, wasn't it, the "temperature" differences between the two sides! I love when things like that enhance a reading.
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