A Sample 10-Card Reading

Tarot and oracle cards are powerful tools for exploring your inner development, getting an insight about people and situations in your life, and critical thinking.  Since the 1990s decks have been published in staggering abundance and there are hundreds in print and currently available through online and traditional retail outlets. Thousands more can be found through online used items resellers, bricks and mortar new age shops, and used bookstores. They have found their way, though rarely, into psychological practice and high art gallery presentations.  More often than not they will appear at some point in the story of a fantasy TV series or movie.

Doing a reading for yourself, getting a reading for yourself, or doing readings for others is and should be, a sacred process. This article, and others I write on this subject, will explore the very serious and helpful process of using tarot and oracle cards, both personally and professionally.  I have been reading cards professionally since 1992 and have done thousands of readings. Over the period of my professional work, scholarly study, and personal use, I have learned many forms of knowledge about the cards and their use that I want to share with you.

Approaching the Reading

In another article for Ask Astrology, I explain three different ways to approach a reading: by asking a specific question, considering an area of your life (romance, career, family, and so on), or by just being open. For this sample 10-card reading, I have chosen the Law of Attraction Tarot and my question was, “how do I best move forward with my business?”  I drew each card based on a question for each position in the spread and laid them out in a Celtic Cross (photo at the end of the post).

What do I need to know right now (about my business)?

The 5 of Cups

I am doing what I enjoy, and the business is thriving, which it is; the work makes me happy.

What is a challenge I need to be aware of?

King of Cups

I need to keep thinking of ways to improve my professional stature and be ready and willing to present what I do to others publicly as a viable and important endeavor.

What is obvious, but I need a reminder?

10 of Cups

Essentially, I am getting everything I want from my business and I should be grateful, which I am.

What is hidden that I would like revealed?

4 of Scrolls

I need to enjoy my creative process and accept the rewards of my hard work.

What is a card from my past that will help me in the present moment?

9 of Swords

I need to remember that working for someone else forced me to accept their rules and restricted my power.

What do I need to know for guidance going into the future?

Prince of Swords

I have the skill to accomplish my tasks and goals with my business so long as I stay focused and trust that my training and form (delivering my services) will get me the results I want.

What is my purpose (with my business) at this time?

Prince of Cups

Each client is a mystery, but I must always put my best self forward to help them and connect with them.

What do I need to know or do to help fulfill the purpose?

Ace of Coins

Always keep looking for new techniques to deliver practical healing guidance for clients.

What are my hopes and fears?

Queen of Swords

My hope is that I have a successful strategy to “win” in my work and my fear is that it will always be some kind of struggle (to get clients, meet budget, and garner positive recognition).

What is an action for me to consider taking at this time?

Knight of Swords

Continue to see myself as a person “fighting the good fight” with a clear strategy for attracting new clients, supporting current clients, and delivering outstanding service.

The Reading as a Whole

There are a few things worth noting. First of all, the reading is quite positive; the only negative card is in the past position, where I would want it to be. Second, no Major Arcana cards were drawn, suggesting that the business is “running smoothly” and not in need of any major adjustments, which is also nice. Finally, cups dominate the reading indicating that my work is a “labor of love” and something that needs to and does provide me with a great deal of emotional satisfaction.