Decision Spread

Difficulty: Easy
This simple but highly useful spread calls for a question to be asked in this format:
'What happens if I do (X), and what happens if I do not do (X)?'
Please note that it should not be viewed as a decision between two different options, but about whether a single option should be exercised or not. A second option would call for a separate reading.
Card #7 is the significator, the overall theme of the query.
Cards #3, #1, & #5 represent the chronological sequence of events that occurs if the reader chooses to do (X).
Cards #4, #2, & #6 represent the chronological sequence of events that unfolds if the reader chooses not to do (X).
Your Decision Reading
The Significator![]() III. The Empress |
Outcome if you do it: | ||
![]() Four of Stakes |
![]() Ace of Swords |
![]() Eight of Cups |
|
| Outcome if you don't do it: | |||
![]() XIX. The Sun |
![]() Two of Stakes |
![]() Ten of Pentagrams |
|
III. The Empress
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Empress sits upon her throne, her presence commanding yet nurturing. She holds the Hand of Glory, a macabre artifact symbolizing her power to claim whatever she desires. Her surroundings are lush and fertile, with dark roses blooming amidst the decay—symbols of beauty and abundance arising from even the grimmest conditions. Her expression is one of calm authority, radiating life-giving energy.
Meaning:
The Empress represents creation, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of life. She signifies abundance and the ability to bring ideas, projects, or relationships to fruition. This card invites you to connect with your creative or maternal instincts and embrace the cycles of growth and renewal. It may also point to emotional or physical abundance and a celebration of life's pleasures.
Reversed, the Empress warns of stagnation, overbearing tendencies, or emotional imbalance. It may point to neglect, smothering, or difficulties in manifesting creativity.
Keywords:
Reversed: Stagnation, neglect, overbearing, creative block, emotional imbalance.
Outcome if you do it:
Four of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A nude figure hangs suspended mid-air by four bloody stakes. This haunting tableau evokes themes of rest, stability, and a grim sense of harmony. The stakes form a secure structure, suggesting that even amidst horror, there can be moments of peace and reprieve.
Meaning:
The Four of Stakes symbolizes a haven or moment of stability amidst chaos. It represents harmony, home, and the celebration of achieved milestones. This card is a reminder to cherish moments of peace and recognize the beauty in completion. It signifies prosperity and contentment within your personal or professional life.
Reversed, the card takes on a lighter tone, suggesting ongoing prosperity, embellishment, or safety in unconventional ways.
Keywords:
Reversed: Prosperity, unconventional success, safety, security.
Ace of Swords
Symbolism:
A hand emerges from the clouds, gripping a freshly used sword. The sword gleams with power, representing intellectual triumph and clarity that has recently been achieved. The imagery suggests that a great mental breakthrough has just occurred or is about to.
Meaning:
The Ace of Swords symbolizes a surge of clarity, a breakthrough, or a new intellectual beginning. It represents the power of the mind and clear communication. This card marks the moment when confusion is cut through, and truth is revealed. It signifies victory through rationality, logic, and truth.
Keywords:
Upright: Clarity, new beginnings, breakthroughs, intellectual power, truth.
Eight of Cups
Reversed
Symbolism:
Eight cups filled with life-giving sustenance fuel the party at dusk, urging the participants to break through to a new experience. The card reflects the need for a transformative journey.
Meaning:
The Eight of Cups signals a turning point, where something needs to be left behind in order to move toward new emotional growth. It often signifies the need to leave behind past emotional attachments to make room for new experiences. It can also point to personal growth and a desire to transcend superficial satisfaction.
Reversed, it suggests a period of emotional abundance, joy, and fulfillment. It may also represent staying in a comfort zone when it's time to move forward.
Keywords:
Reversed: Abundance, contentment, staying in comfort, fulfillment, joy.
Outcome if you do not do it:
XIX. The Sun
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Sun features a radiant figure standing atop a stone altar, their outstretched arms ablaze with golden light. Behind them, a massive blood-red sun dominates the sky, casting warm, revitalizing rays over a once-shadowed landscape. Sunflowers bloom vibrantly in the foreground, representing vitality and joy. A golden wolf stands beside the figure, symbolizing loyalty and enlightenment.
Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It heralds a period of positivity, growth, and accomplishment, reminding you to embrace life with enthusiasm and gratitude. This card suggests that challenges are behind you, and a brighter path lies ahead.
Reversed, the Sun may indicate temporary setbacks, self-doubt, or overconfidence. It suggests the need to find balance and reconnect with your inner light.
Keywords:
Reversed: Setbacks, doubt, overconfidence, lack of clarity, diminished enthusiasm.
Two of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A vampire spews forth the life force he has consumed, a dramatic display of surprise and chaotic energy. The heart, pierced by a stake, symbolizes duality—an ending and a new possibility, the destruction of one path to illuminate another. The overflowing energy represents the unpredictability of partnership and cooperation.
Meaning:
The Two of Stakes signals a crossroads where choices must be made. It is a card of balance and partnership, representing the potential for collaboration or conflict. This card urges careful consideration and planning before proceeding, as your choices now will shape your future path. It can signify unexpected surprises, wonder, and a touch of enchantment that transforms your perspective.
Reversed, the card warns of discord, minor disappointments, or fear of moving forward. It may reflect internal struggles or external obstacles disrupting harmony.
Keywords:
Reversed: Conflict, disappointment, delays, fear, internal struggle.
Ten of Pentagrams
Reversed
Symbolism:
An exotic dancer raises the energy of her audience, clasping pentagrams in hand. This scene represents the completion of a cycle, where comfort, security, and family are at the forefront of life.
Meaning:
The Ten of Pentagrams signifies family, wealth, and long-term security. It reflects a period of contentment, with all your material and emotional needs met. This card highlights the importance of legacy, home, and lasting success.
Reversed, it may indicate loss, risk, or a breakdown in familial or financial security. It warns against deception or mismanagement of resources, which can lead to loss or instability.
Keywords:
Reversed: Loss, risk, instability, mismanagement, deception.
