AUTHOR’S NOTE: Tarot spreads frequently include positions for “Do This” and “Don’t Do That.” Here is a problem-solving spread that expands on that premise by offering two paths, one involving active disposition of situational factors in five areas and the other suggesting either inaction or a more passive stance in those aspects of the matter. Each pair of options is used to calculate a “quintessence” card (always a trump card) from their combined face values that as a group will provide a “bottom line” narrative roll-up for the reading in five chapters, from “opening move” to “last stand.” (Visit the linked post for guidance on the quintessence calculation.) Reversals are neither required nor recommended with this spread; however, see below.

This spread is unique in that it allows for “retrenching” of the outcome to see what making different choices in the “action/inaction” phase will do. To accomplish this, randomly reverse one or more of the ten cards and subtract their face value instead of adding it during the “quint” calculation. This randomizing can be done with a single six-sided die or a series of coin-flips. If this step yields a negative number, just read the derived quint card as reversed.

Depending on the nature of each card, it will be up to the querent whether to embrace its advice or steer clear of what it is proposing. (Any discounted cards will still add their testimony to the “bottom line” narrative.) If some of the cards have been reversed to alter their contribution to the calculation, they can be read in the main body of the spread as proposing a “softer” approach to that facet of the situation.

A Quintessence “Thumbnail”