AUTHOR’S NOTE: In its 64 oracular “judgments,” the I Ching makes frequent use of the recommendation “Auspicious to proceed” when an augury is favorable and substitutes “No blame” when it may not be entirely agreeable but is still unlikely to cause harm. Here I’m using these concepts in a three-pronged tarot spread that applies typical card-player’s reasoning to management of the cards in hand: “bet ’em, hold ’em or fold ’em.” It takes into account the “risks/rewards” profile for each option, and can be used in any decision-making scenario that involves weighing different paths to resolution.

Begin by concentrating on the question or topic while shuffling the deck, then deal two cards from left-to-right to show where the situation stands at the time of the reading and how it will most likely “trend” as it develops.

Next, lay three cards to the right of the first two, from top-to-bottom, to convey the three types of response available to the querent: 1) advance confidently in the matter regardless of possible repercussions; 2) take no action and wait to see what transpires before making a move; or 3) withdraw from the field, perhaps “going back to square one” to reconsider what needs to be done. Decide which of the three seems the most auspicious before proceeding.

Finally, place three more cards to the right of those to show what the risk-to-reward ratio looks like for each path (see the photo below). Determine whether the trade-off analysis supports choosing one option over the other two and therefore favors its pursuit. Make your pick of the most rewarding opportunity to present to the querent as a probable success path.

Recognize that in each case all three cards may be so close in positive potential that any of them could be deemed the right choice; but no two are identical in nature to the extent that a little contemplation can’t sort them out even when their differences are negligible. It can’t hurt to entertain more than one worthwhile course of action as a “fallback strategy” just as long as we don’t spread our resources too thin in chasing them; doing so would defeat the purpose of the divination.

Below is an example reading to illustrate how this is intended to work:

The 4 of Disks (Power) as the present situation is stable but uninspiring, and invites at least a quick look for ways to transcend the stifling “comfort zone.”

The 8 of Swords (Interference) as the current trend implies losing focus and allowing disorder to creep in, causing nervous apprehension.

The 5 of Wands (Strife) as the “Bet ’em” option advocates fighting back against the disarray by mounting a strong counteroffensive and “taking no prisoners.” (The slogan “Go for the gold” comes to mind.)

The Knight of Swords as the “Hold ’em” option advises remaining steadfast and staying on-track in attempting to outlast the anxiety of the 8 of Swords.

The Queen of Disks as the “Fold ’em” option recommends exercising patience and restraint in stepping back from involvement in what looks like a marginally-gratifying scenario. This is the “no blame” option of the three since little will be lost or gained by standing down before things get too dicey. This Queen may in fact be too complacent to make much of the meager advantages proffered since she doesn’t see the value in exerting herself.

The “risks/rewards profile” for the “Advance” scenario presents the 9 of Swords (Cruelty); this is definitely a “no-go” proposition, implying that the 5 of Wands will “crash-and-burn.” The verdict is “Run, don’t walk” away from this one!

The “Wait” prediction offers the 6 of Disks (Success) as the “risks-and-rewards” trade-off; this is a logical progression from the 4 of Disks and delivers an encouraging take on the benefits of waiting that bodes well for satisfaction in the long run, with few adverse consequences for delaying action.

The 9 of Cups (Happiness) as the incentive to “Withdraw” implies that maybe “sticking around” for a bit is a better way to go, but I’m thinking that the happiness of all concerned will be better served by ending the current adventure and starting over as appropriate. The Queen of Disks will hardly notice.

Of these three paths, the “hold ’em and wait” scenario seems to be the most promising even though the “pot” could be modest; I would award it the “glass half-full” designation. Knight-of-Swords energy is not my strong suit (I’m more of a Cups guy), but I could probably hold it together long enough to arrive at the uplifting denouement portrayed by the 6 of Disks.