Tarot and Money Matters

Love and money are the two most popular subjects of readings. While it is true that tarot is useful for many other things, such as spiritual development, self-improvement, problem-solving, brainstorming, writing, meditation, and magic, divination continues to be the most common application.

During these challenging economic times, monetary concerns, now more than ever, are at the front of everyone’s minds. And, now more than ever, more people are turning to the tarot for answers, for validation, or for comfort. There are plenty of ways to approach questions of money. Usually, when asked questions about money, a reader will focus the reading on the specific area of concern: wanting a job, wanting a new job, wanting to quit a job, handling a large debt, pursuing further education, etc. A reader may do a reading, use brainstorming techniques, or some other nifty application from their toolbox.

Whatever other techniques a reader uses, most do start with or include a reading. Because of the widespread concerns about financial situations, a collection of spreads on those issues might prove useful. I find that using all three together as a series creates a very illuminating profile as well as some great steps and advice for moving forward in a positive manner toward a desirable future, especially if you (or the seeker, if you are reading for someone else) have just lost a job or suffered a reduction in income. The series examines the main issue (such as a lost job), attitudes and approaches to financial concerns in general, and a practical consideration of incoming and outgoing resources. This progression works nicely as it incorporates your main focus or concern while acknowledging that attitude does affect situations, even ones apparently beyond our control, and by giving you practical ways to move toward a more stable future. The series ends with a bit of good old-fashioned fortune-telling.

Action/Reaction Spread

Mostly we like to believe that we have free will and have quite a bit of control over our lives. While that may be true, it is also true that sometimes things happen that we actually do not have control over, such as the loss of a job or a reduction in income. When these things happen, we do still have control over how we react to them. This spread shows the event in question and what is likely to happen in the future, along with advice on how to react and who to turn to for help or additional guidance.

For this spread, separate the Major Arcana cards, the Minor Arcana, and the Court cards. Deal positions 1 and 4 from the Major Arcana. Deal positions 2 and 5 from the Minor Arcana. Deal positions 3 and 6 from the Court cards. The cards are laid out in a line representing the passage of time and grouped together to show the present and future.

Present
1. What is happening or recently happened—the event in question (Major Arcana)

2. How you can react (Minor Arcana)

3. Who can help (Court card)

Future
4. What may happen next (Major Arcana)

5. How you can react (Minor Arcana)

6. Who can help (Court card)

Money Profile Spread

This spread shows your various attitudes toward money. Humans are complex creatures and our feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and practices can sometimes be in conflict. If you are having money troubles, or simply want to have a different attitude about money, this spread can help. In doing so, you can see what may be in conflict or in sync. You can see if one area stands out from the others and perhaps needs to be brought into alignment for better focus and balance. Use only the court cards, laying them in a square for easy comparison, as follows: