Decision Layout

Decision Layout

 

 

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.

Tile #7 is the significator, the overall theme of the query.

Tiles #3, #1, & #5 represent the chronological sequence of events that occurs if the reader chooses to do (X).

Tiles #4, #2, & #6 represent the chronological sequence of events that unfolds if the reader chooses not to do (X).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Decision Reading

The Significator

Cat
Outcome if you do it:

Autumn – The Farmer

Bamboo 9 – The Willow Tree

Plum Blossom – Innocence
Outcome if you don't do it:

Wan 4 – Lute

Bamboo 5 – The Lotus Flower

Circles 1 – The Pearl

 

 

 

 

Cat

The Cat signifies intuition, silent vigilance, and stealthy observation. It embodies an acute sensitivity to subtle cues and the innate ability to ward off negative influences. This tile represents independence and self-reliance, encouraging you to trust your inner guidance when confronting uncertainties. The Cat's presence is a reminder to remain alert and perceptive, using observation to navigate social or personal situations. It emphasises balancing assertiveness with discretion, allowing you to act decisively without drawing unwanted attention. In essence, the Cat stands as a guardian in darkness, protecting your inner light while guiding you to move through challenges with measured insight and resolve.

 

 

 

Outcome if you do it:

 

 

Autumn – The Farmer

Autumn is the season of fruition, wisdom, and preparation for transition. It is a time when efforts bear fruit, and past choices reveal their consequences. This tile suggests rewards are coming, but they may require careful handling. Have you used your time wisely? Have you built something lasting, or are you seeing the results of neglect? Autumn teaches the importance of discernment—letting go of what no longer serves you while gathering what is valuable. This is a time for reflection, learning from past experiences, and preparing for the next cycle. It also serves as a reminder that all things are temporary, and change is inevitable.

 

 

 

 

Bamboo 9 – The Willow Tree

The Willow bends but does not break. It symbolises resilience, flexibility, and the ability to withstand adversity. This tile signifies a test of endurance—life's trials may push you to the limit, but your strength lies in your ability to adapt and remain standing. The Willow also represents emotional intelligence and the necessity of compromise—by yielding where needed, you secure a future that remains strong and stable. This is a time to trust your inner wisdom and allow yourself to move with the winds of change rather than resisting them. Through patience and adaptability, you will emerge stronger and wiser.

 

 

 

 

Plum Blossom – Innocence

The Plum Blossom is a symbol of resilience, purity, and the resolve to endure hardship. Blooming in the cold of winter, it thrives where other flowers wither, representing perseverance through life's harshest trials. This tile suggests that even in difficult times, there is beauty to be found, and endurance will ultimately lead to renewal. The Plum Blossom also speaks to inner fortitude—your ability to withstand adversity with grace and dignity. Challenges may persist, but just as winter gives way to spring, your current struggles will lead to a period of flourishing. It encourages patience, reminding you that the most valuable growth often occurs in times of hardship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outcome if you do not do it:

 

 

Wan 4 – Lute

The Lute resonates with the harmonies of balance, introspection, and the gentle rhythms of life. This tile is an invitation to slow down, find solace in the delicate interplay of sound and silence, and appreciate the art of subtle expression. It symbolises the need for restorative pauses in an otherwise frenetic existence—encouraging you to nurture your creative and emotional well-being through the soft strains of music and contemplation. The Lute calls for a mindful retreat from stress, indicating that complex problems may be resolved through calm, deliberate reflection. In its vibration, the Lute speaks of letting go of discord and embracing the moments that allow your inner self to be heard, guiding you towards balanced decisions and a more harmonious existence.

 

 

 

 

Bamboo 5 – The Lotus Flower

The Lotus is a sacred emblem of rebirth, enlightenment, and the ability to rise above challenges. Its emergence suggests new beginnings—a birth, a fresh opportunity, or spiritual awakening. Rising from the mud to bloom in pristine beauty, this tile signifies triumph over adversity and the purity of spirit gained through hardship. The Lotus encourages letting go of pain, releasing attachments to negativity, and embracing a higher state of consciousness. It heralds a period of recovery and renewal, reminding you that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to profound clarity. Now is the time to embrace new perspectives and allow yourself to flourish.

 

 

 

 

Circles 1 – The Pearl

The Pearl represents hidden beauty, wisdom gained through hardship, and the treasures that lie within. This tile speaks of a situation where something valuable is being overlooked or where patience is required to uncover hidden potential. It is also a symbol of spiritual refinement, urging you to look beyond surface appearances to find deeper truths. The Pearl may indicate a reward after long effort, whether in personal growth, career, or relationships. It suggests that what you seek is already within your grasp—you only need the patience to recognise it. However, like a pearl formed through pressure, this reward often comes after struggle and perseverance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Home   Tarot Reading   Meanings   Spreads   Decks   Artists   FAQ   Zone31   Shadow Alchemy   About   Terms   Privacy     Facebook   X   LinkedIn


Copyright © 2025 Tarotsmith. All rights reserved.