5 Mistakes to Avoid When Doing a Decision Making Card Spread

As we navigate through the ups and downs of life, making decisions can be a challenging and perplexing task. It’s not always easy to know what the right choice is, and sometimes we can become so fixated on finding the answer that we lose sight of the bigger picture. Tarot card readings can be a helpful tool in the decision-making process, but even the most experienced readers can fall into common mistakes that can undermine the accuracy of the readings. In this article, we will explore the top five common mistakes to avoid when doing a decision making spread and how to ensure that your readings are as clear and accurate as possible.

Mistake #1: Lack of Clarity

One of the most common mistakes in doing a decision-making spread is not having a clear understanding of what decision needs to be made. Without this clarity, the entire process can become muddled and lead to inaccurate or confusing results. It’s crucial to take the time to assess the situation and know what questions to ask before laying down any cards. To learn more about decision-making spreads, check out the tarot decision spread guide.

Explanation

One common mistake people make when doing a decision-making spread is a lack of clarity. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the question and what you hope to gain from the spread. Without clarity, the results can be confusing and unhelpful.

In order to avoid this mistake, take some time beforehand to really think about the decision you are facing and the options available to you. Clarify the question you want to ask and write it down. You can also try journaling about the decision to gain more clarity and insight.

Additionally, it’s important to choose the right spread for the question at hand. Some spreads are designed for specific types of decisions, while others are more general. If you’re not sure which spread to use, do some research or consult a guide, like the “Decision-Making Spread Guide” or “Beginner’s Guide to Tarot Spreads for Decision-Making.”

By taking the time to clarify your question and choosing the appropriate spread, you can avoid the mistake of lack of clarity and gain more insight from your decision-making spread.

How to Avoid

To avoid lack of clarity, take the time to carefully craft your question before doing the spread. Make sure it is specific and clear, and that you have a good understanding of what you are seeking guidance on. If needed, rephrase the question until it feels right.

When it comes to forcing an answer, remember that the cards are simply a tool for guidance, not a solution in themselves. Try to detach from any desired outcome and approach the reading with an open mind. Be willing to accept whatever message comes through, even if it is not what you were hoping for.

To avoid overdependence on one card, always look at the spread as a whole. Think about the message each card is contributing, and pay attention to the relationship between the cards. The spread can often provide a more nuanced and complete answer than any single card could.

Don’t forget about reversals. These cards may be interpreted differently than their upright counterparts, so make sure to take them into consideration when interpreting your reading. Don’t ignore them or brush them off as unimportant.

Lastly, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your reading. Don’t just rush off and make a decision based on the cards without contemplating their message first. Take some quiet time to really think about what the cards are telling you and how they relate to your situation. This reflection will give you a deeper understanding of the spread and help you make a more informed decision.

If you’re looking for the best tarot or oracle cards for decision making spreads, check out our article on best tarot cards for decision spreads or read about using oracle cards for making tough choices in our article on oracle cards and tough choices.

Mistake #2: Trying to Force an Answer

When using a decision-making spread during a tarot reading, it can be tempting to try to force an answer to a question or problem. However, this is a mistake that can lead to inaccurate or unhelpful results. It’s important to approach the spread with an open mind and allow the cards to speak for themselves, rather than trying to manipulate the outcome. Let’s explore the reasons why trying to force an answer is a mistake and how to avoid it in your next tarot reading.

Explanation

When it comes to doing a decision making spread, there are a number of common mistakes that tarot readers often make. In this article, we’ll explore each of these mistakes in turn and explain why they can be problematic.

1. Lack of Clarity

• Not being clear on the question being asked can lead to vague or confusing readings.
• When the question is too broad or open-ended, it can be difficult to interpret the cards that come up.
• Similarly, if the question is too specific or narrowly focused, it can limit the insights that the cards can offer.

2. Trying to Force an Answer

• When we have a strong emotional attachment to a particular outcome, we may inadvertently bias our interpretation of the cards.
• This can lead us to overemphasize certain cards or aspects of the reading, and ignore or downplay others that don’t fit our desired outcome.
• This can result in a reading that is less accurate and helpful than it could be.

3. Overdependence on One Card

• While it’s natural to focus on the “big” cards in a reading, such as the Major Arcana or Court Cards, it’s important to remember that every card is valuable and important.
• Overemphasizing one card can lead to a narrow interpretation of the reading, and may cause us to miss out on important insights or nuances.
• Remember to take each card in the spread as a whole, and to consider how they work together as a group to offer a complete picture.

4. Ignoring Reversals

• Reversals refer to cards that appear upside-down in a spread, which can indicate a different interpretation than if the card appeared upright.
• When we ignore reversals, we’re missing out on a valuable source of insights and nuances that can add depth and complexity to the reading.
• Be sure to pay attention to reversals when interpreting your spread, and to consider how they may change the overall meaning of the cards.

5. Not Taking the Time to Reflect

• Finally, it’s important to take the time to reflect on your reading and to consider what insights it may offer for your situation.
• Rushing through the reading or dismissing it outright can mean missing out on important opportunities for growth and learning.
• Take time to sit with the cards, journal about them, or discuss them with a trusted friend or mentor. This can help you gain deeper insights into yourself and your situation, and to make more informed decisions going forward.

By being aware of these common mistakes, you can avoid them in your own decision making spreads and create more accurate and insightful readings.

How to Avoid

To avoid making the mistake of lack of clarity in your decision-making spread, follow these steps:

• Take the time to formulate a clear and concise question. Before you begin your spread, take a few minutes to reflect on what exactly you want to know. Formulate your question in such a way that it is specific and unambiguous. This will help you get a clearer answer from the cards.
• Spend time shuffling the deck and focusing your energy on the question at hand. Shuffling your deck helps to concentrate your energy on the question and clears the deck of any residual energy from the previous readings. This step helps you achieve better clarity and is especially helpful if you’re feeling scattered or unfocused.
• Pull a clarification card if needed. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the answer you receive from your spread may not provide the clarity that you need. If this happens, pull a clarification card to provide you with additional insights or guidance.

To avoid trying to force an answer in your spread, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Remember that the cards are simply a reflection of your current energy and circumstances. If the cards don’t provide you with the answer that you were hoping for, remember that they’re simply a reflection of your current energy and the circumstances surrounding your situation. Don’t try to force the cards to reveal a certain outcome, as this will only lead to confusion and a lack of clarity.
• Allow yourself to be open to whatever message the cards have to offer. Sometimes, the cards may bring up unexpected or uncomfortable information, but it’s important to remain open to the message they’re trying to convey. Trying to force a specific answer will only limit your ability to receive the guidance that the cards can offer you.
• Take a break and come back to your spread later if you find yourself getting frustrated or stuck. If you’re feeling frustrated or stuck during your spread, it may be helpful to take a break and come back to it later with a fresh perspective. This can help you approach the spread with a clearer mind and a greater sense of openness.

To avoid overdependence on one card, here are some tips:

• Remember that the cards should be interpreted as a whole. Each individual card in your spread is important, but it’s essential to remember that they should be interpreted as a whole rather than in isolation. Try to identify the overarching themes and messages that the cards are conveying, rather than focusing too much on one particular card.
• Use multiple spreads to get a more complete picture. If you’re finding that one spread isn’t providing you with enough information, consider using multiple spreads to get a more complete picture. This can help you gain a greater understanding of the various factors at play in your situation.
• Draw additional cards for clarification if needed. If you’re still feeling uncertain about a particular card, consider drawing additional cards for clarification. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the message that the card is conveying.

To avoid ignoring reversals:

• Pay attention to reversed cards as they can provide important insights. Reversed cards in a spread can provide important insights and give you a different perspective on the situation at hand. Don’t ignore them or discount their significance.
• Use an interpretation guide if needed. Reversed cards can be tricky to interpret, especially if you’re new to reading tarot. Consider using an interpretation guide or seeking guidance from an experienced reader to help you understand the meaning of a reversed card more fully.
• Consider the context of the card in relation to the rest of the spread. When interpreting a reversed card, it’s important to consider its context in relation to the rest of the spread. This will help you understand the message that the card is trying to convey in the context of your overall situation.

Finally, to avoid not taking the time to reflect on your spread:

• Take the time to reflect on the message that the cards have provided. Once you’ve completed your spread, take the time to reflect on the message that the cards have provided. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the guidance that the cards are offering you.
• Consider journaling about your spread. To help you reflect more deeply on your spread, consider journaling about the message that the cards have provided. This can help you process your emotions and gain clarity on your situation.
• Give yourself time to integrate the guidance from the spread before taking action. After reflecting on your spread, give yourself time to integrate the guidance from the cards before taking action. This can help you make more informed decisions and avoid making impulsive choices based on the guidance that you’ve received.

Mistake #3: Overdependence on One Card

When interpreting tarot cards, it’s easy to become fixated on a single card and rely too heavily on its meaning. However, overdependence on one card can result in a limited perspective and a narrow range of possible outcomes. It’s crucial to consider the cards as a whole and the way they interact with one another in order to gain a well-rounded understanding of the situation at hand. Let’s examine this common tarot mistake and see how to avoid it.

Explanation

When it comes to conducting a decision making spread, it is important to avoid certain mistakes that can negatively impact the accuracy and usefulness of the reading. The following are five of the most common mistakes to avoid and what you can do to make a more informed and helpful decision:

Lack of Clarity
This is perhaps the most fundamental error individuals make when conducting a decision making spread. If you are not clear about the issue or decision you are trying to make, how can the cards offer any meaningful guidance? It is important to take the time to formulate your question precisely and understand what you hope to achieve from the reading.

Trying to Force an Answer
Another common mistake people make is attempting to manipulate the cards to provide the answer they want rather than accepting what the cards reveal on their own. Remember, the cards are simply a tool for gaining insights and guidance, not a means of imposing your own desires or will. It is important to approach each reading with an open mind and a willingness to accept the answer, even if it is not what you were hoping for.

Overdependence on One Card
Many individuals make the mistake of overly focusing on a single card in a spread, rather than considering the meaning and implications of the spread as a whole. This can lead to misunderstandings and inaccuracies in interpretation. It is important to consider each card in the spread as part of a cohesive whole, paying attention to the relationships and connections between them to gain a deeper understanding of the message being conveyed.

Ignoring Reversals
Some people ignore reversals, or alternate interpretations of a card that appear when it is drawn upside down. This can limit the insights gained during a reading and hinder the accuracy of the interpretation. Reversals often provide additional, contrasting perspectives on a situation, offering a more nuanced understanding of the issue at hand. It is important to consider both upright and reversed interpretations of a card in a spread to gain a complete picture of the situation.

Not Taking the Time to Reflect
Finally, it is important to take the time to reflect on the message and insights gained during a decision making spread. Rushing through the reading and failing to stop to consider the implications and lessons inherent in the cards can lead to missed opportunities for growth and learning. Taking the time to reflect on the reading and how it applies to your life can help you gain clarity and insight into your own decision-making processes.

How to Avoid

To avoid these common mistakes while doing a decision-making spread, it’s important to follow some simple guidelines. Check out the table below for a summary of how to avoid each mistake.

Mistake	How to Avoid
Lack of Clarity	Formulate a clear and specific question before shuffling the cards. Avoid asking ambiguous or open-ended questions. Take the time to reflect on the question before selecting cards.
Trying to Force an Answer	Trust the wisdom of the cards and allow them to speak to you. Avoid asking leading questions or phrasing the question in a way that assumes a desired answer. Stay open to unexpected or surprising insights.
Overdependence on One Card	Use multiple cards or spreads to gain a more nuanced understanding of the situation. Avoid relying solely on one card for a definitive answer. Consider the context and surrounding cards for a more complete picture.
Ignoring Reversals	Pay attention to reversed cards and their meanings. Consider the differing interpretations of a card in its upright and reversed positions. Reflect on the possible lessons or warnings presented by reversed cards.
Not Taking the Time to Reflect	Set aside time to review the insights gained from a reading. Journal or meditate on the cards selected and their meanings. Consider how the reading can inform your decisions and choices going forward.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid common mistakes and gain the most value and insight from your decision-making spreads. Remember to stay open, reflective, and mindful as you explore the guidance of the cards.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Reversals

When conducting a tarot reading, each card can hold significant meaning, and that is no different when a card is reversed. A reversed card can indicate a blockage, hesitation, or a warning that should not be ignored. It is crucial not to overlook reversals in your decision making spread, as they can provide valuable insights and prevent rash or misguided decisions. Let’s explore how ignoring reversals can be a mistake and what steps you can take to avoid this error.

Explanation

When it comes to doing a decision-making spread, there are several mistakes that are commonly made. These mistakes can impact the accuracy of the reading and ultimately lead to a less than favorable outcome. Let’s take a closer look at each of these mistakes and why they should be avoided:

Lack of Clarity: One of the biggest mistakes that people make when doing a decision-making spread is they lack clarity about what they want to achieve. If you’re not clear about what you’re trying to accomplish, the cards may not give you the guidance you need. It’s important to take some time to reflect on your question and find a way to frame it in a clear and concise manner. This will help you to receive a more accurate reading.

Trying to Force an Answer: Another mistake that people often make is that they try to force an answer. It’s important to remember that Tarot cards are not a magic solution to your problems. They are simply a tool to help guide you in the right direction. If you’re trying to force an answer, you may be ignoring the actual message that the cards are trying to give you.

Overdependence on One Card: Sometimes, people can become fixated on one particular card in the reading. This is especially true if it’s a card that they are familiar with or have strong feelings about. However, this can also lead to a biased interpretation of the reading. It’s important to look at the reading as a whole and not depend too much on any one card for guidance.

Ignoring Reversals: Tarot cards can often be read in reverse, which means that the meaning of the card changes depending on whether it’s upright or reversed. It’s important to pay attention to the orientation of the cards and interpret them accordingly. Ignoring reversals can lead to misinterpretation of the reading.

Not Taking the Time to Reflect: Finally, it’s important to take the time to reflect on the message that the cards are trying to give you. This means taking a few moments to think about what the cards mean and how they relate to your situation. Rushing through the reading or failing to reflect on the message can lead to a hasty or inaccurate interpretation of the cards.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your decision-making spread is accurate and provides you with the guidance you need to make an informed choice.

How to Avoid

One effective way to avoid the common mistakes mentioned above is to be mindful of your decision making spread and how you approach it. Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid these missteps:

Mistake	Solution
Lack of clarity	Before you start your decision making spread, take the time to clarify your question or intention. Write it down if possible, as this helps to focus your thoughts and avoid confusion.
Trying to force an answer	Remember that the cards are not there to give you a definitive answer. They can only provide guidance and insight. Be open to different perspectives and interpretations, even if they challenge your initial assumptions.
Overdependence on one card	While a single card can offer valuable information, it is important to consider the context and meaning of the entire spread. Take into account the position and relationship of each card to one another, as well as the overall message they convey.
Ignoring reversals	Reversed cards offer a different perspective and nuance than upright cards. Including them in your spread can provide additional insights and help you avoid oversimplification.
Not taking the time to reflect	After you have completed your decision making spread, take some time to reflect on the insights and guidance offered by the cards. Consider how they relate to your question or situation, and how you can use this information to make informed decisions that align with your values and goals.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking intentional steps to avoid them, you can create a more productive and meaningful experience with your decision making spreads.

Mistake #5: Not Taking the Time to Reflect

One of the most important parts of any decision-making process is taking the time to reflect on the options and the insights gained from the decision-making spread before making a final decision. However, this is a mistake that many beginners and experienced tarot readers alike often make. Without proper reflection time, one may overlook crucial details or fail to consider all possibilities, leading to a suboptimal decision. Let’s take a closer look at this mistake, its implications, and how to avoid it.

Explanation

When it comes to doing a decision making spread, there are several common mistakes that people often make. These mistakes can result in inaccurate readings and confusion, which can ultimately lead to poor decision making. In this section, we will discuss the explanation behind each of the top 5 common mistakes to avoid when doing a decision making spread:

• Lack of Clarity: One of the most common mistakes people make when doing a decision making spread is lack of clarity. This can happen when the question being asked is too broad or vague. When the question is not specific enough, the cards may not be able to provide clear guidance or the guidance they provide may not be relevant to the situation at hand. It’s important to take the time to clearly define the question and ensure it is specific and relevant to the decision you need to make.
• Trying to Force an Answer: Another mistake people make is trying to force an answer. This can happen when someone has a preconceived notion of what they want the cards to say or is looking for a specific answer. When this happens, it can be difficult to interpret the cards objectively and the outcome may be biased. It’s important to approach the reading with an open mind and be willing to accept whatever guidance the cards provide, even if it’s not what you were hoping for.
• Overdependence on One Card: Some people make the mistake of overdepending on one card. They may focus solely on the meaning of one card and ignore the others in the spread. This can result in an incomplete or inaccurate reading. It’s important to look at the spread as a whole and consider the meanings of all the cards in relation to the question being asked.
• Ignoring Reversals: Reversals occur when a card appears upside down in a spread. Some people make the mistake of ignoring reversals and only interpret upright cards. However, reversals can provide important insight and their meanings should be considered as well. It’s important to take the time to understand the meaning of reversals and incorporate them into the reading.
• Not Taking the Time to Reflect: Finally, some people make the mistake of not taking the time to reflect on the reading after it’s been completed. It’s important to take the time to consider the guidance provided by the cards and how it relates to the decision that needs to be made. This can help provide clarity and ensure that the decision made is in alignment with one’s highest good.

By understanding these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure that your decision making spreads are accurate, insightful, and helpful in making the best choices for your life.

How to Avoid

To avoid making these common mistakes in decision making spreads, follow these strategies:

Strategy	Description
1. Ask clear questions	Before doing a spread, take time to formulate clear and specific questions that will help guide your interpretive process. This will help you avoid ambiguity and confusion.
2. Embrace ambiguity	Avoid the temptation to force an answer. Instead, allow the cards to speak for themselves and be open to multiple interpretations.
3. Look at the spread holistically	Avoid focusing on just one card or interpretation. Look at how the cards interact with each other and consider their combined meanings.
4. Pay attention to reversals	Reversed cards in a spread can offer valuable insights and add depth to your interpretation. Don’t ignore them or assume they always have negative connotations.
5. Take time to reflect	After completing a spread, take some time to reflect on the cards and their meanings. Consider how they might apply to your situation and how you can use this information to make more informed decisions.

By following these strategies, you can avoid the common mistakes that people make when doing decision making spreads with tarot cards. With practice and experience, you can become more confident and skillful in your use of tarot as a tool for decision making and self-development.

Conclusion

After going through the common mistakes to avoid when doing a decision-making spread, it’s essential to bear in mind that tarot is a tool for guidance and not absolute, concrete answers. It’s crucial to approach tarot readings with a mindset of openness and a willingness to receive insights and guidance from the cards.

By avoiding the mistakes outlined in this article, you can enhance your tarot reading practices, and experience a deeper connection to your intuition. Remember to prioritize clarity in your questions and to allow room for the unknown, rather than forcing answers that may not align with your inner truth.

It’s important to remain mindful of the tendency to over-rely on one card, as tarot readings involve a dynamic interplay of multiple factors and energies. Honoring the potential for reversal cards to offer valuable insights can also deepen your understanding of the spread.

Lastly, carving out time to reflect and integrate the messages received from the tarot can enhance your personal growth and decision-making processes. The art of tarot reading is a constant learning process that requires patience, curiosity, and an understanding that it is a tool to navigate life’s complexities. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can harness the power of tarot to find deeper insights into your path and gain powerful insights into your life choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a decision making spread?

A decision making spread is a method of using tarot cards as a tool for making important decisions in life.

Can tarot cards really help with decision making?

While tarot cards cannot make decisions for you, they can provide insight and guidance to help you make informed and empowered choices.

What is the biggest mistake people make when using tarot for decision making?

The biggest mistake is often a lack of clarity around the question or issue at hand, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the cards.

What happens if I don’t like the answer I get from the cards?

The answer you receive from the cards is not set in stone and can be influenced by your own actions and decisions. Use the guidance provided by the cards as a starting point, but trust your own intuition and judgment as well.

Can tarot cards predict the future?

Tarot cards are not a crystal ball and cannot predict the future with certainty. Instead, they can offer insights and advice to help you navigate the present and possible future paths.

Are reversed cards bad news?

Reversed cards indicate a different perspective or energy related to the card’s upright meaning. They are not necessarily bad news, but can provide valuable information about potential obstacles or opportunities.

What if I don’t have a specific question in mind?

You can use a general spread to gain insight into a particular area of your life, such as career or relationships, without focusing on a specific question.

How often should I use tarot cards for decision making?

There is no set frequency for using tarot cards for decision making. Use them when you feel stuck or uncertain about a particular issue, but don’t rely on them as the sole source of guidance.

Do I have to be psychic to use tarot cards?

No, you do not have to be psychic to use tarot cards effectively. Anyone can learn the meanings of the cards and how to interpret them for guidance.

Is it okay to ask the same question multiple times?

It is generally not recommended to ask the same question multiple times, as it can lead to confusion and conflicting information. If you need further insight, try rephrasing or approaching the question from a different angle.

References

• 10 Common Decision-Making Mistakes – Avoiding the Pitfalls
• List of cognitive biases