Tarot Spread Test Drive - Stay Woke Tarot's Spread to Get Back on Track

Curious about all the different tarot spreads out there? Wondering if they’re a keeper – or a lemon? Me too. Let’s take them for a test drive and find out!

Each month, I’ll pick an interesting tarot spread (from a book or around the web) – and give it a spin. I’ll look under the hood, kick the tires – and show you exactly how it works…or doesn’t. No haggling necessary. Ready to roll? Let’s go!

This month’s tarot spread: Stay Woke Tarot’s Spread to Get Back on Track

A while back, I noticed that Rash of Stay Woke Tarot posted a link to this spread on Twitter. I read through it, thought it was interesting, and then tucked it away in case I needed it.

Rash created this spread after dealing with the double blow of losing her mother and mother-in-law within a few months. She had this to say about the spread:

But we still have bills to pay and lives to lead. Hence, this spread for getting back on track. My creative mind is dormant at the moment, so I’m just calling this one “A spread to get back on track”. I came up with it to force myself to stop, think, and – hopefully – regroup. Feel free to use. You don’t have to wait until something dramatic happens: It also works after a rough week.

Without going into the details, I had a shit week earlier in the month. I felt “off” my game and it was hard to get back on my grind. This was the perfect time to test this spread out!

Here is the spread:

Card 1: So what happened?

Card 2: How did this affect/impact you?

Card 3: How are you doing now? At this moment?

Card 4: Are you ready to move on?

Card 5: Suggestions for “tomorrows”

I decided to use my new Orisha Tarot (LOVE). I laid out the cards just like they were pictured on Stay Woke Tarot’s post:

My interpretation:

Let’s take a peek at what’s behind me – and what’s ahead:

Here are the cards I pulled and my interpretations:

Card 1: So what happened? Judgment – In Patakis of the Orisha Tarot, Andrew McGregor writes: ” Even if the problems aren’t of their own doing, they are aware of what is going on and need to speak up or take action to make it better.” This is the perfect interpretation of the situation I was dealing with – somebody else was creating drama for me and I had no choice but to speak up. It was explosive! I hate losing my temper and rarely do but in this case, perhaps it was justified if I was going to get anything done.

Card 2: How did this affect/impact you? Six of Cups – To me, this is always a card of peace and harmony. McGregor says: “Life is to be enjoyed and this person needs to explore what is getting in the way of that. Sometimes it is external situations that need to be changed, like a getting a new job. Other times it is our expectation and emotional habits that need to be changed. Are we expecting everything to be over the top wonderful?” BINGO. I had expectations about this situation and they didn’t go the way I wanted – and I allowed that to disrupt my usually Zen way.

Card 3: How are you doing now? At this moment? Five of Cups – Well, this is a fairly dramatic card to see. I will say at the time of this writing, I am probably NOT feeling this vibe. But I sure as hell was when the shit hit the fan! The Five of Cups is the card of depression and partial loss. McGregor has this to say about the card: “With this card we find ourselves feeling nostalgic, lost, and unsure of ourselves.” At the time my situation was happening, I was definitely unhappy and worried that I had a made a poor decision.

Card 4: Are you ready to move on? Seven of Swords – This is the card of theft. In Patakis of the Orisha Tarot, McGregor tells the story of the time Shangó owed a lot of money and was working a spell to get free out of debt. The spell required him to go onto the creditor’s land and dig a hole. The creditor accuses him of stealing his savings which he had buried, but the police arrive and find that Shangó is innocent.

Right away, this story made me think that the situation I was dealing with had gotten blown out of proportion. I was thinking the worst about the person in the situation – and they hadn’t really “wronged” me. They just didn’t live up to my expectations. McGregor says this about the Seven of Swords: “We all have to find our values in life. This person is facing decisions that will put them on one side or the other side of this story.” After reflecting on this, I knew that it was time to move on and leave my distrust at the door. I can actually trust the person and the situation for their “wrong” wasn’t actually as dire as I perceived it to be.

Card 5: Suggestions for “tomorrows” Ace of Cups – Have faith. Approach this situation and the future with an open heart. A new emotional beginning is at hand. McGregor advises: ” It is tricky to highlight people’s unconscious issues, so proceed gently. Ask questions instead of making statements. If the person does not pick up on what you are getting at, let it rest. They are not ready yet but will return again and again until they are.” This is exactly what I’m doing going forward. No more freaking out. No more assumptions (I am the Queen of Making Assumptions). Just approach the matter again with gentleness and trust.

This is a useful spread and perfect for contemplation work. I’d recommend trying out the spread to get back on track for yourself the next time life seems to be handing you a dirt sandwich.

Also: isn’t The Orisha Tarot gorgeous? It’s my new fave deck. It might be yours too.

I hope you enjoyed the latest Tarot Spread Test Drive. I’ll be taking the tarot wheel and hittin’ the road with a new spread soon. If you want to ride along with me, keep an eye on my blog. Happy tarot trails!

Blessings,
Theresa

image from my personal collection

Check out more cool tarot spreads here.