Tarot Readings for Writing

I focus on character and plot spreads and will have tagged examples you can search through to check them out.

Here is a five-card reading for a character’s current goal, greatest strength, greatest fear, fatal flaw, and their internal conflict.

Current goal: Two of Swords reversed

Greatest strength: Page of Swords

Greatest fear: Two of Cups

Fatal flaw: Four of Cups

Internal conflict: Nine of Wands reversed

So, let’s look at repeated things first. We’ve got two sword cards, two cup cards, and two number two cards (one of which is reversed). Swords deal with reason and ideas, while cups deal with emotions. The number two deals with duality, while a reversed two means imbalance.

For this character, both their current goal and greatest strength relate to reason and ideas, which could mean that they might achieve their goal easily if there isn’t interference, possibly that they have set a goal they know will be easy to achieve rather than pushing themself. Their greatest fear and fatal flaw deal with emotions; this person might fear their emotions, ultimately neglecting them to the point that they become detrimental. As for the twos, because they are on the current goal and greatest fear, it could mean that the two are imbalanced and in opposition to each other, since one of the twos is reversed.

Their current goal seems to deal with the fact that they are unwilling to compromise on something. They will not look at a second opinion or will ignore it. Depending on the situation, this is either very commendable or very stupid.

Their greatest strength is their quick thinking. They are practical, curious, and energetic.

Their greatest fear is interpersonal connection or being vulnerable. Perhaps they’ve been hurt in the past by a friend or lover.

Their fatal flow is either apathy or ignoring the obvious. This character does not want change; it’s either too much effort or too risky. They might be unhappy, but they aren’t willing to change their circumstances.

A simple past, present, and future reading for a character.

Past: 9 The Hermit reversed

Present: 9 of Wands reversed

Future: 3 of Swords

Interestingly, we have two reversed nines. This could indicate that this character’s past and present are characterized by a lack of goals or that this character needs to redefine their goals.

Their past has made them cynical. They may have had an untrustworthy teacher or authority figure that has led them to be unable to see things the way they are.

Their present life is lethargic and their creative energy is wasted in their current endeavors.