Career Tarot Reading Guide: Best Cards & Spreads for Work

Using Tarot for Career Guidance

Career decisions are among the most common reasons people turn to tarot. Whether you're considering a job change, preparing for an interview, or navigating workplace challenges, tarot offers perspective beyond the pros and cons list.

Unlike love readings which focus on emotional dynamics, career readings emphasize practical outcomes, timing, and personal strengths. The Pentacles suit plays a central role, representing material concerns, work, and financial matters.

Career Reading Focus Areas

• Job offers and negotiations
• Career transitions and pivots
• Workplace relationships
• Business ventures and side hustles
• Interview preparation

Best Tarot Cards for Career Readings

While any card can appear in a career reading, these cards carry special significance for work-related questions:

The Emperor

Leadership, authority, structure—promotion or management roles

Three of Pentacles

Teamwork, skill recognition, collaborative projects

Ace of Pentacles

New job opportunity, financial offer, career beginning

Eight of Pentacles

Skill development, apprenticeship, dedicated work

The World

Achievement, completion, reaching career goals

Ten of Pentacles

Long-term success, legacy, financial security

Five of Pentacles

Job loss, financial hardship—but also finding support

Ten of Wands

Burnout, overwork, taking on too much responsibility

Explore all 78 tarot card meanings or specifically the Pentacles suit for career contexts.

Career Tarot Spreads

These spreads are designed specifically for work-related questions:

Career Path Spread

1. Current position2. Obstacles3. Hidden strengths4. Action needed5. Outcome

Job Decision Spread

1. Stay pros2. Stay cons3. Leave pros4. Leave cons5. Best choice

Interview Success Spread

1. Your energy2. Their perception3. What to highlight4. What to avoid5. Outcome

For simpler questions, try a three card reading or for complex career crossroads, use the Celtic Cross spread.

Best Questions for Career Tarot Readings

Job Search

• What energy should I bring to my job search?
• What's blocking me from finding the right role?
• What type of work environment suits me best?

Career Growth

• How can I advance in my current role?
• What skills should I develop?
• What's the potential of this career path?

Decisions

• Should I accept this job offer?
• Is it time to leave my current job?
• Should I pursue this business idea?

Workplace

• How can I improve my relationship with my manager?
• What's the best way to handle this conflict?
• How can I stand out to leadership?

Avoid Yes/No Career Questions

Instead of "Will I get the job?" ask "What can I do to maximize my chances?" Open-ended questions give actionable guidance. For yes/no questions, try our Yes/No Tarot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tarot predict if I'll get a job?

Tarot shows potential outcomes based on current energies, not fixed predictions. A positive reading suggests favorable conditions, but your actions, preparation, and interview performance still matter. Use tarot for guidance on how to present yourself and what to focus on.

What's the best tarot spread for career questions?

For general career guidance, a three card spread (situation-action-outcome) works well. For specific decisions like job offers, use a five card spread examining pros, cons, and likely outcomes of each option.

Which tarot cards indicate a promotion?

The Emperor suggests leadership roles. Three of Wands indicates expansion. The Sun shows success and recognition. Six of Wands represents victory and public acknowledgment. Multiple Pentacles cards suggest financial advancement.

What if I get negative cards in a career reading?

Challenging cards aren't bad—they're guidance. The Tower might mean necessary change. Five of Pentacles could indicate temporary hardship leading to growth. Ten of Wands warns against burnout. Use these cards to prepare and adjust your approach.

How often should I do career tarot readings?

For ongoing situations, monthly readings work well. For specific events like interviews or decisions, one focused reading before the event is best. Avoid asking the same question repeatedly—trust the guidance you receive.