The Sceptic's Tarot

In a previous article, I showed you how to do reverse brainstorming (with tarot cards, of course!). I also discussed why reversing the problem is such an effective creative problem-solving trick.

Here is one more way to reverse the problem: instead of reversing the question or the cards, use a specifically created tarot spread to reverse a problem.

With this spread, you start by exploring the problem thoroughly. (First reading.) This is the conventional part of the reading.

Then you gather up the cards, shuffle them, and lay them out in the same pattern again, now in a new configuration.

For each question in the second part of the spread, brainstorm several answers, then see if you can apply them (or their reverse) to solve your problem. On this round, each card is a gateway to possible solutions, so pause a while to examine each answer.

This differs slightly from the usual tarot-reading method where each card has one function. For example, the "What is the problem?" card explores the problem, not a solution. In this spread, however, asking, "How can I cause the problem?" can give you the answer to solving the problem.

Remember that each question can give you solutions, so go slowly. But don't stop once you have a possible solution! The more solutions you have, the greater your chances of coming up with a super solution.

So, let's go!

First reading:

1. What is the problem?
2. What caused the problem?
3. What is the most important thing about this problem?
4. How can I approach this problem?
5. Who or what can help?

Second reading:

Take up the cards, reshuffle them, and then lay them out in the same spread pattern.

You will now read the same cards but with different questions.

1. How can I cause the problem?
2. How can I make the problem worse?
3. What is not part of the problem?
4. What should I not do?
5. What if I do nothing?

"Reverse the spread" lies half-way between a spread and a technique. Enjoy this fun way to solve a problem!

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