The Universal Actions Spread is intended to help a Querent focus thier thoughts and reflections in a practical direction, with positive action the ultimate aim. The Spread is made up of four cards. However, one of these is not drawn at random, but is selected by the Querent at the start of the reading.
Even though the interpretation is likely to point towards a practical solution, the Reader must make sure that their Querent thinks about the consequences of their actions. To do this, the Reader will pa particular attention to the relationships between the cards that appear in the Spread.
Preparation
Before they start shuffling, the Reader should hand the deck to the Querent so they can look through the cards and select one they feel best represents the goal that they are setting forthemsleves. At this stage, the Reader and Querent should discuss the nature of the goal and talk about which card is most fitting to be placed in this position.
Selecting a Card, Rather than Picking One Randomly
In the Universal Actions Spread, as well as in several others, some positions may not represent the answer to be given to the Querent, but rather are part of the question. In these Spreads, the relevant card or cards aren't picked out at random, but consciously selected by the Querent or Reader.
The Reader Selects
Using their knowledge of the cards, the Reader will make a slection in cases where an aspect of the question may serve as a reference point for the other cards. For example, a reading that aims to analyse the Querent's anxieties might require a card that depicts the concept of fear. If a Reader selects the Death card and places it in the first position in the Spread's layout, they should remind themselves during the interpretation (especially if they are using the Intuitive Reading technique) that each card picked out must be considered in relation to the Death card and with the concepts of fear and anxiety.
The Querent Selects
When a card will be used to define an aspect of the Querent's personality that might otherwise remain vague or confused, on the other hand, it is helpful if th Querent selects the card. The Reader can help them select it, but it is the Querent who ultimately decides. The selction will help them to make thier own position clear and is an integral part of the reading.
Narrowing Options
A Querent may struggle to select a card if they do not yet have clearly defined goals. They will need to look at the images and ask the Reader about the meanings they represent. This is a key element of the redaing, allowing a Querent to clarify things, make decisions, identify priorities and strengthen their own intentions. The Reader shoudln't rush this process - it may take a considerable length of time, sometimes even longer than the remainder of the time allotted for the consultation. If the Querent is stuck or havign difficulties, the Reader might suggest that they can narrow the choice by using a limited number of cards, as follows:
Major Arcana cards: pick a Major card if the goal is f particular significance to the Querent
The Cups suit: if the goal relates to affairs of the heart
The Swords suit: pick a card belogning to this suit if the goal is connected to intellectual issues or matters related to communication
The Pentacles suit: if the goal relates to finacial or material matters
The Wands suit: if the goal is about creativity or personality
Court cards: select a court card if the QUerent's goal relates to a specific person.
If there is enough room, the Reader can lay out all of the cards in a deck in front of the Querent, for them to select. In this way, they can easily look at all the cards and find the one they feel most drawn to or believe is most representative.
After the Querent has selected the card to be placed in first position, the Reader should take the rest of the deck and shuffle it, using whatever technique they prefer.
Finally, the Querent should cut the deck and three cards are placed in a row alongside the first.
Reading and Interpretation
The Reader starts the interpretation by summarising the meaning of the first card, representing the goal, for the Querent. They then go on to interpret the next three cards, one at a time, which represent the strategy, result and consequences respectively. At the next stage of the interpretation, each of three cards is considered in relation to the first card in the following ways:
Strategy and goal
Result and goal
Consequences and goal
If the Reader feels that it is appropriate, they can also choose to consider the result and consequences cards in relation to each other.
After interpreting the individual cards and their mutual relationships, the Reader should end the consultation by summarising the meanings of the cards in the synthesis. They should take care at this stage to highlight the practical aspects aimed at action which emerged from the reading.
The Goal
The first card in the Spread isn't picked at random, but is selcted byt eh Querent to represent the goals they are setting.
The Reader can help the Querent choose the card, but must pay attention to the reasons that prompted the Querent to select that particular card, so that they can bear this mind when the goal is considered in relation to the other cards.
The Strategy
Representing the way that the Querent intends to act in order to achieve a set goal, this card can represent a specific and well-defined action.
However, it is more likely the card represents a set of actions or an attitude that can be better defined by answering the question, 'How do you intend to behave so you can achieve your goal?'
Variation
If the Querent is engaged and active, and responds to the suggestions put to them by the Reader, the latter may opt not to pick out the card referring to strategy at random, but to ask the Querent to select it, in the ame way as the first card.
Doing this changes the nature of the reading. The Querent is no longer asking the cards for advice on how to behave, but is deciding how to act and seeking help from the cards in examining the potential consequences and assessing their choice.
However, experience teaches us that if the Querent was not at ease selecting the goal card, it is unlikely that asking them to select a second card will lead to a positive outcome, which could compromise the effectiveness of the reading.
The Reader must assess whether to use this variation on a case-by-case basis.
The Result (The Direct Consequences)
This card represents the effects that will be achieved by applying the strategy to the issue that is being explored. In particular, this card refers to the direct consequences of the Querent's actions, which involve them and the situation that is being analysed.
The Consequences (The Indirect Consequences)
In a similiar way tot he result card, this one examines the effects that will be achieved by applying the strategy. However, in this instance the Reader is focusing on the indirect consequences of the Querents actions. The card in this position relates to consequences affecting various areas of their life, including other people, who are perhaps only marginally involved in the situation and, above all, the long-term.
Relationships Between the Cards
After interpreting the four cards individually, the Reader can proceed with analysing the relationships between the cards. However, if you want to speed up the consultation time, you can try to interpet the relationships between the cards at the same time as considering the individual cards.
Strategy & Goal
The Reader should examine the strategy again, asking, 'Will this strategy lead to the goal being achieved?' They should encourage the Querent to define the course of action in a practical way, taking this aspect into account.
Result & Goal
By asking, 'Is the result that will be achieved in line with the goal that was set?', the Reader examines the interpreation of the result again. If the result is inconsistent with or detached from the goal, then it is a good idea to reconsider the strategy or the goal.
Consequences & Goal
The Reader examines the consequences again, asking, 'Could the consequences change the goal or interact with other goals in the Querent's life?' The card that refers to consequences is important because it prompts the Querent not only to consider the goal and the result, but also more general aspects of their life.
Result & Consequences
The relationship between the cards that refer to the result and to the consequences is examined next. If these express contradiction, this might mean that the goal, however real it may be, isn't harmoniously integrated with the rest of the Querent's life. If, on the other hand, the interpretation of the two cards expresses agreement, achieving the goal will have positive reprecussions for the Querent's whole life.
Synthesis
The Universal Actions Spread is aimed primarily at action. Defining a goal, developign a strategy, aiming for a result and analysing the consequences are all parts of a process that should prompt the Querent to act. With this in mind, in the synthesis, the Reader summarises the aspects that emerged in the course of the interpreation, encouraging the Querent to define a course of action and to apply it.
Interpreting the Links
In a Spread without lots of different positions, it can be interesting to interpret not only the individual cards, but alos te links these cards have with the others. In this way, the interpreation doesn't depend simply on the meaning of an individual card, but on how the cards are linked to each other.
The Universal Actions Spread - and others that use few cards, such as the Three Card Spread or Golden Crown - can be constructed in such a way that the various aspects of the anser are not just contained in the positions, but in the relationshp between them.
Bear in mind, though, that this will take longer than for another Spread with the same number of cards.
Key Information
Number of Cards: Four
Cards Used: Major and Minor Arcana
Objective: To think about goals and draw up a strategy to achieve a result.
Layout: Four cards placed in a line, from left to right
Example Reading
The Goal - Selected by the Querent
II Swords
Essential Meanings: Discussion, Arbitration
Keywords: Balance, Adaptation, Duel, Mediation, Interposition, Duality, Stalemate
Represents the Goal
The Querent has selected the Two of Swords as thier goal card because at work, some of their colleagues are at loggerheads with each other. The Querent wants to try and mediate between them and resolve the issue, so that peace and calm can be restored to the workplace.
This card isn't interpreted by the Reader - instead, the Querent provides the reasons they've selected it. In this case, the card's imagery might have reminded them that after every storm, peace returns again.
The Strategy - Variation allows Querent to select
VIII Swords
Essential Meanings: Limits, PAralysis
Keywords: Drowsiness, Lethergay, Stun, Trap, Fear, Difficulty, Impediment, Restriction
Describes the Strategy
This card suggests that the Querent's strategy requires them to confront two conflicting parties and get things out in the open in order to find a solution.
Looking at the image on the card, the Querent might be tempted to suggest 'I'll have to tie them to a post and threaten them until they agree to make up!' Looking at the scene metaphorically, the Reader might point out that the Querent's strategy could require putting pressure on the people involved.
The Result
King Pentacles
Essential Meanings: Administration, Trade
Keywords: Businessman, Ambition, Money, Practical, Intelligence, Success, Materialism
Indicates the Result
The authority of the King of Pentacles, particularly with regard to material factors, may indicate theta the Querent or another neutral person will be called upon to arbitrate between the two sides. This should result in everyone recieving what they deserve and a satisfactory solution to the problem.
The Consequences
Nine Pentacles
Essential Meanings: Richness, Education
Keywords: Deiscernment, Pridenece, Safety, Elegance, Fabulousness, Self-Assurance, Security
Illustrates the Consequences
This card represents serenity, a sign that the Querent will succeed in their intentions. Thining about the keywords 'discernment' and 'prudence' in particular, the Reader can suggest that the Querent's work will be noticed, appreciated, considered appropriate and carried out tactfully.
Relationships Between the Cards
All the cards in this Spread should be interpeted in relation to each other, rather than simply being considered individually. This aspect of the Universal Actions Spread can be a little daunting, especially for newcomers to Tarot, but it needn't be complicated.
The examples below should help you to understand how to carry this out.
Goal and Strategy
Two Swords & Eight Swords
Both of these cards belong to the suit of Swords, which often represents conflict of some sort. Because the problem in which the Querent wants to intervene is obvious, there is no need to try and hide the issue or behave as if it wasn't there. The QUerent's strategy is to confront the situation without becoming aggressive and to make those involved aware of the need to find a solution for the sake of everyone concerned.
Goal and Result
Two Swords and King Pentacles
The King of Pentacles represents a person with authority repsected by both sides who will be called on to set out the terms of the truce. There is no need for the Queent to assume this responsibilty, but they must make sure that both sides in the conflict agree to respect the role of arbitrator. Once the arbitrator has been chosen, the Querent has already achieved a positive result, as the people involved have implicitly accepted the need to resolve the problem.
Goal and Consequences
Two Swords and Nine Pentacles
These two cards seem to be in agreement with each other, with the Nine of Pentacles representing the need for serentity that the Querent expressed. In this sense, the Rader can reassure the Querent that their goal represents a positive step in their life.
Results and Consequences
King Pentacles and Nine of Pentacles
Linked by the same suit, these two cards also appear to be in agreement with each other. In the workplace, this accord might indicate that the person with authority called on to arbitrate (if not the Querent) may notice and appreciate the Querent's mediation work, subsequently putting mre trust in them and giving them more autonomy.
Synthesis
By the ime the Reader reaches the sunthesis, the Querent already has the situation clear in their head. The cards in the Spread are consistent and rational in expressing the problem in detail. The Reader then has the task of urging the Querent into action, which can simply be done by asking, 'What do you intend to do?'
If the Reader prefers, they can ask questions referring to the cards, such as 'Do you intened to put these peole on the spot as in the Eight of Swords?' or 'Have you thought which authority figure can take on the role of arbitrator like the King of Pentacles?' It isn't necessary for the Querent to answer - the reading can end with a word of encouragement for them to find an answer to these questions by themselves.
In the Mind's Eye
Visualising success is a key element in both motivation and building self-belief, so it is an excellent tool to use alongside the Universal Actions SPread.
For example, askign the Querent to visualise what reaching ther goal might look like can be a great motivator. The Reader can help the Querent create a visualisation that inludes gathering the necessary resources, going through each step of the plan, staying motivated and focused and confronting any problems. End the visualisation with a detailed image of the achievement of the goal. The process need not last long.
Another way to visualise success and track its progress is to make a vision board of the plan and any resources needed. As each resource is acquired and each step taken, it can be crossed off a list, allowing the Querent to see their progress and feel encouraged.