The strengths and challenges Tarot spread is a simple yet effective way to identify your inner resources and areas of growth. It’s perfect for moments when you need clarity on how to navigate a situation or reflect on your personal development. This guide will walk you through how to use this 4-card spread for self-awareness and empowerment.
1. Understand the Tarot spread positions
This spread is designed to help you explore your strengths, challenges, and how they interact. The positions are as follows:
- Card 1: Your strengths
This card represents the qualities, skills, or mindset that are supporting you right now.- Journaling prompt: What strengths can I rely on in this moment?
- Card 2: Your current challenge
This card highlights the obstacle, fear, or resistance you’re currently facing.- Journaling prompt: What is preventing me from moving forward or finding balance?
- Card 3: How your strength can help overcome the challenge
This card shows how to use your strengths to navigate your challenge.- Journaling prompt: How can I apply my strengths to overcome this challenge?
- Card 4: The bigger lesson
This card offers insight into the lesson or personal growth opportunity that your challenge presents.- Journaling prompt: What am I learning about myself through this experience?
2. Arrange the Tarot spread layout
Here’s how to place the cards for this spread:

- Card 1 (Your strengths) is placed on the left.
- Card 2 (Your challenge) is placed on the right.
- Card 3 (How your strength can help) is centred below the first two cards.
- Card 4 (The bigger lesson) is placed at the bottom, forming a downward flow.
3. Create the right environment
Find a quiet, distraction-free space to do your reading. Light a candle, burn incense, or take a few deep breaths to help you focus and connect to your intuition. Set an intention for the reading, such as, What do I need to understand about my strengths and challenges right now?
4. Interpret the Tarot cards with intention
Start with card 1, reflecting on your current strengths. Move through the cards in order, exploring how each builds upon the others. Take your time with card 4, as it ties the reading together by offering a broader perspective.
5. Journal your insights
Write down your interpretations for each card, along with your answers to the journaling prompts. Reflect on how your strengths and challenges interact and what steps you can take to overcome obstacles and grow. Journaling makes it easier to revisit your reading later and track your progress over time.
Why this spread is powerful?
The strengths and challenges spread provides both clarity and actionable insights, making it a valuable tool for self-reflection. It helps you embrace your strengths, face obstacles with confidence, and find meaning in the lessons life presents. Use this spread whenever you’re feeling stuck or seeking a balanced perspective on your current situation.
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