Make Decisions Better

by Marcus Katz

  I make decisions based on the evidence that I have researched. I need to know the ins and outs of a situation or issue before I act. I am an analyzer of situations and people, I would make a good profiler of personalities. I am a people watcher.

  I avoid making decisions if I do not have enough knowledge experience behind me. I will not behave in a spontaneous way. I need to feel self assured and confident.

  King of Swords/Knight of Swords

  I make decisions based on smart thinking, and subtle consideration. I am not afraid to make a point, or demonstrate my thinking. I can also be considerate with the impact of my decisions on others and will always try and present my ideas with others in mind.

  If I unable to be spurred on or am bored with an idea I can lack the will to make decisions.

  Page of Cups/Princess of Cups

  I make decisions based upon fairness and sensitivity. I like to consider the good of the whole and consider the welfare of others when I take action. I am the swan who appears serene and expends little energy to move along on the surface, yet under the water I work hard to keep going.

  I avoid making decisions by putting them off until another day. I am able to escape into a dreamy world where unpleasant things do not occur.

  Knight of Cups/Prince of Cups

  I make decisions based upon insider knowledge. It will have to be of foremost benefit to me. I am very self motivated and my actions reflect this.

  I will not act and make a decision if I feel that the action will result in me being compromised and end up owing a favor.

  Queen of Cups/Queen of Cups

  I make decisions by becoming a channel and being receptive to the needs of others. I am emotionally motivated.

  I avoid making decisions by going with the crowd and ‘toeing the party the line’. The line of least resistance can be the easiest route.

  King of Cups/Knight of Cups

  I make decisions by what seems to be the most attractive option. I can be easily swayed to the opinions of others, and this is a strong factor in my decision making.

  I avoid making decisions by not committing to anything too concrete. I make excuses that I have to consult with others before I can commit and it is not unknown that I will scuttle off and wallow in my indecisions and thereby not stand by anything of any substance. I will avoid signing a contract.

  Page of Wands/Princess of Wands

  I make decisions based upon retaining my individuality. I thrive on excitement and experiencing a thrill, so if the result of my decision yields a bit of a ‘thrill’, then it is likely I will embark on this particular path. This energy is one of a lust for freedom and liberation; I must not be inhibited in anyway.

  I avoid making decisions by filling my life with superficial distractions. I will create drama to off-load any real issues that need confronting. I believe my myth so much that it overshadows reality itself, leaving me unable to see any other way of being.

  Knight of Wands/Prince of Wands

  I make decisions based upon the mood I am in at the moment; I can be volatile, open to the influence of the mood of the crowd. I can decide on something and not really care for the outcome; it may be that I am just putting on a show for the crowds. You tell me not do something and I will want to go ahead and do that very thing!

  I do not make decisions because I cannot be bothered to do so. I am lazy and indifferent. Let someone else make the decision is what I am often heard to say.

  Queen of Wands/Queen of Wands

  I will make a decision based upon what I feel rather than what others think. I use my all my skills of seeing the best in a situation and how it can be turned round. I show great initiative in decision making, if there is best to be seen in any situation than I will see it and will see to it!

  I do not make a decision well if I am in a depressed state, this state leaves me incapacitated and unable to decide, if I do make a decision while I am in this state of mind, it may be one that I later regret.

  King of Wands/Knight of Wands

  I make decisions based upon wanting to get a situation sorted out quickly; I do not like to hang around. I can be quite reckless in my decision making.

  I do not make a decision if the outcome restricts my lust for life in anyway. It is either all or nothing for me!

  The Cards as Additional Decision Advisors.

  In the Two Minds method, or any general reading, you can consider a single card to be an additional decision advisor. This reading of each card shows how it provides real-world advice for enacting a decision – once the decision has been made. We list here all the cards and give some suggestions for their role as decision advisors.

  You can read for the particular card at the top of your preferred decision column in the Two Minds method, or the card which comes up for your Sword of Perseus in that method.

  The cards are given in kabbalistic order, i.e. from Tens to Aces, in Suits, with the Majors in appropriate places for their position on the Tree of Life. The Court cards have been described in the previous section, and can be applied to decision-advisors, as well as being used to assess your own style of decision-making.

  10 of Pentacles

  The decision that you have made will place you in a position that could be considered favorable. The productivity created from your past endeavors will place you in a situation that is secure and safe. You may find that all the work is you have put in is now appreciated and recognize by your peers. This could relate to a work pension or bonus scheme that is ready to come to fruition. As they say “by the fruits of your labors you will be known”.

  10 of Swords

  When you’ve nailed your colors to the mast, stick with it. It is hard to commit yourself, maybe put an end to indecision, but you can “nail it” if you now fix yourself to the task in hand.

  10 of Cups

  Whatever now happens, with this decision, enjoy what is closest to your heart. You may not need all those shiny things – that can come later. Act, and enjoy what delights you and those closest to you. Let everyone else go-get “stuff”, you rest in joy.

  10 of Wands

  When you grab hold of something and make it yours, you take responsibility and often a heavy load. Own it, carry it, and march forwards – don’t shirk anything and before long you will arrive at your destination, everything intact and well.

  WORLD XXI

  Any decision brings together all four elements of life – the trick is marrying them whole. As you work forwards, keep everything together, ensure you are making the most of your resources. In this way, your decision will make the world your oyster.

  JUDGMENT XX

  Arise! Answer the call! Decisions made when Judgment beckons are hardly decisions, they are imperatives. “That, Mr. Anderson, is the sound of inevitability”. So get going whilst the energy is on your side, and you may achieve a whole new resurrection and life beyond the decision.

  MOON XVIII

  In terms of decision-making this card advises you to walk slowly and carefully forwards no matter how fearful you may be, or how little you think you know about the situation. Take one careful step at a time and ignore everything other than your decided course.

  9 of Pentacles

  This card has a realistic attitude to decisions, in that it suggests that we often get trapped by our decisions, if we do not remain open to change. So when this card shows in a decision-spead, you may wish to consider what parts of your decision will bind you for the long-term, and will not be able to be changed once enacted. It advises building more flexibility into the situation as you go forwards.

  9 of Swords

  Whilst often taken as a card of grief, this image suggests to us that the person who regrets all their decisions may no longer be seeing things clearly. They can literally no longer see the point (of the Swords). So it warns us that we must face up to our fears – that the future can indeed be different to the past – and that those mistakes may create a ladder by which we can ascend to a totally new
situation.

  9 of Cups

  You may be self-assured in making this decision, but this card is a warning about complacency too. Keep an eye on everyone now that you have made your decision, don’t leave anything to chance. It may be that not everyone is behind you.

  9 of Wands

  In this case, your decision may incite argument and opposition from others – either explicitly or less obviously. So prepare for a bit of a battle, and stand your ground. If anything, it will demonstrate that you have earned the success that comes from your decision, despite what others may think – or try and do to stop you. Fight that good fight.

  SUN XIX

  Happy times! One of the most favorable cards to bless a successful decision and a positively shiny outcome. It does suggest too that you “make hay whilst the sun shines” and truly enjoy your moment. Be happy that you have made the decision and live it through.

  STAR XVII

  Whilst one may live in “hope” which this card signifies, it may be better to forget hope and get on with living. Sometimes hope can be used as an escapist fantasy, and sometimes as an excellent driver for positive goals. Which is it for you in this decision? Get real.

  TEMPERANCE XIV

  The alchemical allegory of this card is encapsulated by “what does not kill me makes me stronger”. In decision-making, it illustrates that every decision becomes part of us – it creates us and makes or breaks us. Sometimes a decision goes through all those processes. So if this card has shown up in your decision-making method, it says that you will be changed by the decision, and to incorporate and utilize the lesson and the change itself.

  8 of Pentacles

  Take the opportunity to work on this decision, and keep going for it even if there appears to be no immediate response. It is like building for a rainy day – it will take time and be unrewarded in the short-term. The advice of this card is that your decision should be accepted on its own terms, and time allowed for its ramifications and rewards to become more obvious.

  8 of Swords

  Decisions can bind us with their complexity, yet sometimes we have simply allowed things to become more convoluted than they are. Take a cold hard look at what is actually the essential of your case, and work out where you are holding yourself back. This card suggests there is no-one to blame but yourself – or at least, that’s the most effective way of working with your decision for now.

  8 of Cups

  Walking away is always hard, and many decisions take us away from what has become comfortable – or stagnant. We may have to walk our own path for a while, with no other destination other than “not back there”. In doing so, we gain strength – eventually. This card suggests to you that there is a long way to go, but you can make it.

  8 of Wands

  This is a fantastic card to get following a decision, for it signifies that the stars are aligned and everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet – everything – and we mean everything – will get with the program. Your ducks are all lined up, that sort of thing. There’s energy and excitement, so go with it, and don’t stop until you land exactly where you want. Good news and good times follow this decision.

  HANGED MAN XII

  A troublesome card perhaps for decision-making, usually this card signifies a suspension – but there is deeper meaning. The card asks us to take another look at what happens when we “turn everything upside down” with a decision or action. Sometimes we are simply being truer to ourselves – closer to our authentic source. And everyone is going to have to live with that, even if it appears we are no longer who we used to be. This is a powerful decision-advisory card and should be contemplated at length should it be the top card in your “Two Minds” spread or Sword of Perseus.

  DEVIL XV

  In decision-making terms, the Devil is one of those cards we would prefer not to see. However, he must be faced on some occasions. Here he suggests that we may be avoiding difficult decisions due to fear, or not facing all the facts – a willful ignorance. This is pride in its worst sense. So bring light to the situation, open it up to others, cast a spotlight upon it, and don’t hide anything. Only in this way will your decision bring about the change that is required.

  BLASTED TOWER XVI

  Another “change” card, as is the High Priestess, Wheel and Death, the Tower signifies abrupt and unexpected change. So with making a decision it shows that it will have immediate and perhaps unanticipated consequences of change. That is probably a good thing – it just may not feel like it at the time. Get ready for a shock.

  7 of Pentacles

  Having patience to await the results of your decision is suggested by the 7 of Pentacles. It shows that you will perhaps also be disappointed by how much you get back for what you put in. So make a realistic assessment as to the results of your decision and bide your time – this card shows you will get out of this a little less than you might expect. But that may be no bad thing.

  7 of Swords

  When you make a decision, you act with the evidence to hand. It may not occur to you that someone or something (even oneself) is obscuring the true situation. So having made this decision, check it through – ruthlessly. Assume the worst, be pessimistic. Check every last detail for the spy in the camp, the possibility of sabotage. It could even be self-sabotage. Is this decision just an excuse to set yourself up for a fall? Or has someone suddenly (and suspiciously) recently changed their tune? Check it all out before you really extend yourself from this decision.

  7 of Cups

  Simply, don’t get distracted with the “maybes” or “might haves” in this decision. Move on. It’s done.

  7 of Wands

  This card, much like the 9 of Wands, shows opposition to your plans. Here it may be more obvious and dynamic – in the open. So prepare yourself to prove yourself, your idea and your reasoning. Have everything prepared and to hand when the challenge starts.

  DEATH XIII

  The card of transformation, in a decision context it illustrates how decisions are predicated by all that has gone before. No decision stands alone, it becomes part of a chain of events beyond itself. So observe how your decision fits into the past and is likely to fit in with the future changes you seek. What will be different – transformed – about yourself as a result of this decision? And will you live with it?

  WHEEL X

  Every event is a complex arising of activity in time. Even a thought is composed of tens of thousands – millions – of electrical and chemical combinations. The Wheel turns the entire Universe, and to some extent, makes things unpredictable, down to “luck”. Perhaps your decision is a case of “right time, right place” and it is important to recognize that. As one wise man said, “I’d rather be lucky all the time than right some of the time”.

  6 of Pentacles

  In every decision there has to be a give and take, for any decision moves our attention and resources in one particular direction rather than another. This card calls this particular aspect of decision-making to our attention. It asks, what can you reasonably give to further your decision, without losing your centre?

  6 of Swords

  This card shows that your decision will take you places, however it is also advises the importance of not changing course along the way. It is like having a business strategy and then sticking to it despite later attacks and diversions. Suddenly dropping your whole plan mid-stream is as if you were to take those six swords out of the boat in the Waite-Smith image. It might appear to make the load lighter, but the boat will soon sink as the holes are unplugged! So, stick to your guns having made this decision.

  6 of Cups

  Our decision-making ability is forged in childhood, of which this card is a reminder. So it is a call to suggest that your decision may not be the most adult or mature – and whilst this may be liberating, it may not be entirely practical or realistic. So, take another look as you enact this decision – ask yourself, “how old am I?” and be more reasonable if necessary.

/>   6 of Wands

  The decision-maker has triumphed, and all is well. So far. This card warns you to “bring everyone with you”. You will need everyone “on side” to champion this decision to its final manifestation. Don’t be too proud, you can also take this card as advice to “stoop to conquer”. Even if you have to lower your sights, a small victory is better than a great loss – for this decision, at least.

  JUSTICE XI

  One of the most obvious advisory cards for decision-makers, this card simply says, “justice”. Perhaps we can add that Crowley re-named it “adjustment” in the Thoth Tarot. It means that we must apply our reason, weigh up the evidence, and ensure fairness is enacted as a result of our decision. Simply say, “is this fair?” and go with it – justice will always prevail. In the ancient Egyptian mythos, Justice was represented by “Ma’at”, and even the Gods themselves were under her rule.

  LOVERS VI

  Following on from the previous card, one might suggest that this card signifies “All is fair in love and war”. It is the primary card of decision-making, though – and when it turns up, it means a big choice is to be made. You cannot have it both ways. Once the apple is eaten, there is only one way to go – out of the garden. So perhaps you should ask yourself “am I willing to pay the price of this decision” for it will have long-term consequences and be a one-way ticket.

  EMPEROR IV

  The zodiacal sign of Aries which corresponds to this card advises that energy must be given to your action. It is a “big push” that is required to further your decision, and it is all “front loaded”. So make the effort now, it will result in better returns later. But for now, “All hands to the pump”.

  HERMIT IX

  Being at peace with the decisions you have made is the mark of wisdom and a sign that the Hermit is present. He has not only walked his way, he has become his way. Totally congruent, utterly authentic, he advises that if you have any doubts, it is better not to act at all, and withdraw from the situation. However, when you are sure – decide – and go. There is no pause in the Hermit’s journey.