Reading Tarot For Timing
As tarot readers, we know the cards can reliably tell us what is happening or why, but nailing down when something may happen can feel elusive. Not all readers will read on the future, because it is so subject to change. However, I have used tarot on multiple occasions to predict moves in location, travel, births, new jobs, and more with impressive accuracy.
The Universe has a rhythm, and tarot picks up on this, if you know what to look for. The cards can provide insight into the pacing of a situation, unfolding events, and even approximate dates, seasons, or astrological time frames. While tarot doesn’t necessarily contain a calendar, it offers a map of momentum. It can tell us if our energy is building or slowing down.
Why read on timing? Because waiting is hard. Because we want to make plans. Because we’re only human. Have a sense of “when” to look forward to can keep us focused and grounded— especially during transitions.
Part of the fun (and challenge) is finding a way to tell timing with tarot that works for you. Different readers have different styles and techniques that resonate with them. Today, I’m sharing my intuitive strategies and methods. You are welcome to tweak them to suit your reading style! It’s okay if some of them don’t resonate with you. Take what does. Most readers develop a system over time through testing methods and noticing patterns.
Tarot Tips
It’s important to consider that reading timing isn’t just about predicting the date something is going to happen. It’s about understanding the conditions that will allow it to unfold. A card might say, “This will come when you release control,” or “Tie up loose ends to proceed”. Sometimes the cards aren’t saying not yet, they’re saying not until. It’s always helpful to look at the energy around the situation, rather than pinning a date. Differentiate your readings by getting specific for a wide view. For example: inquire when something will happen based on the present energies in motion, or based on the most likely outcome.
Timing Method Quick Navigation
Method 1
The Speed of the Suits
It’s helpful to be aware of the speed in which the energy of each suit moves. This indicates the amount of time that will pass until your inquired outcome plays out.
Wands - Fastest moving, lots of energy at play. Days until outcome.
Swords - Quick, but sometimes unpredictable. Weeks until outcome.
Cups - A bit slower, emotional flow. Months until outcome.
Pentacles - Slow and steady, most longterm energy flow. Years until outcome.
The number of the card would then indicate the number of days, weeks, months, or years. For example, the 4 of cups would represent 4 months and the 8 of wands would represent 8 days.
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Method 2
The Seasons of the Suits
Another common and traditional method corresponds each suit to a time of year.
Wands - Spring
Cups - Summer
Swords - Autumn
Pentacles - Winter
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Method 3
The Days of the Week
There are even corresponding cards in the major arcana for specific days.
The Moon or High Priestess - Monday (ruled by Moon)
The Tower - Tuesday (ruled by Mars)
The Magician - Wednesday (ruled by Mercury)
The Wheel of Fortune - Thursday (ruled by Jupiter)
The Empress - Friday (ruled by Venus)
The World - Saturday (ruled by Saturn)
The Sun - Sunday (ruled by Sun)
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Method 4
Astrology of the Major Arcana
Because the major arcana have correspondences to star signs, you can read the card as pertaining to that time frame. The event or situation may occur throughout the season, or on a specific day in that stretch of time. You could pull more cards, combining other methods for detailed clarity.
The Emperor - Aries (March 21 to April 19)
The Hierophant - Taurus (April 20 to May 20)
The Lovers - Gemini (May 21 to June 20)
The Chariot - Cancer (June 21 to July 22)
Strength - Leo (July 23 to August 22)
The Hermit - Virgo (August 23 to September 22)
Justice - Libra (September 23 to October 22)
Death - Scorpio (October 23 to November 21)
Temperance - Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)
The Devil - Capricorn (December 22 to January 19)
The Star - Aquarius (January 20 to February 18)
The Moon - Pisces (February 19 to March 20)
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Method 5
Reading Based On Meanings
Sometimes, Tarot will speak through its imagery or traditional meaning. Look at your cards through an intuitive lens.
For example, 3 of Cups might represent the “when” being during a party or celebration. This method can give you insight into how or when to act, enriching the reading.
The Moon might represent nighttime or during a full moon.
The Sun might represent summer or daytime.
The Hanged Man might represent a delay, being stuck waiting longer than you hoped. Be patient.
The High Priestess might represent that the outcome timing is not to be revealed yet.
Sometimes, the cards won’t offer a clear answer on timing. In that case, the outcome is dependent on variables. The cards can offer insight into conditions or actions that bring about your inquired outcome. It could be an emotional cause, a decision, or set of circumstances.
The Fool might represent not waiting for the outcome, but going after it yourself.
The Star might represent having faith and believing in a positive outcome.
2 of Swords might represent needing to tune out the noise around you to see what it is you truly require or desire.
Method 6
The Card Flip
Without needing to remember new details about the cards, or even know much about tarot at all, you can use this method.
Designate a signifier card for the event or outcome you’re inquiring about. For example, the 3 of Wands could represent travel, the Lovers could represent finding a new partner, or the Hermit could represent a cozy staycation.
Next, shuffle the deck with intention. Ask your question, including the duration you seek (days/weeks/months/years). For example, “How many weeks until I get a new job?” Or “How many days until I hear from (person)?”
When you feel ready, turn each card over one by one. Count each until you arrive at your signifier. The number you end with is the number of days/weeks/months/years.
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Tarot Spreads for Timing
1 Card Inquiries:
• “What season of time frame is most aligned with this outcome?”
• “How many weeks/months will this take?”
• “How can I make this path flow more smoothly?”
2 Card Spread:
1) What is blocking or delaying my outcome?
2) How can a remove this block/speed up the process?
Try this 5 card spread for a detailed outlook with guidance:
1) Without changing anything or doing anything differently, when is this likely to happen?
2) A factor the supports this outcome. What is already working for you?
3) A factor that could delay or block you. Knowing about delays or blocks empowers you to take steps that clear the way forward.
4) Guidance for speeding up the outcome by shifting you into readiness or opening the door sooner.
5) Based on the wisdom of this reading and shifts made based on this, what is the updated timing of this outcome? This will give you insight into whether you’re able to make moves, or if you should take a step back and let things unfold on its own.
Spread Tip: In cards 1 & 5, look for clues to timing using any one method in this post, or your own personal method! Decide which method you're using before pulling your spread and set this intention for clear messages from Spirit.
• Look to the suit for season or pacing
• Look to the number for symbolic stages or the number of days/weeks/months/years
• Look to the vibe of the card’s imagery (movement, stillness, urgency, slow and steady)
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