So it all started with a posting on my personal facebook page that read like this… “Some people lead for control and to use and abuse, some people lead in order to foster the growth and development of the people on their team… who would you choose to follow?” I never expected that post to create so much comment, and must thank my friend Donnaleigh de LaRose for reposting it and involving so many in the back and forth sharing! This is such a great area for self exploraton that I decided to creat a tarot spread based on that post and do a reading for myself to try it out! I found it to be a pretty awesome experience and I am sharing the layout with you today, as well as my personal reading from it! I would love to hear your thoughts on the spread and anything you might want to add to my interpretation of the reading. Please try it out for your self or your clients and let me know your experiences! If you use this anywhere, please do credit Karen Borusiewicz / In Touch Tarot. Happy Reading!

The Leading and Following Spread

Some people lead for control and to use and abuse, some people lead in order to foster the growth and development of the people on their team… who would you choose to follow?

This spread looks at how you assume the role of leader and follower in life and some of the inherent risks and benefits you should be aware of.  It does not assume a formal leadership role with a corresponding title or office; it might reflect any time or situation when you do something and others follow your lead.  Nor does it assume that following is something done blindly and without control.  Leading and following both have the potential to be positive or negative experiences depending on the situation.

Shuffle the cards and cut the deck into six piles, with the first pile being placed on position 1, the second on position and so on until all piles are placed.   Take the top card from each pile to answer the question for that position.  If there are any positions where additional information seems to be needed to better understand the situation or to move forward in a different direction, pull the bottom card from that pile for advice.

This is the first layer of cards pulled for my reading.

After reading this first layout of cards, I then pulled a clarifier/advice card for each position.  My interpretation of the reading follows.

Positions 1 – In what situations do I tend to allow others to lead – 7 of Wands

This card is all about needing/having the strength and determination that is needed to achieve
your goals, to overcome obtacles and oppositional influences.    It is at time when you are at the top of your game in spite of all odds and need to remain vigilent to sta;y there.  I see this card as a validation of my ability to recognize leadership potential in others and to facilitate their ability to “rise to the occasion” and to not just take over and make it right even though it may be easier.

Clarifying/Advice Card – 8 of Swords

I need to be careful to recognize that a person in this situation may be feeling a bit victimized and a bit helpless, being stuck in the notion that the fight cannot be won…  If I push them to stand up and take action without helping them to actually recognize their opportunities and not just the very in your face limitations, I can actually make the situation worse.

Postion 2 – In wha situations do I tend to take the lead – The Star

The Star is all about optimism, actualized potential, wisdom, and being able to see the bigger
picture.  I love to take lead on new projects, ones that have a potential for me to gain new skills an to unleash the creative spirit.  I love to grab on to those opportunities.  If another reader looked at this card, however, would they suggest that I tend to step up when the outlook for a project or situation seems to be a guaranteed success?  Hmmmm.   Is this bad?  An aspect to delve into a bit deeper.

Clarifying/Advice Card – King of Wands

This King is a real master and leader of creativity and imagination and represents someone who
enjoys being in charge and will jump right in to a situation and take charge.    The King of Wands believes in himself/herself, is passionate and responds to passion.  This is the ultimate sales- person and entrepreneur.  I am seeing this as advice to “run” with any “Star” opportunity that comes my way as I can and will be successful.  If I want to accomplish something than I need to take the lead and not wait for someone else to get me rolling!  Funny how that is the very advice I have been receiving from my tarot friends (thank you Theresa Reed!) of late!

Position 3 – Where is there risk for others to control or abuse me – 9 of Wands

The proverbial “calm in the eye of the storm” might be a good way to describe 9 of Wands
situations.  Sometimes we get involved in situations that seem overwhelming and our defenses are battered.  I am most at risk to be taken advantage of, or led down a path I might not otherwise choose, when the situation is one in which I feel as if my back is up against the wall and I have no choice.

Clarifying/Advice Card – Judgement

Knowing the potential effect of the 9 0f Wands, Judgement offers sage advice to not let
restrictions (perceived or real) bind me but to rather “awaken” to other possibilities.  This is when I most need to be open to a new way of seeing things and look at the potential consequences
for any path I choose to forge or follow!  I need to literally rise up and face the music or risk being left behind.

Position 4 – What influences may lead me to become controlloing or abusing – King of Cups

Thank you Tarot for pointing out a known – I tend to be very emotional at times and those emotions move me deeply, sometimes to the point of being so intent on following my own
heart that I may lose my sense of balance in the situation.  The shadow of the King of Cups can be getting so caught up in your own emotions that you lose sight of others.  I need to remain aware of how my own emotions and my need to create a sense of balance might cause me to not consider the emotions and situations of others.

Clarifying/Advice Card – 5 of Swords

This card reinforces the message of the King of Cups nicely… I need to be careful to not win at the expense of others.  If my leadership takes advantage of the trust given to me by others, they are not the only ones who will feel cheated and lose.  This card might represent success but without the sense of happiness and fulfillment one would want from the situation.  It is
advising me to temper my ambition a bit and take the feelings and needs of others into consideration.

Position 5 – Where are there opportunities for others to help me grow and flourish – King of Pentacles

Pentacles are all about the realm of the physical world – day to day life experiences, our money,
our possessions, our family, our health. Pentacles represent being grounded and practical.    I have actively been looking to expand some of my passions and hobbies into something more tangible and this card is a beautiful gift acknowledging that I have many people in my circle with the expertise of the King of Pentacles who can help me learn what is needed to grow the things that I value and morph them into my life and work.

Clarifying/Advice Card – Page of Wands

Time to put on my student hat and follow the leaders in the areas that I want to grow and excel
in!  This is the best time to identify and run with new opportunities to learn something new; to expand my career; to explore my spirituality; to embrace the creative spirit!    The Page may also offer a bit of caution that I need to learn patience and stick with what I start as it will take action, passion and motivation to achieve my dreams.  They won’t just happen – I must make them happen.

Position 6 – How do I best help others to grow and flourish – 10 of Pentacles

There are opportunities for positive leadership and to grow others all around – I have
accomplished a great deal in many areas of life and can share the wisdom and values I have gained in any setting.  I best help others in my day to day routines, doing what I do best naturally.  This card is all about the power of family and community and involving myself In a positive way.

Clarifying/Advice Card – 3 of Pentacles

The card of teamwork and accomplishemt, of educaton and apprenticing.  This card advises me to use my skills to benefit others just as I am seeking the expertise of other leaders to foster my
growth.  The advice here is to give as I receive!  This is not a one way street that I am on.  Leaders can also be followers.  Followers can also be leaders.  When you work within a team all
roles are important!  The goal is to manifest the potential of all!