The Staircase Spread is highly practical, allowing the Querent to draw up an action plan to achieve a particular goal. The transition from the present, at the bottom of the stairs, to the future at the top, becomes a journey made up of three different stages which the Querent can approach one at a time.
For this reason, when the Reader comes to interpret the Spread, they should try to involve the Querent as much as possible in reading the cards. The cards will present practical suggestions that the Querent needs to engage with in order to be successful.
It is important that the Reader encourages the Querent to plan thier own future by setting out a goal and deciding on the three actions that they can take to achieve it. The goal shouldn't be too ambitious or too far in the future, but rather something the Querent can achieve with perseverance and commitment.
Be aware that big goals tend to be vague, meaning that the individual wil have difficulty mapping out a way to achieve them. Goals that ae more realistic, on the other hand, often involve small steps that can be easily taken. A medium-term goal, something challenging but not too difficult, helps the Querent to find the motivation needed to achieve it. Every Arcanum that appears in this Spread takes the Querent that little bit closer to achieving their goal.
The Reader should act as a support and guide but not impose their views about what the Querent's goal and action plan should be. This is a positive, practical approach to Tarot, great for anyone interested in defining and achieving goals.
Preparation
Before beginning the reading, the Reader should place the pack of Tarot cards in front of the Querent and say to them, 'Look at these cards carefully, taking all the time that you need. When you're ready, select one that represents you in some way.'
This card is called the Signifier and, during the consultation, it will represent either the Querent or the situation in which they find themselves. If possible, the Reader should give the Querent complete freedom in choosing the Signifier, without offering suggestions or advice. If necessary, the Reader can tell the Querent to let themselves be guided by their intuition when making their choice. Once the Signifier has been selected, it is placed face-up on the table.
At this point, the Reader should say to the Querent, 'Look at the pack again carefully and choose a card that represents what you hope to achieve.' This card, which will be called the Goal, symbolises the future that the Querent wishes to build.
The Reader can help the Querent to identify their goal by asking questions, describing the meanings of the various cards or helping them to clarify what it is that they want. The Reader should encourage the Querent to choose a goal that is neither too ordinary nor too unusual, preferably something moderately difficult, but still achievable. Once selected, this card should also be placed face-up on the table. The reader will place the Signifier in position 1 and the Goal in position 5.
The remaining cards in the pack are then shuffled normally and cut. Three cards are drawn, which are placed face-down in positions 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The layout of the Spread should look like a staircase, with its steps leading up to the Goal.
Reading and Interpreting
Once the cards have been laid out, the Reader interprets them one by one in each position. Their task is not only to highlight the meanings of each card but also to interpret, possibly with the help of the Querent, why cards 1 and 5, in particular, were chosen as the Signifier and the Goal
After interpreting all the cards, the Reader can go on to summarise the entire reading in a synthesis. In this Spread, the synthesis can be set out like an action plan. The Reader should say to the Querent, 'If you complete these three stages, you will be able to achieve your goal.'
Card 1 - The Signifier - This card has been selected by the Querent and acts as a reflection of them. When the Reader interprets it, they should think, 'This card is how the Queent sees themselves.' Sometimes, the card in this position doesn't represent the personality of the Querent, but rather their role in the situation that they are facing. As such, it can provide the Reader with extremely useful information when determining the best action plan. Considering the next cards as 'actions to be taken', the Reader can think, 'This is the aspect of the Querent that will enable them to act.'
Cards 2, 3 and 4 - The Three Steps - These cards, drawn at random by the Reader, represent the three steps that the Querent must take if they want to achieve the set goal. As they turn these cards over, the Reader should think, 'These are the stages that the Querent must deal with in order to achieve their goal.' Each of these cards represents a step going up a staircase. Every step comes after the one before and each must be completed before the next one can be taken. Each step corresponds to an action that the Querent must take.
Card 5 -The Goal - Chosen by the Querent, this card illustrates the goal they hope to achieve. When the Reader sees it, they think, 'This card is the symbol of what the Querent wants to achieve.' If the Reader helped the Querent choose this card, this would give them a head start when interpreting it. However it was selected, the Goal indicates the nature of the Querent's hopes and dreams and the source of the motivation that drives them to action.
Adapting the Interpretation to the Individual
Tarot card reading is not an exact science. The Querent is generally an interested, engaged person who can help, either consciously or unconsciously, to clarify various aspects of the reading. Even when the cards are called on to provide clear and precise signs, the interpretation can still be quite vague.
However, the Reader can help the Querent turn these signs into practical solutions, adapted to the specific circumstances the Querent is experiencing. The Reader's purpose is to help the Querent translate the signs provided by the cards into actions which can be taken to achieve a goal.
Forward Planning
It is useful for the Reader to build their own knowledge of the cards that are most encouraging or revealing when working with clients who wish to work towards a goal. Below are a few examples of such cards and their traditional meanings.
The Emperor
In this example reading, we have already looked at the more negative side of the Emperor, who appears reversed. When this card is drawn upright, it is an excellent sign, as this figure represents swift action and enjoys the setting and reaching of concrete goals.
Strength
Another highly auspicious card in Spreads relating to reaching goals is Strength. It suggests your Querent may have an inner reserve of power to get things done and help them overcome obstacles. It is a reminder that they are stronger than they thought possible.
Four of Wands
This Arcanum encourages attention to detail as well as symbolising the need for patience. It can also indicate difficulties encountered when people procrastinate over unreachable goals or chase an unrealistic ideal of perfection. There is a sense that one should be prepared, but remember there is no such thing as perfection.
Six of Wands
When the Six of Wands appears in the Staircase Spread, the Reader should assure the Querent that they will have the support of friends and family in reaching their goal. Traditionally the card also represents a winner and the achievement of a goal.
Ten of Wands
This card reminds QUerenta that they have to make an effort in order to achieve their goals. They may feel insecure and not know if they have the strength to fulfil their dream, but if they keep going they will do so.
Ownership and Accountability
Sometimes a Querent will come to a reading in the hope that they can abdicate responsibility for their own actions, rather than accepting that all their decisions have consequences. They place themselves at the mercy of others in order to relieve themselves of any responsibility. If an unpleasant outcome occurs, they can blame everyone and anyone except themselves.
An intelligent Reader will be aware of this and should gently refuse to be placed in this awkward and unproductive situation. If you feel pressured into making decisions and setting goals and action plans that the Querent should be making themselves, then you might respond by saying something like, 'I am here to read the cards, to offer insights, illuminate options and provide information. You must make your own decisions, based on your own values and goals.' Being clear about this before a reading begins will go a long way towards preventing problems and confrontations later on.
Updated
12 January 2025 at 00:29:09
Key Information
Number of Cards: Five
Cards Used: Major and Minor Arcana
Objective: To come up with a step-by-step plan of action to help the Querent reach a goal.
Layout: One row of five cards placed like a staircase in a series of steps that lead from the present (the lowest step on the left) to the desired future outcome (top step on the right).
Example Reading
For this example reading we shall imagine the Querent is a woman of about 30 years of age, who is smartly dressed. She seems to be shy, but she talks with a determined voice and her sentences are short and concise.
We will also be using the Klimt Tarot.
The Reader should try and involve the Querent as much as possible when interpreting the cards.
The Signifier
VII The Chariot - Triumph, Arrogance
Keywords
Progress, Dedication, Commitment, Victory, Energy, Confidence, Discipline, Success, Bravery, Assertion, Willpower.
Represents the Signifier
The Chariot card in the Klimt Tarot depicts a bold-looking naked woman on top of a chariot, ploughing through the starry sky. Her head is tilted to one side and her eyes are closed, as if she is listening to music coming from the celestial spheres. Explaining her choice, the Querent might say something like, "I took this card because I am looking for a stable relationship and, even though I am capable of living on my own, I am tired of driving this Chariot alone."
The Reader may also conclude that the Chariot indicates the Querent feels she is superior to others, as the card is associated with conquest and arrogance. In addition, the Reader should consider that the Querent sees her life like the movement of the Chariot - a journey formed of a series of successes that must be achieved at any cost.
The First Step
IV The Emperor Reversed - Domain, Authority
Keywords
Leadership, Pride, Domination, Responsibility, Solidity, Order, Power, Government, Father Figure, Rationalism
Indicates the First Step
The upright Emperor card is associated with authority, stability and traditionally masculine ways of doing things. Reversed, however, it could indicate that the Querent shouldn't be too domineering in the way she behaves, especially in personal relationships. When it comes to starting a romantic relationship, she should let herself be wooed and wanted. The card may also suggest that the Querent needs to face up to and resolve issues regarding a strong male figure from her past - perhaps a father figure who is no longer part of her life, but whose memory has a significant influence on her search for a partner.
Summing up the first step might present the Querent's need to accept and be prepared to show her vulnerability, rather than intimidating potential partners in the early stages of a relationship.
The Second Step
Eight of Pentacles Reversed - Work, Habits
Keywords
Commitment, Dedication, Skill, Routine, Repetitive, Craftsmanship, Proficiency
Symbolises the Second Step
The Eight of Pentacles is usually associated with work, commitment, employment and habits, but when reversed it may suggest that the Queret needs to spend less time on professional matters. As a result, she will be more available to engage in social relationships.
A closer interpretation of the nuances of this card, could highlight other possibilities. Perhaps the QUerent is secretly afraid of the potential consequences that a relationship could have on her work. Furthermore, in the Klimt Tarot, this card depicts a pregnant woman. Using the Intuitive Reading technique, the reversed Eight of Pentacles could also indicate the need to face fears relating to a possible pregnancy.
Whatever real-life issues this card represents, it suggests that the second step in the Querent's journey requires her to reconcile her work, expectations and professional ambitions with her social and love life. Once she has done this, she can begin to create her own love story.
The Third Step
Ten of Cups - Happiness, Harmony
Keywords
Success, Family, Conclusion, Peacemaking, Joy, Cycles, Fulfilment, Serenity
Stands for the Third Step
This card is associated with happiness and harmony, and its appearance here suggests that the Querent still has some way to go before she feels truly satisfied with herself. The doubts that she is likely to have regarding her ability to be attractive and loveable may cause her yo be excessively harsh and critical of herself and those around her.
The card in this position could give the Querent a nudge towards working on her self-esteem and seeing herself as an attractive, intelligent and confident woman, who doesn't need to prove her talents to any man (including a potential partner).
The Goal
XIX The Sun - Light, Truth
Keywords
Growth, Energy, Clarity, Glory, Exuberance, Happiness, Success, Heat, Trust, Awareness, Radiance
Indicates the Goal
The Querent explains, "This card shows two lovers passionately hugging each other. That is exactly the situation I want for myself." The Reader should note that the Querent didn't choose the Lovers card, which represents a similar but even more passionate scene, but rather the Sun card. The Reader could interpret this choice as an indication of the Querent's inherent romanticism - she not only wants a partner to go through life with or a passionate relationship, but she also longs to fall in love.
So far, however, her desire for independence and professional fulfilment has always slammed the brakes on any budding romantic relationship. Having selected the Sun, the Querent seems to identify love with light.
Synthesis
As we have seen, the fact that the Querent deliberately selects two cards in this Spread influences the reading. The Reader is encouraged to discuss these cards with the Querent, involving her in the interpretations.
Of the three stages, the first is defined by a Major Arcana card, meaning it is the most important and most difficult stage to be faced. Working with the Querent, the Reader should pay particular attention to identifying the male figure represented by the Emperor. It could be a father figure, an ex-boyfriend or even a stereotypical 'masculine' trait that the Querent has (perhaps ambition in the world of work). As this is a Major card, it could also indicate the need to face up to and deal with an actual male figure. If this person is her father or an ex-boyfriend, this means going to talk with him and tying up the last remaining unresolved ties. On the other hand, the next two stages suggest the work that the Querent can do by herself to find the person who could become her future partner.