your ultimate guide to tarot for manifestation and goal setting

Tarot and Manifestation

Tarot isn’t just for the lightworkers, the spiritual gurus, and those who “talk to crystals (although if that’s you, then you and I are more alike than the common person).” It’s also for you- the dreamer, the rebel, the skeptic, the misfit- who’s ready to turn their desires, dreams, and goals, into reality.

Manifestation is simple: it’s just aligning your walk with your talk. But in order to do so, you have to basically change the way you think. It’s aligning your energy with what you want, and the steps you take to make it happen. But trust me, I get it: life’s hard and it gets in the way. Recently, I broke two phones and accidentally stepped on my laptop causing a massive crack in the middle of the screen, so I understand what it’s like to think sometimes the universe is against you. But maybe you’re against you. And that’s where the tarot cards come into play, ready to help you dig through the noise and strike gold onto your unique path.

Don’t get me wrong, tarot won’t do the work for you (harness that main character energy, misfit), but it is here to guide, inspire, and challenge you to own your magic. Whether its to manifest a killer career, a loving partner who brings you closer to you, a self love so deep you don’t need no man, or a plan to ditch the 9 to 5 and become a Dolly Parton drag queen, tarot can show you the steps while highlighting the blocks, and call you out when you’re best friend is 1,000 miles away (or just not answering her phone; Love you Amanda!)

F*ck the Conventional

When you’re blended from a different type of magic, the normal approach won’t suit you. So what do you do when the “one-size-fits-all” band-aid doesn’t actually fit you? Typical goal-setting workshops, worksheets, or even Tony Robbins might not be your approach (honestly, love Tony but when I imagine being in the same room as him, I get so exhausted). And that’s okay! We weren’t made for the typical life anyways. Not everyone is. So therefore, with tarot, we break those outdated rules, giving us the freedom – and permission – to manifest what we want on our terms. It’s not about playing nice, fixing your skirt, and kneeling to the expectations of what society expects; it’s about creating a life with purpose that feels unapologetically you.

With Great Power…

First things first. And here’s the tricky part that even I myself am guilty of skipping over. The secret to manifestation makes sense if you think about it: If we want to become the author, the pilot, or the captain, we have to become those roles. Therefore, when we give away our energy by blaming the world for our problems, we unintentionally put ourselves as anything but the author, the pilot, or the captain.

Therefore, we must take ownership and accept the way our lives are at the current moment and own what got us there. Maybe it wasn’t fair circumstances or you felt forced to play a part as to not sacrifice what was most important to you. That’s okay. But we can’t place the blame on others or other things; we must take the ownership and responsibility ourselves. Even just taking out a journal and writing down everything you don’t like and then going back and accepting each individual item takes courage and vulnerability that will set you light years ahead.

It’s not about settling, its about stepping up and being the leader because you need to. Its about saying, “okay, I’ll step in,” when the captain gets drunk and someone needs to fill in. It’s automatically rewiring your brain to put you in an authoritative position, whereas before you were a bystander.

Use your deck to explore self-acceptance with questions such as:

• What’s one part of myself I need to embrace more?
• How can I fully step into my power?
• What’s one thing I need to get over?

The cards will guide you and the truth will scream at you.

So listen. Embrace it. The magic is coming soon, so just watch the universe and fall in line.

Inset Exercise: Taking Back Control Meditation

Limiting to Limitless

If you ever see a celebrity out in “real life,” it’s similar to going scuba diving and noticing there’s a shark nearby before you even see it: you can feel the energy shift. The shadows get darker and the seconds longer. And why? Because of the way they carry themselves.

The quickest way to make sure we get what we don’t want is to believe those lies that voice tells you. That voice of your inner saboteur, that inner critic, that f*cking Roger Ebert constantly giving you 3 stars of everything you do from start to end? That voice is the number one root cause of failed goals and manifestations. Tarot shines a light on energy, more often than not the energy that you’re avoiding is exactly what’s going to come up. So we don’t shy away from this inner critic, but invite him in occasionally, giving him the space to be seen and heard.

So don’t shy away from this inner critic, but invite him in

Insert exercise here

Pull a few cards with the intention of uncovering what’s holding you back. Maybe it’s The Devil, representing unhealthy attachments and addictions, or maybe the Eight of Swords, meaning self-imposed restrictions. Whatever it may be, hold space to listen and meditate on the answer and what it could mean for you. This is your chance to stare at it straight on and say, “I hear you and acknowledge you. However, you’re wrong.”

Possible questions could be:

• What is my number one belief holding me back?
• What subconscious programming am I guilty of? Where did it come from?
• How can I break free from all my limiting beliefs?

Choosing the Right Deck For Manifestation

Now that you’ve accepted who you are and where you are, and have also listened to your shadow, your ready to pull 3 cards, do 2 spins, 1 jumping jack, and open your door to a fresh start.

Just kidding. It’s never that simple is it. And that’s a good thing.

If it were that simple, then it wouldn’t be worth it. And besides, the doldrums have passed, and the adventure starts now, with your deck of tarot cards. If you have your own deck, you can skip this part, or maybe read further if you’re looking for some unique suggestions.

Every deck is different. Each deck comes with individual style, a special and unique voice, and some slide out of your hands and get dirtier way easier than others (I also recommend a special tarot cloth specifically for only reading tarot on).

Choosing the right deck for you is like choosing the right Dolly Parton wig for quitting your 9 to 5: it needs to fit, support your walk, and look good while doing it. Your deck is more than a stack of cards, it’s an extension of who you are, the words you use, and the artistic aesthetic you and your misfit bring to the table.

Some readers opt solely for aesthetic, leaning on the memorized meanings and definitions of each card, which often lead to the 2 of cups just being two cups. Very minimal. Nothing special for the minor arcana. Just there.

But if you’re new to tarot or want to re connect to tarot, I suggest picking out a deck that has an individual personalized work of art for every card, could potentially be brought to an art show and withstand the interpretation of many art critics (or really, just have some sort of interpretation), or even fan-made tarot decks (if you’re a fan of, let’s say Nightmare Before Christmas, or Twin Peaks). These types of decks are loaded with imagery and will make reading the cards much more interpretative and talk to you more than memorizing the boring ole book of meanings. Also, with fan decks, each card represents a different character. It’s almost like a Myers-Briggs or Astrology lineup. If you understand the show, you can potentially pull a lot of meaning from the card itself.

Here’s 7 of my personal favorite decks for Misfit Manifesting.

Tarot Cards That Represent Manifestation Energy

Some cards have undeniable energy regardless of the deck. Some are infused with personalities, like the court cards. Others could be an authoritative energy, such as The Emperor or The Hierophant. Some, and maybe the majority, are infused with a Manifestation Energy, such as:

• The Magician: He’s number 1. Literally. It says on the card, “1.” So that should tell you how powerful he is. If he were on a sitcom, his phrase would be, “you got it dude,” as he always has the 4 tools representing the 4 elements at his disposal. He’s competent, quick, and intelligent in his unique way. He knows his shit. He’s here to shine a light on your skills and the focus needed to create the world you want.
• The Empress: Creation at its finest. Often very regal in her pose, depending on the interpretation. She’s the good version of Poison Ivy. She’s about abundance, fertility, and nurturing energy. She reminds one to plant the seeds of your intentions and trust the process of growth.
• The Sun: Ask anyone in The Jersey Shore and they’ll tell you that getting out into the sun to tan is important. Or at least important to them. The Sun radiates positivity and success. She beckons you to step into your power and manifest joy, clarity, and confidence.
• Ace of Wands: Aces are all about new beginnings, fresh ideas, and embodies a seed. Paired with the suit of Wands, or fire energy, it talks about a literal spark of inspiration. An Eureka! moment if we’ve ever known one to exist. It urges us to take that first step towards your dreams.
• Three of Pentacles: Manifestation isn’t solely about dreaming, it’s about taking tangible and actionable steps toward the goal you’re working on. But you can’t do it alone. The three of pentacles not only stands for birth and starting to see results from your hard work and actions, but also that you can’t do it alone. Maybe reach out for help, or incorporate someone close to you for help.
• The Star: Your guiding light. She brings with her hope, divine timing, and renewal. If you want to rise like a phoenix, The Star is here to tell you the Universe/God/Source has got your back.

While there are many other cards that might represent manifestation energy, these are some of the strongest or my personal favorites. If these guys and girls show up in a reading, pay attention- they’re part of your Misfit Spirit Squad, urging you to show up and create.

Tarot Spread for Goal Setting

Traditional goal-setting can feel stiff and soulless, but tarot flips the script. These spreads are designed to dig deep, uncover your true desires, and create an actionable roadmap that feels personal and aligned.

Here’s a simple but powerful spread for goal-setting:

1. The Dream (What do I truly want?)
2. The Why (What’s driving this desire?)
3. The Block (What’s holding me back?)
4. The First Step (What action can I take right now?)
5. The Long Game (How can I stay consistent and committed?)
6. The Support (Who or what can help me along the way?)
7. The Outcome (What’s waiting for me if I follow through?)

This spread doesn’t just clarify your goals- it empowers you to chase them down. And if you want to mix it up, tweak the prompts to fit your unique vibe. Remember: the best spreads are the one that feel right to you. So if a portion of this spread doesn’t feel right- change it, edit it, and send feedback to me. I’d love to hear it!

Working with Tarot Card Meanings for Manifestation

Here’s the thing about tarot: it’s not carved in stone. The meanings of the cards are flexible, especially when you’re working with manifestation energy. Reinterpreting them to suit your goals can unlock whole new layers of insight. To quote my brother (lightly): “I’ve had cards just show up like the ace of cups just to tell this lady she needs to drink more water.” So don’t feel like nothing is too taboo for a card.

For example:

• The Tower: Instead of doom and destruction, see this card as a necessary breakdown to rebuild something better. It’s the ultimate “leveling up” card.
• The Five of Pentacles: Sure, it’s a tough card, but it can also highlight where scarcity mindsets are holding you back. Shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity to find hidden support.
• The Seven of Swords: Traditionally about deception, but for manifestation? It’s your reminder to move strategically and keep your plans close until they’re ready to bloom.
• The Moon: Instead of confusion, view it as an invitation to trust your intuition and explore what lies beneath the surface.

Reinterpreting cards isn’t about ignoring the traditional meanings—it’s about adapting them to your personal journey. Every card has something to teach you; it’s up to you to find the lesson that fits.

My Personal Practice

Let me pull back the wizard’s magic curtain on how tarot fuels my manifestation journey personally. It’s a mix of intuition, ritual, and a whole lot of self-trust.

I know this manifestation spread created by my brother that’s a bit in-depth and hard to explain. It basically highlights that which you’re receiving (i.e. the energy coming in), what you’re doing with the energy, and what you’re putting out (i.e. the energy out). We call it the Manifestation Spread. When I’m in a rut or in need of just a general check-in, it’s perfect.

When it comes to actually setting goals and manifesting, I’ve tried many techniques. I’ve manifested 1700 dollars over a course of two nights before, and all I had my sights on was 1500. As I’ve mentioned earlier, manifesting is hard and even though I’ve done that once, I’ve found that my mindset and low vibrational energy keeps me from doing it time and time again.

So I get it.

But implementing these steps and rewriting my brain to think only of success in a romanticized way, or taking the negative and know it’s only feedback to change? That’s what leads to success.

I also journal a bit and try to meditate once daily. Anything you can do to better yourself is only going to help you with goal setting, tarot, and manifesting from here on out. I try not to do tarot card pulls at the beginning of my day, lest I accidentally manifest some energy from a card I didn’t want that day, but instead try to pull in the middle or end of my day, with differing insightful questions.

Also, grounding is your best friend.

As much as I love tarot, I try not to use it as a crutch. That will only lead me further away from where I want. Plus, anytime I do a second reading for someone, I end up shuffling and pulling out the same fucking cards. So it’s irrelevant to try anyways.

For me, all of these tools and practices are a way of life. They’ve been my strength and solitude and the same for many others around me and on the internet. It keeps me embracing my intuition, my dreams, and my inner misfit magic.

Tarot Cards for Manifesting Abundance

Abundance isn’t just about money; it’s about all forms of wealth: love, health, creativity, joy, and opportunities. Some tarot cards are the ultimate symbols of abundance and can help you manifest your desires in every area of life.

• The Ten of Pentacles: This card represents long-term success and stability. It’s about legacy, family wealth, and creating a foundation that lasts. If you’re trying to manifest material abundance or career success, this is your card.
• The Ace of Pentacles: Fresh, new opportunities are knocking. Whether it’s a new job, an investment, or a financial windfall, the Ace is the universe handing you a golden opportunity.
• The Queen of Pentacles: She’s nurturing, grounded, and abundant. The Queen of Pentacles teaches you how to manifest abundance through hard work, patience, and care for both yourself and others.
• The Nine of Cups: The “wish fulfillment” card. Manifestation at its finest, showing you that everything you’ve been desiring can come to fruition when you align your energy with your desires.
• The Empress: She embodies abundance, fertility, and creativity. Whether you’re creating art or growing your business, she’s the cosmic support you need to bring your manifestations into the world.

These cards show that abundance isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing flow, a vibration you can tune into. Manifesting abundance isn’t just about asking for what you want; it’s about aligning with the energy that attracts it, being open, and trusting that it’s already on its way.

Goal Setting Spreads for Creative Misfits

Creativity is the heart of manifestation for the misfit. When you’re a creative soul, goal setting isn’t just about ticking off boxes; it’s about bringing something to life, something uniquely yours. Here’s a spread designed for creative misfits who want to channel their inner artist while setting clear goals:

1. What’s the big idea? (What is the creative project I’m manifesting?)
2. The spark of inspiration (What’s motivating this creative endeavor?)
3. The challenge (What’s the main obstacle I’ll face while working toward this goal?)
4. The resources (What do I already have that will help me bring this idea to life?)
5. The next step (What’s the first action I need to take to get this creative project going?)
6. The outcome (Where will this creative journey lead if I follow through?)
7. The message for the misfit artist (What does my rebellious, authentic energy bring to the table?)

This spread is all about giving voice to your creative self while remaining grounded and focused. It helps you stay aligned with your vision, even as you disrupt the conventional paths that others may take. Your uniqueness is your power.

Manifesting Love

Love, in all its forms, is a powerful thing to manifest, and tarot can help guide you toward the kind of love that aligns with your soul. Whether you’re manifesting romantic love or deepening self-love, these cards are the cosmic affirmations you need:

• The Two of Cups: This is typically referred to as the soulmate card, representing harmony and partnership. It shows the universe bringing two souls together who are meant to create something beautiful. It at one time haunted me and showed up in every single reading I would get form different readers for months on end. I thought it was about a boy, but ended up signifying deeper self love (which I learned due breaking up with the boy).
• The Empress: When manifesting love, she’s all about self-love and attracting the right energy. Her abundance of love and nurturing spirit creates space for deep connections to bloom.
• The Ace of Cups: New emotional beginnings, new love, and opportunities to deepen the love within yourself. This card is your signal that love is on its way, and it’s exactly the kind you deserve.
• The Star: A card of healing, hope, and divine timing. It reassures you that love will manifest when you stay true to yourself and trust the universe’s timing.

**Why I didn’t include the Lovers: As many people see the lovers as a card about amour itself, I see it more so as harmony and choices, sometimes even temptation. A longer topic to get into but wanted to point that out here.**

Manifesting love starts with being open to receive. If you’re manifesting love, don’t be surprised if the Universe throws you a curve ball and you end up loving yourself and not caring about a partner. Which , ironically, could lead you to finding a partner. But in order to manifest a partner one must love themselves first. This is a tricky topic to dive into and deserves a post of its own, but one worth talking about briefly here nonetheless.

Rituals For Manifestation

Beyond tarot, there are plenty of other tools and rituals that can support your manifestation journey:

• Candle Magic: Light a candle with intention while focusing on your manifestation. You can even carve symbols or words into the candle that represent your desires.
• Crystal Magic: Crystals like citrine (abundance), rose quartz (love), and amethyst (spiritual alignment) can amplify your intentions. Meditate with them or keep them close as reminders of what you’re manifesting.
• Affirmations: Write down a few affirmations that align with your goals and say them out loud every morning. “I am worthy of my dreams,” or “Abundance flows effortlessly into my life.”
• Vision Boards: Visualizing your goals is powerful, and creating a vision board is a tangible way to keep your intentions in focus. Cut out images, words, or symbols that represent your manifestations, and place them somewhere you’ll see them daily.
• Full Moon Rituals: Use the energy of the full moon to release what’s no longer serving you, and set powerful intentions for the next lunar cycle. Secret sauce for this ritual: moon water!

Manifestation isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. Using these tools alongside tarot deepens your connection to the universe and enhances your ability to bring your dreams into reality.

Using Your ‘Misfit’ Advantage

As a misfit, you already have an edge in the manifestation game. Your uniqueness is your power. While others are stuck following conventional paths, you’re the one rewriting the rules. Embrace it.

The other unique thing about Misfits is that others may not know what they want. But this Misfit? They often know, or are incredibly close to finding out. If this is you, start out with what you don’t want, and go from there.

When using tarot for manifestation, your cards will show you opportunities that others might overlook. The rebellious energy you bring to the table allows you to challenge the status quo, break down walls, and create the life that feels most authentic to you. Remember: while others are seeking permission, you’re often times the one giving permission. Don’t be afraid to be the first; you’ll inspire someone else to be the second.

You don’t need to fit in with everyone else. Your journey is meant to be uniquely yours. Tarot will help you align with that, showing you the best way to break free, take risks, and manifest on your terms.

Fin

Manifestation isn’t only following a formula. Don’t forget to tap into the wild, rebellious, and authentic energy within you. Tarot is a tool to help you navigate this journey, but honestly, it ‘s your vision, your desires, and your power that drive the magic.

As a Misfit, you’re already one step ahead. You’ve got what it takes to tackle the courage and rebel against a society that preaches ego, commercialism, and everything you’re against. Trust your intuition, trust your deck, and trust that the universe is conspiring to bring your wildest dreams together.

Intention.

So go ahead and be your baddest Misfit self. Manifest what you deserve. And if you have any feedback, I’d love to hear it! Either what you’ve manifested, or what helps/hinders you in manifesting with tarot.

Go wild, child. Be free.