Situation, Obstacle, Advice spread
When a problem feels tangled, this spread separates what is happening from what blocks movement and what kind of response might help.
Clarity at a glance
- Situation
- Obstacle
- Advice
Use when: What is going on, what blocks you, and what stance would help.
Choose another approach if: Both options already named, or a yes/no oracle question.
Example questions
- What is making this feel stuck right now?
- What am I not seeing about this situation?
- What stance would help me respond more clearly?
When to choose this spread
Reach for Situation–Obstacle–Advice when you keep circling the same conflict — at work, in a relationship, or inside your own habits. It is less about timeline than about structure: what is true, what gets in the way, and what approach is available.
Reading Obstacle without blame
Obstacle may be external — a policy, another person's boundary — or internal — fear, perfectionism, avoidance. The card gives language for the friction so Advice has something to answer. It is not an invitation to punish yourself.
Make Advice concrete
Advice is a stance, not a guarantee. Translate it into one small action you can try this week. Nireye's Try this next block is designed for that scale — send the message, schedule the conversation, rest before deciding.
Explore the symbols in context
These cards offer examples of themes you might explore with Clarity. They are not a required combination or a promise about which cards you will draw.