The Annunciation: Mary’s Fiat and a Tarot Spread

The Annunciation begins with an interruption. Gabriel comes to Mary in Nazareth with news that will change her life: she will conceive and bear Jesus, the Son of God.

Mary listens. She is troubled by the greeting and asks how this can happen. After Gabriel answers, she gives her willing consent.

This encounter invites us to contemplate receptivity, discernment and courage. How do we listen when life asks something unexpected of us? What helps us respond faithfully before we can see the whole road ahead?

The Annunciation Tarot spread below draws on the imagery of Christian art. Its 7 positions offer a way to bring those questions into prayer and contemplation.

Jump to the Annunciation Tarot Spread

What Is the Annunciation?

The Annunciation is Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she will become the mother of Jesus. The Gospel account appears in Luke 1:26–38.

Gabriel tells Mary that her child will be called the Son of the Most High. When she asks how she will conceive, he explains that the Holy Spirit will come upon her and the power of the Most High will overshadow her.

The mystery at the centre of this encounter is the Incarnation: the eternal Son of God becoming human. Mary freely cooperates with God’s purpose by consenting to become his mother.

The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord is normally celebrated on 25 March, 9 months before Christmas.

For a wider introduction to Mary’s place in Christian devotion, see Mary, Queen of Angels: Honouring Regina Angelorum.

Mary’s Fiat: A Willing Yes

Mary’s response is often called her fiat. The Latin word means let it be done, expressing her consent to God’s word.

“May it be done to me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38

Her willingness follows a question. She has listened to Gabriel and sought understanding before responding. That gives us a beautiful image of faith in which attention, inquiry and trust belong together.

We can contemplate her response without pretending that our circumstances are identical to hers. Mary’s vocation is unique. Yet her way of listening can help us examine our own responses to God.

Sometimes we need to ask a question. At other times, we need to acknowledge a fear or seek wise counsel. There are also moments when enough has become clear for us to take the next step.

What would a willing yes look like in your life today? It might be quiet, practical and smaller than you expected.

Contemplating the Annunciation Through Art

Medieval and Renaissance Annunciation paintings often place this encounter within a recognisable human setting. A room, a book, a gesture or a shaft of light can draw us into the mystery.

The National Gallery’s account of an Annunciation painting attributed to Giannicola di Paolo identifies the lily with Mary’s purity, the book with Scripture and the dove with the Holy Spirit.

These traditional symbols provide a foundation for the spread. Other meanings below are personal contemplative associations. An open window becomes an image of receptivity; Mary’s hand on her heart invites us to ponder what we receive.

You might spend a few minutes looking at an Annunciation image before drawing the cards. Notice what attracts your attention. Imagine the stillness of the room, Gabriel’s arrival and the pause before Mary answers.

Allow a detail to become a doorway into prayer. A symbol may speak differently when you return to it with a new question or at another season of life.

From Annunciation to Assumption

At the Annunciation, Mary consents to bear the incarnate Son of God. In the Assumption, she is received body and soul into heavenly glory.

Contemplating these mysteries together brings our attention to God’s love for embodied humanity. Mary’s earthly life and heavenly glory belong to one story of grace.

Her example invites us to bring our ordinary lives into prayer: our relationships, responsibilities, hopes and limitations. What we receive in contemplation can become patience, courage or practical care.

For the other Marian mystery, see The Assumption of Mary: Nothing Human Is Left Behind.

The Annunciation Tarot Spread

This 7-card contemplative Annunciation Tarot spread invites reflection on listening, purification, wisdom, receptivity and faithful action.

Begin by reading Luke 1:26–38 slowly. Let a phrase or image stay with you. You might light a candle and ask Mary to pray for you as you seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Shuffle and draw 7 cards, placing them in the numbered positions shown in the graphic. Let their imagery enter into conversation with the Gospel passage and your present circumstances.

There is room for surprise here. An unexpected card may bring a forgotten memory, a fresh question or a connection you could not have planned. Give what emerges time in prayer and discernment.

1. The Open Window

What invitation deserves my prayerful attention?

Notice what is coming into view. It may be an opportunity, a responsibility or something you have repeatedly overlooked. What happens when you make room to consider it?

2. The Lily

What needs purification in my intentions or response?

Explore the motives beneath your first reaction. Where could greater honesty, humility or freedom help you respond with love? Let this be an invitation to renewal rather than self-condemnation.

3. The Book

What wisdom do I need to receive and put into practice?

Consider how the card meets the Scripture passage. A word, image or contrast may draw your attention towards something you need to study, remember or live more fully.

4. The Dove

Where am I being invited to become more receptive to the Holy Spirit?

Bring the card into a simple prayer for guidance. Notice where fear, distraction or the need to control an outcome makes listening difficult. What could help you become more attentive?

5. Mary’s Hand on Heart

What needs to be pondered patiently in my heart?

Some insights need time before their meaning becomes clear. Let the card show you where patient attention could be fruitful. You may need to sit with a question, feeling or experience before acting.

6. The Ray of Light

Where can Christ’s light illuminate my present circumstances?

What becomes visible when you look through the lens of his teaching and love? Consider what needs truth, forgiveness, courage or a more compassionate understanding.

7. The Path Forward

What is my next faithful yes?

Choose one response that fits your actual life. You might begin a conversation, accept help, fulfil a responsibility or make space for prayer. Give your willingness a concrete expression.

Let the Images Deepen in Prayer

After the reading, return to whichever card holds your attention. Read the Annunciation passage again and notice how the card changes your attention to it.

Perhaps Mary’s question stands out more strongly now. Perhaps the card brings you back to the moment of consent. Let the connection unfold without rushing to settle its meaning.

Record an insight, an unanswered question and one action you can take. Revisit them after a few days. Consider whether your understanding is bearing the fruit of greater love, honesty and faithfulness.

You can continue these themes through the Under Mary’s Mantle Tarot Spread in the Regina Angelorum cornerstone article.

A Closing Prayer

Mary, Mother of God, pray for me as I listen for God’s call. Help me to ask honestly, ponder patiently and respond with courage. Holy Spirit, illuminate what needs understanding and purify what needs renewal. Lord Jesus, let my next yes become an act of love. Amen.

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