AUTHOR’S NOTE: To test the spread I posted recently, I decided to ask what the long-term prognosis is for my general well-being (at my age it becomes increasingly relevant) without trying to be specific about health matters. I used Pat Zalewski’s Magical Tarot of the Golden Dawn, and did not apply reversals. I find the flow and structure of this new spread to be very good (and not just because it gave me a generally favorable prediction).

The two “historical” cards (Princess [aka Page] of Swords and King [aka Prince] of Disks) suggest that my metabolism has slowed down considerably in the last couple of years. (To be honest, I spend a lot of time sitting now.)

The Chariot in the Present position most certainly shows the dedicated exercise regime I’ve adopted in recent months (daily treadmill, sit-up bench and push-up bar sessions) that is beginning to have the desired effect.

The 8 of Swords in the “Expedience” position advises not to lose focus and let distracting conditions interfere with my resolve.

The 9 of Cups in the “Exposure” position cautions against self-indulgence as I start to gain ground on my goal.

The 7 of Wands in the Near Future position implies the elevated challenge I will face to keep progressing as results begin to plateau at my current level of exertion.

The Knight (aka King) of Disks in the Far Future position appears to indicate a robust constitution that will be sustainable for the long haul. (It is a step-change up from the sluggish Prince of Disks.)

I rolled an even number, so the 10 of Cups in the Outcome #1 (long-term consequences) position shows that I will attain a sanguine state of satisfaction that I must be careful not to let undo all the good work I’ve accomplished.

In summary, this reading shows a generally favorable result of the informal program I’ve embarked upon as long as I stick with it at its present degree of rigor. The stable, sturdy Knight of Disks is encouraging since it portends a gain in musculature (muscle atrophy is always a concern with older people), and the 10 of Cups – while not great due to its “slacking-off” potential – should be manageable; the Knight of Disks and 10 of Cups are elementally friendly, which augurs well. (As an aside, I did peek at the deselected outcome card, and it was the 6 of Swords. The implication is that I would have had to come up with a more formal, “scientific” exercise protocol if the reading had gone that way; Swords are hostile to Disks, so it suggests that over-stimulation could cause negative consequences.)