AUTHOR’S NOTE: I just came across the Taoist concept of “claiming the space” in Taiji martial-arts combat by swinging the arms in a specifically “yang” (or offensive) manner as opposed to “relinquishing the space” in strategic withdrawal via a defensive “yin” arm-movement. I decided to apply this “yang” idea to a tarot spread.

Begin by concentrating on your question or topic of interest while shuffling a tarot deck, then deal five cards face-up, from left-to-right. This row will reveal the natural or unimpeded flow of events or circumstances if you don’t intervene proactively. Reversals may be used with both segments of this spread.

Shuffle the remaining cards while concentrating on how best to align with the elemental “footprint” of the first set in order to optimize its potential. Then start laying more cards according to their elemental match to the previous pull; if you begin getting unneeded duplicates just move past them until you populate the entire array. (The elemental properties of the trump cards are conveyed by their astrological correspondence.) This overlay ramifies or “builds out” the original elemental progression by showing its likely maturation.

Read the five pairs as showing the recommended way to “ride the lightning” (to borrow the Metallica album/song title) described by the initial, “natural” series.

Here is an example reading to illustrate how this works.

The dominant elements in this reading are Fire and Water, indicating a volatile atmosphere. There is no Earth, so the influence of instinctual urges arising from the realm of sensation should not be a factor. Air receives its due with a doubling of Major Arcana.

The question involved how I might capitalize on a known situation that is presently dormant but needn’t be.

The “natural” flow of events and circumstances suggests that there are unresolved considerations of ego-mastery (Emperor reversed) and the necessity for skillful maneuvering (Magus), while the Hanged Man reversed (emblematic of the glyph of Jupiter, the Greater Benefic, and the triangle of Spirit [Water] surmounting the cross of Matter [Earth]) implies an emotional resurgence after those issues are settled. The 9 of Cups (Happiness) is an excellent card to have so close to the end of the series, while the 3 of Wands (Virtue) reversed gives the impression of not letting scruples of minor import stand in the way.

As a recommended path for successfully “riding the lightning” in this matter (a perfect analogy for the risks involved), the 9 of Wands (Strength) overlaying the Emperor reversed has an “all systems go” vibe to it, giving the hesitant Emperor a burst of confidence.

Adjustment (Justice) reversed symbolizes Libra to the Mercury of the Magus, with the reversal bringing out Saturnian caution to counter the Mercurial zeal (Saturn is exalted in Libra). This discretion is a good thing in the early going.

The Prince of Cups reversed with the Hanged Man reversed will ideally refrain from cuing up any crafty, self-serving diversions that might derail rising hopes (although he is not to be trusted when in the throes of temptation).

The Moon reversed accompanying the 9 of Cups conveys the idea of “standing in quicksand” or having the “bottom fall out” of what looked like highly favorable conditions. At best, there will be uncertainty over the arrival of abundant emotional fulfillment (9 of Cups) that must be recognized and accommodated. Unwarranted overconfidence should be reined in at this point.

The Ace of Wands as the practical extension of the reversed 3 of Wands doubles-down on the enthusiastic readiness expressed by the 9 of Wands. I see nothing standing in the way of hitting the mark from the standpoint of the ambition and initiative reflected in the “book-ending” Fire cards, as long as the mental/emotional “heart of the matter” (or maybe the “soft underbelly is a better metaphor) can stand the heat.

My take on this is that it is a very powerful reading that is loaded with relevant information, and – wonder of wonders – I believe I know exactly what it all means.