AUTHOR’S NOTE: Here is a another “best-case/worst-case” decision-making spread that includes a “reality check” card intended to mediate between the two and serve as the resolution of the matter.

The “A” cards represent the “Opportunity” arc in three phases, while the “B”cards show the “Challenge” arc, also in three phases. These cards are to be read in opposing pairs as incentive/disincentive (A.1/B.1); action/inaction (A.2/B.2); and “best-case/worst-case” near-term outlook (A.3/B.3). The “Reality Check” card (C) is calculated from the face values of the other six cards (I subtract reversed-card figures in my own method) and it is always a trump card. Because it incorporates all of the cards in the spread, I view it as the “end of the matter” or final status revealing the most likely long-range disposition.

Here is an example reading. The question was whether an opportunity I’ve been considering will work out in my favor if I decide to pursue it. Except for “Best Case,” “Worst Case” and “Resolution,” the position names are just working titles for this example; they can be anything that fits the context of the reading.

The A.1/B.1 cards suggest that what looked like a good idea at first (Ace of Swords) will run into trouble (3 of Swords, “Sorrow”) as the incentive loses momentum.

The A.2/B.2 cards imply that “half measures” (7 of Wands, “Valour,” reversed) will not be robust enough to handily overcome the tenuous push-back (8 of Swords, “Interference”). There is little to choose between acting and not acting.

The A.3/B.3 cards pit the “status-quo” Hierophant (as stolid Taurus) against the “kick out the jams” Aeon (as elemental Fire). This is a classic stand-off. Aleister Crowley said of the Aeon (which equates to Judgement), “Final decision in respect of the past, new current in respect of the future; always represents the taking of a definite step,” while the Hierophant is the epitome of the conservative “stick-in-the-mud.” These countervailing forces are unlikely to come to a meeting of the minds and will only create pressure in the situation, but I see the Aeon as the “offer you can’t refuse” card and the Hierophant as the “don’t rock the boat” card, so something will have to give if circumstances get that far.

The Empress (the numerical essence card,”C”)* is uncomfortable with the way things are shaping up and will attempt to sidestep any controversy. She sides with the Hierophant in wanting to stay above the fray, so she lends little encouragement to the “Affinity” scenario and even less to the “Aversion” outlook. She might be more supportive of the former if her feet weren’t being held to the fire, and she could be torn between (possibly religious) convention and a significant make-over. The recommended disposition would seem to be “let it ride for the time being and don’t force the issue.” I can live with that.

*The calculation for this card was 1+[-7]+5+3+8+20=30; 3+0=3.