AUTHOR’S NOTE: Poking a little further into the practice of setting a conscious intention when shuffling and pulling the cards, here is a spread with two parallel five-card lines, one with purposely-chosen cards to convey the querent’s stated goals regarding the topic of interest and the other with a randomly-drawn series to show the reaction of circumstances to the proclaimed objective at each phase of progress in the situation. Other than the “outcome” card at the far right and the increasing sense of maturity from beginning to end, there are no formal position meanings in what is envisioned as an unfolding scenario.

The aim of this approach is to first establish the “ideal” conditions and then assess any gap between that state of perfection and the predicted “actual” chain of events. In this example reading, the random cards pulled for the bottom row are either identical to or compatible with the “target” cards above them, suggesting a small difference between what is desired and what can be expected, but the fact that three of the “reaction” cards are reversed exaggerates the disparity slightly while still leaving the general impression of good tidings intact.

“Intention” Row:

The two Aces (in order of appearance) are meant to depict an enthusiastic surge of emotional anticipation as I prepare to make a foray into the matter.

The Chariot was chosen to portray irresistible momentum toward the goal

The Sun and the Empress signify setting my sights on a bright future of comfort and abundance.

“Reaction” Row:

The Emperor stands foursquare behind the ambition of the Ace of Wands and should carry me far in realizing its potential. There is a significant opportunity to impose my will on the matter if I do so with disciplined savoir faire.

The next three cards are largely favorable but reversed, suggesting a diffident response to my aspirations.

The Prince of Cups conveys an unemotional demeanor masking intense passion that is held in check by the reversed orientation. In the matter at hand, there are strong feelings that emerge hesitantly and with due circumspection when asked to sustain the spirit of the Ace of Cups.

The reversed Empress wisely reins in the unbridled eagerness of the Chariot while being moderately impressed by his ardor. But he must still win her over. The Empress makes her entrance earlier than planned but is not yet “all-in” on the proposition.

The reversed Sun mirrors the upright Sun above it but shows a more reserved expression of pleasure. Perhaps a bit of discretion is warranted in its pursuit.

In the opinion of Aleister Crowley, the 4 of Cups (“Luxury”) is quietly stable but poised for change. It is aligned with the largess of the Empress while being less forthcoming in bestowing her blessings. The emotional state of affairs is somewhat becalmed. However, this Four bookends the IV of the Emperor and could be construed as picking up the slack that hampers the reversed cards separating them. It is uneventful but sympathetic to the cause since it is, after all, the card of the Moon in its own decan of Cancer and therefore redolent of placid acceptance.

Overall, the only thing standing in the way of resounding success is the muted energy of the reaction that I will have to coax out of the doldrums, but it doesn’t look to be insurmountable. I like my chances here.