AUTHOR’S NOTE: This spread was inspired by my reading of Benebell Wen’s Holistic Tarot and her “Six Controversies” (aka “Six Points”) spread that examines “points of contention or strife in the seeker’s situation.” In my own model I’m using the idea of “hurdles” as represented by figurative potholes or boulders that place obstacles in the querent’s path,

The “boulders” are depicted by upright negative cards (that can become “barriers” when reversed or doubled) and the potholes are indicated by reversed positive cards that may cause a stumble but not a fall. Upright positive cards may just signify a change in stride without breaking the runner’s rhythm.

As you can see, reversals will play an important part. Having two or more negative upright cards in a row (or a single reversed negative card that isn’t corrected at the next “hurdle’) creates the opportunity for “bridging” as described below. A series of two or more reversed positive cards will just slow the pace as the runner stutter-steps around the potholes.

Begin by removing the court cards from the deck. (This is a solo race that permits no external assistance or hindrance.) Shuffle them in a way that introduces random reversals, than pull one card unseen to show how prepared the seeker is to run the race. Place this card at the “Starting Gate” position.

Shuffle the rest of the deck (again allowing for reversals) and deal five cards as shown in the image below. The sequence is intended to describe the course to be run, which can be any kind of challenge faced by the seeker. For each pair of severely negative cards that turns up, an additional random card (to be read as upright) can be placed horizontally across them to provide a “bridge” to overcome the difficulty. (Reshuffle the remaining cards before pulling the “bridge” card.)

The third obstacle (“Major Hurdle”) shows the “climax” or “crisis point” of the effort, and “the Climb” it represents is reminiscent of “Heartbreak Hill” in Newton, MA on the Boston Marathon route.

The “Sprint to the Finish” position is combined with the “Final Hurdle” to portray the near-term outcome.

Read these five cards as a narrative recounting the seeker’s likely experience in running the race.

The calculated “Numerical Essence” card describes the long-range outcome of completing the circuit.

Here is an example reading. The seeker has a long-delayed quest that must be brought to closure. (Note that this reading benefited from use of the “bridge” card because two upright negative cards appeared in a row.)

The “Runner:” Queen of Wands upright – The querent is feeling quite confident and is eager to get started. (The Chariot at the end of the series seems to echo this sentiment.)

Hurdle #1: The Universe reversed (a “pothole” card) – The “way of the world” as it affects the seeker’s objective is otherwise engaged, so the individual will receive no help (but also little resistance) from circumstances.

Hurdle #2: The Magician upright – This is a neutral card that indicates “staying the course” at a steady pace although some “fancy footwork” may be required.

Major Hurdle/Crisis Point: 10 of Wands (“Oppression”), a “boulder” card – This Ten on “the Climb” is the perfect “uphill battle” card. It implies that there is no easy way to progress in the matter. I once described it as signifying “the wages of negligence,” so maybe something will go a bit off-course here.

Hurdle #4: 5 of Wands (“Strife”), a “barrier” card – The title speaks for itself; however, Aleister Crowley observed that in this case, “strife” means “striving,” not antagonism. Therefore, the implication is of fighting back against oppressive conditions. Still, it’s not a comfortable position to be in and, because its the second upright negative card in a row, I drew a “bridge” card to segue between them. (It does resemble a “Band-Aid,” doesn’t it?)

“Bridge:” – The Hierophant – This is the card of conventional wisdom and conservatism. It is advising to remain unmoved by the uproar and maintain steady footing as it blows over. As an Earth card it is elementally friendly to the pair of Fire cards, which could mean being “let down easy” from the conflict.

Hurdle #5/Sprint to the Finish: The Chariot upright – There is no better card to perform a “sprint” than the Chariot, and coming off the “bridge” card it is “hitting on all cylinders.” Waite called it “triumph in material affairs,” which finally gets the attention of the reversed Universe as an indicator of success.

Long-Range Outcome/Numerical Essence: The Aeon (aka Judgment) – The calculation for this card was 13+1+10+5+5+7-21=20. Aleister Crowley said of this card: “Final decision in respect of the past, new current in respect of the future; always represents the taking of a definite step.” I call it the “offer you can’t refuse” card, and traditionally it relates to a major – and irreversible – make-over (aka “resurrection”). As the elemental Fire trump, this seems to be right up the Queen of Wands’ alley.

Summary: It looks like the querent is on the right track with this quest, with only a minor perturbation at the mid-course “crisis point.”