To test this spread and its associated table, I performed an example reading using the Retro Thoth deck. I've been contemplating a business venture as a tarot reader for corporate management, so I chose the Knight of Wands as the "Heart of the Matter." On the "Affirmation" side of the spread, the Ace of Swords … Continue reading An “Affirmation and Negation” Life-Path Example Reading
Experimental Methods
Contemplate the Edges
Here is an ancient adage that we all know well: "There are two sides to every coin." But in my ongoing reading of The Tao of Thoth I was intrigued by the notion that it might be more fruitful to contemplate the edge of the coin that simultaneously divides and unites the obverse and reverse … Continue reading Contemplate the Edges
A “Yin-and-Yang” Monthly Pattern
My efforts to apply the Yin and Yang principles of Chinese philosophy to the monthly cycle of the Moon via the Major Arcana of the tarot proved to be more difficult than anticipated. I suspect this is due mostly to the fact that the Moon is a quintessential symbol of the feminine Yin, and the … Continue reading A “Yin-and-Yang” Monthly Pattern
Tarot Trumps and Planetary Hours of Greatest Potential Impact
I just came across the notion of "day" readings and "night" readings that can supposedly exhibit different qualities. This reminded me that traditional astrology includes the concept of "planetary hours" that can be used for selecting the most favorable time to undertake any activity governed by one of the seven classical planets. From there it … Continue reading Tarot Trumps and Planetary Hours of Greatest Potential Impact
Random Thoughts on the Celtic Cross Spread
Among the curiosities that Waite-Smith tarot neophytes will discover upon their first encounter with Arthur Edward Waite's "Ancient Celtic Method" (aka Celtic Cross or "CC") are the rather quaint subtitles he gave to most of the positions in the spread. I thought I would take some time to weigh in on my own experience with … Continue reading Random Thoughts on the Celtic Cross Spread
The Virtue of Simplicity: Redrawing the Celtic Cross
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I updated the text and graphic to clarify a couple of things. (I knew what I wanted to say but didn't quite say it.) The Celtic Cross spread is an entrenched tradition among tarot readers, but it is one many people (especially younger enthusiasts) "love to hate" due to its ungainly complexity (too … Continue reading The Virtue of Simplicity: Redrawing the Celtic Cross
Health Readings: A Psychosomatic View
Psychosomatic: (literally, mind [psyche] and body [soma] "willing to perform" [matos]); an adjective describing a physical illness or other condition caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress. In tarot circles it's generally acknowledged that attempting to divine someone's future medical condition in a diagnostic way is professionally and personally … Continue reading Health Readings: A Psychosomatic View
A Creative Approach to Weekly and Daily Draws
A common practice recommended to tarot beginners is to randomly pull one card each day and contemplate its meaning over the course of that day, with the goal of gradually mastering the complex art of interpretation. Unfortunately, this approach to learning can continue long after its initial usefulness fades; the "daily draw" becomes institutionalized and … Continue reading A Creative Approach to Weekly and Daily Draws
A Missing-Person “Sectional” Suspect and Location Spread
Just when you thought I'd gone off the deep end, here is a very simple layout that I will be using in connection with my other more detailed missing-person spreads. (You will need a board-game spinner or other random "sectioning" method to work with it.) As mentioned in the accompanying text, the thrust of this … Continue reading A Missing-Person “Sectional” Suspect and Location Spread
The “Reasonable Certainty” Investment Opportunity Spread
Here is a spread for you "left-brained" types who appreciate a more deductive, methodical approach to tarot reading when warranted. It can be used when the opportunity for any kind of significant investment arises; this can be a financial initiative or any other commitment involving one's time or resources. Note that if you are of … Continue reading The “Reasonable Certainty” Investment Opportunity Spread
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 