When I think of it (which is often) our handling of a complex problem might be equated to the moves in a chess game, where we are angling for position and control of the "board." Here is a layout that amounts to an "exploded" version of the standard "action/reaction/resolution" spread that gives a detailed picture … Continue reading A Chess-Inspired Major Problem-Solving Spread
Tarot Spreads
Big Little Spreads
I have to confess to shamelessly manipulating the title of John Crowley's "otherworld" book, Little, Big, for this essay. Sometimes a chance opportunity is too good to pass up. I recently came across a question on one of the Facebook tarot pages, "What is a good two or three-card spread?" As a great fan of … Continue reading Big Little Spreads
“Facing the Future” – A Decision-Making Advice Spread
Thinking about a recent question on "stay or go" decisions, I created a deceptively simple spread that uses random court-card facing to choose one of four three-card decision paths to show the advice and the short and long term consequences of the decision. It uses a "prepared" deck and the quintessence method. (Note that "gaze" … Continue reading “Facing the Future” – A Decision-Making Advice Spread
The Literal Tarot: 266 Unique Tarot Spreads and Commentary
Some of you have been after me for years to do it, so I finally did: published my book of tarot spreads. These spreads were created over an 11-year period; most of them have been shared in the online community (Aeclectic Tarot, Tarot Professionals, this blog, etc.) over the years and a few were published … Continue reading The Literal Tarot: 266 Unique Tarot Spreads and Commentary
The “Solunar” Situational Development and Outcome Spread
When I was a young fisherman and knew nothing about astronomical cycles, I used to ponder the "solunar tables" that purported to forecast the best fishing times. I never did completely fathom them, but most used the daily position of the Moon (Moonrise, Moonset, Moon Overhead, Moon Underfoot); some added Sunrise and Sunset; a few … Continue reading The “Solunar” Situational Development and Outcome Spread
“Crossing the Bridge” Spirit Contact Spread
I occasionally see requests for "spirit contact" spreads. Here is one that focuses on facilitating psychic readiness. This won't do much for you if you don't assume the existence of an "Astral Plane."
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – A Needs-Analysis Spread
The premise behind this spread is that what we want may not be what we need, but what we need may not be something we deserve (the "karmic" perspective), while what we get may be something entirely different. The title is based on the bombastic Rolling Stones song. Tarot de Marseille author Paul Marteau believed … Continue reading “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – A Needs-Analysis Spread
The “Power of Four” Decision-Making Series
Here's a decision-making spread (or rather a series of mini-spreads) that - depending on where the Significator lands - will point to one of four typical courses of action in dealing with a decision-making scenario: do nothing and see what happens; side-step the issue before it can get any worse; "take the bull by the … Continue reading The “Power of Four” Decision-Making Series
The “In-Line Six” Answer Tune-up Spread
I'm on something of a fanciful kick with my recent spread development; here I'm using the analogy of the old "straight six" (cylinders, that is) automobile engine, and the notion that reversed cards indicate the need for a "tune-up." This one is an oddity for me; it has no "outcome" card and no position meanings. … Continue reading The “In-Line Six” Answer Tune-up Spread
The “Six Chambers of Chance” Answer Roulette Spread
Here is a spread based loosely on the casino game of roulette (with a thinly-veiled allusion to a more threatening form of roulette that may be a superior analogy depending on the seriousness of any potential consequences). It uses a range of three pre-selected "answer" cards and all 78 cards of the deck in the … Continue reading The “Six Chambers of Chance” Answer Roulette Spread
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 