The third iteration in my series of "Invoking Pentagram" spreads is focused on interpersonal relationships of all kinds: building, maintaining and repairing them. It begins with the "ideal" of harmonious communion (the Air position), moves toward emotional fulfillment (Water), and plays out in pragmatic (Earth), moral (Spirit) and self-actualizing ways (Fire). It is intended to … Continue reading The Pentagram of Water Spread
Tarot Spreads
The Pentagram of Fire Spread
Here is the second product of my exploration of the Golden Dawn's Invoking Pentagrams as a source of insight from an elemental perspective. The goal of this one is to examine the developmental potential arising from one's enterprise and initiative, whether in starting a business, finding a new job or embarking on any creative endeavor. … Continue reading The Pentagram of Fire Spread
Elemental Pentagram Spreads
The 5-card Pentagram Spread is a time-honored layout that is almost as prevalent as the line spread. But I have always felt that something is lacking in its construction, principally in the sequencing of the cards as commonly practiced. Many readers start with Card #1 at the upper point of the diagram, others work from … Continue reading Elemental Pentagram Spreads
An Astro-Tarot Mood Index
I'm always looking for new ways to blend the Golden Dawn's astrological correspondences with practical tarot applications. Here is my latest effort. The idea behind it is to use the "natural" (Aries-rising) zodiac and the current "sky-map" for the five "personal" planets (Sun through Mars*) to create a template on which to cast a number … Continue reading An Astro-Tarot Mood Index
Multi-deck Readings
When I joined the Aeclectic Tarot forum in 2011, I landed in the middle of an ongoing debate about certain practices - both traditional and modern - that didn't seem to have a reasonable or logical basis. Many questions were cyclical, coming around every few months as new members joined, and none of them were … Continue reading Multi-deck Readings
Literal Tarot: The Book
I finally got around to compiling 100 of my self-designed tarot spreads and organizing them into a book of around 200 pages, give-or-take depending on how they translate into bound-book format. I'm shopping it around to small esoteric publishers right now. My forum mates on Aeclectic Tarot used to urge me to do it but … Continue reading Literal Tarot: The Book
The “Chaldean Mirror” Daily Meditation Spread
Having given up on single-card daily draws years ago as relatively meaningless for most "real-world" purposes, I'm constantly tinkering with more advanced ways to increase the mileage I get from daily, weekly and monthly self-readings. Here is my latest effort. It uses the Golden Dawn's Chaldean wheels of astrological correspondences (developed by and offered free … Continue reading The “Chaldean Mirror” Daily Meditation Spread
“What’s Up, Doc?” – A Whole-Health Profile Spread
I knew I'd get around to using Bugs Bunny's signature greeting sooner or later! The accepted wisdom among diviners is that, unless one is properly trained and licensed (not to mention insured) to do so, it is prudent to stay far away from attempting to answer questions about medical diagnoses and treatment recommendations. Sound advice … Continue reading “What’s Up, Doc?” – A Whole-Health Profile Spread
The “Just Passin’ Through” Romantic Interlude Spread
This spread is intended to be used when considering the advisability of making overtures to a potential love interest (for example, when eyeing the proverbial “workplace dalliance”). Given the relative impermanence of modern romantic liaisons, it's not an accident that the layout simulates a question mark. Many of us have had the bittersweet romantic experience … Continue reading The “Just Passin’ Through” Romantic Interlude Spread
The “Fifth Element” Spiritual Input Spread
Consider this the “bonsai” version of the Tree of Life spread. It cuts right to the Abyss and doesn't sweat the small stuff. (Don't try this at home, kids!) The “Fifth Element” of the title is that of Spirit – the “Quintessence” - here represented principally by the hidden Sephiroth Da'ath, suggesting that Spirit knows … Continue reading The “Fifth Element” Spiritual Input Spread