This spread cracks me up! Using the Gilded Tarot, I asked about the advisability of buying a new tarot deck tomorrow. The "odd" line included the 7 of Pentacles, the 7 of Swords, the 9 of Cups, and the Ace of Swords, with the Lovers as the quintessence. Sevens interest me because they represent taking … Continue reading The “Gambler’s Option” Test Case
Tarot Techniques
The “Hold ‘Em or Fold ‘Em” Gambler’s Option Spread
Here's a fun spread that makes use of Joseph Maxwell's numerological approach to odd-numbered and even-numbered cards; the former actively seek change leading to equilibrium , while the latter strive to maintain the present balance. In decision-making space, the two extremes spell the difference between an aggressive approach to the solution and a more passive … Continue reading The “Hold ‘Em or Fold ‘Em” Gambler’s Option Spread
Zeroing In
There are times when the 78 cards in a tarot deck seem like a case of "information overload," even when pulling only a small number for a particular spread. Although I realize it's part of the broader question about how tarot works, I sometimes think "What am I missing here that's hidden in the rest … Continue reading Zeroing In
Table of Affinities and Correspondences
One technique often used by tarot readers when analyzing a spread is that of preponderance - determining whether there is an abundance (or conversely, an absence) of any fundamental aspect of interpretation. This approach can show where too much (or not enough) attention is being paid to certain particulars of the matter, possibly to the … Continue reading Table of Affinities and Correspondences
“We Have Seen the Enemy, and He Is . . .”
I deliberately left Walt Kelly's "Pogo" observation open-ended here. I performed a test reading with my new "Mystic Traveler" spread, asking "What's up with my tarot-reading gig?" I've been an intermittent ("on-call") reader at a local New Age shop for the last year, and was led to believe that I would be at the top … Continue reading “We Have Seen the Enemy, and He Is . . .”
The “Mystic Traveler’s Guide to the Future”
This spread is an attempt to put more situational “meat on the bones” of a fixed-duration reading (daily, weekly, monthly, etc). It is best used in situations where you have at least a hint of where you want to go during the period in question. Two decks are required for this spread; one should be … Continue reading The “Mystic Traveler’s Guide to the Future”
The Extrovert’s Tale
Although it looks like a road-kill turtle, this layout gives a pretty good indication of how the suppressed extrovert within me can find a way out. As shown by the Swords cards in the key positions of Spirit and Senses, I live quite happily - if self-critically - in my own head. But the majority … Continue reading The Extrovert’s Tale
The Introvert is In
I performed psychological triage on myself using the "introvert-extrovert" map, mainly as a demonstration of the reading method (it didn't tell me much I didn't already know). I used the Chrysalis Tarot (really a tarot-oracle hybrid, but it behaved itself this time) for the introvert snap-shot, and the Gilded Tarot for the extrovert version. I … Continue reading The Introvert is In
The Introvert-Extrovert Map
I've been running out of fresh ideas for "situational awareness and developmental insight" spreads, so I thought I would play a little game with myself. In Myers-Briggs space, I'm a card-carrying introvert (as if my natal horoscope isn't proof enough), but my challenge in this lifetime is to become more socially engaged - only in … Continue reading The Introvert-Extrovert Map
Recapping the Week
Here is the complete "situational blueprint" layout for the week. I tried to make a convincing story out of the daily "action" cards but found that, once they perform their triggering duty, their influence doesn't spill over into the following day. It's interesting that the first half of the week had absolutely nothing to do … Continue reading Recapping the Week
