AUTHOR'S NOTE: There, I've said it again: I'm hooked on creating and using positional tarot spreads. Of course, those who believe tarot reading should be entirely open-ended and unstructured will never agree with me. Intuitive interpretation won't tolerate many strictures, but in my opinion it also doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in the dependability … Continue reading Confessions of a Spread-Fiend: An Unfashionable Opinion
Tarot Techniques
Syncretic Card Selection: Alternatives to the “Straight Deal”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In The Book of Thoth, Aleister Crowley discussed metaphysical syncretism as it applied to spiritual beliefs and practices across a wide range of ancient cultures, drawing parallels between them when it struck him as significant. At a more humble level, I employ syncretism ("the merging or assimilation of several originally discrete traditions") in … Continue reading Syncretic Card Selection: Alternatives to the “Straight Deal”
An “Open Field” Tarot Tableau
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This array is a "prepared" layout that randomly selects 25 cards from the population of 78 to set up a more limited range of probable circumstances. It is an outgrowth of my extensive work with the Lenormand Grand Tableau spread. Once the 5x5 arrangement is established, a second step locates the "starting point" … Continue reading An “Open Field” Tarot Tableau
Reading Reversals: “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: "You're missing half the fun" is one of my favorite rebuttals for those who avoid reading reversals because they find the practice unnecessary, inconvenient or confusing. (My title alludes to the old Doublemint gum commercial.) But, unless we deliberately ignore or suppress them as some do, they are going to dog us whenever … Continue reading Reading Reversals: “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun”
Repurposing the Chaldean Decans for Tarot Reading
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The Golden Dawn's alignment of the tarot cards with the astrological (aka "Chaldean") decanates (36 ten-degree segments of the zodiac beginning on the Vernal Equinox) has intrigued me since I first picked up the tarot in 1972 to complement my practice of astrology, but I have never been satisfied with its customary application … Continue reading Repurposing the Chaldean Decans for Tarot Reading
The “Ace in the Hole” Developmental Arc Spread
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This spread is intended to show the development of an opportunity along the most favorable elemental lines. The "Ace in the Hole" card is a wild card that is dealt face-down and then aligned with the most advantageous path when it is turned face-up. The idea is to build a five-card reading around … Continue reading The “Ace in the Hole” Developmental Arc Spread
“It Don’t Come Easy” – The Friction of Reversal*
*With apologies to Ringo Starr for borrowing his song title. AUTHOR'S NOTE: While discussing the implications of reversal in Tarot Master-Class, Paul Fenton-Smith noted that the reversed Death card can express unwillingness to endure the metamorphosis that its upright orientation portends. He then added "You need to trust that sometimes life has a greater awareness … Continue reading “It Don’t Come Easy” – The Friction of Reversal*
Reversal as “Standing Pat”
AUTHOR'S NOTE: In Tarot Master-Class, Paul Fenton-Smith suggests that reversal of a card can mean "it is wise to remain where you are, despite the tempting opportunities awaiting you." If scrambling is necessary to dodge adversity, he advises returning to the upright guidance of the previous card in the series, which offers a "comfort zone" … Continue reading Reversal as “Standing Pat”
“Playing It Safe” or “Coloring Outside the Lines:” A Tarot Reader’s Sketchbook
AUTHOR'S NOTE: When I was a kid, one of the earliest self-discipline challenges I faced was learning how to "color inside the lines" with my crayons and coloring-books. I eventually became a trained artist possessing the talent to draw my own outlines within which to paint, and I now see parallels in the narrative art … Continue reading “Playing It Safe” or “Coloring Outside the Lines:” A Tarot Reader’s Sketchbook
An “Upside/Downside” Situational Reading
"I've got a feeling, and I know I'm rightThat tomorrow will bring the darkest night.I've been around too long,I've got to get away."- from I've Been Around Too Long by Marmalade AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here is an example reading to test the spread I posted yesterday. I inquired about a situation that has been vexing me … Continue reading An “Upside/Downside” Situational Reading
Parsifal's Wheel Tarot & Astrology 