The Spread
A spread is a preset pattern for laying out the tarot cards. It defines how many cards to use, where each one goes, and what each one means. A spread is a template guiding the placement of the cards so they can shed light on a given topic. It is within this template that the meanings of the cards come together so beautifully. The most important feature of a spread is the fact that each position has a unique meaning that colors the interpretation of whatever card falls in that spot. For example,...
Cards Chosen Iyl
Position 7 - 7 of Pentacles Reversed Bold phrases are from the information page for the card, italic phrases from the position page. This reading is a good example of how much we can learn by looking at the overall distribution of suits. Nine out of 10 cards are either Wands 2 , Cups 4 or Major Arcana 3 which suggests that we are dealing with a situation heavily steeped in action and emotions. There is a noticeable lack of thought not one Swords card and practical grounding one Pentacles card ....
Exercise Queens
Queen of Cups My cousin is going to need extra love and support. -- loving Queen of Pentacles I can figure out a way to get the keys if I put my mind to it. - resourceful Queen of Swords What's the real reason I was given this hopeless project -- astute Queen of Wands I'll have extra energy when I lose weight. -- energetic Queen of Pentacles I'll keep this secret since my friend entrusted me with it. - trustworthy Queen of Swords I'll be open and honest in this interview so there are no...
Exercise Other Permanent Pairs
- Choose one meaning for the card. - Think of a meaning that is the opposite. - Find another card major or minor that suggests this opposite meaning. - For ideas, scan the keyword summary charts and the opposing cards section of each card. Two of Cups Five of Wands Five of Swords Eight of Pentacles Eight of Wands Nine of Cups Exercise 15.3 - Court Card Pairs People both help and annoy each other because of their differences. Below are twelve court card pairs. For each one - Choose a personality...
Exercise Traditional Position Pairs in the Celtic Cross
Create a Celtic Cross layout using any ten cards from the deck placed face down. For each of the six situations below, do the following - Imagine you are doing a Celtic Cross reading, and you have drawn the two cards listed under A . - Find these cards and place them face up in the positions indicated. Remove the cards that are there. - Write a short interpretation of these two cards as a pair. Use the examples in lesson 16 as a model. - For extra practice, repeat steps 1-4 using the second set...
Ace of Pentacles reversed
I can't seem to hold onto my money. It just slips through my fingers. See image. I don't feel stable. The ground keeps shifting under me. Knight of Cups - reversed One day I'm up, the next day I'm down. These mood swings are difficult. I pretend I don't have strong feelings, but I do. Six of Swords - reversed This boat is going to capsize. See image. I refuse to stay depressed. I'm going to have some fun. Hierophant - reversed I'm dropping out of school. I don't see my religion the same way...
Exercise Court Cards are People
The more you understand your fellow humans, the more you will understand the court cards. Over the next few weeks, observe your relatives, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. Consider celebrities, historical figures, and characters from books, TV and films. Ask yourself What qualities does this person have Not have What qualities are helpful to this person Not helpful What court card is this person most like Least like How is this person unique unlike any type at all What court card types...
education and occupation
possessions - clothes, car, toys free time - vacations, hobbies, sports favorites - foods, movies, songs, books, colors habits - strengths, weaknesses, peculiarities Exercise 14.8 - Court Cards in Action For each scenario below, write down one or two interpretations for the first court card listed. Consider the meaning of the card, the position and the situation. For extra practice, repeat the exercise using the second court card. Don't consider the court cards together. Simply imagine you...
Exercise Permanent Pairs in the Major Arcana
Below are two scrambled lists of major arcana cards. Match each card in list 1 with the card in list 2 that you feel is its permanent opposing pair. Give a short meaning for each card that shows the balancing relationship. Try this exercise before looking at the card pages. You can check my suggestions, if you wish. For example Magician Action -High Priestess Nonaction .
Exercise Occasional Pairs 1
Hermit someone hiding from the law Justice a representative of the law Nine of Swords not being able to rest Four of Swords being able to rest peacefully Two of Pentacles both figures have a bent leg perhaps a knee problem Hanged Man Chariot both cards show powerful figures ready to crush anything in their paths Death Four of Pentacles someone who is alone and loves money. Six of Wands someone who loves people and is surrounded by them Lovers enjoying the delights of paradise Six of Swords cast...
Exercise Other Pairings in the Celtic Cross
Below are some new Celtic Cross pairings. For each one, write a brief description of what you could learn from that pair. You can check my suggestions, if you wish. For example Position 1 - Position 4 how something from the past 4 is influencing the present 1