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Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread

The Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread won’t make your decision for you. What it will do is clearly identify what’s impacting your decision-making ability and driving your current mindset: your hopes, your fears or the Truth of the Matter. Once this information is made visible, you can apply corrective action (if needed) and proceed with more confidence you’re not shooting yourself in the foot.

Use the Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread when you have to make a decision that will have consequences either way. You can use any deck that appeals to you.

Here’s how the Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread works:

The Layout

 

Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread Layout © 2021 Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com

 

The Procedure: 

***Note: Court Cards are not used in this spread. Remove them from the deck before shuffling, or if you happen to pull any, discard them and use the next available (non-Court) card. ***

Thoroughly shuffle the deck while thinking about your situation and the decision that you have to make, pros, cons, whatever comes to mind. When ready, cut the deck into three piles.

Lay out the top and bottom cards of each pile into three corresponding columns, top card above bottom card.

Column 1, pulled from Pile 1, represents your HOPES (cards 1 & 4)

Column 2, pulled from Pile 2, represents your FEARS (cards 2 & 5)

Column 3, pulled from Pile 3, represents the TRUTH (cards 3 & 6)

 

After laying out the first six cards, look through the remaining cards in each pile until you find the pile that contains XIX-SUN (Card 7). Place it in the corresponding column. For example, if you find XIX-SUN in Pile 1, place it above Card 1 in Column 1. If XIX-SUN is in Pile 2, place it above Card 2 in Column 2. And if XIX-SUN is in Pile 3, place it above Card 3 in Column 3.

Take the bottom card from the same pile in which you found XIX-SUN (Pile 2 in the Example Spread) and place it at the bottom of the corresponding column. This serves as Card 8.

 

*** Note the position numbers on the diagram: Cards 1, 2 and 3 are placed left to right in the top row. Cards 4, 5 and 6 are placed left to right in the bottom row. Card 7 (XIX-SUN) and Card 8 (the bottom card from the same pile in which you found XIX-SUN) are placed above and below the two cards that represent that same pile. In the example spread, Cards 7 &  8 are placed above and below the cards in Column 2 (cards #2 and #5) because XIX-SUN was located in Pile 2. ***

Example of the Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread

 

Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread Example © 2021 Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread Example © 2021 Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com

 

Once all eight cards have been selected and placed, the Example Spread above shows XIX-SUN (Card 7) and ACE OF DISKS (Card 8) in Column 2, FEARS.  This is because I located XIX-SUN in Pile 2 and thus have placed Cards 7 & 8 in the corresponding column.

I now will add the card numbers on Cards 4 + 5 + 6 and reduce to a single digit:

2 OF SWORDS + X-WHEEL + II-HIGH PRIESTESS =

2 + 10 + 2 = 14 = 1 + 4 = 5

 

Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread Example: Add the card numbers on Cards 4 + 5 + 6 and reduce to a single digit. Here we see 2 of Swords + X-WHEEL + II-HIGH PRIESTESS = 2 + 10 +2 = 14 = 1 + 4 = 5. © 2021 Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread Example: Add the card numbers on Cards 4 + 5 + 6 and reduce to a single digit. Here we see 2 of Swords + X-WHEEL + II-HIGH PRIESTESS = 2 + 10 +2 = 14 = 1 + 4 = 5. © 2021 Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com

This single digit reduction = your Risk Level:

Risk Level:

1-3 Low

4-6 Moderate

7-9 High

Make a note of it. In the Example Spread, the Risk Level concerning this decision is 5, denoting a “moderate risk.”

If your Risk Level is Low (1 – 3) consider whether this decision is as important or consequential as you think it is… Maybe you’re making too much of it…

If your Risk Level is Moderate (4 – 6)  the stress of the decision may be making you feel you’re under a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” type of pressure. A moderate Risk Level indicates that it’s equally possible things could work out well or poorly regardless of which decision you make…

If your Risk Level is High (7 – 9) consider the insights you’re getting from your spread to be a red flag of sorts. Perhaps you need to mentally deconstruct and reevaluate the situation/ circumstance as well as the options you’ve come up with so far. Use the additional light shown by XIX-SUN to pinpoint the energy pattern from which your mindset is currently operating…

 

Significance of the Sun Card

As you may have figured out by now, the XIX -SUN symbolizes “the light,” “shining the light,” on what is currently influencing your decision.

If you find the XIX-SUN in the first pile, you’re letting your HOPES rule the decision. If you find XIX-SUN in the second pile, you’re letting your FEARS rule the decision. If you find XIX-SUN in the third pile, you are letting the TRUTH of the matter influence your decision.

None of these placements are “wrong,” “bad,” or negative in any way. XIX-SUN is shining a light on your current energy pattern, making the invisible visible. The now-bottom card from the pile containing XIX-SUN shows the Probable Result of your decision based on continuing with the current energy pattern.

 

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In addition to adding Cards 4 + 5 + 6 together and reducing to a single digit to ascertain your Risk Level, you should also read and consider what Columns 1, 2 and 3 are telling you vertically.

In the Example Spread above, the HOPES  column consisting of Cards 1 + 4 are the 7 OF SWORDS + 2 OF SWORDS: This suggests I HOPE I’m not making a decision that will cause me to wind up sabotaging myself or placing myself in a stalemate…

The cards in the FEARS column (Cards 2 + 5) are I-MAGICIAN + X-WHEEL. This indicates I FEAR my decision (regardless of what it is) might prompt a turn for the worse for me…

The TRUTH column consists of Cards 3 + 6, XXIV-STARMAKER* + II-HIGH PRIESTESS. The TRUTH, which this spread makes clear, is that reality tends to be created by the vibrations of thought patterns, whether negative, positive or neutral (STARMAKER). For whatever reason, this knowledge appears to be hidden from my conscious mind at this time (HIGH PRIESTESS). The cards in the TRUTH column make the underlying (invisible) energy patterns visible. Now, if I want or need to, I can consider/ reconsider my decision from a clearer perspective.

* STARMAKER is one of two Alternative Magus cards in the Thoth deck.

Card 8 is the RESULT CARD, pulled from the same pile containing XIX-SUN and placed at the bottom of the corresponding column.

Since I pulled XIX-SUN from Pile 2, I see from the RESULT CARD that at this time I will likely let my FEARS rule my decision. As a result, my fears will have greater potential for manifesting (ACE OF DISKS).

By ascertaining my Risk Level and current mindset (FEARS), I’ve succeeded in making the invisible underlying energy patterns visible. This allows me to reconsider and/or reevaluate the situation/circumstance and the options I’ve chosen so far. Assuming I want to change the outcome, I can now consciously work on changing my approach/ thoughts/ energy pattern to support a more favorable result.

 

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The key to using the Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread is self-honesty. I chose the Crowley-Thoth Tarot deck for the Example Spread because Thoth tells it like it is. No sugar-coating. If Thoth is too intense for you, choose another deck but don’t try to put a positive spin on questionable cards just because you’re uncomfortable with what they may be telling you. An open and honest approach will give you the insights you need to make better, more informed and more satisfying decisions that lead to more desirable results.

Give the Risky Decision Tarot Card Spread a try and let me know how it works out for you.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

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Learn more about how to read Tarot Cards, Lenormand Cards, Oracle Cards and Gypsy Witch Cards. Follow me on Instagram & Twitter  @mary_hawk12 where I post Card Reading examples & tips several times weekly.

 

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Double Carded Tarot Card Spread for Problem Solving

Suppose you have a problem. Not just some trivial, inconsequential, problem that will ultimately resolve itself in a day, a week, a month. I’m talking about a problem of consequence. An issue, problem or circumstance that’s been impacting your health, wealth, peace of mind, marriage, career, family dynamics … your very quality of life … over a period of time.

In today’s post, I’ll show you a simple tarot card spread you can try that was specifically designed to provide deeper insights into difficult, ongoing problems, as well as point out solutions and what steps to take next.

“The Querent, a female, has experienced increasing frustration with her ongoing inability to turn a deeply-loved hobby into an income source…”

 

The question:

“Why Am I Having This Problem and What Can I Do About It?”

 

Double Carded Tarot Spread for Problem Solving - Living With Cards © 2019
Double carded tarot card spread for problem solving – Living With Cards © 2019

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Double Carded Tarot Spread for Problem Solving

Instructions: Shuffle the cards thoroughly while thinking about your question/ problem/ situation. When ready, cut the deck into three stacks. Take the top card from each stack and lay it out left to right as shown in the image. Place the bottom card from each stack below the corresponding top image.

Double carded tarot card spread for problem solving - Living With Cards © 2019 http://livingwithcards.com
Double carded tarot card spread for problem solving – Living With Cards © 2019

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Column 1

The top card in column 1 shows the Problem/ Question/ Concern (or the aspect of the problem/ question/ concern that the cards wish to discuss) and the bottom card shows its underlying basis, reason or cause. Because the cards in column 1 denote a problem, cards that are normally positive should be read as if they were reversed.

Column 1: IX-The Hermit and 9 of Cups - Double carded tarot spread for problem solving - Living With Cards © 2019 http://livingwithcards.com
Column 1: IX-The Hermit and 9 of Cups

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Here, while the Querent believes she can or should be relying on herself to resolve her issues (IX-The Hermit), her problem is being exacerbated by a negative expression or influence of the 9 of Cups. This could include overindulgence/ addictive behaviors, wishful thinking, focusing on disappointments over lack of fulfillment in financial matters, or other negative interpretations of 9 of Cups. Because the suit of Cups is associated with the Water element, there is a strong emotional component in play. Because 9 of Cups symbolizes an underlying factor of the problem, the Querent may not be consciously aware of how emotions are impacting her situation. In essence, her ability to rely on herself (IX-The Hermit) to resolve her issues has been disabled because she’s constantly being undermined by emotional influences of which she’s likely not aware (negative 9 of Cups).

Column 2

The top card in column 2 gives the answer or solution, supported by the message contained in the bottom card. Here we see 8 of Wands supported by the Queen of Swords.

Column 2: 8 of Wands and Queen of Swords from double carded tarot spread for problem solving - Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Column 2: 8 of Wands and Queen of Swords

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

In general, 8 of Wands points to the end of a period of stagnation and delay, something which would surely bring great relief to the Querent. It is also a strong communications card and could suggest something as simple as beginning to promote oneself and one’s offerings to the public, whatever those may be. As the underlying card, the Queen of Swords suggests that the Querent adopt a head-over-heart attitude concerning her problem and not let her emotions and feelings (negative 9 of Cups) interfere with her goal of swiftly putting into motion (8 of Wands) a plan that could release her from a situation that is keeping her boxed in, frustrated, socially isolated and (probably) lonely (IX-The Hermit).

Column 3

The top card in column 3 gives advice on how to proceed, supported by the message contained in the bottom card. Here we see the 8 of Pentacles supported by the Knight of Swords.

Column 3: 8 of Pentacles and Knight of Swords - double carded tarot spread for problem solving - Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Column 3: 8 of Pentacles and Knight of Swords

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

In the context of the question, 8 of Pentacles, a card of cultivation, implies that whatever it is that one is devoting their time and effort to will pay off in the long run. As such, it accurately mirrors the Querent’s situation; she’s certainly put a lot of time and effort into her creative projects over the years and has been wanting to lay down a financial foundation based on her skills. 8 of Pentacles is a reminder that such endeavors take time but eventually pay off should one remain dedicated. The Knight of Swords points out that the Querent will need to stay steadfastly committed to her goals and, like the Queen of Swords, reiterates the advice of following her head, not her heart, as she proceeds. Decisiveness and clear vision is of the essence.

Additional Information or Factors to be Considered Cards

For a continuation of advice or to receive additional guidance from the cards, turn the three stacks over and read, in order, the bottom cards:

Additional Guidance Cards: 8 of Swords, Knight of Pentacles and 6 of Pentacles - double carded tarot spread for problem solving - Living With Cards http://livingwithcards.com
Additional Guidance Cards: 8 of Swords, Knight of Pentacles and 6 of Pentacles

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.

Here we see the 8 of Swords (interference), the Knight of Pentacles (slow and steady progress) and the 6 of Pentacles (financial success and gain). The message is clear: the Querent is the cause of her own problem; she is doing this to herself (8 of Swords), likely because she has let her fears and negative thinking blind her to options that others can see clearly. This is the “trap of your own making” card and it succinctly shows the Querent how she’s been shooting herself in the foot. The advice follows: the Knight of Pentacles is the “plan the work, work the plan” card and the 6 of Pentacles assures the probability of financial gain should she do so, particularly if the Querent’s offerings benefit others. This is the route the cards advise taking to achieve the goal.

The double carded tarot card spread for problem solving with additional guidance cards has given the Querent plenty of food for thought. Whether she heeds and acts upon the advice is up to her.

 

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Note: the Princes in the Crowley-Thoth tarot deck correlate to Knights in Rider-Waite style decks. I have referred to the Prince of Swords and the Prince of Disks in the above example as their Rider-Waite equivalents, the Knight of Swords and the Knight of Pentacles since most readers are more familiar with the Rider-Waite system.


Tarot Card Spread Reveals How to Get Your Wish

In my family, regardless of age, the “Birthday Boy” (or Girl) always makes a wish before blowing out the candles. The kids believe their wishes will come true. The adults, not so much.

The simple explanation for why this is so is that making wishes (and expecting them to come true) is a form of “make-believe,” a.k.a. magickal thinking. Children (usually) believe in magick. Grown-ups (usually) do not. (I’ll admit there were years when I only pretended to make a wish so as not to spoil the festive mood…)

The Wish Card: 9 of Cups

Alchemical Tarot Revisited by Robert M. Place 9 of Cups - The Wish Card http://livingwithcards.comAlchemical Tarot Renewed by Robert M. Place 9 of Cups - The Wish Card

The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed Fourth Edition

Although I’m not sure what prompted the thought, earlier this week my mind drifted to a recent family birthday party where the “Birthday Boy,” excited and smiling, squeezed his eyes shut and made what looked to be a very important wish. It was clear from the expression on his face that he expected his wish to come true. The memory made me smile.

It then occurred to me that the Tarot could explain how the whole “wish-getting” thing works, which made me smile even more. All I had to do was ask!

I decided to use The Alchemical Tarot Renewed tarot deck by Robert M. Place. After a thorough shuffle while concentrating on my question, I pulled seven cards and placed them according to the layout shown below:

Q: How Can I Get My Wish (What is the Formula)?

 

Alchemical Tarot 7 card Wish Spread: 9 of Cups - Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles - XII-The Hanged Man - 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups http://livingwithcards.comAlchemical Tarot 7 card Wish Spread: 9 of Cups - Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles - XII-The Hanged Man - 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups

The Alchemical Tarot: Renewed Fourth Edition

 

Position 1 – The Subject or Focus: 9 of Cups

9 of Cups tarot card from The Alchemical Tarot Renewed http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Position 1: 9 of Cups - The Wish Card

To my amazement, the first card drawn was the Wish Card itself — 9 of Cups. It seemed to be a clear confirmation that the Tarot was in tune with my question.

 

Positions 2, 3, 4 – The Answer: Page of Wands, Queen of Cups, 3 of Pentacles

 

Tarot Wish Spread Positions 2, 3, 4: Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Positions 2, 3, 4: Page of Wands - Queen of Cups - 3 of Pentacles

Thoughts (Page of Wands) immersed in feelings/ emotions (Queen of Cups) manifest into things (3 of Pentacles). Notice that a Page is a “beginner” — lower in order than a Queen. Thoughts (Pages) come first. Page of Wands shows the inspirations, hunches and messages that develop into “wishes.” Queens denote a deeper, more mature energy. The Queen of Cups symbolizes developed feelings and emotions. Together, the cards suggest that a considerable amount of feeling/ emotion (Queen of Cups as a more developed energy) has to be infused into the thoughts (Page) to make the spark catch fire (Wands). The result would be a physical manifestation (Pentacles).

 

Position 5 – Caution, Challenge, Obstacle: XII-The Hanged Man

XII-The Hanged Man tarot card from Alchemical Tarot Renewed http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Position 5: XII-The Hanged Man

The Hanged Man suggests the need to look at things from a different perspective and illuminates the need to change one’s perception. The card reminds us that it all starts on the inside. Inner reality creates outer reality, not the other way around. I find it interesting that the only Major Arcana card in the spread happens to be the Challenge Card: its message cannot be ignored or worked around.

 

Positions 6, 7 – Considerations, Additional Information, Advice: 2 of Pentacles, 2 of Cups

Tarot Wish Spread Positions 5, 6: 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups http://livingwithcards.comTarot Wish Spread Positions 6, 7: 2 of Pentacles - 2 of Cups

When it comes to manifestation, 2 of Pentacles suggests if one is “juggling and struggling,” flip-flopping back and forth between wanting something and then doubting they can get it, eventually they’ll wind up “dropping the ball.” Full alignment, harmonization and connection with the desire is essential (2 of Cups).

To summarize:

The Tarot reveals that the “Formula” for getting your wish is to recognize that thoughts start the process and deeply-felt emotion grows it.  This may require a change in your perception: the realization that “inner reality creates outer reality,” and not the other way around. Inconsistent thinking/ actions tends to cancel each other out — you can’t be wishing for (or working towards) what you want one minute then doubting your ability to get what you want the next and still expect success. Full vibrational alignment with your desire is essential.

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If the Formula seems simple, that’s because it is. Simple, however, doesn’t necessarily mean easy, as any Student of the Law of Attraction can attest. 🙂

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My suggestion is to try this spread with a particular “Wish” in mind. For Position 1, you can pre-select the Wish Card (9 of Cups) or use another card that symbolizes your desire, whichever you prefer. Or, you can simply let the deck pick the card for you… If you pre-select a card, remove the card of your choice from the deck before thoroughly shuffling the remaining cards while asking the Tarot “How Can I Get My Wish?” (or some variation of that question).

Position #1 – Focus card (describes or represents what you are wishing for)
Positions #2, 3, 4 – The Answer (how-to instructions, what you need to do or not do to get what you are wishing for)
Position #5 – The Caution, Challenge or Obstacle
Position #6, 7 – Additional Information, Considerations, Advice

You can lay out the spread like I did in the diagram above or in any way that makes sense to you. Give it a try and see what you come up with. You might be amazed at how accurately the Tarot provides the answers you seek.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Insights Spread Using Lenormand Cards: 29 Woman, 30 Lilies, 32 Moon, 16 Stars, 19 Tower, 10 Scythe

Both Lenormand cards and Tarot cards are particularly useful tools that can provide a clear snapshot of what’s really going on behind your conscious thought process. While larger, more complicated spreads have their place, you might be surprised at how insightful a simple Line of 5 can be– using either Tarot or Lenormand cards– although for the purposes of this post, I will use Lenormand cards to illustrate the method.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, when using a Line of 5, I’ve consistently found that adding the base card (bottom card of the shuffled deck) to the spread almost always fine tunes the message the cards want to bring to your attention.

This simple Line of 5 Insights Spread with Base Card works well when you are seeking clarity regarding a particular problem, situation, concern, goal or desire that’s been on your mind and it works equally well when you’re not sure what to focus on.

It’s all in how you word the question.

If you have a particular subject matter in mind, your question could be “Insights, please: What do I most need to know about [subject] right now?”

If you’re not exactly sure what to focus on, ask something like “What’s the most important thing for me to focus on right now?” and let the cards define the subject matter.

Suppose you have decided to ask the Lenormand cards an open-ended question and have drawn the following cards:

Q: What do I most need to know about right now?

 

Celtic Lenormand Line of 5: 29 Woman - 30 Lilies - 32 Moon - 16 Stars - 19 Tower - 10 Scythe
Celtic Lenormand Line of 5 with base card: 29 Woman – 30 Lilies – 32 Moon – 16 Stars – 19 Tower – 10 Scythe

Celtic Lenormand by Chloe McCracken

 

Here’s the way I would approach these cards:

Step 1 – Consider the “Hinge” and “Base” Cards and Determine a Theme or Meaning

First consider the central, or “hinge” card, and the base card beneath it and jot down the keywords that come to mind. In this example, we have 32 MOON and 10 SCYTHE, which will provide the theme or subject matter. The remaining cards will flesh out the reading.

Celtic Lenormand 32 Moon - 10 Scythe
Celtic Lenormand 32 Moon – 10 Scythe

MOON: emotions, habit patterns, career, fame, reputation, mother, intuition, cycles, hormones, fluctuations, feminine, femininity, yin, receptive

SCYTHE: cut, break, sever, eliminate, decision, shockwaves, accidents, surgery, separation, rejection, violent act, sharp, quick, analytical, hurtful, interrupt

Right away you can see several “themes” or meanings are possible. Which theme or meaning makes sense to you will largely depend on your own question, concerns and personal circumstances / reality.

For example, MOON + SCYTHE could mean (among other things):

…breaking up with a woman

…eliminating or ending a bad habit

…putting some distance between yourself and a female

…analyzing emotional problems

…interruption or ending of the menstrual cycle

…damaging a reputation/ ending a career

Step 2 – Consider the Remaining Cards and Weave Together a Story Line that Supports the Theme

Next, you’ll want to consider the remaining cards in the spread and weave together a story line that supports the premise shown by the central and base cards. If you are female, you will want to determine whether 29 WOMAN represents you or another female. If you are male, this card may either be giving you information about a woman in your life or suggesting you take a more intuitive (feminine) approach to the matters at hand.  You’ll need to decide whether 19 TOWER describes 29 WOMAN (mirroring technique) or if it’s the ‘end of the sentence.’ There is no one true and always-correct way to read cards.

Some Considerations…

For females, WOMAN + LILIES could be yourself if you are older or are concerned about aging issues. It could also be a descriptor of your serenity or peace of mind, regardless of age. For both female and male querents, this combination could point to an older woman, a parent, a grandmother, or someone in authority like a boss.

16 STARS + 19 TOWER could be speaking of business goals or climbing the corporate ladder. It could alternately be showing a need to set boundaries (TOWER) in order to reach one’s goals (STARS). It could describe losing out (SCYTHE) on a recording contract (MOON + STARS) due to age discrimination (LILIES).

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If you’re asking a health-related question, keep in mind the following:

MOON + TOWER could indicate high blood pressure.

TOWER can represent a medical facility, hospital, clinic, emergency room or doctor’s office.

MOON + STARS could represent a skin condition (STARS) exacerbated by emotions (MOON), such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, etc.

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Example Interpretations…

  1. A need to eliminate (SCYTHE) an entrenched habit (LILIES + MOON) that is interfering with (SCYTHE) or is not supportive of (MOON) one’s serenity/ peace of mind (LILIES) and career goals (STARS + TOWER).
  2. A woman’s decision (SCYTHE) to examine her feelings (MOON) and set emotional boundaries (MOON, TOWER) so she can achieve more serenity (LILIES) and get more of what she wants (STARS).
  3. The need to separate oneself (SCYTHE) from an older woman/ mother/ grandmother (WOMAN + LILIES + MOON) or even a female boss (WOMAN + LILIES with TOWER) who is not emotionally supportive (MOON + STARS).
  4. Female/ hormonal problems (MOON) in an older woman (WOMAN + LILIES) that may require further diagnostic testing (STARS) and possible surgery or biopsy (SCYTHE, TOWER).

 

I could go on, but I’m sure you can see how this works. It’s pretty much just a matter of identifying the theme or central message as it relates to your question/ issue/ life circumstances, then fleshing out the rest of the “story.” You’ll be using your intuition as well as the standard card meanings you’ve learned from various sources. If you give this simple yet very effective spread a try, I think you’ll be pleased with the results you get.

 

Blessings, Mary Hawkins

Tarot Card Guidance: Possibilities Spread

Everyone has areas of life in which they’d like to see a more positive outcome. I developed the Possibilities Tarot Card Spread to help you explore in more depth what may be available to you in a particular life area and what you may need to do or avoid in order to bring a more desired outcome into your reality.

First I’ll show you the layout, then I’ll show you an example of the spread in action.

Possibilities Tarot Card Spread Layout
Possibilities Tarot Card Spread
Possibilities Tarot Card Spread – http://livingwithcards.com

 

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Tarot card reading tip: if the situation you wish to explore is frightening, disturbing or emotionally overwhelming, do your best to calm yourself down and consciously intend to draw cards that will give you true and helpful guidance before you shuffle and draw the cards.

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Example of the Possibilities Tarot Card Spread: Employment Situation

Background: Female A is an older woman who is absolutely miserable in her job. When she started the position, she had high hopes it would make good use of her creative skills, but to her dismay, she found herself being assigned clerical, entry-level work well below her skill level, which she detested. Her supervisor seemed aloof and disinterested in the daily office drama, and she found her co-workers to be dishonest and untrustworthy. Despite the fact there was absolutely nothing she liked about the job, the thought of being jobless terrified her, so she stayed. She seemed desperate for a way out, but feared nothing might be “out there” for her, and besides, she didn’t have any idea of where to start looking.

The Tarot Card Reading for Female A:

While thinking about Female A’s situation and consciously intending to access helpful information, I shuffled the cards and then cut the deck into seven separate piles (one for each position), selecting the top card from each pile in sequential order. My question was: “Regarding Female A’s employment situation, what possibilities are now available to her?”

Q: What Possibilities are Available for Female A’s Employment Situation?

Morgan-Greer Tarot: 6 of Swords - 6 of Cups - Queen of Swords - 3 of Swords - XVIII-The Moon - IV-The Emperor - 8 of Wands
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 6 of Swords – 6 of Cups – Queen of Swords – 3 of Swords – XVIII-The Moon – IV-The Emperor – 8 of Wands

Morgan Greer Tarot Deck

 

Positions 1 and 2 – Possibilities Currently Available and Reason / Basis for the Possibility: 6 of Swords and 6 of Cups
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 6 of Swords - 6 of Cups
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 6 of Swords – 6 of Cups

I tend to read these two positions together. 6 of Swords is a card that is associated with moving away from the past. When this card is drawn, it is likely that the querent will be the one who makes the first move rather than let circumstances make the move for her. In other words, 6 of Swords suggests that a change in the way she is thinking about things (Swords = thoughts) will prompt her to seek a new job more in keeping with her desires. 6 of Swords also suggests that as she mentally (Swords) loosens herself from of grip of her situation, she may find that things start improving. Additionally, the card hints at the possibility of receiving help from unexpected sources.

The reason for, or basis of, the possibility is shown by 6 of Cups, which indicates that Female A’s creative skills and abilities still exist. She didn’t lose them, even though she is not currently using them. 6 of Cups also suggests that Female A (possibly because of her age) could be thinking her best days are behind her, which could certainly become her reality if she persists on believing such a disempowering thought. In essence, the possibility of distancing herself from the past and moving on to better things in the employment arena (6 of Swords) is dependent on her recognition that she does in fact possess valuable skills and talents and that her best days could be ahead of her and not behind her (6 of Cups). The two cards placed together suggest she could now become open to believing this possibility could be true for her.

Position 3 – What Helps: Queen of Swords
Morgan-Greer Tarot - Queen of Swords
Morgan-Greer Tarot – Queen of Swords

Clear, non-emotional thinking is of the essence. The Queen of Swords counsels that the querent should emotionally detach from her current situation and admit and declare, to herself and to the Universe, that she wants — and deserves — to be free of what has become an unacceptable condition. She should mentally (Swords) affirm that she deserves to use her gifts, talents and skills in a supportive environment. She would be best served by focusing (Swords) on what she wants and ruthlessly disengage (Swords) from all negative thinking about the situation.

Position 4 – What Hinders: 3 of Swords
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 3 of Swords
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 3 of Swords

The 3 of Swords is a card of emotional pain. In Position 4, it counsels that continued focus on negative and/or painful feelings will only prolong the painful and unpleasant situation in which the querent currently finds herself. The 3 of Swords confirms, whether she realizes it or not, that the querent is living within an abusive situation and that it is now necessary to remove the cause of her pain and let go what no longer serves her, if she is to have any chance at a happier, healthier work situation.

Position 5 – The Deduction: XVIII-The Moon
Morgan-Greer Tarot: XVIII-The Moon
Morgan-Greer Tarot: XVIII-The Moon

As the Deduction, XVIII-The Moon suggests the querent has been holding on to a very unhappy work situation because her fears of what the future might bring have been greater than her desire to change her circumstances. Unfortunately, these fears have probably kept her up at night as well as generated feelings of anxiety and insecurity. To put things right and start moving in a more positive direction, there is a need for the querent to face her fears and deconstruct them so she can accurately distinguish between what is real and what is only an illusion. XVIII-The Moon counsels that the querent would be better served by tuning into her intuition, actively seeking and working with the insights that come to her.

Position 6 – The Probable Outcome: IV-The Emperor
Morgan-Greer Tarot: IV-The Emperor
Morgan-Greer Tarot: IV-The Emperor

IV-The Emperor is about order and management. In the Probable Outcome position, it suggests that the Universe is already in the process of orchestrating a desirable change, even though the querent can’t actually see it yet. This would be a good time for her to step up her efforts, visualizing and affirming what she really wants, namely, a new employment situation that would give her the opportunity to use her talents and skills in a supportive, friendly workplace. Through continued, focused intention, she could attract the conditions she is looking for. Interestingly, this card literally suggests a new boss — a desired probable outcome in itself.

Position 7 – The Next Step: 8 of Wands
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 8 of Wands
Morgan-Greer Tarot: 8 of Wands

The first thought that came to mind when I saw this card is that if she hasn’t already started, the querent should immediately begin sending out her resume and networking with anyone and everyone for job leads. 8 of Wands is a positive indication of new opportunities (including a new job offer), rushes of creative inspiration, new friends and a world of possibilities that can open up once she frees her mind of negative, painful 3 of Swords thinking.

Clarification: XII-The Hanged Man
Morgan-Greer Tarot - XII-The Hanged Man
Morgan-Greer Tarot – XII-The Hanged Man

As clarification, XII-The Hanged Man confirms that a change in perspective would do the querent a world of good. If she is willing to give up her old way of looking at things (i.e., giving up negative beliefs), she can turn her life around, making way for desirable new opportunities to come into her life.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins