Tag Archives: tarot card spread

Tarot and the Law of Attraction Part 2

You don’t have to work with Tarot cards for very long before you begin noticing that, for the most part, they are reflecting the energies and vibrations surrounding the situation and circumstances at the time of the question. If you are somewhat skeptical that this is true, try throwing a Tarot spread when you are feeling out-of-sorts and/or conflicted. Betcha a buck the cards you pull will be just as out-of-sorts and/or conflicting as you are feeling.

This is a good thing. It is instant confirmation that you are focused on something you do not want. You say you want the tarot cards to give you an objective, clear, comprehensible answer to your question but all you have gotten back from them is gobbley-gook. A reading that makes no sense at all. This immediately tells you that you are focused on the lack of what you want.

In Part 1 of this series, I told you I would show you a simple Tarot card spread that could help you identify what you are really focusing upon. This knowledge can help you consciously direct your thoughts so that you may get better at creating deliberately rather than by default. And once you really start getting the hang of how to do that, you’ll find you’ll be bringing more of what you want (and less of what you don’t want) into your life.

 

The Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread

The Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread works best when you’ve been living with a situation or circumstance long enough to determine that things just don’t seem to going the way you wish they would and you’d like a fresh insight on what you need to do to get the energy flowing in a more positive direction.

While shuffling a favorite deck of Tarot cards, think about the situation or circumstance upon which you are seeking guidance. The question should be open-ended, such as “What’s going on for me in this situation and where am I headed?”

When you feel ready, cut the shuffled deck into six separate piles and place the top card of each pile into the corresponding slot shown on the diagram below:

 

Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread http://livingwithcards.com
Law of Attraction Tarot Card Spread – Living with Cards

 

 

Q: What’s Going On for Me in this Situation and Where Am I Headed?

Position 1 – What-Is: This card will reflect the dynamics of your current situation. Sometimes this card will be quite literal, such as pulling the 10 of Swords while wondering why you just can’t seem to get past a devastating break-up that occurred a few months ago.

Robin Wood Tarot: 10 of Swords
Robin Wood Tarot: 10 of Swords

Other times, you might have to think about what the card is saying to you.  Consider the suit of this card. Cups could be pointing to an emotional aspect of the situation, Pentacles to a physical aspect, Swords to a mental aspect, and Wands to a spiritual aspect.

Position 2 – What You Want: The card in this position will show you an aspect of what you’d like to see happen. Again, the card could be quite literal. In keeping with the devastating break-up theme, perhaps VI-The Lovers or 2 of Cups may show up.

Robin Wood Tarot: 2 of Cups
Robin Wood Tarot: 2 of Cups

Typically, you will pull a card that points out some aspect or quality of what you are telling yourself you want to happen.

Position 3 – Where You Are Focused: This is the critical card to pay attention to. It will show you whether you are focused on what you say you want or upon the lack of what you say you want. Continuing with the devastating break-up example, 5 of Cups in Position 3 suggests you may be focused on what you’ve lost and not upon being part of the happy couple depicted by the 2 of Cups in Position 2.

Robin Wood Tarot: 5 of Cups
Robin Wood Tarot: 5 of Cups

Position 4 – Where Your Focus is Taking You: You shouldn’t have much trouble interpreting the card that lands in this position. Using the devastating break-up example, drawing the 7 of Swords, II-The High Priestess or XVIII-The Moon could clearly point to the probability that you are deceiving yourself on some level, or refusing to listen to your inner knowing.

Robin Wood Tarot: 7 of Swords - II-The High Priestess - XVIII-The Moon
Robin Wood Tarot: 7 of Swords – II-The High Priestess – XVIII-The Moon

Position 5 – Advice or Comment: The card that shows up in this position will often emphasize what action you need to take or avoid in order to get back on track. 9 of Cups could be as simple as the suggestion to find more things in your life to focus on that would make you happy, while 3 of Cups may give you the idea that reaching out to friends could be helpful. Don’t be afraid to follow your intuitive promptings as you examine this card.

Robin Wood Tarot - 9 of Cups - 3 of Cups
Robin Wood Tarot – 9 of Cups – 3 of Cups

Position 6 – Something Worth Considering: This is a card of additional assistance and/or insight from your Inner Being. Perhaps the 9 of Pentacles for this position could suggest a focus on self-sufficiency. Even though you may prefer to be in a relationship, cultivating a belief that you are whole (and not broken) with or without a partner could be the first step on your road to recovery and, eventually, a more fulfilling relationship.

Robin Wood Tarot: 9 of Pentacles
Robin Wood Tarot: 9 of Pentacles

Because the Tarot is masterful at identifying and mirroring back to you the thoughts and feelings you are putting out to the universe, the essence of which, by the Law of Attraction, must be returned back to you, it is an excellent tool for self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Intuitive Tarot Technique: Secret Message from your Inner Being

If you’ve ever wrestled over an issue or situation and wished your Higher Self would just jump out and give you some advice, you might want to give this tarot card technique a try. For best results, try it with a tarot deck you like, but don’t normally work with.

Begin by shuffling the cards, thinking about the topic or area of concern for which you seek guidance. Consider as many aspects of the situation as you can bring to mind, then ask your cards an open-ended question such as:

“How can I …?”
“What do I need to consider about …?”
“How might it go for me if …?”
“What advice can you give me about …?”

When you feel ready, quickly flip over each card of the thoroughly shuffled deck, placing those that appeal to you face down in a separate pile. DON’T THINK ABOUT THIS TOO HARD!! Just flip over cards and if you like the card for any reason whatsoever, place it face down in a separate pile.

 

Q: How Can I … (Insert Your Question Here) ?

Morgan-Greer Tarot cards: Queen of Pentacles, XVII-The Star, 3 of Cups, Queen of Cups, 4 of Wands
Selected cards from the Morgan-Greer Tarot deck: Queen of Pentacles, XVII-The Star, 3 of Cups, Queen of Cups, 4 of Wands

Morgan Greer Tarot Deck

When you’re done flipping through the cards, pick up the pile of cards you selected (they should all be face down) and without looking at them and without changing the order in which you selected them, count how many you have.

The number of cards you selected correlates with the Major Arcana card of the same number, with 22 equaling 0-The Fool.

So, if like the example above, you pulled 5 cards, that would equal V-The Hierophant.  Seven cards would equal VII-The Chariot and 16 cards would equal XVI-The Tower.

If you managed to pull more than 22 cards, simply reduce to a number totaling 22 or less. For example, 27 cards = 2 + 7 = 9 = IX-The Hermit.

Now comes the fun part 🙂

Since you obviously looked at each card as you were flipping them, you will probably know right away whether the Major Arcana card that correlates with the number of cards you selected is in the shuffled deck or in the selection pile. Simply pick up the correct pile, find the card and take the one before it and the one after it as well: this is the Secret Message from your Inner Being, regardless of which pile it’s in.

The Secret Message:

Secret Message cards from the Morgan-Greer Tarot: King of Cups, V-The Hierophant, 9 of Wands
Secret Message cards from the Morgan-Greer Tarot: King of Cups, V-The Hierophant, 9 of Wands

Consider how the Secret Message from your Inner Being relates to the question you asked. If you have the time, consider turning over the cards you selected and read them separately and/or in combination with the Secret Message cards for more insight regarding the topic at hand. Time and again, I’ve found this particular tarot technique almost always brings some degree of insight I either didn’t have or couldn’t seem to put my finger on prior to casting the cards.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Tarot and the Law of Attraction Part 1

When you throw a Tarot spread, whether for yourself or someone else, the cards typically pick up on the prevailing energies or vibrations surrounding the issue, circumstance or situation at the time of the question. Any probable outcome or prediction shown by the cards is usually what you or your querent may expect to happen based on the energies or vibrations in play at the time of the reading. Because energies or vibrations are always in flux and can be changed through deliberate and conscious intention, the probable outcome or prediction shown in the Tarot cards can usually change as well.

Herein lies the real value of the Tarot or any other divination system. Rather than focusing on predicting the future, consider using the Tarot to delve below the surface and shine a spotlight on the prevailing energies and vibrations that are in play at the time of the question, attracting a particular probable outcome, wanted or unwanted, into manifestation in your life.

Simply defined, the Law of Attraction states ‘Like attracts like’. Without going into layers of detail, the Law of Attraction boils down to you get what you think about whether you want it or not.

The problem is, it’s not always easy to figure out what you are thinking about or how you are thinking (and feeling) about it. Here’s where the Tarot comes in. Because the Tarot uncannily and consistently picks up on the energies and vibrations surrounding the issue, circumstance or situation, it can be a highly valuable and effective tool that can help you figure out what you are thinking and feeling, what you are in the process of attracting, and what strategies can you develop to get more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.

I asked the Tarot cards to describe a strategy of how one might proceed in order to manifest more of what they want and less of what they don’t want into their lives. Using the Five Pointed Star with Significator spread, I pulled the following cards:

Q: What Strategy Will Best Support Desired Manifestation?
Five Pointed Star Tarot Spread: Page of Pentacles, 6 of Pentacles, 6 of Cups, 6 of Wands, Queen of Swords, Knight of Pentacles
Five Pointed Star Tarot Spread: Page of Pentacles, 6 of Pentacles, 6 of Cups, 6 of Wands, Queen of Swords, Knight of Pentacles

Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck

I immediately note there are no Major Arcana cards in the spread which suggests the matter at hand is under one’s control. “Fate” (majors) has nothing to do with it. I also note there are three 6’s in the spread, drawing attention to the fact that balance and harmony are important characteristics to consider. Everything must work together.

Significator or Theme: Page of Pentacles
tarot page of pentacles
Page of Pentacles

In the context of the question, the Significator or Theme card describes the strategy.  Page of Pentacles suggests a willingness to learn. The card seems to suggest one might approach the subject from a student’s perspective, remaining open-minded and willing to study the process.

Position 1 – Basis, Reason, Cause: 6 of Pentacles
tarot 6 of Pentacles
6 of Pentacles

Again, keep in mind that according to the context of the question, the cards are describing a strategy that can help one begin to manifest more of what they want and less of what they don’t want. The 6 of Pentacles is the “attitude of gratitude” card. It suggests that appreciation and gratitude for what one already has is the starting point for attracting more of the same.

Position 2 – Mindset, Expectations: 6 of Cups
tarot 6 of Cups
6 of Cups

When attempting to manifest a desire, one must expect to receive that which they are asking for. 6 of Cups suggests happy anticipation will go a long way in helping one manifest their heart-felt desires.

Position 3 – Additional Information or Comments: 6 of Wands
tarot 6 of Wands
6 of Wands

The Tarot 6 of Wands, also known as the Victory card, suggests that another part of the process is to envision success and enjoy how that feels.

Position 4 – Answer, Solution, Advice: Queen of Swords
Hanson-Roberts Tarot Deck Queen of Swords
Queen of Swords

Of all the Tarot Queens, the Queen of Swords is a solitary figure. She reminds us that working on one’s ability to manifest is a solitary endeavor. No one else can do it for you. The Queen of Swords also counsels that clarity is essential. The clearer one can describe, visualize, and joyously anticipate the arrival of a desire or goal, the more likely a positive manifestation will take place.

Position 5 – Probable Outcome: Knight of Pentacles
tarot Knight of Pentacles
Knight of Pentacles

The Knight of Pentacles indicates slow, steady progress with tangible results. This is the “plan the work, work the plan” card. By putting the procedure outlined by the previous cards into play, positive results may be expected.

The clarification cards (not shown) that I pulled for this reading further suggest to take the process one day at a time. Believe in yourself and your ability to learn a new trick or two. 🙂 Keep at it and you’ll be rewarded.

In Part 2, I’ll share a simple tarot card spread that may help you keep yourself on track should you desire to work on improving your manifestation ability.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

Tarot Clarification Cards Address Relationship Issue

You can almost always glean additional and helpful information from a Tarot spread by pulling clarification cards. While there are many ways to select clarification cards, below I will outline my preferred method.

First, let’s take a look at a simple 7 card Overview Spread* that reads fairly straightforwardly. Later, we’ll add the clarification cards.

 

Tarot spread, overview spread, card positions, livingwithcards.com
The Overview Spread – card positions

Card 1: Significator or Theme Card (Represents the Querent or describes an important aspect about the topic under consideration)

Cards 2 & 6: The Recent Past / Current Influences

Card 3: What is Above You (Describes what’s weighing on the Querent’s mind at the time of the reading)

Cards 4 & 7: Near Future/ What Happens Next

Card 5: What is Below You (Describes what the Querent dreads, doesn’t want to think about or wants to avoid)

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The template above shows how to lay out the spread once you’re done shuffling the cards in your usual manner while thinking about the topic you’d like the cards to discuss. You can preselect Card 1 if you like (for example, choose the King or Queen who normally represents you, or choose VI-The Lovers for a relationship overview), or let the deck choose for you. I usually let the deck pick the Significator or Theme Card, but please do whatever feels comfortable to you. You’ll still get a valid reading.

***************************************

 

In the following example, the Querent (person asking the question) was a single female who found herself unexpectedly pregnant. She wanted to know if marriage (which she and the man had discussed as an option) was a good idea. I drew the following cards:

Overview tarot spread Universal Waite tarot deck
Overview Spread – Universal Waite Tarot Deck

Universal Waite Tarot Deck

Card 1 – Significator or Theme Card: III-The Empress

Cards 2 & 6 – The Recent Past / Current Influences: 10 of Wands + 2 of Wands

Card 3 – What is Above You (What’s Weighing on Your Mind at the Time of the Reading): 8 of Swords

Cards 4 & 7 – Near Future/ What Happens Next: 3 of Pentacles + 4 of Swords

Card 5: What is Below You (What You Are Avoiding, Dreading or Don’t Want to Think About): 7 of Wands

 

Since the Querent was indeed pregnant, III-Empress as the Significator or Theme Card was certainly appropriate. I quickly noted, however, a lack of cards in the spread suggesting marriage and/or happiness.

10 of Wands and 2 of Wands in the Recent Past position (Cards 2 + 6) suggested feelings of overwhelm and off-centeredness. 8 of Swords in the Above position (Card 3) suggested a sense of entrapment, awkwardly countered by the independent, go-it-alone vibe presented by 7 of Wands in the Below “Don’t Want to Think About It” position (Card 5).

I noted that the Wands cards, which in general can indicate hope and inspiration, were in the Recent Past and Below positions (Cards 2, 6 and 5) while cards from the suit of Swords (indicating fear and worry) showed up in the Above position (Card 3) and as the last card of the Near Future (Card 7).

The child itself did not seem to factor in (no Pages), and once again I’ll mention the lack of cards indicating love, marriage, cooperation and/or happiness.

The Overview Spread confirmed the Querent’s sense of feeling conflicted. With 3 of Pentacles and 4 of Swords in the Near Future position (Cards 4 + 7), it seemed likely that any potential growth of the relationship between her and the baby’s father would come to a halt. Perhaps they would agree to take a break from each other. This interpretation seemed to be supported by 7 of Wands in the “Don’t Want to Think About It” Below position (Card 5) which speaks to what one is avoiding, dreading or not wanting to consider. I got the sense the querent didn’t want to admit to herself (let alone the baby’s father) that she would prefer to remain independent.

Before I went any further, I wanted to see the clarification cards, knowing they would either support or refute my intuitions.

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How I Use Numerology to Calculate Tarot Clarification Cards

Each Major Arcana card has its own value, 0 – 22.

Each Minor Arcana card 1 – 10 has its own value.

In my system, Kings = 11, Queens = 12, Knights =13 and Pages = 14. Some readers do the reverse. Either way it’s up to you, just be consistent.

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In this reading there were no court cards so the math was easy enough. I added up the numerical values of the cards in the layout and reduced the total to a number equaling 22 or below. Here, the cards added up to 37, which equals 3 + 7 = 10 = X-Wheel of Fortune.

The next step was to find X-Wheel of Fortune in the remaining deck and pull it out, along with the card before and the card after, giving me a three-card clarification:

Tarot clarification cards VII-Chariot, X-Wheel of Fortune, 5 of Pentacles
Tarot Clarification Cards

 

VII-The Chariot continued with the theme of independence and wanting to do one’s own thing while 5 of Pentacles suggested hardship and more restriction. X-Wheel of Fortune in the middle suggested to me the course had not yet been set. While I felt the fate of this relationship was in the querent’s hands (Chariot), that didn’t guarantee the change would be positive (especially with 5 of Pentacles following the Wheel). “Sleeping on it” (4 of Swords) was not bad advice. She owed it to herself to carefully consider her options and desires in light of what would ultimately prove best for all parties.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins

*I learned the Overview Spread from The Art of Cartomancy website by Kapherus, which is now back online, I’m happy to say 🙂

Card Reading 101: Predictions and Probable Outcomes Part 2

In my previous post I discussed the correlation between predictions and probable outcomes and cautioned against inadvertently creating self-fulfilling prophecies for yourself.

Despite what I said, the ability to predict with the cards is a valuable skill and one well worth learning. If you’d like to explore that path, you may find the following guidelines useful:

Draw cards every day.

A time-tested way to learn how a particular card system speaks to you is to perform and record a daily draw in the morning, interpret it, then record feedback at the end of the day. If you make this daily ritual part of your routine, your ability to read cards correctly will greatly improve.

Record your daily card draws!

What is the point of pulling some cards, making an awesome, intuitive connection that actually pans out correctly in real life, only to “forget” how the card combination spoke to you? Make it a habit to record your daily card draws!

Record your daily card draws in a dedicated journal

The easiest way to record daily draws (especially if you’re short on time in the morning) is to use one of those weekly planners that has spaces for each day of the week in a two-page spread. All you need to do is jot down your daily cards in the space for the day and add your interpretations or predictions. Because a years’ worth of dates are already printed in the book, you get the extra bonus of being able to record a years’ worth of daily draws all in one book, making it easy to go back and see how things played out. Pick a planner that “speaks” to you; one you will enjoy using.

(If time is not an issue, or if you prefer, you could purchase and use a lined journal or notebook dedicated to recording your daily draws.)

Consider using a weekly planner to record your daily tarot card or Lenormand card predictions - http://livingwithcards.com
Consider using a weekly planner to record your daily tarot card or Lenormand card predictions

At-A-Glance Vienna Weekly and Monthly Planner 2015, Wirebound, 5.5 x 8.5 Inch Page Size (622-200)

Only pull 2 or 3 cards for your daily draw.

One card is hard to interpret and more than 3 is overkill. Record the cards and jot down a brief interpretation and 1 or 2 predictions. At day’s end, review your entry. What actually happened during your day? How did the cards play out? Was your prediction accurate or were you way off base?

Add your card combinations or interpretations to your favorite reference books.

Jot down card combinations or interpretations that prove accurate into the margins of favorite reference books and place your initials and the date in parentheses. That way, over time, you will have developed rich, personalized and customized, master reference books of your own. (I write in the margins of Sylvie Steinbach’s Secrets of the Lenormand Oracle and Trish MacGregor & Phyllis Vega’s Power Tarot.)

Practice, practice, practice!

The key to improving your ability to predict correctly is consistent, daily practice. Don’t let early failures or faulty predictions deter you. Over time you will find your “hit rate” improving. As with any other skill you may be trying to develop, daily, consistent practice is essential.

Consider recording your card combination interpretations in the margins of a favorite reference book. http://livingwithcards.com
Consider recording your card combination interpretations in the margins of a favorite reference book.

Predictions and Probable Outcomes

You may also find, much to your amazement and delight, that your improved ability to predict with tarot cards, Lenormand cards, playing cards or oracle decks helps enormously in tracking your own subconscious or unconscious motives, beliefs and thoughts, making it easier to practice conscious creation as you attempt to manifest good things into your life. Because you already know that a probable outcome is just that: a probable outcome, you will develop the ability to catch yourself in a negative mindset, question your motives, thoughts and beliefs and make another (hopefully more positive) choice for yourself.

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins