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?”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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