Tag Archives: Crowley-Thoth tarot

Card Reading 101, Card Spreads, Tarot Cards

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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Card Reading 101, Card Spreads, Tarot Cards

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.


Card Reading 101, Card Spreads, Lenormand Cards, Tarot Cards

Tarot and Lenormand Cards Discuss Family Altercation: 30 Lilies, 6 Clouds, 12 Birds, 13 Child, 25 Ring, 28 Gentleman

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Lenormand cards are difficult to misinterpret. They pretty much “tell it like it is” in a matter-of-fact, plain and simple way. I love this quality about them and when I want or need a “quick read” on a situation, I almost always pull out a Lenormand deck first.

When I want to dig deeper, I turn to Tarot. Talk about juicy… Tarot virtually drips with psychological insights, motivations, expectations, mindsets and more. It continually amazes me how much information a handful of Tarot cards can reveal.

Recently, a female Querent (person asking the question) sought assistance regarding an altercation between herself and another family member over parenting practices. In the heat of a vicious quarrel (which had quickly gotten out of hand), harsh words had been spoken, leaving both family members feeling misunderstood, hurt and angry.

I decided to cast a Lenormand Line of 5, specifically wanting to see what help might be available:

Q: Family Altercation: Is There a Solution? If So, What?

 

Lenormand Line of 5 with Base Card 30 Lilies - 6 Clouds - 12 Birds - 13 Child - 25 Ring - 28 Gentleman http://livingwithcards.com
Lenormand Line of 5 with Base Card: 30 Lilies – 6 Clouds – 12 Birds – 13 Child – 25 Ring – 28 Gentleman

Mlle Lenormand Cartomancy Jeu du destin Deck of 36 Cards

 

As usual, the Lenormand cards mirrored the situation quite accurately. The Line of 5 described the conflict. The base card (bottom card of the shuffled deck), in conjunction with the hinge card (central card in the Line of 5), suggested a practical approach to resolution:

“Ongoing/ cyclical (Ring) bickering (Birds) between siblings and/or about a child/ children (Birds + Child) is causing misunderstandings and is disrupting family harmony (Lilies + Clouds). An agreement (Ring) must be reached before harmony (Lilies) can be restored.”

“A man (Gentleman) can help resolve the issue, perhaps a mediator (Birds + Gentleman).”

 

I found the “advice” — “a man can help, perhaps a mediator” (Birds + Gentleman) particularly encouraging because there was actually a professional man both family members knew and respected who fit the bill. This man would likely not only be willing to intervene, but would also likely be listened to by both parties. I passed the information along.

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Still, wanting to learn more about the situation, I turned to Tarot. I was about to pick up one of my usual reading decks when a card image from the Thoth deck came to mind.

Thoth Tarot VIII-Adjustment (Justice) http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot VIII-Adjustment (Justice)

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck

 

Yikes.

According to noted anthropologist/ Tarot authority Angeles Arrien*, VIII-ADJUSTMENT (JUSTICE) in the Crowley-Thoth tarot deck reflects the principles of alignment, balance, negotiation and truth.  My desire to know the truth of the matter regarding this particular situation must have triggered the spontaneous visualization of this card image. Surely it was not coincidence… [*See Ms. Arrien’s classic exploration of the Thoth tarot deck: The Tarot Handbook: Practical Applications of Ancient Visual Symbols ]

 

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Note: As I’m sure you know, the Crowley-Thoth tarot deck is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re going to use it, you need to put on your thick skin. A couple dozen years ago when I was first introduced to C-T,  a wise friend shared this secret:

“Thoth never lies.”

 

Over the years, I have consistently found this to be true.

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The extremely yang, in-your-face Crowley-Thoth tarot deck does not sugar-coat. When attuned to its “voice” (a challenge sometimes, especially if you’re emotionally involved in the reading’s subject matter), you may find it to be less vulnerable to misinterpretation than the majority of decks out there in the Tarotverse…

Since I was performing the reading as an outside observer and not personally in the thick of it, I decided to go ahead and see what Thoth had to say about the matter, using one of my go-to tarot spreads, The Five Pointed Star with Significator:

Q: Family Altercation: Psychological Dynamics and Probable Outcome

Five Pointed Star Tarot Spread with the Crowley-Thoth Tarot deck: Princess of Disks - 9 of Swords - Knight of Swords - 2 of Wands - 9 of Cups - Queen of Wands http://livingwithcards.com
Five Pointed Star Tarot Spread with the Crowley-Thoth Tarot deck: Princess of Disks – 9 of Swords – Knight of Swords – 2 of Wands – 9 of Cups – Queen of Wands

Crowley-Thoth Tarot Deck

 

Five Pointed Star with Significator Tarot Spread – The Positions

  • Significator – Theme or Subject Matter
  • Position 1 – Basis, Reason, Cause
  • Position 2 – Mindset, Beliefs, Expectations
  • Position 3 – Additional Information, Factors to be Considered
  • Position 4 – Answer/ Solution/ Advice
  • Position 5 – Probable Outcome

If you keep the positional meanings in mind, it is not hard to weave together the story.

The theme, or subject of the spread, involves child (Princess, Page) discipline (Disks, Pentacles).

Thoth Tarot Princess of Disks (Page of Pentacles) http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot Princess of Disks (Page of Pentacles)

Arguments/ cruel words between relatives have ensued because each party believes she is an authority on the matter (9 of Swords in Position 1 with MARS in Gemini; Knight of Swords in Position 2). Knights (the equivalent of Kings in Rider-Waite decks) have a “divine right” to rule. The Knight of Swords/ King of Swords mindset applies to both parties, leaving the other feeling disregarded, accused, exploited and/or intimidated. In conjunction with 9 of Swords, the caustic, sarcastic comments hurt. So we have an argument over child discipline (Princess of Disks/ Page of Pentacles) with each party wounding and being wounded/ emotionally hurt by the other’s sharp words (9 of Swords) because each believes she is an authority on the subject (Knight of Swords/ King of Swords).

Thoth Tarot 9 of Swords http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot 9 of Swords
Thoth Tarot Knight of Swords (King of Swords) http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot Knight of Swords (King of Swords)

 

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2 of Wands in Position 3 supplies additional information and/or factors to be considered. Here, 2 of Wands shows dominion. This is the will to dominate. The card suggests that both parties want to impose their will (MARS in Aries) upon the other. Based on the preceding three cards, it appears that differences of opinion will outweigh any sense of balance or centeredness.

Thoth Tarot 2 of Wands http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot 2 of Wands

 

Position 4 shows the Answer, Solution or Advice. Here, the 9 of Cups shines a light on the querent’s deep desire for keeping the peace/ harmony. Read in relation to Queen of Wands in Position 5, I sense this could occur at the querent’s expense: the Probable Outcome suggests that at the time of this reading, the more fiery (aggressive) family member will prevail.

 

Thoth Tarot 9 of Cups http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot 9 of Cups

 

Thoth Tarot Queen of Wands http://livingwithcards.com
Thoth Tarot Queen of Wands

 

Clarification Cards

Five Pointed Star Clarification Cards using Thoth Tarot deck: 9 of Disks (9 of Pentacles) - XII-The Hanged Man - 10 of Cups http://livingwithcards.com
Five Pointed Star Clarification Cards using Thoth Tarot deck: 9 of Disks (9 of Pentacles) – XII-The Hanged Man – 10 of Cups

Simply interpreted, XII-The Hanged Man suggests a limiting pattern that needs to be broken. A suspension of activity may be in order. Perhaps more solitary time/ time apart from each other (9 of Disks) would ultimately aid the peacemaking process and/or help restore family harmony (10 of Cups). The Hanged Man also indicates that some time will pass before any solution or resolution is reached.

 

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At this time, I have no feedback from the querent, so I don’t know the outcome.

  • Will the parties follow through with a mediator (Lenormand advice)?
  • Will the querent ultimately decide to back down, “sacrificing” her position for harmony’s sake, letting the other, more aggressive family member prevail (Thoth‘s prediction)?
  • Will the energies surrounding the situation change enough to facilitate another outcome?

It would be interesting to find out…

 

Blessings,

Mary Hawkins