Category: Spreads

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Three Fives and a Love Story

When discussing the challenges beginners face learning the Tarot, conversations tend to center on the appropriate beginners’ decks, Court Cards, or whether to use reversals or not. However, in my experience, the real challenge is synthesizing individual cards’ auguries to deliver a coherent narrative or “story.” Without this, readings become fragmented, and the big picture is lost. Yet, despite the unmistakable merit of being able to weave a story from the cards in front of you, quite a few teachers advocate avoiding combining cards or even summarization.

I believe part of this is the overreliance on “positional spreads” (Pentagram, Horoscope, Celtic Cross, Magic Seven, etc.). There is nothing wrong with these patterns; I use all four. However, there is now a strong tendency to see each card in singular isolation rather than as part of a spread.

For this reason, I recommend newer readers ensure they have a few looser spreads, such as the Square of Nine, Lucky Thirteen, or the Three Fives.

The Three Fives appear as the fifteen-card spread in Richard Gardner and Rolla Nordic texts. I, therefore, assume it originates with Frank Lind’s course. However, Doane and Keyes demonstrate a draw titled the Three Sevens, which is identical save for the differing amount of cards. Lind might have adapted his 15-card draw from Zain’s writings. However, I’ve used a 25-card spread for twenty-odd years, which is much the same save for its size. I’ll describe that at the end.

In early June, I had cause to practice the Three Fives for a 24-year-old Questioner who wanted to know about his future and “love life.” He disclosed he was homosexual.

The Three Fives

Lay the cards in three rows, starting at the lower right corner as below.

The spread is read right to left.

The bottom row is the past, the middle the present, and the top row is the future.

The timeline is helpful for a reader who is not used to reading “free form” and wants to practice weaving cards together. It is almost like each row is a sentence in a three-line paragraph.

Here are Harri’s cards:

In the past, Harri has benefited from a good (if somewhat eccentric [10 of Cups, reversed]) network of friends who have helped and supported him.

Much to everyone’s surprise, one of these developed into something more (10 of Cups, reversed).

Unfortunately, they played Harri false (10 of Cups, reversed + The Moon + The Hermit, reversed). He was swept away by foolish talk (The Moon) and threw caution to the wind (The Hermit, reversed), lavishing his attention and money (9 of Pentacles) on the relationship without limit (The Hermit).

Moving to the present:

The 7 of Rods is associated with teaching. Harri is not a teacher but now works with teenagers in a high school. This new role has proven a positive and stabilizing influence and introduced Harri to new people (5 of Rods). He is considering doing a Ph.D. (7 of Rods), which would benefit him (5 of Rods).

However, Harri’s thoughts have turned to love. We know this from Harri’s question, but the Horseman of Cups explains why. Harri has met the King of Rods. Horsemen signify thoughts, here of a Cups-nature (love, family, home…). As the King follows it, the King occupies Harri’s thoughts. The King is an astute but friendly man (touched by Cups), likely older than Harri.

Harri and the King enjoy each other’s company and share similar interests (2 of Cups). He is likewise interested in Harri but cautious (The Hermit falling below him).

In the future, there will be discussions (Knave of Rods) about opportunities available to Harri for further advancement (Ace of Rods).

Aces signify news, with Gardner and Nordic seeing the Ace of Rods as news of an opportunity or a business letter. Doane and Keyes, however, include “activity” and a venture to benefit reputation or honor gained from mental activity. Recalling Harri’s interest in pursuing a Ph.D., an option for this or something similar (Ace) will likely be discussed with him (Knave of Rods = discussion).

Harri must think carefully, as the 6 of Swords warns against recklessness and the need to budget your energies. If we look at the central column – the Moon, the Horseman of Cups, and the 6 of Swords – Harri can get caught up in the moment. My intuition was that Harri might not be in the best position at this time (either financially [recall the 9 of Pence] or with other commitments) to take on such an endeavor right now. It would, therefore, be prudent to discuss these carefully and plan (Knave of Rods + 6 of Swords).

In doing so, Harri will ensure he has the appropriate resources (4 of Cups) to realize his goals (Arcumum III. The Empress).

There is good news for love, too. If he takes things slowly (6 of Swords), Harri will discover he has gained (4) the King of Rods’ affections (Cups). The King will invite Harri into his circle (4 of Cups). The King is quite discreet (Rods = Earth) and, if they work together, which I suspected from the 2 of Cups, will want to remain professional. However, over time they will find themselves a good match (4 of Cups + Arcanum III. The Empress).

The spread doesn’t have a particular time span. 6 – 8 weeks would be a fair average. The final card, The Empress, is the card of Cancer, so I would expect events to have played out by July or August.

As you can see, some cards can be read twice in different contexts, as I did in the future row. Other times some cards in a row will refer to one topic and the others something else (as in Harri’s present). There is no rule for when this occurs. It comes with time and familiarity, so that your intuition can guide you.

Square of 25

The Square of 25 is a spread I have utilized for twenty-odd years, nobody taught me this, but such squares are common.

When doing the spread, a Questioner card is drawn from the deck, placed at the center of the spread, and the fifteenth card is dealt over the Questioner card. Here the Questioner card was the Queen of Staves and is covered by Arcanum XX. Judgement.

The cards are dealt bottom to top, and in the direction the Questioner card faces. They are also read in the direction the Questioner card faces. In the image below, the Queen faces left. As such, the cards were dealt and read right to left, starting with the 2 of Staves (bottom right) and ending with the 3 of Staves (top left).

I read the bottom row as the past, the second and third rows as the present, and the fourth and fifth rows as the future.

The card covering the Questioner card is the central theme or influence, the card of Fate. You can read the “X” it forms like a surprise.

Sometimes I give the columns a meaning and read them as a secondary reading.

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Deck: The Rolla Nordic Tarot, US Games Systems, Inc.

The Tarot Shows the Path by Rolla Nordic, published by Regency Press in 1960.
The Tarot Speaks by Richard Gardner, published by Universal-Tandem in 1974.
How to Read Tarot Cards by Doris Chase Doane and King Keyes, published by Barnes and Noble in 1979.

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The WT? Card

The Horseshoe is a classic spread for the Tarot cards and one of the first I committed to memory. I’ve always found it clear and concise. Being so well-known, it does exist in several variations (I use one of two different variations depending upon the question).

Regardless of how familiar you are with a spread, there will be times when the cards throw you a curveball. A card will appear that makes no sense. The Questioner will insist that the card or your interpretation (or even both) is wrong. What can you do? Some deal clarifying cards. I never do that: I always go with the card. Not everything will make sense straight away. Plus, the cards can reveal circumstances or details we were not privy to. If the other cards are “spot on,” then a rogue WT? card must be given the benefit of the doubt.

I had a WT? card appear in May when reading for a someone who had taken out a grievance at work. After she had made her complaint, a counter-grievance was made. The complaint centered on the Questioner feeling victimized due to comments made by a male colleague. It was very complicated.

The WT? threw both the Questioner and I. But it also was a moment where I had to put my faith in the cards.

The Horseshoe is laid out as follows:

  1.  The Past.
  2. The Present.
  3. The Future.
  4. The Questioner.
  5. The Other People Involved.
  6. The Obstacle.
  7. The Outcome.

In Classic Tarot Spreads, Sandor Konraad suggested reading card #4 first. This card describes the Questioner and how she approaches the situation, so it’s helpful to see what is said here first. 

Similarly, cards #3 and #7 have to be considered together as both describe the future. In my experience, this is best done last.

Using the Rolla Nordic Tarot, I laid out the Horseshoe as follows:

  1.  Ace of Rods.
  2.  9 of Rods.
  3. Arcanum VII. The Chariot.
  4. 4 of Swords.
  5. 7 of Pentacles.
  6. King of Rods.
  7. Arcanum XIV. The Angel of Time.

The Questioner appears as the 4 of Swords. The entire affair is regrettable, and she wants to put it behind her. It has affected her health (Swords) and seen her on half-pay due to sickness absence (The 4 of Swords can indicate financial reversals). 

Let’s look at cards #1 and #2. All aces signify news. The Questioner received an e-mail (Ace of Rods) that triggered a formal complaint (also in writing). She has sought advice from the Union, who have supported and advised the Questioner (9 of Rods). Part of that advice was identifying supportive statements from colleagues.

Card #6 represents the current obstacle. Here we find the King of Rods. Rods are the earth suit, and the King has fallen next to an air card (Pentacles). He’s thus undignified. The King of Rods is said to be an “Active type of man oriented towards efficiency” (Garnder) and “helpful in successful business ventures” (Pushong). Nordic says he has a “Lawyer or Stockbroker outlook.” Undignified, he is pedantic and obsessed with detail and procedure at the expense of the main objective. What should be a simple task becomes a long-drawn-out affair.

The Questioner identified this person as the HR investigating officer. He had interviewed the Questioner as part of the investigation, which was very “unpleasant” and “intrusive.” After the meeting, he e-mailed an additional ten questions. Nothing seemed to be moving.

So what was the WT? card? It was the 7 of Pentacles. Sevens indicate changes or movement, and the card often infers travel (in general), a business trip, or changes to how you earn. When I told the Questioner that it appeared as if either the King of Rods or another person was away, she could not understand the card’s message. None of the panel have roles requiring traveling. I pointed out that this could be annual leave, but she shook her head. The other associations did not seize me. I reiterated if not the King, then someone was away.

The pence suit is ruled by Jupiter, who rules Sagittarius and Pisces and whose day of the week is Thursday. I doubted we would have to wait for December or even 12-days (Jupiter has a 12-year cycle). The reading was done on Tuesday (Mars’s day). I told the Questioner we would need to wait and see, and by Thursday, we should have a clearer idea. Fingers crossed!

Cards #3 and #7, VII. The Chariot and XIV. The Angel of Time/Temperance, come from the Greater Arcana.

Arcanum XIV. The Angel of Time signifies diplomacy and moderation but is also, as its title suggests, is a symbol of time. As an outcome, there is always a delay with this card. Nothing will be rushed; everything has its appointed moment. You must be patient.

The card predicts that rather than direct action (disciplinary action, warnings, etc.), the resolution will focus on attempts to restore professional, if not harmonious, working relationships over time. The Questioner will be expected to give a little. As colleagues, their roles require crossover. They will need to find a way of working together.

In doing so, the future is bright as Arcanum. VII The Chariot predicts a successful period and progress in her career. As a chariot is a mode of transport, this is often in a new place or at least a new role (often but not always with promotion). In time, this will all be behind her and she can forge ahead realizing a personal ambition.

The Questioner had hoped her colleague would be redeployed if not disciplined. However, Arcanum XIV. infers steps will be taken to restore harmony between them, perhaps through mediation. If the Questioner can demonstrate some willingness, she will be rewarded in the long term and move forward. The Chariot shows movement in her life (her future) rather than her colleague’s.

On Wednesday, the Questioner contacted HR for an update and to discuss a phased return to work. She learned that the HR advisor, the King of Rods, was out of the office (he was on mandatory training) and would not return until the following Monday. No update was given, and the Questioner was told to wait.

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Deck: The Rolla Nordic Tarot, US Games Systems, Inc.

The Tarot Shows the Path by Rolla Nordic, published by Regency Press in 1960.
The Tarot Speaks by Richard Gardner, published by Universal-Tandem in 1974.
The Tarot Of The Magi by Carlyle A. Pushong, published by Regency Press in 1969.
Classic Tarot Spreads by Sandor Konraad, published by Whitford Press in 1997.

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The Card Reader’s Fifteen Card Spread

My friend, Hugh, acquired Regina Russell’s well-regarded Card Reader’s Handbook earlier this year. He was impressed. Valuing his opinion, I took the plunge. It is a brilliant treatise on the art of cartomancy. The cards’ significations are close to those I use and echo Dr. Leo Martello.

In her text, Russell introduces a three-stage reading process. Before the 1970s/80s, such sequential readings were not uncommon. Even Juliet Sharman-Burke included the practice in her correspondence course and book, The Complete Book of Tarot. However, then as now, you can use each spread individually.

The fifteen-card spread, which Russell starts her readings with, has become a personal favorite. You can use it outside the staged process. Since acquiring the book, I’ve used it with Playing Cards and Tarot cards in addition to the Mlle Lenormand Oracle and Kipperkarten cards. It’s brilliant.

Essentially, the spread is five fans of three cards. They are laid out as follows:

The cards in the center are what is closest to the Questioner. To the left is the recent past or something just about to happen. The cards to the right are something new coming into the Questioner’s life. The cards above are set to occur within two months—those below in two months’ time.

Last month I used the spread to read for a husband and wife, Niamh and Fionn. Niamh and I met several years ago. Fionn is self-employed and in February underwent an emergency ileostomy.

Fionn’s reading was as shown below.

Most of the cards are black, and clubs and spades are in the majority, so Fionn has his work cut out (clubs) to overcome his challenges (spades). The difficulties are financial (3 Diamonds).

Considering Fionn’s circumstances, the presence of the 8 of Spades at the center is unsurprising. It is the card of the doctor. Next to it is the Ace of Clubs: we have a hospital. Fionn had an appointment that week and would have some investigations (3 of Spades). On turning the 3 of Spades over, I immediately seized on x-rays. Fionn said “no” to this, but I said he might be surprised. However, the 3 of Spades covers all tests and investigations.

The Ace of Clubs also signifies documents, particularly official ones, and his treating physician (8 of Spades) may be asked to clarify some matters regarding his needs (3 of Spades + the fan on the right). Essentially, we have a medical report.

The trio to the left can signify the recent past and present. Fionn is worried about his surgery’s effect on his business (7 of Spades). 8 of Clubs often indicates our work. He runs a small landscape gardening and block paving company. Before his admission, things had been going well with a slight expansion and taking on a part-time trainee (3 of Clubs). This has now stalled (7 of Spades) as Fionn cannot lift, is in pain, tires quickly, etc. Fionn wants clarity on his recovery time.

The three cards to the right describe events occurring within a month or something new coming in Fionn’s life. Remembering the Ace of Clubs, we can see a decision (Ace of Spades) will be made within a month regarding what financial assistance Fionn is entitled to (4 of Spades + 2 of Diamonds). As the 2 of Diamonds falls last, we can be reasonably sure it is favorable. Fionn will get some form of social assistance. There will also be a discussion about realistic recovery times and how Fionn might need to adapt and slow down (Ace of Spades + 4 of Spades). Some of these changes will also be diet-related (2 of Diamonds) due to changes in digestion (Spades = elimination system).

The three cards above and below the center cards refer to events occurring within two months and in two months, respectively.

Fionn will receive a further helping hand (2 of Clubs) within the next two months following a business deal with a man (10 of Clubs + 6 of Heart). The 6 of Hearts is often a friend, brother, son, or son-in-law. Whoever he is, he’s got good business sense and ideas (10 of Clubs). Sometimes the 10 of Clubs is a journey, usually over water, and I wondered if this could be one of Fionn’s relatives from Ireland. Otherwise, Fionn will be traveling to see a friend who is supportive.

Let’s look at the final fan. Russell states that the three cards below can indicate something the Questioner doesn’t want to happen, associating the position with delay and dislike. I’ve not found this to be the case all the time. Sometimes it is just something occurring in two months’ time.

The 5 of Clubs can indicate reorganization and reevaluating. With the 10 of Diamonds, Fionn will need to look at his business plan and make changes to cover him until he can return to work (5 of Clubs). He can do things more efficiently and cheaply, and should look at supplies, etc. I also suspect this could be via further investment (10 of Diamonds) from either a loan or his earlier dividends (7 of Diamonds). The 7 of Diamonds at the end promises benefit in the long run even if Fionn is reluctant.

Fionn had his appointment with his consultant and was given a form for a chest x-ray because he had a drain fitted during his admission due to fluid build-up. He was surprised. When something seizes the Reader, it is best to go with it even if the Questioner disagrees. Time will tell. You or they may be wrong. The cards will invariably be right.

Fionn was also advised that his consultant had been contacted about his benefits claim. I’ve asked Fionn to keep me up-to-date.

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Deck: Deluxe Playing Cards (Alf Cooke), c. 1930 – 1940.

Card Reader’s Handbook, self published by Regina Russell in 1976.
The Complete Book of Tarot by Juliet Sherman-Burke, published by Pan Macmillan in 1985.