Subject: Re: Tarot Layouts FAQ
[from alt.magick: djones@ponder.csci.unt.edu (David C. Jones)]
[request to Xpost omitted -tn]
Tarot.Layouts.FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarot Layouts
Version 1.0 - 06/06/1995
Compiled by David C. Jones (djones@ponder.csci.unt.edu)
No rites rezerved. This entire document or any morsels thereof
can be used by anybody at anytime, anyplace, anywhere, and
anywhen (or until I get some sort of legal doohickey) but be
warned that the original authors of some of this stuff might sue
your (and my) ass off.
Since this is the first version of this document and isn't loaded
with very many sources, any and all comments and/or additional
layouts that could be sent to me would be greatly appreciated.
History of this document
6/6/95 - Version 1.0
A very rough draft as a favor for a peer on alt.divination
Table of Contents
0) Who am I and how this list got started
1) General Information
1.1) Paradigm Spread
2) Simple Spreads
2.1) Five Card Spread
2.2) Line Spread
2.3) Yes or No Spread
3) Complex Spreads
3.1) Magic Seven Spread (7)
3.2) Celtic Cross Spread (10)
3.3) Tree of Life Spread (10)
3.4) Four Trines Spread (12)
3.5) Twelve Houses Spread (12)
3.6) Magic Cross Spread (13)
(aka Christian Cross Spread)
3.7) Wish Spread (16)
3.8) Pyramid Spread (21)
3.9) Three Sevens Spread (21)
3.10) Sephiroth Spread (26)
3.11) Spread of Thirty-Six (aka The Inarticulately Named Spread)
3.12) Solar Spread (49)
3.13) Life Spread (50)
4) General Variations
4.1) Modifier Cards
4.2) Extending the Line
4.3) Rotating the Layout
4.4) Yes/No Revisited
5) References
0) Who am I and how this list got started
I am David Clark Jones, currently a student at the University of
Northern Texas, Denton. I am also a beginning student of the
tarot. Last April a friend of mine gave me a standard Rider-
Waite deck as an Easter present and I immediately connected with
it. I have since begun studying the more spiritual aspects of
the tarot, although I do practice divination with the deck. As
part of my studies, I found a book at my local library called How
to Read Tarot Cards which contained twelve different layouts,
which is currently the main source for this document. When a
peer on the net and I became involved in a discussion about
layouts for a program he was writing, I told him that I would
type this list up and post it; I didn't really mind since I
wanted to have this list on file for personal use in the future.
When I was done, I figured if I was going to spend all this time
typing all this information up and give it away for free that I
might as well keep the list running and I always wanted to have
the prestige of saying I was a FAQ maintainer (even if I am the
only person impressed by that), so I decided to make it a FAQ.
1) General Information
The very first thing that I learned about reading tarot cards
after talking to another reader about the subject is that no two
people really do it in quite the same way. As such, I have tried
to re-write all of these layouts to be as flexible as possible,
which wasn't easy or even possible in some cases, and allow you
to choose which method will serve you best.
On a similar note, some of the things that I have learned and
come to believe about tarot cards go directly against some of the
things presented in this document. It is my intention, however,
to relate information and not pass judgement, especially since
some thing I disagree with may work for others. As such, I will
attempt to include any informational comments I receive that
don't seem redundant. Also, I would like to keep this document
directed solely towards layouts that can be used for any general
deck. Some decks, like a healers deck, often will have their own
layouts, but such a layout would probably not have any
significance when used with a general deck. If your not sure,
just send it to me anyway, it can't hurt.
It should be emphasized right now that this document is not
really designed for the beginning reader. This isn't to say that
it is designed only for experts, but you should at least
understand how to use one of the layouts listed below so that you
can compare my explanations to your knowledge and then use that
comparison as a key for understanding the other layouts. In
short, I'm not going to baby-step you through these things. If I
label a card as an environment card, you should at least have a
vague idea what that means. The following is an explanation of
how each layout is presented.
1.1) Paradigm Spread (0)
Each spread will have a title and then a number, in parenthesis,
indicating the number of cards traditionally used in this reading.
Cards in the layout themselves will be represented by numbers.
(Single digit numbers may have a zero placed in front of them for
formatting purposes.) If room permits, cards that are associated
with one another will be connected with lines.
Layout: This section will show in text graphics, and perhaps
describe, how this particular layout looks.
Deal: This is the order in which the cards are traditionally
dealt for this layout. I would like to emphasize the word
traditional. In a few of these layouts the card ordering does
not appear to make any sense, so if something seems to work
better for you I see no reason why you shouldn't do it. Also,
sometimes readers will intentionally alter the order of the deal
if they have a premonition to do so.
Reading: This explains what each card in the layout represents
Variations: This will list any variations in the readings that
this particular spread may have.
Comments: Miscellaneous comments (by myself or others) about
this layout that don't fit in any of the above categories.
2) Simple Spreads
2.1) Five Card Spread
Layout:
5 4 3 2 1
Suggested Deal: Right to Left
Reading:
Cards 4 and 5 represent the future
Card 3 represents the present
Cards 1 and 2 represent the past
2.2) Line Spread
This is a simple variation of the Five Card Spread. Instead of
placing two cards on each side of the present card, place three
our four, yielding a seven or nine card spread (or go higher if
you wish). Note that the Five Card Spread is actually a member
of this group.
It should be noted that most of the rest of the layouts for tarot
decks can be traced back to this layout. Most layouts are merely
a series of line spreads which interlock in some fashion or
another. Even though this is a very simple layout to perform and
understand, it also probably the most important one to be able to
understand since it allows you to see how cards will relate to
one another in the more complex layouts.
2.3) Yes or No Spread
This is an additional variation used on the line spread. If you
allow the querent to ask a yes or no question, count each card
turned upright as a vote for yes and each card reversed count as
a vote for no. The middle (or present) card's vote gets counted
twice. Interpret tie votes as you see fit.
3) Complex Spreads
3.1) Magic Seven Spread (7)
Layout:
1
/ \
5---/-----\---6
\ / \ /
X 7 X
/ \ / \
3---\-----/---2
\ /
4
Suggested Deal: Numerically as shown above.
Reading:
Card 1: Past event leading up to the present state
Card 2: The present state
Card 3: Immediate future
Card 4: Suggested Solution, what the querent should do to obtain
more control over the current situation
Card 5: The current environment and/or its affect on the matter
Card 6: Opposition
Card 7: Result
3.2) Celtic Cross (10)
Layout:
10
03 09
06 Q2 05
04 08
07
Note that card 2 is placed across (or perpendicular) and on top
of the querent card, Q.
Suggested Deal: Reader or querent selects a querent card (Q).
Shuffle, cut, and deal numerically as shown.
Reading
Card Q - This card represents the querent's current state.
Card 2 - Obstacles
Card 3 - Often called the crowning card. May have one or more of
several meanings:
3a - Highest state the querent can achieve in the matter
3b - Highest perception the querent has in the matter
3c - What the querent wishes to achieve
Card 4 - Often called the base card. May have one or more of
several meanings:
4a - Vices. What the querent possesses (not necessarily
physical) and can use to his/her advantage.
4b - What the querent needs to use to overcome the obstacle
4c - Why the querent has asked the question
Card 5 - Past
Card 6 - Future
Card 7 - a) Attitude of the querent
b) Same as 4a
Card 8 - a) Environment
b) What the querent may gain from the situation
Card 9 - Hopes or Fears
Card 10 - Future
Often the difference between card 6 and card 10 (both future
cards) is that card 6 is generally believed to be that which
will come true no matter what happens (i.e. definite future).
Card 10 is a projection of what could happen in the future
if the querent does not make an effort to change his current
environment or a projection of what could happen if the querent
wishes to make it happen (i.e. indefinite future).
There are four lines, or associations of cards, that exist in
this reading.
Cards 5, Q, 2, 6; Time: This sequence follows an obvious pattern
from past to present to future
Cards 10, 3, 6; Future: These three cards all essentially
project into the future. Sharing information
between these cards can yield more specific
details
Cards 7, 8, 4, 6; Influences: Cards 7, 8, and 4 all represent
things which influence the querent with respect
to the question. It is through the combination
of these influences that the outcome shown in
card 6 may be achieved or avoided.
Cards 4, Q, 2, 3: I have not seen a good qualifier to describe
the relationship between these cards, but it
generally goes like this: The querent would
like to achieve (or can achieve) what is
depicted in card 3, but certain influences
(card 2) prevent him/her from doing so.
However, the querent does have the proper
resources (card 4) to overcome the obstacle.
This line can vary depending upon which
interpretation you use for card 4.
Variation 1: Sometimes cards 5 and 6 are reversed changing the
direction of the path of the timeline. This could also alter the
interpretations of the four groupings listed above. I chose the
original variation since it both preserves these lines and is
consistent with the left to right direction of the other layouts.
Variation 2: Sometimes cards 7 thru 10 are placed on the other
end (the left side) of the cross. Again, this could alter the
interpretations of the above groupings.
Variation 3: This one is really wild. If you feel the reading
is confused, turn the entire layout upside-down and re-do the
reading with the same cards. This effectively performs both
variations 1 and 2 as well as reversing every card and swapping
cards 3 and 4. (See section 4.3)
Variation 4: Sometimes an additional card is place on directly
on top of the querent card, before the obstacle card (2) is
placed across it. This card is also an environment card. If
used, card 8 usually uses definition b.
Comment 1: I have seen a few different (and occasionally
contradicting) methods of determining whether the obstacle card
(card 2) is upright or reversed. Use your own discretion.
3.3) Tree of Life Spread (10)
Layout:
/ 1 \
/ | \
3----+----2
| \ | / |
5--\-+-/--4
|\ \|/ /|
| \ 6 / |
| / | \ |
7----+----8
\ | /
\ 9 /
|
10
Cards 3, 5, and 7 make up the Tree of Evil or the unfavorable tree
Cards 2, 4, and 8 make up the Tree of Good or the favorable tree
Remaining cards are outcome cards.
Suggested Deal: Numerically as shown above.
Reading:
Card 1: Spiritual outcome
Card 2: Influence of Wisdom
Card 3: Influence of Intelligence
Card 4: Influence of Mercy
Card 5: Influence of Justice (and the quest of it)
Card 6: Love of Beauty, Love, and Life
Card 7: Desire for Victory
Card 8: Influence of Splendor
Card 9: Environment
Card 10: Physical Power or Material Outcome
Comment: Those with a background in Qabalism and/or the Tree of
Life may find better meanings and/or other relationships between
the cards. I lack such a background, so any comments on this
layout would be greatly appreciated.
3.4) Four Trines Spread (12)
Layout: Twelve cards are displayed in a CIRCLE. In clockwise
order, starting at the left (nine o'clock) this is the numbering
of the cards: 1, 5, 9, 2, 6, 10, 3, 7, 11, 4, 8, 12.
09 02 06
05 10
01 03
12 07
08 04 11
Suggested Deal: Numerically as shown.
Reading: As the name suggests, there are four sets of three
cards (trines) that work in conjunction with another.
Trine of Life (1, 6, 11):
Card 1: Personal life: health
Card 6: Mental life: travel
Card 11: Life of Posterity: children, love affairs, pleasure,
speculation
Trine of Power (2, 7, 12):
Card 2: Honor and authority: business, reputation
Card 7: Environment: illness, work
Card 12: Wealth
Social Trine (3, 8, 9):
Card 3: Partners: marital, enemies
Card 8: Kin and thought: siblings, intellectual matters
Card 9: Associates: friends
Trine of Secrets:
Card 4: Things concealed in the environment
Card 10: Money: debts, taxes, inheritance
Card 5: Afflictions: enemies, failures, obstacles
Comment 1: This layout is obviously heavily influenced by
astrology. Using this layout may be confusing to those w/out an
astrological background. Not having one myself I cannot make any
further comments about the use of this layout. Any notes from
people who are versed in both tarot and astrology would be
greatly appreciated.
Comment 2: Card numbering makes no sense, even from an
astrological point of view. Again comments are welcome.
3.5) Twelve Houses Spread (12)
Layout: Numbering is the same as the Four Trines Spread but uses
a diamond formation instead of a circle
02 06
09 10
05 03
01 07
12 11
08 04
Suggested Deal: Numerically as shown
Reading: Even though the deal uses the awkward scheme shown
above, the cards are read by what house they are in
astrologically. House one is in the same position as card 1, but
house numbers increment by one going in a counter-clockwise
direction. Thus, House two is in position 12, house three in
position 8, and so on.
1st House (1): Physical Body, personality, interests
2nd House (12): Personal possessions
3rd House (8): Siblings, private studies, acquaintances
4th House (4): Environment
5th House (11): Pleasures, love affairs, speculation, children
6th House (7): Work, illness, pets
7th House (3): Marriage, partnerships, enemies, legal matters
8th House (10): Death, debts, gifts, possessions of others
9th House (6): Teaching, philosophy
10th House (2): Honor, business
11th House (9): Friends, hopes, wishes, and dreams
12th House (5): Self-ruin, enemies, obstacles
Comment 1: This layout is obviously heavily influenced by
astrology. Using this layout may be confusing to those w/out an
astrological background. Not having one myself I cannot make any
further comments about the use of this layout. Any notes from
people who are versed in both tarot and astrology would be
greatly appreciated.
Comment 2: Card numbering makes no sense, even from an
astrological point of view. Again comments are welcome.
3.6) Magic Cross Spread
or Christian Cross Spread (13)
Layout:
06
07
01 02 03 04 05
08
09
10
11
12
13
Suggested Deal: Numerically as shown
Reading:
Left Branch: The past
Card 3: The present
Lower Branch: The future
Right Branch: Obstacles
Upper Branch: Hopes, Wishes, and Dreams.
3.7) Wish Spread (16)
Layout:
6 5 4
3 2 1 Q 9 8 7
15 14 13
12 11 10
Q - Querent card
Suggested Deal: Select a card to represent the querent. Shuffle
and cut deck. Deal numerically as shown.
Reading:
It is suggested that this reading be used if the querent has a
specific wish that s/he would like to happen, hence the name.
Each group of three cards has its own significance
Group 1: Environment
Group 4: Description of querent's wish
Group 7: Opposition
Group 10: Factors that will enter into this matter
Group 13: Realizations of the querent (usually in the future)
The nine of cups is often called the wish card. If this card
should turn up anywhere in the reading, except in group 7, this
would be a strong indication that some part or all of the
querent's wish will come true. The closer it appears in the above
numeric sequence, the sooner the wish will be realized. If the
nine of cups appears in group 7, this is an indication that the
wish will probably not come true; the other two cards in the
group will yield the cause. If the nine of cups does not appear,
this should not be taken as an indication of either fate,
although other cards in the reading may confirm or deny the wish.
3.8) Pyramid Spread (21)
Layout:
55
54 53
52 45 44 43
42 35 34 33 32 25
24 23 22 15 14 13 12 11
Cards 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 are referred to as key cards
Cards with the same tens digit (ie 11-15) are called a sequence
Suggested Deal: Face Down, Right to Left, Bottom upward
Reading:
It is important to note that each key card is not only the final
card in a sequence of five, but also the first key card of the
next series of five. Thus 25 ends the second sequences and also
starts the third. The four cards to the right of a key card
represent the events previous to the time or event that the key
card signifies. Key cards always represent significant events;
if a card of the Major Arcana appears in a key location, it may
mean that event is of great significance. This is a list of
the suggested time intervals each key card represents.
Key 1 - Present
Key 2 - Immediate Future
Key 3 - Intermediate Turn of Events
Key 4 - Distant Future
Key 5 - End of the Matter
Comment 1: Other than its aesthetic appeal, I have not seen an
adequate explanation for the design of the layout. Otherwise
this is just a heavily modified line spread.
Comment 2: Note that the time intervals given here are a
guideline. First, in the example reading given to me for this
layout and due to the nature of the question, key 4 was more
appropriately labeled the present and keys 1, 2, and 3 were in
the past. Secondly, if the matter is to be resolved in a short
period of time, the term 'Distant Future' would only be distant
with respect to the matter, but not necessarily distant with
respect to this persons life or our time frame
3.9) Three Sevens Spread (21)
Layout:
21 20 19 18 17 16 15 - Future
14 13 12 11 10 09 08 - Present
07 06 05 04 03 02 01 - Past
Suggested Deal: Right to Left, Bottom upwards as numbered above
Reading: Each row represents events or influences for the time
period indicated. Adjacent card in the same row modify one
another. Ordering of cards in a row are not necessarily
significant.
Comment 1: One variation of this reading is that the middle card
of each row (18, 11, and 04) should represent the most
significant event of the time period shown. This makes cards
farther out on the edges of the row (21, 15, 14, etc.) less
significant.
Comment 2: One variation of this reading is that adjacent cards
in the same column may also influence each other.
3.10) Sephiroth Spread (26)
To do this spread, remove all 22 major arcana and the Ace of each
suit. These are the only 26 cards used in the reading.
Layout:
Row 1: 03 18 04 17
Row 2: M C
Row 3: 02 19 | 05 16
Row 4: 20 | 06
Row 5: ASC --+-- DES 22 21
Row 6: 01 | 15
Row 7: 11 10 | 14 07
Row 8: N C
Row 9: 12 09 13 08
Row 2 begins at the same height where row 1 ends.
Row 3 begins at the midpoint of Row 2
Row 5 begins where Row 3 ends
Row 7 begins where Row 5 ends
Rows 4 and 6 lie at the midpoints of Rows 3, 5, and 7
Rows 8 and 9 are symmetrical to rows 1 and 2
Cards are paired if their sum equals 21 (i.e. 3 and 18 are paired)
Paired cards should be adjacent to each other.
Pair 3/18 should meet at the same vertical line which divides
the card ASC in half. Follow symmetry. Each pair is called
a 'throne'. The throne number is the same as the lowest
number of the pair. (i.e. 3/18 make up the third throne)
Pair 22/21 is called the Staff
Note that ASC, DES, NC, and MC each denote only one card.
Suggested Deal:
The four Aces must go in the ASC, DES, NC, and MC position.
Shuffle the four aces. Place the first Ace in the position
marked ASC and continue in a clockwise direction. (Humorous
note: the Doane/Keyes book says to shuffle and three-cut these
cards as you would the regular deck. Is there actually anybody
out there who has ever bothered three-cutting a four card deck?)
The Major Arcana go in the remaining 22 locations. Shuffle the
Arcana and deal as shown numerically in the above diagram.
Reading:
The four aces represent the Astral Kingdoms and relate to the
four angles of the horoscope. Astrologically ASC represents
ascendence or first house and pertains to life. MC stand for
Midheaven or tenth house and pertains to honor or business. DES
stands for descendence or seventh house and pertains to love or
war. NC stands for Nadir or fourth house and relates to secrets
or outcomes. You should start your reading based on which
kingdom most closely relates to the question your querent has
asked. (ie if the querent asks about marriage, start the
reading in the descending house)
The following is a suggested list of how to interpret each Ace in
each location:
Ace | Ascendence | Midheaven | Descendence | Nadir
==============================================================
Pent | Strength | Favorable | Great | unfortunate
acle | Vigor | but req. | Strength | outcome
| Vitality | effort | |
--------------------------------------------------------------
Wands | Favorable | Great | Difficulty | struggle
| Work or | Power | caused by | or small
| Responsibility | | Difference | return
--------------------------------------------------------------
Cups | Pleasures may | Pleasure | Joy and | pleasant
| deplete | may ruin | Happiness | result
| vitality | honor | |
--------------------------------------------------------------
Swords | sickness/death | failure | disputes | favorable
| | | | outcome
--------------------------------------------------------------
Note that Asc and Des have three thrones while Mid and Nadir have
only two. When reading the Asc or Des thrones, the center throne
(1 or 6) will indicate the most important factor of that throne.
Determine which kingdom is most appropriate to the Question.
Cards in the thrones of this kingdom indicate what conditions
caused the outcome suggested by whichever Ace appearing in that
kingdom. The kingdom opposite the Question is the opposition. It
thrones detail what opposes the querent. The kingdom immediately
clockwise the Question represent the events which will lead to
the conclusion. The kingdom counterclockwise to the Question
yields the outcome of the matter. Its thrones give more specific
detail of that end.
If the whole reading or any part of it seem contradicting, the
staff will reveal why the answer was unclear.
Comment: This layout is influenced by astrology. Using this
layout may be confusing to those w/out an astrological
background. Not having one myself I cannot make any further
comments about the use of this layout. Any notes from people who
are versed in both tarot and astrology would be greatly
appreciated.
3.11) Spread of Thirty-Six (aka The Inarticulately Named Spread)
Layout: six rows of six
36 35 34 33 32 31
30 29 28 27 26 25
24 23 22 21 20 19
18 17 16 15 14 13 - Future
12 11 10 09 08 07 - Present
06 05 04 03 02 01 - Past
Suggested Deal: Left to Right, Bottom up
Reading:
The first three rows should be read from right to left, bottom
up. Each of these rows are associated with their own time
interval as shown above. Cards whose sum total 37 are related.
Card 36 should be used to either modify, clarify, or gain more
information about the details of card 1. Similarly, card 35
modifies card 2, and so on.
3.12) Solar Spread (49)
Layout: Seven rows of seven
49 48 47 46 45 44 43 -- Saturn
42 41 40 39 38 37 36 -- Jupiter
35 34 33 32 31 30 29 -- Mars
28 27 26 25 24 23 22 -- Sun
21 20 19 18 17 16 15 -- Venus
14 13 12 11 10 09 08 -- Mercury
07 06 05 04 03 02 01 -- Moon
Suggested Deal: Right to Left, Bottom up.
Reading:
In each row, the middle card (4, 11, 18, 25, etc) represents
present conditions or influences. The three cards to the right
represent the past; the three to the left, the future. Each row
will relate to either a certain aspect of life or certain people
(or perhaps both)
Row 1, the Moon: Domestic or social concerns. Women.
Row 2, Mercury: Intellectual concerns. Siblings.
Row 3, Venus: Love, friendship. Money, art.
Row 4, the Sun: Honor. Health. Superiors. Men.
Row 5, Mars: Creation. Sex. Struggle. Misfortune. Enemies.
Row 6, Jupiter: Business. Religion. Professionals.
Row 7, Saturn: Illness. Loss. Secrets. Elders.
Comment: This is another reading with heavy astrological
influences. Again, your interpretations may vary and comments
are welcome.
3.13) Life Spread (50)
Layout:
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
14 37 23
13 36 38 24
12 /----\ 25
11 35 | 50 | 39 26
10 34 \-41-/ 40 27
09 33 32 31 30 29 28
08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01
The book which I am getting this out of shows one diagram for the
layout but then shows an actual layout with cards in a different
order. I will attempt to describe both.
Diagram: Cards 34 - 40 form a pyramid starting at the at the
places shown by cards 34 and 40 and peak at card 37. Cards 41-49
are placed in a circle surrounding card 50. Card 41 is in the
correct position; others follow clockwise.
Layout: Cards 34, 43, 42, 41, 49, 48, and 40 are all placed in
a row. Card 41 is the lowest and the cards to the side are
raised very slightly, each card going up the further out you
proceed forming a very broad V shape. Cards 35, 44, 50, 47, and
39 follow a similar pattern but are not packed in as closely
together and raise up making a steeper V. Cards 45 and 46 lie
above cards 44, 50, and 47 and about halfway up cards 35 and 39;
they are centered in their row. Cards 36 and 38 lie to the sides
of cards 35 and 39 but are one row up. Essentially it looks more
like a series of cascading arches more than it does a pyramid and
circle. Experiment with both of these for awhile and try to find
something that works. It would be difficult to show this with
only text graphics.
Suggested Deal: Numerically as shown
Reading:
As the name suggests, this should be used for a general life
reading; a specific question is not required or suggested but may
be used to focus on one area of the querent's life.
Cards 1 - 28, the material square: These cards represent
activities on the physical plane. These cards reflect only
physical events and conditions; spiritual interpretations should
rarely be considered. Interpretations should be directed toward
the physical body, possessions, people, and the like.
Cards 29 - 40, the mental trine: These cards represent events in
the mental plane. Consider those interpretations dealing with
intellectual pursuits and attainment of knowledge.
Cards 41 - 49, the spiritual circle: These cards represent
activities on a spiritual level. Consider interpretations that
relate to spiritual changes and goals.
Card 50, dominant life factor: This card represents the most
important event that occurs and affects all three planes. This
card will show the most dominant influence shaping the life of
the querent.
4) General Variations
This is a list of variations which can apply to many or all of
the layouts listed above.
4.1) Additional Card Modifiers
Sometimes one card in a reading may be ambiguous in meaning.
Some tarot readers will often throw another card on top of an
ambiguous card in order to gain more insight into the matter.
For example, in one reading of mine, the querent was engaged and
also a college student. The Seven of Pentacles came up in the
environment card, an indication that money may be a problem.
Since the querent had to worry about both tuition money and
trying to adjust to moving out from under his parents support, it
was unclear where the root of this monetary concern was coming
from. I turned the next card in the deck over on top of the
Seven of Pentacles; the card was the Two of Cups, indicating that
the marriage and moving out his own would be the main cause of
his monetary problems. I have occasionally seen tarot readers
put up to three modifier cards in one position, so there is not a
one card limit. Remember, however, that putting too many
modifiers on the board can also create more haziness than it does
clarity, so don't saturate the board either. In short, this is
something that, generally, is only used when it is either
absolutely necessary or when the reader has an instinct that such
a card will be helpful.
4.2) Extending the Path
This is a modification that can be used whenever there is some
sort of sequential path or line in the reading. It is, however,
very infrequently used on non-temporal lines. Sometimes the
querent (or the reader) may wish to more information about what
is to happen in the future than what is currently displayed in
the layout. To gain more information, the temporal line may be
stretched further into the future by simply adding another card
onto the layout and the end of the current line. More than one
card may be added if desired. On the opposite end, sometimes
events of the present or future may not have obvious precursors.
The temporal path may also be extended farther into the past to
help gain some insight as to the causes of the present and/or
future states.
4.3) Rotation the Layout
Usually only used for unclear readings. Similar to the variation
described in the Celtic Cross, if a particular layout is
symmetrical you may turn the layout upside-down and re-do the
reading with the same cards. Interpretations of this variations
differ. Some readers will say that occasionally the reader forgets
to rotate the deck toward him and that reversing the layout
adjusts for this mistake. (One reader I know tends to make a big
deal about the rotation of the deck before and after the
shuffle and whether a reading is done from the perspective of the
querent or the reader since they usually sit opposite one
another.) Another account says that if you turn the layout
upside-down that you are reading the opposite outcome, so such a
reading should be negated to get the results one is actually
looking for. Use your own discretion and stick with what
whatever fits in with your schema.
4.4) Yes/No
The variation described in 2.4 can actually be applied to any of
these layouts, although I doubt anybody would want to do so for
some of the larger readings like the Solar Spread. Even if a yes
or no question is not asked by the querent, some readers may do
such a tally to indicate a favorable or unfavorable outcome for
the querent.
5) References
Danburg-Wyld, Mark, Tarot.FAQ (v. 1.1). 10/22/1993.
(danburg@ccwf.cc.utexas.edu)
Doane, Doris Chase and King Keyes, _How to Read Tarot Cards_.
Harper & Row Publishers, New York. 1971.
(Actually not a very good book. Extremely strict about how
things should be interpreted, but it does contain twelve
different layouts)
Kaplan, Stuart R., _The Rider Tarot Deck Instructions_. U.S.
Games Systems, Inc., Stanford, Connecticut. 1971.
(Oh, like I _wouldn't_ put this in?)
Ozaniec, Naomi, _The Element Tarot Handbook. Initiation Into the
Key Elements of the Tarot_. Element Books Limited,
Shaftesbury, Dorset. 1994.
(No actual layouts in this book, but other than astrology it
contains EVERYTHING you could possibly need to know about
interpreting the tarot. If your serious about learning tarot
outside the realms of divination, this is the book to get)