Looking for a clear yet detailed spread

[Aldor44]

Greetings ALL!

 

So this is what happened:

 

A person on this forum asked me the other day to give her an overview of how October is going to look for her.

 

I sat for several hours trying to find a suitable spread, I turned to the books I own ( which together have over 500 spreads) and even tried looking in my Tarot notebook but to no avail!

 

What I am looking for, kind Tarot enthusiasts is to help me find a clear yet detailed spread that will give a future overview. Like in the given example- a spread that will show me what is likely to occur in a person's life in various fields in a given point in the near future.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[Raggydoll]

I would keep things simple and would have 4 rows (one for each week of that month) and 3 cards in every row (representing beginning-middle-end of that week).

 

First week: 1 2 3

 

Second week: 4 5 6

 

Third week: 7 8 9

 

Fourth week: 10 11 12

 

This will of course be a 12 card spread but since you are interpreting it this way it would in reality be more like 12 one card spreads, and really not complicated - just a bit time consuming. If you want to simply it further you could do this instead:

 

1 2    3 4    5 6

 

Card 1-2 would be the beginning of the month, 3-4 the middle of the month and 5-6 the end of the month. In this case I would read each pair as a two card combination, so they would build on another and influence each other.

 

And you can tweak this any way you like. This is how I do most of my readings, I design my spreads so they match exactly the things I have in mind.

[Aldor44]

Thank you for the quick and useful answer.

 

A question if I may...

 

 

You assign a few cards per week but you don't give any specific positions? Like lets say work, relationship, health.. etc

 

Don't you think it might give a clearer picture (  limited to those specific areas)

[Raggydoll]

The short answer (MY answer) would be: No

[sandrang123]

Celtic cross.

[Aldor44]

Celtic cross.

 

I find the Celtic Cross unclear. The traditional positions don't make sense to me plus as an intuitive reader ( that I am trying to be) I lack the interaction between the cards

[Aldor44]

The short answer (MY answer) would be: No

[Raggydoll]

Celtic cross.

 

I find the Celtic Cross unclear. The traditional positions don't make sense to me plus as an intuitive reader ( that I am trying to be) I lack the interaction between the cards

 

I hear you (loud and clear!). The Celtic cross is a classic and a favorite of many, but it is certainly not for everyone. I have used it many times in the past but with the ways I read my cards now it just doesn’t do much for me. But I am well aware of how things change so I might use it again someday, who knows!

[Raggydoll]

The short answer (MY answer) would be: No

[Raggydoll]

And regarding the video - never seen it. I think it must have been from a book because I have been doing this metod for such a long time now.

[Aldor44]

Interesting indeed

 

I will try your method for sure..

 

Maybe it will provide me with new insights and a more intuitive reading as well..

 

Another questions- Since from what I gather you are a rather experienced reader.

 

Which decks do you prefer? those with many details or those without to better tap into the intuition?

 

I myself find that for me- at this stage at least- I need the pictures to focus on something ( usually some details within the picture that jump out)

I tried working with decks that don't have as much details- like the Wild Unknown that many love and it just didn't work...

 

Thanks again :D

 

Appreciate all the info!

[sandrang123]

Okay. I'm not the best advice then. I've read this spread since I was very young, and I find it most helpful. That said, many others have given 1-2-3 spreads, and they seem super helpful, too! Best wishes to you and your reading! I wish you all best.

[Saturn Celeste]

Honestly Aldor, it won't hurt to practice the Celtic Cross.  I read like Raggydoll, I don't use spreads or positions.  Hell I don't even go in order from left to right, I shake it all up but I still have an understanding of the actual meaning of the cards.  The intuition kicks in when I see the message in the cards.  BUT there have been a few times that had I used the more traditional CC I would have given a better reading to a few of my clients.  The CC has been around as it is since 1910 and there's a reason that it's still in use today.  It works.  Currently I'm practicing reading the spread intuitively also and it is working fine.  Holmes is the one to talk to about the CC and changing up the names of the positions to make it more your own.  He has a wonderful guide here in the classroom (you'll be able to see it).

https://www.thetarotforum.com/student-lounge/study-the-celtic-cross-how-advice-why-perhaps/

 

I've suggested he bring it out into the main forum also so everyone can enjoy it!

[Aldor44]

Thank you both for the input... I used to read the CC before my break from Tarot..' nowadays while kinda working I feel somewhat disconnected from it.. but I will definately take a look at the thread and talk to Holmes.

[Raggydoll]

I just want to make it a bit more clear, I use both the 'line method' and different spreads. Most spreads that I use are designed by myself (unless I'm participating in a reading group or if I am using some of the really basic three card varieties spreads that I don't know who originally came up with, plus sometimes I'm just in the mood for trying something completely new and get inspired by other people's spreads). Whenever I design my own spreads I prefer to have my positions as open as possible. I don't mind using positions such as "past" or "advice" but am less keen on positions such as "work" "social life" and so on, but I would still use them if I felt they were appropriate in a specific reading. So flexibility and gut feeling is a big thing for me!

 

And I really don't have anything against the Celtic cross. Clearly it is a very tried and true method for many people (though probably not 'ancient' nor 'celtic', and I doubt that it was ever a big part of Waites personal practice but that he included it in his book to please us ''mugglers") and I myself have used it extensively for many years when I was younger. I also used it sometimes when reading (professionally) for other people. I don't rely completely on intuition when reading, my goal or ideal is more of a Temperance thing where book knowledge and intuition gets mixed in a very ritualistic fashion which then transforms the reading into something that feels like it does not always comes solely from me, but more like it is coming through me. This is not always the case in real life, though. Sometimes I can't connect properly and then I rely more or less completely on my academic understanding (combined with experience and personal 'reading style'.) That gives for very nice and accurate readings as well, I have found. So one method is not necessarily 'better' than the other. They are just different.

 

It will also, in my opinion, make a difference in what type of reading you want to perform. If I do more predictive style readings then I want my positions to be less fixed and I also want more cards for every position. That way they can give a fuller picture (it is a bit like saying to someone: "Can you tell me what my next month will hold, only using one word?" That would probably cause frustration and it also leaves much room for misinterpretation. Instead, I'd say: "Can you tell me what next month will hold for me?" And then either I choose a fixed number of cards to pull or I pull as many cards that I feel called to do. But I always choose multiple cards in these types of readings and I will also read those cards together and not as separate categories).

 

I know that predictive readings is a topic that many people feel strongly about. Be that as it may. I also do plenty of "personal development" style readings and I put a strong emphasis on both empowering and holding yourself accountable for your life's choices, no matter what type of reading it is.

 

As far as decks goes, I strongly urge you to go with your gut feeling. If you like decks that have clear imagery and fully depicted scenery - then that is what works best for you right now. I don't think there is any real recipe, so to speak, that makes for a truly intuitive deck. Anything can be used for divination and for tapping into your higher self/collective unconscious/spirit guides. You might even find that cards will not be the most effective thing for you, and this can change over time as well. But I will say this: choose whatever tool that gives you a special sensation when you handle it (you will know what I mean once you experience it). I'm sure this is different for everyone but I've been told that once you find your ''tell sign' that this will always be the same for you, no matter the circumstances.

 

For me, I get a tingling sensation in my hands and a pressing/buzzing feeling in my forehead (third eye). Sometimes I also hear this faint sound that could be felt as whispers. And once I feel connected I will often also see pictures and scenarios in my head. I rarely hear any real words being uttered, it is more like people in my visions communicate telepathically with me. (This is also not that unusual, I've been told).

[Aldor44]

Very thought provoking !

 

Thank you  :)

[Raggydoll]

You're very welcome  :)

[Aldor44]

You're very welcome  :)

 

Hello again Raggydoll

 

I wanted to tell you that I took your idea a bout a linear no position spread - of usually 7 ( for me)

and rolled with it.

 

What I do is: I used the middle card (4) similarly to you as the theme card of the spread while 3+5 are his close supporters/ those who affect or being affected by it directly.

 

Then I read it like a scenario where if time is involved I read it from left to right - so the left is the beginning of the said period the more you go left the farther away it is- time wise..

 

So far it has been working really nicely- often times I get a snap understanding in a few seconds and the pieces just fall in place- while in others It takes longer to formulate a scenario.

 

Since I assume it is somewhat close to what you are doing ( since I got the idea from you after all)

I would appreciate any tip/advice/improvement you might suggest to me..

 

Thank you!

 

 

[Raggydoll]

Nice to hear from you  :) I love that you made your own take on it and I will try to answer you questions- but first, I just thought of a spread that you might like that actually is quite compatible with what you are already doing. It could give a bit more of a framework but still allows intuitive interpretation on reading several cards together as a scenario. It has the feeling of being an old and traditional method as well (which appeals to me): https://www.thetarotforum.com/tarot-spreads/10-card-'gypsy'-spread-(fortune-telling-style-spread)/

 

Ok, so now I’m gonna attempt at giving some tips based on what worked (and is still working) for me. Some of these tips might feel really obvious and too basic and you might have already been doing those things for a long time. I still wanted to add them just to provide the complete picture of my approach and it might also be useful for other member that are not as experienced as you!

 

The true basics (very general stuff):

 

1. Journal/do a write up of every single card. Go into symbolism, talk about the traditional meanings and then add your own thought and experiences. Leave room to add even more thoughts as time goes by, cause you will change and evolve in how you see your cards.

 

2. Write down all the readings you perform and elaborate your thoughts on every card of the reading (and add any intuitive information you receive as well) - but even more importantly- add as much background info as you can about the circumstances/reasons for every reading. This will make you remember them better but will also be an invaluable tool when you look back on your notes later on. You will then be able to perceive even more layers to your reading.

 

When reading for yourself (reading for yourself is an important part of improving as a reader, in my opinion):

 

1. Avoid using ‘clarifiers’ and instead journal about it and just sit with your cards. Let things marinate! Start noticing signs in your dreams or in your everyday life that seems to relate and add to your reading. This will heighten your intuition and strengthen your connection to it so that it becomes more reliable. Don’t doubt yourself- if something feels like a sign, it is!

 

When reading for others:

 

1. Practice makes progress. There is no way around this. Feedback is an important part of it too.

 

2. If possible, it is ideal to have a dialogue with your querent over the cards during the reading process. This might be done via emails/chat/messages or on the phone (Or face to face if it’s done IRL). Make sure they get to see the cards and not only hear the titles. Ask them about first impressions and if they can just describe the cards (not what they think it means, just what they feels that it depicts). This will work in three ways. 1. It will give you more information 2. They will become more clear about their predicament, feel more involved and empowered and be more likely to actually see and make the changes that could benefit them. It just gives them a better reading if they are involved, in my opinion 3. It will give you an energetic bond that you can use as a means of better receiving/interpreting intuitive information.

 

I’m sure there are plenty other things I’ve forgotten to add, so I might come back and elaborate. But hopefully you found something of interest among the different suggestions. And please, feel free to ask more questions if you feel I was unclear or if i misunderstood what you were actually asking about!

 

 

[Aldor44]

Thanks!

 

I am actually doing all of the above :"D

 

But It was nice to get it all organized like this

 

I will definitely look at the spread you suggested- it sounds intriguing!

 

:))

[Raggydoll]

Well, then it’s just the old practice makes progress that’s left, I should think  ^-^ <3

[Raggydoll]

By the way, I just remember seeing another YouTube video as well that shows a method inspired by Lenormand. This woman also reads much like the way I do. She shows her reading style in the end of the clip, using the pagan otherworlds tarot and their “The Seeker” card as a signifier. Might be interesting. It got me inspired to try something similar by intuitively assigning a significator card before performing the reading

 

[Aldor44]

Thanks!