A Best-Case/Worst-Case “Offset” Spread

Here’s an unusual spread that requires a “prepared” deck with favorable and unfavorable sub-packs; the cards’ nominal “good” and “bad” qualities are based on my personal system, which applies Aleister Crowley’s essays and keyword meanings from the Book of Thoth. The model also employs some occult number theory (see Joseph Maxwell’s The Tarot), in that even numbers are passively balanced (maintaining equilibrium) and are generally considered to be more agreeable than otherwise, while odd numbers are more problematic because they are unstable (seeking balance) and dynamically restless, making them comparatively less pleasant to deal with in most situations. A few of the notable exceptions to this rule follow Qabalistic (Tree of Life) number theory, in which numbers high up on the Tree or on the Middle Pillar are more well-favored; suit bias also plays a part (e.g. the 2 of Swords, although even-numbered, will almost never be entirely benevolent). Instructions for layout and interpretation are found in the spread graphic.

These assumptions are independent of any context-specific considerations that might skew the customary definition of the cards one way or the other (i.e. “there are no good or bad cards”). You can certainly make your own cut at this list if you like. The court cards were the most difficult to “bin” because they are inherently neutral, so take my assignments with a grain of salt. If you prefer, you can use the sub-set of “Maybe” cards to populate the “Offset” positions, creating a more diffuse and equivocal counter-influence.

This is highly experimental and the premise could be flawed, but I wanted to come to grips with the “good-card-in-a-bad-position” (and vice versa) conundrum, while also formalizing the possibility in the two “offset” positions. Reversals may be used with this spread to add nuance and “shading” to the card meanings but are not necessary.

If you’re interested in some deeper thoughts on the yes-or-no “binary dilemma,” here is a link to an earlier essay:

https://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com/2019/07/27/the-binary-dilemma/

Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on December 13, 2021.