A “Chaldean Vertical Slice” Situational Development Spread

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Although the Chaldean decans are a useful symbolic tool on a card-by-card basis, I’m always seeking ways to press the model into wider service. Here’s another attempt that treats the attached Golden Dawn “wheels” as more than reference works. I decided to turn the diagrams of Chaldean decan and tarot card correspondences into a set of twelve “vertical slice” spreads based on the trump card assigned to each zodiacal segment.

The idea is to first chose the trump that represents the best possible outcome for the querent’s circumstances. (Only those cards given astrological signs are used, the planetary and elemental trumps will have to wait for another day). For example, suppose an optimistic seeker envisions glorious success in the pursuit of some ambitious initiative and wants to know how it will play out: the Sun would most likely be the right choice for a “best-case” outlook. On the other hand, imagine that the desire is to have someone or something leave and not come back: Death or the Hermit might be a reasonable pick.

Once the trump is selected and placed, the rest of the cards associated with that “slice” are introduced into their assigned spots. I worked inside-out and top-to-bottom, with the Princess/Page and the Ace at the polar center (top of the spread) and the other court cards at the rim (bottom of the spread), with the trump and the four decan cards forming the crux of the developing scenario. The rest of the cards show supplemental influences: the Princess/Page and the Ace become “preparatory” in nature and the other two related court cards serve as the querent’s “support system,” contributing to success. This layout is intended to portray an idealized state of progress derived from the combination of cards.

With the template in place, shuffle a second deck and deal nine cards on top of the pre-selected ones. The first step is to see how closely these “reality” cards align with the “ideal” version in each position. A favorable alignment suggests that the ideal state has a good chance of being achieved, even if it is only of marginal value to the outcome; many of the Minor Arcana are not especially congenial, and some aren’t the least bit cordial despite being tied to an encouraging trump (check out the Lovers ensemble). An unfavorable alignment could throw cold water on any hopeful assumptions. This examination will reveal whether the flow of the circumstances will be smooth or bumpy.

Finally, create a narrative to describe the evolving situation and its relative endorsement of the “best case outcome.” This doesn’t have to be a slavish, one-for-one analysis of similarities and differences, it can be more an impressionistic view of how closely the two agree in their version of the “story.” The example reading below attempts to illustrate that approach.

To test this spread, I performed an example reading for a hypothetical situation. It relates to a man who has convinced himself he should be married and who has a certain considerably-younger woman in mind. Knowing nothing about esoteric symbolism but still wanting a reading about his prospects, he has chosen the Lovers as the “Best Case” trump card because it displays how he sees himself in the future: blissfully wed, with clothing optional. The cards that attend the Lovers in the Chaldean “slice” are not particularly agreeable unless we take into account that the Hebrew letter ascribed to the Lovers means “sword” (and by extension, discrimination); most of the time this card isn’t really about romance at all, but rather about a critical juncture or “crossroads” that must be negotiated (although some long-married couples might assert that it’s a perfect description of the ongoing trials of matrimony).

In the template there are three Pentacles (Earth) and four Swords (Air), an elemental pairing that is mutually unsympathetic. The only Pentacles card in the “situational development” array is the 7 of Pentacles in the “unresolved past issues” position. Beyond that there are only contentious Swords in the timeline. The Page of Pentacles in the “Inspiration” position suggests infatuation with a much younger person, and the Ace of Pentacles in the “State of Readiness” position could mean that the chosen individual brings little of material value to the table, only youthful humility, honesty and sincerity (did I mention penury?) The 7 of Pentacles as an “unresolved” factor in the situation implies that the querent has had personal issues with solvency in the past and may not be a good judge of such things, while the three Swords cards in the other “awareness” positions indicate serious difficulty and anxiety ahead. The King of Swords in the first court-card “support” position describes an influential individual who is iron-willed, judgmental and unfeeling toward the querent, while the Queen of Cups identifies someone who will be there to “pick up the pieces: when everything falls apart.

I can’t think of an unhappier template for any question involving one’s chances for marital success; it’s just one more reason not to interpret the Lovers as a “soulmate” or “twin flame” connection. (The decks here are the Albano-Waite and the Radiant RWS, both copyright of U.S. Games Systems, Stamford, CT.)

The pull for the actual reading was slightly less dreadful but still troubling.

The Angel of Judgement in the “Inspiration” position examines the Page of Pentacles and says “Yeah, whatever, we’ll do it my way!” The querent clearly feels called to this occasion regardless of the young woman’s suitability and there is no turning back. (Hopefully, Judgement as an “offer he can’t refuse” isn’t an unexpected pregnancy!)

The 3 of Wands in the “State of Readiness” position suggests taking a defiant stance and sticking to it (maybe his ships will return with a fortune).

However, the High Priestess reversed in the “Best-Case” position could be advising “Cool your ardor, you still don’t know enough about this person to make such a commitment.”

The 2 of Pentacles reversed in the “Unresolved” past issues position does nothing to dispel the uneasiness of the 7 of Pentacles, and if anything it is even more unstable.

The 8 of Cups in the “Recent Past” is no improvement on the 8 of Swords, and in fact brings the anguish closer to the heart. It makes me wonder whether the querent is “on the rebound” from a previous failed relationship and not thinking clearly.

The 4 of Pentacles in the “Present” position signifies that the stubborn querent doesn’t intend to budge in his stance and will go ahead with his plans regardless of any uncertainties. (He has shoved the “nightmare scenario” of the 9 of Swords into the background).

The 7 of Wands in the “Developmental” (Future) position looks like he could have a hard time “keeping the wolf from the door,” and may feel like he’s being “crucified” for his decision by the 10 of Swords.

Comparing the “Situation” line to the “Best-Case Outcome,” it appears to be cautioning “If you make your bed you’ll have to lie in it.”

Strength in the first “Support” position can only be someone playing on his ego in the matter, egging him on and making him feel like a “world-beater.” (Maybe her father wants her out of the house.) There is nothing here to discourage him or hold him back.

The Ace of Wands reversed in the second “Support” position alludes to a “withdrawal of sponsorship” in the future; maybe he will be fired from his job, making the consequences of that combative 7 of Wands even more dire. There is also an off-chance that her family might balk at the last minute.

None of this looks very promising, but the impression I get is that, with Judgment as his “inspiration,” he doesn’t want to hear any of it.

Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on October 14, 2022.