Leveraging the Hexagram: A Motivational Spread
AUTHOR’S NOTE: For this spread, I’ve lifted the internal hexagram array from my “Tarot Magic” layout to use as a motivational overview covering both mental/spiritual and physical aspirations as well as four types of opportunity: adventurous (i.e. risk-taking) or pragmatic (both aligned with Physical Motivation) and intellectual or emotional (associated with Mental/Spiritual Motivation).
Taking a cue from Donald Tyson’s equal-armed cross at the center of the magical Circle of Summoning, I decided to use the Ace of Swords as the “base” card at the pinnacle of the upright Mental/Spiritual Motivation triangle and position the Ace of Pentacles at the inverted apex of the descending Physical Motivation triangle. I selected the four Sixes for the “opportunity” angles because they are generally fortunate in nature (although not consistently in the Waite-Smith deck, certainly in the Golden Dawn system). All images used here are from the Waite-Smith Centennial Edition, copyright of US Games Systems Inc, Stamford, CT.
The idea is to place a card at the center of the hexagram to represent the focus of the divination. This card can be chosen intentionally if you have a goal in mind, or pulled randomly if you just want to see what might be available to you. Then shuffle the deck and deal six cards face-up on top of the hexagram design. Depending on the elemental thrust of the your question, I recommend laying the cards diagonally from point-to-point along the linked triangular perimeter with the intent of ending the series at the apex most attuned with your ambition, whether psychological or practical. (Those familiar with the evoking and banishing rituals of the pentagram will understand how this works; I’ve numbered the cards in the example reading to display the sequencing.)
Read the spread by examining how cooperative the random cards are with their underlying “base”” cards according to various forms of “dignity:” suit and element; number; rank; polarity; inherent nature; etc). If there is close agreement of an encouraging kind, the motivations and opportunities so dignified have a better chance of manifesting in your favor. When there are several positive “hits,” decide which ones best serve the intent of the reading, then analyze the cards in that triangle for their advice to the querent and create a three-card narrative from the result, with the other three providing background information. If the alignments are in serious disarray, it may be necessary to approach the reading as cautionary rather than inspiring.
Here is an example reading to illustrate the process. The situation is that I’ve been thinking of severing ties with a social group I’ve been involved in because of growing discontent and erosion of my peace-of-mind; this has become increasingly evident over the last couple of months. I didn’t choose the Focus Card intentionally, but the King of Swords as the random pull is perfectly understandable since I need to make a decision for my own good.
The Mental/Spiritual Motivation triangle is the clear choice here. The Knight of Swords at the apex with the Ace of Swords as its “base” is the King of Swords’ field-marshal (aka “hatchet-man”), taking charge of “routing the infidels.” The Emperor in the Intellectual Opportunity position shows taking control of my destiny since things have come to a head, and the underlying 6 of Swords suggests that it’s time to move on. The reversed 2 of Swords in the Emotional Opportunity position indicates that there is no sanguine redemption in the future, just more frustration.
In the secondary Physical Motivation triangle, the reversed Page of Pentacles in the Risk-Taking Opportunity position can best be described as “risk-averse;” even though there is no virtue in timidity, it counsels “Don’t do it!” (In fact, I’ve edged up to this decision once before and backed away.) The Hermit in the Pragmatic Opportunity position is merely showing the state of isolation that will result if I take this step; it is elementally friendly with the 6 of Pentacles, suggesting that this will be the right move for my self-esteem. The Knight of Wands reversed at the inverted apex has been “beating his head against the wall” trying to overcome mundane impedance in the matter.
There are no jarring elemental discontinuities in this spread. The Knight of Swords/Ace of Swords; Emperor/6 of Swords; and Hermit/6 of Pentacles pairs are all well-matched, while the rest are mutually “neutral and supportive.” There is nothing to strongly indicate that I shouldn’t do what I’m contemplating.
Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.org on January 24, 2025.
