Modality and Sensitivity: A Fourfold Response Pattern
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I’ve been reading about the practice of Taiji with its yin-and-yang duality and the need to balance our psychological condition with our physical state of well-being. Two terms — modality and sensitivity — started me thinking about similar qualities in tarot reading, where there are four elemental modalities that separate naturally into two kinds of sensitivity expressed as “force” (incentivizing Fire and synthesizing Water) and “form” (conceptualizing Air and actualizing Earth). The suits of Wands and Cups display the motive power of action and emotion, while Swords and Pentacles convey the less dynamic inducements of cogitation and sensation (one — if it isn’t purely theoretical — aspires to pragmatic utility and the other runs instinctively on stimulus). The trump cards can also be brought into this model by astrological and elemental correspondence.
One question that is commonly put to the tarot is “What is the best (that is, most effective) approach or posture to adopt in dealing with my situation?” Here is a pattern (similar to a spread) that offers an action-oriented outlook intended to answer that question in a comprehensive way.
Begin by concentrating on the question or topic of interest while shuffling a deck of tarot cards. Then deal five cards left-to-right by placing them in the row for which the modality and sensitivity match those of the card.
Read these cards as showing the predominant form of expression that should be brought to bear on the matter: react quickly and decisively; ponder for a bit (aka “think first, then act”); ride on strong emotions for the win; or innately sense the right path, in each case attempting to devise a constructive response. The one that stands out by preponderance will inform any advice that arises from the reading. If there is a deadlock between any two pairs (for example two Fire cards and two Earth cards), the “odd-man-out” (in this case Air or Water) should be considered the recommended response by default.
Here is an example reading to demonstrate the process. I asked what the best course of action would be if a hoped-for opportunity finally comes to pass. The conclusion I reached implies that I should be careful what I wish for.
Initial Intent: 3 of Disks (Work) reversed — My first inclination should be to refrain from acting and let the situation work itself out. The reversal implies that this won’t be a prompt development, so patience is essential.
Second Thoughts: 7 of Wands (Valour) reversed — There is a strong suppressed urge to seize the initiative without delay, but the reversal also suggests that this is a zealous obsession that bodes no good.
Confirm the Plan: Ace of Disks reversed — This card reversed reiterates the initial point of view: don’t act yet but perhaps edge up a little closer to the starting gate since prospects are trending in my favor.
Go for It!: 10 of Disks (Wealth) reversed — This card seems to represent “putting all my eggs in one basket,” and its reversal advises against doing so. Proceeding along a diversified front would be a much better idea that would bolster the likelihood of success. (On the other hand, it should be noted that Ten is a numerological extension of One [10=1+0], and in the same suit, as here, it might be viewed as promising a “slam-dunk.”) Three generally-positive Earth cards in a row portend that an instinctive response will generate desirable results, although their upset orientation tends to defer judgment.
Reaping the Consequences: Prince of Wands — This card indicates considerable ego-gratification but also lack of commitment. I often think of it as the impulsive “player” among the court cards. Perhaps achieving my goal will leave me feeling bored after the thrill wears off. Still, it will be fun while it lasts!
However, I’m also thinking that the 10 of Disks reversed accompanied by the Prince of Wands could symbolize a “spendthrift” mentality; the verse from the Styx song Too Much Time on My Hands comes to mind: “I have dozens of friends/And the fun never ends/That is, as long as I’m buying.” I’m not a good candidate for this since I once had a date who insisted that I buy her a pricey Grateful Dead t-shirt at a Dead concert we attended, but I refused. The band was so dull in its endless jamming (and so was she in her mercenary ways) that I fell asleep in my seat. “First date = last date” scenario.
Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on October 19, 2024.
