Negotiated Settlement: A Best-Case/Worst-Case Trend Development Spread
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I like to say that I don’t purposely seek “good” or “bad” answers in a tarot reading but only an indication of trending circumstances that can be brought to a head through the querent’s focused engagement. Here is a spread that makes good on this paradigm. It uses a breakdown of generally auspicious, inauspicious and neutral cards to create an impression of growing likelihood (a “trend”) that points in one direction or the other. The model envisions that the opposing influences will be swayed by the contribution of an intervening cadre of detached “arbitrators.”
Split a tarot deck into three sub-packs using the table linked at the bottom: one group will hold 32 optimistic cards; another set will present 26 unbiased cards ; and a third lot will harbor 20 pessimistic cards. Shuffle each sub-pack separately and deal three cards from each one into its respective row, from left-to-right and face up. (Reversals may be used to suggest hidden implications in the matter.) The top row I’ve dubbed the “Good Guys,” the bottom row the “Bad Guys” and the middle row the “Referees.” (Those who have ever watched the 1970s TV show” “Big Time Wrestling” [and especially the tag-team matches with their “dirty tricks”] will understand the distinction.)
Examine the relative strength of the favorable and unfavorable rows and form an opinion as to which holds the upper hand in the matter; that is, which series tends more convincingly toward achieving its signature expression.
Next, review the contribution of the impartial cards and determine whether they lend emphasis to either of the other two cards in their column. Various forms of mutual dignity can be used in making this call: reinforcement by identical or similar suit, element, number, rank or inherent nature is one way to look at it. Upgrade the significance of the favorable or unfavorable cards thus enhanced to the overall scenario, and perform an adjusted analysis of each row.
On this basis, make a final judgment of the dominant trend. It will show the “moving target” that should be proposed for the querent’s active intervention going forward. Quoting C.S Lewis (who was speaking of predictive astrology’s departure from free will), a tarot reading “generates, not a necessity, but a propensity to act thus or thus.” We should consider its advice to be a “prompt” and not a “goad.”
Finally, calculate a “nonary” (nine-point) essence by summing the face values of the cards in the spread and, if necessary using “numerological reduction” to arrive at a value lower than 22 (two methods are “Theosphical addition” and “casting out nines;” see the link below). Identify the Major Arcanum associated with the resulting number and place it to the right of the array as the long-range “verdict” in the situation.
Here is an example reading to illustrate the technique:
This is another imaginary “love interest” reading. One party wants to explore opportunities for a “close encounter” with the other party (that is, to become immersed or “engulfed” in the relationship). The “good guys” and “bad guys” of the spread are not the two parties involved but the potentially fortunate or unfortunate trends at work in the situation. The “referees” portray the judgment calls that must be made at each phase of its development.
The reversed Queen of Cups in the “good guys” row of the “Encounter” column suggests emotional uneasiness or resistance, but it isn’t fatal to the occasion, just wary.
The 9 of Swords in the “bad guys” position of that column provokes that uneasiness into full-blown anxiety.
The Queen of Swords reversed as the “referee” pays lip service to the nine of its suit, but its heart is really with it sister Queen. My guess would be that the emotional angst will evaporate under a little rational persuasion.
The 9 of Cups in the “good guys” row of the “Engage” column indicates “all systems go” for a happy evolution.
The Moon in the “bad guys” row of that column throws cold water on the bliss, bringing confusion and doubt into the affair.
The Princess of Wands reversed as the “referee” does not favor either one, leaving the possibility of an enthusiastic liaison in limbo. The decision at this point looks like a draw that could ultimately go either way.
The Empress in the “good guys” row of the “Engulf” column reveals a powerful attraction that could trump all adversity on the path to full immersion.
The 8 of Swords reversed in the “bad guys” row of that column brings indirect interference into the picture, most likely of the situational rather than the personal kind. It may be hard to line things up.
The 9 of Wands reversed implies a potent force that is held in check. My feeling is that it inflames the ambitions of the Empress more than it exaggerates the difficulties of the 8 of Swords.
The Devil reversed as the “verdict” signifies frustrated desires, but it isn’t going to throw in the towel; instead it will seek a more devious route to the objective, and will strive to convince the Empress of its merit. My bet is that she will be on-board with it.
Summary Conclusion: There is a lot of give-and-take in this reading and a substantial amount of ambiguous reversal, but the “arbitrators” (aka “referees”) seem to give the nod to the “good guys,” so the trend should be marginally favorable for pursuing the opportunity.
Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on December 12, 2024.
