“Ships That Pass” — A Relationship-Potential Spread
“Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Relationship spreads are a favorite topic of mine, and I’m especially interested in exploring the likelihood of two people connecting for the first time. Here is a layout that treats the possibility as tenuous unless some kind of encouraging link appears in the pull.
This spread requires three decks to make sure that all cards remain in play for all eventualities: one for each party to the occasion and one for the potential link(s) between them.
Begin by shuffling the two “person” decks while concentrating on the proposed interaction, then deal three cards from the associated deck, top-to-bottom and face-up, into the “Person #1” and “Person #2” columns. Reversals may be used.
Compare the adjacent cards in the rows to identify whether any pair offers an obvious enticement to advance the relationship. More than one favorable stimulus will suggest alternative paths to the objective, all of which can be pursued via the linking cards. In the next step, disregard any cards of a pair that aren’t in mutual accord. (See the example reading below.)
Shuffle the “linking” deck while concentrating and deal a card into the empty column between each convivial pair (but only those; don’t fill all rows unless indicated above). This will reflect the most favorable approach(es) by which the two might be brought together or, alternately, the obstacle(s) that could keep them apart despite an urge to connect.
The “Availability” pair indicates the degree to which both parties are free to proceed; the “Suitability” pair shows whether they would be a good match; and the “Amenability” pair reflects how much they both want it to happen. Various forms of “dignity” can be applied to judge whether the cards are agreeable or averse to the proposal.
Here is an example reading to illustrate the process:
With the 10 of Swords, Person #1 is constrained from immediately participating in any kind of new relationship. It hints at being locked into a “bad marriage.” The 9 of Wands reversed shows that Person #2 is similarly discouraged from plunging ahead (the individual is hesitant but not prohibited). However, the two cards are elementally cooperative so the situation may not stay that way forever because there is frustrated desire afoot. In addition, the high-numbered minor cards indicate that resolution is not far off, one way or the other.
The 4 of Swords and the King of Wands reversed are elementally friendly but do not exhibit an equal level of readiness for a possible liaison. Person #1 may be engaged in “licking wounds” while Person #2 is preoccupied with other ambitions outside this scenario that impose disincentives. Even when recovered, Person #1 may wait in vain. At the moment, both individuals are in a state of abeyance or forced disaffection. But at a secondary level both cards relate to the number Four, intimating the presence of a suitable “foundation” as long as “matters of law” can be accommodated.
The Ace of Wands conveys the idea that, at least in spirit, Person #1 is ready-and-willing to jump right in, while the 6 of Wands implies that Person #2 would be perfectly agreeable to letting that occur. Together they portray “riding the wave” of opportunity, with the 6 of Wands leading the way. Despite current impediments, this is where they both want to take it.
The Knight of Pentacles suggests an earnest offering of physical liberality by Person #1 toward Person #2. But, although pressing toward a sustainable connection, it is elementally neutral to both Wands so there may be a lack of momentum in achieving convergence. Person #1 appears to be suppressed as shown by the two top cards, while Person #2 is distracted by outside concerns. The “facing” of the figure on the 6 of Wands displays an external focus identical to both reversed cards above it, so while there is a “will” to hook up there may not be a “way” in the immediate future. Person #1 must cultivate patience while Person #2 sorts things out.
Visually, there are interesting possibilities with this spread. The example reading shows an upright cup waiting to be filled, and there is a powerful desire to do so. A version with the linking card in the top row could be viewed as an overturned cup that can’t be topped off (availability might be strong but nothing else supports it). The linking card in the middle row could suggest a “goal-post” with a primary emphasis on bolstering the suitability of a match, pushing all other considerations into the background (sounds like an “arranged marriage” to me).
Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on December 29, 2024.
