The “Eclipsed Priorities” Spread: Competing Agendas, Solutions and Consequences

Parsifal the Scribe
4 min readJan 11, 2025

--

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Here is an elegant conflict-resolution spread that explores the overlapping consequences of optimistic and pessimistic trajectories converging in a tarot reading. It’s a further experiment with using a “grim” deck to suggest the less-desirable scenario and an “upbeat” deck to convey the more-auspicious outlook. The design shows the two on an intersecting “collision course” that results in the qualities of one deck “eclipsing” those of the other, with the possibility of an unexpected “back-door coup” occurring on both sides of the situation. I decided to give the happier deck a slight “upper hand” in the reading to offer maximum empowerment to the seeker in striving to overcome “creeping negativity,” but the more sobering aspects of the gloomy deck “tunnel under” the wave of optimism to pop up in the middle of the celebration, as belated second-guessing is wont to do.

Begin by shuffling the “grim” deck (here I’m using the Tarot del Toro) and deal eight cards face-down into a circular pattern, followed by one card at the heart of of the array. (I went clockwise from the far left but you can use any sequence you want.) Then shuffle the “upbeat” deck (here it’s the Chrysalis Tarot) and deal eight cards in a mirror-image pattern (I went counterclockwise from the far right), with a ninth card in the middle and the three left-most cards overlapping three of the cards on the “dark side.” The encouraging card in the center is placed beneath the previously-dealt discouraging card to show it being “eclipsed” by the latter’s intrusion. (I did not allow reversals in this reading but you certainly could.) Tarot del Toro and Lord of the Rings Tarot images are copyright of Insight Editions, San Raphael, CA; Chrysalis Tarot images are copyright of US Games Systems Inc, Stamford, CT.

The second operation involves turning the four overlapping pairs face-up and arranging them in the form of a “French Cross” spread, with Pair #1 showing the positive aspects of the interaction; Pair #2 the more negative aspects; Pair #3 the advice for reconciling the two; and Pair #4 the outcome of that rapprochement effort. Be sure to maintain the original top-to-bottom layering of these cards; it will be important for the next step. (The rest of the cards in the layout are not used in the reading.)

Next, spread out the four pairs into linear “duets” with the bottom card to the left and read them left-to-right as the central conflict at each point in the evolution of the “cross” scenario.

Then, using the table in the linked post and a third, more-neutral deck (I brought in the Lord of the Rings Tarot for this), find the card that sits at the numerical midpoint between the two cards in each duet and place it with the pair as part of a ternary set; this card will suggest a way to resolve the conflict for the purpose of satisfying the positional meaning identified in the layout below.

Finally, sum the face values of the four tertiary cards to produce a trump card as the “synthesis” (aka “quintessence”) of the entire array; this will convey the long-range consequences of coming to closure in the matter as revealed by the final card in the fourth, or “Outcome,” position. Place it in the center as shown.

In this random example reading, the central conflict in the positive (or “Best Case”) narrative occurs between the 3 of Swords and the 3 of Cups, with the 9 of Cups as the “tie-breaker.” For me, the 3 of Swords is the “no pain, no gain” card, and the 3 of Cups implies “pouring oil on troubled waters.” The upshot is “settling in comfortably” with the 9 of Cups.” Here’s another useful cliche: “Pulling one’s chestnuts out of the fire.”

In the “Worst Case” analysis, the Hermit is not going to escape his isolation via the 2 of Swords, which indicates indecision and stalled progress. It turns inward and reinforces that sense of remoteness. The “way out” is through the 8 of Wands, conveying that he must either “step lively” in his affairs to avoid stagnation, or simply “get out of Dodge.” (The emphasis seems to be on the latter.)

In the “Advice” position, the edgy 5 of Swords expresses disappointment in the relative inertia of the harmonious 2 of Wands, which is too laid back for the good of the combination even though it dials down the anxiety. The 3 of Cups (which is emerging as a key factor in this spread) advises not to worry about it, all will be well.

The “Outcome” pair shows the self-assured Page of Pentacles (“The Acrobat”) exulting over the occasion of the Hermit’s exit (signified by Death), conferring the notion of “getting away with something” while nobody’s minding the store. However, the dour 8 of Cups indicates that he won’t make a “clean getaway;” there is sure to be some remorse.

The last word portrayed by the “Consequences” position amounts to a “throw of the dice” or a “spin” of the Wheel of Fortune. In my own practice I see this card as delivering marginally favorable change, so the querent is likely to make it out of the dilemma “by the skin of his (or her) teeth.”

Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on January 11, 2025.

--

--

Parsifal the Scribe
Parsifal the Scribe

Written by Parsifal the Scribe

I’ve been involved in the esoteric arts since 1972, with a primary interest in tarot and astrology. See my previous work at www.parsifalswheeldivination.com.

No responses yet