The “Feast or Famine” Trending Fortunes Spread
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Here is a spread that uses the nominal “positive, neutral or negative” qualities of the cards to determine whether a developing situation will remain steady over time or exhibit a falling or rising trend in its fortunes. It looks like it should be a nine-card reading, but once the trends are sorted out it comes down to only three cards. The attached “yes-maybe-no” table shows my personal cut at the relative favorable or unfavorable nature of the cards; you can substitute your own model if you prefer. For each card in the layout, the subsequent card will be: 1) of the same quality (“steady trend”); 2) an improvement in one’s fortunes (“rising trend”); or 3) a decline in fortuity (“falling trend”). Reversals may be used with this spread; any reversed card should be examined to decide whether it will trigger a falling trend even if its upright expression is neutral or modestly favorable.
The first step is to shuffle the deck and deal a nine-card grid face-down in any order.
Next, decide whether the current status of the situation is: 1) well-favored and optimistic; 2) uncertain or unknown; or 3) poorly-situated and pessimistic. If #1, turn over the first card in the “Best Outcome” row; if #2, turn over the first card in the “Neutral Outcome” row; if #3, turn over the first card in the “Worst Outcome” row. This card will begin the trending progression, which will either stay steady, improve or decline over time.
Depending on the positive, neutral or negative nature of that first card, move to the next card on the right in the applicable row, which could be at the same level or, alternatively, above or below its current position in the spread. The narrative can make two “step changes” before reaching the “end of the matter,” although you may choose to go to a five-card array using a 15-card grid for a more detailed projection. My “shorthand” uses the “+” sign to indicate an improving trend; the “-” sign to show one that is declining; and the “~” (tilde) symbol to reflect one that is moving neither up nor down but staying roughly the same.
Here is an example reading that shows how this works:
Here I’ve received three “neutral” cards in the draw. I started with the “Best Outcome” row because I’ve been getting signals that my prospects for success are fairly good, so I’m mildly hopeful.
However, the 2 of Pentacles is an unstable card, and not only is it off-balance but it is also upended by reversal. Any steadfast Earth qualities it may posses are undermined by the vacillating nature of the number Two, so it tips into the “falling trend” bin on all counts. It looks like a “wake-up call” to me: I should mind my footing and don’t overreach.
The Fool in the “Neutral Trend” row shows that the situation is wide-open and it can go anywhere. But the “facing” of the Fool toward the left suggests lingering vulnerability to the 2 of Pentacles’ unsteadiness and the risk of being pulled over the precipice by its drag. Here we see further need for fancy footwork since neither card is firmly rooted, which does not bode well for a “tug-of-war.” The I Ching would most likely say “Ominous to proceed.”
The third “neutral” card is the Knight of Swords plunging toward the left, suggesting that he will “rush in where the Fool fears to tread” or will at least make his intentions known in no uncertain terms. The danger is one of “all talk and no substance.” The Fool appears to be running away from the verbal onslaught while brandishing a “peace offering” (the white rose). I don’t see it appeasing that relentless Knight; he will have the Fool’s head for his own crest before this is done. The Knight has the floor and is pushing that for all its worth. So dress me in motley and give me a belled cap. This is the most promising forecast I’ve had to date on this topic, so I’m going along for the ride. But the impression I get from these cards is one of getting nowhere while making a lot of waves doing it.
Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on July 24, 2024.
