The “Triangle of Intention” Self-Realization Spread
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I just came across the statement that Pythagoras considered Three to be the first “true” number because it creates the triangle, which is the initial geometric shape and first planar figure that is comprehensible to human intelligence (the philosophical derivation of the Circle seems more mystical than mathematical, or maybe an accidental product of vector and angular velocity under centrifugal tension).
The numbers One and Two are only “essences” in that the hypothetical Point (“One”) displays no palpable mass and no observable movement while the Line (“Two”) or “point-in-extension” exhibits direction but partakes of neither breadth nor depth. The triangle introduces the concept of the simple Plane (elaborated by subsequent polygons), in which the Point is put into motion along a set of non-parallel Lines that converge to create a two-dimensional surface.
This spread applies the premise that fulfillment of any intention involves an “inseminating” flash of inspiration (the Magician), a brooding period of “gestation” (the High Priestess) and a climactic “birthing” event (the Empress). These cards are envisioned as the archetypal vessels of intention that underlie its outward form. The main stem of “covering” cards from the Magician to the Empress shows the “natural” progression for the initiative while the two paths that diverge from the moment of inception suggest positive and negative trends that may accompany efforts to complete it. As an expression of what they are given to work with and their innate adaptability to the cause, the “children” of the Empress can be either angel or devil; they will alternately “play nice” with the expectations shown in the middle card or “wreak havoc” on its plans.
The “plus” or “minus” expression of Two or Three that is most attuned to the “root” card according to “dignity” (by element, suit, number, rank or inherent nature) can be viewed as the most telling input for reshaping its approach, “for good or ill” depending on the relative harmony or discord of the paired cards. Positive dignity acts as a form of “gravity” or “magnetism” that draws the outlying cards into cooperation with the central agenda, while negative dignity will repel them and produce unhelpful dissension that can defeat any constructive alliance. In the second case there is no implicit affinity to get everything pulling in the same direction, which can then become a juggling act or “tug-of-war” between competing priorities if alignment across several fronts is essential to success.
The best way to put a question to this spread would be to ask “What will happen if I act on this intention?” and the answer may range from “Go for it!” to “Don’t bother!” with various shades of gray in between. (The assumption here is that the issue is more complex than a simple matter of “Yes” or “No.”) The card that sits atop the Empress provides the nominal outcome, but its testimony can be swayed by one or both of the cards to the side as well as by the similarly-tweaked Card #2 sitting on the High Priestess and looking over its shoulder. In another sense, Cards #6 and #7 could be considered secondary fallout or “side-effects” from the main conclusion (I’m thinking “unintended consequences”), while cards #4 and #5 prefigure their emergence as an organic departure from the primary focus. I think I will take all of these influences under advisement to some extent when formulating advice.
All images are from the Golden Art Nouveau Tarot, copyright of Lo Scarabeo, Torino, Italy
Originally published at http://parsifalswheeldivination.wordpress.com on October 14, 2023.
