The “Motivational Extremes” Problem-Solving Menu

Consider this “the spread that is not a spread.” It requires the reader to exercise judgment regarding which two of sixteen “obstacle” and “opportunity” cards present the greatest challenge for the querent and the brightest hope for successful resolution in any problem-solving scenario. The result of this deliberation is a three-card reading that describes the  extremes that may be encountered in the situation, the “lowest low and highest high,” so to speak. A key factor in this decision is sympathy or antipathy between the three cards according to “dignity” or preponderance of some kind, typically by inherent quality, element, “active/passive” polarity or rank. For example, cards of the same element, number, polarity or rank will reinforce one another “for good or ill, according to their nature” (to use the Golden Dawn phrase). Logistically, it may be best to place the “Problem Card” between the two modifiers when the line is formed to get the most value out of the dignities; this can either elevate it or diminish it in potency.

These “motivational extremes” can be used to inform the querent about what may be coming and where to go with it in a “forewarned is forearmed” sense. Reversals may be used to increase the depth and subtlety of this outlook. As an additional benefit, it offers a robust learning tool for the diviner to better understand the interaction between cards in combination.