The “Double-Entry” Situational Bottom-Line Spread

I had intended to make this spread emulate a double-entry book-keeping ledger with a "credit" (profitable) side and a "debit" (less-rewarding) side, in which the "bottom line" would be a "zero-sum" proposition using the "quintessence" method. But the only way I could get a numerical zero out of it was to use the reversed version …

“Up the Down Staircase” – The Reversed Quintessence Card

A number of years ago, a young woman who went by the online name of "Amanda" on the now-defunct Aeclectic Tarot forum gave me the idea of subtracting the face value of any reversed cards in a spread when doing the "quintessence" calculation, which can result in a negative total and therefore a reversed "quint" …

The “End Game” Spread (aka “Life’s Big Questions”)

Few tarot readers will attempt to answer "Life's Big Questions." Either they're spooked by the possible outcome or they feel it's unethical to delve into such matters. I don't think any of us would say to a client "This is the Death card. Better update your will." It reminds me of the old, faintly vulgar …

A “Temporal Focus” Example Reading: Roe vs Wade

I'm going to preface my interpretation by saying that on one hand I'm a small-government "Libertarian sympathizer" and a firm believer in "States' Rights" as originally intended by the framers of the Constitution, while on the other hand (at least in the purely mystical sense of the soul's delayed entry into the body, which doesn't …

A Chess-Inspired Major Problem-Solving Spread

When I think of it (which is often) our handling of a complex problem might be equated to the moves in a chess game, where we are angling for position and control of the "board." Here is a layout that amounts to an "exploded" version of the standard "action/reaction/resolution" spread that gives a detailed picture …

A 3×3+3 Goal-Oriented Life Purpose Spread

A question commonly asked by those who consult a tarot reader is "What is my life's purpose?" - often with the implicit (and more urgent) undertone "What should it be that it isn't right now?" coming from those who are completely at a loss. The typical fortune-telling spread is inadequate to address such broad inquires …

The “Spirit-Mind-Body” Personality Matrix

Here is another complex layout that isn't a reading spread but a personality profile developed using the cards; it takes a bit of effort to set up but should be worth it. I've been looking at full-deck readings posted online recently and wanted to try that in a way that randomly "compartmentalizes" the cards into …

A Quintessence “Thumbnail”

As I continue to post my original spreads on various sites, those layouts that include the calculation of a quintessence (aka "quint") card often receive puzzled questions and comments from tarot neophytes who have never heard of the technique. It's one I've found quite useful for neatly winding up all the threads in a reading …

The “Life’s One-Act Play” Situational Awareness Spread

A long time ago there was a song by British blues band Savoy Brown titled "Life's One-Act Play." It struck my as a perfect idea for a small spread that shows the outcome of a single "act" or "scene" in the life of the seeker. It is a three-carder at heart, with an additional summary …

Stepping Back: A “Roll Them Bones” Situational-Awareness Reading

I decided that, as of today, I will be backing off from publicly posting on the status of certain missing-person cases in New Hampshire because of the volatility of the issue, especially if criminal activity is suspected. (I will continue working on "cold cases" and less provocative scenarios.) Although I've been careful about maintaining discretion …