Talisman
16-09-2001, 01:25
'Lo all,
If you read for yourself, creating your own Tarot spread can be fun. And, if you create just the right spread, it can be very valuable to you.
Here are some thoughts on how to do it. Since I am suggesting that you create the spread for YOU, it stands to reason that every single thing I say may be wrong -- for YOU. That's part of the beauty of inventing your own spread. But doing it right will require some work and effort and thought.
First, consider a little background. Tarot writers have said that the oldest known method for reading the Tarot is the Celtic Cross spread (although the first reference I've seen to it was by A.E. Waite in 1910). Whether or not you use this spread, I'll bet it is the most popular spread in the world. Consider why. Well, it's condensed. Only 10 cards. It is broadly applicable. And -- this is very important -- it is very versatile.
Two other reasons may account for the phenomenable popularity of the Celtic Cross spread. Both are rather romantic. One is its name. Bet'cha if it had been named the "Frozen Catfish on a Stick" spread it would not have caught on. Well, if it's important to you, you can give your spread any name you want.
The second reason is the way the cross looks physically when it is layed out. If the same spread, with exactly the same meanings assigned to each card, had been layed out in two rows of five cards each, it would still function exactly the same, but do you think it would have become as popular as it is?
So, to create your perfect spread you have to do a couple of things. You have to assign a positional meaning to each card in your spread. We'll get to that. And, you have to develop a pattern that appeals to you for your spread. It doesn't matter what order you do these things in, but let's consider the pattern first.
What I suggest is that you lay the cards out, face down, in pattern ideas. You don't have to really think about it. This is not a reading. You don't have to light candles and bang drums. Do it while you're watching television or something. If, like me, you like handling and playing with your cards, this is fun. Mess 'em up and move 'em around and try different things.
If you see beauty instead of rigidity in perfect symmetry, you may like the idea of those two rows of five cards each. Or a perfect square, three rows of three cards each. Or maybe you perfer a modern geometric arrangement, like a Mondrain painting. Or a spiral. Or something wild, like a Jackson Pollock painting, those splatters of paint on canvas, a pattern discernable to no one but yourself.
Also consider the physical size of your most favorite cards, and the table or spread cloth you lay them out on.
How many cards? This is important. Just enough, and not one card more.
For the spread to be perfect, you have to think broad applicability and versatility. For example, for me, three cards are not enough to provide the depth I want in a reading. Those huge, multi-card spreads don't give me a reading, they give me a headache just to think about.
And, for me, huge spreads don't travel well, and I travel. Aim for the fewest cards possibled to still obtain the depth and breadth you require. Strive for simplicity and try to get the most out of the least.
This is too long. You won't be surprised to learn I am just as opinionated about the positional meanings you assign to the cards in the "perfect" spread. Maybe another time. Hope there is some interest in this. It is a fun way of connecting with your cards.
Talisman
For those of you who are psychic, how'd'ja guess I am trying to create the perfect spread? Had one once. But, like a lover you really love, but don't pay enough attention to, I awoke one morning and it was gone.
If you read for yourself, creating your own Tarot spread can be fun. And, if you create just the right spread, it can be very valuable to you.
Here are some thoughts on how to do it. Since I am suggesting that you create the spread for YOU, it stands to reason that every single thing I say may be wrong -- for YOU. That's part of the beauty of inventing your own spread. But doing it right will require some work and effort and thought.
First, consider a little background. Tarot writers have said that the oldest known method for reading the Tarot is the Celtic Cross spread (although the first reference I've seen to it was by A.E. Waite in 1910). Whether or not you use this spread, I'll bet it is the most popular spread in the world. Consider why. Well, it's condensed. Only 10 cards. It is broadly applicable. And -- this is very important -- it is very versatile.
Two other reasons may account for the phenomenable popularity of the Celtic Cross spread. Both are rather romantic. One is its name. Bet'cha if it had been named the "Frozen Catfish on a Stick" spread it would not have caught on. Well, if it's important to you, you can give your spread any name you want.
The second reason is the way the cross looks physically when it is layed out. If the same spread, with exactly the same meanings assigned to each card, had been layed out in two rows of five cards each, it would still function exactly the same, but do you think it would have become as popular as it is?
So, to create your perfect spread you have to do a couple of things. You have to assign a positional meaning to each card in your spread. We'll get to that. And, you have to develop a pattern that appeals to you for your spread. It doesn't matter what order you do these things in, but let's consider the pattern first.
What I suggest is that you lay the cards out, face down, in pattern ideas. You don't have to really think about it. This is not a reading. You don't have to light candles and bang drums. Do it while you're watching television or something. If, like me, you like handling and playing with your cards, this is fun. Mess 'em up and move 'em around and try different things.
If you see beauty instead of rigidity in perfect symmetry, you may like the idea of those two rows of five cards each. Or a perfect square, three rows of three cards each. Or maybe you perfer a modern geometric arrangement, like a Mondrain painting. Or a spiral. Or something wild, like a Jackson Pollock painting, those splatters of paint on canvas, a pattern discernable to no one but yourself.
Also consider the physical size of your most favorite cards, and the table or spread cloth you lay them out on.
How many cards? This is important. Just enough, and not one card more.
For the spread to be perfect, you have to think broad applicability and versatility. For example, for me, three cards are not enough to provide the depth I want in a reading. Those huge, multi-card spreads don't give me a reading, they give me a headache just to think about.
And, for me, huge spreads don't travel well, and I travel. Aim for the fewest cards possibled to still obtain the depth and breadth you require. Strive for simplicity and try to get the most out of the least.
This is too long. You won't be surprised to learn I am just as opinionated about the positional meanings you assign to the cards in the "perfect" spread. Maybe another time. Hope there is some interest in this. It is a fun way of connecting with your cards.
Talisman
For those of you who are psychic, how'd'ja guess I am trying to create the perfect spread? Had one once. But, like a lover you really love, but don't pay enough attention to, I awoke one morning and it was gone.