Astrological Layout/Zodiac Spread

[lunalafey]

this spread is in the form of a circle.
The first card is placed at about the 8:30 position on the clock. Place 12 cards going counterclockwise. Cards 3&4 are at 6'o'clock, 6&7 are at 3, and 9&10 are at 12'o'clock.
card positions:
1: Aries; personallity, attitudes, and how one interacts within the world.
2: Taurus; financial & material matters, principals
3: Gemini; communication, education, siblings & travel
4: Cancer; home, family, childhood, fatherly infuences
5: Leo; pleasures & leisure, romance & creativity relationships with children
6: Virgo; work & responsibilities, health, helping others
7: Libra; close partnership & working relationships, alliances & marriage
8: Scorpio; hidden influences, life cycle, sexuality & psychic awareness
9: Sagittarius; religion & philosophy, law, foriegn cultures & long distance travel.
10: Capricorn; career & ambitions, self-esteem, achievments & public status
11: Aquarius; social life & aquaintences, hopes and wishes
12: Picses; subconscious, strengths & weaknesses, restrictions

Per AG's(and other's) Q about using this for the lunar cycle, I suppose that the cards could be layed out starting in the position that the sign that the Moon is in. This comes down to personal prefference though.

[Minderwiz]

Hi Luanalfey, Sorry that I missed your posting here before posting a similar spread in the Astrology section in response to AG.

Our spreads are very similar and the only thing that strikes me since both postings is that if the object is to make some predictions of what might happen (or at least trends ) then it might be better to see the placements as Houses, rather than signs (though most modern astrologers do see signs as naturally associated with houses). Thus the seventh House card would say something about relationships, partnerships, marriage, open enemies. The Houses are the places or areas of our lives in which things happen.

If the object of the reading is related to a period of time then not only could we treat each card as a twelfth of the period, we could also invest it with some of the qualities of the sign it represents in placement terms. Thus the first card may relate not only to the first part of the time period but might have an Aries colour, indicating that in this period we are more thrusting and assertive.

It's just a thought - I've not in anyway tested it and would welcome feedback from others who have.

Minderwiz

[lunalafey]

The thing that I find so wonderful about this spread is that it is so versitile. It can be used as say, the Moon(or sun for a year reading) is in Aries from mid-tues to early thurs, and the card in position one is the 6/cups, so that card would apply to that time period, etc. I *think* that was sort of what AG was getting at, or maybe my perconcieved idea of reading this way, got between me and understanding. As is explained in the book that shows the spread, it is more of a year thing and the positions apply more like you described, as houses and those life issues. Quite a few years back I did a few months of readings by matching the moon position and the cards, I remember that I was quite astonished at times, notes are buried deep in storage, so that is all I can offer.
The potential with this spread I feel is as great as ones imagination and creativity can take them.
Since I have become much more familiar with astrology, reading the cards have taken to a whole different level and I can no longer see NOT mixing the two.

[Thirteen]

I use this spread almost exclusively--it was, in fact, my first spread when I was learning tarot. I like it a whole lot better than the Celtic Cross because its circular pattern unites the cards and allow patterns to be seen (repetition of suits, predominance of numbers or major archana, etc). Just IMHO on that one.

[Strega]

I'm printing this out. Thank you for posting this spread, lunalafey. :)

[Minderwiz]

I'm going to try the spread out over the next couple of weeks and post about how I go on. As my Tarot is a lot weaker than my Astrology I may also end up posting for help to!


Minderwiz

[lunalafey]

Originally posted by Thirteen
I use this spread almost exclusively.... its circular pattern unites.....

I'm so used to the CC, it is common, that I never thought to use the Zodiac primarily. The Circle in it's self is just so natural. AND I really like the number 12!

[Minderwiz]

Now here's synchronicity at work. I've got my latest Tarot lesson through and there are a number of questions about the Astrological Spread.

As I get into it you might well find me posting suggested interpretations and asking for opinions

Minderwiz

[Minderwiz]

OK I've now got three possible readings I'd like some opinions on.

The first is the three of wands in the seventh house - which I feel in the birth of a succesful new business partnership (partnerships are ruled by the seventh house) or success coming to a business partnership.

As an alternative I thought it might mean a personal voyage of discovery that was made possible through the firm foundation of a marriage. The marriage allows the person to discover themselves!

The second is the Ace of Swords in the Tenth - which I find the most challenging of the 3. All I can think of is a new career that requires intellectual effort - gaining social status as an intellectual. The tenth is career, social status, honour and mother (or father depending on which parent you assign to the fourth).

Finally a question on what institution a person might become associated with if they have the seven of wands in the sixth. My feeling is that this is a hospital/doctor's surgery, either because they make themselves physically ill by trying to do to much or actually get hurt trying to defend themselves

Any views?

[Thirteen]

Originally posted by Minderwiz
The second is the Ace of Swords in the Tenth - which I find the most challenging of the 3. All I can think of is a new career that requires intellectual effort - gaining social status as an intellectual. The tenth is career, social status, honour and mother (or father depending on which parent you assign to the fourth).

You don't have to think this "large"--it might just be, simply, a fresh new dialogue with someone (father or boss or perhaps an interview) which may lead to a new career or status. Or it could be a completely new IDEA for a career, rising up in your mind, all air just now, but beginning to take form. Remember, aces are unforcused energy--in this case, mental energy/word energy. Perhaps you're contemplating a speech or debate?

Finally a question on what institution a person might become associated with if they have the seven of wands in the sixth. My feeling is that this is a hospital/doctor's surgery, either because they make themselves physically ill by trying to do to much or actually get hurt trying to defend themselves

Odd interpetation. The 6th house, Virgo, is not just "institution" but also work and health. And responsiblities. Thinking of 7/W in that respect, it starts to make sense. 7/W is the "hold-your-ground" card, don't give into pressure, maintain your individuality. So it's your responsbility, in work (perhaps?) to stand your ground. Don't give into pressure (I could see here someone being pressured by a boss or co-workers to go along with something they don't find ethical, or don't trust--hold your ground, don't give in!). Or it might be that you're being urged to take risks with your health. Again, stand your ground, don't let your friends or anyone else (doctors?) pressure you into taking or doing anything with your body you don't want to--you don't believe is right for you.

I don't quite understand HOW you got a hospital/doctor/surgery!? 4 of swords, I could see it. But 7/wands? Wands are related to career, faith, passion. Not medicine (unless that is where your passion/faith rests). Wands are more the suit of travelers, or people energized and on a mission. Unless you work in a hospital? Or were trying to merge "institution" and "heath"???

That help?

[Minderwiz]

Thanks Thirteen,


I like your more mundane view of the Ace of Swords in the Tenth.

On the Seven of Wands the question I was asked specifically mentioned an institution that would 'loom large' in the life of someone who had that card in the sixth. The Sixth House historically is linked to ill health (good health being the province of the first House and Ascendant) and this connection has led it to be extended to the health industry - doctors, nurses, etc. Now I usually take institutions as a twelfth House issue, not a sixth but the question specifically linked an institution with sixth House activities - I take the issue to be one where the sixth house activity will lead to the querent having to go to an instituion, rather than the question relating to an institution as such.

The only health issue I can see relating to the seven of wands is possible overwork by trying to do too much or a literal standing of ground leading to a physical conflict - though I think this is an unlikely health meaning. Given the sixth connection with ill health and the health service the logical institution that might get involved is a hospital or similar (doctor's surgery).

The sixth does have links with employment and service (and small animals such as pets). So I suppose there could be a standing of ground in the sense of sticking up for a course of action in a work situation. However not everyone works for what could be called an institution - and its that word and the primary rulership of the sixth - ill health that led me to the hospital scenario.

Your suggestion of someone being pressurised into risking their health might fit into this - though I believe you see it more as standing up against this risk.

Thanks again for the post - its made me go off and rethink a bit, which is always a good thing

Minderwiz

[starrystarrynight]

1: Aries; personallity, attitudes, and how one interacts within the world.
2: Taurus; financial & material matters, principals
3: Gemini; communication, education, siblings & travel
4: Cancer; home, family, childhood, fatherly infuences
5: Leo; pleasures & leisure, romance & creativity relationships with children
6: Virgo; work & responsibilities, health, helping others
7: Libra; close partnership & working relationships, alliances & marriage
8: Scorpio; hidden influences, life cycle, sexuality & psychic awareness
9: Sagittarius; religion & philosophy, law, foriegn cultures & long distance travel.
10: Capricorn; career & ambitions, self-esteem, achievments & public status
11: Aquarius; social life & aquaintences, hopes and wishes
12: Picses; subconscious, strengths & weaknesses, restrictions

I've been looking for a "Horoscope" spread to give an overview of my year coming up. My question on this one is this:

Each card drawn looks to coincide with a particular month or moon phase (astrological sign?) How do you read the card drawn for each month, say? For instance, if card 10 is:

10: Capricorn; career & ambitions, self-esteem, achievments & public status

does that mean that in the month of December (or more precisely, the Capricorn dates), the card drawn will affect the seeker's career and ambitions (only)...and if I drew, say the Two of Cups, it wouldn't have anything to do with love/emotions for that month (December), but only how that Two of Cups might speak to what will happen with my career/self-esteem, etc.?

I'm probably not making myself clear, so let me try again. :D

Will the month of December, for example (or the Capricorn time of year for 2008) speak only about things involving my career? Or does this spread cover the entire overview of the year regardless of what month something might occur. So, in 2008, what will happen as far as career/self-esteem. etc., goes will be represented by card #10, regardless of what month that energy might be present?

And if that is the case with this spread, does anyone have (and have any luck with) a spread that pulls a card or two for each month of the upcoming year to give a seeker a general predictive reading about the upcoming year?

[lunalafey]

This is such a versatile spread, can be used in so many ways- but what I think what you are trying to get to is that the cards are read in regards to the whole year. The positions/signs they fall in is the meaning for that position, but the meaning is derived from the associations that come with that particular sign.

[starrystarrynight]

Thanks, lunafey.

I'm not that versed in astrology, so I guess I'll keep looking for something that may suit me better. It's not that pressing!

[satine]

10: Capricorn; career & ambitions, self-esteem, achievments & public status

does that mean that in the month of December (or more precisely, the Capricorn dates), the card drawn will affect the seeker's career and ambitions (only)...and if I drew, say the Two of Cups, it wouldn't have anything to do with love/emotions for that month (December), but only how that Two of Cups might speak to what will happen with my career/self-esteem, etc.?



My take on this particular spread is that it's telling you about each of those areas in a way that would apply to your entire year, without clarifying what will be emphasized during a given month of the year. I know exactly what you're saying, and it's an important point to clarify before you use the spread! It seems like you're looking more for something that has one or two cards to represent each month, so that you'll know specifically what the energy or focus of that month will likely be? This may be overly simplistic, but why don't you just make a circle spread and throw a card for each month of 2008 (so you'd have 12 total cards if you only throw one card for each month of 2008.) Or you could go around the circle twice and have two cards for each month, with the cards respectively representing something like "joys and challenges," or "Energy- In and Out," or "Task and Insight." If you did something like this, it seems like you'd automatically get a general idea of which months will be focused on more fun than chores, which months might be better or worse financially, which months might be emotionally challenging, which months might be the most creative for you, etc. I don't know... I am just thinking off the top of my head. I will also look through my books, though, because it seems like I have seen a spread that is something like what you are seeking. Best wishes! :)

[starrystarrynight]

...and it's an important point to clarify before you use the spread!...
Thanks, satine,

As usual, you are on my same wave length, and that is exactly what I figured I would do when I get around to it. I learned a long time ago that simplification is essential to me when reading the cards...I was just making it more difficult than necessary, and that never worked for me.

And no matter how I do it, it will work. I've learned that, too!

Thanks.

[dadsnook2000]

A long, long time ago . . . but not so far away, Lunalafey and I experimented with a version of this astrological spread which included "timing" factors. Using the 12 sectors as astrological houses, we combined major aspects such as conjunctions, oppositions, squares and trines into the interpretations. Most of the results I have had were quite appropriate. Dave

[lunalafey]

Ah yes, the deeply involved, twisted blend of the astrological spread (http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=20476)....and then some.
Being that so much has changed in the past year; the end of it comes and I become a year older, I have been thinking about throwin' down with some cards and tackling the spread for the year ahead.

Anyone care to dance?
The AstroTwist? (http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=23691)

more reading (http://www.tarotforum.net/showthread.php?t=33429)

[Karen48]

This is a great thread!

I love the connection between tarot and astrolgoy. I too find the houses limiting/confusing tho.

I just did a 12 month forecast using a tarot deck for a work colleague and am trying to work thro the interpretations.

I didn't use the houses just drew cards for the calendar months.

Gonna go and read up on the Astro Twist right now!

Thanks for posting everyone and happy Christmas to you all!

Kx

[Morwenna]

The houses spread is the second one I ever worked with, and I do like it. I've never used it in reference to specific times, however, just to see what's on the querent's plate right now and what qualities/influences are having a hand in the matter.

I've been a dabbler at astrology for more years than I care to count.

[Pao]

this may be a stupid question but i was looking for a general spread that covers every aspect of the quarants life, can I use this for that? or this more related to astrology which i have very little knowledge of?

[starrystarrynight]

Hi Pao,

How I've been using this spread since going through this thread last year, is that (as I learned here) each card that you draw for the particular house in which it falls will relate to that house over the whole course of the upcoming year.

In other words, the card you draw for, say, the second house will speak about how that card will relate to your second house (earning abilities, self-esteem and/or your possessions) over the next year. (And not just the second month of the upcoming year, necessarily--although, I will go back and look at the links that lunafey provided and see how they might incorporate somehow.)

One professional reader (face-to-face) that I visited a couple of times several years ago used this spread and was astounding in what she told me...from health concerns to an upcoming relationship that was totally unexpected at the time! The spread has been tickling at my brain ever since! :D