'Spread-cloths: should they take reversals into account?'

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 20 Sep 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

jmd	20 Sep 2003
In a number of earlier threads, the cloth one uses to either wrap the cards and/or read the cards on (the 'spread-cloths') has variously been discussed. As a consequence of another thread, I reflected on the importance I personally place on having the space in which I may either read or reflect upon the cards to be not only clean, but also have the surface covered with what is effectively a spread-cloth. For myself, I prefer to have these cloths unmarked with regards to any spreads (Celtic Cross or other). I also realise, however, that others find these at times useful ( Cf, for example, the thread spread/cloth- survey). For those who do, I doubt it is just the image of the spread. I wonder, therefore, how useful some may find it to have not only a spread 'drawn' on a cloth, but the general indications with regards to the position's reference - in both its upright and reversed implications - printed thereon. I tend to encourage others to experiment with various spreads - make some up... There are those amongst us, however, who also work best with tighter structure. Maybe these people would find such useful in their beginning phase, as they may their Little White (or Purple) Books...

Marion	20 Sep 2003
I see your point. My jmd, you certainly can run with an idea! I have a spread 'cloth' (a fold-out printed paper actually) that came with a set. Includes the CC spread with nice rectangles to place the cards. No further instructions, but I have seen fairly elaborate ones in stores. I don't use it, no surprise there, but I could see it as a beginner's aid. The tarot must look overwhelming to a beginner, witness some of the puzzled posts we see, and this would impose some structure. But the structure imposed is the rather daunting Celtic Cross. Maybe an ideal spread cloth would have Beginner's side with positions for three cards and suggestions as to their meanings and the other side could be the ever-popular CC. um, about those reversed meanings.... I would not suggest any beginner even try them until they have read long enough to not want a marked spread cloth.

Macavity	20 Sep 2003
It's a nice idea. It seems to work well in many computerised Tarot thingies. If only it were possible to have such a point and click interface in the REAL world? :) I have a nice 60x60cm plain (very!) purple silk spread cloth - and a small plain black "rune-size" cloth. I tend to find my activities to be more limited by table "real-estate" than the cloth. Simply, with so many different sized cards, and only a small (readily available!) coffee-table, premarked cloths might not work so well for me? Also, I'm perhaps still yet to decide on the spread for me. I do sometimes wonder - Ever consider the sheer size of a "big" Thoth deck in Celtic Cross form... or a Fifteen Card GD spread. I think I might just need to go outdoors for all 36 Decans :D Fwiw, I have arrived at one way of "compressing" a Celtic Cross by overlapping cards to leave a bare minimum visible. (Down to deal ordering!) I can even get that onto the small cloth, but have no doubt such mechanistic considerations are questionable, outside the realm of mere practice? ;) Macavity

Diana	20 Sep 2003
jmd: I don't understand how it would be possible to put reversal indications on a spreadcloth. Would you mind giving a concrete example please? I wonder if it would look a little like the Pokemon Spread Cloth my kid used to play with when he was little - there were spaces for the cards and as it was a game for two people, there were the same spaces on the other side, only they were reversed obviously for the person sitting opposite. Hmm... I wonder if I could adapt this spread-cloth for my readings, I'm sure it must be lying somewhere amongst all the junk in his room.... a bit of Pokemon "Gotta Catch 'em All" energy may give my readings that extra punch. (Pika.... Pika.... Pikachu.)

rota	20 Sep 2003
I guess I'll have to join the 21st century now... all this talk of spreadcloths and exactly how they're used. I'm still guilty of carrying decks around in plastic ziplock bags... when I read for someone I just use any flat space that's handy, even a sidewalk. I can see the use of a silk or velvet cloth for several reasons. There's cleanliness, which I certainly understand, and vibratory affinity, which I also understand but apparently ignore. There's aesthetics - matching color and texture to the deck, for the benefit of the reader and the read-for. The business of printing spreads on the cloth seems odd to me, tho. I think the spreadcloth is to the tarot deck as the magic circle is to the thaumaturge. I'll just make the effort and find some appropriate cloth to wrap my decks in... and keep them all in plastic bags. :P

lunalafey	20 Sep 2003
Quote: Originally posted by rota I guess I'll have to join the 21st century now... all this talk of spreadcloths and exactly how they're used. I'm still guilty of carrying decks around in plastic ziplock bags... when I read for someone I just use any flat space that's handy, even a sidewalk. I'm not to picky my-self- Up until the trip to a fabric store- which was supposed to be just something to kill time- all my decks had been kept in (polyester)Crown Royal bags (perks of being a bartender- i don't do wiskey) Now, they all have homes in nice natural fiber-lined & padded bags. I would read on any surface that would not 'hurt' my cards, synthetic carpet alot of the times. Idealisticly I would rather see that silk or other natural material under my cards, so my bedspread is Blue Rayon Velvet (cellulose-natural) for most of my readings are done on the bed. I think the spreadcloth is to the tarot deck as the magic circle is to the thaumaturge. [/quote] That- says it so simply, and gives me an insperational vision of what I believe to be true, but only part way follow... so like you I make more of an effort....

zorya	20 Sep 2003
}) maybe one could have the celtic cross on one side, as jmd suggested, and on the reverse side, a simple three card spread. ...then with all the extra space on the reverse side, one could list all the keywords with their reversals! :laugh: spread cloth and lwb in one! })

wavebreaker	20 Sep 2003
Quote: Originally posted by zorya spread cloth and lwb in one! }) But that means you'd have to burn the spread cloth... })

Umbrae	21 Sep 2003
Spread cloths! I was thinking of a spread cloth with a special pocket to hold Jamba Juice… But no seriously folks I just had a Brain Storm (get out your brain coats)… To make a spread cloth by gluing your LWB’s to a special backing! If you are using reversals…why you just turn the spread cloth around! Now to market them…

Dark Inquisitor	21 Sep 2003
'Spread-cloths: should they take reversals into account?' Probably not- it would reduce sales . I personally am not for cloths with pre-printed card positions . I am for my own spreadcloth which is almost black & has small black Halloween cats on it - in all different directions. Tarotphelia

krysia322	23 Sep 2003
Quote: The business of printing spreads on the cloth seems odd to me, tho. IA. IMO, spreads actually on the cloth are a distraction that I ---more or less a novice reader--- don't need. Actually, I don't really use the spread cloth, unless (I believe something similiar was mentioned above) the surface doesn't feel "right" to me. I've picked up bad vibes from some tables, couches, beds, etc, and so I use the cloth/scarf, whatever, as a buffer. (Though if it's really bad, I just refuse to use that spot.) Maybe the cards pick up on that energy, maybe they don't. All I know is that I pick up on it, so whatever makes me feel comfortable, is what works.

The 'Spread-cloths: should they take reversals into account?' thread was originally posted on 20 Sep 2003 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.