Card Combos....do you use them?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 15 Apr 2004, and now archived in the Forum Library.

TemperanceAngel	15 Apr 2004
I suppose I am looking more from a divinatory aspect here, but I was wondering what combos people look for in spreads. For example: I generally use the Celtic Cross Spread and say someone asks me about a new job. I would definately like to see the Ace of Pents and the Ten of Pents would sit so nicely with it. Then I would also like to see something that signified change like Death or the World or even the Fool may poke his nose around in there. The Sun may give me an optimistic indication, and the Six of Cups could float around in there as well and the Three of Cups/Pents. NB: This is not taken from a book or system, just from doing many readings. I was wondering do people look for combos, are there specific cards you liked to see grouped in a reading to really clarify for you? It doesn't have to relate to the same example I posted and it can come from a book too! It can be a three card spread, or any kinda spread, it doesn't matter! What combos do you like to see in the cards in relation to......(fill in space). Thanks XTAX

eastarot	15 Apr 2004
I like number combos Recently a client picked out 3 Aces in a 9 card spread! I was blown Am also studying the meaning of two a number or more in a spread For example two or more 2s of any suit denote a period of waiting 3 Aces - riches and success Umm card combos I like :) 9 of Cups and the 9 of Pents......swoon

TemperanceAngel	15 Apr 2004
Card numbers are an all together interesting thing, perhaps for another thread! I have never thought two or more twos denote waiting, more of a balance or lack of it, duality and choice. As for three Aces meaning richness and success, never thought that either. Now I am not saying you are wrong, it just goes to show how different peoples styles are ;) Three Aces = many new gifts, opportunities, doors opening.... Quote: Originally posted by eastarot Umm card combos I like :) 9 of Cups and the 9 of Pents......swoon eastarot, tell me what you like about the combo you mentioned, what is it that makes your heart a flutter when you the double nine combo? What does it say to you? XTAX

eastarot	15 Apr 2004
Aaah ok:) First of all I like 9's....they're spiritual, they represent the nearing of the end of a cycle. 9 of Cups, wish fulfillment.....contentment.....a feeling of personal gratification, satisfaction that cannot be described adequately enough, like a good day at work. A good feeling, one that may or may not depend on another's approval, recognition or praise. But if theres a 9 of Pentacles, there's a double feeling of gratification both at the spiritual, emotional level AND at the physical level, enjoying the fruits of labour so to speak along with a recognition and perhaps a need for approval on my part that what I have chosen to do may not be a regular 9-5 sit at your desk kind of job, but it is making a difference to lives and helping me pay bills. Did that make sense?:)

hedgecub	15 Apr 2004
I think I look for combinations all the time, but as well as looking for number or suit combinations, I also look at themed combinations. For example: 4 of Wands and 10 of Cups; 2 of Cups and The Lovers (6); Queen of Pentacles and The Empress (3).

ncefafn	15 Apr 2004
It's always nice when comfortable combos show up, like the Two of Cups followed by the Four of Wands. Engagement leads to marriage. And if it ends with the 10 of Cups or Pents, it's a fairy tale. I had a challenging one this morning. Someone came to me asking about an artistic endeavor, and I designed a four-card spread to address the issues. Artistic, creative . . . I'm thinking wands and/or cups, right? Nope. Two swords and two pentacles, and one of those pentacles in the "challenges" position. Luckily the outcome card was the 9 of Pents, so I was able to put an upbeat spin on it, but yick! As Christopher Guest and Billy Crystal used to say on Saturday Night Live: I hate when that happens! Kim

TemperanceAngel	20 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by ncefafn I had a challenging one this morning. Someone came to me asking about an artistic endeavor, and I designed a four-card spread to address the issues. Artistic, creative . . . I'm thinking wands and/or cups, right? Nope. Two swords and two pentacles, and one of those pentacles in the "challenges" position. Luckily the outcome card was the 9 of Pents, so I was able to put an upbeat spin on it, but yick! But really you wouldn't want too many Cups in there, as there would be no action, just lots of imagination and really to see some Pents is a great thing because there is grounded energy, work/labour, using your hands and if they are lucky, money too! (Every artists dream....) As for Swords there is going to be a lot of intellectual thought as well.... I suppose everyone looks for different combos....XTAX

ncefafn	21 Apr 2004
Quote: Originally posted by TemperanceAngel . . . and really to see some Pents is a great thing because there is grounded energy, work/labour, using your hands and if they are lucky, money too! (Every artists dream....) As for Swords there is going to be a lot of intellectual thought as well.... Good points. The spread I made up for the reading was: 1. What you bring to the audition (your talents) - 5 of Swords 2. A challenge you may face - Ace of Pents 3. What you won't be expecting - 8 of Swords 4. Outcome - 9 of Pents I would've felt better if I'd seen just one wand or cup in there, I think. Anyway, the audition is a couple of months away, so I hope the client sends me feedback afterwards to let me know what happened. Kim

TemperanceAngel	21 Apr 2004
Kim that's really positive though, at a quick glance: Five or Swords: Anxious/worried, which is only human to be like that! Ace of Pents: Maybe they don't get exactly what they want, but still get an outcome. Eight of Swords: Mental block/confusion. Outcome: Seems v. Promising, I think they will be happy with themselves and what they have achieved and to receive an out come from the audition, as in they get the part or whatever they are after, then one more Pent is added to make Ten. As far as this fits into card combos: client has asked about audition, which is like a job interview: Ace and Nine of Pents, great combo. Five and Eight of Swords shows they are anxious and maybe need to not think about things so much, relax etc. XTAX

ncefafn	21 Apr 2004
Yes, I was very happy with the 9 of Pents in the outcome position. Even if she doesn't get the part, I think she'll come away with a lot of useful contacts. In any creative business, contacts are everything! Kim

The Card Combos....do you use them? thread was originally posted on 15 Apr 2004 in the Using Tarot Cards board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Using Tarot Cards, or read more archived threads.