Sin & HoT:
I think that once you subtract the "new math" from Mel's explanation, it's pretty simple after all. I agree tho' a basic list of Trumps & their elemental attributions would probably be more helpful in practice than his diagrams, as charming as they are.
Let me see if I can summarize - I might be wrong:
Step 1
a. Get a good question from the sitter.
b. Lay out 4 Trump cards from your fave TdM or historical deck in the shape of the cross:
--3--
1---2
--4--
The "position meanings" are quite general & vague: 1, the sitter or issue. 2, information on the other person involved, or the environment affecting the sitter's question. 3, the divine, the cosmic influences. 4, the long-term result, possibly outcome, not necessarily the "future."
This is all context, based on the question. Nothing hard n fast.
Step 2
a. Determine how the cards interact based on elemental dignity. Look at Mel's list in post 9 of this thread to see what elements he associates with each Trump, or use the ones from Supertarot if you like those better, or even make up your own! Get a list.
b. Note the elemental attribution of each card either verbally or write it down.
c. Use these to assign the elemental positions. The positions have elemental attributes too. Assign them clockwise to each position according to card 3.
So if card 3 is an Air card, position 3 becomes an Air position. Card 3 is always well-dignified and the tirage takes its elemental "spin" from that point. The elements always go clockwise, Earth, Fire, Water, Air.
Thus if card 3 is an air card, the positional attributions would be: 1 - Fire, 2 Water, 3 Air, 4 Earth.
d. Now compare the positional element with the card's element. If they are good, slightly good, neutral, slightly bad, or all bad (ill dignity), based on elements. A fire card in a water position is ill-dignified, for example - ill-dignified cards may have reverse meanings, blocked meanings, whatever, again, based on context. Consult Mel's dignity chart in this thread.
Step 3
a. Answer the question by looking at cards 1&2.
b. Read those cards together to make a sentence that applies to the sitter's issue.
Step 4
a. Offer the "divine perspective." Explain that card 3 is always helpful to the sitter.
b. Explain how card 3, always well-dignified, helps the client or gives advice to aid them.
Step 5
a. Following the advice of card 3, should give you the long-term as described by card 4, unless card 4 is ill-dignified, in which case, card 3 will also illuminate how to avoid an unfavorable outcome (as much as possible!
).
Ok Mel if I've made any mistakes, pls. correct!
