Barleywine
I don't use clarifiers in any general sense, preferring to read only the cards drawn. But I came across an interesting idea in Paul Fenton-Smith's Tarot Masterclass that seems to have some merit. He suggests when drawing the 2 of Swords that we draw two additional cards and place one at each side of the Two, possibly showing what's at stake in the decision and whether one choice seems more appealing or achievable than the other. Thinking about it, I can see doing this for all the Twos, and for any other card that implies a duality or polarity culminating in a decision. It can indicate either equality or inequality on opposite sides of the equation.
With the 2 of Wands it could show whether "standing pat" or "moving forward" is a better strategy.
With the 2 of Cups, it could show whether one party to a relationship of any kind is more dominant or acquiescent than the other.
With the 2 of Pentacles it could show just how unbalanced the "juggling act" really is.
When at the "crossroads" shown by the Lovers, it can show which path might be the better choice. (This plays right into my idea that there can often be a "high road" and a "low road" leading out of the intersection.)
With Justice, it could suggest which participant in any kind of judgment is in a better position, or which way the verdict is likely to go; perhaps the "sword" side will show severity, the "scales" side leniency.
With the Wheel of Fortune, it can show whether an "up" trend or a "down" trend will be delivered by the Wheel.
One consideration is that you would have to decide in each case which side represents what. For example, you could use any obvious "rising or falling" orientation of the figures on the Wheel to show the "good" side or the "bad" side of a possible outcome. In cards where any form of separation or demarcation ("facing" of figures or "moving" landscape features such as roads and rivers) is evident, that could be a determining factor as well.
Any thoughts?
With the 2 of Wands it could show whether "standing pat" or "moving forward" is a better strategy.
With the 2 of Cups, it could show whether one party to a relationship of any kind is more dominant or acquiescent than the other.
With the 2 of Pentacles it could show just how unbalanced the "juggling act" really is.
When at the "crossroads" shown by the Lovers, it can show which path might be the better choice. (This plays right into my idea that there can often be a "high road" and a "low road" leading out of the intersection.)
With Justice, it could suggest which participant in any kind of judgment is in a better position, or which way the verdict is likely to go; perhaps the "sword" side will show severity, the "scales" side leniency.
With the Wheel of Fortune, it can show whether an "up" trend or a "down" trend will be delivered by the Wheel.
One consideration is that you would have to decide in each case which side represents what. For example, you could use any obvious "rising or falling" orientation of the figures on the Wheel to show the "good" side or the "bad" side of a possible outcome. In cards where any form of separation or demarcation ("facing" of figures or "moving" landscape features such as roads and rivers) is evident, that could be a determining factor as well.
Any thoughts?