My First Gilded Reading
Here is the New Deck reading I did with the Gilded, on 6/28/04:
OK....first of all, let's talk about the shuffling technique.
Now I already knew that shuffling was going to be challenging,
to say the least! I mean...this is a VERY thick deck...about three times the size of a standard tarot deck. But I was determined not to let this deter me...I knew there must be a way!
I started the way I do with any new deck...and that is by randomly sorting the cards into several piles. At the same time, I was mixing up the ordered cards in my hand, so that I would not end up with too many majors or cards of the same suit all clumped together. It took a little juggling to keep the cards from spilling, but I managed to keep them in hand.
Now, after the cards had been sorted, I pulled all of the piles together into a tall stack and divided into two (still large) piles. I then proceeded to shuffle each half as I normally do; gradually sliding cards from one hand to the other, slowly and carefully. (I should mention here that these cards are VERY thick and sturdy...I was not at all worried about bending or damaging them while I shuffled. They also slide together nicely, due to the smooth, satin-laminate finish).
And then I came to the point of trying to figure out how to blend the two piles together...since my hands are not very large, I knew this would be the true test!!! I somehow managed to hold half the cards in one hand (just barely) and then slowly began sliding and dropping cards from my left hand into the ones in my right. It got a little tricky, sloppy at times...but the amazing thing is that it worked!!! And I managed to do this without dropping a single card!!!
SO...*whew*...now that the cards were shuffled to my satisfaction, I placed them on the table and found my cut.
As I was shuffling and cutting, I began to think about what I wanted to know about my new relationship with the Gilded.
I was excited and nervous, wondering what this first reading would be like. I also knew that this was an important moment for me...now that the cards had been shuffled, "broken in"¨, I would begin working with them, learning from them. They had become like a new friend to me, rather than just an interesting acquaintance.
The New Deck Spread I used, and the cards I drew are:
1--What will you teach me??? Two of Pentacles
2--What will our relationship be like??? VII The Chariot
3--What message do you have for me today??? King of Wands
1.
Two of Pentacles: This card makes me think of a partnership, which is a very good sign! I think this means that we are going to work well together. The man in this card is holding two pentacles...actually they are not in his hands, but hovering over them, connected by a rainbow of light. I see this connection as one that is harmonious and spiritual...that by working with these cards, I will be able to learn more about myself and hopefully gain confidence in my reading abilities. Behind him is a calm, moonlit sea, where a ship is anchored and a dolphin leaps from the water. The ship makes me think of having a solid base to work from, feeling grounded, at ease. The dolphin to me symbolizes freedom and positive energy....
2.
VII Chariot: I think this means that my cards have been sitting quietly for long enough...time to get moving!!! This is exactly how I felt today, when I decided I was finally ready to start shuffling and working with these cards! I definitely needed time to get to know them gradually...but now I am ready to get familiar with them on a completely different level. Just as I described earlier...it almost feels like a new relationship, moving from the early stages into something more intimate and substantial. The Chariot tells me that we are ready to become more active (or interactive) together and see what happens next!!! The card shows a beautiful queen dressed in royal purple, being escorted by two gorgeous Egyptian sphinx...one is gold with a colorful crown on its head, while the other is silver and black...there is movement and raw energy in this card. The queen is confident and prepared for this new journey...no turning back!!!
3.
King of Wands: This is a message for my current situation, something the cards want me to know right now. The King of Wands is a creative, high-energy person who is actively pursuing his goals. I think this card is encouraging me to act on some of the ideas that I have been tossing around for awhile, yet was afraid of pursuing. I have been trying to figure out a way to use my creative talents as a way to make a living...still trying to figure out how to make it happen. My primary goal lately has been to decide on a new career...not just another JOB, if you know what I mean. Something that I really want to do, that I can be successful at while also helping others. This card looks like a green-light to me. Combined with the Chariot, I think the message becomes even more powerful: it is time to take action, take the risk and don't look back...if only I could feel as confident as the queen in her chariot!!!
Luna
