some thing easy

[richardcranium]

I just recently got back into doing tarot and have lost my book for it. Can anyone tell me how to do a simple lay out. I don't want to do a long drawn out spread now. I just need something simple to start and when I get more comfortable I will move on to the more complex spreads.

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Hi!

How about the 3 card spread, for past, present, future?

You lay your first card to the right, this is past or basis of the situation, the next card to the left of that card....this is present-things happening now in the situation....and the last card to the left of that....this on is future-how the situation will evolve. It all relates to the question asked.


If this doesn't work for you, let me know and I will try to find you a different simple spread. Keep in mind that the spreads that work best are the ones that you create.


Dagda

[richardcranium]

How do I create my own spreads? This would be great if I knew how to do this!

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

You will have to decide first, what questions you want answered. Is it a romance spread? Finanacial? Spiritual? Career?

Each position will answer a question, or define the card.

ex:

In the 'celtic cross spread' the #2 card position 'crosses' you, that means "opposition". It is the circumstances that are working against you in the situation. Say you drew the Chariot for that position...it could mean that your ego or will/stubborness is getting in the way....or a trip you are taking is actually working against you...maybe you are forcing an issue....depends on what the card says to you and what the other cards around it is telling you.

You then incorportate the meaning of the card laid there into the position.

Your spread can take any shape you like, or not at all....some people will lay more than one card in a position to better understand the meaning of the first card laid there.

You may create a spread by just starting a line of cards, a position for career, money, romance. There are so many ways to lay out cards!

For tons of layouts, visit this site! There are over 50 spreads. After the name of the layout there are a few numbers/letters in parenthesis ....the first# is the number of cards that spread contains. If you stick to the first 21 spreads, you should do just fine!! This way you can also get an idea for positions and what you will want to incorporate into a spread that is all your own.
There are also books you can purchase that are just about spreads.

You can also search Amazon.com for 'Tarot Spread', it will take you to a page that lists all the books they have available from that search. If you don't wish to purchase these online, write down the name, author and the ISBN number, and go to your local bookstore and ask them to order it for you!

http://www.amazon.com

You might also want to check out this site of different 3-card spreads:

http://www.lunarace.com/layout2.html

I hope I was of some help to you....and didn't confuse you too much!!

Dagda
:sunny:

[richardcranium]

would it be okay if I laid out another question over an old one? What I mean is it okay to ask one question, then ask another with out reshuffling my deck and laying the next three cards over the old question?

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

I would suggest shuffling, but it really depends on your gut feeling....if the cards feel right in your hands without shuffling, then go ahead. Otherwise shuffle again. I have read at one time (source forgotten long ago) that when shuffling the cards, you should shuffle them at least 9 times to get a completely random draw of the cards. What I do, I shuffle 3x and cut, shuffle 3x and cut, shuffle 3x, cut and deal.....if you are having someone else shuffle the cards, then you shuffle them first for how ever long you feel comfortable, then hand them over to the querant (the person the layout is for) and have them shuffle as many or as few times as they deem necessary.

:)

[Silver Venus]

I was catually thinking over the weekend that now we are half way through the major arcana, maybe it would be really nice to actually upload some diagrams of our own spreads like mol is doing with the cards (just simple ones drawn in photoshop or paint shop) and explain them to each other....what do you think?

:)

[eaglewolf]

Sorry to butt my nose into this thread, but I think pics of spreads are going to be necessary... and a great idea to boot :p.

~ew, stepping back out~

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Great idea!

If you have any Links to pages that have some interesting spreads on them, post them too!

Here's my link contribution:

http://www.coos.or.us/~ghess/arcana/tarotfaq.htm

Have fun!

[Silver Venus]

Here's some illustrations of decks I've scanned in... (Gave up trying to make them in photoshop..)

Would be nice to hold a class/discussion on each maybe? (But I didnt know how to post them to appear in this message like mol does...)

Past, Present and Future

[Silver Venus]

The four card version of this simple classic...

[Silver Venus]

A six card layout one - This one can read really well and all tie intogether or can be quite hard to read with...

See what you think..

[Silver Venus]

A Five card spread for a Personal insight...

[Silver Venus]

The Year Spread - The first card is from the date you are starting at so if I was doing one now I would say -
for the first card - Mid March to Mid April - then the second card would be - Mid April to Mid May - and so on...
Can be a bit tricky and in my opinion superficial but still fun to try out!

[Silver Venus]

And finally the brilliant Celtic Cross!

Have Fun! :sunny:

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

There are tons of sites out there with spreads on them....


http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/tanjatarot/spreads.html
http://www.byzant.com/tarot/spreads.html
http://sr10.xoom.com/Ravensong/spreads.html

There's a couple to get ya started! :)

[Silver Venus]

Oops, I forgot to thank you for the link - its a great document on all the spreads - some of them are so complicated arent they!

Im going to give the Chakra Spread a whirl tonight! ~ Ill tell you what the cards said tomorrow :p

[Silver Venus]

Thanks again hun, I really liked the tanja tarot site and the Byzant site! - theres a great spell for the fool card to in Tanja's site, which I will try one day!

Ive printed out the horseshoe spread and will try that also tonight :)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Great!

Let us know how they worked for you!

[Semele]

Thanks for the spreads. After we finish with all the majors, the minors will go quickly I think and then I want us to practice reading for and with each other.

Semele

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Celtic Cross spreads.....

I've seen MANY ways to lay out the cross. Everyone has thier own order. What order works best for you??

This is how I lay out the Cross....

1. Covers
2. Crosses
3. Beneath
4. Behind (to the left of the 1 & 2)
5. Above
6. Ahead (to the right of cards 1 & 2, nearest to the staff part of the spread.)

Looks like this: (hope it shows up right...crossing fingers)

.......5
4...1/2...6
.......3


So, I just follow it around, letting it lead me from the basis to the future.

It's been my experience that when a friend comes to me with a problem....we talk about the problem (card 3), then what's happened (card 4)...then their hopes (card 5) and possible outcomes (card 6)....so, I just follow that pattern when dealing the cards too.

Okay...so I'm a virgo...and bit too analytical under my sign! :)

[Silver Venus]

Hi Dagda,
I did the Horseshoe and Magic Seven spreads last night from the your links yesterday - They were both great and very similar with a few cards coming up in each. Heres what i got for the Horseshoe :)

Here is a link which shows my deck if you want to have a look at the cards
http://aimship.new21.org/topic/tarot/tarot03_mj.php?no=1

Horseshoe -
1) The Past - 5 Chalices - which represents a lonely guy in my secret tarot deck - meaning Ive been a little down about relationships, thinking alot and wanting more love, emotions and passion in my love life.
2) The present - Queen of Swords - a strong dark lady with a big sword that she is leaning on - meaning I am feeling alot more stronger and sure of myself now but still a little cold and withdrawn - not totally giving myself. This card is also quite sexual to me with the two statues in the background and it fits...
3)Hope and Fears - 8 Pentacles - showing a man working at a bruning red funerness - meaning I want everything to be going great in all aspects of my life and success in my business. It can also be my fear as I fear not having anything to do and not having the coal burning in the fire.
4) Obstacles - 9 Pentacles - A woman looking out onto her kingdom - I cant really see this as an obstacle except maybe I am too ambious and hold too much of an perfect dream for life. Fairy tale world.
5) Environment - The Chariot - Everyone around me is driving there horses hard too and really getting somewhere in all aspects of their different lifes - its true: all my family and friends are having a great year - But also some are trying to control me and tighten up the reins!
6) The Future - King of Swords - A cool man! Ive just started seeing an ex boyfirned again, its going really well! But hes a bit scared and holding back a bit...
7) The Outcome - King of Wands - My guy again but this one is happy and kind! Hes all this card describes to me and much, much more!

A happy ending :)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Oh, what wonderful interpretations! I can't wait to read about the other layout you did!

[Semele]

This is a neat way to learn from each other. Perhaps soon we can really start doing some readings together. What would you all think about setting up a reading thread,, or keeping it here and doing readings for each other. maybe just help each other interpret our readings. Lets see what we can do with this idea.

Semele

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

For now, I think we should keep it here....at least until we get through the meanings and cover a couple different spreads....and everyone has had the chance to read a couple times for each other....Or, we could each target one person from those that are participating here, and each give a reading for that person....that way, we all get practice...others can jump in and give there views on the reading (like how we did) and we all get read for multiple times! Then, when everyone has a bit more confidence, we can venture out! :D

How's that sound?

:sunny:

[Silver Venus]

Hiya Dagda,
Thanks for the positive feedback on my Horseshoe spread!
I kind of forgot to write down the Magic Seven Spread :crazy: - But can remember the cards were very very similar to the Horseshoe! I was with a friend and reading for her also so we kind of skipped quickly through me!

Great ideas about us reading for each other and interpretating eachothers readings. I'd be really interested in reading for everyone :)
But how would we do this? as we will be reading for people who arent present and their energy wont be in the cards shuffling and picking...? Guess I would just think of you and hope for the best.

Ill try your celtic cross spread tonight Dagda - my boyfriends coming round too so ill tell you more tomorrow ;)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Ah! Perfect example of when to use a Significator card! This card Represents the Querant!

You would shuffle, keeping them in mind (after you've picked out the significator), cut, layout, and read....then post your discoveries!

[Silver Venus]

I did the Celtic Cross spread last night but :o again forgot to make notes! (guess I was swept away by the excitement of reading for him...)
We did a few spreads and all were very positive :) and had great news about his work and love life!
I asked him to pick three cards at the end which were for him (him as a significator) and he picked (shuffles then picked blindly):
The king of Cups - He's Cancer!
The king of Wands & the Emperor.

We had a gorgeous night ;)

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

How wonderful!

You should always keep a journal of your spreads, so you can go back and see how they evolved.

[Silver Venus]

Hi everyone,
Ive been thinking about this and I'd love a reading from anyone who's willing! I would also like to read in return. Should be fun, not to mention interesting :)
If you need any extra info just shout!

Oo Dagda, Thanks for the tip about the journal I started one last week and have already filled a few pages :sunny:

[Semele]

I would love to exchange readings with you Silver. It would be a great way to learn from each other. Until my schedule gives a little I may have to do simple ones, but I would love to give it a go.

Perhaps we could each post a question we are wanting some extra insight to and then do readings for each other.

Yes or no questions are always harder for me to gain insight for. Like, I am curious about Mol and myself having more children, but I think rather than seeking the answer to whether or not we will, it is more productive to seek the answer for what we need to do to prepare for and work towards that goal.

If anyone wants to draw some cards on that topic I would love to hear about it.

Post your topics and I will be happy to do a reading.

Semele

[Dagda Moon~Lily]

Me too! Me too! I'll give it a whorl!

....thinking of a good question.....

[Silver Venus]

This is going to be fun!
I'm away from home today Semele but when I get home late tonight, I will draw some cards for you and tell you what I get ~ Can I ask which card you would like me to use as a significator for you? And if you have another questiosn now I can try for that too?
Dagda :sunny: too, have you thought of a good 1? I know your the Queen of Pentacles right? (for Virgo) ~ an earth sign like me (Cap)!

I'd like to know about my work at the moment because there is so much going on, but at the same time I think I am going through a rather uneasy, itchy feet period? So I want to know if all my hard efforts will may off or if I should look to another field?

Gettin excited now!

[Semele]

For me I think it will have to be my good buddy the fool. I much prefere him over any of the usual court cards. See what you can come up with. I have a little time before everyone wakes up so I am gonna get caught up on some posts and then I will do a reading for you. I agree this is gonna be fun!!

Semele

[Semele]

Ok I am off to do a quick reading for you. Probably three cards for now as I need to get in the shower before Mol wants in there. Will post results soon.

Oh yeah and another question I might have would be concerning the upcoming project Mol and I are headed into....building a house. We still have to find land etc...so it is in the baby stages. Just a little insight or clues may be handy if ya get the time. Thanks!!

Semele

[Silver Venus]

Thanks Semele :) Looking forward to it.
I will do yours tonight! So you will have it tomorrow morning
:sunny:

[Semele]

Ok here goes nothing:
I did a simple past, present, future spread and this is what I pulled:

Past: 2 of pentacles:
In the rider waite deck this card has a picture of a person juggling two pentacles with the infinity symbol around them. The person appears carefree and light hearted. This is a nice balance of life in general, as I see it. Your time has to be juggled between many things but at this point it is not too overwhelming. Unfortunately there is no insight as to how much you enjoy either work or home. They could both be fine, but not outstanding, or perhaps not the best paying. Perhaps this is why you moved on, not due to an unhappy envirinment so much as the need/desire for more.

Present: Knight of swords:
Well, this could mean several things. If it represented you it could mean that you headed into the present situation with your sword in the air and ready to fight. YOur previous endeavers have been fairly easily one within a reasonably short time frame. After much "fighting" you realised this battle will not be won so quickly and you will have to dedicate more time and energy toward your goal. It would be now that you are coming to see this that you are seeking a little guidance as to whether or not it is worth the trouble. Something only you can decide. Another posibility is that this could represent someone in your work environment who is getting under your skin. Someone who is young, likely male, but not definately, in a position of power that is knew to them. They lack the responsibility and experience of the older court cards, yet none of the ambition. They could be draining you of your energy and again you have to decide if it is worth the effort. This sums up the present and now on the the possible outcome if things stay as they are.

Future: Knight of Cups:
This is a picture of someone who is full of dreams and ideas/goals but little else. Doesn't quite understand that he needs to act. I have to remark on how very similar this card is to the image on the death card. A time for transformation may be at hand.

I realise this is a little vague so i pulled another card and simply asked to stay or move on. I hate to do this type of cut and dry question but thought it would be of soem use to you.

The Emperess:
I think you can very well enterpret this one. Just one quick note..approaching life through passions...selfindulgent pleasure when restraint is needed. Trust your own feelings on this one.

Hope I helped a little.

Semele

[Silver Venus]

Thank you so much Semele that was great!
They fit perfectly don't they! I agree with everything you have said. I have been rather too hopefull and eager to cash in with certain aspects of work, I now know I have to work at them more and fight for what I beleive in to achieve my goal. I havent got any male colleagues so I guess he must reprsent my mental state ~ as I feel like I have to go into battle to win!
Looks like Im heading for a pretty tricky time ~ thought so too (hardly ever ask the tarot about work) but it will all work out ~ Thanks for drawing the last card! Whew ;)
The Empress is a great card :) and I think she's saying to me, that I will survive and to believe in myself!

I'll draw four cards for you this evening on your new plans to build a house and I will also draw a few for yourself and your children :)

[Silver Venus]

I did your reading last night: lots of good news to tell you about your cards! :)
but I had my car broken into last night :( ~ damn theives, my stereo was locked away so all they got their hands on was all my favourite CD's and a couple of other nick nacks - even stole my gymn trainers and a can of de icer! and managed to do a great job of smashing the side window and scratching my car!
I have to go and get in all sorted out now (have been on the phone all morning) so I will have to tell you what the cards said later this afternoon ~ should be back in an hour or so...

[Silver Venus]

(My poor little car is all mended now ~ and I'm ok too)

Here goes for what I got from your reading last night ~
A friend of mine gave me a new pack last week (normally read with the Secret Tarot) and I have been reading with them recently ~ Mystic Tarot ~ they are depictions of the greek gods and goddeses! Such a beautiful and easy to read deck.

I picked the Fool for your significator and asked the cards will Semele have any more Children?
I decided to go for a past, present, future and outcome spread..

Past: Ten of Wands ~ This card shows a lady trapped in a burning bonfire with a ram's skin at her feet and a boat in the distance, the land around her is barron and windy ~ I thought this may be reprsenting you wanting more children but someone not been quite happy with that idea. You have had lots of ambitions but felt quite trapped by something or someone or other things going on in your life that have to come first, leaving your desire for another child in the background. I think the boat signifies that you have 'travelled' and gained alot with your ambitions for a happy family, you have arrived at your goal, but yet you are still not totally satisfied and want more. And the rams skin symbolises wisedom and further climbing up the mountain that has been done but there is still some journey yet to climb.
She is wearing a crown ~ The Empress in turmoil!

Present: Queen of wands ~ This card shows a Queen proudly sat on her big golden throne, holding a big flame, with a pet Lioness on a lead at her feet, she is surrounded by green rich meadows and a bright blue sky ~ What a great fertility card! She is very content and proud and so is her lioness. I think she represents you as a mother and a mother to be ~ loving, protective, bubbly, driven and very proud! But also as she represents ambitions and desires ~ she has lots of them and wants her fields around her to grow with beautiful flowers and for her lioness to have cubs!

Future: The Magician ~ Need I explain this to you!? You will be ready for new challenges, you will have everything with you for these new goals and journeys ~ you just have to chose the right path for you, the path that is in your heart! Follow your heart!

Outcome: the Hierophant ~ Wow! Whats this telling you? Again follow your heart! This new Journey will teach you much! Also there will be your guardian angels looking down and helping you with this new journey!

All looks very positive and exciting to me Semele! :)
Think its great you got two female card and two male cards too ~ Very balanced ~ I think this shows that you will have the support of your partner and that he will help and totally be there for you in this new journey!

Im really excited for you ;) getting all broody and emotional!

[Silver Venus]

Oops heres the spread images ~

[Silver Venus]

I then decided to do a three card spread for your new house question.
Here's what I got ~

Present: Page of Swords ~ The card illustrates a young boy/girl kneeling on a cloud with a sword in his/her hand (but not gripping hard just there). Her blue clothes are blowing in the wind as she blows out clouds, smoke, hot air from her mouth. there are 6 mountains below her ~ Communication!: Lots of talk and many ideas going on here. So you are obviously thinking and talking alot about your new house, but is it all hot air - just talk at the moment? this is very good but I feel you need to take action aswell and start climbing up those mountains.

Future: Five of Swords ~ This card shows an angel standing above and holding five swords down to a young child. He is also pointing his finger and there is a storm brewing in the background ~ Communication again!: there has to be action taken or something has to stop in order to go on. The child looks like he is being told off and shown that the swords are really dangerous weapons not to be played with ~ Think that it will take some time to plan your new house and you may find it quite difficult at first ~ All your talk and ideas may be harder than you first thought to obtain and actually realisitically put into action.

Underlying card: The High Priestness ~ Was a little puzzled for a few minutes with this card ~ I think its telling me that you should rely on your gut instincts and what you feel because you know that you are always right, maybe you are fooling yourself in some way? That decisions need to be balanced and looked at from all angels. Again follow your heart!

Is that any help? I hope it has been.

Thought that both the spread were very balanced and very easy to read because they were so strong ~ your personal ambitions, self search for the right answers and commication are the key issues I think :) Both spreads were ultimately saying follow your heart and believe in yourself!
Tell me what you think :sunny:

[Semele]

Those were fantastic readings and I love the way you interpreted them for me. Very clear answers. You were right on with the house reading. We have been in the planning stages for a long time and are just now starting to seriously plan for the purchase of the land. We are about ready to start looking.

Thank you so much!!

Semele

[Silver Venus]

I'm so happy you thought my readings were of help and that they were accurate! Good luck with finding the land for your new House ~ I know you will build a truely beautiful home for you and all your family!
:)