Two Spreads

Ruth Ann and Wald Amberstone, the hosts of the Readers Studio, work hard to ensure that attendees can absorb as much as their hearts desire. If one wished, one could attend various activities from 8 am until 11 pm. Not everyone does that, of course. But some are determined to take advantage of every opportunity. I am glad that I did attend everything I intended except for one 9 pm – 11 pm workshop.

Lunch with Dan

On Friday, lunch was provided. In addition to food, we had entertainment. They call this a “Lunch and Learn Session.” Dan Pelletier, one of the fine proprietors of The Tarot Garden, dazzled us with his wit and wisdom.

One thing he discussed was the value of doing readings that use only the Major Arcana. I like this idea, for a few reasons. One, I learned tarot by first reading with the Majors only. I used the Haindl deck and the spread at the end of Jung and Tarot: An Archetypal Journey by Sally Nichols. Two, I occasionally need the power and breadth of Majors only readings. Three, there are many lovely Majors only decks that I like to work with. Four, there are some decks with wonderful Majors but either uninspiring or unillustrated Minors. I would not use these decks in a reading, but would use only the Majors.

Dan suggests doing a simple two-cards Majors only reading. The positions are:

1. Wisdom: what the universe is showing you?
2. Door: what do you have to do?

Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day

At least that is what I’ve been taught. And after eating breakfast while listening to Donnaleigh de la Rose lead a roundtable discussion, I’d have to agree. Donnaleigh, if you don’t know, is a most beautiful soul and hosts one of my favorite radio shows, Beyond Worlds.

One topic we explored is how almost all spreads have the same positions, but with different names. She shared with us her “core spread,” which has four positions.

Validation. The purpose of this position is to assure the client that you’ve made a soul connection. The client wants to feel comfortable and confident that together you can access the wisdom and guidance of Spirit.

In other spreads this position might be known as: the present, where are we?, the central issue, what you have, the underlying cause, the root of the matter.

The Challenge: this is the guts of the reading and shows what must be confronted.

In other spreads this might be known as: the problem, strife, the broken bridge, the blockage, what hinders you, etc.

Advice: this is self explanatory…this is what Spirit suggestions the client do. It can be an action, approach, attitude, or journey.

In other spreads this position can have other names, such as: what to do, what not to do, action, position to take, what can help, etc.

Prediction: this is the likely outcome of the situation, letting the client know what to expect. This card can, of course, be accepted (if it is to the client’s liking) or used as the basis of a new reading if the client wishes to take action to change it.

In other spreads this is known as: the outcome, the result, the likely outcome, what to expect, what you get, the resolution, what you create, etc.