Tarot Decks and Divination by Kiran Atma

Six Controversies Tarot Spread or The Six Points Tarot Spread

The number six holds deep spiritual significance for many religious faiths and represents the bridge between the higher realm and the lower realm of the universal consciousness. The number six is also associated with choices and the need to find balance between give and take, and yin and yang. It encompasses the theory of binary forces of life and also trinities. Mathematically, the number six is a perfect number and also a harmonic divisor. In this spread, it is used to extrapolate the six points or six controversies of a specific issue that the Seeker is concerned about.

By “controversy,” what I mean here is a point of tension that obstructs the Seeker from the desired outcome. Thus, the six controversies are an answer key for the Seeker that represent why there is flux in a specific area of the Seeker’s life. Thus, this spread is used for specific inquiries. It is less suitable for general inquiries. That said, if a Seeker is feeling lost, aimless, or stuck in life, this spread may help to pinpoint the six roadblocks that the Seeker needs to clear immediately to advance forward.

I use the names “Six Points” and “Six Controversies” interchangeably. Sometimes I’ll refer to the spread as “Six Points” when I want to take a gentler approach with a Seeker. However, I feel the name “Six Controversies” is a more accurate descriptive of how this spread functions. They represent points of contention or strife in the Seeker’s situation, or conflicts: the Seeker’s conflict with him- or herself, the Seeker’s conflict with another person, or the Seeker’s conflict with his or her community or environment. They are the six knots that the Seeker must loosen to move forward.

Unlike other spreads, where each card position has an assigned meaning, the Six Points Spread should be read cohesively and intuitively. The six cards collaborate with one another to express a narrative. Although there may be only six cards here, the spread is deceptive in its appearance of simplicity. This is a more advanced spread that should be attempted only after mastering the other foundational spreads.

Dyadic Cross Tarot Spread

For any general or unique queries, the Dyadic Cross is a multipurpose and intuitive spread.

Experienced tarot practitioners will remember that it is literally the cross section of the standard Celtic Cross ten-card spread.

As shown in the illustration, the spread is one cross inside a larger cross.

It is one of the simplest spreads on which to recall the definitions of the position.

For the Seeker, the smaller cross with two cards at the middle is the current moment: what the present state of mind of the Seeker is and what instantly enters the path of the Seeker.

Then the bigger four-card cross reflects the linear chronology of the past to the possible future outcome and the vertical cross-section of the life of the Seeker at the moment: the aspirations, speculations, worries of the Seeker, what comprises the portion of his or her life that is not yet part of the truth and base of the Seeker; what is latent in the unconscious that plays a role in the present. Intuitively, the actual position of the card is precisely what the card means according to the position of the signifier.

It uses a card of importance, which is put down first.

Then Card 1 is put on top of the signifier, as shown in the diagram above.

Card 1 illustrates the Seeker's current factors and state of mind.

This illustrates the essence of the matter. This card is a nutshell description of the most important energies around the topic in a single investigation.

Card 2 crosses the track of the Seeker.

It may raise obstacles or hurdles that the seeker may encounter, or what the seeker may expect in the near future to cross his or her way. Visually, when it passes the signifier, Card 2 tends to be in the way of the Seeker. This visual representation is representative of the interaction of the energies of Card 2 with Card 1 and the signifier.

Card 3 reflects the base of the matter at hand, or the origin of the Seeker.

It illustrates what is at the bottom of the dilemma, the incentive, and the backstory. If Cards 1 and 2 are the "what," so Card 3 is the "why." Card 3 also illustrates implicit forces and elements of the unconscious of the Seeker that affect the present and actual path taken by the Seeker.

The past forces or past energies that are now current and still affect the matter at hand are represented in Card 4.

Card 5 constitutes the Seeker's hopes or speculations.

The potential possible outcome may also be portrayed, which could arise if the candidate decides not to stay the course. Card 5 illustrates what is now in the world of thought, what has not materialized yet could theoretically materialize into the truth of the Seeker. Hopes, worries, and what-ifs could be suggested by the card.

Card 6 is what is most likely to happen if the seeker continues on the current course.

Card 6 is for the near future and the situation's most likely result. It is directly connected with Card 4, the history, and karmically connected with it. Interpret Cards 4 and 6 linearly as related, and Cards 3 and 5 synchronously as related.

The Dyadic Cross is one of the easiest and most powerful and complete spreads that can be studied by new practitioners.

If you had to learn just one spread, it should be the Dyadic Cross.

~Kiran Atma

You may also want to check out a few more spreads I often use.

Fixed-Term Analysis Tarot Spread

From time to time a Seeker will want to know general information for a fixed term of time, such as what is to come in the coming month, the coming three months, or the coming year. The Fixed Term spread helps to answer such inquiries. When shuffling, both the practitioner and the applicant should reflect on the investigation at hand, precisely the span of time the seeker is talking for. The cards will be coded by the purpose and focus to respond to the given period of time.

Set out the spread as noted in the above diagram in the numerical order. Card 1 reflects an analytical dilemma, or matter of the mind, that within the given period would be most urgent. Card 2 is a question of the spirit, something that the seeker can evoke an emotional response. Card 3 reflects matters of the human body, which may include job issues, social events, or an individual incident to take place during the specified period.

Card 4 signifies the prior influences in which the seeker approaches the given term, the history that will still be significant throughout the given term. Card 5 illustrates the Seeker leaving the given term and what continuing problems will remain past the defined term to which the Seeker must pay heed.

Essential Keys Tarot Spread

When to Use The Essential Keys Spread?

If I find myself in a party environment where many people order tarot readings one after the other, I would go for the spread of the Vital or Essential Keys, which is just five cards, and instead of addressing a single query, it gives a holistic snapshot of the character and life trajectory of the Seeker.

Through the distribution of the Essential Keys, I can touch on the main points that the Seeker wants to hear about where he or she is right now and I can do that in about five to ten minutes, most importantly.

A card with a Signifier is optional. What to enquire when using a Signifier:

Miss the signifier if time is of the essence. If there is time for the signifier, for the Seeker's sign, chat about the personality correspondences.

For starters, whether the Seeker is a Libra and therefore an Air sign, give a few key highlights about the inherent characteristics of the Seeker as an Air sign, e.g., born warriors or soldiers, sometimes engaged in dissent, vulnerable to sudden bursts of attention or interest in something, and then they lose the focus and become distracted; they are society's thinkers and philosophers.

On awareness and facts, they excel. With the gift of words, they're also excellent communicators or orators.

Be careful to alert the Seeker that those inherent traits may have altered nurture, the environment, and the choices the Seeker has made.

How to read the Essential Keys Spread:

1. Card 1 illustrates the present character or current condition of the Seeker.

2. This card tells you who the Seeker is, the Self. Where the Seeker comes from, and the past that always has an impact on the present, is Card 2.

Place Card 3 slightly above and to the right of Card 1, then cross it with Card 4, unlike a three-card past, current, future arrangement.

3. Card 3 demonstrates the capabilities of the Seeker. This is what the Seeker is good at, e.g., business ability, skills, intrinsic gifts, learned expertise, insights that place the Seeker for success, etc.

4. Card 4 crosses Card 3 and reflects the passions, interests, loves, of the Seeker.

Note if the two cards drawn respectively for Cards 3 and 4 appear to compliment or contradict each other.

In unity, are they aligned?

Or is there a conflict between the strengths of the seeker and the passions of the seeker?

This cross of cards will indicate whether the Seeker is satisfied or whether the Seeker secretly desires to try a greater endeavor, but has so far been hesitant to be proactive about it.

5. Card 5 illustrates the most likely conclusion depending on the current life trajectory of the Seeker. The card indicates where the seeker is heading.

In conclusion, I will note some patterns, repetitions, or dominant elements and give the Seeker some insight into their context.

Notice, however, that the spread of the Essential Keys is broad and will most likely only disclose the Seeker's most specific and general knowledge.

Therefore, I reserve it for gatherings, meetings with friends or relatives, conventions, or fairs where a number of individuals are waiting to read their tarot cards.

Instead of digging deeper into each card's intricacies, I'm just going to touch on the keywords.

When using the Essential Keys spread, I don't take individual queries. I let the Seekers know that there will be a general reading to come, and we will follow where the cards will lead.

The Simple Cross Tarot Spread

For five-card spreads, the standard approach to drawing the cards should be implemented after shuffling. As for the four-card spread, if used, the signifier card should first be put on the stack, then Card 1 should be placed on top of it.

The spread of the Simple Cross is a flexible and easy-to-read spread that will be important for practitioners, especially novices. Start by putting Card 1 over the card with the signifier. Card 1 reflects the current situation, or the "heart of the matter." Card 2 reflects the origins or foundations that might contain memories or occurrences of the past. Card 3 illustrates effects from the past on the new situation. The speculative card, reflecting ambitions, expectations, or higher topics that need to be considered, is Card 4. The most possible potential result is depicted by Card 5.

Combination Tarot Spreads

It is possible to synthesize two or more spreads from this section into combination spreads. The four-card spread and the three-card spread will, for instance, be mixed. Beginning such a reading with the First Operation would be the best practice. An summary reading of the Seeker's inquiry (general or specific) may be analyzed via the four-card spread after the First Operation. Then return to the outcome of the First Operation and conduct a three-card spread to classify the current, previous, and prospective future forces that in the particular problem divined from the First Operation would be most important to the Seeker.

Four-Card Tarot Spread

The four-card spread is based on the three-card spread, with an extra card helping to round out the Card 1. signs. Between Cards 1 and 2, a cross is created, which helps to define the crux of the matter at hand.

For the four-card spread, the conventional approach to drawing the cards should be followed after shuffling. Both general and individual questions can be answered by four-card spreads. If the practitioner wishes to use the Seeker's signifier cards, first put the signifier card on the table and then place Card 1 directly on top of it.

On top of the signifier, Card 1 goes. Card 1 indicates the present situation, or the "heart of the matter." Card 2 is the difficulty or obstacle to be met, or as a result of Card 1, it can mean what is directly ahead. Card 3 illustrates effects from the past on the new situation. The most probable potential result, or the "answer" card, is card 4.

Alternative Three-Card Tarot Spread

The First Operation will use an alternate three-card spread to not only define the subtopic that the Seeker wants to concentrate on within an investigation, but will also use the First Operation to draw the first card.

The cards accompanying the signifier are taken as a pile and put at the bottom of the pile in the hand when the signifier is found via the First Operation. Then the topmost card should be the signifier card.

The card that comes behind the signifier card directly following the signifier is drawn out as Card 1. The thesis of the answer to the Seeker's question is represented as that card. Set the signifier and Card 1 down, and face-down should be put on the remaining deck.

Fan out the cards and have the Seeker pick two more cards for you. Card 2 becomes the first card removed from the fan; Card 3 becomes the second card drawn. On the right side of Card 1, they are put such that there is now a row of cards: the signifier, and Cards 1, 2, and 3. Although the thesis was Card 1, Cards 2 and 3 are the argument, the most important success indicators, or the energies surrounding the condition of the Seeker that will most likely influence the future.

Expanding on the Three-Card Spread

The simple three-card layout is well adapted for extending into several card spreads that for the first three cards would have greater information. A seeker may ask follow-up questions on those three cards after drawing the three cards and interpreting the spread, or inquire about information. Subsequent cards are drawn and put below and above the card on which the current additional card is being created. For example, for the "past" place card, a seeker has a follow-up query about the reading given.

If the practitioner wants to answer the follow-up question, he or she will draw and put an additional card below the "past" location card and interpret it accordingly. For either of the three cards, current, former, and possible future respectively, the practice can be carried out.

Three-Card Tarot Spread

In telling the Seeker about the current situation, historical effects on the present, and the most possible potential scenario, three-card spreads are succinct. It is a brief overview of the recent past, the near future, and the present. Other definitions that can be offered to a three-card spread are also available, which will be discussed in this section.

My solution to three-card spreads is to draw the card denoting the current first. So, in each spread, my Card 1 is always the current. Card 1 is the first drawn card in the three-card spread. Card 2 is put to the left of Card 1, reflecting the present matter's prior factors. Card 3, reflecting the potential result, is put to the right of Card 1.

Notice that it is presumed that when the signifier card is not seen in a spread illustration, the practitioner first puts the signifier card down, and then Card 1 over the signifier, as follows:

Reading the three cards as one of the three actions of a play is another common method. Card 2 represents Act I of the condition of the seeker; Card 1 represents Act II; Card 3 represents Act III. Second, the general geography of the spread should be analyzed by the practitioner. In this part, how this can be achieved will be discussed later. The practitioner should advise the Seeker, "This is a story about..." and explain what the cards are about in the overall general comments.

Then the practitioner should research and notice the tale told in of distinct card to him or herself. Bridge them together the same way you would bridge a play's scenes.

In order to signify the mind, body, and soul, left to right, the three cards may also be used. The intellectual activity inside the Seeker, his or her thoughts and emotions, is expressed by Card 2. Card 1 illustrates acts and actions, or the real universe. Card 3 reflects the divine advice of the cards for the condition of the seeker.

The three-card spread can be used by starter tarot practitioners before it becomes second nature. The beginner practitioner will move on to more difficult spreads to study until the three-card spread is perfected.

Two-Card Tarot Spread

Two-card spreads answer individual questions as well. For two-card spreads, there are two proposed strategies. Next, use the Fan Technique discussed in the previous segment to shuffle. Have the Seeker pick Card 1 and position it, per the form being used, on the table as seen below. Then, pick Card 2 for the Seeker.

Think of the two-card spread system A as a simple extension. What equals Card 1 plus Card 2? The reaction to the query is that number.

Card 1 reveals the heart of the matter for the Method B two-card spread, the response to the Seeker's question. Card 2 will either suggest the challenges blocking Card 1, alert the Seeker of potential problems or situations that could blur the objectives of the Seeker, or it may display what the Seeker can expect ahead of time, a forecast of what is to come after the events of Card 1. The two cards, then, are a series of cause and effect. The indication that Card 2 carries on in a reading depends on the claimant, the purpose of the investigation, and the circumstance.

Consider the left edge as it faces you to be the bottom edge of the card and the right edge as it faces you to be the top edge, to decide whether Card 2 is upright or reverse.

In the left example, as illustrated above, Card 2 is upright and the bottom edge of the deck is the left edge as it faces you. The Seeker will soon begin a new quest, considering the recent defeats or failure shown by the Three of Blades, maybe a new endeavor that will reclaim a sense of intent in the life of the Seeker. For now, The Seeker will launch herself into her job and the results will be fruitful.

Card 2 is inverted in the proper example. In addition to the recent loses or failure, there will be more difficulties to face and failures in the current endeavor of the Seeker, in comparison to the previous reading. Continued complications may arise that tend to obstruct or discourage the Seeker from going beyond the wound of the Three of Swords. Somehow, the agony of the Three of Swords and her failure to progress in the new endeavor are intertwined, and before she can excel, the conflict needs to be overcome.

In fact, two-card readings enable you to apply simple dignities to synthesize the two cards into one coherent message to the Seeker.

One-Card Draw Tarot Spread

For yes or no inquiries, the one-card draw is suited. Many clinicians take the method of viewing a card drawn upright as a response to "yes" and a card drawn in reverse to be a "no,"1, but be careful not to focus entirely on that oversimplified approach. The meaning relies on what question was posed and how the question was expressed, as well as what card was drawn, of course. A Three of Swords drawn upright may not be as positive or positive as a reverse-drawn Four of Wands. Thus, though one governing theory is the upright-yes/reversed-no rule of thumb, it is just one of many.

It is important to take a more systematic view. The one-card distribution is also useful for recognizing the prevailing force or powers in a situation. The goal of one-card readings is to hit at the center of the matter. With a one-card reading, a particular question may be asked. The drawn card often calls attention to unique problems, energies, or events that are important and to which the seeker should pay attention, regardless of what the response is.

When reflecting on the problem at hand, the Seeker can first shuffle the deck. The deck should be handed to the professional until the seeker is satisfied. Then the practitioner fans the cards out on a table and makes the Seeker point at his or her card of choice. Then the practitioner flips the card pointed to by the Seeker over and puts it on the table.

Another solution to a Seeker's one-card reading utilizes a signifier card. An summary of selecting signifier cards is given in Chapter 10. Once the signifier card is picked, shuffle the deck while dwelling on the query of the Seeker with the signifier. Then turn the face of the deck towards you and look for the sign.

The answer to the question is expressed by the card directly behind the signifier card. In truth, the cards "behind" the signifier are the "going forward" cards or what is to come to the Seeker. Cards from the past are the cards "in front" or accompanying the signifier. Thus, with the question at hand, the card directly "behind" the signifier is the card you perceive.