Reading the cards is the method by which a story is created regarding the subject matter of the divination. With the question or concern in mind, the reader creates a story using the cards as elements. This results in a way of looking at the problem that is new and unique, a different point of view provided by the interaction of the signification of the cards and their positions in the spread.
The cards may be laid either face-up or face-down, the latter being preferred for the more complicated spreads. If the cards are laid face-up first look at the overall pattern paying attention to multiple appearances of numbers or suits to get an overall feel for the theme of the reading. With the cards face down do this after turning all the cards up.
Begin with the first position. Look at the card and consider what it means to you. Next, consider the position and how you interpret what that means. With these thoughts in mind consider what they mean together. Do this for each of the cards in sequence.
Some spreads have multiple meanings for the various positions. Several positions may be grouped together to form a greater meaning. Once all of the cards and their positions are considered begin to think of the groupings. Combine these meanings with the individual card and position meanings and the occurrences of multiple appearances of numbers and suits and any conflicting indications of oppositional suits.
At this point it will become possible to begin a narration of a story concerning the subject of the divination. The story uses the indications of the cards in the spread as plot and theme. While creating the story constantly refer back to the spread of the cards.
The story created from the reading provides a new way of looking at a problem, a step outside the self through the randomizing factor of the deck and the spread. Whether or not this has any validity to any situation is up to you.
Copyright © 1997 Bev Thornton, All Rights Reserved.