As a way of beginning a reading, many times I will use one of two very short and simple two-card spreads to set the scene. While it is absolutely not necessary, I find it can serve as a great foundation for the reading that follows. I will briefly describe the two here:
1. The Subject and Object cards. For use with any deck: playing cards, tarot, oracle cards. Randomly chosen, card A represents the Seeker and card B represents the situation, what is asked about. How the two act together will cast a light on the overall situation that will be further elaborated in the following spread. For example here, the Subject card (representing the Seeker) is King of Clubs, while the Object card (representing what is being asked about in the question) is VIII Justice (a spade card). It means the seeker is facing an important evaluation or decision. Clubs paired with spades = action influenced by a problem or a challenge. The King of Clubs is interested in work, progress or action - yet he must slow down in the face of a situation requiring good judgment. It doesn't mean that the situation ends negatively, since what this spread does is set the stage for the reading, giving it context.
Grand Jeu Lenormand (AstroMythological Lenormand) ABC Spread
The beauty of it is that it permits a clean method for determining which image will be used on each card.
Any further posts on this spread will relate exactly to how it is presented at the website I referenced.
Hedgewytch Decision Making Cross
This spread comes from the Hedgewytchery system of card reading, and I find it particularly useful when a client wants to get insight into a decision being contemplated.
The cards are shuffled, then spread as follows: 4 1 - 2 - 3 5
Positions 1-2-3 are read as a trio: Past influences, Present, Future. Card 4 indicates the way to proceed, while card 5 highlights what to avoid. The contrast of cards 4 and 5 can be particularly useful because they give the client points of reference regarding actions that will help the situation along and those that would not be in their best interests.
Here is an example from my notebook illustrating this spread:
Hedgewytch Cross spread example
A client had asked what to do about her situation at home with her husband. The cards were shuffled and dealt into the cross:
Three cards are spades, two hearts - Spades + Hearts = this is all about emotional turmoil and pain. Hearts ending the trios indicate healing, but what is the message of the spread?
Cards 1-2-3 read BBR, or a light at the end of the tunnel. Clearly this situation is difficult, and the 10s in the center makes it about as dark as it gets, with the present being the climax of the situation. At this point, the client revealed that life at home with her husband was terrifying, that he behaves like a criminal. In particular the 10 and the 3 indicate secretive actions, underhand moves and betrayal. It is clear that there are shady things going on behind closed doors. The Ah in the future position points to a new home (Aces are new beginnings) and a fresh start, so her future looks promising - it means a window out will be easy to find. Then she need only act on it once it appears.
On top in the position of What to Do is the 2s, a card of separation. This indicates that the Seeker should indeed sever ties with her husband. This is reinforced by the card in position 5, which indicates What to Avoid: 7h is a card of second chances and reconciliation. Here the message is clear - she should leave, not giving heed to any excuses or false promises. Cards 4 and 5 make the message so clear - and the best part is that this made complete sense to the Seeker anyways. It appeared to be music to her ears, because this was the last time I ever saw her. Several months later I heard from another client who knew her that she fled the state almost immediately, breaking ties with everyone around her in order to escape her abusive husband. It has now been almost three years and no one has heard from her since, but we do know that she successfully and safely escaped danger. A true happy ending!
The left column can be read as the Premise of the question / situation. It leads up to where events / things in the situation are and gives helpful motivations and background information. It's the "Until now position."
The central column answers the question. According to Kapherus, here you will find the answer about 80% of the time - and the remaining 20% the answer is found in the pivot card in position 6.
The right hand column provides extra information, while the card in position 6 has an especially important role: the pivot position. This card sums up the reading, tells you the major influence at hand, and very often will answer the question directly. Especially when a court card appears here, that indicates that this person has considerable influence over the outcome.
The Star Spread (5 cards)
The star spread is quick and concise. Each position has a specific designation and cards do not interact. Nevertheless, it is important to keep the flow from one card to the next in carrying out your interpretation.
Card No.1 provides the basis of the question. It will reveal the issue under consideration, but will not affect the outcome. Card No.2 reveals what is in the mind of the Seeker, whether or not they anticipate success, what they fear, and will often show how they are influencing the question by their thoughts. Card No. 3 reveals additional information about the situation. I often call this the "up until now" position. Card No. 4 is the answer. This position will also offer advice and guidance for how to handle the situation. Card No. 5 is an extension of card 4, as it goes beyond the answer to a final conclusion. For example, card 4 may reveal that a rental situation all comes down to an issue of the yard (5c) and card 5 confirms that the potential rental will fall through (a spade, say the 6s for example).
As an example of how positions 4 and 5 blend and relate the development of the result, here is a reading from my notebook. My Sister's house was for sale, and I was informed that a couple had decided to rent it with option to buy. Asking if this couple would eventually buy, I grabbed my Parlor Sibyl and did the following draw:
Positions: 1. a letter, 2. success, 3. soldier, 4. a little money, 5. disappointment
The Parlour Sibyl (France Cartes)
Seeing letter in position 1 it indicates that this question is about paperwork - i.e. the eventual sale of the house, and therefore a transaction. Success in position 2 can be misleading - here it indicates what is in my mind as I ask the question. Here it reveals that I honestly believe and expect this couple to buy the house. In this position it does not herald success. The importance of this position is that it highlights what is foremost on the Seeker's mind and reveals what they want or expect, even fear. Soldier in position 3 warns of conflict that will influence the situation. The answer position, 4, bears the card 'a little money' There are those who see this as a small amount of money - however, I am among the readers who use this as the poverty card. What this is saying is that a financial lack will be important in the answer to this question. At this point, I had noted in my journal that either yes they buy the house with the sale price being a disappointment for my Sister, or the renter leaves after one year, choosing not to buy. Already my expectations as revealed in position 2 have dropped. I now know that no matter what, the couple at the heart of this situation will not be making a transaction that my Sister will be pleased with. Card 5 shows how this answer plays out in the long run. Disappointment! Now we know the answer is no - they are not going to buy the house, and the issue is as revealed in position 4, a lack of funds or a question of the price being out of their range.
The result: This indeed was all correct, but only to a point. As it turns out I had been misinformed over the phone by a family member who wasn't quite up to speed on the developments. The couple had not even agreed to rent their house, due to the rent being out of their price range! In fact there was heated yelling at my Sister by an enraged and irrational potential client (soldier card in position 3), in repeated attempts to demand more and more concessions on her part, which she simply could not afford to do. In the end, it was disappointment for all parties involved (position 5) stemming from financial difficulties (position 4).
I hope this helps highlight the flow of positions 4 and 5 of this spread, while showing how positions 1,2, and 3 bear more of an isolated, positional meaning.
Do you use this spread in your work? I'd love to hear from you about your experiences.