Now that you are familiar with the flex spread, let's look at how to create and use one for a reading. Have a paper and pencil handy because you will want to draw the layout as you go.
First, choose the main subject of your reading. You may know right away what you want the subject to be, but if you're not sure, read the section about subjects in Chapter Two. Consider the subject type as well. Here are some points to keep in mind:
Choose yourself as the main subject if you're mainly interested in your own experience and various aspects of your life from your perspective.
Focus on someone else if you're concerned or curious about that person. Remember, you'll receive the information and guidance important for you to absorb, not absolute truths about the other person independent of you.
A group main subject is best if you want to understand from the perspective of some group as a whole, such as a family or work unit.
Choose an area of life if it is of special interest to you in general, not because of a particular person or situation within that area. See Part Five for a list of possible areas of life.
A time-period main subject is best if you're interested in all the people, issues, and events within a certain expanse of time.
Choose a situation for a main subject if you have a choice to make, or you're involved in a specific problem or event that concerns you at the moment.
Now, begin drawing your new flex spread by putting the main subject position in the center and labeling it. Assign number 1 to the position to show it's the first card to be placed. Figure 15 (page 305) shows the sample flex spread I describe throughout the flex spread creation process.
Let's say you decide to do a reading about your basketball team. You make “my basketball team” your main subject and note that this is a group type subject.
Now, choose the related subject positions you want to include in three areas: people/groups, areas of life, and situations. Remember you can skip any related area if you want.
First, consider all the people and groups involved with your main subject at the moment. From these, choose only the most relevant. It would be too cumbersome, even counterproductive to include everyone.
If you are not the main subject, include a self position as #2 on the left. After that, you can assign your people/groups to positions in any order you wish. Enter the positions with their order on your flex spread drawing. Be sure to note who goes where.
For our example, you might decide to include three people/groups involved in your basketball team: you (2), your coach (3), and your main rival team, the Rockets (4).
Now, add any area of life positions you're curious about in relation to the main subject. Add these positions with labels to your drawing, and number them from top to bottom.
In our example, you might decide on just one area of life—Team Health (5). You want to know more about any health issues involving the team.
Consider the situations area. You can include problems, choices, tasks, or events. Mark these positions on your layout and number them from left to right.
Create a short, descriptive label for each position. This is especially important for situations because their exact meanings are easy to forget once the reading has begun. In our example, you might include two situations: a problem labeled “Lack of Team Motivation” (6) and an event labeled “Next Game against the Rockets” (7).
Finally, choose the factors and guidance you want to include (see pages 313–328 for descriptions). It will take a while for you to become familiar with these positions. You will have to build up some experience with them over time to be able to select the most relevant ones for a reading quickly.
In general, it's best to avoid having too many factors as your spread can become unwieldy. (On the other hand, an elaborate flex reading can be fun to explore in depth.) While you're learning, you should go slowly and limit the factors to just a few. Consider including two opposing pair factors to help you learn how they interact.
Add the factor positions to your drawing with numbers. Use the factor name as the label. Place your first factor at the top, and its opposite to the right, if included. Place the next factor below the first, with its opposite to its right. Continue in this way until you've placed all the factors you've selected. The guidance position is centered below the factors, set off by extra space.
In our example, you decide to include three factors and guidance. The factors are Inactive (8) and an opposing pair—Stabilizing (9)/Disrupting (10). You're curious about what might be inactive in the team as this could shed light on the lack of motivation problem. You also want to learn what might be influencing the team toward or away from stability. You include the guidance position (11) because it's always welcome.
You now have a complete flex spread layout to use for your reading. Try to memorize your layout as much as possible. Visualize the positions, and see yourself placing cards in order. Once you begin a reading, it's important to follow the layout as designed. Don't change labels, switch positions, or leave any out. This helps keep your intention clear and focused, so there is no confusion.
Clarity is so important in the tarot. I can't emphasize this enough! Your reading will flow better if you know your layout well. This familiarity allows you to pay attention to your intuition rather than procedural details. But, don't be concerned if you do need to refer to your drawing during a reading.
At first, choosing and learning a layout takes a little time, but the process gets easier. Soon, the best layout for an occasion will occur to you naturally, perhaps even while you're preparing for a reading. Gradually, you will collect a set of favorite layouts for different occasions that you know work well for you.
Using our example, let's see how a flex spread reading about the basketball team might work. You decide to do a reading about the team because it is on a losing streak, and you sense a lack of motivation in the team and yourself. You want to see what's going on, especially as a very important game against the Rockets is coming up.
You draw the cards in Figure 15. You are immediately struck by the main subject card—the reversed Chariot. Victory is indeed at a low level, but there is hope! The potential for victory is present, if not fully developed.
The reversed Four of Cups represents you. You have indeed been feeling apathetic, but the reversal suggests that feeling is fading. It seems, though, that your coach is weary and “losing hope” (Eight of Cups). The losses have been disheartening.
The team health is not great either. The Knight of Cups suggests the players may “lack robust good health” and be “prone to mood swings.”
To make matters worse, the Rockets seem to be “working hard” and “producing steady results”—Eight of Pentacles.
The picture doesn't seem particularly hopeful. How can the seed of victory be developed? A possibility is suggested by the Hierophant which addresses the lack of motivation problem directly. There is a strong need for a solid group identity. The players need to “work as part of a team.” However, this aspect is inactive right now (Two of Cups). The energy of “working together” and “sharing” is on hold.
The team has not been very open to a direction change—reversed Seven of Pentacles—and this is disrupting. Yet, the team can “make an honest appraisal” and be “drawn in a new direction”—Judgement. This would ground the team and provide a stable foundation.
It would be wonderful if the situation could miraculously change, but the reversed Queen of Pentacles suggests that as things stand now, the game with the Rockets may only be a start toward the goal. These opponents will be able to “get around every obstacle” and “be resourceful,” even if not to a great extent (reversed).
The key to victory lies with the Page of Wands as guidance. This lack of motivation problem can be solved by seeing the moment as an opportunity to “be confident” and “enthusiastic.” To “move beyond doubts” and “focus on success.”
FACTOR PRACTICE
Pick a factor position to focus on each day so you can become familiar with them. The factor descriptions begin on page 313. As you read your factor's description, think about how its qualities express in you, other people, events, and situations. Try to recognize the presence of the factor as you go about your daily affairs. For example, for Blocking you would pay attention to anything that is frustrating or limiting. For Ending, you would watch for anything that seems to be fading or moving away.
CREATE AND USE A FLEX SPREAD
Design a flex spread layout for yourself using the guidelines in this section, and do a reading. After the reading, reflect on how well your layout worked. Consider these questions:
Did I receive the insights I was looking for?
Were there too many positions, or too few?
Was it easy to create the story from the positions I chose?
How useful were the factors I selected?
Keep your flex spread with any notes for future reference.
Serial readings offer you a way to explore a train of subjects in great depth. The premise is simple. After completing a reading, you decide if you'd like to continue the session. If so, you choose a related subject card from those in your first reading and make that card the main subject of a new reading.
A serial reading is always based on a related subject card from a prior reading. You should maintain the label and type of the card. A situation card continues to represent the same situation. A related person stays as that person. For example, a card for Jeff in an original reading could become the main subject of a new, second reading centered on Jeff.
Let's say you've done a reading to look at three areas of life—work, romance and health. You are the main subject. You draw the Tower in the work position. You wonder what this is all about. You decide to explore it by doing a serial reading focused on the Tower as your new main subject.
Here's the procedure for a serial reading:
First, make a note of the cards in your first reading so you don't forget them. Then, choose and set aside the card you want to be your new main subject. Gather up the rest of the cards and add them to the balance of the deck.
Decide what your serial spread will look like. It can take any form. It can be smaller or larger than the first. You can keep some of the old positions, or add new ones. The only requirement is that you hold over one card as your new main subject. Write down the positions, their labels and placement order for your new spread.
Place the retained card in front of you as the new main subject. You don't need to draw a main position card as you already have one. Now, continue as you would for a regular flex spread reading. You don't have to follow all the procedural steps unless you want to, but it's important to at least reshuffle and recut the deck. Lay the cards out in the new placement order.
You can continue doing serial readings as long as you have the time and inclination. You can explore a variety of related subjects from your original reading, or you can take a subject from the second reading and continue on in a third one. Either way, you create a series of readings that are interconnected through their subjects.
One particularly useful approach is doing a serial reading for extra guidance. In many readings, a certain card is especially puzzling. You know it's important, but its meaning is hazy. You can't quite make it fit with the others. In this case, you can do a serial reading for guidance. The puzzling card becomes the new main subject, and you add just one other position—guidance.
Let's say you've done a reading with your finances as the main subject. Your original layout included one related person (you) and two factors (blocking and clearing). The cards you've drawn are shown in the Original Reading in Figure 16.
Most of this reading makes sense to you. Your spending has been moderate overall (Temperance). You've been persevering in trying to improve your finances (Nine of Wands). You've been clearing your debt by juggling all your bills (Two of Pentacles). The only card you don't understand is the Ten of Pentacles. How can wealth be blocking? You decide to seek guidance about this card.
For guidance purposes, any card can be taken from the first reading. You are not restricted to related subjects. So, you set aside the Ten of Pentacles, then shuffle and cut all the rest of the cards. You place the Ten of Pentacles in the center, then lay out one new card in the guidance position to the right of the Ten. This is the Serial Reading for Guidance in Figure 16.
You draw the Seven of Cups. Now, you understand that wishful thinking about affluence is blocking you. The desire to be free of money problems is making you nervous. You can now interpret the Ten of Pentacles with more clarity.
A reading is an energetic event that reflects a certain moment in time. Ideally, that “moment” should be one unbroken experience. Try to complete all your serial readings in one sitting, if possible. Be sure to write down each reading before you move on to the next, so you can look for patterns and connections. The same cards often repeat in revealing ways.
You may be tempted to do many serial readings in a row. It's fascinating to watch the cards unfold in various guises, but you do want to commit to devoting time to every reading you do. You honor the tarot process in this way. Serial readings give you a chance to go deeper into the subjects that concern you. They let you look at all the relationships from different perspectives.
A SERIAL READING
Look for a chance to do a serial reading after doing a flex spread reading. Don't force one artificially, but do give one a try if the opportunity arises. Later, take time to study the two readings and all the cards. Look for patterns and connections. A serial reading can offer a new dimension of insight in your tarot practice.
This section contains information for all the positions in the flex spread.
Main Subject
Related Person
Related Group
Related Area of Life
Related Situation
Factors and Guidance
For each position, there are keywords, a description, a reversed meaning, some interpretation examples, and the location in the spread. To refresh, Figure 17 below shows the five areas of the Flex Spread.
Here's a sample interpretation taken from the Embracing factor description: A political party is welcoming the lone-wolf style (Seven of Swords).
The type formatting shows how the interpretation was created:
lone-wolf style [bold] = one meaning of the (Seven of Swords)—sample card
welcoming [italic] = one possible meaning for the Embracing Factor
political party [underline] = sample Main Subject
MAIN SUBJECT
Keywords: central issue • core • crux • essence • focus • heart of the matter • key • main idea • nature• spirit • substance • theme
Description: This position has two purposes. First, it symbolizes the main subject of a reading and serves as a visual reminder of that subject within a spread. Second, it shows some key feature of the main subject at the time of the reading.
This position captures the heart of the matter—a subject's central issue or theme. That theme may not be central for all time. It's just central at the moment. Sometimes a main subject card describes the subject as a whole. Other times, it refers to some feature playing an important role.
Reversed: Some central or key feature of the main subject is at a low level. It's not fully developed at the moment.
Examples: Main subject meaning in italics
Abundance (Empress) is central to you at the moment.
The essence of a family problem is self-assertion (Chariot).
A passionate charmer (Knight of Wands) is a key player in the area of romance.
The essence of my dorm wing group is a low level of friendship (reversed Three of Cups).
The spirit of the decade is having little conformity (reversed Hierophant).
Flex-spread location: Exact center
RELATED PERSON
Keywords: approach • contribution • essence • key feature • point of view • quality • spirit • substance
Description: A related person position shows a central or key feature of someone from the point of view of the main subject. This position doesn't necessarily describe how the person views himself, or how a third party might view him. It shows what the main subject feels, believes, or expects from the person.
A related person can be labeled with a name such as Mark or a phrase such as “my son” or the “Manager of the Research.” If the main subject is not you, you can include a self position to represent you as a related person.
Reversed: A person has a low level of some factor as far as the main subject is concerned. The nature of the factor is shown by the card.
Examples: (related person in italics)
You see a member of your support group as self-absorbed (Four of Cups).
Arnold considers his friend Eileen to be a wise counselor (King of Cups).
Your neighbor is a source of worry (Nine of Swords) during the week.
Leona considers your nephew to be reluctant to act (reversed Magician).
The president thinks a staff member has stopped working hard (reversed Knight of Pentacles).
Flex-spread location: below the main subject
RELATED GROUP
Keywords: approach • contribution • essence • key feature • point of view • quality • spirit • substance
Description: A related group position shows a central or key feature of some collection of people in relation to the main subject. This position doesn't necessarily describe how the group views itself, or how a third party might view the group. It shows what the main subject feels, believes, or expects from the group.
A related group can be labeled with a name such as “Sterling Construction Company” or a phrase such as “my family” or “Larry's team.”
Reversed: A group has a low level of some factor as far as the main subject is concerned. The nature of the factor is shown by the card.
Examples: (related group in italics)
You may see your office mates as a lot of fun (Two of Pentacles).
Your grandson is a leader (Three of Wands) in his scout troop.
Your department sees the company as going through movement and change (Wheel of Fortune).
You see your nephew as reluctant to act (reversed Magician).
A choice may mean the family has less prosperity (reversed Ace of Pentacles).
Flex-spread location: below the main subject
RELATED AREA OF LIFE
Keywords: approach • contribution • essence • key feature • point of view • quality • spirit • substance
Description: The related area of life position shows a central or key feature of an area of life from the point of view of the main subject. An area of life is defined as some consistent area in which different people, groups, and situations come and go over time. An area of life does not have to be one that the main subject is directly involved in, but often it is.
Reversed: An area of life has a low level of some factor as far as the main subject is concerned. The nature of the factor is shown by the card.
Examples: (area of life in italics)
You are encouraged to be creative (Page of Wands) in your career.
Your son feels his health has been reborn (Judgement) after successful surgery.
There is a need for deeper meaning (Eight of Cups) in the spiritual area at a retreat.
You feel little attraction (reversed Two of Cups) in a new relationship.
A friend is putting little thought (reversed Four of Swords) into his finances.
Flex-spread location: left of the main subject
RELATED SITUATION
Keywords: approach • contribution • essence • key feature • point of view • quality • spirit • substance
Description: A related situation shows the central or key feature of some situation of interest to the main subject. It can be a problem, choice, project, or event. A card in this position can refer to the situation as a whole or to some element within it. The situation does not have to be one the main subject is directly included in, but often it is. A related situation has a label that captures its essence, such as “my disagreement with Joe.”
Reversed: A related situation has a low level of some factor as far as the main subject is concerned. The nature of the factor is shown by the card.
Examples: (related situation in italics):
Calm diplomacy (King of Cups) is evident in the lack of money problem concerning your spouse.
To your neighbor, a book-writing project is proving lucrative (Ten of Pentacles).
Your sister's anger is proving to be a test of personal beliefs (Lovers) for you.
For the company, little competence (reversed Three of Pentacles) is evident at the trade show event.
A career choice represents less control (reversed Four of Pentacles) to your grandson.
Flex-spread location: above the main subject
• • •
Factors and Guidance Positions:
The following pages (314–328) provide keywords, a description, a reversed meaning, interpretation examples, and the location in the spread for a wide range of possible factors and guidance.
ACTIVE
Keywords: alive • animated • energized • engaged • enterprising • functioning • industrious • lively • occupied • spirited • vigorous • working
Description: One meaning of active is to be energetic and lively. Someone is active when busy going and doing. Another meaning is functioning. Something is active when it's in operation. Either of these meanings can apply to the active factor in relation to the main subject.
Sometimes a quality has been dormant, but is now activated. It is clearly evident in some fashion—alive and well.
Reversed: Some feature of the main subject is active, but at a low level.
Examples: (active factor in italics)
I am actively making decisions (Justice) in dealing with some duty.
A pessimistic mood (Knight of Pentacles) is alive and well on a project.
A betrayal (Three of Swords) is being activated on a certain day.
My partner is actively showing a little defiance (reversed Seven of Wands).
A group has settled down. It is less actively restless (reversed Knight of Wands) now.
Opposite Position: inactive
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
AVOIDING
Keywords: avoiding • denying • distancing from • dodging • evading • fearing • pushing away • refraining from • resisting • retreating from • shunning • steering clear of
Description: To avoid means to deny or push away. If we fear or dislike something, we keep our distance. We try to pretend it's not true or doesn't exist. A card in the avoiding position shows something the main subject is resisting or denying.
Avoiding can be conscious or unconscious. You may realize you're avoiding—deliber-ately dodging—or be unaware of it. Sometimes, we avoid out of disapproval. We feel negative, even antagonistic. At other times, we simply prefer not to face something that's difficult.
Reversed: The main subject is avoiding or denying the fact that something is at a low level.
Examples: (avoiding factor in italics)
I am avoiding my power (Magician).
My spouse is resisting being a martyr (Ten of Swords).
Family life is changing because someone is denying rejection (Five of Pentacles).
In a situation, people are resisting the restrictions on travel (reversed Six of Swords).
The high school baseball team is afraid to acknowledge the low level of honesty (reversed Queen of Swords).
Opposite Position: embracing
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
BEGINNING
Keywords: breaking ground • commencing • embarking on • entering • germinating • giving birth to • inaugurating • initiating • kicking off • launching • setting out • springing up • starting
Description: Beginning is the action of starting or commencing. A card in beginning shows a factor just becoming available to the main subject. A beginning quality can be brand new, or something reappearing. A beginning may be obvious or hidden. Sometimes a new seed has been planted, but the signs are not yet visible. When you're aware of beginnings, you have a chance to assist or reverse them.
Reversed: The main subject is beginning to experience a low level of something.
Examples: (beginning factor in italics)
I am beginning to feel goodwill (Six of Cups) toward someone.
A relative is starting to regret (Five of Cups) some action.
A day contains the first indication of someone's downfall (Tower).
I feel my opportunities to mother (reversed Empress) are beginning to diminish now that my child has left for college.
My book club is starting to be less fun (reversed Two of Pentacles).
Opposite Position: ending
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
BLOCKING
Keywords: discouraging • frustrating • hindering • holding back • impeding • limiting • obstructing • opposing • preventing • restraining • retarding • slowing • thwarting
Description: Blocking energy slows and impedes. It keeps everything from moving forward. A card in blocking shows some factor obstructing progress for the main subject.
Usually blocking energy seems negative. Our impulse is to remove or neutralize whatever is standing in our way, but sometimes restraint is welcome. If events are moving forward too quickly, some limits can be helpful. Before you remove the blocks in your life, be sure they are truly hindering you.
Reversed: The main subject is feeling a low level of some block, obstruction or limitation. Sometimes, the fact that something is at a low level is blocking the main subject.
Examples: (blocking factor in italics)
I am feeling blocked in my writing project by a fear (Moon) of failure.
My partner is being held back by her tendency to lash out (Knight of Wands) at work.
My desire to trust (Page of Pentacles) is preventing me from recognizing the danger in a situation.
Now that I have my degree, a low level of education (reversed Hierophant) is no longer holding me back in my career.
My poor health is thwarting a bit my desire be self-reliant (reversed Nine of Pentacles).
Opposite Position: clearing
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
CLEARING
Keywords: accelerating • aiding • assisting • expediting • fostering • freeing • furthering • getting rid of • hastening • helping • lending a hand to • opening • promoting • removing • unblocking
Description: Clearing means removing obstacles. When you clear something away, you get rid of it so you're free to move forward. A card in clearing shows a factor helping the main subject to advance. It aids and assists.
Clearing can create a new path or expedite an existing one. It can be recognized as helpful or destructive, depending on the circumstances.
Reversed: The main subject is receiving a low level of assistance. Sometimes, the fact that some factor is low may be clearing the way for the main subject.
Examples: (clearing factor in italics)
A new burst of enthusiasm (Ace of Wands) is helping me succeed in a task.
A wise and caring friend (King of Cups) is lending me a hand.
My sudden acclaim (Six of Wands) is clearing the way in my work.
I feel less hopeless (reversed Devil) today which is freeing me to get more accomplished.
Feeling less like a victim (reversed Ten of Swords) is helping me get rid of many problems in my relationship.
Opposite Position: blocking
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
CONTRIBUTING TO
Keywords: bringing about • causing • creating • generating • impacting • inciting • inducing • influencing • inspiring • leading to • precipitating • producing
Description: Contributing to identifies a factor that has helped bring about the current state of the main subject. It shows something influencing present conditions. Contributing to shows an important influence, but perhaps just one among many.
Contributing to is related to the past. We think of the past as causing the present, but that's not exactly true. It's the energies you carry from the past into the present that make the difference.
Reversed: The low level of some factor is contributing to the current state of the main subject. Contributing to implies something from the past affecting the present.
Examples: (contributing to factor in italics)
My enterprising spirit (King of Pentacles) contributed to the current abundance in my finances.
A situation has been made worse by the impact of everyone's defensiveness (Nine of Wands).
Memories of past hard times (Five of Pentacles) have caused me to be overly cautious.
Leonard was less wholehearted (reversed Queen of Wands) which caused the project to flounder.
I had little chance for solitude (reversed Hermit) which contributed to a frantic week.
Opposite Position: resulting from
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
DISRUPTING
Keywords: changing • destabilizing • disconcerting • disordering • disturbing • overturning • shaking • shifting • shuffling • unbalancing • upsetting • unsettling
Description: A disrupting force causes change. It shakes up the status quo. A card in disrupting shows some factor that is upsetting the existing order for the main subject. The disturbance could be a quality of the main subject or an outside factor having an impact. The disturbance may be strong or mild.
Sometimes a disrupting force is destructive. At other times, it brings welcome change. It may be unsettling, but it creates an opportunity for growth. Whether or not an upsetting factor is helpful depends on all the conditions of the moment.
Reversed: A low level of some factor is disrupting or shaking up the main subject.
Examples: (disrupting factor in italics)
I am feeling disrupted by the need to let go (Hanged Man).
Someone obsessive about detail (Knight of Pentacles) is shaking up routines in a company.
Some news (Eight of Wands) is upsetting the apple cart at an event.
Whispers of an open dishonor (reversed Five of Swords) are shifting alliances at a convention.
A nation is destabilized when a charismatic leader (reversed King of Wands) steps down.
Opposite Position: stabilizing
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
EMBRACING
Keywords: admiring • approving • believing in • desiring • endorsing • hoping for • honoring • liking • praising • supporting • valuing • wanting • welcoming • wishing for
Description: Embracing means to enfold within or to wrap your arms around. When we embrace something, we have warm, positive feelings toward it. We want to make it part of ourselves. A card in embracing shows some quality valued by the main subject.
The positive regard can range from simple acceptance to eager support. The quality may be possessed by the main subject or just desired. You can even embrace undesirable qualities—those you know are not worthwhile or helpful.
Reversed: The main subject is embracing or desiring a low level of some factor.
Examples: (embracing factor in italics)
I am embracing my psychic ability (Queen of Cups).
A political party is welcoming the lone-wolf style (Seven of Swords).
A choice requires endorsing the need to act (Magician).
Matthew feels his addiction (reversed Devil) has less value for him now.
The school is supporting some limits on freedom (reversed Four of Wands).
Opposite Position: avoiding
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
ENDING
Keywords: ceasing • closing • concluding • expiring • fading • finishing • leaving • moving away • passing on • stopping • terminating • winding up
Description: Our lives are filled with energies that rise and fall in strength and importance. Ending represents the falling side. Something is moving away or drawing to a close. A card in ending shows a factor that has been active, but is now fading.
An ending may be just starting or quite advanced. You can welcome a downward trend or resist it. Sometimes knowing an ending is in progress can help you decide how to deal with it.
Reversed: The main subject's experience of a low level of something is ending.
Examples: (ending factor in italics)
I am leaving my family (Ten of Cups).
A situation may involve stopping a focus on self-interest (Five of Swords).
My father may be letting go of a need to control (Four of Pentacles).
The project is heating up, so the low need for hard work (reversed Knight of Pentacles) is ending.
Today donations picked up a bit. The low level of generosity (reversed Star) appears to be ceasing.
Opposite Position: beginning
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
ENDURING
Keywords: continuing • chronic • durable • lasting • long-lived • long-term • permanent • persistent • prolonged • protracted • surviving • unfading
Description: Enduring means lasting over time. Something is enduring if it has the deep roots and strength to persist. A card in enduring shows a factor that has staying power.
Sometimes an enduring quality has existed for a long time and is going to continue. Other times a quality is new, but still will prove durable. Although nothing lasts forever, an enduring quality is tough enough to survive.
Reversed: Some factor involving the main subject has a low level of endurance. It lacks a certain staying power.
Examples: (enduring factor in italics)
I am glad to see that a relationship (Lovers) is lasting.
My illness requires hiring a good caregiver (Queen of Pentacles) to stay with me long term.
The truce (Two of Cups) between my country and another may prove to be permanent.
The low level of leadership (reversed Three of Wands) in the organization is likely to endure.
Greta has had few chances to be intimate (reversed Page of Cups) for quite a while.
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
ENVIRONMENT
Keywords: environment • atmosphere • surroundings • milieu • climate • ambience • setting • outer conditions
Description: Environment describes the atmosphere or conditions surrounding the main subject of a reading. It shows what is “outside” the subject, yet still impacting it. Often a card in this position conveys the general mood or climate.
Sometimes environment shows an event or activity going on around the main subject. It can point out some feature of the environment that's not yet obvious. This factor helps you stay aware of your surroundings.
Reversed: The environment around the main subject has a low level of some factor. There is little of something in the atmosphere.
Examples: (environment factor in italics)
There are abundant resources (Six of Pentacles) all around me.
The climate of an event is one of celebration (Four of Wands).
My daughter is in a place where the atmosphere is restful (Four of Swords).
There is little patience (reversed Strength) surrounding the team after it lost its match.
The climate of the meeting was practical; there were few emotional outbursts (reversed Knight of Cups).
Opposite Position: none
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
GUIDANCE
Keywords: advice • assistance • counsel • direction • enlightenment • help • opinion • point of view • recommendation • suggestion • wisdom
Description: The guidance position helps you understand the message of a reading in relation to the main subject. It offers insight that comes from the wise perspective of your Inner Guide.
A guidance card can show a new approach, offer a note of caution, or simply encourage. Only you can assess the guidance in each case. If you feel positive, the guidance is encouraging. If you feel negative, the guidance is a note of caution. In either case, your Inner Guide is standing by, ready to support you.
You can assume guidance comes with your best interests at heart. It doesn't tell you what to do or think. It's offered with loving wisdom as something for you to ponder. You're always free to respond in whatever way you think best, without judgment from your Inner Guide.
Reversed: The guidance card suggests your Inner Guide wants you to understand there is a low level of something involving the main subject. You are being asked to recognize that the main subject is not experiencing much of some factor.
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject, centered below any factors
INACTIVE
Keywords: downplayed • idle • inoperative • low-key • on hold • on the shelf • on the sidelines • out of service • unused
Description: A card in inactive shows something about the main subject that is idle or out of service for the moment. This factor is normally present, but on the shelf. Perhaps the idle quality could be restarted, but for now, it's not being used.
An inactive quality is often in the background. It exists, but there's not much energy in it for the moment. You can feel glad or concerned about an inactive factor depending on conditions.
Reversed: A reversed card in this position shows a low level of some factor is inactive for the main subject.
Examples: (inactive factor in italics)
I am not using my usual hyper-analytical approach (Knight of Swords).
My friend is putting her sense of responsibility (Justice) on hold by taking a vacation.
The government is deactivating some regulations (Emperor).
My supervisor is no longer downplaying her pessimism (reversed Knight of Pentacles).
The conventions (reversed Ten of Pentacles) that are not often necessary in this program are being put back in place.
Opposite Position: active
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
INSIDE
Keywords: below the surface • inconspicuous • inner • inner face • interior • internal • out of view • unapparent • hidden • within
Description: Sometimes outward appearances belie inner reality. A card in inside shows something going on below the surface of the main subject. It offers a glimpse into that interior. The inside position looks past the obvious to the deeper factor within. For a moment the veil is lifted.
For people, inside often shows thoughts, feelings, or intentions. For an area of life or situation, inside exposes the inner dynamics. Sometimes, inside and outside are the same. In this case, a card in inside will be consistent with other cards in a reading.
Reversed: There is a low level of some factor within the main subject.
Examples: (inside factor in italics)
I feel a new surge of confidence (Ace of Wands) within myself.
My children feel very excited (Four of Wands) on the inside.
There's a lot of resourcefulness (Queen of Pentacles) within the group.
My friend may be less unfeeling (reversed Knight of Swords) inside than she seems on the surface.
The low level of discipline (reversed Nine of Pentacles) in the company was hidden.
Opposite Position: outside
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
KNOWN
Keywords: acquainted with • aware of • comprehended • conscious of • familiar • informed of • out in the open • perceived • public • realized • recognized • understood
Description: To know is to be aware of. Before something can be known, it must first be revealed. A card in known can show some factor brought to light for or about the main subject. It's no longer a secret.
Knowing can also mean accepting as true. A card in known can show something that's “common knowledge” to or about the main subject. It's recognized as fact. Knowing can also imply understanding. You can be exposed to something and yet not know it. You must first comprehend its essence, perhaps at many levels, before you know it deeply.
Reversed: The main subject knows there is a low level of some factor. It is recognized and understood that something concerning the main subject is not fully developed.
Examples: (known factor in italics)
A hidden dishonor (Seven of Swords) within the group is exposed.
I know a direction change (Seven of Pentacles) is planned.
A lawyer who is recognized to be ethical (King of Swords) is being hired to handle the case.
Everyone understands that the startup company has little knowledge (reversed Six of Pentacles) of the field.
My wife is aware that she has low energy (reversed Queen of Wands) health-wise.
Opposite Position: unknown
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
NEW
Keywords: different • fresh • just out • novel • unfamiliar • unique • unusual• untested • untried • unused
Description: New is different. A card in new shows a factor that's novel or unfamiliar for the main subject. The new can appear quietly and go unnoticed. Or, it can arrive suddenly and fullblown. Without warning, all the rules are different. No matter what, a new factor creates change.
The new can also be something that is untested or untried by the main subject. You don't know whether or not this novel approach will bring desired change until you try. It may not, but often old ways need to be set aside to allow for new developments.
Reversed: A low level of some factor is new for the main subject.
Examples: (new factor in italics)
A new opportunity for prosperity (Page of Pentacles) has suddenly presented itself to me.
Arthur's untested new invention strikes me as an apparent folly (Fool).
A recent new hire offers me a creative opportunity (Page of Wands) in my career.
This first loss (reversed Five of Cups) is a new development for the team.
My boss has been less judgmental (reversed Judgement). This is new.
Opposite Position: old
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
OLD
Keywords: customary • traditional • usual • classic • time-honored • behind the times • dated • obsolete • old-fashioned • old hat • out of date • passé • stale • timeworn • tired
Description: The old is something that's been around for a long time. A card in old can show a factor that's endured and persisted. The old can be time-honored—valued because of its age and worth.
Sometimes the old is something that's outlived its usefulness. It's stale and tired. You can honor and appreciate what's old, but other times, you need to make room for the new.
Reversed: The main subject experiences a low level of something as old, traditional, or perhaps passé.
Examples: (old factor in italics)
I think of myself as a martyr (Ten of Swords); it's an old habit of mine.
My old, forever friend is always reliable and steadfast (King of Pentacles).
The apathy (Four of Cups) in the group is getting old.
It's traditional for the participants at this event to be less than forthright (reversed Queen of Swords).
The boss is tired of the fact that his wishes are rarely met (reversed Nine of Pentacles).
Opposite Position: new
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
OUTSIDE
Keywords: apparent • conspicuous • displayed • exterior • external • obvious • on view • ostensible • outer • outward face • presented • shown • surface • without
Description: A card in outside shows some quality that is the outer face of the main subject—its external appearance. This includes the physical, but goes beyond it as well. The factor may represent what is conspicuous or clearly presented by the main subject. Outside can also indicate how the main subject is coming across to others.
Sometimes outside shows a style of interacting with the outer world. Other times, outside describes what seems to be true on the surface, even though it doesn't match what's inside. Compare a card in outside with other cards to see if they're consistent. If not, then appearances may not be the whole story.
Reversed: The main subject is outwardly displaying a low level of some factor. From the outside, the main subject appears not to have much of some quality.
Examples: (outside factor in italics)
I am the picture of confident authority (King of Swords) on the outside.
An incident appears to be a call for justice (Ace of Swords) on the surface.
My minister has been outwardly searching (Hermit) for a deeper faith.
A stern judge appears to have little compassion (reversed Strength) during a court case.
To everyone else, I seem to rarely disagree (reversed Five of Wands) in my marriage.
Opposite Position: Inside
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
RESULTING FROM
Keywords: arising out of • coming to pass • deriving from • ensuing • following • happening after • springing out of • stemming from
Description: Resulting from shows some factor that may come to pass due to the circumstances in or around the main subject in the present. A card in this position indicates one probable outcome—what may transpire if the present conditions for the main subject remain unchanged.
An outcome position is one of the most popular in the tarot. People always want to know what will happen in the future, but the future is never a certainty. The resulting from position only suggests a possibility that may materialize. You can view this as a pleasing development or a warning depending on circumstances.
Reversed: A low level of some factor could result due to current conditions for the main subject. A result may be a lessening of some quality.
Examples: (resulting from factor in italics)
Discord and disagreement (Five of Swords) may result from an incident in the situation.
An opportunity for love (Page of Cups) may come to pass based on what is happening with me now.
The public figure may eventually receive absolution (Judgement) because of his apology.
A loss of community (reversed Three of Cups) may follow my choice to move.
A shortage of money (reversed Ten of Pentacles) may ensue because of current conditions in the marketplace.
Opposite Position: contributing to
Flex-spread usage: right of main subject
STABILIZING
Keywords: balancing • calming • establishing • firming • fixing in place • grounding • ordering • securing • settling • smoothing • solidifying • steadying
Description: A stabilizing force steadies and calms. It discourages swings from one extreme to the other. Conditions become secure and predictable. A card in stabilizing shows a factor that's balancing for the main subject.
When change is needed, a stabilizing force can mean stagnation. It can fix an unwelcome situation in place or reinforce a dull routine. A stabilizing energy can be welcome or not depending on circumstances.
Reversed: A low level of some factor is stabilizing for the main subject.
Examples: (stabilizing factor in italics)
Being in nature (Empress) makes me feel grounded.
My son feels more secure since he moved on (Eight of Cups) from a bad relationship.
Avoiding (Two of Swords) a difficult decision makes me feel calm even though I'll have to face it eventually.
The family is feeling stable since all the sudden changes have diminished (reversed Tower).
The office has settled down since the overbearing manager (reversed Knight of Swords) was dismissed.
Opposite Position: disrupting
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
STRONG
Keywords: abundant • big • dominant • extensive • extra • influential • large • major • powerful • vital
Description: There are two dimensions to strong—size and power. A card in strong shows a factor that's abundant or powerful for the main subject. A strong quality can also be dominant. It has extra power and scope for the moment.
A strong quality is not necessarily mighty in and of itself. It may simply be strongly present. Often we believe what's strong is preferable, but that's not always true. A strong quality can be welcomed or not, but it's not easily dismissed.
Reversed: A low level of something is strongly true for the main subject. Sometimes a low level of something strengthens the main subject.
Examples: (strong factor in italics)
I am experiencing a strong need for sensual pleasure (Nine of Cups).
A stalemate (Two of Swords) is the dominant feature of the problem.
A resourceful person (Queen of Pentacles) is especially vital in this crisis.
There is quite a low level of competence (reversed Three of Pentacles) in the engineering department.
Marcia feels strengthened by the low level of hard control (reversed Chariot).
Opposite Position: weak
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
TEMPORARY
Keywords: brief • ephemeral • flash-in-the-pan • fleeting • impermanent • interim • momentary • passing • provisional • short-lived • transient • transitory
Description: Temporary means short-term or provisional. A card in temporary shows a factor that's not expected to last for the main subject. Sometimes, a stopgap measure is in place, but only until a permanent solution can be found.
Sometimes you can hope something will last, but find out it's only temporary. You know conditions are going to change. Sometimes you're glad a situation is short-term; other times you wish it would endure.
Reversed: There is temporarily a low level of some factor for the main subject. A certain quality is less, but only for a time.
Examples: (temporary factor in italics)
I am having to be more self-reliant (Nine of Pentacles) because my assistant is gone temporarily.
The members of the cast are conforming to the rules (Hierophant), but that won't last.
Today I may have a fleeting opportunity for intimacy (Ace of Cups) with my partner.
The candidate briefly lost his cockiness (reversed Knight of Wands) after his humbling defeat.
The task was not much fun (reversed Two of Pentacles) for the short time I was doing it by myself.
Opposite Position: enduring
Flex-spread location: right of main subject
UNKNOWN
Keywords: blind to • hidden • in the dark • mysterious • secret • unacquainted with • unaware of • unconscious of • unfamiliar • unrealized • unrecognized • unsuspected
Description: The unknown is secret and mysterious. It lies hidden or unexposed. The unknown can be something of which the main subject is not yet aware. The main subject can also be in the dark or blind to some feature of himself or the situation.
An unknown quality can also be something rarely, if ever, experienced. It's so unfamiliar as to be unknown. Sometimes the unknown is simply strange and baffling.
Reversed: The main subject is unaware of the fact that there is a low level of something.
Examples: (unknown factor in italics)
I don't suspect how lonely (Three Swords) I really am.
My spouse is blind to the fact that I am innocent (Six of Cups).
The protest group is completely unfamiliar with what victory (Chariot) feels like.
Paul has no idea that he is not much of a charmer (reversed Knight of Wands).
I am unaware that there is very little planning (reversed Three of Pentacles) for the big event.
Opposite Position: known
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
WEAK
Keywords: debilitating • incapacitating • ineffectual • in short supply • limited • low • meager • minor • powerless • reduced • scant • small • subordinate
Description: Weakness has a negative connotation. We tend to admire strength, but a card in the weak position doesn't necessarily show something inferior. It simply points out a factor that's reduced for the main subject. It's less available.
Sometimes, weak shows something with little power or endurance. It is in a reduced state. Something can also be weakening or incapacitating the main subject. Weakness can be valued or not depending on circumstances.
Reversed: A low level of something is weakly true for the main subject. The fact that some factor is low debilitates the main subject in some way.
Examples: (weak factor in italics)
I tend to be reserved; I am weak in the area of boldness (Two of Wands).
A choice offers scant opportunities for me to use my mind (Page of Swords).
My partner has few illusions (Moon) about the success of the mission.
My health is deteriorating because I have so little time to rest (reversed Four of Swords).
Lisa feels less healthy (reversed Temperance), but the ailment is not serious.
Opposite Position: strong
Flex-spread location: right of the main subject
