Zombie Apocalypse Spread
On This Day
Films before Romero’s sourced zombies from Voodoo mythology, depicting zombies as innocent creatures revived and controlled by a powerful master. Forced to do his bidding or be his work force, zombies were cheap labor for wealthy tycoons.
On this day in 1968 George Romero’s black-and-white zombie film Night of the Living Dead premiered. It became a cult classic and a landmark zombie experience. Existential dread fills zombie movies settings where nothing—not family, love, or law—will save victims from random acts of zombie annihilation. Romero’s zombies were the first depiction of a flesh-eating zombie that follows its own instinct for human meat.
Summation of Spread
The Judgement Card shows the dead rising out of their coffins to the trumpet song of the angel. Traditionally, Judgement represents an awakening of the soul. Could it be a transformation into a mindless flesh eater?
Are you prepared for a zombie apocalypse? Are your survival skills up to snuff? The Zombie Apocalypse Spread reveals all.
Cast Your Cards
Cast your cards quickly, before something eats your brain:
1. Running from zombies is hard work. Am I in good cardio health?
2. What is my preferred weapon of choice?
3. Who is my zombie-killing partner?
4. Do I have enough survival experience to endure?
5. Where is the best place to hole up and defend myself?
6. What supply can I not live without?
7. My mother was bit and infected—what do I do?
8. Will I make it through alive?
9. Should I repopulate the earth?
A. E. Waite’s Boaz & Jachin Spread
On This Day
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck was the first deck to be produced commercially in Britain. To this date it remains the world’s best-selling tarot deck, setting the standard for the myriad decks to come.
Arthur Edward Waite, mystic, occultist, and writer, was born today in 1857. Waite, in collaboration with Pamela Colman Smith, is responsible for the most widespread deck of tarot cards ever created, the Rider-Waite tarot, sometimes called the Waite-Smith or Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck.
Summation of Spread
The Kabbalistic Tree of Life rests on three pillars. The High Priestess figure can be understood as the middle pillar. The middle pillar represents the integration of the left and the right. The Hierophant and Justice figures also sit between two Kabalistic pillars, thus connecting tarot to the pillars of the Tree of Life.
Waite and illustrator Pamela Colman Smith placed the symbols of Boaz and Jachin on the High Priestess card. The letters B and J stand for Boaz and Jachin, legendary pillars in King Solomon’s temple. These letters have always been used to illustrate the magical concept of polarity.
Cast Your Cards
Cast in a set of pillars:
Jachin
1. Fire: Where is my passion?
2. Air: How do I think?
3. Sun: What do I do?
Boaz
4. Water: Where is my heart?
5. Earth: How do I grow?
6. Moon: What do I see?
Paul Foster Case’s Mystery School Spread
On This Day
Greek and Roman Mysteries were recognized public institutions in the ancient world. The two most important Western mystery schools were Dionysian, the worship of food and wine, and Eleusinian, celebrating Demeter and her daughter Persephone.
Paul Foster Case, occultist and author, was born on this day in 1884. Case created a modern mystery school, Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.), which is still in existence to this day, offering mail-order tarot correspondence courses.
Summation of Spread
All ancient mysteries were presided over by a hierophant, an ancient Greek priest, thus connecting it to this tarot card. The Hierophant is the interpreter of sacred mysteries and arcane principles as well as the expounder of rites of worship and sacrifice.
Are you ready for transformation? Mystery schools exist to provide knowledge of the nonmaterial realms. Knowledge is gained through grades, initiations, and rituals. Their symbolic structure codifies principles as well as communicates them. The lessons must be experienced in order to be understood. Mystery schools bring initiates into hidden worlds that, like dreams, can only be experienced.
Cast Your Cards
The Mystery School Spread’s cards are cast in a circle, symbol of wholeness, unity, and infinity:
1. How can I transform my consciousness?
2. What specific action can I take to awaken energy in my body?
3. What dormant ability lies within me?
4. What experience do I need to have?
5. What knowledge waits for me?
6. How does my experience of life change as a result?
Gravitation Spread
On This Day
Jupiter has the heaviest gravitational pull of all the planets. A 150-pound person would weigh more than 354 pounds walking across Jupiter, while if that same person skipped across Pluto, they would weigh no more than 10 pounds.
The first Earth satellite was launched into space on this day by the Soviet Union in 1957. It circled Earth every 95 minutes at almost 2,000 miles per hour, eventually falling to back to Earth three months later.
Summation of Spread
The World card represents rotation, gravitation, and manifestation. It reminds us to pay attention to what captivates us in order to live in freedom.
What are you drawn to? Like a satellite, you are held by the gravitational pull of certain themes repeating in your life. These themes may not be apparent early in life. Growing older, it is possible to retroactively connect the dots to see the themes emerge.
Cast Your Cards
Pay special attention to the prominent suit appearing in this spread. Cast in a circle around the first three cards, which denote your major gravitational themes.
1. First gravitational theme.
2. Second gravitational theme.
3. Third gravitational theme.
4. What places do I return to again and again?
5. What sort of friends am I attracted to?
6. What sort of romance am I attracted to?
7. What patterns make me feel comfortable?
8. Do I need to recalibrate my gravitational pull?
9. Is my gravitation leading me to authenticity?
10. What does it all add up to?
Twilight’s Love Triangle Spread
On This Day
Meyer began writing the first draft of Twilight upon waking from a dream of a beautiful girl and a sparkling boy lying in a meadow of flowers.
Twilight, the vampire novel by Stephenie Meyer, was released on this day in 2005. The story of teenage vampire love and lust ignited a generation and introduced the world to character Bella Swan. Readers divided over deciding who was the better romantic choice for Bella, vampire Edward or werewolf Jacob, and an exciting love triangle was born.
Summation of Spread
The Three of Swords represents the pain of betrayal, as in a love triangle where trust is destroyed. The Three of Pentacles depicts a working love triangle properly managed by all parties. The Three of Cups represents a love triangle with satisfied parties. The Three of Wands suggests volatile passions with no resolution in sight.
Are you tangled in a love triangle between yourself and two possible romantic choices? This spread is designed to help you make good decisions. Pulling cards, you’ll reflect on the situation and uncover true feelings, followed by solid suggestions on how to proceed.
Cast Your Cards
1. Card representing myself.
2. Card representing first person.
3. Card representing second person.
4. How the first person feels about me.
5. How I feel about the first person.
6. How the second person feels about me.
7. How I feel about the second person.
8. Outcome if I choose the first person.
9. Outcome if I choose the second person.
10. Outcome if I choose neither.
11. What should I do?
Persephone’s Spread
On This Day
As goddess of the underworld, Persephone speaks with ghosts and enjoys powers of necromancy. Her return to the upperworld signifies the beginning of spring.
Sundown on this day marked the Greek festival of Stenia, celebrated in honor of Demeter and Persephone. Persephone was abducted by Hades and brought to the underworld. Her mother, Demeter, refused to allow anything to grow, causing winter. Persephone was eventually released from the underworld, but not before Hades had deceived her into eating four pomegranate seeds (in some versions she willingly ate them), which ensured her return to the underworld for four months of the year.
Summation of Spread
The Six of Wands depicts a celebratory parade evocative of Demeter’s joy when Persephone returns as well as the general joy associated with those who’ve endured a long, cold winter and celebrate spring’s return.
Persephone’s myth informs the questions of this spread, reflecting on the duality of her life between the upper and lower worlds.
Cast Your Cards
Cast your cards to pave a journey to the underworld and back:
1. How does my relationship with my mother inform who I am?
2. What is my greatest temptation?
3. What great lie do I believe as truth?
4. What holds me captive?
5. What sets me free?
6. How do I regenerate lost pieces of my soul?
7. How do I cultivate wisdom?
8. What do I have the power to create?
9. What am I willing to destroy?
10. How do I best maintain the balance of duality in my life?
Jungian Spread
On This Day
Some scholars believe The Red Book outlines Jung’s descent into madness. Some argue he suffered a psychotic break; others argue the opposite, saying he willingly and consciously chose to embrace his unconscious.
Carl Gustav Jung’s controversial Red Book was published today in 2009. The Red Book reflects a sixteen-year journey into Jung’s unconscious mind. Begun in 1913, written and illustrated with psychedelic drawings, this remarkable and personal voyage of Jung’s discovery finally became available for the public.
Summation of Spread
What creates the psychology of you? Jung advanced the concept of archetypes and universal ideas. He claimed each person carries five main archetypes within their unconscious. The Jungian Spread explores these concepts.
Jung’s concept of the archetype is critical in the modern study of tarot. Understanding the major arcana as cross-cultural archetypes, it is possible to place any system of belief, dogma, or thought on top of the cards. It is a way to simultaneously understand the cards and other cultures and belief systems.
Cast Your Cards
1. Self: Who am I?
2. Shadow: What is in my dark side, the opposite of ego?
3. Anima: How do I experience the feminine?
4. Animus: How do I experience the masculine?
5. Persona: What do I present to the world?
Cheiro’s Lines of the Palm Spread
On This Day
Cheiro read palms and told fortunes for many famous personalities including Mark Twain, Sarah Bernhardt, Oscar Wilde, Thomas Edison, Grover Cleveland, and the Prince of Wales.
Cheiro, the most famous palmist in the world, died today in 1936. Cheiro, an Irishman, devoted almost forty years to the study and practice of palmistry. Traveling through the Far East, Europe, and the United States, he perfected his knowledge of the subject.
Summation of Spread
The Ace of Pentacles relates to the art of palm reading. A pentacle rests on the palm of a hand that emerges from a mysterious cloud. Secrets and knowledge often lie in the palm of our hand. Through physical touch and examination, truths are revealed.
Ready for an all-over analysis of your life? Palm reading begins with a basic examination of lines found on the palm. Size, shape, and texture are then taken into consideration. The questions of this spread come from the meanings of the lines on your palms.
Cast Your Cards
Did you know you hold the world in the palm of your hand?
1. Life Line: What is the theme of my life?
2. Head Line: Where is my mind?
3. Heart Line: What is the state of my heart?
4. Line of Mars: What is likely to happen in the near future?
5. Hepatic Line: What is my health?
6. Apollo Line: How famous and successful will I become?
7. Girdle of Venus: What is the state of my romantic relationship?
Supernova Spread
On This Day
Supernovas aid in the formation of new stars because the shockwaves contain essential clouds of gas and heavy elements that only result from a supernova.
The last supernova—a vast star explosion—to be seen by the naked eye was spotted on this day in northern Italy in 1604.
Summation of Spread
What in your life needs to go? An entire star is destroyed during a supernova. The questions of this spread embrace the fiery destruction of something in your life in order to facilitate new growth.
The Death card echoes the lessons of galactic supernovas. The cycle of life observed on Earth repeats itself in the far reaches of outer space. The death of a star makes all life possible. Our life is made possible through the death of living things, and thus the cycle repeats through the known universe.
Cast Your Cards
The Supernova Spread cards are cast in a circle emanating outward from what should be destroyed.
1. What needs to end?
2. Why was it here?
3. Why must it go?
4. How do I destroy this?
5. What is a specific step to be sure I am rid of this?
6. What aids my conviction?
7. What is the final result?
Depression Spread
On This Day
Ed Wood made sexploitation and cross-genre films, but he also wrote more than eighty pulp crime, horror, and sex novels.
Ed Wood was born on this day in 1924. Best known for Plan 9 from Outer Space, he was the master of campy, low-budget horror movies. While battling depression, he remained incredibly prolific and obsessed with the occult till the end of his life.
Summation of Spread
The Five of Cups can represent depression. The figure’s black cloak suggests sadness, distrust, and gloomy thoughts. The overturned cups are the perception of what is lost. The background bridge is a symbol of hope, passage, and the distinct possibility of moving forward.
Does life feel hopeless? The Depression Spread takes a look at issues when feeling blue or down in the dumps. If you are ever unable to salvage yourself from depression, set the cards aside and seek professional help immediately.
Cast Your Cards
Know you are worth the time it takes to figure this out, give yourself a hug, and cast your cards:
1. How am I feeling?
2. Why am I feeling this way?
3. How can I spend more time with positive people?
4. What is one of my greatest accomplishments?
5. What am I grateful for?
6. How can I break out of my routine?
7. How can I get closer to nature?
8. What exercise do I enjoy?
9. What one single, small action I can take to feel better?
Make a Difference Spread
On This Day
Eleanor Roosevelt advocated for women’s rights long before the women’s rights movement began. Remaining active in politics long after her husband’s death, she was the first chair on the UN’s Commission on Human Rights.
Eleanor Roosevelt was born on this day in 1884. She was the first presidential spouse to hold press conferences, write a syndicated column, and speak at a national convention. Her outspokenness on racial issues and women’s rights made her a controversial First Lady.
Summation of Spread
The Queen of Wands is not afraid or intimidated in standing up for her ideals and ideas of what is right. Sensing a challenge, she’ll rise to the occasion. Tireless and passionate, she provokes great change in philanthropic and social arenas.
You have more of an effect on the world than you may realize. Roosevelt’s human rights work, pedigree, and accomplishments may seem intimidating to live up to, but you can make a difference in your own backyard. Touching one life, you change a world.
Cast Your Cards
1. How do I want to make a difference?
2. How can I make the world a better place?
3. What talent or quality do I possess to help others?
4. How much time can I dedicate to a cause?
5. What is a realistic goal?
6. Where should I begin?
7. What change occurs as a result?
8. What action can I take today to make the world better?
Aleister Crowley’s Reincarnation Spread
On This Day
Crowley envisioned a female equivalent in his magical work, a high priestess partnership. Referring to her as a Scarlet Woman, he believed the concept of sacred prostitution had been warped and sought to restore it.
Aleister Crowley, the world’s most famous ceremonial magician and influential occultist, was born on this day in 1875.
Summation of Spread
History refers to Crowley as the “wickedest man in the world.” The Devil operates with no limits and no restraints. Crowley craved a world free from the obsession of fear and sin. Delighting in shocking the public, he remains to this day an infamous, fiendishly devilish historical figure.
Crowley believed himself to be the reincarnation of mystic Eliphas Levi because he was born the same day Levi died. This spread digs into your past lives to discover who you were and what you did. Repeat for as many lives as you like.
Cast Your Cards
1. Who was I in a past life?
2. Where did I live?
3. Was I happy?
4. Who was my soulmate?
5. Is it the same soulmate from this life?
6. Did I have children?
7. What did I do for a living?
8. How did I die?
9. What was my life’s lesson?
10. What do I need to learn in this life?
Qualities of Mars Spread
On This Day
The Egyptians called Mars Har decher, “the red one”; Babylonians called it Nergal, “star of death”; Hebrews called it Ma’adim, “one who blushes”; and the Greeks called it Ares after the god of war.
Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens describes and draws the bog on Mars called Sytris Major on this day in 1659. The Roman god Mars is known for sex, war, courage, passion, and strength.
Summation of Spread
This spread contains questions based on astrological associations of the planet Mars. Using these associations, questions are posed to offer greater clarity in your life.
Both the Tower card and Mars are symbols of masculinity, sexuality, energy, fire, passion, and destruction. The Tower card often depicts upheaval and dramatic change. Renewal and purification come in the wake of the Tower’s rumbling destruction.
Cast Your Cards
Cast in the shape of an upward arrow as seen in the Mars symbol:
1. Sex: What is the state of my sex life?
2. War: Am I fighting against myself?
3. Courage: What causes me to be brave?
4. Combustion: What makes me feel like exploding?
5. Progression: Where do I need to forge progress?
6. Energy: How do I best maintain my energetic resources?
7. Assertiveness: What helps me to be assertive?
8. Daring: What should I take a chance on?
Mary Greer’s Breaking Barriers Spread
On This Day
The sound a bullwhip
makes when it cracks is actually a sonic boom. It was the first human invention to break the sound barrier.
Mary Greer—tarot pioneer, author, and teacher—was born this day in 1947. She has kindly offered a spread for inclusion on this day, when Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier on October 14, 1947 (the day and year Mary was born). Launch occurred at 10:26 am in Southern California and lasted five minutes. It marked a major milestone in the history of aeronautics, for—as PBS’s Nova phrased it—“the sound barrier was no longer a barrier after all.”
Summation of Spread
Breaking the sound barrier was a major breakthrough that set the stage for space travel: a vehicle moving through the stars. The Chariot and the Star represent human ingenuity, science, and both the vision and will to move forward despite the odds. They represent meeting challenges and achieving our highest goals.
This spread helps you break your own barrier. The energy you yourself create tends to get ahead of you, blocking your ability to move through to the next level of experience.
Cast Your Cards
1. What is your particular barrier?
2. What do you hope to discover or achieve by breaking through it?
3. How does this barrier get in your way?
4. What pressure or loss of control must you withstand?
5. What improvements will help you break through?
6. What’s the worst that can happen?
7. What do you actually find on the other side?
8. How can this breakthrough help you in the future?
Time Management Spread
On This Day
Planning and goal setting are the most productive way to improve and use time effectively.
The Gregorian calendar, the universal calendar system used today, was introduced and went into effect in Roman Catholic countries on this day in 1582. The pope implemented the Gregorian calendar due to the church’s desire to keep Easter near the spring equinox.
Summation of Spread
The Wheel of Fortune, like gray hairs or wrinkles on cheeks, is a reminder that time is a precious commodity that stops for no one. The Wheel of Fortune reminds us to use the gift of time as best we can.
Do you have enough time or does it seem to slip through your fingers? While Pope Gregory XIII was able to reconstruct time itself, it can be hard enough to schedule daily responsibilities, let alone make time for things that really count. The Time Management Spread examines time issues.
Cast Your Cards
1. How can I work less and achieve more?
2. What do I want to spend my time doing?
3. What will I regret not doing?
4. What is my biggest time suck?
5. How can I change my behavior?
6. Should I create a new routine?
7. What will help me do so?
8. What help is available that I am overlooking?
9. What enjoyable activity makes me forget about time?
Picture of Dorian Gray Spread
On This Day
Wilde was renowned for having a razor-sharp wit. Purportedly his last words were, “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has got to go.”
Oscar Wilde, Irish literary legend, was born on this day in 1854.
Summation of Spread
The Picture of Dorian Gray, the only published novel by Wilde, is the story of a fashionable young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The story’s themes inform this spread’s questions. It asks you to consider your thoughts and opinions on art, beauty, and influence.
The Star card springs forth wells of eternal youth, represented in the flowing waters indicative of water-bearer Aquarius. The Star reminds you to stay open to inspiration and art so you are young at heart no matter your physical age.
Cast Your Cards
Cast your cards in the shape of a magic mirror:
1. What is the purpose of art?
2. Why is beauty important?
3. Why is modern culture superficial?
4. Who is influencing me at the moment?
5. Do I flee reality with drugs or alcohol?
6. What tortures my consciousness?
7. What helps me maintain a sense of humor?
Chartres’s Sacred Labyrinth/
Higher Self Spread
On This Day
The circumference of Chartres’s labyrinth is 131 feet, almost the exact same size as the west rose window in the cathedral. It is also the same distance from the entrance as the west rose is from the floor. If the west wall fell, the rose would lie precisely upon the labyrinth.
France’s world-famous Chartres Cathedral was consecrated on this day in 1260 in the presence of King Saint-Louis. Its stone floor still bears an ancient labyrinth used for walking meditations and contemplations.
Summation of Spread
The Eight of Cups is the beginning of a sacred or spiritual journey. The figure abandons all things behind him and makes his way up the mountain in search of enlightenment.
Have you met your higher self? A labyrinth both creates and protects its center, allowing entry only upon certain terms. Entry is thus initiation; it is a step on the path of knowledge. This spread is inspired by elements that make up sacred labyrinths.
Cast Your Cards
Cast your cards in the shape of a winding maze:
1. Goal: What is my goal?
2. Gateway: How do I begin my journey?
3. Boundary Wall: What must I pass?
4. Branches: How should I extend myself?
5. Dead End: What gets me nowhere?
6. Fork: What decision must I make?
7. Room: What surprises meet me?
8. Outcome: What happens as a result of my journey?
Future Lover Spread
On This Day
St. Luke is the patron saint of artists, students, physicians, surgeons, and butchers.
Today is St. Luke’s Day in Great Britain. Traditionally, girls gain insight into future marriage prospects today. The ritual is simple and good for the skin. Before jumping into bed, girls place a mixture of spices, honey, and vinegar onto their face, then recite the following rhyme:
St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me,
In dreams let me my true love see.
Summation of Spread
The Lovers card connects to all love spreads. One of the card’s main themes is choice. What choices are you making in your love life? Are you choosing the best relationship for yourself? Are your choices based on your wants, needs, and desires or those of another?
Who is your future love? This spread draws upon the energy of St. Luke’s Day. Peek into your sensual future and discover what delicious treat of a love interest is heading your way—or who is already here.
Cast Your Cards
Get ready for the roller coaster ride and cast your cards.
1. Who is my future lover?
2. Are they already in my life?
3. How will I know when I have met them?
4. How do I draw them closer to me?
5. Will we be good for each other?
6. Will they open new worlds for me?
7. Will we be together for a long time?
Knight’s Spread
On This Day
In early kingdoms, a page would become squire to a knight and would then train under them.
Today marks the ancient Roman festival of Armilstrium, in honor of Mars, god of war. Soldiers were celebrated and their weapons ritually purified while processions moved through the streets.
Summation of Spread
Knights in readings suggest immediate action, energy, or people. They often carry messages, the subject of which is usually found in an accompanying card. Knights add a sense of urgency; when one appears, get ready for action.
Knights are the soldiers of tarot, each representing a particular type of searching, seeking, and adventuring. Each moves at the pace matching their suit. This spread makes use of their exploratory qualities by sending them out on missions for you.
Cast Your Cards
This spread is not based on a question; rather, each pair of cards plays upon a quality of the knight’s suit. Remove all knights from your deck and place them in the center of your spread. Cast your randomly drawn cards face-down. Read a suggested question aloud, then flip the corresponding card for your answer.
1. Following my passion, what is in front of me?
2. What surprise awaits?
3. Following my heart, what is in front of me?
4. What surprise awaits?
5. Following my senses, what is in front of me?
6. What surprise awaits?
7. Following my curiosity, what is in front of me?
8. What surprise awaits?
Devil Card Spread
On This Day
The Visconti-Sforza deck, the oldest tarot deck in existence, lacks a Devil card. No one knows if he was omitted, has been lost, or was simply never thought of. The major arcana of the Visconti-Sforza cards is unnumbered; therefore, the mystery may never be solved.
Bela Lugosi, who immortalized the role of Dracula in the film of the same name, was born on this day in 1882.
Summation of Spread
The Devil represents power and control issues within oneself and in relation to the people and situations surrounding you. While the Devil can be a rip-roaring good time, it must be tempered with a dose of sanity or you may risk being carried away.
Dracula is but one manifestation of the Devil figure in literature and popular culture. This spread is based on images found on the Devil card.
Cast Your Cards
Use this spread to answer any question. Format your question before casting the spread or simply let the cards answer the questions posed. Pull the Devil card from your deck. Place it in the center of the spread and cast your cards around it.
1. Inverted Pentagram: How am I different?
2. Hand Gesture: Where have I been misled?
3. Lovers: Whom do I dominate?
4. Nudity: Where am I most vulnerable?
5. Chains: What binds me?
6. Torch: What passion burns at my soul?
7. Bat Wings: What has gone awry?
8. Horns: Where do my animalistic instincts lead me?
Temperance Card Spread
On This Day
Temperance is one of the seven cardinal virtues. The angel depicted on the Temperance card is archangel Michael.
Today in 1925, the US Treasury Department announced it had fined 29,620 people for alcohol violations during Prohibition.
Summation of Spread
The Temperance card is about conscious flow. It is the effort required while sustaining, mixing, matching, and maintaining equilibrium in life. While the World denotes an effortless flow, Temperance is aware of her energy and situation. The master mixologist, Temperance is actively manipulating her magic to set herself on her true path.
Prohibition, spurned by the Temperance Movement, connects to the Temperance card. This spread is based on symbols found on the Temperance card.
Cast Your Cards
Use this spread to answer any question. Format your question before casting the spread or simply let the cards answer the questions posed. Pull the Temperance card from your deck. Place it in the center of the spread and cast your cards around it.
1. Wings: What is my true potential?
2. Lilies: What is my passion?
3. Crown: What do I know?
4. Path: What direction must I go in?
5. Mountain: What is my challenge?
6. Mixing Fluid: How do I go with the flow?
7. Foot In Water: Am I connected to my unconscious?
8. Foot On Land: How do I ground myself?
9. Glowing Crown: What is attainable?
Jean-Paul Sartre’s
Existential Questions Spread
On This Day
During World War II, Sartre worked as a meteorologist for the French army. He was captured by German troops and spent nine months as a prisoner of war.
French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and activist Jean-Paul Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on this day in 1964. He declined this honor, becoming the first person in history to do so. Sartre is a brilliant mind in a long line of European existentialists.
Summation of Spread
The Hanged Man is the philosopher’s card due to his willingness to turn upside down, transcend consciousness, and examine life from a different point of view. He makes for an ideal contemplation of who we are and what it means to be human.
Who are you? The word existential combines the words essence, essential, and exist. The word itself questions the essence of existence, which is done when performing this spread.
Cast Your Cards
Ponder the questions philosophers have asked for eons and cast this spread in the shape of an X:
1. What is the meaning of existence?
2. What is my true identity?
3. What is death?
4. Is there a Godhead/greater power?
5. How can I know what is right or wrong?
6. What is consciousness?
7. What is happiness?
8. What does it mean to be authentic?
Qualities of Scorpio Spread
On This Day
Pluto and Mars are Scorpio’s ruling planets, the primary color is red, the lucky day is Tuesday, and the best locations for success are near the water. Scorpio rules the eighth house of the zodiac, governing sex, death, joint resources, and other people’s money.
Today marks the first day of the sign of Scorpio, the scorpion.
Summation of Spread
This spread is based on essential qualities of Scorpio: powerful, emotional, determined, magnetic, sensual, and loyal.
Scorpio is connected to the Death card. Death represents change, intensity, and transformation—exactly what the sign of Scorpio radiates. Death clears the way so new opportunities, growth, and expansion occur.
Cast Your Cards
Cast in the shape of a scorpion’s claw:
1. How do I best exert power?
2. How do my emotions serve me?
3. What can I accomplish when I am determined?
4. Who and what is attracted to me right now?
5. What makes me feel sensual?
6. What is my best quality as a friend?
Wedding Planning Spread
On This Day
Bianca was betrothed to Francesco at the age of six; he was thirty years old at the time. Their marriage, performed when she was sixteen, was a political move to keep Sforza’s power tied to Milan.
On this day in 1441, Francesco Sforza married Bianca Maria Visconti in Cremona, Italy. In honor of this wedding of Milano nobility, the Visconti-Sforza deck of tarot cards, the oldest surviving deck, was commissioned by Bianca’s father as a wedding gift.
Summation of Spread
The Four of Wands represents a wedding ceremony. The draped flowers and ivy are similar to the chuppah, a traditional Jewish wedding canopy. The Four of Wands represents a time of fulfillment or satisfaction, but it is only momentary. There is more to come.
This spread uses Italian nobility as inspiration for a wedding spread. Questions address the planning of the big day to help the bride and groom make the most informed decisions.
Cast Your Cards
Cast the cards as you might throw rice or rose petals onto a happy couple:
1. What is the tone of our wedding?
2. Should we hire a wedding planner?
3. Who is our support system?
4. What helps us balance the budget?
5. What helps us get organized?
6. What will the weather be like?
7. How can we best manage conflicting personalities?
8. How can we best stay relaxed?
9. How can we make sure to enjoy the day?
10. What special aspect should we indulge in?
Pablo Picasso’s Creativity Spread
On This Day
Picasso was extremely superstitious. No umbrellas were to be opened in the house (thought to bring evil), no hats on the bed (fear of death within the year), and he refused to donate clothing (for fear his genius would be stolen by the wearer of his garments).
Pablo Picasso, perhaps the most recognizable figure of twentieth-century art, was born this day in 1881. Picasso is known for defining revolutionary movements in painting, sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. No painter before him enjoyed such a mass audience in their lifetime, and the mention of his name is synonymous with the idea of creativity.
Summation of Spread
Three is the number of creativity in tarot and all mystical and occult practices. Three represents the synthesis of two opposites and the birth of something new. A three appearing in a reading—be it the Empress or the three of any suit—represents the pure creativity of that suit.
Thinking about a new creative path or project? This spread is for you. Whether adapting a new creative practice or picking up an old art form, this spread explores avenues of thought as the creative juices start flowing.
Cast Your Cards
1. Card representing my creative activity.
2. How do I create a routine for creativity?
3. What specific daily action will I take toward my creativity?
4. How do I let go of the idea of perfectionism?
5. How do I create boundaries between my work and the opinions of others?
6. What interesting changes occur as a result of my creative path?
7. What new thing do I learn?
8. What do I create?
Find Your Voice Spread
On This Day
If there is a desire for expression but confusion on how it can be accomplished, do anything to release tension. Don’t hold back. Try dancing, writing, singing, a sport, or any physical activity.
The Village Voice, a bohemian weekly paper, is first published on this day in 1955. Originally started in a two-bedroom apartment, its groundbreaking journalism and cultural commentary make this a classic New York paper.
Summation of Spread
The World card stands as the shining ideal of a fully actualized and expressed human being. Completely comfortable in her skin, fulfillment and pride shine through. The World card is the ultimate confirmation of self-worth springing from inside a soul.
Who are you? Finding your voice means exercising personal authenticity, cultivating your personal truth, and not doing things because others expect you to. It is the act of moving in the truth of what you want to do, feel, and express. While your voice evolves and changes as you grow and transform, this spread takes a look at what is unique, special, and can only be expressed through you.
Cast Your Cards
1. Who am I?
2. Why am I here?
3. What do I love?
4. What do I dislike?
5. What do I repress about myself?
6. How can I stop repressing it?
7. How can I reconnect with myself?
8. What must be expressed?
9. What do I need to do?
Volunteering Spread
On This Day
Volunteers experience a “helper’s high,” a rush of euphoria followed by a longer-lasting period of improved emotional well-being.
Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this day in 1979 for her humanitarian work, particularly regarding the plight of refugees and children.
Summation of Spread
Are you looking for a way to give back? Often the desire to volunteer occurs before knowing where to donate your time. Mother Teresa inspires this spread, created to help you move in the right direction when you want to volunteer. This spread helps find the best altruistic situation for yourself.
The Six of Pentacles connects to financial generosity, while the Six of Cups depicts gifts of the heart from one soul to another. The cups on the card are full of flowers. These flowers represent further growth resulting from acts of love and kindness.
Cast Your Cards
Cast with care and love. Any act of kindness, no matter how small, affects someone.
1. What segment of the population do I want to help?
2. What am I good at?
3. How much time do I have to dedicate?
4. Am I capable of making a commitment?
5. How can I best be of service?
6. What volunteer work am I well suited for?
7. What organization should I reach out to?
School Spread
On This Day
Just like Hogwarts, Harvard freshmen are sorted into houses. Each of the twelve Harvard houses has its own residence hall, gym, dining, and common areas. Freshmen can choose to be sorted with up to eight friends so they won’t end up with strangers.
Harvard University opened its hallowed doors on this day in 1636. The first institute of higher learning in the New World, by 1642 there were nine graduates and in other years, even less.
Summation of Spread
Pages all connect to study and education. The Page of Pentacles is especially associated with studiousness and higher learning. The page’s love for the physical world, natural curiosity, and concern regarding tangible change make for an ideal student.
Are you or someone you know applying to school? From preschools to colleges, school applications and selections can be challenging and frustrating, with so much riding on the decision. The School Spread narrows your choices, highlighting good picks and pointing you in the right direction.
Cast Your Cards
Cards 1 and 4 represent choices available to the student; adjust the number of cards based on how many choices you have made. Be sure to name the school in advance of flipping the card.
1. First school choice (this card represents the school’s general atmosphere and how it fits the student).
2. Chances for acceptance.
3. Student’s overall experience there.
4. Second school choice(this card represents the school’s general atmosphere and how it fits the student).
5. Chances for acceptance.
6. Student’s overall experience there.
7. Student’s strengths.
8. Student’s challenges.
9. Best way to support and love the student.
Feline Mystery Spread
On This Day
Sir Isaac Newton, discoverer of the law of gravity, also invented the cat door—although this may be an early urban legend.
Today is National Cat Day, created to celebrate felines, educate the public about cats needing rescue from shelters, and to honor the love and companionship the cat/owner relationship provides.
Summation of Spread
Are you catlike? Cat symbolism ranges from devilish to godly. Representing a dualistic place in human culture from their first moments of domestication, the Feline Mystery Spread uses feline qualities found inside a person to inform its questions.
The Queen of Wands is pictured with a black cat sitting at her delicate feet. This cat is a symbol of the fierce female power coursing through this queen—a nod to her magical power and prowess belonging to the suit of Wands.
Cast Your Cards
Cast in the shape of cat ears:
1. What is tame in me?
2. What is my most ferocious quality?
3. Do people find me aloof?
4. How do I locate myself in the here and now?
5. How can I be entirely self-sufficient?
6. What do I do when no one is looking?
7. Who do I want to be affectionate with?
8. What do I want to explore?
Paranoia Spread
On This Day
During the War of the Worlds broadcast, some listeners poured into the streets, some headed to church, and others ran to spend their last hours with friends and family.
Orson Wells broadcasts the radio play of H. G. Wells’s War of the Worlds on this night in 1938. Amidst the tensions and anxiety leading up to World War II, some listeners thought it was a real news broadcast, especially the ones who missed parts of it. Thinking the earth was being invaded by aliens, real-life panic ensued.
Summation of Spread
The Nine of Swords represents tortured thoughts. Fear and anxiety is created by her mind, not actual circumstance. Her blanket is covered in astrological symbols, representing myriad narratives that lie outside her mind. It is a reminder that while everyone faces fear and uncertainty, it is important not to become immobilized by it.
Are you feeling a little nuts? This spread is not for someone suffering serious paranoia. It is crafted for those times an obsessive or randomly crazy thought becomes lodged in our head and we are convinced the worst will happen. The questions help you see your way out of it.
Cast Your Cards
1. The situation as it stands.
2. Why is this freaking me out?
3. Why do I worry the worst will happen?
4. What control do I have over the outcome?
5. What fact must I keep in mind?
6. What is the truth of the situation?
7. What helps me to stop thinking this way?
8. What positive truth can I focus on?
Halloween Year Ahead Spread
On This Day
It was believed spirits roamed the earth and played tricks on this night. Treats were given to appease mischievous sprites, and hollowed jack-o’-lanterns were illuminated to scare malicious spirits away. This paved the way for modern practices.
For many, tonight is the most delicious night of the year. Tarot card readers, witches, spooks, spirits, and all manner of supernatural creatures party today. The veil between living and dead is thinnest, it is the most auspicious night for divination, chocolate and candy are doled out to offset tricks, and everyone gets a chance to pretend they are someone or something else.
Summation of Spread
Tarot is an intermediary device and metaphysical machine used to communicate with other worlds. Whether conversing with a ghost or spirit or speaking with the personal private psyche and inner voice, the entire deck is a testament to this wonderful holiday and all the supernatural magic filling it.
What do the next twelve months have in store? Samhain, the ancient Gaelic festival, is the New Year for Witches and Pagans. Marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, the darker half of the year, it is an excellent time to take stock of what the twelve months ahead have in store for you.
Cast Your Cards
1. You
2. November
3. December
4. January
5. February
6. March
7. April
8. May
9. June
10. July
11. August
12. September
13. October
14. What should I focus on?
15. What should I reject?
16. What magic is possible?