Tarot Spread Test Drive - Will I...? Spread

Curious about all the different tarot spreads out there? Wondering if they’re a keeper – or a lemon? Me too. Let’s take them for a test drive and find out!

Each month, I’ll pick an interesting tarot spread (from a book or around the web) – and give it a spin. I’ll look under the hood, kick the tires – and show you exactly how it works…or doesn’t. No haggling necessary. Ready to roll? Let’s go!

This month’s tarot spread: The Will I? Spread (found in Tarot for Tomorrow by Emily Peach).

I love vintage tarot books. In fact, I have a few. One of my faves is Tarot for Tomorrow by Emily Peach. This book is rather proper and all school-marmy in tone but super smart. If you can get your hands on a copy, do so.

On to our spread!

One of the most challenging questions a tarot reader gets is this: will I…? (Ex: will I get married? Will I get this job? Will I ever hear from Frank again? etc.)

The reason why it’s challenging is because the client is looking for a definitive yes or no. Bah. Ah…if only life were black and white like that! It’s not always easy to get that “confirmation” from a reading – especially when we are anxious about the outcome! But it’s a question that comes up nonetheless so let’s give this spread a whirl.

First things first: Emily Peach uses the Thoth deck and Elemental Dignities. I don’t. BUT just to be all legit, I decided to give ‘em both a try. Why not push myself a bit here, right? (Btw if you are curious about Elemental Dignities, I said it once and I will say it again: visit Tarot Elements for a tutorial on this tarot system.)

How the spread works: you begin by deliberately choosing a Significator to symbolize the querent. For example, if you are asking the question, you would choose a Court Card to represent you. If you are reading for someone else, pick a Court Card for them.

Next, shuffle up the cards while focusing on the question. Lay out three cards in a vertical row from 1 – 3 with the Significator at the bottom in position 4.

The positions are defined as:

1 – Yes/No by dignity; This makes you feel…

2 – Because; This makes you think…

3 – Consequence in general/personally; Consequence to you.

4 – Deliberately chosen significator.

Now to test drive this sucka!

My interpretation:

Question asked: Will I reach my goal?

I must pull a significator first: pulled The Queen of Swords (I’m a Gemini or Air sign – yeah baby!).

The cards:

1 – Three of Cups

2 – Four of Disks

3 – Princess of Disks

In this system, these cards are dignified. Why? Cups ‘n Pentacles go together like peanut butter ‘n jelly. Plus the card in the 1st position is a Cups suit, which also is in harmony with the Significator. SCORE! Which means: we’re looking good here. Heh heh…I love it when I hear what I want to hear! BUT do know that Pentacles or Disks as they are called in the Thoth deck, are not happy campers. So this alerts me that all is not easy ‘n breezy.

Now let’s go through the spread and make some sense out of this.

1 – Three of Cups: in this deck, the card is called “Abundance” which means: success, celebrations, happiness, and good luck. This is a big ole yes in the yes/no position. The secondary question: how does this make me feel? Like throwing a damn party once that goal is in my hands!

2 – Four of Disks: so why do I get to reach my goal? Well..the Four of Disks shows structure, hard work, and tenacity. This is another card of success. This combo shows that I will reach my goal by sticking to my plan and staying committed to the work at hand. I will materialize through tenacity, focus, and discipline. The secondary question: what does this make me think? I’m all about hard work ‘n determination – no problems on this end! In fact, I expect it.

3 – Princess of Disks: this is the “earth of earth” element and a symbol of fertility + growth. It can symbolize work and the money gained from efforts. As a consequence, this shows pride in work, material rewards and new opportunities. Perhaps my goal, once achieved, may pave the way for new opportunities. Now, because this card is also right above that Queen of Swords, the Queen of Swords may be considered “ill dignified”. I might reach my goal but perhaps it will come at a small cost to me. Or it may simply be a reminder not to be so focused on the material or end game that I lose sight of what inspires me. In other words: you get your goal but don’t lose your way on the climb up.

Nice little moral lesson in there! Yes, you get what you want – but don’t become an asshat once the mission is accomplished. Duly noted. I’ll keep my ego in check, mates.

Note: the Cups is going to be the strongest suit here – it’s in harmony with both Pentacles + Swords. Because it’s the happy Three of Cups, all is looking good here.

Also note: the progression! Three, Four, Princess, Queen. WOW. I’m all about progressions in a reading and this would indicate steady progress ahead.

Okay then. This looks like a winner!

My ratings:

Pretty easy to use once you get the hang of the Elemental Dignities. You could choose to ignore those and use reversals instead – or simply trust your gut.

Give this one a shot and see what you think the next time you wonder “will I….?”

Okay – that marks the end of this little tarot spread test run. I’ll be taking the tarot wheel and hittin’ the road with a new spread next month. If you want to ride along with me, keep an eye on my blog. Happy tarot trails!

Blessings,
Theresa

images from The Fountain Tarot and the Thoth Tarot