Questioning the Cards

My favorite spread for asking a specific question of the cards is one I borrowed from Regina Russell’s Card Reader’s Handbook.  The spread is designed to be used with playing cards, but I’ve found that it works equally well with other oracle cards–particularly the Lenormand.

Method:

• Shuffle the cards until you feel ready, and then fan them out on the table picture-side down.
• The question must be stated aloud–I’m not sure why this is so, but I’ve found that if I don’t state the question aloud as per Ms Russell’s instructions, the spread doesn’t work for me.
• Draw six cards at random dealing each face up according to the diagram.
• The cards are read in columns only beginning with the first column on the left.

Interpretation:

1. The first column (cards 1 & 4) represents recent past or present influences.
2. The middle column (cards 2 & 5) answers the question.
3. The column on the far right (cards 3 & 6) represents contributing factors yet to be considered.
4. Card #6 will usually contain the outcome of the question, and is considered the ‘pivot card.’ 

Sample Question Reading Using Playing Cards:

I was on the phone yesterday with a friend, and she had me ask the cards if she would be getting back together with her boyfriend.  I decided to use the playing cards and this spread to answer her question, and this reading is what inspired me to post the spread on my blog–along with the reading with her permission of course.

Q: Will I reconcile with my boyfriend?

• Queen of Spades
• 2 of Diamonds
• 6 of Hearts
• 3 of Diamonds
• Ace of Diamonds
• Ace of Clubs

QS + 2D = My friend fits the description of the QS (it can also represent a divorced or separated woman), and the 2D shows that she’s been enjoying her independence since the relationship ended.

6H + 3D = The 6H can represent the relationship, or it could also represent the boyfriend.  The 3D shows a temporary situation, and that not a lot of effort has been invested in the relationship, and that it’s been an ‘on again/off again’ romance.  This I know to be true.

AD + AC = The AD shows a new start, and the AC shows determination and focus.  The two of a kind would indicate a surprise.

I thought the reading pretty much nailed the situation.  My friend is a very independent woman, and she has not put forth the necessary effort to sustain the relationship.  The middle cards answer the question, and show that there will be a temporary reconciliation, but the pattern of ‘on again/off again’ will continue.  The final two cards show that a new start is possible if she is willing to focus her energies on making the relationship work.  If she would put forth the effort, she would be surprised by how different things could be.  The pivot card is a club showing that action and effort is required on her part to make a new start.

Oracle Gé – 6 Card Spread

The 6 Card Spread is my favorite layout to use with Oracle Gé.  The spread was created by Gerard Barbier, the author/creator of Oracle Gé, and it’s featured in one of the books that go along with this deck.  I learned the spread from the author’s forum.

The 6 Card Spread is perfect for exploring a specific question, issue or concern.

Method:

The 6 Card Spread uses a significator (key card) to represent the question or area of concern.  The list includes the most common key cards:

• Health = 39 The Rat
• Work = 23 The Tools
• Love = 06 The Two Hearts
• Family/Home = 04 The Hearth
• Finances = 19 Money
• Legal Matters = 44 Justice
• Exams = The Papers

A character card used to represent a specific person in the querent’s life can also be used as the significator. 

The significator card (S) is placed on the table before the cards are shuffled and cut.  Then 6 cards are drawn and dealt according to the following diagram:

Interpretation:

The cards are interpreted based on the following positional meaning:

1.  Present influences – the situation as it stands.

2.  Future influences if nothing is done to change the situation.

3.  Positive or negative aspects of the situation  or advice on how to resolve the matter.

4, 5 & 6.  The result or final outcome.

I have found this layout to be particularly good for learning how the events surrounding a situation will unfold.  For a more in-depth reading, an additional card can be dealt to ‘cover’ each of the 6 positions as needed.