Tarot & Writing: Possibilities Spread

Always remember that if a scene doesn’t move the plot, then it should be thoroughly examined. Does it support the development of the characters? Is it integral to the whole story? Remember, above all, this is your story. Look at the cards and let the pictures tell you a story so you can tell your story.

Here is a spread I developed in 2003 on Aeclectic Tarot. It underwent several transformations until it became this spread. It is detailed but remember the cards are there to SPARK your creativity not tell you what to write. That’s very important to remember.

For the craft of writing fiction, Tarot is a tool that jumpstarts your muse. Don’t hold hard and fast to the traditional meanings. If you see the three of cups as an orgy card, write that. If you see the three of cups as a group of postulants, write that. In the end, it’s YOUR story, right?

We all hit points in our stories where we wonder what the heck happens next. Sometimes we stop writing because of these speed bumps in our manuscripts.

I’ve developed what I call a ladder spread to help out with that. It is a ladder because Card 7 will become Card 2 of the next scene if necessary. You can use it to plot your way through the book.

This spread is a double spread. It is where each will take you next in your book. Each side will be for the character you designate it for. Myself, I would use the left for the female and the right for the male. This is because I am right handed and I tend to think of male as physical action. Female, to me, is intuitive action so she would be on my left side which I relate to my intuition.

Please note that C1 stands for Character 1 and there are a total of 4 cards for each character (1,3,4,5) with cards 2,6,&7 being cards for the scene. Card 8 is optional. If you do have a villain, let me know. I can work out a variation of this spread that works that character in as well.

If you would like to try it out, please do. And do post your results if you like.

Possibilities Spread

………………..7……………………….. 8-V optional
………………..6………….
…..5-C1…………………5-C2…
3-C1…4-C1……….4-C2…3-C2
………………..2………………..
…..1-C1…………………1-C2…

  • C1. Significator Card for Character One (C1)
  • C2. Significator Card for Character Two (C2)
  • 2. Situation: This card will reveal the situation they are about to face.
  • 3. Character’s outer response to situation. This is how they seem to feel about it.
  • 4. Character’s inner response to situation. This is how they feel about it or how it makes them feel.
  • 5. Character’s response to the other character’s outer response. How does his reaction affect her? How does hers affect him?
  • 6. Where does this move the plot?
  • 7. Situation: This card will reveal the situation they are about to face. (if you want to use this to plot the book out, you simply repeat the layout from this point with this card becoming Card 2 in the next series)
  • 8. OPTIONAL — This is the villain’s role in this scene. If you have a villain, that is.

Always remember that if a scene doesn’t move the plot, then it should be thoroughly examined. Does it support the development of the characters? Is it integral to the whole story? Remember, above all, this is your story. Look at the cards and let the pictures tell you a story so you can tell your story.

I look forward to hearing from you.

WRITERS TAROT COMBO 2009 SPECIAL!

Are you afraid you will never just finish the book?If you’ve ever experienced a sagging middle in your plot, know that you are not alone! I’m sure you know the building blocks of a good story, but there’s just so much conflicting info. Show don’t tell! No flat characters! Use the 5 senses! But everyone has their own way. Many writers fear losing their voice if they follow too many rules. Are you afraid you will never just finish the book?

I’m offering a special writer’s gift for you to kick off 2009. You can order my Writer’s Combo pack and save.

You get:

  • One Hero’s Journey ($45 value)
  • One Writer’s Career ($40 value)
  • One Writer’s Inspiration ($40 value)

In addition:

You  get a Universal 5 Tarot spread for yourself or you can give it as a gift! That’s an additional $25 value.

That’s $150 worth of Tarot readings for you. Four readings you can use to help yourself in your quest to become a published author.

But if you buy before January 21st, you can get the whole package of four readings for only $110. You can spread these readings out over the year. The only catch is that you have to have them completed before 12/31/2009.

6 thoughts on “Tarot & Writing: Possibilities Spread”

  1. This is great. I’m not too good at Tarot but this is something I could certainly use to jump start a story. I have found in the past that Tarot spreads reflect my own situation so I would need to be cautious about what I’m focussed on … perhaps that’s why my songs often foretell my own life!
    But something is wrong with the spread … Should one of the 5’s be C2 ???

  2. This is great. The way you do your tarot readings has a very Gesalt feel to it! And the fact you are using a spread to create fictional stories Brilliant! Gesalt Tarot is a wonderful medium to use to tap into your subconscious mind.

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