Note: My applogies. Due to some techinical issues, I’m not able to upload the actual spread for today’s reading. As a result, I’m basically using pictures I already have uploaded to WordPress. I’m so sorry. As a result, the images might not all be from the same deck.
This is just the basic 2-Card Writing Prompt today, using a starting situation for Card 1 and a problem, which is Card 2.
If you’re here for the first time, I usually do what is called the First Operation to determine the context or theme of the story prompt. There are 4 realms that it can fall under, each corresponding with one of the elements/suits in tarot. I do a bit of explanation of what the cards mean, but if you’d like to just skip to the writing prompt, it’s down at the bottom.
For Today’s spread I chose the Magician for the Signifier. He represents the development of ideas and manifestation into the physical world, which I feel to be quite appropriate for writing.
First Operation
When I do the First Operation, I shuffle the and divide them into four piles. I then look through each pile to determine where my signifier is. In this case, I found the Magician in the fourth pile, the pile of Earth which has to do with wealth, day-jobs, property, and money. This will be the theme or realm in which the Writing Prompt takes place.
The Spread
After finding the signifier, I put all the cards back together, shuffle them, then divide into four piles again, taking two cards from the fourth pile.
- Card 1(Situation): 7 of Swords
- Card 2 (Problem): 6 of Wands
Card 1: 7 of Swords
The 7 of Swords shows a figure seemingly sneaking away with five swords, which they carry with the blades, leaving two swords behind. The figure looks back at the two left behind. Generally depicted is a camp that the figure is moving away from.
This card is often seen as a card of suspicious activity, of sneakiness and dishonesty. However, it can always be a card of thinking that you got away with something. Likewise, the card indicates someone who is absorbed in the focus on the 2 cards being left behind. When considering what the 2 of Swords represents, it is a difficult or blind decision that has to be made. The 5 of Swords (five swords carried by the individual) is thinking that you may have gotten the upper hand in a precarious situation. However, the swords are carried up-side down, implying a potential reversal.
With all this in mind, the card indicates that there might be regret of a decision made, that it was the wrong choice, and the focusing on that which leads to either being bested (which the figure carries with them), or the uncertainty of the quality of the outcome of the decision that was made.
Card 2: 6 of Rods
The problem of the situation is victory! What a problem to have!
The 6 of Wands is a card of success and accomplishment of a goal. A figure rides proudly on a horse while wands around the figure are raised in praise. At the end of the figure’s own wand is a wreath.
Numbers
There is the number 7 from the 7 of Swords and the number 6 from the 6 of Wands.
7: The Chariot
Sevens
Sevens correspond to hard work and putting the nose to the grind, and the rewards that come of it. However, when too much work is applied, then problems can arise, as is seen in the 7 of Pentacles, with the individual too obsessed with their work that they lose sight of the goal, or the 7 of Cups when too much emotion is applied and they lose track of reality. It is a number that reminds us to always seek the truth in situations, to meditate, to reflect on spiritual matters, to philosophize, in order to stay on track. It is a number of deep consideration to stay the course.
The Chariot
The Chariot is sometimes described as the Knights of Templar after having found the Holy Grail. They come forward with divine knowledge and understanding and set forth to spread it across the land. As with the number seven, there is knowledge that comes from personal mediation and understanding, and with this knowledge you take action into the world. The Chariot can indicate action, movement, forward momentum.
6: The Lovers
Six
Sixes correspond to success. They are the number that follows fives, which are the discomfort that comes from transitioning from a passive form to an active form. The transition was successful, and now the higher levels of the lessons can be pursued in the cycle, those of the mind and heart. This number in the tarot can indicate peace, happiness and harmony.
The Lovers
The Lovers can be literally depicted as lovers, though is a much deeper card than that. The Lovers indicates a choice that must be made, either between higher and lower senses—base pleasures such as pleasures of the physical realm, or spiritual and emotional pleasures. The card is often depicted with three figures: a man, a woman, and an Angel. Either the man or the woman is looking at the other, while the other is looking up at the Angel, representing the higher pleasures and pursuits. This card represents an ethical fork in the road, where a decision must be made.
Further Numbers: 13/4 (7 + 6 = 13; 1 +3 = 4)
While there are Tarot numbers for the first 10 Major Arcana, there aren’t any afterward. This is why usually a 2-digit number above ten is reduced to a single digit. However, I will supply the Major Arcana that the 2-digit number corresponds to.
Death XIII
Death is a representation of the small things we alter and thus the little deaths we make in our daily lives in order to grow. When we know an aspect of ourselves or our environment is no longer needed, we change them, thus killing the old way or habit and making way for the new. Death is a card of rebirth and making space.
Fours
The 4’s are like building blocks. They are sturdy, and like bricks going into a building, represent the steady incline of growth. There is a patience that is associated with the number 4.
Emperor
The number 4 corresponds to the Emperor, who represents father figures, strength and stability. The Emperor can also represent authority. The card is a fiery nature, fueled by passion and activity.
Writing Prompt
A nervous office worker finds a sticky note on their desk from their boss, telling them to come and see them. The office worker is certain they’re going to get fired, and reflects on the bad decisions they’ve made to get them here.
When they get to their boss’s office, the office work is told they’ve been promoted. But their conscious gnaws at them.
- What bad decision is the office worker obsessing over?
- What action did they carry out as a result that they’re carrying with them?
- Why is being promoted a bad thing?
- What action does the office worker take?
- Is the promotion legitimate?
