Game Plan Layout

Difficulty: Easy
When a person has a certain plan in mind, this simple five-tile spread presents a choice, hinting at what action or attitude should be taken for their plan to succeed, and what should be avoided to help the plan work out for the best.
The initial tile is laid in the centre of the layout, the significator. The following four tiles are laid out clockwise around the significator.
In this spread, the second tile is about what drives the reader, but also says they are not fully conscious of this, perhaps even completely unaware of it. It provides a hint as to the reason they strive for their goal.
The third tile uncovers what others think of the reader and their goals. The reader may or may not be aware of this. Sometimes other people factor into the plans (and sometimes they don't).
The fourth tile suggests what not to do. If things are permitted to go down this path, the plan will collapse.
The fifth tile is a hint as to how to make this plan work out favourably. The idea this tile presents should be followed to make the plan successful. It is the differences between Tiles #4 & #5 that should be noted, as the differences provide important clues.
Your Game Plan Reading
Unconscious Drive
![]() Bamboo 4 – The Carp |
External Influences
![]() North Wind – Water |
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Significator
![]() Winter – |
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How it Will Succeed
![]() Autumn – The Farmer |
How it Will Not Succeed
![]() Bamboo – Learning |
Winter –
Winter represents stillness, endings, and the contemplation that comes before renewal. This tile signifies a period of quiet, where external activity slows, and the focus turns inwards. It may indicate a time of rest, solitude, or even loss—but within this stillness lies great wisdom. Winter teaches that endings are necessary for rebirth; it is a time to release old burdens, reflect on experiences, and prepare for a new cycle. Patience is required, as growth often happens beneath the surface before it becomes visible. Trust the process—this period of dormancy is temporary, and spring will come again.
Bamboo 4 – The Carp
The Carp signifies perseverance, tranquillity, and spiritual fulfilment. A bringer of both material and emotional wealth, this tile reflects the journey towards balance and peace. Just as the carp swims against the current, overcoming obstacles will lead to deep contentment and inner harmony. The Carp is also associated with personal evolution—through consistent effort and inner strength, one can transform challenges into victories. This tile may also indicate a situation where patience and persistence will be rewarded, especially in matters of career, education, or self-improvement. A transformation is on the horizon; trust your ability to rise above adversity.
North Wind – Water
The North Wind embodies the relentless, often tumultuous qualities of Water, signalling periods of emotional challenge and uncertainty. This tile suggests that the road ahead may be marked by deep, transformative trials—where turbulent emotions and shifting circumstances test your adaptability. Water's fluidity represents both the potential for cleansing renewal and the risk of overwhelming currents. It advises you to remain vigilant and adaptive, using intuition and flexibility to navigate through the complexities that arise. In essence, the North Wind is a call to harness inner strength and resilience, allowing the natural ebb and flow of life's challenges to eventually lead to personal growth and renewal.
Bamboo – Learning
The Bamboo represents resilience, adaptability, and the power of communal strength. Unlike rigid trees that snap in strong winds, bamboo bends but does not break, symbolising the ability to endure challenges through flexibility and wisdom. This tile calls for a balance between strength and surrender, reminding you that sometimes the best way to overcome an obstacle is to yield rather than resist. It also speaks to the importance of interconnectedness—family, friendships, and alliances provide stability and support. The Bamboo encourages you to lean on those around you, knowing that cooperation leads to greater success than solitary struggle. Just as a single bamboo stalk is fragile, but a grove is unbreakable, your strength lies in your connections and willingness to adapt.
Autumn – The Farmer
Autumn is the season of fruition, wisdom, and preparation for transition. It is a time when efforts bear fruit, and past choices reveal their consequences. This tile suggests rewards are coming, but they may require careful handling. Have you used your time wisely? Have you built something lasting, or are you seeing the results of neglect? Autumn teaches the importance of discernment—letting go of what no longer serves you while gathering what is valuable. This is a time for reflection, learning from past experiences, and preparing for the next cycle. It also serves as a reminder that all things are temporary, and change is inevitable.