The Golden Dawn or Thoth Method
Difficulty: Complicated
Note: Tarot decks that use reversed cards such as the Rider-Waite do not work well with this spread, which was designed to be read using elemental dignity.
The Golden Dawn spread is best suited for use with the bifrost Tarot and especially the Book of Thoth, as these decks are meant to be read a certain way with the court cards. Princes and queens represent actual men and women connected with the matter, while princesses generally represent ideas; thoughts or opinions, and knights represent arrival or departure of a matter depending on the direction faced.
In this tarot spread, particular attention should be paid to a card's exact position in relation to its neighbours. Whether the neighbour cards bear the same energy (suit) determines whether a card is considered well-dignified or ill-dignified. Opposite suits ill-dignify each other, while other suits are considered friendly. Tarot cards of the same suit or element strengthen each other.
As with other tarot spreads, it is important to count the cards' tendencies, such as whether there is a lot of one particular suit or number pattern. The patterns reveal special messages. Having several majors present indicates higher forces at work, several cups suggest strong emotions, etc.
Card #1 represents the reader and the nature of the topic at hand.
Cards #2 & #3 are read in extension of #1 to further comprehend the nature of the topic.
The two sets of three tarot cards at the top of the spread represent chronological sets of events. The current path as it would unfold naturally is represented by cards #4, #8, & #12. The alternate path that could be taken is represented by cards #13, #9, & #5. However, if the reader gets the feeling these cards are telling them they go together, then the alternate path is to be considered an extension of the current path, and to be read chronologically in this order: #4, #8, #12, #13, #9, #5. Just keep in mind: this is only if the two paths seem particularly similar.
Cards #14, #10, & #6 shed light upon the psychological undertones of the current issue.
Cards #7, #11, & #15 represent the influences of karma and destiny beyond the reader's control. These cards suggest adapting to this, as fate.
Your Golden Dawn Reading
| The Alternate Path (or Extension of Current Path) |
Your Current Path |
|||||
 Page of Hearts |
 8 of Spades |
 Queen of Clubs |
 King of Hearts |
 The Moon |
 Duality |
|
| The Querent | ||||||
 Page of Spades |
 7 of Diamonds |
 2 of Clubs |
||||
| The Psychological Basis | Karma | |||||
 7 of Clubs |
 Jack of Clubs |
 3 of Diamonds |
 5 of Hearts |
 The Lovers |
 King of Diamonds |
|
The Querent
cards represent the querent and the nature of the topic at hand. The first card (in the center of the spread) represents the very core of the matter, and the other two cards around it are added to it in order to further comprehend the nature of the topic.
Paying attention to the finer detail or to what is actually present as opposed to what could be. Taking ownership of only what is needed, allowing excess or clutter fall to the way side. Possibility of lost opportunities due to too narrow of a focus on what is already present. Being happy and content with what you have, not wanting to chase anything that is not needed or necessary at this time.
Concise method of expression using appropriate methods or tools for any given situation. Changing the environment around you by replacing anything that harbours memories of the past or elicits less than conducive emotion. Change of approach whereby the bigger picture becomes more apparent.
The following a path which appears to have an intangible �something� which makes it feel right at the time. Change of focus away from what is directly ahead to what is directly above guiding you. Following of your own instincts when there is a sense the way forward is no longer clear to you.
Your Current Path
cards represent your current path as it would unfold naturally. These cards are read in chronological order from left to right.
Retaining focus and control of emotions when faced with intense adversary. Being open to the fact it is okay to ask for help or support when it is required. Feeling of numbness on an emotional level. The creating of waves, yet at the same time maintaining a firm grasp on personal thoughts and/or emotions. This may indicate a man who is prone to emotional outbursts, but in the main does work hard at keeping a lid on things.
Jahanam is where dreams are woven; this is where cats learn to fly and birds carry swords;
this is where the Lady Moonshine hides the face of the Sun God
so that we may see the truths hidden in the dark and drive ourselves insane.
Duality (traditionally known as Justice) is the card that represents cause and effect. Taking responsibility is not about assigning blame or surrendering to consequences blindly; rather it is about owning up to the circumstances we have helped create for ourselves.
Duality as an individual in a reading reminds us to weigh the severity of our actions carefully for every choice that we face and subsequent decision that we make sets the wheel in motion.
Duality as a situation may indicate the need to remain objective and impartial in assessing options that are open to the individual. Sometimes, clarity of thought cuts through confusion where emotions cloud the judgement.
The Alternate Path
cards represent the alternate path that you could choose to take in lieu of the Current Path. However, if the cards that come up seem to indicate that they go along with the Current Path, these three cards should be interpretted not as an Alternate Path, but as a chronological extension of the Current Path (also read from left to right).
The awakening of new or unrealised emotions, often associated with maturation out of adolescence into adulthood. Following the calling of the heart, even though there is no real understanding of what is being done or why. The taking of those early and tentative steps towards romantic attraction.
Issue of either feeling either trapped or protected, often by the energies of another. The relinquishing of personal freedom. Putting yourself out to ensure the safety or well-being of another. Either being smothered by the attentions of someone else, or being the person who is doing the smothering.
The personality or character trait of following through with an objective, despite the attempts of others to thwart progress. The ability to just 'know' their role in life, which is followed through regardless of any question of ethics or morals raised by those who are ignorant or less knowledgeable. This could indicate a person who will lead by example and will be able to back up the 'talk' with the 'walk'. Alternatively, there could be a requirement for you to utilise this character trait.
The Psychological Basis
cards shed light upon the psychological undertones of the current problem.
Depending on which character is identified with it could either indicate overcoming adversary against all the odds, or being the victim of the actions of another. Resistance to the fate faced by others. Reluctance to face consequences of personal actions, particularly if they are at the expense of others around you. If the flame is a focal point, it could show that consequences have been acknowledged, and action is being taken to purge the energy or memory of those deeds.
By nature a tendency to be impetuous or to be easily distracted. The characteristic of acting first and thinking later. A tendency to not think through repercussions of actions. A person who may not feel any sense of fear, and will tackle any task with vigour and enthusiasm.
Being grateful for what you have at your disposal, or offering thanks to those who have provided. Prioritising where to invest money or effort. Investing wisely in order to see long term gains or profits. Expecting everything to be provided for us with little or no effort on our part to earn those provisions.
Karma
These cards represent the influences of karma and destiny that are beyond your control. They suggest adapting to this fate.
Uncertainty when faced with something that cannot be perceived with full clarity. The need to either take the risk or to look for other alternatives, otherwise there is real risk no progress at all can be made. Tentative steps towards taking a look at the face or façade you may have portrayed to yourself or others, understanding what is seen may lead to discomfort or a change in outlook.
The Lovers card is a stage related to choice and decision-making. It represents how people of influence in our lives effect our choices, thus, it is a card that is also related to interpersonal relationships.
As the seeker, The Lovers card indicates a pivotal stage where the Seeker is faced with options but the challenge lies not in making the "Right" or "Wrong" decision. Rather is a reminder that the easy way out may not necessarily lead to a long-term solution.
As a situation, The Lovers card suggests weighing options not for hedonistic gain but long-term consequences.
Making do with what you have at hand. Growing or cultivating for yourself, lessening the burden on others to provide for you. Create a sense of discipline and order with everything being in its appropriate place. Keeping of a level head, or having your feet on the ground when considering what is important in life. This could indicate a person who is very good regulating their financial or material life, identifying with and working with any fluctuations around them.
