Game Plan Spread

Difficulty: Easy

When a person has a certain plan in mind, this simple five-card 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 card is laid in the centre of the layout, the significator. The following four cards are laid out clockwise around the significator.

In this spread, the second card 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 card 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 card suggests what not to do. If things are permitted to go down this path, the plan will collapse.

The fifth card is a hint as to how to make this plan work out favourably. The idea this card presents should be followed to make the plan successful. It is the differences between Cards #4 & #5 that should be noted, as the differences provide important clues.

Your Game Plan Reading

Unconscious Drive IX. The Hermit		External Influences IV. The Emperor
	Significator II. The Priestess
How it Will Succeed XV. The Devil		How it Will Not Succeed XVI. The Tower

Symbolism:
The High Priestess holds a luminous sphere of power close to her womb, symbolizing the nurturing of secrets and inner knowledge. She is cloaked in flowing robes of dark and silvery hues, blending shadow and light to represent duality and balance. Behind her, the faint outline of a moonlit landscape hints at the cycles of nature and the mysteries of the subconscious. Her gaze is serene yet penetrating, as though she sees through to the core of truth.

Meaning:
The High Priestess signifies intuition, hidden wisdom, and the power of stillness. She encourages introspection and the pursuit of knowledge that lies beneath the surface. This card often appears when it is time to listen to your inner voice and trust the subtle cues of your environment. It may suggest secrets yet to be revealed or a need to delve deeper into your own emotions and spirituality.

Keywords:
Upright: Intuition, mystery, inner wisdom, reflection, subconscious, patience, hidden truths.

Symbolism:
The Hermit is depicted as an ancient vampire cloaked in tattered robes, holding a lantern that emits an eerie, bluish glow. He stands atop a desolate mountain peak, surrounded by swirling mist. The lantern's light reveals faint traces of hidden paths, while his posture suggests quiet contemplation. The darkness around him symbolizes isolation, while the light represents the wisdom gained through introspection.

Meaning:
The Hermit signifies solitude, introspection, and the search for deeper truths. He encourages stepping back from external distractions to seek clarity and wisdom within. This card often appears when you need time alone to reflect on your journey or make decisions based on your inner guidance. It may also indicate the guidance of a mentor or wise figure.

Keywords:
Upright: Introspection, solitude, wisdom, self-reflection, spiritual journey, guidance.

Symbolism:
The Emperor is a Nosferatu seated on a blood-soaked throne, gripping the Hand of Glory as his scepter of authority. His crimson cloak flows like a river of lifeblood, symbolizing his dominion over life and death. Behind him, a craggy fortress rises, representing stability and the structures of power. His stern, commanding gaze reinforces his role as a protector and enforcer of order.

Meaning:
The Emperor symbolizes authority, stability, and protection. He represents the need for structure and discipline to achieve goals and maintain order. As a figure of leadership, he encourages reason and conviction in decision-making. This card often indicates a time to take control of your environment or to rely on a strong, supportive figure for guidance.

Keywords:
Upright: Authority, stability, protection, leadership, discipline, order, reason.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Tower is shown as a crumbling gothic spire, struck by lightning and engulfed in flames. Figures are seen falling from the heights, their faces contorted in shock and despair. The dark sky above swirls with storm clouds, while the ground below splits open, exposing molten lava. Amid the destruction, a single raven perches on the rubble, symbolizing the potential for renewal through upheaval.

Meaning:
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, revelation, and the breaking down of false structures. It signals a dramatic, often unexpected event that shakes the foundations of your life, forcing you to confront harsh truths. While challenging, this card ultimately clears the way for genuine growth and transformation.

Reversed, the Tower suggests avoiding necessary change or clinging to unstable circumstances. It may warn of delayed consequences or a refusal to face reality.

Keywords:
Reversed: Resistance, avoidance, delayed change, denial, suppressed upheaval, lingering instability.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Devil is portrayed as a towering, horned figure shrouded in shadow, with glowing crimson eyes and skeletal bat wings. Chains dangle from its outstretched hands, tethered to two figures who appear entranced rather than distressed, symbolizing voluntary bondage. A fiery pit burns at its feet, while the moon above is obscured by dark clouds, representing ignorance and illusion. Behind the Devil, a cracked mirror reflects hidden desires and fears.

Meaning:
The Devil signifies temptation, materialism, and self-imposed limitations. It highlights the darker aspects of human nature, such as obsession, addiction, or unhealthy attachments. This card often serves as a wake-up call to recognize and confront these influences, reclaiming your power and freedom.

Reversed, the Devil suggests breaking free from negative patterns or regaining control over impulses. It may indicate the first steps toward liberation or an awakening from illusion.

Keywords:
Reversed: Freedom, release, awareness, breaking cycles, regaining power, self-determination.