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 XVII. The Star		External Influences VII. The Chariot
	Significator XIII. Death
How it Will Succeed III. The Empress		How it Will Not Succeed 0. The Fool

Reversed
Symbolism:
Death is depicted as a cloaked, skeletal figure riding a dark horse with glowing red eyes. In one hand, it wields a scythe, its blade glinting in the moonlight, while the other hand scatters withered petals onto the barren ground. The landscape around them is bleak, with twisted trees and ruins, but in the distance, the faint glow of dawn promises renewal. At the figure's feet, flowers begin to bloom amid the decay.

Meaning:
Death symbolizes transformation, endings, and the promise of new beginnings. It encourages you to release what no longer serves you, making way for growth and renewal. This card often marks a significant transition or the closure of a chapter in life, reminding you that every ending carries the seed of a new beginning.

Reversed, Death warns of resistance to change, fear of endings, or stagnation. It may suggest clinging to the past or delaying the inevitable.

Keywords:
Reversed: Resistance, fear of change, stagnation, clinging to the past, avoidance, inertia.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Star depicts a luminous vampire bathing in a moonlit pool, her pale skin shimmering with starlight. She pours blood from a goblet into the water, symbolizing renewal and the cycle of life. Above her, a constellation forms the shape of a chalice, representing hope and inspiration. The night sky is clear, and the surrounding landscape, though desolate, begins to show signs of new growth.

Meaning:
The Star embodies hope, inspiration, and spiritual renewal. It encourages you to trust in the universe and your own inner light, even during challenging times. This card often appears after a period of struggle, signaling healing, clarity, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Reversed, the Star warns of doubt, pessimism, or a loss of direction. It may suggest the need to reconnect with your dreams or rekindle your faith in the future.

Keywords:
Reversed: Doubt, despair, loss of faith, disconnection, hopelessness, lack of direction.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Chariot is a sinister yet majestic vehicle drawn by two spectral horses, one black and one white, representing opposing forces. A Nosferatu figure stands at its helm, cloaked in shadows, holding a whip of shadowy tendrils. The chariot races through a mist-laden nightscape, its wheels crushing fallen leaves and brittle bones, symbolizing the journey's sacrifices and challenges.

Meaning:
The Chariot signifies determination, control, and the will to overcome obstacles. It calls for focused effort and harnessing conflicting energies to achieve a goal. This card often appears when decisive action and self-discipline are needed to navigate a complex situation. It encourages you to take charge of your direction and steer with purpose.

Reversed, the Chariot warns of recklessness, a loss of direction, or being overwhelmed by opposing forces. It may also point to a lack of confidence or an inability to move forward.

Keywords:
Reversed: Lack of control, recklessness, stagnation, self-doubt, misdirection, failure to progress.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Fool is depicted as a pale, ethereal figure walking a misty, crumbling path, a bundle tied to a staff slung over their shoulder. They gaze skyward, unaware of the jagged cliff at their feet. A spectral wolf follows close behind, snarling a silent warning. Overhead, a full moon illuminates their journey, hinting at the mystery and potential of new beginnings. In their hand, a delicate white rose symbolizes innocence and purity.

Meaning:
The Fool represents beginnings, spontaneity, and boundless potential. It urges you to take a leap of faith, trusting in the journey ahead. While the path may be uncertain, embracing the unknown opens the door to growth, discovery, and self-expression.

Reversed, the Fool warns of recklessness, naivety, or hesitation. It suggests the need to pause and consider potential consequences before plunging ahead.

Keywords:
Reversed: Recklessness, foolishness, naivety, hesitation, fear of the unknown, poor judgment.

Symbolism:
The Empress sits upon her throne, her presence commanding yet nurturing. She holds the Hand of Glory, a macabre artifact symbolizing her power to claim whatever she desires. Her surroundings are lush and fertile, with dark roses blooming amidst the decay—symbols of beauty and abundance arising from even the grimmest conditions. Her expression is one of calm authority, radiating life-giving energy.

Meaning:
The Empress represents creation, fertility, and the nurturing aspects of life. She signifies abundance and the ability to bring ideas, projects, or relationships to fruition. This card invites you to connect with your creative or maternal instincts and embrace the cycles of growth and renewal. It may also point to emotional or physical abundance and a celebration of life's pleasures.

Keywords:
Upright: Fertility, abundance, creation, nurturing, beauty, growth, motherhood, diplomacy.