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
King of Cups	Five of Swords	I. The Magician		Knight of Stakes	VII. The Chariot	Page of Swords
		The Querent
		Five of Stakes	King of Stakes	XV. The Devil
The Psychological Basis				Karma
Six of Stakes	Six of Cups	V. The Hierophant		Two of Stakes	IV. The Emperor	Nine of Pentagrams

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.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The King of Stakes sits confidently in his domain, surrounded by the grim trophies of his reign. His impaled victims act as a wall of protection, symbolizing his authority, control, and the cost of maintaining power.

Meaning:
The King of Stakes represents authority, leadership, and honesty. He encourages you to act with integrity and take responsibility for your decisions. This card often signals success, stability, or the arrival of significant news, particularly regarding inheritance or financial matters.

Reversed, the King warns of a difficult but fair leader or challenges with authority figures. It may also suggest rigidity or an overly austere approach to life.

Keywords:
Reversed: Rigidity, austere leadership, fairness with difficulty, conflict with authority.

Symbolism:
A man trapped in a pit, impaled by five stakes, fights against overwhelming odds. The struggle is real and relentless, representing competition, ambition, and the challenges faced in the pursuit of success. His tattered state hints at the toll such pursuits can take on one's spirit.

Meaning:
The Five of Stakes represents conflict, rivalry, and the test of one's determination. It reflects the spirited competition and the drive to rise above challenges. While the fight may be strenuous, it also forges resilience and sharpens your focus. This card encourages perseverance despite obstacles.

Keywords:
Upright: Competition, rivalry, ambition, perseverance, resilience.

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.

Your Current Path

Reversed
Symbolism:
A pale knight rides a black horse, embodying contrast and duality. His determined expression and swift movement suggest ambition and change, while the dark tones hint at the risks associated with bold actions.

Meaning:
The Knight of Stakes represents action, change, and determination. It signifies movement, whether physical or metaphorical, and encourages you to embrace transformation with courage. This card often appears when major changes or decisions are on the horizon.

Reversed, it warns of discord, hasty decisions, or separation. It may also suggest being overly impulsive or struggling to adapt to change.

Keywords:
Reversed: Discord, haste, separation, impulsiveness, resistance to change.

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.

Keywords:
Upright: Determination, control, focus, discipline, willpower, triumph, direction.

Symbolism:
A young Page stands vigilant, holding his sword balanced with its tip pointed earthward. His posture conveys readiness, alertness, and a cautious approach to potential threats. Though at rest, his eyes scan the horizon, reflecting curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.

Meaning:
The Page of Swords represents curiosity, observation, and a keen intellect. It suggests a time for learning, exploration, or gathering information before acting. This card often represents someone who is eager to uncover truths or defend their beliefs with determination.

Keywords:
Upright: Vigilance, observation, curiosity, intellect, communication, preparation.

The Alternate Path

Symbolism:
Seated upon his throne, the King clasps a full chalice in hand. The King embodies emotional mastery, wisdom, and balance, symbolizing the ability to rule over emotions and guide others with compassion.

Meaning:
The King of Cups represents emotional maturity, control, and wisdom. He is a master of his feelings and uses his emotional intelligence to guide others. This card signifies someone who is emotionally stable, compassionate, and deeply understanding. The King offers counsel, support, and emotional protection to others and is often a symbol of balance in relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Keywords:
Upright: Emotional maturity, wisdom, stability, compassion, emotional intelligence, guidance.

Reversed
Symbolism:
Five swords mark the freshly disturbed graves of the dead, symbolizing destruction and dishonor.

Meaning:
The Five of Swords represents conflict, defeat, and loss. It indicates the aftermath of a battle, where victory has been achieved, but at great cost. This card speaks of humiliation, dishonor, or disgrace, often indicating a situation where one person triumphs at the expense of others.

Reversed, it points to feelings of desperation, defeat, or the consequences of bad decisions. It may also symbolize the need to let go of past conflict or to accept a loss gracefully.

Keywords:
Reversed: Desperation, failure, regret, resolution of conflict.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Magician is depicted as a Nosferatu vampire standing in a commanding pose, a sphere of influence hovering above his outstretched hand. This sphere glows with an otherworldly light, symbolizing his power to manipulate unseen forces. His posture exudes confidence, and the tools of his craft—representing the elements—are subtly embedded in the imagery, hinting at his mastery over earth, air, fire, and water. The shadows around him pulse with potential, representing untapped energy and possibility.

Meaning:
The Magician embodies willpower, creativity, and the ability to manifest one's desires. He is the ultimate initiator, reminding you that you have the power within to transform ideas into reality. This card urges action and focus, calling upon the seeker to harness their innate talents and take charge of their destiny. In situations requiring ingenuity or problem-solving, the Magician assures you that all the tools you need are at your disposal.

Reversed, this card warns of misuse of power, manipulation, or deceit. It may suggest self-doubt, a lack of clarity, or misguided actions that backfire due to overconfidence or ill intentions.

Keywords:
Reversed: Manipulation, deception, power misuse, lack of direction, overconfidence, self-doubt.

The Psychological Basis

Reversed
Symbolism:
A female cadaver, suspended by six stakes, serves as a macabre warning to all who pass. The stakes are arranged as a barrier, both defensive and triumphant, symbolizing victory achieved at a great cost. The ominous scene speaks of hard-won triumphs and the fulfillment of one's ambitions, albeit shadowed by loss.

Meaning:
The Six of Stakes signifies triumph and recognition. It represents a well-earned victory and the satisfaction of achieving goals through perseverance and hard work. This card heralds positive news and fulfillment of long-held desires. It also reminds you to remain humble and grateful in success.

Reversed, the Six warns of delays, paranoia, or feelings of insecurity despite external achievements. It can also point to betrayal or fear of losing one's position.

Keywords:
Reversed: Delays, fear, betrayal, disloyalty, insecurity.

Symbolism:
Female vampires continue their revelry, fed by the life-giving substance that fuels their endless celebration. The reference to past times emphasizes nostalgia and the lingering effects of past experiences.

Meaning:
The Six of Cups is a card of nostalgia, happiness, and reminiscing. It indicates a return to simpler times, a reflection on happy memories, and the pleasure derived from the past. This card may also represent childhood or a situation that feels familiar, offering comfort and joy from what has already occurred.

Keywords:
Upright: Nostalgia, happy memories, reflection, childhood, comfort, familiar joy.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The Hierophant stands in a candlelit crypt, robed in dark ceremonial attire. His face is obscured by a mask resembling a skull, emphasizing his role as a mediator between the living and the dead. In his hands, he holds an ancient grimoire, its pages glowing faintly as if infused with sacred knowledge. Behind him, shadowy figures bow in reverence, symbolizing tradition and the transfer of esoteric teachings.

Meaning:
The Hierophant represents tradition, spiritual guidance, and conformity to established systems of belief. He serves as a bridge between the divine and the mundane, reminding you to honor time-tested wisdom and moral values. This card often calls for introspection about your relationship with tradition and how it shapes your choices. It may also suggest seeking counsel or mentorship from someone with greater experience or spiritual authority.

Reversed, the Hierophant challenges the rigidity of traditions, encouraging independent thought and nonconformity. It warns against blind faith in systems that may no longer serve you.

Keywords:
Reversed: Nonconformity, rebellion, outdated beliefs, spiritual doubt, dogmatism.

Karma

Reversed
Symbolism:
A vampire spews forth the life force he has consumed, a dramatic display of surprise and chaotic energy. The heart, pierced by a stake, symbolizes duality—an ending and a new possibility, the destruction of one path to illuminate another. The overflowing energy represents the unpredictability of partnership and cooperation.

Meaning:
The Two of Stakes signals a crossroads where choices must be made. It is a card of balance and partnership, representing the potential for collaboration or conflict. This card urges careful consideration and planning before proceeding, as your choices now will shape your future path. It can signify unexpected surprises, wonder, and a touch of enchantment that transforms your perspective.

Reversed, the card warns of discord, minor disappointments, or fear of moving forward. It may reflect internal struggles or external obstacles disrupting harmony.

Keywords:
Reversed: Conflict, disappointment, delays, fear, internal struggle.

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:
A voluptuous woman with her familiar in hand prepares for astral travel, representing accomplishment and the ability to reach higher realms. She symbolizes wisdom and the ability to manifest one's desires through focused intent.

Meaning:
The Nine of Pentagrams represents success, accomplishment, and the manifestation of your goals. It signifies that you have worked hard to achieve security and comfort and that your efforts are beginning to bear fruit. This card encourages confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Reversed, it warns against vanity, insecurity, or unfulfilled projects. It may indicate that your success is threatened by your own egotism or a lack of confidence in your abilities.

Keywords:
Reversed: Vanity, insecurity, missed opportunities, egotism.