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
V. The Hierophant	IV. The Emperor	Six of Stakes		Knight of Swords	Ace of Stakes	Seven of Cups
		The Querent
		XIX. The Sun	Page of Swords	Five of Pentagrams
The Psychological Basis				Karma
VIII. Strength	XXI. The World	Ace of Cups		Five of Cups	Six of Pentagrams	Nine of Stakes

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.

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.

Symbolism:
The Sun features a radiant figure standing atop a stone altar, their outstretched arms ablaze with golden light. Behind them, a massive blood-red sun dominates the sky, casting warm, revitalizing rays over a once-shadowed landscape. Sunflowers bloom vibrantly in the foreground, representing vitality and joy. A golden wolf stands beside the figure, symbolizing loyalty and enlightenment.

Meaning:
The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It heralds a period of positivity, growth, and accomplishment, reminding you to embrace life with enthusiasm and gratitude. This card suggests that challenges are behind you, and a brighter path lies ahead.

Keywords:
Upright: Joy, success, clarity, vitality, growth, positivity, accomplishment.

Symbolism:
Outside of the devil's church, a vampire lies in a heap of his own vomit, symbolizing excess, indulgence, and the consequences of material excess. The scene reflects the dangers of overindulgence and losing control.

Meaning:
The Five of Pentagrams represents material loss, poverty, and hardship. It signifies a time of struggle, where one may feel destitute or faced with overwhelming financial or personal challenges. It warns of consequences from reckless decisions and suggests that emotional support or help may be needed to overcome this period.

Keywords:
Upright: Loss, poverty, hardship, crisis, vulnerability.

Your Current Path

Reversed
Symbolism:
A pale Knight rides a dark horse at breakneck speed, his face etched with fear. It is not fear of the world, but fear of the destructive potential he knows lies within himself. The stormy skies around him reflect the chaos and intensity of his internal conflict.

Meaning:
The Knight of Swords represents swift action, bravery, and the pursuit of truth or justice. It signifies decisiveness, energy, and the willingness to confront challenges head-on. This card often appears during moments of intense effort or when boldness is required.

Reversed, the Knight of Swords suggests recklessness, impulsiveness, or the consequences of acting without a clear plan. It warns against self-destructive tendencies or overconfidence that leads to ruin.

Keywords:
Reversed: Recklessness, impulsiveness, self-destruction, lack of control, chaos.

Symbolism:
A gruesome image of a wand protruding violently from a man's gory mouth speaks of an unsettling birth of new energy. The blood and horror in the scene hint at the raw, primal force of creation and the sometimes destructive nature of beginnings. The Ace of Stakes is imbued with potential and an uncontainable spark of energy, emphasizing both opportunity and the challenges of harnessing such power.

Meaning:
The Ace of Stakes represents the genesis of an idea, a bold new venture, or the start of a passionate endeavor. It speaks to raw energy, inspiration, and an awakening of latent talents. This card calls on you to seize opportunities with courage and creativity, even if they feel daunting or chaotic. It's a card of new beginnings, enterprise, and the ability to transform challenges into strengths.

Keywords:
Upright: Beginnings, creation, inspiration, enterprise, boldness, potential, energy.

Symbolism:
An unfortunate vampire has run out of the “good stuff” and must now rely on less desirable means. The card hints at illusions and unattainable desires, emphasizing the fantasy of having everything.

Meaning:
The Seven of Cups is a card of illusions, choices, and confusion. It represents the overwhelming number of options or fantasies that may lead to unrealistic expectations. This card calls for discernment and clarity, urging you to focus on what truly matters rather than being distracted by distractions or fleeting desires.

Keywords:
Upright: Illusions, choices, confusion, unrealistic expectations, desire.

The Alternate Path

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.

Keywords:
Upright: Tradition, spiritual guidance, mentorship, morality, conformity, ritual, education.

Reversed
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.

Reversed, the Emperor warns of rigidity, tyranny, or a loss of control. It may signify struggles with authority, immaturity, or the misuse of power.

Keywords:
Reversed: Tyranny, rigidity, immaturity, chaos, rebellion, over-control.

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.

The Psychological Basis

Reversed
Symbolism:
Strength is portrayed as a vampiric figure gently taming a feral wolf under the light of a crescent moon. The figure's touch is both commanding and tender, symbolizing the balance of power and compassion. The wolf, once a creature of wild aggression, now gazes at its tamer with loyalty and calm. Around them, thorny vines twist, a reminder of the challenges inherent in mastering one's inner beasts.

Meaning:
Strength embodies courage, inner power, and the triumph of compassion over brute force. It urges you to face challenges with patience and resilience, relying on your inner calm to overcome fear and adversity. This card often signals the need to master emotions, demonstrating that true strength lies in self-control and grace.

Reversed, Strength warns of self-doubt, impulsiveness, or being overwhelmed by your emotions. It may suggest a lack of confidence or reliance on force over finesse.

Keywords:
Reversed: Self-doubt, impulsiveness, overwhelm, lack of discipline, fear, imbalance.

Reversed
Symbolism:
The World depicts a powerful figure standing within a glowing circle of blood-red roses, symbolizing completion and unity. The four corners of the card feature elemental creatures: a bat, a wolf, a raven, and a serpent, representing balance and harmony among all forces. A starry night sky stretches infinitely behind the figure, while they hold a silver orb and a golden key, symbolizing mastery and fulfillment.

Meaning:
The World represents completion, fulfillment, and the achievement of long-term goals. It signifies harmony, wholeness, and the realization of your place in the greater tapestry of existence. This card often marks the end of a significant journey, celebrating your success and inviting you to share your gifts with others.

Reversed, the World suggests delays, unfinished business, or feelings of incompleteness. It may indicate the need to tie up loose ends before moving forward.

Keywords:
Reversed: Delays, lack of closure, incompletion, stagnation, unfinished business, imbalance.

Symbolism:
A pale hand drains the life force out of a female who has sacrificed herself to fill an unholy grail. This act of devotion and consumption illustrates the intense, transformative power of emotional energy. The grail symbolizes the heart, while the act of sacrifice represents the giving and receiving of love, both nourishing and consuming.

Meaning:
The Ace of Cups represents new beginnings in matters of the heart, overflowing with emotional potential. It is a card of love, joy, and emotional fulfillment, suggesting the start of a fresh emotional journey or a deepened connection with others. It signifies a time of abundance, where feelings of happiness, empathy, and compassion can fill your life.

Keywords:
Upright: New beginnings, emotional fulfillment, love, joy, abundance, compassion.

Karma

Symbolism:
Five toppled cups form a pentagram, with something undiscernible at the center. The destruction and loss are apparent, yet the hidden element suggests that something valuable might still remain.

Meaning:
The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional upset. It suggests the need to process and mourn a loss, be it personal or emotional. This card encourages you to acknowledge your sorrow while being open to healing. It is also a reminder to focus not just on what has been lost but on what remains.

Keywords:
Upright: Loss, grief, sorrow, reflection, healing, emotional challenges.

Symbolism:
Two men beg a seductive vampire, one drained, the other eager for his turn. This scene represents generosity, power dynamics, and the exchange of resources—both material and emotional.

Meaning:
The Six of Pentagrams signifies giving and receiving, with a focus on generosity and balance in exchanges. It may indicate a time when you are helping others or receiving aid, and it highlights the importance of fairness and reciprocity. It suggests prosperity through kindness, vigilance, and prudence.

Keywords:
Upright: Generosity, aid, balance, prosperity, reciprocity.

Reversed
Symbolism:
A grotesque figure hangs upside down, pierced by nine stakes in a horrific display of defiance and suffering. The unsettling scene illustrates the resilience required to endure opposition and remain steadfast in the face of challenges.

Meaning:
The Nine of Stakes is a card of resilience and strength under pressure. It symbolizes the final push before success, encouraging you to persevere despite fatigue or hardship. This card warns of challenges but assures you that your determination will see you through.

Reversed, the card signals obstacles, delays, or setbacks. It may also indicate a need for rest or recovery before resuming the fight.

Keywords:
Reversed: Setbacks, fatigue, delays, obstacles, vulnerability.