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
Six of Pentagrams	Four of Pentagrams	King of Pentagrams		Queen of Swords	Four of Cups	Ace of Pentagrams
		The Querent
		XIII. Death	Nine of Pentagrams	Three of Swords
The Psychological Basis				Karma
King of Swords	King of Stakes	Seven of Swords		V. The Hierophant	XV. The Devil	Six of Cups

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 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.

Keywords:
Upright: Accomplishment, success, security, confidence, manifestation.

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:
Three swords pierce a heart, and darkness looms in the background, indicating sorrow, emotional pain, and heartbreak.

Meaning:
The Three of Swords signifies emotional pain, heartbreak, and mental suffering. It points to grief, loss, and the pain of separation. It suggests that painful truths are being faced or that an emotional wound is still raw. It is a card of sorrow, regret, and mental anguish.

Reversed, it signals recovery from emotional turmoil or a lesser degree of pain. Alternatively, it may represent denial or avoidance of the emotional truth, preventing full healing.

Keywords:
Reversed: Recovery, emotional release, confusion, disorder.

Your Current Path

Symbolism:
The Queen of Swords stands tall, her gaze unwavering as she flaunts herself with calculated poise. Her demeanor combines sorrow and sharpness, reflecting wisdom earned through hardship. A single sword rests in her hand, pointed skyward, symbolizing clarity, truth, and intellect. The surrounding environment is barren yet serene, highlighting her emotional resilience and detachment.

Meaning:
The Queen of Swords represents intellect, independence, and clear judgment. She is a figure of sharp wit and decisive action, unafraid to make difficult choices. This card often symbolizes someone who has weathered emotional storms and now relies on logic and fairness to navigate life. It calls for honesty, objectivity, and discernment in your decisions.

Keywords:
Upright: Independence, intellect, clear judgment, fairness, decisiveness, honesty.

Symbolism:
Two female vampires revel in the night, intoxicated by an excess of life force. Their satiation and indulgence highlight the dangers of overindulgence, while the cups represent both nourishment and excess.

Meaning:
The Four of Cups suggests the enjoyment of life, novelty, and pleasure. It indicates a time for exploration and a renewed sense of joy. This card can point to social events or gatherings where joy is found in connection and revelry. It also symbolizes the introduction of new opportunities, making it a time of emotional satisfaction and new connections.

Keywords:
Upright: Novelty, enjoyment, pleasure, social connections, indulgence.

Symbolism:
A pentagram rests as an orb upon a sceptre, impaling a female vampire in the heart. This act is not one of violence, but of love—symbolizing a powerful force that connects creation and destruction. The pentagram, a symbol of power and balance, represents material beginnings, prosperity, and the strength that lies within one's creative or financial pursuits.

Meaning:
The Ace of Pentagrams signifies new beginnings in material or financial matters. It heralds prosperity, intelligent planning, and the initiation of creative projects. It may point to the birth of an idea that will grow into something tangible and successful. This card invites you to tap into your skills and resources to manifest your desires.

Keywords:
Upright: Prosperity, new beginnings, material success, creativity, financial opportunity.

The Alternate Path

Reversed
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.

Reversed, it suggests imbalance or exploitation in relationships. It may point to envy, rivalry, or one-sided exchanges where one party feels drained or exploited.

Keywords:
Reversed: Exploitation, imbalance, envy, rivalry, one-sidedness.

Symbolism:
A beautiful female vampire sits calmly, working her magic during the witching hour. She holds a pentagram close to her chest, representing control and possession over her material world. Her aura suggests a deep connection to both wealth and personal power.

Meaning:
The Four of Pentagrams signifies possessiveness, control, and the need to protect what has been earned. It speaks to holding onto resources, whether material or emotional, and the desire for stability and security. While this card suggests financial or emotional strength, it may also point to an unhealthy attachment to these possessions.

Keywords:
Upright: Possession, control, stability, material success, security.

Symbolism:
A wise king adorned with a large pentagram holds his reign in a posture of strength and control. He represents mastery over material resources and the ability to wield power with integrity and wisdom.

Meaning:
The King of Pentagrams signifies success, mastery, and the completion of a journey towards wealth and stability. This card speaks to practical wisdom, resourcefulness, and the ability to create long-lasting success. It encourages you to embody leadership and strategic thinking in your endeavors.

Keywords:
Upright: Mastery, success, leadership, stability, resourcefulness.

The Psychological Basis

Reversed
Symbolism:
The King of Swords sits on his throne, holding two swords of justice crossed in front of him. His gaze is piercing and authoritative, reflecting a mastery of reason and balance. The environment around him is austere, emphasizing his focus on logic, law, and the pursuit of truth. His presence radiates power, intellect, and discipline.

Meaning:
The King of Swords symbolizes authority, rationality, and the power of thought. He embodies clarity, fair judgment, and leadership, urging you to approach situations with logic and integrity. This card often appears when strong leadership or impartiality is needed to resolve a conflict or make a critical decision.

Reversed, the King of Swords suggests abuse of power, cruelty, or arrogance. It may indicate someone who uses intellect or authority for selfish or harmful purposes. This card warns against being overly rigid, manipulative, or detached in your interactions.

Keywords:
Reversed: Abuse of power, arrogance, cruelty, manipulation, rigidity, dishonesty.

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 cunning thief is shown stealing five of seven swords, his movements calculated and deliberate. He takes only what he can carry, leaving just enough behind to avoid detection. This image portrays strategy, cleverness, and moral ambiguity, reflecting the complexity of navigating difficult situations.

Meaning:
The Seven of Swords represents strategy, cunning, and the courage to take calculated risks. It suggests that bold action may be necessary to achieve your goals, even if it challenges conventional ethics. The card also highlights the importance of discretion and planning in overcoming obstacles.

Keywords:
Upright: Strategy, cunning, cleverness, calculated risk, bravery, justified action.

Karma

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.

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.

Keywords:
Upright: Temptation, bondage, addiction, materialism, obsession, illusion, control.

Reversed
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.

Reversed, it signifies an overattachment to the past, hindering personal growth. It warns of clinging to old patterns or relationships that no longer serve you.

Keywords:
Reversed: Overattachment to the past, stagnation, clinging to old relationships.