Relationship Spread #1

Difficulty: Easy

This tarot spread is easy to read, like a convenient chart. In this spread, court cards generally indicate actual people with the same characteristics. Knights (or corresponding princes, but not kings) and queens are meant to represent actual men and women in this tarot spread. Look for patterns in the cards as always.

Card #1 is the overall significator of the relationship. The two columns on either side of the significator characterise each individual's role in the relationship. The relationship does not have to be romantic. In fact, it could be a relationship between a person and a group, or even how two groups relate.

The top row, cards #7 & #2, is about the conscious thoughts of each person, or what they think about the relationship and likewise how they view their partner.

The middle row, cards #6 & #3, reveals the way each individual feels about the other. Emotional awareness corresponds to a person's unconscious thoughts that run deep, affecting a person in ways he or she is not fully aware of.

The bottom row, cards #5 & #4, represents the way each person behaves, in other words the stance taken regarding the relationship. The way a person acts may be genuine, but sometimes people are phony and manipulative, so it is best to weigh this card against the other person's cards to determine how they match up.

Your Relationship #1 Reading

	You		Other Person
Thought	Eight of Stakes		Knight of Cups
Emotion	Four of Swords	The Significator Ten of Swords	Nine of Pentagrams
External Stance	Nine of Cups		Ace of Swords

Reversed
Symbolism:
A male figure lies lifeless, his body pierced by ten swords. The brutality of the scene mirrors the infamous murder of the Black Dahlia, evoking themes of ultimate betrayal and victimization. Blood pools beneath him, symbolizing the depth of his suffering and the irreversible nature of the event.

Meaning:
The Ten of Swords represents total defeat, betrayal, and hopelessness. It signifies the end of a cycle or the culmination of pain, where there is no further descent. Despite its grim nature, the card also holds the promise of new beginnings, as the worst has already passed.

Reversed, this card suggests recovery, triumph over adversity, or the ability to rise again after hitting rock bottom. It reflects newfound strength and the potential for victory through resilience and sheer determination.

Keywords:
Reversed: Recovery, resilience, triumph, power, victory after struggle.

Symbolism:
A woman impaled by stakes showcases the cruel extremes of humanity. The stakes, angled as if in motion, represent swiftness and urgency. The scene hints at a world in constant flux, with events moving at an uncontrollable pace.

Meaning:
The Eight of Stakes represents rapid movement, action, and the culmination of efforts. It suggests that things are falling into place, and progress is accelerating toward your goals. This card encourages you to stay focused and prepared for opportunities that arise swiftly. It may also indicate travel, communication, or the arrival of significant news.

Keywords:
Upright: Speed, progress, opportunity, communication, movement, momentum.

Symbolism:
A white Knight rides a nightmare, holding a full cup and a full stomach. The imagery suggests a journey, perhaps one of passion or emotion, undertaken with both purpose and indulgence.

Meaning:
The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, charm, and idealism. This card signifies someone who is romantic, passionate, and driven by emotions and desires. It often indicates an invitation, proposal, or movement towards a goal based on emotional fulfillment. The Knight is a messenger, bringing forth opportunities for love, creativity, or spiritual connection.

Keywords:
Upright: Romance, passion, idealism, emotional pursuit, invitations, messages, charm.

Symbolism:
A knight rests on a tomb, his body positioned in a meditative pose, surrounded by three swords. The fourth sword hovers above his head, suggesting reflection and inner contemplation. The imagery evokes a time of rest, recuperation, and mental renewal.

Meaning:
The Four of Swords calls for rest and recuperation. It indicates the need to step back from active challenges and recharge, both physically and mentally. This period of retreat will help restore your clarity and energy.

Keywords:
Upright: Rest, healing, contemplation, solitude, recovery.

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.

Symbolism:
A male vampire sits at the peak of drunken contentment, a symbol of ultimate satisfaction and indulgence. The cups around him represent the emotional fulfillment that results from victory and excess.

Meaning:
The Nine of Cups represents emotional satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment. It indicates that your desires are being met and that you are experiencing joy in its fullest form. It can also be a sign of physical satisfaction or emotional abundance, often linked to wishes being granted.

Keywords:
Upright: Contentment, fulfillment, satisfaction, emotional success, victory.

Reversed
Symbolism:
A hand emerges from the clouds, gripping a freshly used sword. The sword gleams with power, representing intellectual triumph and clarity that has recently been achieved. The imagery suggests that a great mental breakthrough has just occurred or is about to.

Meaning:
The Ace of Swords represents new ideas, clarity, and breakthroughs. It symbolizes the power of the mind, sharp thinking, and intellectual triumph. It is a card of victory through the use of force or the triumph of reason and logic. It suggests clear communication, decision-making, and the overcoming of challenges.

Reversed, the Ace of Swords signifies confusion, indecision, or an inability to see the truth. It may also represent false starts, miscommunication, or mental blocks.

Keywords:
Reversed: Confusion, falsehood, mental block, indecision.