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
XVIII – The Moon	III – The Empress	XIV – Temperance		XX – Judgement	XIII – Death	VIII – Strength
		The Querent
		V – The Hierophant	XXI – The World	VII – The Chariot
The Psychological Basis				Karma
X – The Wheel of Fortune	II – The Priestess	IV – The Emperor		XIX – The Sun	XV – The Devil	IX – The Hermit

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.

An unwillingness or inability to finish a job. Unfinished business in your life needs to be attended to. A need to tie up loose ends and finally put something to rest. Feelings of boredom or powerlessness. Bridling at constraints that have been imposed on you. 'Living in your own little world'.

Conformity; sticking with conventional wisdom. A traditional rite, ritual, or ceremony. Religious teachings or education in general. Peer pressure. Listening to your conscience. Being devout; having faith in something.

Taking control of conflicting forces within a project. Moving forward despite these conflicting forces. Using strength of will to get things done. Taking personal responsibility for something. A positive outcome is suggested.

Your Current Path

A lack of common sense. A hasty or ill-considered decision that brings an unwelcome change to your life. Clinging to the confines of conventional thinking. A reluctance to move forward with your life. Holding on to a grudge.

Clinging to old ideas, beliefs, situations, or relationships that no longer serve a purpose. Fear of change, or a refusal to change, which may hinder growth or make an inevitable change more painful when it eventually does happen. Being in denial about a significant loss.

Karma. Taking responsibility for your actions. A fair outcome, a decision in your favour. Fighting for a just cause. A balanced approach, impartiality. You need to weigh the pros and cons of a situation in order to make a sensible decision and take appropriate action.

The Alternate Path

Finding out what is really going on. Something that was unclear or ambiguous is now understood. Uncovering or revealing deceit, dishonesty, and self-deception. Experiencing romance. Looking into the mysteries of life. Letting your imagination run free, which may lead you to new insights and discoveries. Finding hidden messages or meaning in your dreams.

The Mother archetype, which implies mothering qualities such as nurturing, compassion, devotion, creativity, and fertility. An endeavour is coming to fruition. Love and sexuality. Hard work that pays off.

Making necessary adjustments in your life; finding serenity and healing. A balanced perspective or approach. Compromising or cooperating to achieve objectives. Being patient or forgiving with someone. Finding growth opportunities in your hardships will make you stronger and more resilient. A 'wounded healer', i.e., someone who can help others due to having suffered similar problems or wounds.

The Psychological Basis

The beginning of a new cycle or a new chapter in life. The end of a difficult situation. Opportunities from unexpected sources. Rapid and/or important changes are coming. Good fortune and luck. Having equanimity saves you from all the drama going on around you.

Try to listen more to the voice inside your heart. Not being able to express insights to others; your advice will be ignored or misunderstood. Beware of allowing your emotions to influence your decisions or actions. Someone is being secretive. Coldness, Detachment.

The Father archetype, which implies things like strictness, providing for others, and having respect and recognition from others. The ability to rationally resolve issues and problems. Having structure, stability, and order in your life. An authority figure, a person who is in a position of power.

Karma

Enjoying or celebrating success. Having energy and vitality, being optimistic and active. Triumph over obstacles. Recognition for work done. Trusting others and experiencing a sense of unity. Coming out of a dark period. Critical reasoning leads to clarity and understanding.

Materialism or superficiality. Negative thinking. A dysfunctional relationship. Being self-destructive or caught in a bad situation of your own making through vices such as greed, addictions, or hubris. Giving in to temptation. Feeling like you're going through Hell. Egotistical power struggles. Dealing with someone you think is evil, although s/he may be merely exhibiting shortcomings that you have but don't want to face in yourself.

Pulling back in order to gain space to think things through. Taking the time necessary to review a situation on your own or with the help of a disinterested third party. Renunciation of material claims or desires. Embracing simplicity. 'Money can't buy you happiness'. An unorthodox teacher (a 'guru') has much to teach you.