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
Queen of Cups	VII – The Chariot	Seven of Cups		Five of Cups	Queen of Pentacles	XX – Judgement
		The Querent
		XVII – The Star	Seven of Pentacles	King of Pentacles
The Psychological Basis				Karma
Page of Cups	Three of Pentacles	Eight of Cups		Seven of Wands	Five of Pentacles	Knight 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.

The 7 of Pentacles indicates that the hard work has been done. It is time for quiet watchfulness, gestation, letting things develop. Tangible material success in some form is on its way.

Visualise wonderful outcomes and let them come as they may. Do not be attached to the outcomes. Be attached to being delightfully surprised. Use this time wisely by being actively invigorated!

The Star indicates continually finding your cosmic groove and going for it! Eternal hope in the diamond-like seat of your mind-body-beautiful is indicated to be sparkling brightly! The Star card indicates the immutable and vibrant presence of your memories, your hope, and your knowledge.

The Star encourages you to shift your focus and re-direct your scale without moving the gaze upon your focus. Even the smallest star provides a glimmer of hope.

This is a bright time for feeling your possibilities expanding!

The King of Pentacles indicates the Master Builder, building concrete and psychic structures together. Everything built here stands the test of time as it is living of its own accord and rooted strongly. There is an uncompromising quality with clean lines spare of ornament. This is not the domain of the glorious, but of grand simplicity with strength and wit and directness of gesture. In regard to an architecture of clean lines spare of ornament visualise the human body.

This is the card of strong foundations already built under your dreams. Proper reinforcement and formwork is not a requirement, was the norm, and all exceeds expectations. Formwork was sloughed off as forgotten memory, afterbirth. Reinforcement enhances and strengthens the structure, and is embedded. Quick fixes make for shallow roots. This is the card of developed roots and healthy and prominent accomplishments.

Your Current Path

The 5 of Cups indicates rough, turbulent, or confusing times. Possible loss, or loss already occurred are also indicated. Cups indicate that all is not lost, though. Like the seagull seeing something positive in the tumultuous sea, hope for the future and treasure discovered in your emotions is indicated.

The Queen of Pentacles indicates the qualities of a practical, down-to-earth woman, whether you are a woman or a man. Enthusiastic. May own a successful business. Always encouraging friends and family to exercise, nourishing by promoting to take care. Some say water conforms to its cup. You know this all too well to the point where you may see no problem with the idea that buying a Steinway piano might make a child Mozart. . .as you know only too well the far-reaching (both inner and outer) merits of a good environment, whether what's obvious is the focus or not.

This queen also indicates that you may even cherish a vehicle, or simply a well-designed dashboard in a convertible as important if you drive a bunch. Simply put, if it's going to be in your presence, it should at the very least be attractive, distinct, as exquisite to you is staple, required. The usefulness of beauty as being positive to your environment is understood.

Exquisite fetches wood and carries water, stokes the fire, exudes presence with a strong grace. These are qualities through and through, specifically and in general.

Even in silence, tasteful enthusiasm is indicated. Tasteful is a great word for you here.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

Judgment indicates a weightlessness of memory in mind that exacts a heavy toll or provides one with a breadth of self-born experience. It is indicated to not dig in your dirt at this time in respect for your own dead. In respectful remembrance forget them to sprouting and flowering naturally as you simply amend your soil.

It is indicated that you alone carry your memories into the present, no more at the mercy of your past, than you are of old photo albums. Take more pictures! Judgment indicates the respectful remembrance of perennials poking their noses up in newly amended soil.

Now is indicated to be a time where the cycles of your memories will flourish.

The Alternate Path

The Queen of Cups indicates harmony with your emotional and intuitive realm. Relying on inner guidance, one's perspective is well-suited to respond to external influences from a flowing inner perspective that is thick and rich. Take charge in matters regarding your inner life. Your emotions draw upon the wisdom of the ages. Imagination. Creative. Loving. Supportive.

Odds are you are very impressionable at this time. In the positive this indicates a strong feeling-sense, and ability to be sensitively and effectively responsive. As still waters run deep, there are hidden depths not readily apparent.

The Queen of Cups indicates naturally charismatic leadership, an ability to express your emotions confidently at this time.

The Chariot indicates you are bringing powerfully diverse, internal forces into harmony. Indicates agility at speed in your process. Take note of your strategies as chariots typically engage from the side rather than head on. Look to the powerful forces in your life to feel where strain needs to be tuned back in to balance. The embodiment of stand-alone, self-nourishing connections is indicated in the agility of your actions. Shift and corner! This is a great time to feel the agility of your responsiveness! * A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The 7 of Cups indicates having your head in the clouds. Your dreams are flourishing, but encroaching on you at the expense of your actions. Dreams are wonderful, but not so much when by contrast their inspiration is lessened causing disconnect in actions.

Also indicated is to watch that you don't get caught up in your dream world at the expense of reality. Balance and centre and you will be clear.

As with gardening, it is not recommended to cut things back too hard. In fact, do not cut them at all. Increase your actions. Start with a big breath. All dreams and no action may be pie in the sky, and as well may be more markedly that you are in a new place. Do not be afraid to act. Simply renew and think of a great wind. The smoke and chaff will begin to clear as the wheat of your dreams nourishes your newfound zeal.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The Psychological Basis

The Page of Cups indicates caring for someone, playful and fun thoughts of loved ones. Musical or artistic talent are indicated, playing with your cup. Being loved and feeling that you are being loved even if you are on your own. There is strength of character present with the Page of Cups to skilfully and playfully follow your dreams.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The 3 of pentacles indicates your Industry, hard work, and talent paying off as you work on some sort of project utilising all the aspects of yourself – Mind, Body, Spirit. A project or idea that has greater significance than you realise.

Use creativity to discover what you should be doing with your life, or to enhance and reinforce what you already ARE doing. A project done with careful planning and joy that has the potential to touch lives and leave a lasting impression. HECK!!! Downshift and enjoy the turns, BABY! Drive your thang as you make smiles!

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The 8 of Cups indicates listlessness, lack of purpose, or a moving away from what no longer works to something new. Thinking of the 7 of Cups, the baby steps of your new actions are just poking through as with new noses poking up in your garden.

The 8 of Cups also indicates to be neither patient nor anxious. Telling your dahlias to hurry may just be laughable to the dahlias. Let in the laughable of your current situation. Travel may also be indicated, some travel even as simple as a stroll through an unfamiliar park or place. Sometimes it's best to let things clear on their own accord. Feel free to lose your focus and forget your troubled inertia. Forgetting is often for getting what you're missing.

Karma

The 7 of wands indicates going in headlong, taking affirmative and decisive action, and succeeding. Success is indicated even when out-numbered or swamped by adversity.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The 5 of Pentacles indicates emotional, physical, material and /or spiritual crises that manifest as loss and lack on the physical plane. Look within. Determine what must be changed to improve your situation. Healing the inside. Weed. Amend your soil. Forgiveness of yourself, others. Transform negative thought patterns while not feeling sorry for yourself, not being a separatist, or blind to the blessings all around. Anger is a fabulous reminder that there are still some things misunderstood, and if you're mad at yourself, change gears with a nap, a warm bath, or meditation. Feel the hope and bright warmth hiding in oppressive circumstances.

Creatively using oppressive circumstances, rise above your own limitations. Recognise your own appreciation. . .Drop the things that are expected but unnecessary and you get more valuable all the time!

Beware of daydreams that substitute patterns that keep you from manifesting your dreams. Think self-limitation, your soul becoming more conscious, isolation for the purpose of gathering strength and gaining focus to develop your own uniqueness. Shamanic work is also indicated. Simply value your life. . .and do not act on reactive impulses. As soon as you decide, then take at least ONE more step. It may feel like rock bottom, but perspective can also place that as something strong on which to stand. Look for the glow!

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.

The Knight of Cups indicates that things have taken on emotional or intuitive modes. Emotion or intuition will lead the way to your destination.

* A manner of reading a reversal is to emphasise rather than a reversed meaning, an internal meaning relating more to one's inner self than indicating the outer world. Read the card with your inner context, what it says to you about your inner person.