Study Guide for Playing Card Combinations

If you want to become truly adept at cartomancy, you will need to master the art of combining the cards. This is most easily achieved by learning how to form meaningful two-card combinations.

There are thousands of possible two-card combinations. Memorizing a canned list will hold you back since it's nearly impossible to memorize every possible permutation. Inevitably you are going to run into a pair or trio of cards that you don't have a set combination for, and you will need to know how to combine those cards spontaneously.

Card combining can seem like a daunting task for the beginner cartomancer. I have found that it helps to study a few classic combinations to get a feel for how the cards work together to form a story. 

I put together the following list of suggested combinations for the Ace of Hearts as a guide to help you to learn how to put together your own combinations. I do not intend to publish a list for every card because I want you to develop your ability to create meaningful combinations for yourself.

If you look to the meanings of the individual cards in each combo, the logic will become clear, and these examples will help you to learn how to put the cards together automatically. 

Here is a sample page of combinations for the Ace of Hearts

You can access the Individual card meanings from the tab menu at the top of the blog.

Card combinations with the Ace of Hearts:

Most of these are my own personal combinations that have proven consistently accurate for me based on my own experience with reading the cards. Most of the card combinations have more than one possible meaning. The context of the reading and your own intuition will help you determine the most appropriate meanings for your reading.

It’s possible that more than one meaning will apply accurately to a situation. I’ve listed here the most common meanings for the combinations. They are merely suggestions, and not exhaustive. Keep in mind that card order can also affect the interpretation of a pair of cards. Other meanings are possible, so don’t be afraid to use your imagination and your intuition if the suggested combination does not fit your reading.

♥ Hearts

+ 2 of Hearts: harmony in the home, a pregnancy in the family, a family pet, childhood home, dog house

+ 3 of Hearts: a family celebration, a house party, redecorating the home, a beautiful home, a church

+ 4 of Hearts: a family wedding, emotional security in the home, stable home life, the bedroom, a roommate

+ 5 of Hearts: a sister, a daughter, fabrics and upholstery, curtains, visit from a good friend or lover (female)

+ 6 of Hearts: a brother, a son, comfortable home, visit from a good friend or lover (male), family karma

+ 7 of Hearts: a duplex, a two-family home, a surprise comes to the home, a peaceful home

+ 8 of Hearts: family cooperation, family unity, family protection, the living room

+ 9 of Hearts: dream home, wishing for a new home

+ 10 of Hearts: a secure home life, settling down, a summer home, the roof of the house

+ Jack of Hearts: son, brother, young male family member

+ Queen of Hearts: mother, wife, aunt, grandmother, female family member

+ King of Hearts: father, husband, grandfather, uncle, older male family member

♣ Clubs

+ Ace of Clubs: signing a contract on a home (buying or selling or renting), family document, the cellar or foundation of the home

+ 2 of Clubs: help from a family member, a house-warming gift, domestic help

+ 3 of Clubs: garden or yard, neighborhood, hallway or staircase, an opportunity from a family member

+ 4 of Clubs: an SUV, a home garage, a motor home, a landline phone, a phone call from a family member

+ 5 of Clubs: rearranging the home, reorganizing the home, a change in living arrangements, a house in the country

+ 6 of Clubs: family counsel, tackle family issues, home library, household chores, home gym

+ 7 of Clubs: housework, chores, family discussions, home repairs

+ 8 of Clubs: working from home, household routine, housework

+ 9 of Clubs: family from out of town, a family vacation, a vacation home, being away from home, hotel room

+ 10 of Clubs: a home business, real estate business, beach house, water pipes, washing machine, pool, a houseboat

+ Jack of Clubs: male roommate, maintenance man, a friend of the family, family oriented man

+ Queen of Clubs: female roommate, housekeeper, a friend of the family, family oriented woman

+ King of Clubs: a man who is family oriented, works in real estate or construction

♦ Diamonds

+ Ace of Diamonds: home renovations, an engagement in the family, the fireplace, the stove

+ 2 of Diamonds: borrowing money from family, independence from family, memoirs, the kitchen, home insurance

+ 3 of Diamonds: temporary lodgings, a boarder, guests, part-time work from home

+ 4 of Diamonds: an apartment, a home office, safe, lock box, place where money is kept in the home

+ 5 of Diamonds: a family dinner, furniture, a home in the city, legal issues related to home or family, property

+ 6 of Diamonds: family jealously, home electrical system, wiring, fuses, home electronics, an unsettled home environment

+ 7 of Diamonds: a real estate investment, a home loan, home equity, a luxury home

+ 8 of Diamonds: household budget, family planning, the pantry, windows

+ 9 of Diamonds: rent check, mortgage payment, tax refund, family income, electrical wiring

+ 10 of Diamonds: home security, value of the home, family nest egg

+ Jack of Diamonds: family friend, in-law, home repairman

+ Queen of Diamonds: family friend, in-law, a professional woman associated with the family, insurance agent, realtor

+ King of Diamonds: family friend, in-law, a professional man associated with the family, insurance agent, realtor

♠ Spades

+ Ace of Spades: family decision, sometimes a death in the family

+ 2 of Spades: family quarrel or separation, family gossip, getting rid of the home

+ 3 of Spades: family problems, third-party interference, misunderstandings, deceptions, household pests, termites

+ 4 of Spades: housebound, home sick, quarantined, a nursing home, a jail cell

+ 5 of Spades: moving out of the family home, a divorce in the family, estranged from family, living alone, a break in

+ 6 of Spades: moving house, changing residence, the bathroom

+ 7 of Spades: family setbacks, leak in the home, water damage, substance abuse in the family, a crack house

+ 8 of Spades: sick family member, a doctor in the family, family disappointment, house inspection, home repairman, pest control, genealogy

+ 9 of Spades: family obligations, pressure from family, domestic abuse, home demolition, damage to the home

+ 10 of Spades: family secrets, family worries, agoraphobia, the floor of a home, a winter home, a haunted house, a crime scene

+ Jack of Spades: a controlling or demanding family member

+ Queen of Spades: land lady, a controlling family member

+ King of Spades: head of the family, controlling family member, land lord, housing authority

The Death Card - Ace of Spades

Ace of Spades

The Death Card (Ace of Spades) is probably the most misunderstood card in the deck.  Many people fear the Death Card, and I’ve actually heard clients gasp audibly when I’ve turned the card over in a reading.  It’s unfortunate that the Ace of Spades gets such a bad rap.  In practice, it rarely predicts physical death, and it is one of the more hopeful of all the Spades.

The Aces begin their respective suits, and are associated with the symbolic meanings of the number one.  The number one represents beginnings and fresh starts, and all of the Ace bring new people, places, and things into the querent’s life.  The Ace of Spades is the only Ace that also represents an ending, and a new beginning through a loss, removal or release.  I say that the Ace of Spades is hopeful because it represent a transformation and a re-building, or a re-commitment after the loss. 

Specifically, the Ace of Spades is symbolic of the mind.  It represents those things that affect the mind such as worry, conflicting ideas, and decisions.  When the Ace of Spades appears in a layout, it will usually highlight whatever issues are currently pressing on the querent’s mind.  In most cases the matter involves a choice or decision to be made, or some action to be taken.

The Ace of Spades With Hearts:

The position of the Ace of Spades will determine the timing of the influence.  If Ace of Spades is followed by a heart, it indicates that querent has experienced an emotional transformation in the past, and is re-building anew.  Conversely, when the Ace of Spades follows the heart, the querent may be currently facing emotional turmoil which will require a choice or decision to be made.  The positioning of the cards in the spread will also provide a clue as to whether the action occurs in the past, present or future.

For example, the 4 of Hearts followed by the Ace of Spades would indicate that the querent faces a decision regarding the reconciliation of a marriage, romantic relationship, or friendship.  I have found this to be a very common combination that appears when the querent is undecided about whether to end the relationship, or give it another go.  When the Ace of Spades is followed by the 4 of Hearts, it usually indicates a reconciliation after a very rocky period.  It would denote a re-commitment to the partner after the decision is made to stick it out and make the relationship work.

The Ace of Spades With Clubs:

Clubs represent the practical aspects of life such as work, and how we use our free time every day.  The Ace of Spades followed by a Club would indicate a pending decision regarding work, study, or play.  If the Ace of Spades holds the initial position in the 3-Card Layout, it indicate that querent is the one making the decision.  In the middle position, the decision may be mutual after discussion and deliberation.  In the final position, the decision may be made by someone else, but the results of the decision would directly influence the querent based on the information provided by the surrounding cards.

A very common card combination that I see a lot in my readings is the 5 of Clubs followed by the Ace of Spades.  The  5 of Clubs is an action card that denotes taking the reins in a situation to resolve a challenge or concern.  The  5 of Clubs + Ace of Spades would indicate that the querent is struggling with the decision about whether or not to take control of a situation.  The cards surrounding this combination will offer clues as to the nature of the decision, and will describe the matter at hand.  The 5 of Clubs falling last would indicate that the querent has already made the decision to take action and handle the issue.  The surrounding cards will provide specific information about the situation that requires attention.

The Ace of Spades With Diamonds:

Diamonds represent the material world, and how we make use of our physical and mental powers.  The Ace of Spades followed by a Diamond would denote a decision regarding finances, personal resources, or personal power.  

For example, the Ace of Spades followed by the 8 of Diamonds would indicate a decision to bring one’s financial situation into balance.  The querent faces an important decision regarding planning for the future in terms of saving or investing money.  When the Ace of Spades falls last, it indicates financial worries, and denotes that the querent may be forced to tighten the purse strings due to some financial setback or reversal.

The Ace of Spades With Other Spades:

When the Ace of Spades is surrounded by other spades, it reveals its nastier meanings such as anger, resentment,  anxiety, despair, depression, mental illness, and feeling overburdened by worries.

The Ace of Spades can represent “the mind” in a clinical sense, and with the 4 of Spades it can denote depression or mental illness.  The 8 of Spades is another health card that can represent a doctor, and with the Ace of Spades it can refer to a mental health specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

The Ace of Spades with the 3 of Spades shows mental confusion, hazy thinking, or someone who is scatterbrained.  The Ace of Spades with the 10 of Spades can indicate obsessive or compulsive behavior.  With the 9 of Spades the Ace of Spades can denote thoughts of self sabotage, and when the 5 of Spades appears in the mix, it may be a warning that someone is thinking of doing physical harm to him or herself.  A very common combination is the Ace of Spades + 7 of Spades which would indicate intoxication or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Ace of Spades With Other Aces:

In addition to their specific symbolic meanings, all of the Aces also represent new beginnings and making a fresh start.  When combined with the Ace of Spades, the new beginning is a rebirth or rebuilding after a loss or release of some kind.  Two Aces always denote a major life change, and when the Ace of Spades is included, the transformation usually includes a life lesson.  With the Ace of Hearts it reveals an emotional rebirth after a period of mourning.  With the Ace of Diamonds it would represent a rebuilding of one’s financial status after a major setback or reversal.  With the Ace of Clubs the combination would indicate the rebuilding of a social or business situation.  The position of the Ace of Spades in relation to the other Ace will determine if the renewal has already been accomplished, or must be still be faced.

Of course the symbolic meanings of these combinations would still apply as an additional interpretation for each combination.  For example,

A♠ + A♥ =  concern over a family matter, or a decision regarding the home

A♠ + A♣ =  decision regarding some important paperwork

A♠ + A♦ = concern over whether or not to accept an invitation, or worry over some news or a message.

It’s important to keep in mind that the cards can be interpreted on various levels, and each interpretation would be valid and pertinent to a different area of the querent’s life.  Very often one or another of the interpretations will make more sense in answering the querent’s specific question.

The Ace of Spades With a Face Card:

When the  Ace of Spades falls with a Face Card (Court Card), it does not generally predict that person’s immediate demise.  :)   It would simply indicate that the person depicted by the Face Card is influenced by the concern or decision represented by the  Ace of Spades.  Generally, if the  Ace of Spades falls to the right of the Face Card, the decision would be made by the person represented by the card.  If the  Ace of Spades falls to the left, the decision will be made by the querent, but it will affect the person represented by the Face card in some way.

When Does the Ace of Spades mean Death? 

The Ace of Spades can indicate death of the physical body, but only in combination with other Spades which denote loss, separation, and removal such as the 2 of Spades, 5 of Spades or 6 of Spades.  For more detailed information about reading death in the cards, please check out my previous post on Death in the Cards. 

Ace of Diamonds

Playing Card Meanings for Divination:

Suit Influence:

Diamonds: Money, financial matters, possessions, rewards, recognition, success, improved circumstances, energy, electricity, power, science, technology, language, written communication, higher education, independence, restlessness, nerves, optimism, vitality, intellect, imagination, design, plans, the life force, spirit, spirituality, psychic energy, legal judgments, financial institutions and government.

Number Influence:

The Number 1: New beginning, first, starting out, initiative, individuality, solitude, leader, the conscious mind and conscious control.

Characteristics of Diamond Suit

Intelligent, independent, restless, imaginative, extravagant, impulsive, impatient, optimistic, powerful, professional, spiritual, dynamic, analytical, speedy, high strung.

Keywords: Message, new beginning

How to Read the Ace of Diamonds:

Traditionally, the Ace of Diamonds signifies a letter, a ring or paper money.

My grandmother called the the Ace of Diamonds Messaggio, which means “dispatch” or “message” in Italian.  The Ace of Diamonds would often come up as official news, or an official document in her readings. This idea was extended to indicate importance. Therefore, the Ace of Diamonds can cast an aura of importance on surrounding cards.

In general, this card represents news, a message, an invitation, an email, or any form of verbal or written communication. The surrounding cards will indicate if the news is good or bad.

Symbolically, the Ace of Diamonds represent the sun. It represent the day time, and illumination. It represent a spark of energy, the life force, a spark of divine energy, fire, electricity, magnetism, atomic fusion, etc. It can also represent things that are sharp such as needles and blades.

All Aces symbolize new beginnings, and the Ace of Diamonds signifies making a fresh start, and beginning again from scratch. It can indicate the start of a new financial venture, or the beginning of a new phase in life.  This card can refer to something brand, spanking new.

From the older meaning of “a ring,” the Ace of Diamonds can denote a wedding engagement taking place.

Card multiples:

Two Aces – Leadership and authority.

Three Aces – an unexpected twist of fate.

Four Aces – Major changes that affect every area of life.


Suggested Card Combinations:

4♥ + A♦ = a wedding ring, or marriage ceremony.

4♣ + A♦ =  a brand new car.

A♦ + 3♥ = an invitation to a party or celebration.

A♦ + 7♠ = intravenous drug use, an intravenous therapy (an IV)

A♦ + A♥ = remodeling the home, change in living situation

A♦ + 9♣ = a passport, travel documents

A♦ + 3♥ = Invitation to party or celebration

A♦ + 3 ♠ = a fake diamond

A♦ + 5 ♠ = Loss of ring

A♦ + J♥ = Marriage proposal

A♦ + 2♦ = cooking or insurance papers

A♦ + 4♦ = Gift of a ring, an engagement ring

Two of Hearts

Playing Card Meanings for Divination:

Suit Influence:

Hearts: Love, emotions, feelings, romance, marriage, children, happiness, peace, contentment, comfort, compassion, compatibility, sympathy, empathy, sharing, family matters, relationships, friends, intimacy, rest, relaxation, amusement, entertainment, fun, fantasy, summer, warmth, laziness, pleasure, peace, calm, creativity, art, beauty, soul connections, religion, hope, healing, intuition, honesty, trust and goodwill.

Number Influence:

The Number 2: duality, balance, compatibility, agreement, opposition, exchanges, partnerships and interactions.

Characteristics:

Romantic, loving, nurturing, sensitive, sensuous, emotional, intuitive, imaginative, creative, artistic, calm, empathetic, empathic, sympathetic, parental, family-oriented, lovable, light-hearted, lazy, complacent, indulgent, self-indulgent, moody.

Keywords: Good News

How to Read the 2 of Hearts:

Traditionally, the 2 of Hearts  is a card of love and affection.  Based on the meanings of the number 2, and the suit of Hearts, this card can represent loving exchanges, and can indicate a love letter, or good news in general, or specifically from or about a loved one.

The 2 of Hearts can also indicate affection between two people.  This card can denote a romantic couple, but because it is a small Heart, it can also refer to a strong platonic or filial bond.  This card can indicate compatibility with someone or an affinity to something. 

The 2♥ can be read as the seeker’s emotions.  My grandmother called this card L’Attesa, which means “anticipation,” or “expectancy” in Italian.   Specifically this card denotes emotional excitement and expectancy.  The cards surrounding the 2♥ will describe what is expected, or what the seeker is looking forward to.  This card foretells that something new and exciting is about manifest in the seeker’s life.

The idea of “expectancy” can also refer to a pregnancy.  As such, the 2♥ can also represent a baby, a child, or children in general. This card can also represent a domesticated animal or family pet.

The 2♥ is also a highly creative card.  It represents the creative power that is channeled through artists and musicians, and can denote a talent for art or music or writing. The surrounding cards will help define the direction of the creative talent.

When the 2♥ appears in the outcome position of a spread, it indicates good news and a happy outcome.

According to older cartomancy meanings, the 2♥ indicated that an unexpected visitor would appear within two weeks.  Hence, the 2♥  is traditionally a card of time.  It can indicate that a prediction will occur in 2 days, 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years.

Card Multiples:

Twos in multiples can mean double the fun or double the trouble. They can represent things coming in twos–couples, twins, socks, shoes, etc.

Two 2s: Things coming in pairs, a couple
Three 2s: Can indicate lots of activity and everything happening at once.
Four 2s: Teamwork, co-operation, group activity.

Example Card combinations: 

  Q + 2♥ – pregnant woman
  2♥ + 4♠ – a sick child or pet, emotional block
  8♠+ 2♥ - a pediatrician
  A♥ + 2♥ - child family member, a new child in the home
  A♦ + 2♥ - a message brings good news, news of the birth of a child
  A♠ + 2♥ – birth of a child
  A♣ + 2♥ – elementary or nursery school
  2♥ + 3♥ - an artist, creative expression
  2♥ + Spade - emotional upset, emotional problems

Death in the Playing Cards

Most people don’t like to talk about death. In fact, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that at least 99% of the people I read for do not want to hear about death in their cards.  I can’t say I blame them-- I don’t particularly care to talk about death either.  I know it’s an uncomfortable subject, but as readers it’s only a matter of time before we encounter death in the cards.  So what do you do when you see the seeker’s death or the death of someone close to the seeker in your reading?

No reader is 100% accurate regardless of their claims to the contrary.  For this reason, I choose never to predict death in my readings.  Why frighten or worry someone needlessly?  On the other hand, I’m a firm believer in the old adage “forewarned is forearmed.”  Readings are not set in stone.  They predict the natural course of events based on the current influences at the time of the reading.

In some cases, the querent may have the ability to influence the final outcome.  Therefore, although I won’t predict death, I will offer strong warnings when appropriate.  If I see sickness connected to the death, I will advise the seeker that he or she is overdue for a health checkup.  If I see an accident or injury, I will warn the seeker to be cautious while driving or dealing with potentially dangerous equipment.

In almost every instance that I have encountered death in the cards, the seeker was already aware that someone around them was close to death.  When I mention that I see someone who is seriously ill around them, they immediately confirm that they have a friend or family member with a terminal illness.

Perhaps the most difficult, and the most spiritual, readings for me have been for people with a terminal illness who know they are dying.  They come looking for hope or comfort, or confirmation that their lives were meaningful.  These readings should be approached with love and honesty-and above all, spiritual truth.

Death in the Playing Cards:

My grandmother used the Ace of Spades in the reversed position to denote death, and that is the way I first learned to read that card.  It’s interesting to note that the Ace of Spades was the only card in the entire deck that she read both upright and reversed.  Over the years I have dropped the reversed meaning of the Ace of Spades, and instead I use combinations of Spades along with the Ace to represent physical death.

In order to predict a physical death in the playing cards, the Ace of Spades should be clustered with other spades such as the 2♠ (separation), 4♠ (illness), 3♠ (disease), 5♠ (loss & tears), 6♠ (moving on), 8♠ (sickness), 9♠ (accident or injury) and 10♠ (the afterlife).  I have to see a cluster of at least three or four of these Spades along with the Ace before I would even consider that I see a death in the cards.

A cluster of spades including the Ace, but without the 2♠, 5♠ or 6♠ could indicate a fear of death.  The seeker is worried about that she or a loved one is near death.  A cluster of small spades without the Ace can indicate the same thing. I once had a client who was a bit of a hypochondriac. In every reading she would pull almost the entire suit of Spades, minus the 2, 5 and 6. I would have to assure her each time that I did not see any serious health issues for her before her cards would reflect her life rather than her fears.

You might see the Ace of Spades along with other small spades in the position of past influences in a reading.  This indicates that the seeker has recently experienced the loss of a loved one, and is still dealing with the grief.

Sometimes when death appears in the cards, particularly when the Spades fall separately in the reading, it refers to a tragic incident the seeker will hear about.  Although the news doesn’t affect them personally, the tragedy can cause a psychic or emotional disturbance that is forewarned by the cards. My daily cards the morning of the Sandy Hook tragedy were the Jack of Spades + the 9 of Spades + 10 of Spades. It's hard to imagine a worse trio of cards. I had no idea what was about to transpire, but I knew it would be bad. Although the event did not affect me personally on a physical level, I was deeply affected emotionally.

I believe that as readers we have an ethical responsibility to the seeker to provide honest, helpful, and positive information.  I don’t think it is ethical or helpful to frighten someone with predictions of doom.  As always, let your conscience and intuition be your guide.

Locating Lost Objects with Cartomancy

I have found the playing cards to be wonderful for helping me to locate lost or missing objects. I have also used them successfully for locating missing pets and missing people. Each card can denote several possible locations.

I find it best to keep it simple and draw only three cards to specifically ask for the location of something lost. Additional cards will usually show the circumstances surrounding the missing object, and can be incorrectly interpreted to indicate too many possible locations. The cards can be combined to refine the description of the location. Here are the most common location meanings I use for each of the 52 playing cards:

Diamonds

Ace of Diamonds – fireplace, heater, stove, with important papers

2 of Diamonds – kitchen, where food is stored or prepared

3 of Diamonds – workplace, workshop, work space

4 of Diamonds – home office, den, desk, safe, jewelry box, strong box

5 of Diamonds – dining room, sideboard, a large piece of furniture

6 of Diamonds – computer, electronic equipment, wiring

7 of Diamonds – with important financial papers

8 of Diamonds – pantry, cabinets, storage room

9 of Diamonds - in someone else’s possession, near electrical outlet

10 of Diamonds - near windows or air vents, to the west 

Diamond Face Cards - people around the lost object, usually professional people

Clubs

Ace of Clubs – downstairs, basement, underneath something, low to the ground

2 of Clubs – backpack, purse, bag

3 of Clubs – hallway, staircase, yard, near house plants

4 of Clubs – in the car, in the garage, by the telephone, under or around a table.

5 of Clubs – in a bar or restaurant

6 of Clubs – library, bookcase, television, radio

7 of Clubs – closet, shoe box, sock drawer, footwear 

8 of Clubs – the workplace

9 of Clubs – outside the home, a distance away

10 of Clubs – a place of business, near water, washing machine, dishwasher, etc., to the east 
Club Face Cards - people involved with or around the lost object, can be co-workers or acquaintances

Hearts

Ace of Hearts – in the home, room where the family gathers

2 of Hearts – child’s room, with pet’s toys, where you expect it to be.

3 of Hearts – where beauty supplies, or crafting supplies are kept

4 of Hearts – bedroom, sofa, easy chair, bedding

5 of Hearts – notions, fabrics, clothing, pockets, clothes closet or drawer

6 of Hearts – where tools are stored, with men’s products, where you have already looked.

7 of Hearts – near where the item belongs

8 of Hearts – living room, family room

9 of Hearts – hope chest, item will be found

10 of Hearts – on a high shelf, upstairs, the attic, the roof, a sunny area, to the south
Heart Face Cards - people involved with or around the lost object, usually a family member or close friend

Spades

Ace of Spades – gone, lost, stolen, cannot be found

2 of Spades – refrigerator, freezer

3 of Spades – lost, stolen, may be damaged or broken

4 of Spades – medicine cabinet, cupboard, closet, box

5 of Spades – lost, may be broken

6 of Spades – in the car or other vehicle, in the bathroom, in the garbage

7 of Spades – under the sink, near water pipes, medicine chest, liquor cabinet

8 of Spades – laundry room, workshop

9 of Spades – the item may be ruined or destroyed

10 of Spades – downstairs, on the floor, underneath furniture, buried or hidden from view, to the north
Spade Face Cards - people involved with or around the lost object, can be someone sneaky or unhelpful

I once had a client contact me for help with finding her lost wedding ring. I don't recall all of the cards that appeared in her reading, but I do remember the Ace of Diamond which specifically refers to a ring. I took that as a sign that the lost ring would be found. The other card that stands out in my mind is the 4 of Hearts which can refer to a bed or the bedroom. The client searched her bed and bedroom, but did not find the ring. The ring finally turned up in the laundry. Her husband was washing the bedding and found the ring that must have been trapped somewhere in the bed sheets!

Character Reading - The Dilemma Spread

This is an old archived post that never got moved to my current Art of Cartomancy blog. It illustrates the Dilemma Spread, a simple layout that can be used to provide insight into two distinct options, rather than simply predict the outcome of two different paths. When a consultant is faced with a difficult decision, I find it helpful to explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of each option before attempting to predict which choice would be the more beneficial. The consultant can then make an educated decision based on all the information available from the cards.

The following reading is for a 27 year old woman who is dating two men. She has been seeing one man for several years, and has recently met the second man. Neither man knows of the other. The consultant fears that if she does not make the decision to continue with one man, and end her relationship with the other, she could lose both. Her dilemma is that she cannot decide on the right man. She thinks she is in love with one man, and she is convinced that the other man is the perfect one for her. She is afraid to make the wrong choice.

Comparing Options

I suggested the Dilemma Spread to see if the cards could provide insight into each man’s character, and help her to decide which was the better–more compatible– choice for her.

I asked the consultant for the first name of each man. The first name she gave me was “Jason,” so Jason is represented by the cards in the top branch of the spread. Then she named “Daniel” who is represented by the bottom branch.

The Ace of Spades is the card that represents a troubled mind, and the need for a decision or choice. I purposely chose the Ace as significator to represent the consultant's dilemma. Then I had the consultant draw three cards for the top branch of the spread, and finally three cards for the bottom branch.

First Impressions

My first impression of the reading was that both branches begin with a Court Card. I love when I see patterns and symmetry in a reading because it assures me that the cards are speaking to me directly– trying to get my attention. The Court Cards can denote personality types, confirming that the cards are responding to my question for insight into each man’s character.

My second impression was that both branches end in money cards (Diamonds). This suggested to me that financial security is an important factor the consultant looks for in a man. These cards represent the men in her life, but they are her cards, and they reflect her values. After all, the focus of the reading is really about her choice.

Top Branch: Jason

Looking at the top branch, I noticed that Jason is represented by only Diamonds. This suggests to me that he is a restless spirit, not the kind to settle in one place for long. He is a sensory seeker, easily bored, always looking for something  new to occupy his keen mind. He’s probably super intelligent, but he may lack the grounding necessary to put his ideas to practical use.

The Queen of Diamonds tells me that he values women in general, and the consultant in particular. The 2 of Diamonds suggests that he also values his freedom. He isn’t the type to form a lasting commitment, or to settle down for long.  The 2 of Diamonds also talks of a generous nature with material things, but the 6 of Diamonds suggests limited resources. He probably doesn’t have much money, and earns just enough to get by. The consultant confirmed that Jason has not yet settled on a career. He is a hard worker, but he gets bored and does not stay in any job for very long. She worried about his financial prospects.

The 6 of Diamonds could also suggest a possessive nature, someone with an innate understanding of human psychology, and an ability to manipulate others. When I glanced again at the Queen of Diamonds, it read to me more like this man values women as possessions. The consultant became a little defensive with this line of inquiry, so I made my point and dropped it. She did admit, however, that Jason does not have the emotional stability or financial prospects that she looks for in a partner, but she sees his potential. It struck me that this was the man she had recently met, and with whom she thought she was in love. She confirmed that he was.

Bottom Branch: Daniel

Daniel is represented by a Heart, a Club and a Diamond. I could immediately see that he is a more well-rounded individual with a more balanced personality. If we include the Ace, all four suits are represented to describe him: Spades = Mind, Hearts = Soul (emotions), Clubs = Body, and Diamonds = Spirit (energy).

The King of Hearts describes him as a loving man. He is romantic, good husband material, a good father who will protect and provide for his family. The King of Hearts can be a dreamer, but the 3 of Clubs grounds him. It shows that Daniel is a dependable individual with a giving nature. He is understanding, and always ready to help and support those in need. Daniel has strong spiritual values (10 of Diamonds) and a practical approach to life (3 of Clubs). He has direction, he knows who he is, and what he wants to accomplish in life.

The 10 of diamonds is a card of success, and an indication that Daniel’s focus is on money and career. With the 3 of Clubs we see that he is building toward his financial future. This man is destined for success, and he needs a stable and loving family to make it all worthwhile. The consultant agreed that Daniel can provide her with emotional stability and  financial security she looks for in a partner. This is the man the consultant has been dating for several years, and she seems bored with the relationship.

Summary: So which man is the better choice?

Well, the answer really depends on what the consultant wants from a relationship. Life with Jason would be unpredictable, fast and exciting– restricted only by the limits of his financial means.  The downside is that the consultant may risk being treated more like a possession than as a partner, and it could be a long time before Jason is ready to settle down.  If, on the other hand, the consultant is looking for a stable relationship with a man who is family oriented and ready to settle down and create his family fortune, Daniel would make the better choice. The downside is that Daniel may be too predictable, and his current focus may be too much on work, and building his fortune, and not enough on building the relationship.

The important thing to note is that the cards do not make the decision for the consultant. The cards will not say, “this or that  is the right choice for you.” The cards provide insight into each option, and it is up to the consultant to decide which is the better choice based on her needs, desires, expectations, etc.

I had the impression that the consultant was looking for permission to end a stable relationship which bored her, so she could pursue a more exciting relationship with the new guy. I offered to do another Dilemma Spread to see if the cards would indicate which relationship would make the consultant happier in the long run, but she declined.  I suspect that she already knew the answer, and was not ready to see the truth confirmed in the cards.