I say if you have an image-based deck all you need to do is look at the picture and say what you see. This is the story method of interpretation. The questioner or subject of the reading becomes the main character in the image and you simply describe what's happening.
For example, what if you are asking, Will I get a promotion? Imagine that someone is getting a promotion. What do they look like? Happy, sad, angry? Imagine the scene -- What are they doing? Celebrating? Relaxing? What kind of body language would we see? Tight and tense or relaxed and open? Now, look through the cards in your deck. What cards would verify a yes answer? What cards verify no?
For example, what if you are asking, Will I get a promotion? Imagine that someone is getting a promotion. What do they look like? Happy, sad, angry? Imagine the scene -- What are they doing? Celebrating? Relaxing? What kind of body language would we see? Tight and tense or relaxed and open? Now, look through the cards in your deck. What cards would verify a yes answer? What cards verify no?
Let's look at examples using Over the Moon Oracle Cards. I'm using the non-captioned version of the deck so we can see the entire image clearly.
Will I pass my test?
Status | 8 of Diamonds |
Rejection | Ace of Spades |
You are leaving a school dragging a book on the ground. This looks more like a walk of shame than a victory march so I would say NO you don't pass the test.
Yes, you will pass the test but with a little help, maybe a tutor or study aid. Or perhaps some help from above -- divine help -- in the form of prayer!
Will my finances improve by next month?
Empty | 4 of Diamonds |
Fun | 5 of Hearts |
You're playing and having fun, without a care in the world, so yes it looks like your finances improve.
Waiting | 2 of Clubs |
You are waiting for something, perhaps a check in the mail. It looks like things will still be tense on the financial horizon but you may be in a position of expecting money.
You are giving or receiving money. Either way, this is a good sign. It looks like you may receive a job offer or at least have enough extra money to hold you over.
Traveler | Jack of Clubs |
You're getting out of the house and looking for a job. It could also mean that you will get a job that will require you to travel or move.
Security | Ace of Diamonds |
Does he like me?
Interference | 3 of Spades |
Since the question is does HE like me we'll focus on the male in the image. He appears annoyed at being set up. But perhaps once he gets to know you better, he'll warm up to you.
Romantic| Jack of Hearts |
He is more concerned with his own predicament than a relationship right now. I'd say he's just not that into you.
What if the question is posed negatively instead of positively as in the above examples? This is one of the reasons the story method works so well. If we had randomly assigned yes and no for each card, how would we interpret positive cards in a negatively worded question like the ones below?
Is my boyfriend cheating?
Commitment | 4 of Hearts |
Partnership | 2 of Hearts |
Loss | 10 of Spades |
Unfortunately, yes. Like Humpty Dumpty, it's fallen and it can't get up. As the story goes, no one can put Humpty Dumpty (or the relationship) back together again.
Rest | 4 of Clubs |
Maybe, but this might just be a time out period where both of you need a break from each other.
Do you use this method of interpretation?
Hi! I came across this post yesterday and really like it! I tried it with your random questions and it worked fine until I got court cards for certain questions. What if someone asks "Is my bf cheating?" and the Queen of Swords comes up? Or what if there are no people at all in the card I pulled? "Does he like me?" and I get the Ace of Swords. I'm a bit confused. Would be great if you could explain.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Sara
Great question Sara! My question to you would be what is your understanding or feeling about an upright swords since both cards in the standard RWS deck feature this. If you're not sure, grab something as a stand in for a sword and hold it up the way it's being held in the card. How do you feel? Powerful? Vengeful? Victorious? This is a great exercise to perform for all of the court cards as they are notoriously difficult for readers to comprehend.
DeleteIf the question concerns cheating with another woman and a woman appears as an answer, well, I would definitely take that as a maybe. It doesn't necessarily mean cheating but there's some woman that's important to him that's not you. The only way I'd see it differently is if you've already chosen the Queen of Swords for your significator. In that case if it turned up, it's telling you there's only you.
The Aces show a hand from the sky offering the suit emblem to you. So imagine that you're receiving it. If a guy handed you a large coin, would you think he likes you? What about a large cup overflowing with water and a dove? What would that say about the guy and his romantic approach? Now, what if he offers you a weapon? Also consider what the emblem resembles. For example, if the Ace of Wands appears, I would respond that he'd like to have sex with you because the Wand is phallic.
I hope this helps! Thanks for visiting.
~Kristen
Hello Kristen!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your response! Very helpful indeed. I think you just opened a whole new horizon for me :-) Thank you.
All the best!
Sara
That's awesome Sara! Best to you! Let me know if you have more questions!
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