Friday, January 23, 2015

yes or no? how to get your answer with the story method of interpretation

I've been reading a lot of blog posts lately about answering yes/no questions using an image-based deck like tarot. Some say it can't be done. Some say it can. Some find ways to do it by assigning cards a positive (yes) spin or a negative (no) spin.

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?

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
Look at you! You've got your feet up, chillaxin at home with your needlepoint. I'd say you passed your test.

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.

Forgiveness | 6 of Hearts

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
You're starving! You've got no money for food so you've resorted to eating plates! It doesn't look good financially.

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.

Will I get a new job soon?

Gift | 6 of Diamonds
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
 You're sitting at home by the fireplace, so no job.

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 definitely likes you. He's trying to win you over.

Restriction | 8 of Spades
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
No, you two are like an old married couple and he still only has eyes for you.

Troublemaker | Jack of Spades

Well, he looks like he stole something and is trying not to get caught. So, I would say yes, he's probably cheating.

Delay | 4 of Spades

He may not be cheating but he appears disappointed with the relationship. He's not having any fun.
Is the relationship over?

Partnership | 2 of Hearts
You two are still infatuated with each other. Look at the close body language -- I'd say no, the relationship is not over.

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?

4 comments:

  1. 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.

    Thank you!
    Sara

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    1. 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.

      If 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

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  2. Hello Kristen!
    Thank 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

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    1. That's awesome Sara! Best to you! Let me know if you have more questions!

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