A Reading with the True Magic Spread

Last month I reviewed Barbara Moore's wonderful book Tarot Spreads: Layouts and Techniques to Empower Your Readings (Llewellyn Worldwide). You can click HERE to read that review.

Among the many useful and intriguing spreads in this book is one that Barbara created called the True Magic Spread. I decided to use this spread to explore a project I have started, in an effort to learn what I need to understand about the positive potential and possible obstacles to its success.

My advisors for this reading come from The Secret Language of Birds tarot by Adele Nozedar and Linda Sutton (Schiffer). You can read my review of this fascinating deck HERE.

For the True Magic Spread, the cards are laid out like this:

..............6..............

.......4............5.......

1............2.............3

Card 1 reveals what I have: QUEEN OF SWORDS

The woman on this card is a "study in blue." She looks calm, cool, and collected. A lone seagull flies overhead. The red rose she holds has thorns, and a drowsy white cat relaxes on her lap.

Logic, insight, and perceptiveness are among my gifts where this project is concerned (by which I mean that I do not always demonstrate these qualities, but they are among those I can draw upon when needed). Skillful use of words is implied by this Queen (with Swords being the suit of Air, representing the mind and communication). I can be detached when necessary, and as long as I don't carry that too far, it could be helpful.

Card 2 shows what I need: THE FOOL (Il Matto / The Cuckoo)

A young woman sits at the edge of a beach. A gaping crocodile flashes its teeth in the foreground. We see two cuckoos -- one flying up toward the woman and one that appears to be flying into the crocodile's jaws.

I need to relax and trust the Universe, allowing myself to be spontaneous and free during the development of this project. The Queen of Swords can be a bit controlling and buttoned-up, so The Fool is here to remind me to play and enjoy myself  -- without being careless or taking dangerous risks..

Card 3 refers to someone who can help: THE EMPRESS (L'Imperatrice / The Dove)

This lady's green skin suggests nature and growing things as she raises one arm toward the heavens and the other toward the earth. We see three doves -- one above the woman's shoulder, one at hip level, and one in the gold pattern on her dress.

Well, I can certainly use any help that "Ms. Fertility and Creativity" cares to offer! Adele Nozedar writes that "The Empress can appear as Muse, and you may find that your life will be very different in some months hence." The Empress also helps me by reminding me to take care of myself and have faith in my feelings. Best of all, this mega-feminine energy most certainly refers to the fact that I already have assistance from two amazing and talented women -- my daughter and a woman who was my closest friend from age 5 through high school.

Card 4 advises what to do: FOUR OF CUPS

Four kingfishers appear to hover in place in a night sky, among the constellations. A colorful cup-like vessel hangs in the middle.

If and when feelings of stagnation cloud my work on this project, I need to do my best to learn something from that experience, rather than letting it derail me or plunge me into depression. Everything goes through stages or phases, and a lull in forward progress doesn't mean all is lost.

Card 5 cautions what not to do: NINE OF WANDS

Nine skylarks take to the air, flying across a vivid red-orange sky. The energy that radiates from this card is at once stimulating and intimidating, forceful and possibly angry.

This card also cautions against letting myself despair over obstacles, hurdles, or challenges I face during the development of this project. The darkest hour comes just before dawn, and recognizing that will help me avoid giving up or giving in to the blues. This card also tells me not to forget that I don't have to carry the weight alone. I can ask for help, encouragement, and support from others.

Card 6 represents the outcome (the most likely result if I heed the advice offered by the previous cards): THE LOVERS (Gli Amanti / The Parrot)

Here we see two lovers in a sensuous embrace against a sky-blue background. One parrot perches on the man's shoulder, and the other parrot on the woman's wrist. Adele Nozedar tells us that in India, the Parrot is dedicated to Kama, the God of Love.

As in many decks, The Lovers card in The Secret Language of Birds suggests an emphasis on an intimate relationship between two people. Adele Nozedar writes about the importance of understanding whether you and the person you love share more than a powerful initial attraction. There needs to be something to build on, something lasting. Perhaps in my situation this is about not letting initial excitement or anticipation blind me to more important issues that I really need to take into account. I am more likely to be able to do this if I heed the messages of the Queen of Swords, The Fool, The Empress, the 4 of Cups, and the 9 of Wands.

I often see The Lovers as being about choice, and perhaps I will be faced with an important choice related to this project. I may need to choose between options that are attractive from different perspectives and for different reasons.

Air, Fire, Water, and Earth are all represented in this group of cards, with a predominance of Air. This mixture should be enough to keep me enthused and motivated to continue. The cuckoo, dove, parrot, kingfishers, and skylarks will ensure that there is never a dull moment!