72 Mastering the Tarot * Layouts * There are countless layouts used for determining the past, the present and the future Below are several simple ones. Complicated layouts are unnecessary, unless you seek to impress or to confuse your client. Your task as a reader is to clarify the client’ life, and simple, straightforward layouts can a st you with this. The Seven Card Layout This is a simple layout which can be used for general readings or for specific questions Method: L 2, The client shuffles the pack, inverting (reversing) the cards occasionally: You ask the client which hand they write with so as to nsure they select the cards with their non-writing hand You slide the cards out into a line, from which the client selects seven cards at random. This selection is done with their non-writing hand and with their eyes closed. If it is a general reading the client does not think of anything in particular. IFit is to be a question layout, then the client concentrates upon an agreed question as cards are selected. You need to know the question they are aski You place the cards on the table in the order they are selected You then interpret the cards according to the positions listed below. Beno ‘The past: Up to twenty-four months ago The present: Four weeks either side of today. The near future: Usually up to three months into the future. The clienvanswer: This represents the client at present and what is occurring in their life, In a question layout this card represents the answer to the question, and then it is read last, despite being the fourth card.Layouts 73 5. Surrounding energies: This shows the people or circumstances surrounding the client or relevant to the question at present. 6. Attitude: The client’ hopes and fears are shown in this position. If it is a question layout, the hopes and fear surrounding the question are shown here 7. Outcome: The outcome of present circumstances up to twenty-four months from now is shown here. If it is a question layout, then the outcome of the question is shown here. The Action and Consequences Layout This layout is designed for a client who wants to know what has caused or contributed to their present circumstances, and what they can do to effect a particular outcome. Five cards are selected, as the client thinks of a statement such as ‘My current job’ or ‘My relationship with Jon’ u w * “ Causes Present Outcome Action New outcome The cause of the current circumstances. This card can represent the issue causing, your beliefs, which in turn have led you to your present circumstances. 2. The present circumstances. The job or relationship with which the client is presently concerned 3. The outcome of the present circumstances. * Action to take for an alternate desired outcome. “ The new outcome resulting from the action taken in card number 4. This layout is designed to give the client some control over their destiny by showing them the consequences of their actions before the actions are taken. By examining some of the causes of their current circumstances, the client hopefully can put the given situation into perspective before deciding upon a course of action14 Mastering the Tarot The Horoscope Layout 10 | | | | HE ‘noo ongLayouts The cards are detailed below. 10. ae 12. 13. Persona: How the client presents themselves to the world generally, Values: What the client values, or needs to value, both within themselves and materially. Communication: This card shows the client’s ability to communicate with those in their immediate environment at home (with neighbours, siblings and relatives) and at work. Short trips are also shown here Home environment: The client’s home or home feeling, Creativity: The creative energies available to the client, and opportunities for self-expression and financial speculation. Children are also shown in this position Health, work and service: This is not about career, but about the client’s day-to-day working environment. Physical and mental health and wellbeing are also shown in this position Relationships: Partnerships and relationships; what friends can teach you Transformation: Legacies, taxes, inner transformation and regeneration are all shown here. Higher learning: Philosophy, longer journeys, and adult learning and education Career: The client’ position in the world and worldly achievements. Friends: Types of friendships preferred, and hopes and wishes are shown Secrets: Hidden fears and worries are shown here, along with sacrifices for spiritual advancement. The year ahead in general terms.76 Mastering the Tarot The Three Generations Layout The Three Generations Layout is useful when a client wants to glimpse the bigger picture, as it enables them to see what patterns of behaviour and beliefs have been passed down through three generations of their family. As the reader you need to ask how many children the client has, because they will be cting two cards for each person involved in this layout The card positions represent Father Mother Client Client’s partner Son Daughter Tivo cards are selected for each of the above and they are positioned as below. [:] «| Ae fl 7 s| ° (| The father’s negative traits, The father The mother’ negative traits. The mother’ positive traits The client's nature. positive Uaits. The nature of the client’s parmer. The son’s learned ni The son’ learned positive traits The daughters learned negative traits, raits. Seer aveune The daughter's learned positive traits If you wish, you can add a card to each of the children to see what might balance their learned negative traits