Relationship Spread #2
Difficulty: Easy
This relationship spread focuses more on the common ground of the relationship, with three cards in the middle column showing the common ground. The middle column essentially displays the past, present, and future of the relationship.
Card #4 stands for the common base of the relationship, which may be thought of as the past events which have shaped their characters, bringing them together. The current connection that binds them together is Card #3, indicating the values shared. Card #7 implies the common goals that would keep the pair together moving into the future.
The columns on either side show what each partner brings to the table. Remember, relationships need not be romantic, and the partners could even be groups rather than individuals. In this layout, the other person is on the left-hand side and the reader on the right.
Cards #1 & #2 indicate the separate personalities of each member of the relationship. These cards form a sort of bridge with the cards beneath them, #5 & #6, which show the qualities that each partner offers the other person, and thus to the relationship as a whole.
Your Relationship #2 Reading
Mutual Goals |
||
Your Qualities |
Connection (Present) |
Others' Qualities |
What You Bring |
Common Base (Past) |
What They Bring  |
7: Mutual Goals
XVI – The Tower
(Mars, Peh)
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of false structures. Associated with Peh, the mouth, this card conveys the power of truth to shatter illusions. Mars, the planet of force and conflict, infuses the card with explosive energy and transformative destruction.
The imagery is vivid and chaotic. A tall tower, struck by lightning, crumbles as flames consume it, symbolising the collapse of rigid, outdated systems. Figures fall from the tower, illustrating the inevitability of change and the humbling of ego. The colours are fiery and intense, reflecting the raw energy of destruction. Amidst the chaos, the lion-serpent Yaldabaoth and a dove representing the Holy Spirit suggest a transformation brought about by hidden wisdom revealed by divine grace.
In Relationships: The Tower indicates sudden changes or disruptions. It may signify a breakup or the dismantling of illusions, allowing for greater honesty and authenticity.
In Work: This card signals upheaval or the collapse of established structures. You are advised to embrace change as an opportunity for rebuilding stronger foundations.
Spiritually: The Tower symbolises enlightenment through the destruction of illusions. It calls you to surrender to the transformative power of truth and embrace the freedom that follows.
When ill-dignified: The Tower warns of resistance to change or the denial of necessary upheaval. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and allow the process of transformation to unfold.
3: Connection
VI – The Lovers
(Gemini, Zain)
The Lovers represent the alchemical union of opposites, a card rich with symbolism of choice, harmony, and divine love. Associated with Zain, the sword, this card represents the piercing clarity needed to discern and unite polarities. Gemini, the zodiac of duality and communication, imbues it with the energy of connection and synthesis.
The Thoth Lovers card depicts the union of the royal figures of Sol and Luna under the guidance of a cupid-like angel. Below them, the Orphic egg is encircled by the serpent, symbolising potential and cosmic rebirth. The figures are surrounded by the emblems of alchemical transformation: fire and water, masculine and feminine, light and shadow. The imagery suggests not only romantic love but also the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind, as in shadow work.
In Relationships: The Lovers signify connection, mutual respect, and the merging of hearts and minds. It also emphasises the importance of choice and the conscious commitment to love and partnership.
In Work: This card suggests collaboration and harmonising diverse forces to achieve a greater goal. It encourages you to seek partnerships that align with your values and vision.
Spiritually: The Lovers represent the union of opposites within the self, a crucial step on the path to enlightenment. It calls you to embrace your inner dualities and find harmony through integration.
When ill-dignified: The Lovers caution against indecision, misaligned partnerships, or superficial connections. You are urged to examine whether you are avoiding responsibility or compromising your truth for the sake of harmony.
4: Common Base
XII – The Hanged Man
(Water, Mem)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, transformation, and the wisdom gained through self-sacrifice. Associated with Mem, the waters, this card embodies the flow of unconscious depths and the mysteries that lie beyond the material world. It is not a card of suffering but one of enlightenment through letting go.
The central figure is suspended upside-down, forming a cross with his legs, a symbol of balance and sacrifice. His arms form a triangle, evoking the union of spirit and matter. Behind him, the swirling blue-green background suggests the ocean of the subconscious. The serene expression on his face reflects the tranquillity found in surrendering to a greater truth. Around him, rays of light emanate, signifying the revelation that arises from this state of suspension.
In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a need for patience, selflessness, and understanding. It encourages you to see things from your partner's perspective and release control.
In Work: This card indicates a period of pause or sacrifice, where immediate goals may need to be set aside for long-term growth. You are advised to trust in the process and focus on the bigger picture.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man symbolises enlightenment achieved through surrender and the release of ego. It calls you to embrace the transformative power of stillness and contemplation.
When ill-dignified: The Hanged Man warns of stagnation, resistance to change, or clinging to outdated beliefs. You are advised to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the wisdom of surrender.
2: Your Qualities
XVIII – The Moon
(Pisces, Qoph)
The Moon symbolises illusion, intuition, and the mysterious depths of the subconscious. Associated with Qoph, the back of the head, this card delves into the primal and instinctual aspects of the psyche. Pisces, the zodiac of dreams and mysticism, enhances the card's themes of mystery and emotional depth.
The imagery is haunting and enigmatic. A path winds through barren terrain, flanked by twin towers that suggest gateways to the unknown. Above, the moon dominates the sky, casting an eerie light that obscures as much as it reveals. Crawling on the path is a scarab beetle carrying the solar disk, symbolising the emergence of light from darkness. The waters below teem with life, representing the fertile chaos of the subconscious.
In Relationships: The Moon represents emotional complexity and hidden dynamics. It encourages you to trust your intuition and uncover underlying truths.
In Work: This card suggests uncertainty or confusion. You are advised to navigate carefully, relying on intuition and patience to discern the best path forward.
Spiritually: The Moon symbolises the journey through the subconscious and the mysteries of the soul. It calls you to explore your inner depths and embrace the wisdom found in dreams and intuition.
When ill-dignified: The Moon warns of deception, confusion, or fear of the unknown. You are advised to confront your fears and seek clarity amidst uncertainty.
1: Their Qualities
XV – The Devil
(Capricorn, Ayin)
The Devil symbolises bondage, materialism, and the potent, often misunderstood forces of desire and instinct. Associated with Ayin, the eye, this card invites a piercing vision into the illusions and structures that bind us. Capricorn, the zodiac of ambition and discipline, infuses the card with themes of mastery over material and earthly limitations.
The central figure is a goat before a phallic structure, symbolising generative power and material dominance. This card is seething with esoteric symbols of competition within a person. The background, webbed in deep, earthy tones, suggests the shadowy nature of the forces at play. The card is alive with energy, hinting at temptation and the potential for liberation.
In Relationships: The Devil represents intense, often obsessive attraction. It can warn of relationships rooted in control or dependency, urging you to assess whether your connections are serving your growth.
In Work: This card suggests material success, often achieved through relentless ambition. However, it warns of becoming enslaved by wealth or status and advises balancing ambition with higher values.
Spiritually: The Devil symbolises the necessity of confronting and integrating one's shadow self. It calls you to transcend material attachments and awaken to higher truths.
When ill-dignified: The Devil warns of oppression, excessive materialism, or destructive desires. You are advised to liberate yourself by recognising and overcoming illusions and self-imposed limitations.
6: What You Bring
XI – Lust
5: What They Bring
V – The Hierophant
(Taurus, Vav)
The Hierophant is a figure of sacred knowledge and spiritual authority, acting as the bridge between the divine and the mundane. Linked to Vav, the nail, he unites opposing forces and secures the sacred connection between heaven and earth. Taurus, the zodiac sign of stability and sensuality, lends him an enduring, earthy strength.
The Hierophant is depicted as a commanding figure robed in red, symbolising spiritual power and divine authority. He stands as a bridge between the divine and material realms. A large pentagram glows on his chest, signifying mastery over the elements and sacred knowledge. He holds a three-ringed sceptre, representing dominion over body, mind, and spirit. The Egyptian priestess beneath him suggests hidden wisdom or esoteric teachings. Surrounding him are symbolic beasts—the bull of Taurus, an elephant, and four cherub masks—reinforcing themes of strength, structure, and initiation into higher knowledge. The composition conveys mystical revelation, initiation, and the channelling of sacred truths.
In Relationships: The Hierophant suggests relationships guided by shared values, spiritual connection, and mutual growth. It emphasises the importance of trust, commitment, and alignment in beliefs.
In Work: This card speaks to mentorship, tradition, and the power of established systems. It advises you to seek wisdom from trusted sources and honour the tried-and-true methods that lead to success.
Spiritually: The Hierophant represents initiation into higher knowledge and the sacred mysteries. He invites you to seek wisdom from spiritual teachings and align your actions with divine will.
When ill-dignified: The Hierophant warns against dogmatism, blind adherence to tradition, or excessive reliance on external authority. You are advised to discern whether you are following your spiritual truth or conforming to others' expectations.