Game Plan Spread
Difficulty: Easy
When a person has a certain plan in mind, this simple five-card spread presents a choice, hinting at what action or attitude should be taken for their plan to succeed, and what should be avoided to help the plan work out for the best.
The initial card is laid in the centre of the layout, the significator. The following four cards are laid out clockwise around the significator.
In this spread, the second card is about what drives the reader, but also says they are not fully conscious of this, perhaps even completely unaware of it. It provides a hint as to the reason they strive for their goal.
The third card uncovers what others think of the reader and their goals. The reader may or may not be aware of this. Sometimes other people factor into the plans (and sometimes they don't).
The fourth card suggests what not to do. If things are permitted to go down this path, the plan will collapse.
The fifth card is a hint as to how to make this plan work out favourably. The idea this card presents should be followed to make the plan successful. It is the differences between Cards #4 & #5 that should be noted, as the differences provide important clues.
Your Game Plan Reading
Unconscious Drive 0 – The Fool |
External Influences XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here) |
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Significator XII – The Hanged Man |
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How it Will Succeed XXI – The World |
How it Will Not Succeed V – The Pope |
XII – The Hanged Man
The Hanged Man represents a moment of suspension, transformation, and the profound wisdom of surrender. It is the card of acceptance, urging one to release control and embrace a new perspective, even at the cost of discomfort.
Symbolism: The figure's suspended position signifies the state of hanging between worlds, a soul caught in the liminal space between the old and new. The calm expression of surrender contrasts with his precarious state, highlighting the necessity of letting go to gain understanding. The patterns of his tunic, combined with the golden glow, evoke a sacred pause in time, elevating this card to a spiritual level.
In Relationships: A time to step back and reassess your emotional life. Patience, understanding, and self-reflection are required. The card suggests moments of stillness can lead to profound growth in relationships.
In Work: Professional progress comes through rethinking old strategies. The Hanged Man indicates that a temporary pause or a shift in perspective can lead to breakthroughs.
Spiritually: The card speaks to spiritual enlightenment through sacrifice and release. You are called to surrender to the flow of life and gain higher wisdom.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and a refusal to let go. This warns against being trapped by fear or obstinance, preventing personal growth.
0 – The Fool
The Fool symbolises new beginnings, innocence, and an open-hearted journey. He represents the spirit of adventure and trust in the unknown, unburdened by experiences or material concerns. His path is one of discovery, where curiosity leads the way.
Symbolism: The vagabond's tattered clothing reflects detachment from societal norms, while his staff and bundle suggest minimal baggage—both physical and emotional. The golden background highlights his eternal and universal journey. His carefree, open-mouthed expression conveys both the naivety of youth and the wisdom of freedom from expectations.
In Relationships: A signal to take risks or approach relationships with spontaneity and trust. It cautions against naivety or reckless behaviour.
In Work: An invitation to embrace a new path or project with an open mind. The Fool encourages experimentation and trust in one's instincts.
Spiritually: The Fool represents faith in the journey ahead and the courage to step into the unknown. He invites the seeker to trust the divine flow.
When ill-dignified: Foolishness, poor judgement, or recklessness. It warns against ignoring practicalities or rushing ahead blindly.
XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)
This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Devil represents bondage, temptation, and the shadow self. It highlights the chains we impose upon ourselves through fear, obsession, or indulgence, urging us to confront these darker aspects to reclaim our freedom.
Symbolism: The Devil embodies primal instincts and the seduction of material or carnal desires. The chained figures symbolise voluntary entrapment, their loose bindings reminding us of the ability to escape our vices. The pedestal signifies false power, while the scene hints at the potential for redemption through self-awareness.
In Relationships: The Devil warns of unhealthy attachments, jealousy, or manipulative relationships. It challenges you to examine whether passion has turned into obsession.
In Work: This card can signify being trapped in a toxic work environment, greed, or overreliance on material success. It urges you to reflect on what fulfils you.
Spiritually: The Devil calls for self-awareness and shadow work. Confronting your inner fears or desires will lead to personal liberation.
When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Devil signifies breaking free from constraints, overcoming addiction, or realising what binds you.
V – The Pope
The Pope represents tradition, spiritual authority, and shared values. He embodies the connection between divine wisdom and earthly institutions, urging adherence to established principles.
Symbolism: The Pope's raised hand conveys blessing, while his staff with a triple cross represents divine authority. The kneeling figures at his feet highlight devotion and the transmission of sacred teachings. The symmetrical composition and golden background reinforce his role as a stabilising spiritual guide.
In Relationships: A union founded on shared values or traditions. It may suggest the influence of societal expectations on relationships.
In Work: Success comes through adherence to established systems or mentorship from a trusted authority figure.
Spiritually: The Pope urges respect for spiritual traditions and the wisdom passed down through generations.
When ill-dignified: Dogma, blind conformity, or resistance to innovation. It cautions against rigid adherence to outdated ideas.
XXI – The World
The World represents completion, wholeness, and the harmonious integration of all aspects of life. It is the last card of the Major Arcana, signalling the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
Symbolism: The two ethereal figures holding the globe or portal represent the union of duality and the achievement of balance. The rolling plains and distant mountains beneath the golden sky symbolise the vast potential of the world, and the figures' gesture of offering suggests a celebration of accomplishment. The card evokes cosmic harmony, completion, and the endless cycles of existence.
In Relationships: The World signifies a complete and fulfilling relationship, one where both partners are in harmony and balanced with each other. It's a time of celebration and unity.
In Work: Completion of a major goal or project. The World indicates the successful culmination of efforts, with new horizons opening up in your professional life.
Spiritually: A time of wholeness. The World signifies a sense of fulfilment and oneness with the universe, representing the final stage of spiritual evolution.
When ill-dignified: Incompletion, being stuck, or an inability to move forward. This card warns of a lack of closure or an unfinished journey that hinders your growth.