METHOD · HOUSE RULES
How we read
Tarot is a structured language of images. It organizes a question into archetype, element, time, and tension. A good reading is a short essay: thesis, evidence, synthesis, counsel, limits. Beauty is the invitation. Method is the product.
Start from the tension pair
TWO CARDS · ONE SENTENCE
In three cards, the hinge is the middle. In the Hall, cards 1 and 2 are the thesis sentence. If we cannot state that thesis in one breath, we are not ready to write paragraphs. Isolated blurbs are a fail. Pairs before orphans.
Read climate
Count the suits. Four Cups is an emotional weather system even when the positions vary. Name it. Aces open, fives disrupt, tens complete. If a spread runs Ace → Five → Ten, that is already a story.
Majors weigh more
One Major among Minors is a chapter heading in daily weather. Three or more Majors: say so. The situation is archetypal, not merely logistical. Courts get a decided role — a mode you are in, a person shaping the field, or a message of that suit. We pick one and say why.
Reversals, house method
Off by default — the Lamp, simple, upright only. On is the Hall, full. A reversed card is not an evil twin. In order:
- 1 · BLOCKEDThe upright current exists and is dammed — fear, timing, circumstance.
- 2 · INNERThe drama is inner rather than worldly. Isolation mistaken for insight, or wisdom refused.
- 3 · EXCESSThe current is overplayed. Emperor as control. Cups as drowning.
- 4 · SHADOWThe card points at the part of itself you would rather not use.
A reversed Sun is not misery. A reversed Ten of Swords can be the first air after the floor.