Choosing the Spread
Choose by the shape of the question, not the number of cards
Once you know seven spreads, the real question becomes: given a problem, which one do you lay? The answer is not in the card count but in the shape of the question — trend, decision, choice, quick answer, deep dive, panorama, relationship. Each has its spread.
The four basic shapes
A trend (where from, where to) → Arrow of Time. A decision (do it or not) → Holy Triangle. A choice (which one) → Two Choices. A quick answer (yes or no) → the yes/no spread. Give the question its shape first and the spread surfaces by itself.
Deep dive and panorama
One matter opened up into strengths, weaknesses and advice → Trend Analysis (five-card deep read). A period of time surveyed across life domains → Four Seasons (elemental zones). One relationship → Love Development (both minds + timeline + obstacle).
Smaller first
If three cards can say it, do not lay seven. The bigger the spread, the more information and the looser the focus — reading three-card spreads thoroughly builds skill faster than swallowing big spreads whole.
e.g. "How will the first three months at the new job go?" — the Arrow of Time is enough; no need for Trend Analysis.
Key points of this lesson
Scheduled into the Review Center after the quiz
Choose by question shape
Trend → Arrow of Time; decision → Holy Triangle; choice → Two Choices; quick answer → yes/no spread.
Deep dives use Trend Analysis
When one matter must be opened into strengths, weaknesses and advice, use the five-card deep read.
Panoramas use Four Seasons
For the overall state of a period, slice by the fire / water / air / earth domains.
Smaller first
If three cards can say it, do not lay seven: the bigger the spread the looser the focus — a small spread read through beats a big one read thin.