Spread-Level Signals
Before reading card by card, count three things
Once you can read single cards, do not rush to conclusions. Lay the spread out and scan three statistics first: how many majors, what repeats, and whether court cards appear. These three glances set the key of the whole reading — then go card by card into the positions.
The major ratio
Many majors = a large theme, strong outside forces, much beyond your hands — the matter runs a gear above the everyday. All minors = everyday level, highly workable. Two majors in a three-card spread already deserve a graver tone.
Repetition
A pile of one number: that number's theme runs through the whole spread (all twos = binary choices and pairings everywhere). Runs of one suit — see the elements lesson. Consecutive numbers (five, six, seven) = a process in motion.
Court cards
Courts usually point at actual people (the other party, a boss, a helper, a rival) and can also read as a stance. Many courts in one spread means the matter turns on people — work out who each court is before anything else.
Key points of this lesson
Scheduled into the Review Center after the quiz
Major ratio
Many majors = a big theme and strong outside forces; all minors = everyday and workable. Check the ratio first to set the tone.
Number repetition
One number piled up: its theme runs through the spread (all twos = choices and pairings).
Courts read as people
Courts usually mean actual people or a stance; many courts = the matter turns on people.
Scan the board first
Before reading card by card, count: majors, repetitions, courts — three glances set the key.