# Hexagram: seven cards

Exploring a problem · 7 positions

Hexagram: seven cards uses 7 positions to examine the timeline, strategy, environment, attitude and outcome. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

Numbers identify positions; the reading sequence is explained below. Other versions may assign different roles.

Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards

## Version and dealing convention

This page defines one numbered version. The local exercise uses the displayed deck and draw method; other traditions may change the arrangement or roles. Agree on the version before drawing. With the Major Arcana selected, use absolute deck positions 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19. Other available decks use consecutive random draws.

## A question to try

What can I examine about the timeline, strategy, environment, attitude and outcome?

## Before you draw

- Write one open question and define its scope. Keep factual questions separate from symbolic reflection.

- Choose the position order and decide whether to include reversals before drawing.

- Read each card in its role, then compare the positions. Note uncertainty and one practical next question.

## Position guide

### 1. Past

This position explores “Past”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 2. Present

This position explores “Present”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 3. Possible future

This position explores “Possible future”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 4. Response strategy

This position explores “Response strategy”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 5. Surroundings

This position explores “Surroundings”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 6. Your hopes or fears

This position explores “Your hopes or fears”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

### 7. Overall possible outcome

This position explores “Overall possible outcome”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.

## How to connect the positions

Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7

Read the timeline 1–3, then the conditions 4–6, and finally 7 in the centre. The name refers to the six outer points; the centre makes seven cards, not six.

## What to watch for

A symbolic reading cannot verify hidden facts or make an outcome certain. Keep observations separate from assumptions and revisit the interpretation when circumstances change.

## Cards to explore alongside this spread

[The Hermit ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/hermit/)[Justice ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/justice/)[The Star ↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/cards/star/)
[Study guide →](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/study-guide/)

## Explore another structure

[Reading layout · Getting started · 3 positions

### Past, present and possible direction

A three-card timeline for examining how a situation developed and which current conditions may shape its next stage.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/three-card/)[Reading layout · Exploring a problem · 4 positions

### Core question spread

Four positions separate the central issue, a difficulty, a response and an available resource. Useful when a question has become tangled.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/core-question/)