Getting started · 3 positions
Holy triangle
Holy triangle uses 3 positions to examine cause, current situation and conditional development. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.
Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards
Version and dealing convention
Positions 2 and 3 are above, and 1 is below: past, present and possible future. The straight time-arrow layout uses the same roles. With Major Arcana, the exercise selects absolute shuffled-deck positions 7, 14 and 21; with Minor Arcana or the full deck it draws three cards consecutively.
A question to try
What can I examine about cause, current situation and conditional development?
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: the cause
This position explores “Past: the cause”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 2
Present: current situation
This position explores “Present: current situation”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 3
Future: possible development
This position explores “Future: possible development”. 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
Read 1, 2 and 3 as a causal sequence. The triangular layout and the straight timeline share these three roles in this version; define the time frame before drawing.
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.
Your practice
Practise this spread
Draw distinct cards to practise matching a meaning to a position. Read the prompts and compare them with the complete card meanings.
The draw happens in this browser. It is not saved or sent as a personal reading.
Your cards will appear here after you draw.