# State of mind

A detailed reading · 10 positions

State of mind explores your current state, memories, thinking styles and influences. The diagram identifies 10 roles; the instructions explain how to draw and read them.

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.

## A question to try

What would you like to examine about your current state, memories, thinking styles and influences?

## 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. Current self

Use this role to explore “Current self” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 2. Distant past

Use this role to explore “Distant past” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 3. Recent past

Use this role to explore “Recent past” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 4. Analytical thinking

Use this role to explore “Analytical thinking” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 5. Imaginative thinking

Use this role to explore “Imaginative thinking” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 6. Underlying influences

Use this role to explore “Underlying influences” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 7. Social context

Use this role to explore “Social context” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 8. Present influences

Use this role to explore “Present influences” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 9. Near-future possibility

Use this role to explore “Near-future possibility” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 10. Longer-term possibility

Use this role to explore “Longer-term possibility” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

## How to connect the positions

Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10

Read the present and past 1–3, compare thinking and influences 4–8, then 9–10 as conditional possibilities. Traditional “left brain/right brain” labels are represented here as thinking styles, not neurological measurements or mental-health diagnoses.

## What to watch for

A symbolic interpretation does not establish hidden facts or guarantee an outcome. Separate observations from assumptions and use direct communication for questions involving another person.

## 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

### 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.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/holy-triangle/)[Reading layout · A detailed reading · 4 positions

### Self-exploration I: four aspects

Self-exploration: four aspects uses 4 positions to examine personality, reasoning, feelings and values. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/self-exploration/)