A detailed reading · 9 positions
Past and present life: symbolic exploration
Past and present life: symbolic exploration explores a symbolic earlier self, current patterns and learning. The diagram identifies 9 roles; the instructions explain how to draw and read them.
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 a symbolic earlier self, current patterns and learning?
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
Earlier self: symbolic identity
Use this role to explore “Earlier self: symbolic identity” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 2
Earlier emotional learning
Use this role to explore “Earlier emotional learning” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 3
Earlier unresolved lesson
Use this role to explore “Earlier unresolved lesson” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 4
Present identity
Use this role to explore “Present identity” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 5
What comes easily
Use this role to explore “What comes easily” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 6
What feels difficult
Use this role to explore “What feels difficult” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 7
Recurring pattern
Use this role to explore “Recurring pattern” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 8
Possible response
Use this role to explore “Possible response” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 9
Learning goal
Use this role to explore “Learning goal” 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
Treat 1–3 as an imagined narrative, compare it with 4–6 in present life, then explore 7–9 as patterns, responses and learning. This exercise cannot identify a historical past life, recover factual memories or explain trauma.
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.
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.