# Past and present life: symbolic exploration

A detailed reading · 9 positions

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.

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 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.

## 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/)