Exploring a problem · 11 positions
Pharaoh’s door
Pharaoh’s door uses 11 positions to examine a goal, barriers, support and the implementation of an idea. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.
Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards
Version and dealing convention
The numbered diagram defines this version. Other traditions may place or name positions differently. The practice uses consecutive random draws from the displayed deck scope.
A question to try
What can I examine about a goal, barriers, support and the implementation of an idea?
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
Desired achievement
This position explores “Desired achievement”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 2
Obstacle
This position explores “Obstacle”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 3
Suppressed concerns
This position explores “Suppressed concerns”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 4
Past achievement
This position explores “Past achievement”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 5
Available support
This position explores “Available support”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 6
How to obtain support
This position explores “How to obtain support”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 7
How to express your idea
This position explores “How to express your idea”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 8
Who may benefit
This position explores “Who may benefit”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 9
How to put it into practice
This position explores “How to put it into practice”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 10
Next step
This position explores “Next step”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 11
Key synthesis
This position explores “Key synthesis”. 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 → 8 → 9 → 10 → 11
Read the two lower columns 1–3 and 4–6, then the upper row 7–10. Read 9 and 10 together to turn implementation into a next step; finish with 11.
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.