Exploring a problem · 5 positions
Problem review: five-card exercise
A five-part review of a problem: background, present conditions, environment, obstacles and a response to examine.
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
Which part of this problem can I understand or influence next?
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
Background
Reflect on how the issue arose, then compare your account with known events.
- 2
Current conditions
Describe the situation you are actually trying to address.
- 3
Environment
Consider external constraints and support without claiming to know hidden motives.
- 4
Obstacle
Identify a difficulty worth checking rather than inventing a threat.
- 5
Possible response
Choose a modest action and specify what would count as useful feedback.
How to connect the positions
Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5
Read positions 1 and 2 as a change, and positions 3 and 4 as conditions around that change. Use position 5 to propose a response. Separate what you know, what you suspect and what you need to ask someone before acting.
What to watch for
Finding a symbolic cause is not evidence that you caused a problem or deserve it. Keep responsibility grounded in actual events.
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.