# Sphinx: reference and covered cards A detailed reading · 23 positions Sphinx: reference and covered cards explores a shared reference and grouped present and future themes. The diagram identifies 23 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: 56 Minor Arcana ## 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 shared reference and grouped present and future themes? ## 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 ### K. Reference: shared influence Use this role to explore “Reference: shared influence” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 1. Present situation 1 Use this role to explore “Present situation 1” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 2. Covered position 2 Use this role to explore “Covered position 2” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 3. Present situation 3 Use this role to explore “Present situation 3” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 4. Covered position 4 Use this role to explore “Covered position 4” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 5. Present situation 5 Use this role to explore “Present situation 5” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 6. Covered position 6 Use this role to explore “Covered position 6” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 7. Present situation 7 Use this role to explore “Present situation 7” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 8. Covered position 8 Use this role to explore “Covered position 8” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 9. Difficulty 9 Use this role to explore “Difficulty 9” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 10. Difficulty 10 Use this role to explore “Difficulty 10” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 11. Help 11 Use this role to explore “Help 11” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 12. Help 12 Use this role to explore “Help 12” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 13. Action to avoid 13 Use this role to explore “Action to avoid 13” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 14. Action to avoid 14 Use this role to explore “Action to avoid 14” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 15. Responsibility 15 Use this role to explore “Responsibility 15” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 16. Responsibility 16 Use this role to explore “Responsibility 16” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 17. Responsibility 17 Use this role to explore “Responsibility 17” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 18. Responsibility 18 Use this role to explore “Responsibility 18” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 19. Future possibility 19 Use this role to explore “Future possibility 19” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 20. Future possibility 20 Use this role to explore “Future possibility 20” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 21. Future possibility 21 Use this role to explore “Future possibility 21” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion. ### 22. Future possibility 22 Use this role to explore “Future possibility 22” 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): K → 1 → 3 → 5 → 7 → 9 → 10 → 11 → 12 → 13 → 14 → 15 → 16 → 17 → 18 → 19 → 20 → 21 → 22 Draw a reference K first, then 22 further cards: 23 physical cards in total. Keep numbered positions 2, 4, 6 and 8 covered throughout; they are not missing data. Read 1+3+5+7 as the present, 9+10 as difficulties, 11+12 as help, 13+14 as actions to avoid, 15–18 as responsibilities and 19–22 as future possibilities. Combine every group with K. This version uses only the 56 Minor Arcana. ## 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/)