A detailed reading · 18 positions
Spiral: eighteen cards
Spiral: eighteen cards uses 18 positions to examine a situation from outer conditions towards a central conclusion. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.
Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards
Version and dealing convention
A physical version may use a blank or indicator card to mark the starting point. The numbered diagram supplies that marker here; no nineteenth tarot card is drawn.
A question to try
What can I examine about a situation from outer conditions towards a central conclusion?
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
Overall conclusion
This position explores “Overall conclusion”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 2
Longer-term possibility
This position explores “Longer-term possibility”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 3
Near-term possibility
This position explores “Near-term possibility”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 4
Inner perspective (1/2)
This position explores “Inner perspective (1/2)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 5
Inner perspective (2/2)
This position explores “Inner perspective (2/2)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 6
Surrounding influences (1/3)
This position explores “Surrounding influences (1/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 7
Surrounding influences (2/3)
This position explores “Surrounding influences (2/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 8
Surrounding influences (3/3)
This position explores “Surrounding influences (3/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 9
Past influences (1/3)
This position explores “Past influences (1/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 10
Past influences (2/3)
This position explores “Past influences (2/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 11
Past influences (3/3)
This position explores “Past influences (3/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 12
Action and response (1/4)
This position explores “Action and response (1/4)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 13
Action and response (2/4)
This position explores “Action and response (2/4)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 14
Action and response (3/4)
This position explores “Action and response (3/4)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 15
Action and response (4/4)
This position explores “Action and response (4/4)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 16
Current situation (1/3)
This position explores “Current situation (1/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 17
Current situation (2/3)
This position explores “Current situation (2/3)”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 18
Current situation (3/3)
This position explores “Current situation (3/3)”. 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): 18 → 17 → 16 → 15 → 14 → 13 → 12 → 11 → 10 → 9 → 8 → 7 → 6 → 5 → 4 → 3 → 2 → 1
Read inwards in groups: 18–16 current situation; 15–12 action; 11–9 past influences; 8–6 surroundings; 5–4 inner perspective; 3 near-term possibility; 2 longer-term possibility; 1 conclusion. Read every group jointly.
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.