# True feelings: thirteen cards

Relationships · 13 positions

True feelings: thirteen cards explores two perspectives across past, present and future. The diagram identifies 13 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 two perspectives across past, present and future?

## 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. Your inner perspective A

Use this role to explore “Your inner perspective A” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 2. Your inner perspective B

Use this role to explore “Your inner perspective B” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 3. Their inner perspective A

Use this role to explore “Their inner perspective A” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 4. Their inner perspective B

Use this role to explore “Their inner perspective B” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 5. Relationship synthesis

Use this role to explore “Relationship synthesis” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 6. Your present state

Use this role to explore “Your present state” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 7. Your future A

Use this role to explore “Your future A” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 8. Their present state

Use this role to explore “Their present state” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 9. Their future A

Use this role to explore “Their future A” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 10. Your past

Use this role to explore “Your past” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 11. Your future B

Use this role to explore “Your future B” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 12. Their past

Use this role to explore “Their past” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.

### 13. Their future B

Use this role to explore “Their future B” 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): 10 → 12 → 6 → 8 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 7 → 11 → 9 → 13 → 5

Read 10+12 as the two pasts, 6+8 as the present, 1+2 and 3+4 as inner perspectives, 7+11 and 9+13 as future pairs, then 5 as a synthesis. The physical ritual adds both birth-date digit sums, reduces to one digit, and cuts that many times before dealing 13. The local exercise uses a shuffled draw without collecting birth dates; the ritual does not verify private thoughts.

## 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 · Relationships · 4 positions

### Lovers’ pyramid

Lovers’ pyramid uses 4 positions to examine your position, the other perspective and the relationship. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/lovers-pyramid/)[Reading layout · Relationships · 5 positions

### Tree of love: five cards

Tree of love: five cards uses 5 positions to examine your relationship through past, present, potential and hidden influences. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.

↗](https://tarotatlas.wiki/en/spreads/love-tree/)