The Wishing Star

This is a variation of the classic star spread which splits a problem into levels. The positions of the cards mean different things depending on the type of question asked:

The centre card represents the core of the problem or question. The other position meanings are as follows:

In each instance, the extremes are placed at positions one and six. Cards two and three always explain card one, and likewise cards four and five give meaning to card six. For instance: In a Hopes/Fears reading, Cards 2/3 would tell you why you want the things that you want; Cards4/5 would tell us what you are basing your fears on.

Example Reading

Answer Deck

Star Used: The Ethics Star

Here is a test spread, to show you how it works.

First, we read the core, as this relates to the entire reading. The card here represents, in an ethics spread, by what standards the querent judges the world, and what makes them decide between good and evil. It is what you would call a moral barometer. Good Fortune as the core tells us that this person has luck on their side, and that this plays an important role in their character and moral decisions. This may mean someone who is fortunate to grow up in a stable family, or low-crime area, someone who hasn't really been exposed to the ugly side of life. Thus, the lesson contained in this card is to place yourself in another's shoes before you pass judgement.

Card One: Outer Self

Friend

The outer self card tells us how the querent would like to be seen by others. This card suggests someone who wants others to think of them as a friend, someone who portrays themselves as fun, helpful, and easy going. This card may indicate someone who is eager to be trusted, and loved.

Cards 2/3: Realm of Virtue

Peace/Fame

These two cards are intended to elaborate on the first, showing us why this person feels it is so important to be a good friend to others. Peace suggests that the querent simply wants to avoid conflict, as in the old saying 'anything for a quiet life'. It could be that the querent holds things back, refusing to speak their mind because they do not like to cause a scene. This is the card of a people-pleaser, a true mediator.

Fame suggests that this person's motives are not entirely unselfish. It represents that part of the querent that does good things simply for acclaim, and recognition. The card is not about considering others, and more about being seen to be a good person.

Card Six: The Inner Self

Judgement

The Inner Self is where we find the querent's true character. It is either a sign of how they truly are, or else the person the querent fears becoming, the part of themselves they keep locked away from the rest of the world. In this position, Judgement may indicate that a person is quite critical of themselves and others, but that they are able to keep this mean streak in check, turning such jibes into tactful, well-meaning advice. It could also mean someone who sets unrealistic moral goals (based on the surrounding cards), and so always sets themselves up to fail. There is also a hint of guilt in the card.

Cards 4/5: Realm of Vice

Deception/The Lovers

This is a realm of private thoughts and behaviour, of bad habits and secrets. Deception tells us that the calm, friendly outer self may be masking something entirely different, that the querent tries so hard to be friendly because of the problems they have getting along with others - that they are, in a way, overcompensating. Combined with the Lovers, there is a definite sense of guilt here, a feeling that the querent is not always true to what they want. It may be that, in their attempt to please everyone and seem like a good friend, they are neglecting their own wants and needs. It may also be that the person feels it would selfish to put themselves first.

Every once in a while, I lay out all five stars at the same time, to get a full 'Life Reading', and find that this works rather well.