The Mirror
After you've gotten to know your deck, it's time to really get to know yourself.
Tarot is often referred to as a mirror that can reflect the the truth and help us see ourselves more clearly. This concept goes hand in hand with the theme of duality I've been exploring with the twos.
Having a specified card at the ready that represents you, or whoever the querent happens to be, can help readings be more streamlined and focused. That card is referred to as the ‘significator’ and there are many ways people go about choosing one. Some people go by looks and age alone, but I think it’s better to look more inward at who a person really is.
The mirror is a great spread to use when you're just starting out. It can help you identify what your significator is, but ultimately it's up to you. Think of it more as a guide than anything else. I also use this spread when I'm not feeling sure about myself and need a little a little check in. It reminds me of who I am and what I'm working towards.
The Mirror
Type: Self-Reflection
Level: Beginner
1. Where have I come from?
2. Where am I now?
3. Where am I going?
4. What are the aspirations/motivations that push me forward?
5. What do I value most?
6. What stands in my way?
0. This is who I am.
As the name suggests, the spread is laid out symmetrically like a reflection. The cards on the top half speak to your outward self, whereas the cards on the bottom ask you to look further inward. The central card is you.
The first step is to remove the court cards from the deck then separate them further depending on how you identify. For me, I only set the queens aside because I identify as female and I am married and nearing 30. If I were younger and unmarried I would have used the pages/princesses. If you identify as male, use the knights for a young man or kings for an older man. If you don't identify either way throw them all in--there are no rules. Whatever cards you don't use can go back in the main deck.
Set aside your chosen cards then shuffle the rest of the deck. Draw cards 1-6 from the main deck and lay them out face down starting at 1. Flip them one at a time and begin to decipher the reading. When you're ready, shuffle the court cards you set aside earlier and choose one blindly. Place it face up in the center. If it's reversed or you don't agree with it try again until you draw one you connect with.
The above example is from a reading I did for myself a few weeks ago.
Here's a brief translation: I've come from a place of indecision based on fear of change. Right now I am still on the defensive and trying to fight my way forward. Taking the middle road and adapting to my circumstances will eventually lead me to a place where I can feel more calm. I'm motivated by the desire to reinvent myself and start on a new journey. My life is abundant, but I place too much value on the one thing I can't have. I'm at a crossroads where I have to choose the lesser of two evils and I am struggling to do so. Finally, I am revealed as the Queen of Cups, the keeper of emotion, comfort, and kindness. The Queen of Cups was the first card I drew and was the one I expected to appear so I kept it.
As a side note...this deck really has my number.
What I find happens most is that a person most identifies with a court card that corresponds to the element of their zodiac sign. For instance, I'm the Queen of Cups because I am a Scorpio. Of course, that isn't always the case. I've identified with all four at different times of my life, this is just where I'm at right now. That's why it's important to check in with yourself every so often.
For even more specificity, you can also cross reference the Astral Calendar to find which court card corresponds with your birth date. Mine would be the Knight of Cups if I went that route because I was born in the second decan of Scorpio.
