Stuck in the Middle

I have had things to do this morning and time has flown. I could have sworn it was about 2pm now, but I am two hours behind myself. I haven't done too many readings with this deck, so while I was having my coffee on the patio, I came up with this simple little spread, entitled Stuck in the Middle. Let's say that this reading is fictitious and that I want to know where I stand and what I should do while between two people. It might be something you can use when you feel stuck between two lovers, two friends, or even two choices.

Let's say I was stuck between two people who have had a falling out and feel pulled in both directions. As I mentioned in my daily draw today, The Favole Tarot hosts some beautiful tones in it's minor arcana and they provide clues as I begin this reading. On the left, we have Person 1, who is tinted in a fresh pink, symbolising air. All four butterflies take a corner and rest out for a bit. There is something secure in the number 4, which would lead me to believe that this person feels they have made a right and rational choice in this dispute. They are not moving and are standing their ground. Person 1 is making decisions based on their thoughts. They have withdrawn from the situation and feel sure of them self. They will not be making any moves to rectify the situation.

Person 2 is controlled by their emotions. They are drowning in the watery green of the Flowers suit. If there was just four of these flowers on this card, we might see an out and out stand off between Person 2 and Person 1, but with the addition of the fifth large rose, the security of the number 4 has been broken. The leaves on each rose resemble tears to me and suggest that Person 2 feels an emotional loss. Unlike the rational viewpoint of Person 1, the person this card is drawn for responds emotionally and is probably feeling hurt.

The third card in the middle is the questioner. Let's say, for argument's sake, it is me. As a card of fire, the 9 of Masks shows no preference or empathy to either Person 1 or Person 2 specifically, due to suit, which I see as important. The masks almost fill the card and symbolise protection over it's own individuality. There is a great struggle here, which suggests that I must not be swayed by either side. I would question if the dispute between the two people will soon be over (possibly instigated by Person 2), because the 9 of Masks could be saying that my struggle is nearing an end. If this is true, I must persevere and continue to not take sides. You know what it's like. I have had experiences in the past where I have ended up agreeing with one person and fighting their corner, only for the two in the dispute to reform their friendship and then I find myself frozen out. The cards would suggest that I protect myself and hold back anything I am told until they sort it out them selves. As a '9', the card might also describe how the arguing has worn me down.

I can understand why non-scenic minors might be a hassle for some readers, but sometimes, the pictures on tarot minors can be too much. I got a lot from this short reading by first looking at just the colours, numbers, and positioning. The further details just brought it all together that bit more. Don't get me wrong, I love scenic minor cards too, but sometimes, it's nice to have this simplicity. I don't often design spreads, but my experience has told me that the smaller are usually the better. If this reading was a real one, then I would have a better idea of how to proceed now and have a good understanding of the energies between the two disputing people.


Illustration from The Favole Tarot by Victoria Frances