That’s what I thought about the timing. For me it usually speeds things way up. Not always a good thing…lol.

Silly me. I didn’t think of the base element that way. I was thinking the base element could sway a question in one person’s direction. Well, I guess it can, but then that wouldn’t really be right.

Thanks for your help! I’m understanding things so much easier with your help.

Sheri

It’s great to hear how well you’re getting on

Asking a variation of the same question is kinda of like asking the Tarot to zero in on a specific aspect of the overall question. As a result, the timing of events can reflect this. Sometimes, the Tarot will indicate that that phase of the overall question will happen quickly, other times, slowly.

Adding a base Element to a reading can either help or hinder me. My preferred way of working with a base Element is to use my intuition. If I sense it would bring greater clarity, then I’ll use it. If not, I’ll interpret the Elements in their own right.

I think the guiding principle of using a base Element should be, “does this bring the client, and me, greater clarity?” If the answer is yes, then use them; if the answer is no, then discard the method.

I hope that helps to clarify things for you

Thank you for your help. I guess that makes sense about the Temperance card. It is a fast card for me. I’m going to have to really figure out the timing on things again. For the first reading, ‘Will he call and get back together with someone?’ it was immediate. Only hours later. I wonder, is it because I am repeating the question and sometimes asking in different ways that it is effecting the timing of events? I have a friend that I told him when someone would contact him and the person did in the time frame I gave him.

Also, I’m a little confused by the base cards when adding them to a reading. I love the way you have really laid out the examples above on this lesson and was hoping you might be able to do the same for base cards. Sometimes they are easy to figure out then other times I’m not truly sure if the base I chose will even help at all. An example would be earth/earth/water with a water base. That looks to me like it won’t really help at all in a relationship question. I can only see how the base helps when there are triple dignities.

Thank you, Douglas! Since I found your site I’ve been reading with amazing accuracy. I’m shocked at myself…lol!

Sheri

Thanks for dropping by

My question being: Will someone call and ask to get back together with someone else? 8 Wands/Page Cups/King Cups.

You’re right, the cards do indicate that he will get back in touch Elementally, it suggests that it’s going to take time. In other words, he won’t make contact immediately.

Temperance/Emperor/Queen Wands

An all fire combination can suggest great passion – fiery feelings.

The Emperor is in control.

…after looking at the Temperance Card, I was wondering if you could tell me why it’s a fire card when it looks and sounds more like a water card?

It’s all to do with Alchemy, and the alchemical processes that this card indicates. According to one theory, it’s the progression of the Lovers card (in an alchemical sense).

Let me know how your readings go

Long time no visit. I hope you have been doing excellent!

My question is in the Fire/Water/water combination you and Catherine wrote:

This triad is moderately strong. The centre card is supported by another Water Element which adds to its overall influence in a Tarot reading.

“The desire to enjoy the moment wins over the need to move things forward.

Catherine: This is actually more hopeful than it looks. Yes, it’s overly passive and emotional, but a small flickering flame of desire burning underneath the surface hasn’t been extinguished. Things may not be moving yet, but there’s hope.”

As usual I’m confused…lol…my confusion comes when I actually ask a question and then look at the cards themselves and then try to apply what you and Catherine are saying about this combination. My question being: Will someone call and ask to get back together with someone else? 8 Wands/Page Cups/King Cups.

Looking at the cards themselves it looks very promising that he will call and the couple will get back together. But when I read what you and Catherine wrote it sounds like he’s too lazy to call because he’s enjoying the moment.

I tried another reading and asked if he cared about this person. I got Temperance/Emperor/Queen Wands. I can’t figure out this meaning either because none of the cards are romantic to me or water cards and after looking at the Temperance Card, I was wondering if you could tell me why it’s a fire card when it looks and sounds more like a water card? It’s makes it difficult to try and read that card when it doesn’t make sense to me.

I’ve been working using the Celtic Cross for people and have been excited to hear later that what I told them is actually happening!

Thanks
Sheri

I think you’ve made the right choice. Buying the Radiant Rider Waite deck is a great all purpose Tarot deck and I’m sure you’ll love using it over the next few months.

By spending a couple of months with one deck only, you’re really giving yourself an opportunity to develop a strong intuitive bond with it. This will end up paying you back many times over, especially with difficult Tarot readings, learning Elemental Dignities or any other activity you would like to use the deck for.

The key to picking a new deck is to ask yourself, “does this deck feel right?” When the answer is yes, then you know you have made the right choice.

I wish you all the best with your new Tarot deck and hope that it helps with your Tarot journey

Both Catherine and I wanted to make this as clear as possible and I’m glad that you liked the article.

When you say practice will really bring this system out for each individual, I think you’re right – people will moderate the simplicity of the system and really give it life!

Both Catherine and I found that we read Elemental Dignities differently, so it was a really interesting exercise for both of us to re-examine the Golden Dawn system once again.

Seeing your and Catherine’s individual responses to each triad is a *Fantastic* resource – Seeing the differences and parallels gives any serious student huge food for thought! I recommend everybody to write down their own interpretations of each triad and then read this compendium – I’m going to do it myself and I hugely look forward to it!

I’m really glad you found that section of the article useful. I’d love to hear how you get on with the exercise.

Like any other good tool, this approach to dignities will be most useful when applied with consideration alongside the intuition and specific cards in the spread.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s very important to let intuition take the lead with Elemental Dignities – in fact, I would say that that is essential.

Thank you for your kind words Lionel