The Hidden face of tarot

This is a simple technique that can be used without any knowledge of Tarot whatsoever.  Have the querant shuffle the cards and select 7.  Then have them lay the cards face down in a pattern.  Observation of the way the querant interacts with the cards, as well as the pattern in which they place the cards, give you a lot of information.  I will give a few suggestions below but they are not exhaustive.  They are just suggestions about how to start thinking about this technique.

• Does the querant shuffle quickly and superficially, or methodically and with focus?  This could indicate the approach they take to life, or to dealing with their problems.

 

• When they place the cards in a pattern, do they place them neatly, with equal gaps (or no gaps) between?  Are they placed haphazardly?  This could indicate their attention to detail, their need (or not) for order and discipline.

 

• Do they do it quickly and decisively?  Slowly, with hesitation and uncertainty?

 

• Do the cards all follow the same direction when laid out, such as in straight lines, or do they form circles, starbursts etc.  Are the patterns symmetrical or abstract?  Does the querant make conventional patterns or take a more creative approach?

 

• Does the querant use up all the available space, or only a small space?   Perhaps they are comfortable with taking up a lot of room in life or are a person with expansive energy.  Maybe they prefer to keep their energy contained, or feel restricted in some way.

 

• Are the cards moving out and away from the querant, or kept close?

 
Sometimes I use this technique in readings, maybe to finish off, or maybe as a bit of an ice breaker to begin with.  When you’re finished, turn the cards over and see what you think.  You can also try having the querant ask a question before performing the Hidden Face and interpreting the layout in relation to the question, then turn the cards over and interpret them in much the same way, ie cards close the querant may indicate immediate problems, cards placed away from other cards may indicate a disinclination to deal with them, cards placed far ahead may indicate something the querant wants, a goal etc.  It’s a very intuitive technique so don’t worry about what the cards ‘should’ mean.