Exploring a problem · 7 positions
Hexagram: seven cards
Hexagram: seven cards uses 7 positions to examine the timeline, strategy, environment, attitude and outcome. Each position has a distinct role; read it together with the complete card meaning.
Practice deck: all 78 RWS cards
Version and dealing convention
This page defines one numbered version. The local exercise uses the displayed deck and draw method; other traditions may change the arrangement or roles. Agree on the version before drawing. With the Major Arcana selected, use absolute deck positions 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 18, 19. Other available decks use consecutive random draws.
A question to try
What can I examine about the timeline, strategy, environment, attitude and outcome?
Before you draw
- Write one open question and define its scope. Keep factual questions separate from symbolic reflection.
- Choose the position order and decide whether to include reversals before drawing.
- Read each card in its role, then compare the positions. Note uncertainty and one practical next question.
Position guide
- 1
Past
This position explores “Past”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 2
Present
This position explores “Present”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 3
Possible future
This position explores “Possible future”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 4
Response strategy
This position explores “Response strategy”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 5
Surroundings
This position explores “Surroundings”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 6
Your hopes or fears
This position explores “Your hopes or fears”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
- 7
Overall possible outcome
This position explores “Overall possible outcome”. Compare the card’s theme with known circumstances, and note what you still need to check.
How to connect the positions
Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7
Read the timeline 1–3, then the conditions 4–6, and finally 7 in the centre. The name refers to the six outer points; the centre makes seven cards, not six.
What to watch for
A symbolic reading cannot verify hidden facts or make an outcome certain. Keep observations separate from assumptions and revisit the interpretation when circumstances change.
Your practice
Practise this spread
Draw distinct cards to practise matching a meaning to a position. Read the prompts and compare them with the complete card meanings.
The draw happens in this browser. It is not saved or sent as a personal reading.
Your cards will appear here after you draw.