A detailed reading · 23 positions
Sphinx: reference and covered cards
Sphinx: reference and covered cards explores a shared reference and grouped present and future themes. The diagram identifies 23 roles; the instructions explain how to draw and read them.
Practice deck: 56 Minor Arcana
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.
A question to try
What would you like to examine about a shared reference and grouped present and future themes?
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
- K
Reference: shared influence
Use this role to explore “Reference: shared influence” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 1
Present situation 1
Use this role to explore “Present situation 1” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 2
Covered position 2
Use this role to explore “Covered position 2” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 3
Present situation 3
Use this role to explore “Present situation 3” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 4
Covered position 4
Use this role to explore “Covered position 4” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 5
Present situation 5
Use this role to explore “Present situation 5” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 6
Covered position 6
Use this role to explore “Covered position 6” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 7
Present situation 7
Use this role to explore “Present situation 7” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 8
Covered position 8
Use this role to explore “Covered position 8” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 9
Difficulty 9
Use this role to explore “Difficulty 9” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 10
Difficulty 10
Use this role to explore “Difficulty 10” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 11
Help 11
Use this role to explore “Help 11” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 12
Help 12
Use this role to explore “Help 12” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 13
Action to avoid 13
Use this role to explore “Action to avoid 13” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 14
Action to avoid 14
Use this role to explore “Action to avoid 14” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 15
Responsibility 15
Use this role to explore “Responsibility 15” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 16
Responsibility 16
Use this role to explore “Responsibility 16” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 17
Responsibility 17
Use this role to explore “Responsibility 17” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 18
Responsibility 18
Use this role to explore “Responsibility 18” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 19
Future possibility 19
Use this role to explore “Future possibility 19” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 20
Future possibility 20
Use this role to explore “Future possibility 20” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 21
Future possibility 21
Use this role to explore “Future possibility 21” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
- 22
Future possibility 22
Use this role to explore “Future possibility 22” in the context of the whole layout, rather than treating the card as a standalone conclusion.
How to connect the positions
Reading sequence (read grouped roles together as explained below): K → 1 → 3 → 5 → 7 → 9 → 10 → 11 → 12 → 13 → 14 → 15 → 16 → 17 → 18 → 19 → 20 → 21 → 22
Draw a reference K first, then 22 further cards: 23 physical cards in total. Keep numbered positions 2, 4, 6 and 8 covered throughout; they are not missing data. Read 1+3+5+7 as the present, 9+10 as difficulties, 11+12 as help, 13+14 as actions to avoid, 15–18 as responsibilities and 19–22 as future possibilities. Combine every group with K. This version uses only the 56 Minor Arcana.
What to watch for
A symbolic interpretation does not establish hidden facts or guarantee an outcome. Separate observations from assumptions and use direct communication for questions involving another person.
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.