Poetry Spread
Hi, Purplemoonsong.
I was intrigued by your question, so I created this simple spread for writing poetry that can, hopefully, inspire you.
…..2…..
5…1…3
…..4…..
Card 1 - SITUATION/FOCUS
Identifies the heart of the piece, or its emotional center
Card 2 - POINT OF VIEW
Recommends whether the point of view of the piece is written from the first, second or third person
Minor Arcana: first-person POV (self-rumination)
Courts: second-person POV (addresses the reader)
Major Arcana: third-person POV (talks about a person, place, thing or idea)
Card 3 - MOOD
Suggests the pervading emotional theme of the piece; also identifies emotional undercurrents and influences
Is the piece melancholy? Observant? Righteous?
Card 4 - ACTION
Shows the dynamic of the piece, whether actions or non-actions are moving the narrative along, or holding it back
Card 5 - CONCLUSION
Determines how to close the piece, or conversely, how to leave it open-ended
Here's a sample spread I did with The Fountain Tarot, and the resulting verse that I wrote from it.
Lines 1 to 4 show Cards 1 to 3 coming into play.
Line 5 shows the action, which corresponds to Card 4.
Last line, Line 6, is the conclusion, which is Card 5 in the spread.
(Line 1) When asked how the darkness felt on our fingertips,
(Line 2) we answered, separately,
(Line 3) in our separate interrogation rooms:
(Line 4) "massive and illuminated, with a maelstrom in the middle."
(Line 5) We took our resting heart rates and averaged them.
(Line 6) There is nothing heavier than almost dying.
The images on the cards served as my emotive triggers—but that's just my own creative process. I'm sure it's deeply personal for you, too. So take what you will from the spread, and let me know how it resonates with you.
Good luck!
