(Shade, there are illustrations, although they aren't strictly *necessary* to follow the book.)
I got my own copy of the deck (Actually, three copies, to drive the price up to credit-card level. ;-) Presents?) intending to start my own Octavo on Easter Day. I figured Mrs. Sparrow would approve the time, and it's a feast with its own Octave, to be completed on Low Sunday. Well, I *forgot*. So I'm starting a day late, but on April 1, so that still seems like a good time.
I did a google search to pull of the tumblr I'd mentioned, and saw that the handbook *is* available now on lulu. I'll order it on payday. :-D
So, according to the instructions, I have diagramed the spread as best I can with my compasses and straight-edges.
I selected my
[0. The Seeker] card: The Over of Cups.
I then shuffled, pressed, dealt. Then I shuffled, *forgot to press*, and dealt, shuffled, *forgot to press*, and got my first match on card 2. Hopefully the lack of pressing will be forgiven.
[1. The Companion]: The 8 of Cups. (The tumblr says it should be a young lady.)
So that's where I am!