A guide to using the Tarot as a tool in crafting characters, plots, and settings. Included are various spreads and interpretations I've come up with over the years, for use in my own projects. Any deck can be used, though I highly suggest the Rider...
This layout is my own adaptation of the classic 'Celtic Cross' spread, designed to aid in creating new characters. Used to discover backstory, goals and motivations, strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and other vital stats.
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1: Significator This card is the character's overall representation. The things which stand out most, and are most important to them. Main personality traits, strengths, birth sign, and overall demeanor.
2: The Crossing Card This represents what gets in the character's way most. Weaknesses, self-defeating behaviors, outside obstacles, addictions, enemies, and conflicts.
3: Subconscious Things which the character isn't aware of, which will emerge to influence events in the story. This may include dreams, past pains, an unknown friend, suppressed memories, latent powers, etc.
4: Conscious What the character knows and strives for most. That which they desire more than anything. Can also represent the order which shapes the character's daily life, which gives meaning to their existence.
5: The Past Where the character comes from. Backstory. The elements of the past most important to the current setting and plot.
6: The Future Can represent a further elaboration of goals, but is also an indicator of where the character is headed. The nature of where this character's journey will soon go.
7: Self The character's self-esteem. How they view their personal situation. Mood, quirks, outlook, attitude.
8: Surroundings This is how others see the character, and how the environment reacts to them in general. Acceptance among peers and society, friends and family, community.
9: Motivations and Fears This is what drives the character most in the story, their goals in direct relation to the plot. What do they fear, desire, hope for?
10: Ultimate Choice/Transformation This is the character's ultimate decision, and also hints at the change they will undergo to complete their quests and goals. The outcome of the story.
