One of the concerns that has been expressed by those unsure about the idea of a Transparent Tarot, is that the images would become just a muddled mess. While I have already demonstrated the extent to which the images can combine elegantly, obviously in a deck of 78 cards, there will be times when figures overlap and confuse the image, not matter how carefully it's been designed!
If you are not a fan of a seemingly clashing image, an option you can always take is flipping one of the cards so that they no longer interfere with each other. This is one of the possible ways that I reccomend you can combine two or more of the same court card,(which will normally take up the same space), within a combination, like so:
But what if we accept the chaos, and try to read a 'muddled' image? I played randomly with combinations on my computer, and it took a few attempts before I found one where figures overlapped. The below combination shows the Hermit, Six of Swords, Ten of Wands and Five of Cups.
Those two at the bottom really look as if they're under each other's feet, don't they? But could this be talking about a couple? One represented by the Ten of Wands- working too hard, taking on all the responsibility and not noticing the emotional pressure that has been put on the partner, the Five of Cups, who has started to feel the onset of depression, feeling invisible and overlooked due to the others' work commitments. But perhaps there is hope- for not only is the Ten of Wands reaching to the largest of the upright cups, so may be able to show the positive emotional presence that the partner needs, but the Hermit shows a calming and introspective presence. Perhaps some space and time alone is indicated here, which eventually would be all the better for the relationship, as they do seem to be crushing each other! Or perhaps a romantic or spiritual retreat as a couple...
Using intuition here is key, as there are so many possibilities when we look at a combination- what if in fact his reaching for the bottom cup will result in the rest falling over? After all, he is carrying a heavy load- perhaps this will be the last straw that drives them away to a solitary existence, (Six of Swords/Hermit)?
This shows that the very nature of how the figures interrelate can provide insights into a reading - even, (or especially), when they're muddled! It also shows how these interactions can provide an inspiration for stories, character development or situations for those who like to use Tarot creatively.
I hope you are looking forward to exploring the myriad of possibilities as much as I am!
Blessings,
Emily x
