KEYWORDS

• Change
• Junction
• Choices
• Decisions
• Direction
• Independence
• Separation
• Journey

OVERVIEW

With few exceptions, the Road indicates change, letting go and moving on, often to better things. It can indicate endings and a new path ahead in any area of life. With this come options to consider and decisions to make. So the Road is often associated with multiple alternatives, being at crossroads, and having to think through what will serve us over the next phase.

It can also indicate travel and a change of scenery – often one that’s much needed. In all cases, the effects of the Road are deep. And while the work it demands from us is not always easy, it brings us the opportunity to live and do things differently.

IN THE PORTRAIT & GRAND TABLEAU

On the first or central card placement of the nine-card portrait, the idea of being at crossroads and the need to make a decision are amplified. We must avoid hesitating, resisting change, or delaying doing what we know has to be done. The Road might come at a time of loss, in which case we’re best moving on and letting go of the fruitless situation. We can trust that better things are ahead if we make the right decisions, so assimilating the lessons is important.

In the Grand Tableau, the effect of the Road when near the significator depends on nearby cards. Negative cards indicate troubles and wrong turnings whereas positive cards indicate changes for the better. But when the Road is far from the significator, it indicates an escape from a troublesome or risky situation. Nearby cards can tell us more about this situation or what we’re escaping from. Additionally, the farther the Road is from the significator, the deeper the life change.

ADVICE

The Road invites us to diversify, broaden our horizons, and try new things. It often indicates being at crossroads and having to make decisions. Being associated with multiplicity, we usually have to choose from several options. But this also comes with the possibility of setting ourselves free from past involvements and move into new ones. So embracing change and being open to adventure are key with the Road.

CARD COMBINATIONS

WITH THE...

THE COMBINATION MEANS...

BEAR

Major change, big decision.

BIRD

Poor choice, rushed decision.

CLOVER

Freedom, profound and relieving changes.

COFFIN

End of the road, closing a chapter.

FLOWERS

Return of someone, re-engagement in goals, enthusiasm.

KEY

The right decision, freedom, the green light.

MOUNTAIN

Roadblock, speed bump, obstacle.

MOUSE

Wrong choice, wrong turning causing muddles.

RIDER

Multiple choices, options, or multitasking.

RING

Detachment, independence, non-committal.