Before you can solve a problem, you need to know that a problem exists. This statement is not as silly as it sounds. Most of the time, you won’t need to wonder if you have a problem—you’ll know. Then there are times when you feel anxious or stressed, but haven’t considered that there is a problem to be solved. You might feel that something is wrong, or feel dissatisfied, but you cannot put your finger on exactly what the problem is. And sometimes, even when you know what the problem is, you have no idea how to even start finding a solution.
Problem solving consists of several steps. The first is identifying the problem, followed by—and sometimes overlapping—defining the problem and creating a problem statement. Once you have these steps sorted, some of the confusion has disappeared and, although you still need to find a solution, the task does not seem as daunting as before.
Various creativity techniques and steps have been designed to help you find and define problems. One way to identify problems is to reflect on what you have, what you need, and what you want. A problem is the gap between where you are, and where you want to be. The more you know about the “real” and the “ideal,” the easier it becomes to find the steps in between.
I love my “magic square” spreads (even if I have to say so myself!). Real magic squares of course involve numbers, arranged in squares, where each row and each column adds up to the same number. The Tarot squares are magic in a different way: some cards are read twice, but with different assigned positions, meaning that you need to look at these cards from at least two perspectives. In this spread, the same card describes, for example, a “have” and a “want,” and a “need” and a “deserve.” Making you see things from a different angle is basic to all creativity techniques, and the source of inspiration.
The spread follows the same design as the “From worry to peace” magic square.
Cards 1-3: I have
Cards 3-5: I want
Cards 5-7: I need
Cards 7, 8, and 1: I deserve
Card 9: The center (this card can be read as the essence of your situation, or as a “next step” card)
This is a great post! Usually I know myself really well, but I've felt that way a few times in my life--very anxious & knowing that there IS a cause, but not knowing what that cause is.
I like this spread a lot; did you make it up yourself? I think I'm going to try it out tonight.
Would you be interested in writing a guest post for my blog TheSpiritualSkeptic.com? I love your writing style and I'd love to have you write about tarot cards. You can email me at kle321(at)gmail(dot)com if you'd like =)
~Keri
Posted by: Dreaming_iris | 12 April 2011 at 12:02 PM
This is my own spread, yes. I'm glad you like it. I'd like to know how you experience working with it. There is a more intense version that I'll publish next week, but this and the "From worry to peace" spreads are the ones I use when I feel "unsettled" in some way.
Posted by: Martie Groenewald | 12 April 2011 at 12:58 PM