Nine Tails
Mirror with the Design of a Nine-Tailed Fox
Harukawa Goshichi
Japanese, Edo period (1615–1868)
Collection: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This artwork features a kyōka ("mad poem") by Tsurunoya, which alludes to the manipulative Dafei, concubine of King Zhou of the Shang dynasty, and ponders whether the tips of the nine tails reflected in a spotless mirror could represent the mythical Nine-Tailed Fox. Surimono were privately commissioned prints for special occasions, such as New Year's, and both an unstained mirror and this enchanting creature serve as auspicious omens for the new year.
The below spread is in development, and I have yet to refine it to the point of testing. But here is the preliminary gist, inspired by tales of Kistune's nine tails, indicative of its accumulated wisdom and power and ability to reflect back answers to querents, mirroring the traps of fictitious identification :
Nine Tails Spread (3x3x3 Card Spread):In this layout, the Magician again takes the central position, symbolizing the Kitsune’s role as the mediator of elements. As in the cross + carre, "X" marks the spot.
The surrounding cards explore different aspects of the querent’s situation through an application of elemental functions.
The reader examines the interaction between these cards, involving directional methods borrowed from the French tradition and occultist frames of pathworking, considering how Kitsune either stabilizes or disrupts the balance.
Further Guidance for Reading the Positions:
Row 1 (Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom): Reveals the realm of the situation, what needs to be accepted, and the lesson within.
Row 2 (Mercy, Kitsune, Severity): Shows the seeker’s choices, with the Kitsune card in the center representing the favored path depending on how Earth interacts with the adjoining elements of cards 4 and 5.
Row 3 (Beauty, Victory, Splendor): Describes what is beautiful or valuable, reveals victory or loss, and shines a light on the outcome, with suggestion for rituals or actions for illumination.
Card Meanings
1 - Knowledge (Realm of the Situation)
Represents the essence or setting of the situation. This card shows the immediate reality or energy surrounding the seeker’s current path.
2 - Understanding (What to Be Accepted)
What must be embraced or accepted in the situation. This is often a fundamental truth that, once acknowledged, can bring clarity.
3 - Wisdom (The Lesson)
A lesson to be learned. This card may highlight insight or wisdom that can only be gained through experiencing this specific journey.
4 - Mercy
Represents gentleness, compassion, and potential actions that would ease the path forward. This card may show a path of understanding or forgiveness that offers balance.
5 - Severity
Reflects a more challenging choice or path, emphasizing discipline or tough love. This card may indicate boundaries or actions necessary for growth, even if they’re difficult.
9 - Kitsune (Which Path is Favored?)
This central card (The Magician) is the Kitsune spirit, a guide toward the most aligned path. It reveals which of the two (Mercy or Severity) aligns better with the seeker’s higher purpose, helping them see clearly through the nuances.
6 - Find the Beauty
Highlights what is beautiful or valuable in the current situation, showing what can be appreciated or nurtured despite challenges. It may also suggest hidden potential or strengths as well as struggles.
7 - Describe the Victory (and the Loss)
Provides insight into both gains and losses within the path forward. This card may show what the seeker stands to achieve but also what they may need to release.
8 - Illumination / Splendor (Is There a Ritual to Perform?)
Reveals what is illuminated by the spread, potentially guiding the seeker toward a ritual or symbolic action to honor their journey. This card embodies splendor and may suggest a form of gratitude, meditation, or mindful practice to embrace the path forward. As sifu Camelia said in our closing lesson of Module One (Abundant Grace), “In my own perception of my singular manifestation of the absolute there cannot be anything else than radiance and brilliance.”
Reading Tips
Intention Setting: Begin the reading by clarifying the seeker’s question or area of inquiry.
Interpret in Context: Pay attention to the interactions between Mercy and Severity, as these opposing forces often reveal nuances in the seeker’s choices.
Kitsune’s Guidance: The Kitsune card (9) is key, offering a favored direction when the seeker is faced with ambiguity or indecision.
Conclude with Ritual Guidance: The element of the Illumination card (8) may suggest an associated ritual, it could provide a grounding way to close the reading, allowing the seeker to engage actively with the insights gained. For example, Two of Cups could indicate inviting a friend for a drink, while Ten of Cups could suggest submersion in a body of water.
This spread is best used when the seeker needs guidance on navigating complex situations or facing decisions that require individual action and accountability.