Problem, Cause, Solution · 2 MAC spread: positions, example, and exact launch

Problem, Cause, Solution · 2 MAC spread

Problem, Cause, Solution · 2 MAC spread divides the question into 3 items, connects the positions, and turns symbolic observations into a testable action. It is not a prediction or proof of another person’s thoughts: treat the result as competing hypotheses checked against facts.

For better preparation, use Problem resource solution metaphorical cards: layout, reading method and full example.

Limits and safety

Treat the result as a reflection hypothesis, not proof of the future or another person’s intentions. For health, safety, legal, financial, or crisis matters, rely on verified facts and qualified professionals.

The method’s limits are discussed in Metaphorical cards for business: practical guide, examples and limitations.

The code and position order are synchronised with the Reflecta catalogue. An internal provenance label is not presented as historical proof.

Spread facts

Preparation

The layout belongs to the “Self-reflection” category. Use it to divide a question into meaningful parts, compare relationships between factors, and avoid reducing the result to one absolute prediction. Before starting, write one specific question, define the context or time frame, and note the facts already known.

Consider this situation: someone wants to understand their state without confusing a feeling with a fact. Facts known before the spread: the reaction has repeated for several days, its cause is unconfirmed, and no safe next action has been chosen. Writing them down first prevents symbols from replacing reality.

Problem, Cause, Solution · 2 · What the problem looks like

Shows how the “What the problem looks like” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

Spread positions

Reveal the items in the stated order. Record the first observation before connecting it to the purpose of the position. Build the final synthesis only after the whole layout is visible.

1. What the problem looks like

Shows how the “What the problem looks like” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

What do you notice first in the image in relation to “What the problem looks like”? What feelings, memories, and personal associations arise? Form your own conclusion without looking for a single correct meaning.

2. What may underlie it

Shows how the “What may underlie it” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

What do you notice first in the image in relation to “What may underlie it”? What feelings, memories, and personal associations arise? Form your own conclusion without looking for a single correct meaning.

3. Image of a possible solution

Shows how the “Image of a possible solution” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

What do you notice first in the image in relation to “Image of a possible solution”? What feelings, memories, and personal associations arise? Form your own conclusion without looking for a single correct meaning.

The fact-checking method is developed in Metaphorical cards for emotions and stress: name the feeling, find support, take one safe step.

How to interpret the result

Metaphorical cards do not have one fixed dictionary meaning. First describe what you notice and the feelings or associations that arise, then connect them to the position. Separate personal response from verifiable facts.

What the problem looks like: Shows how the “What the problem looks like” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

Worked reading example

Consider this situation: someone wants to understand their state without confusing a feeling with a fact. Facts known before the spread: the reaction has repeated for several days, its cause is unconfirmed, and no safe next action has been chosen. Writing them down first prevents symbols from replacing reality. Problem, Cause, Solution · 2 · What the problem looks like → What may underlie it → Image of a possible solution.

1. What the problem looks like. Shows how the “What the problem looks like” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread. What do you notice first in the image in relation to “What the problem looks like”? What feelings, memories, and personal associations arise? Form your own conclusion without looking for a single correct meaning.
2. What may underlie it. Shows how the “What may underlie it” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread. What do you notice first in the image in relation to “What may underlie it”? What feelings, memories, and personal associations arise? Form your own conclusion without looking for a single correct meaning.
3. Image of a possible solution. Shows how the “Image of a possible solution” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread. What do you notice first in the image in relation to “Image of a possible solution”? What feelings, memories, and personal associations arise? Form your own conclusion without looking for a single correct meaning.

In the example, the first image resembles a closed room, the second a bridge, and the third an open door. The user defines the meaning rather than receiving a fixed interpretation. What the problem looks like → What may underlie it → Image of a possible solution.

Reading one: the constraint is external, so the next step is to obtain the missing fact or agreement before acting. What the problem looks like: Shows how the “What the problem looks like” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

Reading two: the main constraint is internal, so a small reversible experiment is more useful than further waiting. Image of a possible solution: Shows how the “Image of a possible solution” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

Two plausible readings

1. What the problem looks like: Reading one: the constraint is external, so the next step is to obtain the missing fact or agreement before acting. Shows how the “What the problem looks like” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

2. Image of a possible solution: Reading two: the main constraint is internal, so a small reversible experiment is more useful than further waiting. Shows how the “Image of a possible solution” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

How to choose between readings: Choose the first reading when an observable external barrier exists. Choose the second when conditions already permit action but fear or an unclear criterion keeps delaying it. What the problem looks like ↔ Image of a possible solution.

How to perform the spread

1. Write one focused question instead of combining several unrelated topics.
2. Reveal positions in order and record a separate observation for each one.
3. Select “Problem, Cause, Solution · 2” and confirm the item count: 3 items.
4. Reduce the result to two plausible interpretations, one safe action, and a criterion for checking it.
5. Compare repetition, contrast, resources, risks, and transitions between neighbouring positions.

Action and verification

Write one reversible step and review the result in 10 days. The criterion is a new fact, another person’s reply, or a measurable change in the situation.

Image of a possible solution: Shows how the “Image of a possible solution” aspect operates in the question addressed by this spread.

The next step is explained in What are metaphorical associative cards: practical guide, examples and limitations.

Related guides and practice

Open the exact “Problem, Cause, Solution · 2” spread

All MAC spreads

Related guides and practice

• Problem resource solution metaphorical cards: layout, reading method and full example
• Metaphorical cards for emotions and stress: name the feeling, find support, take one safe step
• What are metaphorical associative cards: practical guide, examples and limitations
• Metaphorical cards for business: practical guide, examples and limitations