For this historical test, I explored the original Pebble smartwatch Kickstarter campaign, launched in April 2012 with a $100,000 fundraising goal. As I shuffled, I decided to pull 8 cards for the spread instead of the usual 7. The 8th card in the Navatara sequence is “friendship,” “ally,” and companion”. It is an auspicious position. Then I changed my mind, did the 7-card spread, and interpreted it before learning the outcome.
Question: Would the campaign reach its $100,000 fundraising goal by its deadline?
The Seven-Card Reading
1. Dhanu in Janma
Good direction into something new, moving beyond what was already known.
2. Ripu in Sampat
Obstacles around wealth and prosperity, along with the ability to recognize problems and address them.
3. Tanu in Vipat
An overemphasis on potential, without enough experience to demonstrate that the project could sustain itself.
4. Karka in Kshema
The project needed care, protection, and support to continue.
5. Shani in Pratyari
Resistance to change, responsibilities, and delays in achieving the desired outcome.
6. Kanya in Sadhaka
Attention to what was not working and how those problems affected the project. Progress depended on identifying and correcting difficulties.
7. Brihaspati in Naidhana
I interpreted this as growth reaching its limits and expansion being halted.
My Prediction
Based on this spread, I concluded the campaign would raise money but fall short of its $100,000 goal.
What Happened
Pebble raised approximately $10.27 million from nearly 69,000 backers, exceeding its original goal by more than 100 times. My prediction did not match the fundraising result.
The Eighth Card: Labha
After learning the outcome, I drew one additional card for the eighth position: Labha, representing gains and the fulfillment of desires.
For me, this card shifted the spread’s emphasis. I had concentrated on obstacles, sustainability, and limits. Labha brought gains directly into the picture. Had it appeared in my original spread, I believe my prediction would have been different.
What I’m Taking Forward
I had originally intended to use eight cards. This experience has encouraged me to return to that format, and when I have an intuitive hunch, follow it.
It also raised a useful distinction: a project can attract substantial financial support while still facing questions about responsibility, practical demands, and sustainability. Those are different questions, and my interpretation needs to stay focused on the one being asked.
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