Tarot Cards: The Tetractys Tarot Spread

The Tetractys Spread of the Tarot is a unique and powerful spread. Of all the Tarot spreads, this is the one said to provide a method for forecasting future events. While these events will not be true ‘predictions,’ the Tetractys Spread can at least reveal the most likely outcome in greater detail than most other spreads.

Preparing to Lay Out the Tetractys Spread

In order to successfully cast and read the Tetractys Spread, you must focus fully and completely on the task at hand. Since this spread is a little more complicated to interpret than most of the other spreads, it is important that your focus not waver. Many readers like to meditate before this spread is cast, and some will even remain in a meditative state during the entire reading.

For the Tetractys Spread, both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. You should shuffle until you feel that the cards are shuffled enough. There’s not really any firm rules when it comes to shuffling Tarot cards.

Once shuffled, all seventy-eight Tarot cards should be spread face-down in a fan-shape. Ten cards should be selected and placed face-up on the black cloth in the shape of a tetractys.

Reading the Tetractys Spread

Each of the ten positions of the Tetractys Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Significator: This card represents the premise of the entire reading. This forms a foundation for understanding all the other cards. This card should be referred to when interpreting all other cards.
2. Dark Card: This card indicates the possible reaction of the cosmos or the world at large to the actions of the individual.
3. Light Card: This card reveals the influences of the cosmos or the world at large that lead to the actions of the individual.
4. Destroyer Card: This card represents past decisions and directions that should not be allowed to continue.
5. Sustainer Card: This card indicates those things that are stable and should not change.
6. Creator Card: This card is indicative of new decisions and directions that should be pursued.
7. Earth Card: This card is a physical card, representing physical realities and day-to-day living.
8. Water Card: This card is an emotional card, revealing feelings, emotions, and whims.
9. Air Card: This card is an intellectual card, indicating thoughts, feelings, goals, and the power of the mind.
10. Fire Card: This card is a passionate card, representing ambitions, creative forces, and the raw power of will.

The Tetractys Spread of the Tarot is a little more complicated than spreads such as the Celtic Cross Spread or the Horseshoe Spread, and so takes some practice to master. It is a powerful spread for those seeking detailed information and advice regarding complex situations.

Tarot Cards: The One-Card Tarot Spread

The One-Card Spread of the Tarot is the most simple of all Tarot spreads. Though not really a spread, strictly speaking, it does have its place and serves a very specific purpose. The One-Card Spread is a problem solving spread, typically used when a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is all the answer that is sought.

Preparing to Lay Out the One-Card Spread

As with any spread, care needs to be taken when preparing for a reading. Traditionally, Tarot cards are stored wrapped in a black cloth. The cards should be unwrapped, and the black cloth should be draped to indicate the place where the spread will be laid. This protects the cards from any dirt or debris that might be present.

Because this spread is limited to a single card, it is important to focus very clearly on the immediate question. This question must be framed very clearly in your mind. The more clear and concise the question, the easier it will be to interpret the answer.

If you have difficulty concentrating enough to frame your question, trying meditating as a method for focusing your mind.

Reading the One-Card Spread

This spread is known for its ability to give simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. It can even provide guidance on how to approach a specific situation. However, it is important to follow the correct procedure if you wish to obtain clear answers.

To begin your reading, shuffle the cards thoroughly, including both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. How much you shuffle, or even how you shuffle, are matters of personal taste. You’re finished shuffling when you feel that the cards are shuffled enough. When shuffling, be sure to clearly focus on your question. Do not let you mind stray from this question, even for a moment.

Divide the deck into three piles. Study these piles for a moment, then chose the pile that seems to draw you to it. One will stand out from the rest. Shuffle just the one pile. Spread the pile face-down in a fan-shape before you, and choose just one card. Place this card face-up before you.

This is the card to be interpreted for the One-Card Spread. In terms of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions, typically a reversed position indicates a ‘no’ response, while an upright card would indicate a ‘yes’. However, the specific card must be taken into account as well.

The One-Card Spread is the most simple of all Tarot spreads. Many people choose this spread as a daily way to ask for guidance about the coming day. Others employ this spread when one of the more detailed spreads seems to need a little more explanation. How and when you use this spread is up to you.

Tarot Cards: The Star Tarot Spread

The Star Spread of the Tarot is a spread that is typically used when further insight and clarification is needed in a situation. It uses seven cards, usually laid out six-point star pattern. While not all Tarot readers use this spread, it is a quick and easy way to gain information regarding a particular situation.

Preparing to Lay Out the Star Spread

Before drawing the cards for the spread, a black cloth should be placed upon the reading surface. This helps to protect the cards from any dirt or debris that may be present. The cards can be wrapped in this cloth when not in use.

Shuffle the cards thoroughly. Both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. All seventy-eight cards of the Tarot should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of seven cards, which are positioned, in the order they are chosen, in the Star Spread.

The Positions of the Astrological Card Spread

Each of the seven positions of the Star Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. The Problem: This position describes the current situation, positive or negative.
2. Positive Influences: This card indicates what influences might be affecting the situation in a positive way. These influences should be encouraged.
3. Negative Influences: This card indicates what influences might be affecting the situation in a negative way. These influences are to be minimized, if possible.
4. Past Influences: This position shows what influences are losing their potency in the situation. These things should be released, as they no longer are important.
5. The Present: This card reveals what is presently occurring in the situation. This position also usually indicates whether change is necessary or not.
6. The Future: The card that occupies this position indicates the immediate future of the present situation. It is essentially a culmination of the influences of the last four cards.
7. The Final Outcome: This card indicates how the situation will ultimately resolve itself. The term ‘final outcome’ might be a little misleading, since the Tarot tend have only a six-month time frame.

The Star Spread is incredibly simple. It can be used on its own, or to gain further insight into particular cards in other Tarot spreads, such as the Celtic Cross Spread or the Magic Cross Spread. The Star Spread is a creative way to gain clarity from a situation that is perhaps all too complicated.

Tarot Cards: The Magic Cross Tarot Spread

The Magic Cross Spread of the Tarot is one of the more obscure of the Tarot spreads. It uses thirteen cards, laid out in a cross pattern. Though many Tarot readers are not familiar with this spread, it can be useful for those seeking detailed answers to a problematic situation.

Preparing to Lay Out the Magic Cross Spread

Before the cards are laid out, care should be taken to ensure that the reader is in the proper mindset. For most readers, this involves laying out a black cloth upon which the cards can be placed. This is done to protect the cards, and is also a part of the Tarot-reading ritual for many people.

The individual must focus very clearly on the situation at hand. The cards need to be shuffled. For this spread, both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana are shuffled as one. The method of shuffling is not important. How long the cards are shuffled is not important. Instead of focusing on a specific method of shuffling the cards, they should be shuffled until the reader is satisfied.

All seventy-eight cards of the Tarot should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of thirteen cards, which are positioned, in the order they are chosen, in the Magic Cross Spread.

The Positions of the Magic Cross Card Spread

Each of the thirteen positions of the Magic Cross Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Position One: This card reflects those things which may have had a great impact on the situation in the past, but now have little or no meaning. These things should be released, as they no longer are important to the situation at hand.
2. Position Two: Sometimes, there are things which still have power over a situation, but are beginning to lose their potency. This card still warrants some attention, but soon all the things that this card represents will become obsolete.
3. Position Three: This card reflects the situation as it is at the present moment.
4. Position Four: The fourth position of the Magic Cross Spread indicates those obstacles which are hidden from the individual. This is the card that may contradict the rest of the spread.
5. Position Five: This position reflects those things which are obviously causing conflict and obstruction in the immediate situation. The individual is usually aware of these things but may not be ready to deal with them at the present time.
6. Position Six: This card expresses the hopes and fears of the individual. As all cards in Tarot can have multiple meanings, both hopes and fears can be expressed in a single card.
7. Position Seven: This card describes the general atmosphere that hangs over the immediate present. This card is neither positive nor negative, but simply is.
8. Position Eight: This card usually refers to attitudes or inner qualities that have yet to be developed, but are essential to the positive resolution of the situation. This card should be given particular attention in a reading.
9. Position Nine: This card represents how the present situation appears to those who view it from the outside. Sometimes, the individual must work to change appearances so that the true situation is reflected in the minds of others.
10. Position Ten: This card is the immediate future card. It is so short-term that it is highly unlikely that the individual will be able to alter this outcome with such short notice.
11. Position Eleven: The eleventh position is a card of suggestion. It gives hints and clues as to what actions need to be taken to help ensure a positive outcome. On the other hand, this card could also be a warning of those things that should not be done.
12. Position Twelve: The situation as it might appear should the qualities of the eleventh card manifest is indicated by the twelfth position of the Magic Cross Spread. As a result, this card could either be positive or negative.
13. Position Thirteen: The final card of the Magic Cross Spread indicates the final outcome of the situation. It is important to remember that the Tarot generally only applies to a period of six months, so the term ‘final outcome’ might be misleading.

The Magic Cross Spread is not widely used, but it can be highly useful. It can apply to many complex situations, and offers a total of thirteen positions. These allow the individual to gain a fairly comprehensive view of the situation, and can be used in conjunction with the Celtic Cross Spread.