Pentagram Spread
Pentagram Spread:
(TAROT COURSE - LESSON 26)
The Pentagram spread is typically conducted using five cards, but optionally, you can add a sixth card at the exact center of the pentagram shape. In this spread, the cards are laid out in a cross-like pattern, resembling the drawing of a pentagram, and the reader should interpret the cards in this sequence. When using five cards, the topmost card (Number 1) represents the querent. In a six-card Pentagram spread, the central card represents the querent, and Number 1 signifies their most crucial area of focus or a significant person in their life, particularly in love-related readings. However, as emphasized throughout the lessons, there are no strict and definitive rules in any spread, and the reader can decide what each house represents.
The Pentagram is a five-pointed star shape, and it symbolically represents five aspects of our lives. If a card is placed in the center, it extends the representation to six aspects. Choosing the Pentagram spread should come with a meaningful reason. The star shape should hold significance or a unique quality for the reader. Stars are bright, attention-catching, mysterious, and illuminating. Therefore, the question posed should be related to these qualities. In short, the reader should not choose the Pentagram spread merely for the sake of choosing it.
This spread has a significant connection to the four elements. Except for House Number 1, all the other houses represent one of the elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Just as the human spirit combines these four elements, in the Pentagram spread, you can sense the energy of these four elements.
In this spread, the card layout and the usage of houses are as follows:
House Number 1 (Central Card):
As mentioned before, there are two variations of this spread. Here, I'll illustrate the Pentagram spread with five cards. However, those who place a card in the center can consider it as the central card and treat the card in House Number 1 as their primary concern.
The Number 1 card represents the querent and their perspective on the situation. While some Tarot practitioners prefer using court cards exclusively for this position, I don't believe such a restriction is necessary. The card placed here can offer insights into personality traits, past challenges, struggles, and the most pressing issues and current concerns.
House Number 2 (Water - The Realm of Emotions):
The card in this house predominantly relates to emotional matters, love life, and the subconscious. This house is associated with intuition and the subconscious mind. Therefore, the card placed here might contain hidden messages and warnings, so the reader should pay close attention to interpreting this section. Similar to the water element, this house underscores slow-developing events and delicate situations. It reveals how the current situation affects our emotional lives and suggests possible emotional resolutions. Events here are intangible and primarily felt on an emotional level.
House Number 3 (Earth - Realities of the Physical Realm):
This house is the most grounded and materialistic of all. It delves into tangible achievements, clear details, and the most apparent aspects of our lives. Unlike House Number 2, which deals with emotions, here, we're dealing with what we can perceive with our five senses. This house also covers work, career, and financial matters. It includes gains and losses, material mistakes, and the challenges and successes we experience in our professional lives. Governed by the earth element, this house is also related to earthly beauty and nature. Thus, it provides information on gardening, home improvement projects, quality of life, luxury, and comfort.
House Number 4 (Fire - Both Creative and Destructive Forces):
One of the key characteristics of the fire element is that it encompasses both creative and destructive energies. Consequently, the card in House Number 4 discusses both the creative powers and the secret destructive forces sent by the universe to pave the way for new beginnings. The changes depicted here are often rapid and challenging to adapt to. The fiery energy in this house is intense and filled with transformations that are sometimes abrupt. The changes indicated in this house are about demolishing what needs to be replaced.
House Number 4 also addresses the obstacles that one may face in pursuing their goals. These hurdles are essential in reaching our objectives, even though they may sometimes feel like setbacks. In this house, there's an underlying theme of overcoming challenges and embracing change to move forward.
House Number 5 (Air - Hidden Influences):
Of all the elements, air is the least visible. Therefore, the card associated with House Number 5 deals with hidden influences that we can't perceive with our naked eye. It uncovers all the causes leading to an event and the truths we are unaware of. The influence of air is marked by its speed and variability, which is also reflected in this house. The card placed here speaks of sudden entrances and exits in our lives, just as swiftly as air moves.
The air element also relates to inspiration, communication, and movement. Therefore, this house might offer insights into sudden bursts of inspiration and the opportunities that arise from it. It encompasses all forms of communication and the news we receive. As it's related to our interactions with others, it can also touch on our social roles, professional life, and what others think about us.