This spread is based on the Tree Of Life glyph as found in the
Kabalah. The cards are layed out in a sequence which follows the
"path of the flaming sword", which is the traditional
order in which each circle or, "sephira", is manifested
on the Tree. The two lower sephira, numbers 9 and 10, are "raised
up" to fit between the 7th and 8th sephira to form the pyramid
configuration. The first card is refered to as the "key card",
while the sixth is called the "core card".
The beauty of this layout is in its flexibility. The path of the
flaming sword sequence is what generates the spread. The
interpretation may then proceed from this literal "Tree of
Life" format in which each card is referred to its corresponding
sephira on the Tree, and is considered in light of the qualities
thereof, or, once the spread has been generated, one may choose
to "detach" from the "Tree of Life" format
and introduce one or more of any number of possible configurations
that form new patterns, or grids, based on various structural
relationships. I have included nine samples of possible patterns
that I have come up with. Of course, anyone can create their own
patterns as well. Often, the placement of the cards will suggest
a pattern on there own. This allows for the cards themselves to
determine and reveal relationships that indicate story lines,
or pictures, that can be used in the interpretation of the spread
as a whole.
I have found this spread to be effective for most situations when I give readings. It is very powerful in that it is generated via the connection to the Kabalah:
|"...the Tarot, the most satisfactory of all systems of divination, rises from and finds its explanation in the Tree and nowhere else. That may seem a dogmatic statement to the scholarly historian searching for traces of the origin of these mysterious cards, and we may add, most lamentably failing to find it; but when it is realized that the intitiate works the Tarot and the Tree together, that they dovetail into each other at every imaginable angle, it will be seen that such an array of correspondences could be niether arbitrary or fortuitous."|
So, being based on the Tree, the Pyramid Spread is rooted in a
natural setting, and reflects the sacred and powerful energies
associated with the ancient system of The Kabalah. This in combination
with the variety and flexibility that it offers makes it a very
practical layout to use.
Here is an explanation of the nine sample patterns which I included:
The key card oversees. The three solid black cards
represent influences descending from above that wedges in between
the two three card pyramids that represent two different ways
of receiving and dealing with the solid black cards.
Three three-card pyramids placed around
the core card.
Grid and wheel
The solid black cards represent solid,
fixed, male, or yang energies. The white cards represent yielding,
moving, female, or yin energies.
The key card oversees two six-card pyramids
representing two possible outcomes, or yin and yang, etc. The
three-card pyramid at the bottom center is an area where the two
six-card pyramids overlap and are integrated.
The key card, "x", absorbs or pulls
up the two outer rows, "y and z", forming a single three-card
pyramid comprised of "x,y,and, z". (all of the "component"
cards are considered in this "reduced" pyramid.) This
simplifies (reduces) the reading into two three-card pyramids
consisting of "x, y, and, z" and the three "a"
This reflects a direct correspondence to the
three pillars of Severity, Mildness, and Mercy found on the Tree
of Life. (see either of the above mentioned books)
As the name implies this pattern "pops
out" at you, so the core (black) card is the uppermost point
of a cone, while the six cards (grey) surrounding it are the central
portion of the cone, and the three corner cards form the base.
Or, the direction can be viewed in reverse, so the core card is
furthest away, as if your looking into a tunnel.
three three-card pyramids whose bases are
represented by "A, B, and,C". the points of these pyramids
can be outward pointing, represented by "X", or they
can point inward and share a common point represented by "O".
Yod, He, Vau, He
Derived from the Tetragrammaton, this
represents the sacred progression of manifestation. From the top of the layoout it's:
the point, the line, the triangle, and the square.
Please, feel free to use this spread, to create your own patterns
with it, or to edit, revise, add to, or subtract from, as you
see fit. I submit it humbly, in service to the Great Spirit, to
be utilized by anyone at anytime. I would appreciate any comments,
feedback, or stories concerning The Pyramid Spread that anyone
Here are two books that I highly recommend on the subject: