The Three Pyramids Spread
Difficulty: Complicated
Basically, there is the main pyramid in the centre, and two smaller pyramids on each side. One is inverted.
Positions 1 & 3 represent where the reader comes from, or what has made them/shaped them on the various levels. Can be from environment, upbringing, schooling, etc. A look at the past, but with more objectivity than is usually given when using tarot cards.
Positions 4 & 5 represent who the reader is right now. May or may not make pleasant reading, but hey, this is what this is about, right?
Position 6 represents who the reader could be. Again, it might or might not look good, but a person can learn from that and change who they are accordingly. (This is a bit like how Scrooge did things in 'A Christmas Carol'.)
Positions 7 & 8 are the reader's strengths. This is the light they have, which can be bought to the forefront. What carries the person should not be hidden or unacknowledged.
Position 9 represents what should be given to oneself or created within.
Position 10 & 11 represent personal areas for development or weaknesses. Again, might not make good reading, but if someone looks at their strengths first, they will be able to see a balance is there and can choose to focus on one side or the other. This is where a person could really see how their shadow side comes into play.
Position 12 represents what the reader should be offering externally, or what they can bring to their world or to others who inhabit that world.
Your Three Pyramids Reading
Strength #1 |
Strength #2 |
 |
Exhibit |
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Nurture This |
Potential |
Infirmity #1 |
Infirmity #2 |
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Now #1 |
Now #2 |
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Base (past) #1 |
Base (past) #2 |
Base (past) #3 |
1: Base #1
(Scorpio, Nun)
Death represents transformation, endings, and the profound renewal that arises from letting go. Associated with Nun, the fish, this card symbolises the regenerative cycles of life and the eternal flow of existence. Scorpio, the zodiac of intensity and rebirth, infuses the card with themes of metamorphosis and profound emotional depth.
The figure of Death is a skeletal figure wielding a scythe, harvesting the forms of life to make way for growth. Surrounding him are figures dissolving and reforming, emphasising the continual cycle of destruction and creation. Fish swim in the background, symbolising the life force that persists through change. The overall imagery is dynamic and alive, with a swirling interplay of light and shadow reflecting the transformative energy of this card.
In Relationships: Death signifies the end of a relationship or the transformation of its dynamics. It encourages you to release what no longer serves you, allowing space for growth.
In Work: This card indicates a major transition or the end of a phase. You are advised to embrace change and view endings as opportunities for renewal.
Spiritually: Death symbolises the shedding of old identities and the rebirth of the soul. It calls you to embrace transformation and trust in the process of spiritual evolution.
When ill-dignified: Death warns of resistance to change, fear of endings, or an inability to move forward. You are advised to confront your fears and trust in the natural cycles of transformation.
2: Base #2
(Libra, Lamed)
In the Thoth deck, the card traditionally known as Justice is renamed Adjustment, reflecting the dynamic nature of balance and the constant recalibration required to maintain harmony. Associated with Lamed, the ox-goad, it represents the guidance and discipline needed to align oneself with universal truth. Libra, the zodiac of balance and fairness, infuses the card with its themes of equity and measured judgement.
The central figure of Adjustment is a serene androgynous figure holding a sword while balancing on their toes, between a balanced pair of scales. The sword symbolises the piercing clarity of truth, while the scales represent the cosmic law of cause and effect. Their poised stance is framed by geometric patterns, emphasising precision and the mathematical order of the universe. Behind them, a brilliant green background evokes the idea of renewal and the living equilibrium of nature.
In Relationships: Adjustment highlights the importance of honesty, fairness, and mutual accountability. It encourages you to communicate openly and seek a balanced dynamic.
In Work: This card suggests success will come through careful analysis, ethical decision-making, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It warns against cutting corners or ignoring the consequences of actions.
Spiritually: Adjustment signifies alignment with divine truth and the quest for inner harmony. You are called to reflect on your actions and ensure they are in alignment with your highest principles.
When ill-dignified: Adjustment warns of imbalance, dishonesty, or an inability to take responsibility for one's actions. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and restore equilibrium through introspection and accountability.
3: Base #3
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Aries
The Two of Wands, subtitled Dominion, represents the fiery energy of Mars in Aries. It symbolises the dynamic assertion of will, confidence, and the power to take control. The card depicts two crossed wands, each topped with ram heads, symbolising Aries' fiery, pioneering energy. Flames emanate from the wands, emphasising the active, forceful nature of this card. This card is about asserting dominance and taking decisive action. It reflects an intense drive to establish control over one's environment and push forward boldly. It is a card of raw, active energy, demanding focus and determination.
In Relationships: The Two of Wands indicates the need to make decisions about the future of a relationship. It represents contemplating the potential paths ahead, whether to deepen the connection or to explore new opportunities.
In Work: This card signifies a choice or decision that must be made regarding one's professional life or creative pursuits. You are encouraged to look beyond the immediate horizon and assess which path will bring the greatest fulfilment.
Spiritually: The Two of Wands symbolises the crossroads of spiritual growth. It suggests a time of decision, where you must choose the direction you will take on your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Two of Wands may indicate indecision, stagnation, or a lack of commitment. You might be overwhelmed by choices or hesitant to take action. It advises you to focus and take decisive steps to move forward.
4: Where you are now #1
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Aquarius
The Five of Swords represents the complexities of conflict, often showing the aftermath of a battle where the victor is left with a hollow triumph. The card features five swords arranged in a dynamic, chaotic pattern, with broken blades and a sense of turbulence. This design symbolises the intellectual or mental anguish that follows a destructive confrontation.
The Venus in Aquarius influence adds a layer of detachment and the coldness of rationality, as victory here may come at the cost of relationships or the integrity of one's ideals. The imagery implies that the battle was fought without true understanding or empathy, and any success gained feels unfulfilling.
This card is a cautionary message about the nature of conflict and the price of victory. It encourages reflection on whether the victory is worth the emotional toll and whether the ego-driven approach has led to isolation. It warns of the potential for self-deception, where the illusion of winning overshadows the deeper consequences of discord. The Five of Swords highlights the danger of intellectual arrogance, encouraging a re-evaluation of motivations and the long-term effects of strife.
In Relationships: In a romantic context, the Five of Swords can indicate conflict, betrayal, or disagreements that may lead to emotional hurt. The card suggests that intellectual or verbal battles have damaged the relationship or one person has 'won' at the expense of another. It can signify a need for resolution and forgiveness, or the decision to exit a toxic situation.
In Work: The Five of Swords may represent a loss or failure because of conflict in the workplace. It could indicate a competitive atmosphere where you win but feel morally compromised or defeated, even if you technically 'won'. This card warns of the mental toll of rivalry and deceit.
Spiritually: The Five of Swords indicates inner conflict, where your mind is in turmoil. It suggests a time when your intellectual pursuits may have become disconnected from your higher purpose, and ego-driven struggles interfere with spiritual peace.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Swords represents destructive conflict, where your thoughts and actions are driven by ego, and victory is hollow or short-lived. It may suggest manipulation, deceit, or a situation where you have 'lost' even if you technically won. The mental energy is consumed in futile struggles, leaving you with no actual sense of fulfilment.
5: Where you are now #2
(Saturn, Earth, Tau)
The Universe is the culmination of the journey, symbolising integration, completion, and the harmonious union of opposites. Associated with Tau, the cross, this card reflects the materialisation of divine will and the synthesis of all forces. Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, anchors the card in themes of order and manifestation.
The central figure is a nude woman, symbolising the perfected self, dancing within a ring of stars, on the head of an enormous serpent. She holds tools of creation in her hands, embodying mastery over all elements. Around her, the four cherubim faces—the lion, the eagle, the man, and the bull—represent the fixed signs of the zodiac and the balance of cosmic forces, as water flows from their noses and mouths. The background represents the infinite possibilities of the universe.
In Relationships: The Universe signifies fulfilment and the realisation of harmony. It encourages you to celebrate the unity and wholeness of your connections.
In Work: This card indicates the successful completion of a cycle and the achievement of long-term goals. You are advised to reflect on your accomplishments and prepare for new horizons.
Spiritually: The Universe symbolises enlightenment, the integration of all aspects of the self, and the realisation of cosmic unity. It calls you to embrace your place within the greater whole and celebrate the infinite potential of existence.
When ill-dignified: The Universe warns of stagnation, fear of completion, or an unwillingness to move forward. You are advised to release resistance and trust in the cycles of growth and transformation.
6: Your potential
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Gemini
The Eight of Swords features two large swords crossed over six smaller ones. These smaller swords are arranged in two sets: three pointing left and three pointing right, symbolising conflicting mental forces and confusion. This card represents mental interference, where over-analysis and conflicting thoughts prevent you from making decisions. The swords, each different in type, further emphasise the scattering and disorganisation of the mind, leading to a sense of being trapped by one's own thoughts, perhaps an inner critic.
The Jupiter in Gemini influence indicates mental expansion, but with a dualistic nature that leads to indecision. The card suggests that although you may feel restricted, the limitations are often self-imposed by an inability to focus or make a choice. While the potential for resolution exists, breaking free from this mental entrapment requires clarity and a shift in perspective to gain control over scattered thoughts and find the right course of action.
In Relationships: The Eight of Swords may indicate feelings of entrapment or restriction. You may feel as if you are stuck in a mental prison, unable to break free from negative thought patterns or emotional ties. It suggests that you must confront your limiting beliefs to move forward.
In Work: The Eight of Swords can indicate mental barriers, such as self-doubt, lack of confidence, or feeling restricted in one's career. It suggests you may feel trapped by circumstances or your own thoughts, but the solution lies in breaking free from these mental constraints.
Spiritually: The Eight of Swords signifies a state of mental paralysis, where you cannot move forward on your spiritual journey because of fear, confusion, or negative thinking. It calls for you to recognise your own role in creating limitations and take action to break free from the mental constraints that prevent growth.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Swords may indicate a deeper sense of entrapment, where you resist change or refuse to see a way out of your mental struggles. It suggests a state of greater isolation, fear, or hopelessness, and warns that your own thinking exaggerates these feelings.
7: Strength #1
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Taurus
This card symbolises material challenges, hardship, and feelings of insecurity. The image of five disks scattered and disconnected represents financial or material instability, often accompanied by feelings of worry, anxiety, or fear about the loss of wealth or resources. This card reflects the difficulties that arise when material circumstances are not in alignment, and it points to struggles that may leave one feeling deprived or vulnerable.
Despite the sense of hardship, the Five of Disks also suggests change and recovery are possible, especially if one faces these difficulties with perseverance and determination. The influence of Mercury in Taurus stresses the need for clear communication, careful thought, and practical action in navigating through this period of instability. The card reminds you that, although the situation may seem bleak, persistence and adaptability can pave the way for renewal and recovery in the material realm.
In Relationships: The Five of Disks can signal feelings of neglect, isolation, or worry. There may be concerns about security, whether emotional or financial, leading to strain within a partnership. The card advises you to face challenges together and not allow fear or insecurity to dominate the relationship.
In Work: The Five of Disks suggests financial difficulties or setbacks. It may point to job loss, debt, or economic downturns that can create insecurity. The card encourages you to persevere and seek new opportunities, as material stability can be restored with the right effort and mindset.
Spiritually: The Five of Disks may indicate spiritual poverty or disconnection from one's higher self. It can suggest a lack of faith in the face of adversity or material struggle. The card encourages you to find strength within and trust that spiritual renewal is possible, even during challenging times.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Disks can point to extreme loss, greed, or a fixation on material concerns at the expense of everything else. There may be a tendency to wallow in despair or make rash decisions based on fear or panic. You may be facing unnecessary difficulties due to poor choices or neglect.
8: Strength #2
(Judgement, Fire, Shin)
The Aeon represents transformation, evolution, and the awakening to a higher state of consciousness. Associated with Shin, the tooth, this card reflects the process of breaking through old paradigms to embrace a new spiritual era. Crowley's reinterpretation of Judgement as The Aeon emphasises rebirth on a cosmic scale, rather than individual reckoning.
The central figure is the translucent child-god Horus, representing the dawn of a new age. Above him, Nuit, the goddess of infinite space, arches across the sky, and Hadit, the fiery point of divine inspiration, burns at her core. The two incarnations of the same figure symbolise the transition from the old to the new. The vibrant reds and blues throughout the card evoke the dynamic forces of destruction and creation.
In Relationships: The Aeon signifies the potential for profound change. It suggests leaving behind outdated patterns and embracing a higher level of connection and understanding.
In Work: This card indicates a turning point, calling you to align with your true purpose and embrace transformative opportunities.
Spiritually: The Aeon symbolises awakening to a higher state of being. It calls you to release the past and step into your divine purpose with courage and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Aeon warns of resistance to change, clinging to outdated beliefs, or fear of transformation. You are advised to trust the process of renewal and embrace the potential of the new era.
9: Nurture this
Element: Water of Air
Astrological Correspondence: Libra
The Queen of Swords represents clarity, discernment, and impartial judgement. She sits on a throne surrounded by clouds, symbolising the ethereal, mental realm she rules. Holding a sword in one hand and a man's head in the other, the Queen of Swords reflects her sharp perception and ability to cut through illusion. The severed head is a symbolic representation of her power to eliminate distractions, falsehoods, and anything that no longer serves her purpose, emphasising decisiveness and ability to detach from unnecessary emotions to focus on the truth.
The Queen's presence evokes the quality of Air, which is associated with mental clarity, communication, and intellectual understanding. Her demeanour is one of objectivity and cool-headedness, capable of assessing situations with wisdom and fairness. The severed head in her grasp reinforces the Queen's capacity to make hard decisions, cutting away what is obsolete or harmful with ruthless clarity while maintaining an unwavering commitment to truth.
As a symbol of clear communication and discernment, the Queen of Swords encourages you to approach challenges with an open . She advises using logic and wisdom to navigate complex situations, maintaining emotional detachment when necessary to see things as they are.
In Relationships: The Queen of Swords represents the need for clear and honest communication. She values intellectual compatibility and truth over emotional entanglements. This card may indicate emotional distance or intellectual examination in a relationship. You may need to cut through illusions in your romantic life and face the reality of the situation, no matter how harsh.
In Work: The Queen of Swords signifies leadership through intellect, fairness, and judgement. She brings wisdom, clarity, and the ability to make decisions based on objective reasoning. She represents someone who can analyse situations and cut through confusion with ease. However, in her ill-dignified form, the Queen can become too detached or critical, focusing too much on logic and not enough on empathy or intuition.
Spiritually: The Queen of Swords calls for a methodical mind and discernment in the search for truth. Her guidance suggests you must cut through distractions, illusions, and emotional noise to access your deepest spiritual insights. While she brings wisdom, she also warns you not to become too detached or intellectual, urging you to balance mind and spirit.
When ill-dignified: The Queen of Swords represents emotional coldness, sharp criticism, and harsh judgement. You may be detached, too critical of others, or unable to see the human side of a situation. The risk of becoming overly intellectual or critical without empathy could lead to isolating oneself or damaging relationships.
10: Weakness #1
Element: Fire of Earth
Astrological Correspondence: Aquarius
The Knight of Disks represents the dynamic, action-oriented force within the Earth element, focused on practical innovation and intellectual transformation. The Knight is depicted riding a horse, stopped in a field ripe for harvest, symbolising his thoughtful yet purposeful approach to change. Unlike other Knights fuelled by raw energy, the Knight of Disks harnesses a clear vision that guides his methodical actions in the material world.
His element, Fire of Earth, signifies the application of passionate, transformative energy to the practical, grounded realm of materiality. The Knight of Disks is driven by the intellectual spark that ignites new ideas, and he can bring those ideas into tangible form, manifesting lasting change. His actions are grounded in practicality, and his innovative thoughts challenge the status quo while ensuring they are feasible and rooted in the physical world.
This card encourages us to think creatively, apply new solutions with a solid, practical foundation, and transform the material realm through intellect and purpose. The Knight of Disks teaches that change can be achieved through thoughtful, intentional actions that balance idealism with grounded reality.
In Relationships: The Knight of Disks can indicate a partner who is intellectual, innovative, and has a vision for the future. He may bring new ideas or approaches to a relationship, often seeking to create stability through innovation. However, the Knight of Disks may also point to a relationship where intellectual connection is prioritised over emotional intimacy.
In Work: The Knight of Disks suggests someone who is a visionary and can apply new ideas to achieve material success. It indicates a time when intellectual work and practical application can yield significant results. The card encourages thinking outside the box but in a way that is grounded in reality.
Spiritually: The Knight of Disks represents pursuing new ideas and knowledge. It encourages you to explore innovative approaches to spiritual practice while maintaining a grounded, practical approach. The Knight represents intellectual clarity and the application of new concepts in your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Knight of Disks can indicate a lack of flexibility or a rigid, dogmatic approach to life. You may be overly focused on material gain or be unwilling to consider new perspectives or approaches. There may also be an overreliance on intellectual reasoning at the expense of emotional or spiritual insight.
11: Weakness #2
(Air, Uranus, Aleph)
The Fool of the Thoth deck embodies the chaotic, boundless energy of pure potential, untouched by form or limitation. He is the alpha and omega of the journey, the primordial force from which all creation arises. Corresponding to Aleph, the breath of life, and the element of Air, the Fool represents the vibrant, unpredictable nature of Uranus, the planet of sudden change and divine inspiration.
The figure of The Fool is richly adorned, standing amid a swirling maelstrom of symbolic forms. He wears motley robes to represent his openness to all experiences, while the winged sun at his feet symbolises the life-giving power of the divine. Around him whirl a tiger (representing instinct and primal fear), a crocodile (a guardian of the mysteries and a symbol of time), and a rainbow-hued disk, representing the harmony of all elements. The Fool holds a blazing torch in one hand and a crystal cup in the other, signifying the balance of will and receptivity. One foot is grounded in the world, while the other stands on the fourth wall, as if attempting to step into our world.
In Relationships: The Fool represents the potential for new beginnings and uncharted emotional experiences. It encourages you to approach relationships with innocence and trust, unburdened by fears or preconceptions.
In Work: This card advises bold action and faith in one's ideas. It suggests venturing into unfamiliar territory and taking inspired risks, understanding that growth lies in embracing uncertainty.
Spiritually: The Fool symbolises the seeker's initial step on the path to enlightenment, an act of surrender to the cosmic current. It urges you to trust the process and let go of the need for certainty.
When ill-dignified: The Fool warns of chaos, recklessness, or naivety. You are cautioned to discern whether you are pursuing freedom or fleeing responsibility and examine whether your actions align with higher wisdom.
12: Behavior to exhibit
(Pisces, Qoph)
The Moon symbolises illusion, intuition, and the mysterious depths of the subconscious. Associated with Qoph, the back of the head, this card delves into the primal and instinctual aspects of the psyche. Pisces, the zodiac of dreams and mysticism, enhances the card's themes of mystery and emotional depth.
The imagery is haunting and enigmatic. A path winds through barren terrain, flanked by twin towers that suggest gateways to the unknown. Above, the moon dominates the sky, casting an eerie light that obscures as much as it reveals. Crawling on the path is a scarab beetle carrying the solar disk, symbolising the emergence of light from darkness. The waters below teem with life, representing the fertile chaos of the subconscious.
In Relationships: The Moon represents emotional complexity and hidden dynamics. It encourages you to trust your intuition and uncover underlying truths.
In Work: This card suggests uncertainty or confusion. You are advised to navigate carefully, relying on intuition and patience to discern the best path forward.
Spiritually: The Moon symbolises the journey through the subconscious and the mysteries of the soul. It calls you to explore your inner depths and embrace the wisdom found in dreams and intuition.
When ill-dignified: The Moon warns of deception, confusion, or fear of the unknown. You are advised to confront your fears and seek clarity amidst uncertainty.