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
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.
2: Base #2
(Taurus, Vav)
The Hierophant is a figure of sacred knowledge and spiritual authority, acting as the bridge between the divine and the mundane. Linked to Vav, the nail, he unites opposing forces and secures the sacred connection between heaven and earth. Taurus, the zodiac sign of stability and sensuality, lends him an enduring, earthy strength.
The Hierophant is depicted as a commanding figure robed in red, symbolising spiritual power and divine authority. He stands as a bridge between the divine and material realms. A large pentagram glows on his chest, signifying mastery over the elements and sacred knowledge. He holds a three-ringed sceptre, representing dominion over body, mind, and spirit. The Egyptian priestess beneath him suggests hidden wisdom or esoteric teachings. Surrounding him are symbolic beasts—the bull of Taurus, an elephant, and four cherub masks—reinforcing themes of strength, structure, and initiation into higher knowledge. The composition conveys mystical revelation, initiation, and the channelling of sacred truths.
In Relationships: The Hierophant suggests relationships guided by shared values, spiritual connection, and mutual growth. It emphasises the importance of trust, commitment, and alignment in beliefs.
In Work: This card speaks to mentorship, tradition, and the power of established systems. It advises you to seek wisdom from trusted sources and honour the tried-and-true methods that lead to success.
Spiritually: The Hierophant represents initiation into higher knowledge and the sacred mysteries. He invites you to seek wisdom from spiritual teachings and align your actions with divine will.
When ill-dignified: The Hierophant warns against dogmatism, blind adherence to tradition, or excessive reliance on external authority. You are advised to discern whether you are following your spiritual truth or conforming to others' expectations.
3: Base #3
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Aquarius
The Six of Swords depicts six swords arranged to form a Rosicrucian Cross, symbolising mental clarity, focus, and intellectual transformation. The swords point inward towards the centre, reflecting a concentration of mental energy aimed at achieving insight and resolution.
This card represents a transition from confusion to clarity, with the influence of Mercury in Aquarius highlighting a shift towards rational thinking and progressive ideas. It signifies overcoming mental challenges and moving towards a more enlightened perspective through intellectual discipline and mental evolution.
In Relationships: The Six of Swords can signify moving on from emotional turmoil or difficult situations. It suggests healing and transition, where you are leaving behind emotional baggage or moving towards a calmer, more peaceful state. It may indicate that it's time to let go of old wounds in love and seek a more rational and clear-headed path forward.
In Work: The Six of Swords suggests transition, possibly involving a move to a new job or a shift in career direction. It indicates mental clarity and the ability to leave behind old limitations, signalling a fresh approach to work. It may also suggest a time to travel or seek new opportunities that bring growth.
Spiritually: The Six of Swords represents a journey of enlightenment, where you are moving towards greater understanding or higher wisdom. It suggests confusion or emotional struggle is being left behind, and you are embarking on a path towards spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Swords may indicate resistance to change or being stuck in a transition that isn't moving forward. It could suggest that you are struggling to leave behind mental baggage or remain mired in confusion, even when there are opportunities for progress. This card can warn against avoidance, where you refuse to move on or face the challenges of change.
4: Where you are now #1
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Sagittarius
The Ten of Wands represents burden, restriction, and the oppressive weight of responsibility. The card depicts ten crossed wands in a constricted pattern, symbolising an overwhelming force that stifles energy and creativity. Saturn's restrictive and heavy influence clashes with Sagittarius' desire for freedom and expansion, creating a dynamic of tension and frustration.
This card signifies a state where you feel weighed down by excessive duties, obligations, or external pressures. It reflects the culmination of an effort that has become unsustainable, leaving little room for growth or flexibility. The Ten of Wands warns against overextending oneself and suggests it may be time to delegate, release unnecessary burdens, or find new ways to approach challenges. While it acknowledges the strength required to carry such a load, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and self-care.
In Relationships: The Ten of Wands suggests you may carry too much emotional responsibility. There could be an imbalance in giving and receiving, leading to feelings of being weighed down or overburdened.
In Work: This card signals that you have taken on too many responsibilities and are now feeling the strain of your obligations. It advises you to delegate tasks or lighten the load before burnout sets in. Success may have come, but not without cost.
Spiritually: The Ten of Wands suggests your spiritual journey may feel burdensome. You may be carrying the weight of spiritual expectations or obligations, which hinders your progress. It calls for a re-evaluation of priorities and the need to release unnecessary burdens.
When ill-dignified: The Ten of Wands may indicate overwhelming stress or burnout. You could be taking on more than you can handle, or there may be a sense of being trapped by your responsibilities. It is a warning against pushing oneself too far and neglecting self-care.
5: Where you are now #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.
6: Your potential
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Virgo
card symbolises the diligent, focused work required to master one's material environment. It depicts a series of disks, with an emphasis on the process of refining, perfecting, and honing one's skills. This image reflects the application of sustained effort, practice, and attention to detail in the material world, where you are engaged in the step-by-step work needed to manifest your goals into tangible results.
This card highlights the importance of persistence, discipline, and dedication to improving one's material circumstances. The Eight of Disks signifies transforming raw potential into success, emphasising that mastery comes through effort and attention to the finer aspects of one's work. It encourages you to focus on the task at hand, work diligently, and refine your skills to achieve mastery and accomplishment in your endeavours.
The influence of the Sun in Virgo brings an energy of meticulousness, emphasising the importance of detail, precision, and practical application. The Eight of Disks reminds us that success in the material realm comes not from shortcuts or superficial efforts, but through careful, sustained effort that builds over time.
In Relationships: The Eight of Disks suggests careful work and effort. To thrive, the relationship may require patience, commitment, and attention to detail. This card encourages you to invest in the relationship over time and work towards its long-term stability.
In Work: The Eight of Disks represents hard work and mastery of one's craft. It indicates that success will be achieved through consistent effort, attention to detail, and refining one's skills. This card encourages patience and a methodical approach to achieving career goals.
Spiritually: The Eight of Disks symbolises the steady work needed to improve one's spiritual practice. It suggests that your spiritual path requires dedication and the consistent application of effort. Mastery comes through practice, discipline, and attention to the details of spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Disks can suggest a lack of focus or a tendency to overwork without seeing results. It may indicate inefficiency, burnout, or excessive attention to minor details at the expense of the bigger picture. You may be putting in too much work for too little return.
7: Strength #1
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Virgo
This card signifies the rewards of careful planning, hard work, and self-sufficiency. It represents financial success, personal independence, and the satisfaction of having built one's wealth and stability. The Nine of Disks embodies a period of accomplishment, where you enjoy the material comforts resulting from your labour and efforts.
The imagery reflects a time of prosperity and security, where you can bask in the luxury and enjoyment of the material world. At the same time, this card suggests a connection to the material realm not driven by excess or greed. The Nine of Disks speaks to the ability to appreciate the fruits of one's work without becoming consumed by it. It encourages a mindful enjoyment of material success while maintaining independence and self-control.
With the influence of Venus in Virgo, this card highlights the appreciation for beauty, comfort, and refinement within a context of practicality and discipline. The Nine of Disks encourages celebrating achievements and enjoying the rewards of thoughtful, strategic effort.
In Relationships: The Nine of Disks suggests a time of contentment and satisfaction. It may indicate that you enjoy the benefits of a stable, flourishing relationship where both partners are self-sufficient and enjoy material comforts together. It can also signify enjoying peace and abundance in love.
In Work: The Nine of Disks indicates a time of accomplishment and financial independence. It suggests you have worked hard to achieve success and are now enjoying the benefits of your efforts. It may also indicate a time of personal enjoyment and reflection on the rewards of your labour.
Spiritually: The Nine of Disks represents fulfilment and enjoying the fruits of your labour. It suggests you have reached a level of spiritual self-sufficiency and that your path is one of peace, contentment, and balance between material and spiritual realms.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Disks can indicate overindulgence, materialism, or complacency. It may suggest you are too focused on wealth or external appearances and neglect your spiritual growth or inner needs. The card warns against becoming too comfortable and losing sight of goals.
8: Strength #2
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Gemini
The Nine of Swords features nine long swords pointing downward, with blood dripping from their blades. This stark imagery symbolises mental torment, anguish, and the destructive nature of obsessive thoughts. The swords are arranged in a neat, symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of overwhelming confinement. The dripping blood adds an element of suffering, underscoring the emotional pain that often accompanies mental distress.
The Mars in Gemini influence links this card to the struggle of the mind—Mars, the planet of aggression and conflict, is paired with Gemini, the sign of duality and scattered thought. This combination reflects mental cruelty: the mind in conflict, torn between multiple, often contradictory thoughts, leading to heightened anxiety and self-inflicted pain. The Nine of Swords indicates that the distress is exaggerated and often caused by the inability to control overactive, fearful thinking. This card suggests you may be trapped by your mind, but relief comes with confronting these fears and breaking free from the cycle of overthinking.
In Relationships: The Nine of Swords indicates excessive worry or anxiety, maybe stemming from irrational fears or doubts. It suggests your mind is clouded by negative thinking, and you may be overly focused on problems that have not yet materialised. The card urges you to confront your fears and seek clarity, as the situation may not be as dire as you believe.
In Work: The Nine of Swords indicates mental stress, burnout, or overwhelming worry about the future. It suggests a period of sleeplessness, anxiety over work-related issues, or a fear of failure. The card advises you to address your mental health and seek help if needed, as the stress may be disproportionate to the actual situation.
Spiritually: The Nine of Swords represents despair or inner conflict. It suggests your mind is filled with self-doubt, fear, or confusion, preventing spiritual progress. The card calls for mental healing and the release of unnecessary worry to create space for inner peace and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Swords can indicate a worsening of mental anguish, where you cannot break free from obsessive thoughts or fears. It may suggest depression, overwhelming anxiety, or hopelessness, where the mind is trapped in a cycle of negative thinking.
9: Nurture this
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Taurus
This card represents a period of introspection and re-evaluation concerning material efforts. It depicts a series of seven disks arranged in an unbalanced pattern, symbolising the results of investments and efforts that have not yet materialised or reached their potential. The image suggests that while the seeds of progress have been sown, they are not yielding the expected results, and there may be stagnation or lack of progress.
This card reflects a time when you must pause and assess whether your material endeavours are still on track. The Seven of Disks asks you to evaluate your literal and metaphorical investments and determine whether to continue with the current path or cut your losses. The energy of Saturn in Taurus brings a message of slow growth and caution, emphasising the need for patience and discipline. However, it also points to the potential for failure, suggesting that not all endeavours are destined for success.
The Seven of Disks encourages careful consideration of one's approach to material pursuits and reminds you that sometimes progress may take longer than anticipated, but the key lies in strategic reassessment and patience.
In Relationships: The Seven of Disks may indicate dissatisfaction or a sense that things are not progressing as expected. You may question whether your emotional investments are yielding the desired results. This card asks for patience and introspection before making decisions.
In Work: The Seven of Disks suggests a period of review, where you evaluate the outcome of your efforts. This card can indicate a feeling of stagnation or frustration with a lack of progress, but it also encourages careful assessment before continuing. It may signify the need for strategic adjustments or a new direction.
Spiritually: The Seven of Disks indicates a need for self-reflection. You may feel stagnant or question your spiritual path. It encourages patience and contemplation, asking you to assess where you are and what you seek before continuing on your journey.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Disks can indicate failure, frustration, or lack of foresight. It suggests your efforts are misdirected or that you are being too critical of your progress. There may be a tendency to give up prematurely or to fail to evaluate the situation properly before making a decision.
10: Weakness #1
(Mars, Peh)
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of false structures. Associated with Peh, the mouth, this card conveys the power of truth to shatter illusions. Mars, the planet of force and conflict, infuses the card with explosive energy and transformative destruction.
The imagery is vivid and chaotic. A tall tower, struck by lightning, crumbles as flames consume it, symbolising the collapse of rigid, outdated systems. Figures fall from the tower, illustrating the inevitability of change and the humbling of ego. The colours are fiery and intense, reflecting the raw energy of destruction. Amidst the chaos, the lion-serpent Yaldabaoth and a dove representing the Holy Spirit suggest a transformation brought about by hidden wisdom revealed by divine grace.
In Relationships: The Tower indicates sudden changes or disruptions. It may signify a breakup or the dismantling of illusions, allowing for greater honesty and authenticity.
In Work: This card signals upheaval or the collapse of established structures. You are advised to embrace change as an opportunity for rebuilding stronger foundations.
Spiritually: The Tower symbolises enlightenment through the destruction of illusions. It calls you to surrender to the transformative power of truth and embrace the freedom that follows.
When ill-dignified: The Tower warns of resistance to change or the denial of necessary upheaval. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and allow the process of transformation to unfold.
11: Weakness #2
(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.
12: Behavior to exhibit
(Root of Air)
The Ace of Swords represents the inception of intellectual clarity, truth, and the pure power of the mind. As the root of Air, this card signifies the primal force of reason, insight, and the ability to cut through confusion with decisive thought. The sword emerges triumphantly to penetrate a crown, symbolising the victorious nature of intellect and the potential for mental breakthroughs.
This card carries the energy of divine inspiration, where ideas and truths are revealed with sharp precision. It embodies the potential for new beginnings in the realms of thought, communication, and decision-making, offering the clarity needed to navigate complexity and uncover hidden truths.
The Ace of Swords invites you to wield your intellect with purpose and integrity. It encourages you to embrace the power of your mind, use discernment, and seek higher truths. While the energy of this card is potent, it also serves as a reminder that insight must be applied wisely to achieve meaningful results.
In Relationships: The Ace of Swords suggests clear communication or an intellectual breakthrough regarding a relationship. This card could indicate the need for a rational approach to love or a new idea about how to move forward. It can also indicate the need for honest, open communication to resolve any confusion or misunderstandings.
In Work: The Ace of Swords represents a new beginning in intellectual or professional pursuits. It signifies the initiation of a project or idea that requires sharp intellect, decisive action, and clear thought. You may experience a breakthrough moment in your work, perhaps leading to a fresh perspective or new opportunity.
Spiritually: The Ace of Swords points to an epiphany, a sudden insight, or an awakening that brings clarity and understanding. You are being called to engage with truth and intellect on your spiritual journey, cutting through illusion and seeking knowledge that will illuminate your path forward.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Swords can suggest mental confusion, unclear thought, or a struggle to communicate effectively. It may point to a time of mental overwhelm or the misuse of intellect, where your thoughts or words cause harm or misunderstanding. There may be difficulty in seeing the truth or recognising it when it appears.