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
The Queen of Coins represents nurturing, abundance, and practical wisdom. She is a motherly figure who embodies warmth, security, and the ability to create a stable and prosperous environment for others. This card speaks to a balance of generosity, practicality, and a grounded approach to material wealth.
Symbolism: The Queen's regal yet nurturing posture, along with her detailed gown and the coin she holds, reflects her ability to create abundance through care, planning, and attention to detail. The golden tapestry symbolises wealth and elegance.
In Relationships: A loving, supportive partner who creates a warm, stable home. The Queen of Coins encourages a relationship rooted in care, nurturing, and shared prosperity.
In Work: A grounded, practical approach to career success. The Queen of Coins suggests using your skills to create financial security for yourself and others.
Spiritually: Spiritual abundance through nurturing practices. The Queen of Coins advises using your spiritual wisdom to care for yourself and others.
When ill-dignified: Over-protection, possessiveness, or neglecting your own needs for the sake of others. The Queen of Coins warns against being controlling or too focused on material wealth.
2: Base #2
The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, emotional pain, and sorrow. It signifies a time of emotional distress or grief, often stemming from betrayal, rejection, or loss. This card highlights the painful but necessary process of healing and moving through emotional challenges.
Symbolism: The three swords crossing reflect the pain of emotional betrayal or hurt. The inverted triangular formation emphasises the gravity of the situation, drawing attention to the emotional core. The stark simplicity of the design reinforces the rawness of emotional distress.
In Relationships: Heartbreak or emotional turmoil caused by separation, betrayal, or unrequited love. The Three of Swords encourages you to face your pain and allow yourself time to heal.
In Work: Disappointments or challenges in your professional life. This card can represent a painful decision or the end of an important chapter.
Spiritually: A time of spiritual grief or disillusionment. The Three of Swords invites you to process your emotional wounds and trust in the healing process.
When ill-dignified: Holding onto hurt or bitterness. The Three of Swords warns against allowing emotional pain to define you or inhibit growth.
3: Base #3
The Five of Cups represents loss, grief, and emotional setbacks. It reflects mourning or disappointment where the focus is on what has been lost rather than what remains. This card is about emotional recovery and learning to move forward from past hurt.
Symbolism: The five chalices, with one on its side, suggest an imbalance or disruption in your emotional life. The card highlights the contrast between the four cups still standing and the spilled one, reminding you that in loss there is still something to salvage or learn from. The detailing of the cups reinforces the depth of emotional investment.
In Relationships: Emotional pain due to loss or disappointment. This card encourages processing grief and finding hope in what remains.
In Work: Setbacks or disappointment in your professional life. The Five of Cups reminds you to focus on the lessons learned and not just the losses incurred.
Spiritually: A time of mourning or spiritual disillusionment. This card invites you to heal from old wounds and rebuild your spiritual connection.
When ill-dignified: Despair, regret, or an inability to move past emotional pain. The Five of Cups warns against dwelling on the past and losing sight of new opportunities.
4: Where you are now #1
The Hermit symbolises introspection, solitude, and the search for wisdom. He represents the retreat from worldly distractions to find enlightenment within.
Symbolism: The Hermit's lantern lights the way, symbolising inner guidance. His heavy robes and staff reflect humility and steadfastness, while the muted tones and golden accents emphasise the sacred nature of his solitary journey.
In Relationships: A period of introspection. The Hermit may suggest a need for space or reflection before moving forward.
In Work: Time to step back and assess your goals. The Hermit advises seeking clarity and wisdom before making decisions.
Spiritually: The Hermit represents the inner search for truth and enlightenment through meditation and solitude.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, withdrawal, or a refusal to seek help. It warns against becoming too introspective or disconnected.
5: Where you are now #2
This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Devil represents bondage, temptation, and the shadow self. It highlights the chains we impose upon ourselves through fear, obsession, or indulgence, urging us to confront these darker aspects to reclaim our freedom.
Symbolism: The Devil embodies primal instincts and the seduction of material or carnal desires. The chained figures symbolise voluntary entrapment, their loose bindings reminding us of the ability to escape our vices. The pedestal signifies false power, while the scene hints at the potential for redemption through self-awareness.
In Relationships: The Devil warns of unhealthy attachments, jealousy, or manipulative relationships. It challenges you to examine whether passion has turned into obsession.
In Work: This card can signify being trapped in a toxic work environment, greed, or overreliance on material success. It urges you to reflect on what fulfils you.
Spiritually: The Devil calls for self-awareness and shadow work. Confronting your inner fears or desires will lead to personal liberation.
When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Devil signifies breaking free from constraints, overcoming addiction, or realising what binds you.
6: Your potential
The Eight of Cups represents emotional departure, seeking something deeper, and the decision to walk away from what no longer serves you. It speaks to the need for introspection and self-discovery, as you leave behind the superficial in search of deeper meaning.
Symbolism: The eight chalices in staggered rows suggest a gradual departure or transition. The placement emphasises movement and emotional progression. The ornate details of the cups reflect the emotional investment required to make this decision.
In Relationships: A decision to move on from a relationship or emotional situation that no longer fulfils you. This card represents a quest for deeper connection or personal growth.
In Work: Leaving behind a job or situation that no longer aligns with your values or goals. The Eight of Cups suggests you are ready to pursue something more meaningful.
Spiritually: The journey towards deeper spiritual fulfilment. This card invites you to leave behind outdated beliefs or practices in search of greater understanding.
When ill-dignified: Running away from emotional problems or avoiding growth. The Eight of Cups warns against making impulsive decisions or leaving before you've fully processed emotions.
7: Strength #1
The Five of Coins signifies hardship, financial loss, and feelings of exclusion. It represents times of struggle or difficult circumstances, often related to material or financial difficulties. However, it also highlights the importance of seeking help and support during challenging times.
Symbolism: The crossing arrangement of the five coins creates a sense of imbalance and struggle. Their positioning highlights uncertainty and the need for external help or support.
In Relationships: Feeling abandoned or unsupported. The Five of Coins suggests financial or emotional hardship and the need for mutual care and compassion.
In Work: Financial difficulty or job insecurity. This card calls for resourcefulness and suggests seeking help or guidance during tough times.
Spiritually: A sense of spiritual poverty or abandonment. The Five of Coins reminds you to seek support and remember that even in difficult times, there is a way forward.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, despair, or neglect. The Five of Coins warns against wallowing in difficulty without reaching out for assistance or hope.
8: Strength #2
The Eight of Staves represents speed, movement, and swift action. It signals rapid progress and the need to act suddenly to seize opportunities.
Symbolism: The eight staves arranged diagonally and flowing in two directions convey a strong sense of momentum and forward motion. The flowery pale tan background allows the focus to remain on the energy and speed represented by the staves, urging you to move quickly and decisively.
In Relationships: Rapid movement or sudden developments. This could indicate fast progress, new developments, or even a sudden romantic spark.
In Work: Swift action or an unexpected opportunity in your career. The Eight of Staves suggests now is the time to act quickly to capitalise on momentum and make the most of what comes your way.
Spiritually: Rapid spiritual growth or sudden insight. The Eight of Staves signals that clarity and enlightenment are on the horizon, and you must act swiftly to harness these energies.
When ill-dignified: Hastiness, impulsiveness, or lack of foresight. This warns against rushing into decisions or actions without considering the consequences.
9: Nurture this
The Magician embodies skill, potential, and the power to manifest. He represents the mastery of tools and resources, as well as the confidence to create one's reality. This card speaks of the importance of focus and action in shaping personal success.
Symbolism: The Magician's table holds simple tools, symbolising practical skills and raw materials. His Renaissance attire conveys refinement and expertise, while the golden background suggests his elevated role in shaping the material world. His seated position emphasises composure and control over his craft.
In Relationships: A call to use charm and communication to strengthen relationships. It warns of manipulation if ill-intentioned.
In Work: A time to take initiative and harness your abilities to achieve success. The Magician encourages innovation and confidence.
Spiritually: The Magician bridges the physical and spiritual, reminding the seeker to channel divine inspiration into practical actions.
When ill-dignified: Misuse of skills, deception, or scattered energy. It warns against overconfidence or manipulation.
10: Weakness #1
The Ace of Swords symbolises mental clarity, new ideas, and breakthrough moments. It represents the power of the mind to cut through confusion and offer insight, truth, and understanding. This card marks a moment of intellectual clarity, a new beginning for thought processes, and the potential to solve problems or resolve conflicts through logic and sharp perception.
Symbolism: The solitary sword represents a decisive force, a sharp intellect cutting through the fog. The flowery background highlights the clarity that accompanies the realisation or epiphany. This card invites you to embrace your mental power and use it.
In Relationships: A breakthrough in communication or understanding in your relationship. This could signify a moment of honesty or intellectual connection that clears misunderstandings.
In Work: The arrival of new opportunities for intellectual growth or clarity in your professional life. It's a time to make decisions based on logic and rational thinking.
Spiritually: Spiritual clarity or a new insight into your path. The Ace of Swords encourages you to seek the truth in your spiritual journey, embracing the power of clear thought and discernment.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, dishonesty, or unclear thinking. The Ace of Swords warns against impulsive decisions or misinterpretations.
11: Weakness #2
The Six of Coins represents generosity, charity, and balance in giving and receiving. It speaks to the flow of wealth, where resources are shared. This card emphasises the importance of fair exchange and the joy of helping others.
Symbolism: The even arrangement of the six coins suggests balance and fairness. The vertical alignment represents the flow of giving and receiving, highlighting harmony in financial or material exchanges.
In Relationships: A balanced relationship where both partners give and receive equally. The Six of Coins encourages acts of kindness, generosity, and mutual support.
In Work: Financial generosity or fair exchanges at work. This card suggests that assisting others can bring abundance and harmony into your career.
Spiritually: The spiritual law of giving and receiving. The Six of Coins encourages you to give freely, knowing that your actions will come back to you in time.
When ill-dignified: Imbalance in giving or receiving, manipulation, or exploitation. The Six of Coins warns against selfishness or using generosity to manipulate others.
12: Behavior to exhibit
The Hanged Man represents a moment of suspension, transformation, and the profound wisdom of surrender. It is the card of acceptance, urging one to release control and embrace a new perspective, even at the cost of discomfort.
Symbolism: The figure's suspended position signifies the state of hanging between worlds, a soul caught in the liminal space between the old and new. The calm expression of surrender contrasts with his precarious state, highlighting the necessity of letting go to gain understanding. The patterns of his tunic, combined with the golden glow, evoke a sacred pause in time, elevating this card to a spiritual level.
In Relationships: A time to step back and reassess your emotional life. Patience, understanding, and self-reflection are required. The card suggests moments of stillness can lead to profound growth in relationships.
In Work: Professional progress comes through rethinking old strategies. The Hanged Man indicates that a temporary pause or a shift in perspective can lead to breakthroughs.
Spiritually: The card speaks to spiritual enlightenment through sacrifice and release. You are called to surrender to the flow of life and gain higher wisdom.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and a refusal to let go. This warns against being trapped by fear or obstinance, preventing personal growth.