In this chapter of the tarot course, we will look at the Pentagram or 5-pointed Star Spread. What is the pentagram? What is it for? How to do a Pentagram Spread? How to interpret this reading?
What is the pentagram?
The pentagram is a sacred five-pointed star and is considered a magical symbol, of which you will find a variety of different meanings. Popularly it is associated with witchcraft, but if we analyze the concept itself, it is a star: a source of light that shines in the darkness.
Although the pentagram has multiple meanings, from alchemy and occultism, it is said that each of the five points of the pentagram has a special meaning. The number 5 of the star designates the fifth universal essence, the vital essence. That is, its points symbolize the four classical elements-Earth, Air, Fire and Water-as well as the Spirit or Soul, which is called the fifth element. Each of these aspects is incorporated in this star as well as in the Tarot cards.
The Pentagram or 5-pointed star spread is ideal for understanding complex everyday issues where we want to see the influence of the elements and their effects.
How to do the 5-pointed star or pentagram spread?
It is very easy, for this spread we will use the entire tarot deck, of which we will use 6 positions, one in the center and 5 points of the star.
The objective of this spread is to draw a 5-pointed cross as follows:
- First we will arrange the card in the center, or zero position.
- We will place a card in the lower left corner, which will be position 1, or the earth card.
- Then we will draw another card and place it in the diagonal opposite to the previous one, or in the upper right corner. This is position 2, or the water card.
- Then we put the card in the upper left corner, for position 3.
- And crossing diagonally we will put position 4, that is to say in the lower right corner.
- Finally position 5, the tip of the star, which is located above the central card, between positions 2 and 3.
In other words, it is about drawing the 5-pointed star, starting from the lower left point, to the upper right, to the upper left, then down to the lower right ending with the central point.
How to interpret this reading?
Let’s see the meanings of the positions for this reading
Center card: the central card of the pentagram describes the subject of the reading or the querent.
- Card 1: This is the Earth card, and is associated with stability, security and material things. In this position it represents the basis of the question and its current situation. It reveals the issue under consideration, but will not affect the outcome. What is the situation like? What is happening or holding it in place? What are the obstacles or forces at play that prevent it from moving forward?
- Card 2 : This is the Water card, it is the element of wisdom, emotion and intuition. It answers the question and can also provide advice or guidance on how to handle the situation, as well as other information. This position is where you will find what your intuition is telling you. What can you learn from this situation? How can you adapt your current circumstances to meet your future needs and goals?
- Card 3: This card represents air, the mind. Air is related to inspiration, communication and thoughts. In this position, all thoughts, whether of the querent or of others regarding the issue, what is causing concern, expectations or how the querent sees it will be reflected. What is the querent thinking, are there people who have a positive or negative influence, what kind of external forces are influencing the querent’s life at this time, and what kind of external forces are influencing the querent’s life at this time?
- Card 4: is the Fire element and reveals additional information that needs to be considered about the situation. This position embodies will and energy. This information may or may not be conscious. Fire can both create and destroy at the same time. For example: What kind of internal conflicts is the querent suffering from, is he or she unconsciously sabotaging his or her own goals? This is the card that usually reveals the doubts, conflicts and misunderstandings of the querent.
- Card 5: is the card of the Spirit. The sixth card, in the upper center of the Significant reveals the Future. That is to say, the probable outcome, up to a final conclusion.
This is the complete self, the sum of the elements, the culmination of the journey, and what all the other cards are leading to. Look at the four cards above, representing the four elements, and see what they tell you.
If the previous cards are chapters in a book, this card is the last page: how will things work out? What will be the end result of the sum of all the elements?
Variation of the spread
A very interesting variation of this spread is to begin the spread by choosing the center card from a major arcane that represents the querent, based on the personal appearance or problems in the querent’s life, and then continue with the spread as normal.
Final notes
It is worth clarifying that the disposition of the points of the star and its association with the elements may vary according to different schools or interpretations.
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