Chakra Spread

There are variations on the Chakra Spread, but traditionally this ends up being a vertical, seven-card spread that aligns with the chakra positions in the body. This is my own simple, conventional version. There are other chakra systems with varying numbers of energy points, but the most well-known in the West comes from Hindu and Buddhist traditions and points to seven areas of the body that house energy centers (to way oversimplify!). These vortices of energy branch out from various points of the spinal column.

This spread is read from the bottom up, from the root to the crown. You don't by any means have to be an expert on chakras to use this spread, but feel free to poke around on the web or check out my recommendations for further reading below for more depth and breadth on the topic. More info will enhance your results when you use this layout.

So, on to the spread! Before shuffling, decide whether you want to use the spread for an overview of current influences affecting your general well being, or if you'd like to know how the positions relate to a specific topic, like a relationship or your career. Mull your question over while you shuffle (in whatever way works best for you), then lay the cards out vertically, as follows:

    7: The Crown Chakra

    6: The Third Eye Chakra

    5: The Throat Chakra

    4: The Heart Chakra

    3: The Solar Plexus Chakra

    2: The Sacral Chakra

    1: The Root Chakra

Begin your reading with Position 1, and go up from there. Position definitions are as follows:

Position 1, The Root Chakra: The card that falls here will give you insight as to the foundation of what makes you "you." It indicates your general sense of motivation and ambition as well as how grounded you are. This position also governs the legs and feet and is associated with red, the color of action and strength. Look for an overview of your motivating forces here.

Position 2, The Sacral (or Spleen) Chakra: Your emotional state will show up in this card, along with commentary on your sexual energy. The sacral chakra is associated with sexuality, as well as your general gut urges, including the instinct to nurture. It's also associated with the color orange, the color of kindness and adaptability. This position will highlight the emotions that are currently ruling you.

Position 3, The Solar Plexus Chakra: This chakra is associated with the stomach and intestinal tract/digestion; think of this card as reflecting your level of ambition and willingness to charge ahead. Your ego is seated here as well, so look for indications of too much--or too little--pride. The solar plexus chakra is tied to the color yellow, which symbolizes confidence, happiness, and comfort level.

Position 4, The Heart Chakra: This is just what it sounds like. Your sense of love and compassion is here, and the card you turn will tell you whether that sense is healthy or if you need to do some healing. This position shows how you care for others, yes, but you'll also find here how you care for your SELF. Maybe you give and give and give and it's time to take some time for your own well-being, or perhaps it's the other way around. The heart chakra is associated with your heart, obviously, but also with your lungs. This chakra is green, relating to energy, growth, and giving.

Position 5, The Throat Chakra: How well do you communicate? How well--and how creatively--do you express yourself? Among other things, this card will tell you if you need to open up more. We often need to speak up and don't; you'll see in this card if that's the case for you and, if so, why. Blue, the color of the throat chakra, is symbolic of peace, harmony, understanding, and dedication. If your unconscious is trying to send you a message, you'll find it here.

Position 6, The Third Eye (or Brow) Chakra: Intuition and how you see things, externally and internally, reside here. The third eye chakra is associated with the eyes and brain, where our dreams, fantasies, and knowledge live. Look for this card to give you indications of how well you intuit and how imaginative you are, as well as how those things impact your outlook/perception of the world. Here, you'll find ways to manifest your dreams. Indigo is associated with the third eye chakra; indigo is symbolic of dignity, impulsive/compulsive behavior, and the ability to change.

Position 7, The Crown Chakra: The crown chakra is at the very top of the head and governs your nervous system. Sometimes it's actually considered to be sort of hovering above the head, which makes sense as this is your connection to the universe, or the Divine. I think of it as the place we most connect with the collective unconscious. Violet, the crown chakra color, indicates power and sentimentality. This card will offer commentary on your hopes and areas you can look to for inspiration.

Start the reading by taking stock of how the cards relate to one another. Are there pairs (or more) that go together naturally, and if so, how are those positions significant to you? Do you have a preponderance of one suit, certain numbers, or Major Arcana cards? How do you feel when you look at the reading as a whole? The Chakra Spread speaks to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being; the cards will consider all of these aspects when responding to your question. More so than in many other spreads, this one has the ability to eek out the emotional or psychological roots of some of your physical problems, so pay close attention to those connections in your reading. If any of the cards are particularly negative, there's a good chance that chakra is blocked or out of alignment. For insight as to how to release or correct that blockage, simply turn the next card in the deck and set it next to the card in question. Read it as an adjunct, as a way to bring that chakra into harmony with the rest. 

There is so much to say about this spread and the details it can offer in terms of bringing your well-being into balance. Here are some suggestions for further reading to get you the most from your chakra reading (each underlined title is linked to its Amazon page):

1) Layayoga: The Definitive Guide to the Chakras and Kundalini, Shyam Sundar Goswami (Inner Traditions, 1999; reprint of original 1980 publication). This is a little advanced, but I like it because it really goes to the East and doesn't dwell strictly on New Age/Western oversimplification of the chakras. This is truly an absorbing and comprehensive volume.

2) Buckland's Practical Color Magick by Raymond Buckland (Llewellyn Publications, 2010, 2nd edition; originally published in 1983). I find myself recommending this book often on most topics that relate to color. Buckland covers a lot of ground regarding the many, many uses of color in metaphysical applications. This is the book to get if you'd like an overview on magical color as opposed to general artistic color guidance.

3) Author Janet Boyer's self-published e-book, The Chakras, is available on Amazon. It's succinct and easy to understand, offering not only all the salient details you'll need, but sections on healing, unblocking the third eye, mantras, etc. as well. If you're relatively new to chakra study, this is a great place to start, and it's only $2.99.

First Friday Art Walk

Thanks to my amazing and fabulous friend Maria Castellano-Usery, I have a regular monthly gig that I'm THRILLED about! An incredibly talented artist, Maria participates in the First Friday Art Walk in Portland, Maine, and has so graciously offered me space to do readings for this event each month. It's the first Friday of every month (which you've probably gathered) and her gallery space is located at 647-A Congress Street (shares an entrance with Princess Nails). Doors are open from 5-8 p.m. The best part: a full 20-30 minute reading is only $20, HALF-OFF the regular price! Even if you don't feel it's time for a reading, please do stop by to say hello if you're in the area and soak up Maria's beautiful, happy, inspiring art or to talk a little Tarot. You can also check out Maria's website in the meantime: www.brushstrokesbymaria.com. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and Maria always provides great food and drinks (her homemade guacamole alone is worth the trip!).

Walk-ins are welcome, but if you'd like to guarantee a spot, just send a request to me at jennifer@interactivetarot.net or, better yet, via the Interactive Tarot Facebook page. Feel free to peruse my website at www.interactivetarot.net to get a better idea of my philosophy and what I have to offer. If you're not yet a fan of the Facebook page yet, by the way, stop by! I have frequent deck, book, and reading giveaways, and it's a truly friendly, open space where our little community shares Tarot and Tarot-related thoughts and news. I encourage questions, comments, and discussions on my page, and am committed to sharing information on metaphysical topics. I find so much joy in studying and discussing Tarot, even after doing so for 20 years; the more people I can share that with, the better!

Page of Cups

Pages represent discovery, curiosity, and a certain innocence. The suit of Cups represents love, relationships, intuition, and creativity. Put those things together and you have the heart (as it were) of the Page of Cups.

 

This is a strong image of the power of imagination. This Page is often the messenger of happy news, such as marriage or birth, and these words can be taken metaphorically--"birth" could be a great idea, for example, as opposed to the birth of a baby. Pages often represent youths, but this card could also point out gentle and artistic qualities in anyone. When you see this card, the beginning of a creative endeavor of some sort is being alluded to, perhaps even a new relationship.

 

The fish in the cup represents the unconscious, hence this card's link to intuition. Inspiration often sneaks up on us; when it does, the Page of Cups tells us not to deny or ignore it. Pay close attention to your dreams. Trust your gut and explore the creative possibilities that strike you!

Treasure Chest Spread

Most people think the Tarot exists solely in order to answer questions. While that is certainly one of its primary roles, it also has so many other uses. The card images can give you inspiration, strength, focus, and motivation; they can be used to explore how you feel about an issue; they're great for meditation; they can be used to study esoteric systems, like Qabalah, or for other systems like numerology, astrology, and even Jungian psychology; they can show you that life has a multitude of facets, and while we would prefer good stuff to bad, it's all part and parcel of what we have to face while we're on this mortal coil. The cards can help us handle the not-so-fun stuff and truly appreciate the great stuff, shedding light on the subtle, beautiful, little things that we often take for granted.

The Treasure Chest Spread an excellent example of what we can glean from a spread outside of a typical question. It comes from the wonderful book Power Tarot: More Than 100 Spreads That Give Specific Answers to Your Most Important Questions by Trish MacGregor and Phyllis Vega (Fireside Publishing, 1998). As Tarot author Janet Boyer writes in her Amazon review of Power Tarot: "I love the Treasure Chest Spread because of its imagery and because it's so affirming to the individual." I completely agree, and Power Tarot happens to be my favorite compilation of spreads in book form. Without further ado:

Treasure Chest Spread

1         2         3

4         5         6

7         8         9

1)   Diamonds:  Where you shine.  Major talents, abilities, and assets that you have.

2)   Pearls:  What you know.  Knowledge and information that you have incorporated into your life.

3)   Gold coins:  What you have.  Money and material possessions currently available to you.

4)   Emeralds:  Who you know.  Relationships that are now part of your life.

5)   Platinum chains:  What’s holding you back.  Things or people in your life that you need to release.

6)   Sapphires:  Where you could shine.  Emerging talents, assets, and abilities.

7)   Quartz crystals:  What you’re learning.  Knowledge and information that you could incorporate into your life.

8)   Rubies:  Who you may soon know.  Relationships that are entering your life.

9)   Unpolished diamonds:  Your hidden lights.  Assets and talents that you can develop.

Whenever I look at this spread, I'm reminded of what a gem it is (no pun intended). It's clever, creative, and offers insight into aspects of ourselves and our world without the necessity of beginning with a specific query. I hope you try it and like it!

More Lore: Amber!

Though often thought of--and called--a gem or a stone, amber is technically fossilized pine tree resin. These days, it's most commonly found in the Baltic region.

Amber was used in worship and rituals during the Stone Age, as evidenced by artifacts found in parts of Europe. It was also very highly valued in most ancient civilizations; Homer mentioned a gift of amber jewelry in the Odyssey, and Emperor Nero was a notable connoisseur. It was commonly used in high-end rosary beads in the Middle Ages because of its glassy-smooth surface.

As this resin hardened during its formative stages, insects were often trapped inside. Most of these insects are 25-50 million years old (too young for housing dinosaur DNA, for those of you thinking along the lines of Jurassic Park; older amber exists but is uncommon).

Amber is closely tied to the sun (the Greeks called it “elektron,” or “sun-made"), possibly because of the Greek myth of Phaethon, son of Helios, the sun god. In the myth, Phaethon convinced Helios to allow him to control the chariot that pulls the sun around the earth for a single day. Phaethon accidentally drove dangerously close to the planet, damaging the surface with the sun's heat, and Zeus was forced to strike him dead. Phaethon's sister and mother grieved fiercely, and their tears, dried by the sun, turned to amber. Amber also holds an electrical charge and can attract small particles, perhaps another reason for its ‘elektron’ moniker.

With its ancient heritage and prominent role in myth and worship, and its value in the earliest economies, amber has been used for just about every magical purpose. It's considered invigorating and enlivening due in part to its containment of life in the form of ancient insects, plus it has the quality of massive solar energy. If your vigor is sapped, wear or carry amber with you. It is said to enhance/magnify the energy you put into any project as well, and should you desire anything, amber acts as an agent to help draw that thing to you. It's readily available as jewelry and as a loose stone, and whether worn or carried, lore says it protects the bearer from ill health. Amber incense is available as well, though it's very rare to find actual amber incense--this is mostly used for spells by purists--"amber" incense generally refers to a blend of scents, including vanilla, and doesn't include real amber.

Its purposes and uses are countless, and I've only scratched the surface here. It's a beautiful gem, and while it's not inexpensive, it's pretty easy to find. If you've never handled amber, I highly recommend viewing it up close and personal to get a feel for this lovely bit of history!

A Little Lavender Lore

Years ago, around 1990 or so, I visited France. While there, I saw some gorgeous lavender fields in the southern part of the country. The stunning violet and green shades inspired the colors I chose for Interactive Tarot (apparent here and on my website), in fact! The images and the fragrance have stayed with me and continue to influence me after all this time.

Lavender is wrapped up in a lot of lore. It is primarily associated with love, protection, sleep, purification, happiness, and tranquility. As with many flowers and herbs, it's not just the physicality of the flower, but the scent. In aromatherapy, it's conducive to deep relaxation and the fragrance is said to aid in a restful sleep. Wearing the scent of lavender is said to attract love and protect the wearer from harm.

According to lore, even the very sight of the lavender flower promotes long life. Sprinkle some around your house (potpourri is a good option) to promote a peaceful atmosphere. Burn lavender incense to ward off worry and depression. Lavender is easy to obtain and almost universally appreciated as a fragrance. It's simple to introduce this wonderful flower into your life and home!

A Few Words on Litha

The Summer Solstice is June 21st! Also called Midsummer (Shakespeare, anyone?) and Litha (for you lovely Pagans/Wiccans), it’s a big event on the Wheel of the Year. Traditional Litha foods include fresh fruits and veggies. Some of the other Wheel of the Year celebrations get a little complicated with food, but this one’s a snap. Summer Solstice offers a great opportunity to appreciate the amazing array of sustenance our planet offers, and is a reminder not to take these things for granted. Eat your greens! :-)

On the Summer Solstice, the Sun is at the peak of its power, the earth is bursting with green, and we can already imagine the fruits of the upcoming autumn harvest. Surround yourself with green, gold, and yellow at this time of year. Some associated herbs and flowers: roses, lilies, oak (traditionally burned on the Summer Solstice), ivy, thyme, fennel, daisies, and lavender. Any of these can be burned or used as decorations. I wrote about lavender in the last Interactive Tarot newsletter; this is one of my favorites and can be used in a million ways. Lavender is also a traditional Litha incense, along with myrrh (LOVE myrrh incense!), lemon, rose, and wisteria. If you celebrate this day, enjoy it! Every Wheel of the Year celebration shows us the benefit of taking a little break and really absorbing the world around us. Why not try?