Sabbats, Seasons, and Tarot Spreads

Note: This intuitive tarot spread was first published at Spirit of Tarot.

Today we’ll turn to Tarot directly for insights on awakening the third eye. I’ve put together a simple four-card spread that will reveal the secrets of your own third eye opening.

I haven’t put this together in any definite shape — that’s something you can do intuitively.  You can lay the cards out in a single row, create a cross-shape, or fan them out in a way that feels right for you. With this reading, as with so many things in Tarot, intuition is definitely key, so trust your feelings. Go with your instincts.

You can also choose the cards in whatever manner feels right. You can shuffle, cut, draw. You can go through the cards face-down and intuitively pick cards for each of the four positions. You can fan out the entire deck and choose cards as you go through the reading.

Another method you might enjoy would be — after shuffling — to go through the deck until you come to the High Priestess. Then select the 2 cards in front and the 2 cards in back and place them into the spread, perhaps putting the High Priestess herself in the center for added inspiration.

What Do the Positions Represent?

Here is a break-down of the meanings for each position of the spread. Use these as guidelines. This is all about intuition, so allow your inner voice to guide you in your interpretations. 

Card 1: The Current State of Your Third Eye

This card represents your current level of spiritual awareness and intuition. You may find a highly-positive card here to suggest that your third eye is opening and that you are awakening to spiritual truths now. A less positive card could indicate problem areas. Whatever card you draw will offer helpful advice, so “tune in” to the overall concepts of the card.  Again, trust your instincts.

Card 2: Blocking Factors

Even when our third eye is open, we must still guard against blocks — negative thought patterns and other obstacles — that can hinder our intuitive development or make it more difficult for us to exercise and fully trust our inner voice. Take a good look at the card you draw for this position. It can be a tricky one to interpret. Ask “How might this card be holding me back?” Find the message and then take a moment to write out a personal affirmation to help you deal with whatever obstacles the card represents for you. Make your affirmation positive.

Card 3: Steps to Awakening

This card will offer helpful guidance, suggesting specific actions you can take that will help you deal with blocks and continue the awakening process. Spend as much time as necessary with this card. Look at all the symbolism it holds. Write down your thoughts. Can you come up with at least 3 specific actions suggested by the card? Sometimes in metaphysical and spiritual matters, we rely on general platitudes — be mindful, go with the flow, follow your heart — and while these are all good practices, they lack the specificity of what to do right now. Go deeper into the card you’ve drawn. Use your imagination here, too.

Card 4: Looking Toward the Future

What potential benefits and positive changes will you experience as you complete the third eye awakening process? This can be another challenging card to interpret because too often we have “knee-jerk” reactions to difficult cards. When we see a card we consider negative, we may quickly shut out any true understanding of what the card is telling us. In the context of this “Third Eye Awakening” spread, a negative card here is showing you the sort of problematic situations you’ll be better able to handle as a result of your increased intuitive awareness. Look at the card from every angle. Consider the many different situations it can represent and focus on how “awakening” will make it easier for you to deal with future challenges.