"Constellations" (Spreads)
Spreads (here called “constellations”) are an order and placement to arrange cards for a reading. One begins by drawing cards and laying them in the shape of the “sigil.” One can then interpret the cards according to the meaning of its position in the constellation.
The Triangle spread is the most basic. There are four additional spreads, based on the four symbolic characters of the Inner Mask Oracle. The Empty Spread, the Inner Spread, the Submerged Spread, and the Liberated Spread. The author recommends first laying out a Triangle Spread, and then using one of the specific spreads for further detail. One can alternately skip the Triangle Spread and go directly to a specific spread.
The Triangle Spread
The Triangle Sigil is the primary “constellation” or spread, and the most simple. The Triangle Sigil is the fundamental direction of the querent, and is used to see the bigger picture of one’s journey and obstacles at the moment.
1. (top) Starting point- this is the seeker where they currently stand, this card characterizes the seeker’s current condition
2. Influence- this is the change or movement in the seeker’s life which influences the seeker, causes them to pursue answers or greater awareness
3. The Journey- this is the general nature of the quest or question in which the seeker is currently involved
4. Trial, or Encounter- this is the point in the seeker’s journey which will create a turning point, which will set the seeker up for failure or success, someone or something to keep aware of or look for
5. Lesson, or Gift- this is the outcome of the seeker’s journey, what is taken away or learned
6. Transformation, or Return- this is how the outcome will impact changes the seeker. In all the above, the card should be seen as a theme or influence, not a guaranteed concrete condition but a means to understand.
The Empty Spread (Constellation of the Moon)
The Empty Spread is used to deeply contemplate one’s internal blocks and also one’s hidden gifts. One can use this to identify all the different aspects of one’s condition, and also to visualize a way around one’s obstacles.
1. Starting Point- the seeker as they are at this moment
2. The Bright Side / Visible Side of the Seeker’s Condition- the aspect of the seeker’s condition which is shown to the world and known to those around
3. The Dark Side / Invisible Side of the Seeker’s Condition- the aspect of the seeker’s condition which is not shown to others, invisible forces or influences which are imposing themselves on the seeker’s life
4. The Secret- something which the seeker holds inside, which is the key to the relationship between the bright and dark sides. What the visible and invisible influences on the seeker have in common, what characterizes the way the seeker is dealing with these influences. This can also be seen as ‘the problem.’ This could also be an unspoken need, or a hint of what the seeker needs now.
5. An Ally, Weapon or External Support- what the seeker can use, or look for, to get them to the next development or resolution of problems.
6. The Way Out, or Path Forward- the way out of this problem, the direction towards improvement or advancement
The Inner Spread (Constellation of the Mask)
The Inner Spread is used to contemplate one’s creative journey or the path of manifestation of one’s goals. One uses it to better understand the message one wants to bring to the world, or the thing one wants to build in it. One will explore one’s known and subconscious influences, where one is coming from and what one needs next.
1. The Start- the seeker at the starting point
2. Secret Influence- a question or unresolved situation, an unsolved mystery
3. Known Influence- the social conditions shaping the seeker’s life
4. Thing Expressed- what the seeker has been seeking to make, or bring to life, or evoke with one’s life or work, up until this point
5. Discovery- what lies along the current path, good or bad
5. New Way Forward, or Change- the change which the current pursuit will have on future pursuits
The Submerged Spread (Constellation
of the Mind)
The Submerged Spread is used to explore one’s personal growth and emotional recovery, one’s private quest for healing and how to emerge brighter than before. One uses this spread to see the shape of one’s troubles or trauma, and to visualize a path to cleanse oneself of it.
1. The Start- the seeker as they are now
2. Descent or Low Point, or Influence- the problem, the deepest level of one’s question or what is motivating one’s quest at the deepest, most internal point
3. Quest- the shape of the quest to come
4. Sacrifice or Trial- the difficulty the seeker will encounter on this quest
5. Lesson or Enlightenment- the revelation that comes as a result
6. Emergence or Transformation- the outcome, the seeker as they could be
The Liberated Spread (Constellation
of the Voice)
The Liberated Spread is used to visualize the path towards joy or the greatest and most authentic realization of the lived experience. This spread concerns the release of things which hold one back from merging with one’s most joyful and carefree self, and will help the querent develop a deeply real sense of happiness and enjoyment which will resonate with others. This Constellation requires the most work.
1. The Start- the seeker as they are now, what holds one back from joy
2. Outside Pressure- what the world outside wants, external forces
3. Inside Pressure- what the seeker wants internally, something unanswered
4. Energy- the direction or form of energy at this moment
5. Opposition or Memory- a counter-force, or a force from the past pulling an alternative direction from Inside Pressure or Energy, also any flawed perspectives
6. Turning Point- something which comes in and changes everything, makes the difference between Opposition, Energy, and Pressures
7. Revelation- the potential, what the seeker is in line to learn, the gift, and the next step