Divination Card Spreads – with the 42-SSS Cards

Divination spreads are specific layouts used to arrange cards during a reading. Each position in the spread represents a different aspect of a question or situation, helping to uncover deeper meaning and offer guidance. By drawing cards from the unknown, we allow synchronicities (meaningful coincidences) to take place and thereby increase the chance for drawing the right card for us—as explained by Dr. Arthur Rosengarten, clinical psychologist.

Popular spreads include the Past-Present-Future Spread (a 3-card spread) and the Celtic Cross (a 10-card spread). The 6 Life Areas Spread was designed specifically for the 42-SSS card set with the purpose of encouraging balance in all major areas of life. These 3 spreads will be explained below.

For each spread, shuffle the cards and draw random cards for each position on the table.

1) Past-Present-Future Spread (the 3-card spread)

First, pose a situation for which you want guidance. For example, “My relationship with my colleagues.”

[] 1) Past: the first strengths card represents a strength that came up in your past.

[] 2) Present: the second strengths card represents a strength that you may want to embrace in the present or is connected to your current situation.

[] 3) Future: the third strengths card represents a strength that you may want to embrace in the future.

2) 6 Life Areas – Card Spread (6 cards)

Shuffle the cards and lay out 6 random cards on the table, each representing one of the life ares below. Ask yourself the following question and go through the cards one by one from #1 to #6.

What strength shall I tap into for my…?

[] 1) Personal & Spiritual Growth

[] 2) Romantic, Close Friend, or Family Relationships

[] 3) Work, Career, or Finances

[] 4) Health, Wellness, & Emotional Well-Being

[] 5) Community Life or Social Impact

[] 6) Enrichment: Creative Projects, Adventure, & Exploration

3) The Celtic Cross Spread (6-cards version)

The advantage of this spread is that the position of each cards has meaning, serving as a mnemonic to easily remember them.

First, pose a situation for which you want guidance. For example, “I want to make more money.”

[] 1) This represents me.

[] 2) This crosses me. (Obstacles)

[] 3) This crowns me. (This is what I’m like when I’m at my best, or this is what I’m the best at.)

[] 4) This is beneath me. (The foundation or roots of the situation. Or something that is deep in your unconcious.)

[] 5) This is behind me. (Something in the past, or out of your sight.)

[] 6) This is before me. (Something in your near future.)