The Pentagram Spread

The pentagram is a five-pointed star sacred to many people in the Pagan community, and within this magical symbol you'll find a number of different meanings. Think about the very concept of a star -- it is a source of light, blazing in the darkness. It is something physically very far away from us, and yet how many of us have wished upon one when we saw it up in the sky? The star itself is magical.

Within the pentagram, each of the five points has a meaning. They symbolize the four classical elements -- Earth, Air, Fire and Water -- as well as Spirit, which is sometimes referred to as the fifth element. Each of these aspects is incorporated into this Tarot card layout.


CENTER - THE SIGNIFICATOR
In many Tarot card readings, the reader selects what's called a Significator card to represent the Querent -- the person for whom the reading is being done. In some traditions, the Significator is selected based on personal appearance. However, for this reading, you should choose a card out of the Major Arcana based on the issues in the Querent's life. For example, someone who is trying to kick addictions or bad habits could be represented by card 15 - The Devil, while a Querent with questions about their spiritual journey could be symbolized by card 9 - The Hermit. Choose the card that best represents the Querent's current situation, and place it in the 1 position, at the center of the layout.

UPPER RIGHT - EARTH: KEEPING GROUNDED
The second card in this spread, located at the upper right, is the Earth card. The element of Earth is associated with stability and security, and so this card indicates the overall issues surrounding the Querent's question. What is keeping them in place, or even holding them back? Are there forces at play here that are preventing them from moving forward? In other words, what is it that has made the situation stagnant?

LOWER RIGHT - AIR: THE WINDS OF INFLUENCE
The third position, on the lower right, is the aspect of Air. Traditionally, Air is related to inspiration and communication. In this layout, this position signifies what other people are telling the Querent -- are there people providing a positive influence, or are they dragging the Querent down with negative messages? What sort of external forces are influencing the Querent's life right now?

LOWER LEFT - FIRE: THE ULTIMATE DESTROYER
The fourth card in this reading, moving over to the bottom left, is the element of Fire, which embodies strong will and energy. Fire can both create and destroy -- is the Querent subconsciously sabotaging their own goals? What sort of internal conflicts are at play here? This is the card which shows the Querent's self-doubts and misapprehensions.

UPPER LEFT - WATER: THE TIDES OF INTUITION
Moving back up on the left, in a clockwise direction, position five is the Water card, and Water is typically associated with the powers of the Goddess. This is the element of wisdom and intuition, and ultimately, this is where the Querent will find what their intuition is telling them. What can they learn from this situation? How can they adapt their current circumstances to meet their future needs and goals?

TOP CENTER - SPIRIT: THE WHOLE SELF
Finally, the sixth card, at the very stop center above the Significator, is the card of Spirit. This is the whole self, the culmination of the journey, and what all the other cards are leading up to. Look at the previous four cards, representing the four elements, and see what they tell you. They are chapters in a book, but this card is the last page -- how will things be resolved if the Querent remains on his present path? What, ultimately, will be the end result of all the internal and external influences on the Querent's issue?