top of page

Tarot spread- "Who am I?"

One of the most powerful ways to use Tarot is to understand yourself better.

An improved mindset, and releasing self limiting blocks really is life changing. I use a simple analogy about raffle tickets. Two friends chatting- one comments “I’m so unlucky, I never win anything at these raffles” And friend asks “but have you even bought a raffle ticket?”

It’s a crap analogy because I hate raffles- but it is true in life. If you believe you can’t achieve something then you will unconsciously block yourself from achieving (often even starting).

Our perception of the world is coloured by our expectations- and often we have held them so long we are not even aware of them.

So this is my “who am I” spread. I have used this as a starting point for shamanic healings and longer tarot readings. It is also a great starting point for journaling, meditating, and a great Tarot spread to share with a friend.

You can do the spread simply for “who am I?” or you can chose a specific area or role of your life to focus on. I am focusing on my role as shaman.

Cards 1, 2, 3- How I present to others. This could be your social masks, perhaps a persona you wear. In astrology this is your ascendant. Other people see this, it is likely this is parts of you are comfortable with (though it could include projections too)

Cards 4, 5, 6- Who I feel I am. This is the “core” you right now (we all change). This is your core identity- you may reveal this to close friends, family. This is who you are when you are totally comfortable. In astrology this would be your sun sign.

Cards 7, 8, 9- Your shadow. These are parts of you that you are less comfortable with. Perhaps you keep them hidden even from yourself? I have seen these represent past wounds from childhood that have altered a person’s character. Or maybe they are just parts of you that you don’t like, project on to others (compare these to the first row- any correlation?).

I love a 9 card grid. Obviously we have three rows. But we also have three columns too. And we have a central card to really focus on.

I like to lay the cards starting in the centre- so the spread actually runs;

2 1 3

5 4 6

8 7 9

But if you prefer to keep the rows running a more simple left to right then stick with what feels comfortable to you.

My first row- well You’d possibly have to ask other people rather than me. I really identify with the page of wands. When it comes to shamanism I am very excitable. I will talk for ever, dive right in when I can, and am endlessly excited by other peoples experiences. The 10 of cups refers to the deep sense of family I have with the people I work with. I tend to think the 2 of pentacles refers to me “playing around the edges” a little when it comes to my own journey. I am much better at helping others than I am helping myself.

My second row- The world is perfect- I have recently deeply committed to this path (I didn’t really have a lot of choice) and it has created both endings, and beginnings in my life. The ace of cups is exactly how I feel when doing shamanic work- deeply loved, blessed and in a blissful state. The knight of pentacles I think refers to the stability and connection I feel with shamanism- it is literally the foundation of my life.

My third row- well this is my shadow, so it is harder to access. The 6 of wands- I definitely struggle with talking about my role as a Norse shaman- it feels a huge responsibility to be “teaching” such an old tradition. I am aware others look to see how I am treading this path, but I struggle with that. The Hermit is possibly a similar feeling. Often clients perceive me as “wise” where as I consider the wisdom is simply me taping into wiser connections than myself.

The wheel of fortune is highlighting an area of connection I am only just starting to understand- with the Norns, the weavers of fate. I am starting to see it is them I am connecting with when I do this work.

I hope you enjoy this spread, I have played aroud with it quite a bit now and always seem ot leanr something new about myself.

I hope you like the spread, I’ve found it very useful both for myself and clients.

Looking for something?
Explore my blogs here-
Recent Posts
Follow Us
  • Facebook Basic Square
  • Twitter Basic Square
  • Google+ Basic Square
Search By Tags
bottom of page