365 Tarot Spreads: Revealing the Magic in Each Day - Sasha Graham 2014

Existential Questions Spread

On This Day

During World War II, Sartre worked as a meteorologist for the French army. He was captured by German troops and spent nine months as a prisoner of war.

French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and activist Jean-Paul Sartre was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on this day in 1964. He declined this honor, becoming the first person in history to do so. Sartre is a brilliant mind in a long line of European existentialists.

Summation of Spread

The Hanged Man is the philosopher’s card due to his willingness to turn upside down, transcend consciousness, and examine life from a different point of view. He makes for an ideal contemplation of who we are and what it means to be human.

Who are you? The word existential combines the words essence, essential, and exist. The word itself questions the essence of existence, which is done when performing this spread.

Cast Your Cards

Ponder the questions philosophers have asked for eons and cast this spread in the shape of an X:

1. What is the meaning of existence?

2. What is my true identity?

3. What is death?

4. Is there a Godhead/greater power?

5. How can I know what is right or wrong?

6. What is consciousness?

7. What is happiness?

8. What does it mean to be authentic?