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

Seeking the Light Masonic Mystery Spread

On This Day

A candidate entering the Masonhood must state that they believe in a supreme being; however, the Masons do not insist on naming who the supreme being should be. Belief in a higher power, any power, is required upon entry.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the famed Sherlock Holmes series, received his second degree from his Masonic Lodge on this date in 1887. Masonic membership, popular among English and American gentlemen in the last century, uses devices called tracing boards for their studies.

Summation of Spread

The Three of Pentacles in the RWS deck contains Masonic symbolism: an apron, bench, and Masonic tool. Many Golden Dawn members were Masons, and they used Masonic structure in the Golden Dawn’s own grading and initiations.

Tracing boards, like tarot cards, are symbolic learning devices. Used by Masons to advance through their grades, different boards offer different lessons. The Seeking the Light Masonic Mystery Spread uses the first degree tracing board as inspiration.

Cast Your Cards

1. Physical world (checkered floor tiles): What binds me?

2. Essence of soul and psyche (columns): Who am I?

3. The Heavens: How do I make contact with the divine?

4. Center Star (divinity): What is the nature of divinity?

5. Ladder (Jacob’s ladder): How do I discover my true path?

Three Rungs of the Ladder:

6. Faith (Apprentice): How can I trust?

7. Hope (Fellowcraft): What do I yearn for?

8. Charity (Master): How do I give back?