The Elemental Pentacle
The pentacle has been said to symbolize many things throughout the centuries, but the system with which the Elemental Pentacle spread concerns itself is the attribution of each point of the pentacle to one of the four elements (plus the pseudo-element Spirit). Each point is also assigned one of the five magical virtues (To Know, To Dare, To Will, To Keep Silent, and To Go). These help define the positional meanings.
The spread itself is laid out in the form of the pentacle, starting with the upper point, then the lower left point, and proceeding until the pentacle is completed with the card in the lower right.
Each point of the pentacle represents a different element, as shown above. These elemental positions influence the cards that are placed there; some elements naturally oppose each other. Fire and Water are opposites, as are Earth and Air; they weaken when placed near each other. This means that a Cup card in the Fire position loses a lot of its power. Also, a strong Wand card in the Fire position will gain strength, and will weaken the card in the Water position.
Here are what the five positions mean:
1. The topmost point - Spirit (To Go)
Represents outside influences in the matter, or the essence of the matter (a synthesis of all the other cards and a key to the reading as a whole). It may also show the best possible outcome of the situation. A card in this position is made more powerful if it is a Major Arcanum. The first position is not modified by any of the other positions.
2. The lower left point - Earth (To Keep Silent)
Represents stable energies in the situation, not likely to change in the near future, lasting influences. May also represent the foundation of the matter; why things are the way they are. This foundation may be known or unknown to the seeker. The card in this position is strengthened if it is a Pentacle or an Earth Major, but weakened if it is a Sword or Air Major. This position is also modified by the card in the fourth position.
3. The upper right point - Water (To Dare)
Represents somewhat stable but still fluid energies, which may change but are likely to remain. May also represent the action to take at this point which would lead to the best outcome. The card in this position has its power increased when it is a Cup or Water Major, and decreased if it is a Wand or Fire Major. This position is influenced by the fifth position.
4. The upper left point - Air (To Know)
Represents dynamic energies in the situation that are likely to change in the future. Can also reveal a secret to the seeker, or show them what they must know or learn in order to act. The card laid here is made more powerful if it is a Sword or Air Major, and weaker if it is a Pentacle or an Earth Major. The position itself is influenced by the second position.
5. The lower right point - Fire (To Will)
Represents those forces which are in a constant state of change, or that are entering or leaving the matter. Also shows what the seeker wants to do; the action which they are planning on taking at this time. This position is influenced by the third position. The card here is made more powerful when it is a Wand or a Fire Major, but weakened if it is a Cups card or a Water Major.
reference james rioux
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