View Full Version : The Churchyard Spread
destinyawaitsme
30-09-2002, 14:57
I got this from "Complete Book of Tarot Spreads" by Evelin Burger & Johannes Fiebig. It first caught my interest because of it's unusual name. I gave it a whirl today and it totally change my outlook on a problem I had. If you have the time and curiousity, I recommend that you folks try it too.
Have a question or problem in mind. First take The Fool card out of the deck. Shuffle the remaining 77 cards thoroughly then place the deck face down. Pick out twelve cards from the deck (Don't peek yet.). Place the Fool in with the 12 cards you just picked. Now shuffle those 13 cards until you feel the time is right to stop. Now turn over all thirteen cards so that they are in a row like this:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
The Fool represents the present. It points to the direction of development. If the Fool is located at the beginning of the row, most of what you have to do is in front of you. If the Fool is located at the end, most of what is developing is already behind you.
Also the position of the Fool within the row indicates the range of the question. The cards before the Fool indicate what you are consiously aware of. All the cards following describe the unconcious or unknown.
I know it sounds really complicated, but after I did this it helps. It calls for a more intuitive reading. But I felt it kind of read like a timeline. I could look at the cards and see the chain of events that led me to where I am today in my certain situation. Let me know what you think if you try this. I was wondering what you might think of this.
Cool!!! Went running for my journal for this one... yippee~!
Have i mentioned lately how much I love this site???
Namaste and thank you destiny!
destiny: This is one of the most interesting spreads I've seen for a long time. I find this kind of spread fascinating. It can be read as a kind of a saga, or a tale told around a fireplace in the cold winter nights. It's the kind of spread one wants to leave on one's table for a few days and come back to it. And take out other decks, and do comparative readings with them.
Thank you.
Faerie Lin
30-09-2002, 18:39
This is a very intriguing spread! I most definately have to try this out! Thankyou for posting this for all of us to see, destinyawaitsme!
lin
I created a spread somewhat like that. I took the Tower (Becuase it always unsettles me when it comes up) and the suit card that relates most to my question out, and took 7 cards out. Then I'd lay them like this:
4
3 5
2 6
1 7
8/9 (laid in a cross, one on top of eachother)
The 8 and 9 represent you now, and the seven in a semi circle around it represents how things will progress. If either of the suit cards you choose are on you, then you are either already there or far off. If both are present, then you are a mix. The semi circle are how things will pass with the rising and falling of the moon.
Edit: The numbers aren't showing up right, but the first 7 are supposed to be in a semi circle.
I love learning about new spreads! :D
Thank you for sharing, destinyawaitsme! :)
Ivy Rhiannon
10-07-2004, 01:20
this is interesting! ty for sharing!
Imagemaker
12-07-2004, 14:14
As I've been getting readings that it's time to get off my plateau and move, I did the churchyard spread with great anticipation.
Wow! The fool came up as card 1, so I have a grand new journey ahead of me!! Feeling somewhat amazed and excited--many majors and courts ahead.
Have recorded my reading and will start looking for the first signs of the new adventure.
(Kind of glad the Fool wasn't the last card! Would hate to think it's all behind me.)
Originally posted by Imagemaker
(Kind of glad the Fool wasn't the last card! Would hate to think it's all behind me.) :D I think I'd feel the same if that happened to me....
This is a great thread to revive! I did record this spread in my journal, but have rarely used it as I usually gravitate to about 5 typical spreads most often (if I even use a spread).
I'm so glad it was bumped~! I'm going to give it a try sometime soon, I promise myself!!
Regarding the Fool: He works as a significator and also as a mark? I understand we are not suppossed to read Fool's interactions with left and right cards, only use him to know were are we in the journey, is it right?
Imagemaker
12-07-2004, 14:36
That's the way I understand it. And I agree with Alissa, normally I never do big spreads. This one is more like looking at a story.
If my Fool had come anywhere but #1, I could have evaluated whether the other cards represented my past travel accorately. But as it is, I can only be at the cliff's edge, leaping.
Necromancer
13-07-2004, 22:29
nice one thanks a million this is now in my tarot book
maulster
01-09-2004, 21:19
a frined of mine came to me the other day and asked if she would get the job out of state so i throw down the spread as the yes/no and the fool came up at the end of the spread and told her without a doubt you'll get the job and the next day she got the job. now my friend is gone. :(
If you have two of the same deck you might want to try the Graveyard spread with two Fool's.
Lay the Fool from the second deck out then do the spread as outlined and add this 2nd Fool as the spread indicates.
If they come up one after the other just read the spread as normal [not likely but possible].
If they are separated the cards in between may indicate things you can't see, are afraid to face, things that are hidden, etc.
If both Fool's don't come up then no harm - no foul. Read the spread normally.
This would be an excellent spread for 'card counting' and 'card pairing' starting at the location of the Fool and moving in the direction he's pointing for card counting.
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Don S.
Apollonia
02-09-2004, 15:02
Great spread! I just used this spread to break in my new Goddess Tarot deck (actually, I've owned it for several months, but it was having a time out in the incense jar due to its objectionable odor), and the results were fascinating and right to the point! I think I may have a new favorite spread for certain questions! Thanks, Destiny!
Brilliant!!! But why is it called the Churchyard Spread? It is an interesting name...
Wisp Wings
03-09-2004, 02:55
Originally posted by nodntap
If you have two of the same deck you might want to try the Graveyard spread with two Fool's.
Lay the Fool from the second deck out then do the spread as outlined and add this 2nd Fool as the spread indicates.
If they come up one after the other just read the spread as normal [not likely but possible].
If they are separated the cards in between may indicate things you can't see, are afraid to face, things that are hidden, etc.
If both Fool's don't come up then no harm - no foul. Read the spread normally.
Don S.
Hi Don:
I was just thinking for people without two of the same deck and would like to try out your suggestion of the two Fools, they wouldn't have to own two of the same deck, as there is a way around this. Just do the spread as you said, but where you would be adding in a second Fool from a duplicate deck, don't worry about having one to do this with. Predetermine that you are going to have two Fools and both hold equal value. Use it as you suggested in the meanings for if and when/if both appear, only instead of having a second Fool card, don't. Since it isn't to be read as one of the cards themselves, but rather as a marker, just use one of the 'cover' cards that always comes with a deck to represent the additional Fool card. This way anyone with a single deck wishing to do this can do so.
Just remember that for this use, the true Fool card doesn't hold more weight nor does which one falls first. Later remove the 'cover' card from the deck and keep it as you normally do.
I did this spread for a friend of mine who is going through a bit of a rough patch. She still has a long journey to go, but the cards came up to warn her about underhanded action and backstabbing in the near future.
She called me last night, and it seems the old 7 and 10 of swords are starting to rear their heads already.
But she was still very happy with the reading, because she knows what’s ahead and how long she still has to go. (I have to add, it seems she’ll get a happy ending :) )
Thank you for posting this spread, I think it will get a fair amount of use!
blackroseivy
16-09-2004, 19:22
I believe it's called "Churchyard" because of all the cards being in a row, like headstones - & you read them. I just wanted to put in here that my reading is so frightfully accurate that I simply *must* share it in "Your Readings", if anyone wants to take a look! :)
Semiramis
30-09-2004, 16:33
I just did this spread for myself and it was eerie the way it was so accurate. The fool came up as #5, and all the cards before it were dead on. The cards immediately after it were a little bit negative but I was half expecting that, and then gradually they turned more positive ending with the Chariot, which hopefully means I can get through to my goal if I don't give up. A very interesting spread, and gives you lots to think about.
Whoa, well I've always been one for trying new spreads, so this thread caught my eye. I've been (as most high schoolers are) heavily burdened with college selection. This'll sound cocky, but I'm smart, so I have a tough decision to make. I had narrowed the amount of universities down to eight, and I have picked the one I think I'll most likely attend. So today I tried this spread on my college selection decision. As I flipped over the cards I got more and more anxious. I was worried that the Fool would be last. Notable cards I flipped over were the Lovers (reversed, but I wasn't sure if reverses counted in this one) and the two of chalices. That seemed like a mini-theme, which I get. My very last card was the Fool, I guess I've already done all the thinking I should on it.
I love this spread, destiny!
I'm going to print it out and tomorrow at work, I was going to offer a reading. Instead I think I'll throw the spread for myself.
This should be both fun and interesting.
terri
cait_inthe_moon
21-10-2004, 13:17
I did this spread and the fool came up last. The cards leading up to it were very accurate with what had been happening in my life. It was like reading a story that started two years ago. I really like this spread and plan on trying again. The first time I didn't have any specific question in mind, or any problems that I was looking for answers to. I just wanted something to concentrate on and clear my mind of everything before going to sleep.
freshyoyo
22-10-2004, 11:16
Well done, I will remember this one.
I will try it .
:)
WhiteRaven
01-11-2004, 10:47
This spread is amazingly accurate to the point of being eerie at times. I do wonder what it means when the Fool is found at the end of the spread though.
Thanks for sharing!
Jamwalls
01-11-2004, 16:43
This spread is incredible, I used it last week when I was feeling very dissillusioned with my job situation, I (the fool) was 4th in the line, and the previous cards were very astute, but what has come to pass in just a week has moved me 2 cards nearer my end with uncanny accuracy.
This is certainly my favourite spread, and I can't wait to use it for someone else
Originally posted by WhiteRaven
This spread is amazingly accurate to the point of being eerie at times. I do wonder what it means when the Fool is found at the end of the spread though.
Thanks for sharing!
I did a Reading for Maks (my friend) using this spread and I posted it in the Reading Exchange. The Fool was the 12th card. I do know Mary, but the cards were so on target re what led up to last card.
Next I want to do this reading for someone I don't know.
terri
I love this spread, came across it a couple of years ago in the same book and really liked it. I've found that it really does require you to be more in tune with what your questions is than, say, the celtic cross. I've used the Churchyard Special for a wide range of questions/issues and always come away feeling as if I have learned something... either about myself, the situation, or both. More than any other spread, I use this one as mental exercise, too!
On a related note, I have misplaced that book. There's a spread in there I can't quite remember the specifics of. Can anyone help? The cards are laid out in an arrow and bow formation (7 cards maybe?). I'm sorry I can't remember more... Thanks to anyone who can help.
Stephanie
Gardener
08-11-2004, 11:43
Hi Etain,
I agree that this spread really asks you to get in tune with what your question is about. Because the cards are essentially grouped into only two positions, past/known and future/hidden, it requires that we tell ourselves stories about the groupings in a way that is different from the Celtic Cross. We can either be more intuitive or more intellectual. I also find it easier to start seeing what I expect to see, though...
I went throught the Complete Book of Tarot Spreads looking for your bow and arrow, and didn't find anything like that. I did, however, find a 7 card spread called the Sword, laid out as follows:
xxxx 4
2 xx 1 xx 5 xx 6 xx7
xxxx 3
and that looks as much like an arrow as a sword, I think. Positions are interpreted as follows:
1. The heart of the matter
2. Your starting point
3. Your base or support
4. You chance (what will aid you)
5. A problem is being solved
6. A desire is being fulfilled
7. New knowledge, new insight
Does that seem familiar?
Does that seem familiar?
That's it! Thanks, Gardener. I'm not sure why I remembered it as a bow and arrow since I'm more comfortable with swords. Strange the tricks memory will play on you. Anyway, thanks for finding it. I remembered it as being a spread I enjoyed on occasion when the CC just didn't do it for me. :-)
Stephanie
mike gorth
17-04-2005, 15:29
I really like this spread and I think I'm going to add it right now.
Mike Gorth
mike gorth
17-04-2005, 15:53
I just tried this spread on my Mom's life development and the fool was last. EEEkkk. I hate knowing bad news when no one else does
This looks really interesting. I'm going to give it a try this weekend.
Reed
I've not seen this one before - must have missed it the first time round. It looks interesting. :)
Good deal ;) I will have to try this one when I get back. Thanks for sharing.
psychic sue
24-04-2005, 09:27
I love this spread! It has gone into my book! Thanks so much.
Sue :)
thepearlearring
26-04-2005, 17:03
thanks very much for this spread - I was a litle dubious about using so many cards at once but it proved a very enlightening spread indeed.
The cards that came before the fool seemed to pin point various stages of the situation I asked about: the cards proceeding the fool were more confusing, but then as they are aspects of my unconscious they'll take me longer to interpret.
I found that this gave me a good oppurtunity to spead a lot of time with my cards - it isn't a spread you can just do in 5 minutes.
Thanks again - I've already put this in my journal.
thepearlearring
psychic sue
29-04-2005, 05:49
DOH! I tried this spread on myself and the only card after the fool was the heirophant!
Well, I've tried this and I have to say that it is a very good spread. A lot of my work is still ahead of me. Good to know it hasn't ended yet. ;)
i was just surfing thru the spread index for a particular one and came across this -- it looks very interesting -- it's in my log book and i'll try it soon (hopefully later today) -- evelyn burger was the author of the first tarot book i ever got (it also came with a deck) and i still use it -- she's a good writer and it serves as a good reference :)
thanks again -- i'll have to check this book out too :)
EnglishRose
14-09-2006, 19:52
Thank you for posting this spread, i really love the look of it and can't wait to try it out tomorrow.
A friend of mine mentioned this spread to me a few weeks ago and demonstrated it, but i couldn't follow it at all! i loved the name of the spread and have to admit i was a bit disappointed that it doesn't need to be read in a church yard. i'm adding this author to my list of books aswell.