The Spiritual Checkup Spread

The Spiritual Checkup Spread is based on the shamanic understanding that the universe is divided into three worlds: lower, middle and upper. Each world is distinct from the other and provides wisdom as well as medicine. Shamans travel between these worlds, connect with the spirits that reside in each, bring wisdom and medicine back from each world and share it with their tribe and/or community.

Other than being a dimensional place of existence, the three worlds can also be seen as representations of certain aspects of one’s psyche and consciousness:

The Lower World (the unconscious mind or shadow self) is where we go to do soul retrieval or other types of healing. Traveling to the Lower World allows us to find the broken pieces of ourselves or broken pieces our mind that need healing. Once healed, we can begin to integrate those lost soul parts back into our being.

The Middle World (the conscious mind) is where our earthly existence resides: life on Earth. The Middle World is where we live out our soul’s purpose by combining the wisdom and medicine received from the below and the above.

The Upper World (the soul or higher self) is the place of the God(dess) or Spirit. The Upper World is the place where we get some perspective (see all of life through the eyes of the God(dess) or Spirit). Here we receive spiritual wisdom that can enrich our lives as well as the lives of those connected to us.

With the understanding of the three worlds, you can use this spread as a weekly or daily practice to check in with the different worlds that reside within you. Even though you can use any tarot deck for this spread, I highly recommend using a deck that encompasses the same energy as the spread.

There are two shamanic decks that I work with and recommend using for this spread: The Mystical Shaman Oracle and The Shaman’s Oracle. Both of these decks are very powerful and healing.

This three card spread breaks down as follows:

• Position #1 (Lower World) – What broken piece of myself needs to be healed?
• Position #2 (Middle World) – How can I live out my purpose?
• Position #3 (Upper World) – What wisdom does Spirit have for me for my highest good?

Positions 1 & 3 should be read first and with the wisdom gained from them, you can then read the second position.

Pictured above is a spread from an actual reading. I will use it to explain the spread in general terms. The Mystical Shaman Oracle deck was used for this reading.

Lower World (Earth) – The meaning of this card is that Earth is life, and that life is a gift from Spirit. Its a reminder that one should appreciate and lavish in the gifts that Earth along with Spirit brings. On the other hand, the shadow understanding of this (since this resides in the Lower World) is that one could be feeling disconnected from Earth and/or not open to the healing and nurture that Earth gives. This feeling and mindset is what needs to be healed.

Upper World (Completion) – The wisdom of the Upper World is that one needs to recognize when a particular cycle has run its course and that there is no benefit that can be gained from hanging on to it. This could be a relationship that has run its course or a job that no longer is beneficial. Whatever the case may be, it is time to move on and start something new.

Middle World (Flow) – The card in this position is Flow signifying a partnership with Spirit. Just like the ebb and flow of a river, one is called to connect with the ebb and flow of Spirit allowing oneself to be carried on to their destiny.

So let’s sum up this reading. In the Lower World position, one is not in a good mindset and can’t see the wondrous gifts being offered. One of these gifts is the wisdom from the Upper World and Spirit is trying to alert that something is ending but the person is not letting go.

Once the issue in the Lower World has been dealt with, and the wisdom from the Upper World has been accepted and well received, then these two worlds would be in balance so that the person would now be open and willing to live out their soul’s purpose in the Middle World. At this point in time, that could be what ever destiny or destination Spirit is calling this person. It could be a new relationship, new job or new adventure. It all depends on the querent’s focus or question for whom you are doing a reading.

I hope you can see how incredibly powerful this spread can be. If you have questions or need further explanation, feel free to leave a comment below.