I was working through the April Tarot Challenge and on Day 5, one of the prompts was “Where does my fire seek movement?” and I pulled 3 of Swords. I felt like this was a call to burn through my lingering pain from past heartbreaks, not just to destroy it, but to transform it in something that better serves me. So I started thinking of rituals that I could do to accomplish this, but I wanted to better understand this pain…these shadows. I asked ChatGPT to help me come up with a shadow work spread to help process this pain and the following was what it suggested:
1. The Wound
What is the heart of the pain that still lingers?
This card reveals the nature of the wound—what it’s really about underneath the surface.
2. The Echo
How does this pain still live in me today?
Where and how this wound continues to echo in your behavior, thoughts, relationships, or body.
3. The Mask
What have I told myself about this pain that is no longer true?
This reveals any false narratives, coping mechanisms, or beliefs that once protected you but now hold you back.
4. The Flame
What inner fire can I summon to help me release it?
This card speaks to your inner strength, clarity, or anger—whatever energy you can safely tap into to aid the release.
5. The Offering
What part of me is ready to be given to the fire?
This is what you’re being asked to surrender. A specific memory, identity, dynamic, or emotional residue.
6. The Ash
What remains after the fire? What truth endures?
The essence of you that cannot be burned away—your core self, your wisdom, your resilience.
7. The Seed
What can grow in the space this pain once occupied?
A new intention, practice, or part of you that’s ready to thrive in the fertile soil left behind.
Optional Card (pull at the end, or after ritual):
8. Message from the Flames
What final wisdom does the fire offer me?
This can be an oracle card, a tarot card, or a free-draw moment where spirit speaks directly.
I personally found this spread to be very powerful and cathartic. I was moved to tears and felt physical sensations of release and it definitely gave me a lot to reflect on. As with any shadow work, perhaps consider if you are ready for this level of shadow work before embarking on this reading. Because for me, it was very intense. I’m glad I did it though. It was exactly what I was hoping for.
I decided to share it here in case it might be useful to anyone else.
I hope it helps!