How do you read 3x3 - Box Spread

[joy]

Hi Everybody

I am interested to know how you read the 3x3 - box spread.

Some readers read the

1st column: past

2nd column: present

3rd column: future

 

Some seem to do it totally different, concentrating more on the corner cards etc.

 

Do you stick to one method or do you adapt once you see all 9 cards?

[WizardintheWoods]

I mostly use the method described in Andy’s book, Lenormand Thirty Six Cards.  In the book the system he uses to read the portrait spread ( box spread, 3X3, all the same spread) as well as two detailed examples of readings with this spread are right there. Andy uses this for a specific question or a 2-4 week general read. I love this way of reading. 

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13 minutes ago, WizardintheWoods said:

I mostly use the method described in Andy’s book, Lenormand Thirty Six Cards.  In the book the system he uses to read the portrait spread ( box spread, 3X3, all the same spread) as well as two detailed examples of readings with this spread are right there. Andy uses this for a specific question or a 2-4 week general read. I love this way of reading. 

Thanks I do have his book. So once you decided you stick to the method. Got it!

[WizardintheWoods]

Yes, and I learned the hard way, stick to one method!  I have decided to go traditional/folklore which is how Andy reads and I am not looking back. But that said if another style suits you better go for it. At the end of the day what gives you the best results is my gauge to go by. 

[katrinka]

I never do PPF. I do a thing I got from one of Andy's blogs years ago. It can be done in addition to the other things commonly done, or it can be a standalone method. I couldn't tell you if it's totally to specs or if I've tweaked anything over the years - perhaps Andy will show up in due time and weigh in.

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

 

First read the corners, 1+9 and 3+7. That's the boundaries of the spread - and the situation. Then read inner diamond, 2+4+5+6+8, for what will happen. I've had wonderful results with this.

Edited September 6, 2021 by katrinka

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2 hours ago, katrinka said:

I never do PPF. I do a thing I got from one of Andy's blogs years ago. It can be done in addition to the other things commonly done, or it can be a standalone method. I couldn't tell you if it's totally to specs or if I've tweaked anything over the years - perhaps Andy will show up in due time and weigh in.

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

 

First read the corners, 1+9 and 3+7. That's the boundaries of the spread - and the situation. Then read inner diamond, 2+4+5+6+8, for what will happen. I've had wonderful results with this.

Thanks! Yes Andy mentions the corners as important. Do you read the top cards different to the bottom ones or do you read all 4 together?

[katrinka]

I read two pairs: 1+9, and 3+7. But I'm sure reading all 4 together would also work.

[Decan]

I had tons of struggles with Lenormand 🙃, not because it is really complicated, but because of views and methods about it (the topic is sadly a little overwhelming these days).

 

So, if I have clear resources for other decks, for Lenormand I have a notebook with things that I picked up, from Andy, Chanah, Katrinka (alphabetical order only here) and so on; but my notebook isn't a salad cream either! 😁

With a box of 3x3, I read the corners first (the main influences which impact the matter); then I read the vertical line (2-5-8) with a sense of "present", then the horizontal line (4-5-6), so I read the central cross.

The central card in the middle is essential (and the cards above weight on the cards below).

Additionally, the first column could be the past (or related), the middle is generally the present as I said, and the last could be the futur, but I'm flexible with that.

So the way I read a box is a little intuitive (no rigid rules, but rules).

 

And not years of practice too, so listen Katrinka of course!

[joy]

20 hours ago, katrinka said:

I read two pairs: 1+9, and 3+7. But I'm sure reading all 4 together would also work.

That is interesting, thanks!

[joy]

14 hours ago, Decan said:

I had tons of struggles with Lenormand 🙃, not because it is really complicated, but because of views and methods about it (the topic is sadly a little overwhelming these days).

 

So, if I have clear resources for other decks, for Lenormand I have a notebook with things that I picked up, from Andy, Chanah, Katrinka (alphabetical order only here) and so on; but my notebook isn't a salad cream either! 😁

With a box of 3x3, I read the corners first (the main influences which impact the matter); then I read the vertical line (2-5-8) with a sense of "present", then the horizontal line (4-5-6), so I read the central cross.

The central card in the middle is essential (and the cards above weight on the cards below).

Additionally, the first column could be the past (or related), the middle is generally the present as I said, and the last could be the futur, but I'm flexible with that.

So the way I read a box is a little intuitive (no rigid rules, but rules).

 

And not years of practice too, so listen Katrinka of course!

Thanks, that is interesting too!

[joy]

So I think I will take note of all those variations and try it out. See what difference answers I will get. That is indeed interesting!

[selena]

On 9/6/2021 at 9:17 PM, katrinka said:

I never do PPF. I do a thing I got from one of Andy's blogs years ago. It can be done in addition to the other things commonly done, or it can be a standalone method. I couldn't tell you if it's totally to specs or if I've tweaked anything over the years - perhaps Andy will show up in due time and weigh in.

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

 

First read the corners, 1+9 and 3+7. That's the boundaries of the spread - and the situation. Then read inner diamond, 2+4+5+6+8, for what will happen. I've had wonderful results with this.

That is how I read the 3 x 3, too.  Sometimes I will also consider 1 + 3 + 8 and 7 + 9 + 2.  

 

If asked to look at a situation I might use a past, present and future division but prefer this scheme:

 

07 08 09

06 05 04

01 02  03

 

The past is 01, 02 and 03 and the future 07, 08, 09. I got this from both the 5 x 5 and older writers, such as Kent and Minetta. The left column can be challenges or what not to do. The right column the opposite.  

[katrinka]

Well, hello!
The extra information looks like it's definitely worth using. Thank you!

Edited September 8, 2021 by katrinka

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Thanks @selenafor the great input!