Root Cause Spread #

Introduction #

Some problems keep returning. You address them, they subside, then rise again. These recurring issues have roots that go deeper than their surface appearance suggests. Treating symptoms without understanding causes guarantees repetition.

This spread digs beneath the obvious to find what’s really driving a persistent problem. Like a gardener who must dig up roots to truly remove a weed, you must understand the foundation of your difficulty to truly resolve it.

Use this spread for issues that persist despite your efforts to address them.

The Layout #

1 Surface

↓

2 Beneath

↓

3 Root

↑

4 Resolution

Drawing order: Surface (1), Beneath (2), Root (3), Resolution (4)

The spread digs down through layers, then points toward resolution.

The Positions #

Position 1: The Surface Problem #

What it represents: How the problem appears at the surface level—what you see, what others see, the presenting issue.

This card answers: What is the visible problem?

Reading this position:

This confirms or reframes your stated issue
The surface problem is real but incomplete
It’s the symptom, not the cause

Position 2: What Lies Beneath #

What it represents: The layer below the surface—what feeds the presenting problem from underneath.

This card answers: What contributes to this problem from below?

Reading this position:

This is less visible but closer to the cause
It may reveal patterns or beliefs driving the surface
One step deeper into understanding

Position 3: The Root Cause #

What it represents: The deepest driver of this recurring problem. The origin point, the fundamental cause.

This card answers: What is the root cause of this issue?

Reading this position:

This is the most important card
Addressing this changes everything above it
The root often surprises—it may seem unrelated to the surface

Position 4: The Path to Resolution #

What it represents: How to address the root cause. What will actually resolve the issue at its source.

This card answers: How do I address this at the root?

Reading this position:

This guidance addresses the root, not the surface
It may differ from what you’ve tried before
Following this resolves, not just manages

The Logic of Layers #

Why Problems Recur #

When we treat only symptoms:

We feel temporary relief
The underlying cause remains
The symptom returns, sometimes in different form

True resolution requires addressing causes, not just effects.

The Archeology of Problems #

Think of this spread as archeological:

Layer 1 (Surface): What everyone sees
Layer 2 (Beneath): What shapes what’s seen
Layer 3 (Root): The original source
Layer 4 (Resolution): How to heal from the origin

Working With This Spread #

When to Use It #

Recurring patterns: When the same issue keeps appearing
Failed solutions: When nothing seems to work for long
Mysterious problems: When you can’t understand why something persists
Deep work: When you’re ready to address foundations, not just symptoms
Before major intervention: To ensure you’re treating the right thing

Sample Reading #

Question: “Why do I keep finding myself in conflicts at work?”

Cards Drawn:

Surface: Five of Wands
Beneath: Seven of Swords
Root: The Emperor (reversed)
Resolution: Strength

Reading:

Surface (Five of Wands): The visible problem is conflict itself—competition, disagreement, people at cross-purposes. This confirms your experience: you’re in frequent clash with others.

Beneath (Seven of Swords): Below the conflict is a pattern of indirect action—perhaps not speaking openly, perhaps feeling you must be clever or strategic rather than direct. There may be an undercurrent of mistrust—you watching them, they watching you.

Root (The Emperor reversed): The root cause relates to authority issues—difficulties with power, father wounds, issues with structure and control. Perhaps you struggle with being in authority, or you resist others’ authority, or you had formative experiences with authority figures that left wounds.

Resolution (Strength): The path to resolution is through the Strength archetype—gentle courage, the patient taming of inner beasts. Rather than fighting (Five of Wands) or strategizing (Seven of Swords), address your authority wounds with compassionate self-work. Develop inner Strength that doesn’t need to fight or hide. From this centered power, conflicts naturally diminish.

Synthesis: Your work conflicts (Five of Wands) are fed by patterns of indirect communication (Seven of Swords), which root in unresolved issues with authority (Emperor reversed). The solution isn’t better conflict skills or smarter strategies—it’s inner work on your relationship with power and authority (Strength). Heal the root, and the surface symptoms will shift.

Going Deeper #

After identifying the root cause:

Sit with it: Don’t rush to fix. First, understand and feel the root.
Trace the history: When did this root form? What experiences created it?
Find the protection: What has this root been protecting you from?
Honor before changing: Thank the pattern for trying to help, even if its help no longer serves.
Apply the resolution: Follow Card 4’s guidance consistently over time.

Journaling Prompts #

Surface recognition: Does Card 1 accurately capture how this problem appears? What would others name it?
Beneath exploration: What behaviors or beliefs might Card 2 be pointing to? Can you trace these patterns?
Root honesty: How does Card 3’s root cause feel? Is there resistance or recognition?
Resolution commitment: What specifically would following Card 4’s guidance look like in practice?
Connection mapping: How does each layer connect? Can you see the chain from root to surface?

Affirmation #

I am willing to see the root of my recurring struggles. I dig below the surface with courage. I address causes, not just symptoms. I resolve what has persisted by changing what has driven it.

Recurring problems aren’t failures of effort—they’re invitations to look deeper. This spread helps you see the chain of causation from root to symptom, so your healing work addresses what actually needs addressing.

When you heal the root, the whole plant changes.