Spreads (Card Layout Methods)

What is a Spread?

A spread is a method of arranging Tarot cards in a specific pattern. Each position has a specific meaning, and the appropriate spread is chosen according to the content of the question and the information sought.

Basic Principles of Spreads

1. Selection According to Purpose

• Simple Questions: One-card draw, three-card draw.
• Complex Situations: Celtic Cross, Horseshoe.
• Understanding Chronology: Past, Present, Future spread.
• Relationship Analysis: Relationship spread.

2. Meaning of Each Position

Each position in a spread has a unique meaning:

• Basic Situation: Current state.
• Past Influence: Background or cause.
• Future Possibility: Expected outcome.
• Advice: Recommended action.

3. Card Relationships

• Interaction of adjacent cards.
• Contrast of diagonally opposite cards.
• Confirmation of overall balance.

Basic Spreads

One Card Draw

Purpose: Daily guidance, simple advice. Procedure:

1. Clarify the question.
2. Shuffle the cards.
3. Draw one card and interpret.

Example Questions:

• What is today’s theme?
• What should I be aware of in this situation?
• What advice do I need now?

Three Card Spread

Basic Layout:

[1] [2] [3]

General Meanings:

• Card 1: Past / Situation / Problem.
• Card 2: Present / Action / Process.
• Card 3: Future / Outcome / Solution.

Variations:

• Situation, Action, Result.
• Mind, Body, Spirit.
• Conscious, Subconscious, Superconscious.
• You, Other Person, Relationship.

Five Card Spread

Layout:

    [2]
[1] [3] [4]
    [5]

Meaning of Each Position:

• Card 1: Past influence.
• Card 2: Possible future.
• Card 3: Current situation.
• Card 4: Near future.
• Card 5: Final outcome.

Intermediate Spreads

Celtic Cross

Layout:

      [4]
[5] [1][2] [6]
      [3]
        
    [10]
    [9]
    [8]
    [7]

Meaning of Each Position:

1. Current Situation: The core of the question.
2. Obstacle/Challenge: The challenge faced.
3. Distant Past: Fundamental background.
4. Possible Future: If things continue as they are.
5. Recent Past: Recent events.
6. Near Future: Developments in the near future.
7. Your Approach: Inner attitude.
8. External Influences: Surrounding circumstances.
9. Hopes and Fears: Inner emotions.
10. Final Outcome: The ultimate result.

Horseshoe Spread

Layout:

[1]     [7]
  [2] [6]
    [3][5]
    [4]

Meaning of Each Position:

1. Past: Background of the situation.
2. Present: Current situation.
3. Hidden Influences: Unseen factors.
4. Obstacles: Challenges to overcome.
5. External Influences: Environmental impact.
6. Recommended Action: Suggested course of action.
7. Outcome: Final result.

Relationship Spreads

Relationship Spread

Layout:

[1]   [2]
  [3]
[4]   [5]
  [6]

Meaning of Each Position:

1. Your Feelings: Your current emotions.
2. Other Person’s Feelings: The other person’s current emotions.
3. Current State of Relationship: The state of your relationship.
4. Your Challenge: What you need to work on.
5. Other Person’s Challenge: What the other person needs to work on.
6. Future of Relationship: Direction of relationship development.

Partnership Spread

Layout:

    [3]
[1]     [2]
[4]  [5]  [6]
    [7]

Meaning of Each Position:

1. Your Contribution: Your role in the relationship.
2. Other Person’s Contribution: The other person’s role in the relationship.
3. Relationship Strengths: Good points of your relationship.
4. Your Challenges: Areas you need to improve.
5. Shared Challenges: Common issues.
6. Other Person’s Challenges: Areas the other person needs to improve.
7. Future of Relationship: Direction of relationship development.

Time-Specific Spreads

Year Spread

Layout: 12 cards arranged clockwise.

    [12] [1] [2]
[11]           [3]
[10]           [4]
[9]            [5]
    [8] [7] [6]

Meaning of Each Position:

• Cards 1-12: Theme for each month from January to December.

Seasonal Spread

Layout:

  [1]
[4] [5] [2]
  [3]

Meaning of Each Position:

1. Spring: New beginnings, growth.
2. Summer: Peak period, activity.
3. Autumn: Harvest, evaluation.
4. Winter: Rest, introspection.
5. Center: Theme throughout the year.

Spreads for Decision Making

Choice Spread

Layout:

    [1]
[2]     [3]
[4]     [5]
    [6]

Meaning of Each Position:

1. Current Situation: The situation requiring a decision.
2. Option A: First option.
3. Option B: Second option.
4. Result of A: Outcome if Option A is chosen.
5. Result of B: Outcome if Option B is chosen.
6. Best Advice: Advice for making the decision.

How to Choose a Spread

By Question Type

General Situation Check

• Three-card draw, five-card draw.

Complex Life Consultation

• Celtic Cross, Horseshoe.

Love & Relationships

• Relationship spread, Partnership spread.

Future Planning

• Year spread, Seasonal spread.

Important Decisions

• Choice spread, Decision spread.

By Experience Level

Beginner

• One-card draw → Three-card draw → Five-card draw.

Intermediate

• Celtic Cross, Horseshoe, Relationship spread.

Advanced

• Compound spreads, Original spreads.

Notes on Performing Spreads

Preparation Phase

1. Prepare a clear question.
2. Create a focused environment.
3. Select the appropriate spread.

Execution Phase

1. Shuffle the cards thoroughly.
2. Confirm the meaning of each position.
3. Value intuition.

Interpretation Phase

1. Understand the meaning of individual cards.
2. Examine the relationships between cards.
3. Read the overall message.

Summary

Spreads are a crucial element that determines the accuracy and depth of Tarot readings. Choose the appropriate spread according to the content of your question and your experience level, and master it through continuous practice.

Start with simple spreads and gradually challenge more complex ones to improve your Tarot reading skills.

Next Steps

• Practical Reading Guide - A practical guide to divination.
• Frequently Asked Questions - Resolving questions about Tarot reading.
• Glossary - Tarot terminology.