The 8 Most Popular Types of Tarot Spreads

When you explore the world of Tarot, one of the foundational elements you will encounter is the Tarot card spread. Tarot spread is a way of arranging cards in different positions, suitable for each theme.  Popular spreads in the Tarot community include concise 1-card and 3-card layouts, nuanced 5-card, 10-card and 12-card configurations, as well as the Celtic Cross, horseshoe and letter H patterns is symbolic, and pyramidal or circular…. Tarot spread and drawing, when done correctly, will bring the highest efficiency to the reader.

What are Tarot Spreads?

Tarot spreads are ways of arranging cards with a specific purpose. The cards will be interpreted according to their common meaning, combined with the arrangement and influence of the cards, creating a close connection with adjacent cards.

Currently, there are many different ways of spreading Tarot cards, each with distinct meanings and representing different themes. Therefore,  you need to have an accurate spread for your customers’ problems, to have a closer connection with the cards.

Each position in a spread has its own meaning. For example, in a three-card spread, you can interpret the cards in terms of the past, present, and future. On the other hand, more complex spreads, like the Celtic Cross, offer deeper insights by assigning individual meanings to each card position, allowing you to explore many different aspects of a question or situation.

As you gain more insight and practice, you’ll discover that certain spreads resonate more with specific queries. While some spreads may be best suited to examining relationships, others can be adapted to questions about career or personal development. Familiarizing yourself with a variety of spreads can greatly enhance the depth and accuracy of your readings.

Remember, although the cards provide guidance, it is your intuition and interpretive skills that bring life to the spread.  As you gain experience, you may even feel compelled to create your own readings, tailoring them specifically to your needs or those of your querent.

8 Most Popular Tarot Card Spreads

Professional Tarot card readers are those who are able to spread cards with the highest accuracy. However, nowadays information about Tarot is very popular so anyone can learn and research to become a Tarot reader or read cards for themselves, friends and people around them.

If you are interested in this, LotusBuddhas will introduce you to the eight most popular types of Tarot spreads and how to do them for your reference:

1. Three-Card Spread

The Three-Card spread is one of the simplest and most versatile Tarot spreads, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. Its simplicity belies its power and with its focused purpose it can provide profound insights into various aspects of life.

Three-Card spreads traditionally represent the past, present, and future. Each card drawn corresponds to one of these time frames, providing clarity on how a situation is unfolding.

However,  the beauty of this spread is its adaptability. You can modify its context to suit a variety of questions. For example, you can interpret the cards according to:

• Situation, Challenge, and Guidance
• Mind, Body, and Spirit
• What You Want, What They Want, and Outcome (in relationship contexts)
• Strength, Weakness, and Advice

How to Execute the Three-Card Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Before shuffling the deck, take a moment to ground yourself. Formulate a clear question or intent in your mind. The clearer and more specific you are, the more precise the guidance from the cards will be.

2. Shuffling the Cards: Hold the deck in your dominant hand and shuffle, keeping your question in mind. There are various shuffling methods, but the key is to mix the cards while focusing on your intention.

3. Drawing the Cards: Once you feel the deck is adequately shuffled, draw three cards from the top or wherever you feel drawn. Lay them out in a row from left to right.

4. Interpreting the Cards: The leftmost card represents the first aspect (e.g., past or situation), the middle card the second aspect (e.g., present or challenge), and the rightmost card the third aspect (e.g., future or guidance). Examine each card in its position, noting its traditional meaning and how its imagery speaks to you. How do the cards interact? Are there recurring symbols? Does a particular color stand out?

5. Integrating the Message: Take a moment to reflect on the cards’ collective message. Remember that while traditional meanings are essential, your intuition plays a pivotal role in the interpretation process.

2. Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross spread is arguably one of the most comprehensive and famous Tarot spreads used by Tarot readers around the world. With its deep history and complex structure, it offers a thorough exploration of any situation or question, revealing hidden currents, challenges and potential.

The Celtic Cross spread uses ten cards, each occupying a designated position to convey a specific meaning. This spread paints an overall picture, dissecting a scenario into many different components, from foundations and past influences to upcoming events.

How to Execute the Celtic Cross Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Before drawing any cards, ground yourself and focus on your question or the situation you wish to explore. A clear intent ensures the cards you draw resonate more accurately with your query.

2. Shuffling the Cards:  With your question in mind, shuffle the Tarot deck. When you feel it’s time, stop shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Start drawing ten cards, laying them out according to the traditional Celtic Cross formation.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1 (Center): This represents the present situation or your current state of mind.
• Card 2 (Crossed over Card 1): This indicates the immediate challenges or obstacles you’re facing. It can be a counterforce or something enhancing the first card.
• Card 3 (Below Center): This shows the foundation of the situation, often representing your past or what has led you to this point.
• Card 4 (Left of Center): Symbolizing the past and how it influences the present, it can shed light on events or feelings that are still affecting you.
• Card 5 (Above Center): Representing potential outcomes or where things are headed, it gives a glimpse of the immediate future.
• Card 6 (Right of Center): This card highlights upcoming events in the more distant future or the eventual outcome.
• Card 7 (Below Card 3): This spotlights your beliefs, emotions, or internal energies about the situation.
• Card 8 (To the left of Card 7): Denoting external influences, this might represent other people’s perceptions, energies, or external events that impact the situation.
• Card 9 (Above Card 8): This card conveys your hopes, fears, or expectations regarding the situation.
• Card 10 (Above Card 9): Signifying the final outcome or the resolution, this offers a culmination of all energies and events.

5. Synthesizing the Reading: As you view the cards, pay attention to the overall narrative, the flow of energies, and any patterns. Your interpretation should not just be isolated to each card’s position but also how they relate to each other. Your intuitive insights will be just as crucial as traditional card meanings.

3. Horseshoe Spread

The Horseshoe spread is an old Tarot spread known for its ability to provide a comprehensive view of a situation without the complexity of the Celtic Cross. Comprised of seven cards, it offers a comprehensive picture of past, present and future energies, along with challenges, outside influences and advice.

Arranged in a horseshoe shape, this spread moves chronologically from past to future while providing insight into many different aspects of a situation.  It is flexible, suitable for many questions and provides a more detailed reading than a simple three-card spread.

How to Execute the Horseshoe Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Before interacting with your deck, take a moment to ground yourself and clarify your question or focus. This concentration ensures the energies guiding your card selection align with your inquiry.

2. Shuffling the Cards: Holding your query in mind, shuffle the Tarot deck. When you intuitively feel it’s time to stop, cease shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Pull seven cards and place them in a horseshoe shape, starting from the left and moving to the right.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1 (Far Left): This card represents the past and the events or energies that have led to the present situation. It’s the foundation upon which the current scenario rests.
• Card 2: This denotes the present and the current state of the situation. It reflects where you are now and the energies surrounding you.
• Card 3: Here, the obstacles or challenges you might face are revealed. It’s an indication of potential hurdles in your path.
• Card 4: This card showcases what’s on your subconscious mind – your hidden feelings, desires, or fears that might influence the situation.
• Card 5: Denoting external influences, this card highlights outside factors, people, or events that might affect the situation or your perception of it.
• Card 6: This spotlights the immediate future and the path you’re currently on. It’s a snapshot of events or energies that will soon come into play.
• Card 7 (Far Right): Serving as the conclusion, this card provides the potential outcome or resolution, summarizing the energies of the previous cards.

5. Drawing Conclusions: Observe the overall narrative formed by the cards. Consider not just individual card meanings but also the relationships between them. How do they flow? Are there recurring themes or symbols? Trust your intuition to guide you in synthesizing the reading’s message.

The Horseshoe spread is a spread loved by many Tarot enthusiasts. As you practice and use this layout, you will find it to be an invaluable tool for gaining clarity, foresight, and guidance in various situations in life.

4. Relationship Spread

The Relationship spread is a specialized Tarot layout designed to explore the dynamics between two individuals, that can be romantic, platonic or familial. Through this spread, you can better understand each person’s feelings, perspectives, and the potential direction of the relationship. It provides clarity on both the harmonious and challenging aspects, allowing you to understand and navigate the complexities of interpersonal connections.

The Relationship spread typically consists of seven cards, but variations can expand or reduce the number of cards based on the depth of the question. The composition provides a snapshot of the energies of both individuals and the composite nature of their relationship.

How to Execute the Relationship Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Begin by grounding yourself, ensuring you’re centered and calm. Clearly articulate the relationship or individuals you’re inquiring about.

2. Shuffling the Cards: As you shuffle the Tarot deck, hold the essence of the relationship in your mind. Once you feel intuitively ready, stop shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Draw seven cards, placing them in the designated positions of the Relationship Spread.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1: This card represents your feelings, desires, and perspectives in the relationship. It captures your emotional and mental state concerning the other individual.
• Card 2: Positioned opposite Card 1, this represents the other person’s feelings, desires, and viewpoints. It provides a glimpse into their mindset and emotions concerning you.
• Card 3: This card, often placed above the first two, highlights the foundation or basis of the relationship. It speaks to shared experiences, history, or what brings the two individuals together.
• Card 4: Placed below the first two cards, this reveals the challenges or obstacles the relationship might face. It can indicate external pressures, internal conflicts, or differing aspirations.
• Card 5: Positioned to the left, this card offers insights into your connection’s strengths or what works well between the two of you.
• Card 6: Opposite Card 5, this card delves into the shared goals, dreams, or aspirations you both hold for the future.
• Card 7: Situated centrally below all the cards, this card synthesizes the overall energies, indicating the potential outcome or trajectory of the relationship.

5. Interpreting the Message: Analyze the cards not just in their individual positions but in relation to one another. For instance, how do Cards 1 and 2 converse? What story is being told? Are there contrasting or harmonizing energies? Trust your intuition to weave together the narrative.

5. T-Shaped Spread

The T-shaped spread, as its name suggests, involves arranging the cards in the shape of a “T”. This Tarot spread is ideal for decision making, presenting many different aspects of a situation to aid clarity and understanding.  It gets to the heart of the problem, possible challenges, external influences and offers advice as well as potential outcomes.

Usually consisting of five cards, the T-shaped spread is short but profound. Each card in the spread occupies a specific position that brings clarity to a specific aspect of the situation.

How to Execute the T-Shaped Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Begin by grounding yourself. Reflect on the situation or decision you’re facing, and form a clear and specific question.

2. Shuffling the Cards: As you shuffle the Tarot deck, concentrate on your query. When you sense it’s the right moment, cease shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Select five cards and place them in the T-shape formation.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1 (Base of the T): Positioned centrally, this card represents the present situation, the core of the matter, or your current state of mind concerning the issue.
• Card 2 (Top Left of the T): This card indicates the past factors or events that have influenced or led to the current situation. It provides context and background.
• Card 3 (Top Center of the T): Directly above Card 1, this card offers insight into potential challenges or obstacles related to the situation.
• Card 4 (Top Right of the T): This card sheds light on external influences. It can reveal how other people or external events might impact or shape the situation.
• Card 5 (Below Card 1): Positioned at the base, this card provides guidance, advice, or the potential outcome based on the current energies and influences.

5. Interpreting the Message: Examine the cards not just in their designated positions but also in relation to each other. How do the cards interact? What patterns or themes emerge? Your intuitive insights, combined with traditional card meanings, will help you weave together the narrative and draw conclusions.

6. Career Spread

The Career spread is created to solve questions related to your professional life. Whether you’re considering a career change, looking for insights into work motivation, or curious about future opportunities, this spread will provide valuable perspective. Typically consisting of seven cards, the Career Spread delves into your current status, challenges, influences, and potential future path in your career field.

This type of spread provides a comprehensive overview of your career trajectory, considering both internal factors (such as your emotions and aspirations) and external influences (such as motivation) at work or market trends)…

How to Execute the Career Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Begin by grounding yourself, centering your energy on your career concerns. Frame a clear question or focus regarding your professional journey.

2. Shuffling the Cards: Holding your career-related inquiry in mind, shuffle the Tarot deck. When your intuition signals, cease shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Extract seven cards and arrange them as guided for the Career Spread.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1: This card, placed centrally, represents your current position in your career or the primary energies surrounding your professional life now.
• Card 2: Positioned to the left of Card 1, this offers insights into the challenges or obstacles you might be facing in your career.
• Card 3: To the right of Card 1, this card provides a glimpse into the opportunities or advantages available to you in the professional arena.
• Card 4: Positioned above Card 1, it showcases your goals, aspirations, or what you’re aiming to achieve career-wise.
• Card 5: Positioned below Card 1, this card reflects your feelings or subconscious attitudes about your job or profession.
• Card 6: To the left of Card 5, this reveals external influences on your career. It could denote market trends, opinions of colleagues, or broader industry shifts.
• Card 7: To the right of Card 5, this card projects the likely outcome or future direction of your career based on current energies and actions.

5. Interpreting the Message: Engage with the cards holistically. Consider how each card relates to the others and the overarching narrative they form. Recognize patterns, repeating symbols, and the flow of the story. Your intuitive grasp, coupled with the traditional meanings of the cards, will guide your interpretation.

7. Pentagram Spread

Inspired by the pentagram, the Pentagram spread is a versatile Tarot spread that delves into many different aspects of a specific question.  Drawing on the symbolic power of the five-pointed star, which represents the union of the five elements (earth, water, air, fire and spirit), this spread offers an in-depth and balanced look at the your question. It could be about relationships, career, personal, growth or other areas.

How to Execute the Pentagram Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Center yourself, allowing your mind to focus on the question or situation at hand. Seek clarity in your intention, ensuring your energies are aligned with the query.

2. Shuffling the Cards: While contemplating your question, shuffle the Tarot deck. When you feel an internal nudge, stop shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Extract five cards and place them in the shape of a pentagram.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1 (Topmost Point): Associated with Spirit. This card provides an overarching message or guidance about the situation. It represents the divine or universal energies at play.
• Card 2 (Top Left Point): Representing Water. This card delves into your emotions, intuition, and subconscious feelings related to the query.
• Card 3 (Top Right Point): Linked to Air. It offers insights into your thoughts, beliefs, or the intellectual aspects surrounding the situation.
• Card 4 (Bottom Left Point): Symbolizing Earth. This card speaks to the material or practical facets, revealing challenges or resources available to you in the physical realm.
• Card 5 (Bottom Right Point): Reflecting Fire. This card addresses action, motivation, or the energies propelling you forward or holding you back.

5. Interpreting the Message: Engage deeply with each card’s position and its elemental association. How does the water card’s emotional insight relate to the action indicated by the fire card? Is there harmony or tension between thoughts and feelings? Beyond individual card meanings, seek the broader narrative woven by the spread. Trust your intuition and knowledge to decode the pentagram’s wisdom.

8. Year Ahead Spread

Year Ahead spread is a Tarot layout designed to provide insight, guidance and foresight for the 12 months ahead. This spread can shed light on potential challenges and opportunities you may encounter each month, providing you with a roadmap to navigate the year with awareness and preparation.

This spread includes 12 cards, each card corresponding to a month in the upcoming year. An optional 13th card can be drawn to represent the overall theme or energy of the year.

How to Execute the Year Ahead Spread

1. Setting the Intent: Ground yourself, drawing your focus to the anticipation of the year to come. Hold a clear intention of seeking insights for the upcoming 12 months.

2. Shuffling the Cards:  While concentrating on the year ahead, shuffle the Tarot deck. When you feel intuitively ready, stop shuffling.

3. Drawing the Cards: Draw 12 cards in sequence, laying them out in a circular or linear formation. If desired, draw a 13th card and place it in the center or at the start/end of the sequence.

4. Positional Meanings and Interpretation:

• Card 1: Represents January (or the next upcoming month if you’re not starting in January) and the energies, challenges, or opportunities that month may hold.
• Card 2: Corresponds to February and so on, following the sequence until Card 12, which represents December.
• Card 3 (Optional): Symbolizes the overarching theme, lesson, or energy for the year.

5. Interpreting the Message: Examine each card individually, considering its implications for the respective month. Look for patterns, repetitions, or themes that might run across multiple months. Does a particular suit or number dominate? Are there more Major or Minor Arcana cards? Such observations can provide deeper layers of understanding. For the 13th card, consider how its energy might interplay with each month or the year as a whole.

6. Journaling: Given the expansive nature of this spread, you might find it helpful to journal your interpretations. This allows you to revisit your insights, track the accuracy of your readings, and reflect on your journey as the year progresses.

The Year Ahead spread is a powerful tool that helps you prepare for volatility in the coming months.  Through the useful information drawn from this spread, you can approach the new year with foresight, confidence and proactive thinking, ready to seize opportunities and cope with challenges.