The Most Common Tarot Spreads and How to Use Them

Download PDF

When you start exploring tarot, you’ll quickly encounter the term “tarot spreads.” A tarot spread is a specific arrangement of cards used during a reading to help organize and interpret the messages you receive. Each spread has its own structure, with different card positions representing aspects like past events, present challenges, or future possibilities.

Using tarot spreads can provide clarity, focus, and insight into your questions. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to the most common tarot spreads, explain how they work, and share tips for using them effectively in your readings.

1. One-Card Spread – Quick Guidance and Reflection

The one-card spread is perfect for quick advice or daily reflection. This spread involves drawing a single card to answer a specific question or provide insight into your day.

When to Use It:

• For a simple, direct answer to a question.
• As a daily practice to gain guidance or inspiration.

Example:

You ask, “What should I focus on today?” You draw the Ace of Cups, which suggests focusing on emotional renewal and nurturing relationships.

Tip: Journaling your daily card pulls can help you track patterns and deepen your connection to the cards over time.

2. Three-Card Spread – Past, Present, Future

The three-card spread is a versatile and beginner-friendly spread. It’s commonly used to explore past influences, present circumstances, and future outcomes related to a situation.

Card Positions:

1. Past: What past events or decisions are influencing the situation?
2. Present: What is happening right now?
3. Future: What potential outcome or next step lies ahead?

Example:

You’re asking about your career direction.

• Past: The Eight of Swords shows that fear and self-doubt previously held you back.
• Present: The Knight of Pentacles suggests you’re currently focused on steady, disciplined work.
• Future: The Ten of Pentacles indicates long-term success and financial stability if you stay the course.

Tip: You can modify this spread to explore other themes, such as mind-body-spirit or opportunity-challenge-advice.

3. Celtic Cross Spread – In-Depth Analysis

The Celtic Cross is one of the most well-known and detailed tarot spreads. It provides a comprehensive view of your situation, highlighting both internal and external influences.

Card Positions:

1. Present Situation: What is happening right now?
2. Challenge: What obstacle are you facing?
3. Subconscious Influence: What hidden thoughts or feelings are affecting you?
4. Past Influence: What past event is impacting the present?
5. Conscious Goals: What are you actively striving for?
6. Near Future: What will happen next?
7. Self-Perception: How do you see yourself in this situation?
8. External Influence: How do others or circumstances affect you?
9. Hopes and Fears: What are your hopes or fears related to the outcome?
10. Final Outcome: What is the likely result if things continue as they are?

Example:

You’re asking about your love life. The Challenge card is the Five of Swords, indicating conflict or misunderstandings. The Final Outcome card, The Lovers, suggests that balance and harmony can be restored through communication and understanding.

Tip: Because this spread is more complex, take your time to reflect on each position and how the cards relate to one another.

4. Relationship Spread – Understanding Relationships

This spread is designed to explore romantic, platonic, or family relationships, helping you understand both perspectives and areas for growth.

Card Positions:

1. Your View: How do you see the relationship?
2. Their View: How does the other person see the relationship?
3. Challenges: What obstacles are affecting the relationship?
4. Advice: What steps can improve the relationship?
5. Outcome: What is the likely future of the relationship?

Example:

You’re concerned about a friendship.

• Your View: The Three of Cups shows that you value shared joy and social connection.
• Their View: The Four of Swords suggests they may need more space or rest.
• Advice: The Page of Pentacles encourages open communication and learning from each other.

Tip: Use this spread to gain empathy and insight into both sides of the relationship.

5. Five-Card Spread – Expanded Insight

The five-card spread provides more depth than the three-card spread while remaining simple enough for quick readings. It’s often used to analyze challenges and potential solutions.

Card Positions:

1. Situation: What is the current situation?
2. Challenge: What is blocking progress?
3. Advice: What action should you take?
4. External Influence: What factors outside your control are affecting the situation?
5. Outcome: What is the likely result of your actions?

Example:

You’re asking about a job opportunity.

• Challenge: The Seven of Cups suggests confusion or too many options.
• Advice: The King of Swords advises you to approach the decision logically and seek expert advice.

Tip: You can customize the positions based on your needs, such as focusing on strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

6. Career Spread – Professional Goals and Growth

This spread focuses on career advancement, job opportunities, or work challenges. It helps you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and next steps.

Card Positions:

1. Current Role: What is your current position or mindset in your career?
2. Strengths: What skills or qualities are helping you?
3. Challenges: What obstacles do you face?
4. Advice: What can you do to advance your career?
5. Future: What opportunities or changes are ahead?

Example:

The Current Role card is the Eight of Pentacles, showing that you are dedicated to skill development. The Advice card, The Star, suggests staying optimistic and focusing on long-term goals.

Tip: Use this spread during major career transitions or when setting professional goals.

7. Decision-Making Spread – Choosing Between Options

When faced with a difficult choice, this spread can help you compare your options and gain clarity.

Card Positions:

1. Option 1: What are the pros and cons of the first option?
2. Option 2: What are the pros and cons of the second option?
3. Advice: What guidance does the tarot offer for making your decision?

Example:

You’re deciding between two job offers. Option 1 is represented by the Knight of Wands (fast-paced and exciting), while Option 2 is the Ten of Pentacles (stable and financially rewarding). The Advice card, The Hermit, suggests taking time to reflect on your long-term goals.

Tip: Trust your intuition when interpreting each option’s energy.

8. Year Ahead Spread – Planning for the Future

This spread is ideal for New Year’s readings or setting intentions for the coming months. It provides a month-by-month overview of what to expect.

Card Positions:

• One card for each month of the year, highlighting key themes and events.

Example:

For March, you draw the Three of Wands, indicating expansion and new opportunities. For August, the Four of Swords suggests a need for rest and recovery.

Tip: Reflect on each card’s message to set realistic goals and priorities for the year.

Tarot spreads are valuable tools for organizing your thoughts and gaining deeper insight into your life. Whether you prefer a simple one-card draw or a detailed Celtic Cross spread, the key is to choose spreads that resonate with your questions and intentions. Over time, you’ll develop your own preferences and even create custom spreads tailored to your needs.

Ready to dive in? Grab your deck, choose a spread, and let the cards guide you on your journey!