Hello! I’m glad you’re here, excited to embark on this fascinating journey of discovery, where we’ll explore the different types of tarot spreads. Throughout this article, we will unveil the secrets that these reading patterns hold and how they can be powerful tools to enhance your interpretations.

Your presence here is not accidental… Your curiosity about the tarot reflects your desire to better understand its mysteries and to delve deeper into the meanings that each card can offer, but beyond the individual meanings of the cards, there is an often overlooked element that can change the way you read and interpret the cards: the types of Tarot spreads.

The spreads are the patterns or dispositions we use when placing the tarot cards for a reading; each one has its purpose, its advantages and its ideal moment to use it, therefore, knowing and understanding these types of spreads can be a real game changer in your interpretations, allowing you to access richer and deeper perspectives.

My goal with this article is to help you discover these patterns, understand their relevance and know when and how to use them to make your Tarot readings more accurate and meaningful. So, let’s begin this journey! I am sure it will be an eye-opening experience.

I. Understanding the Tarot: Beyond the Meanings of the Cards

While it is fundamental to know the meaning of the Tarot cards, understanding the various layouts or spread types is equally crucial. The Tarot is not limited to the isolated interpretation of the cards, but offers a complex and meaningful narrative when considering the interrelationships between the cards in the various types of spreads.

Tarot spreads are like maps that guide our way to the interpretation of the hidden messages in the cards; just as in a map, where each point can have a different meaning depending on its relationship to adjacent points, in Tarot, each card can reveal different aspects of its meaning depending on its position in the spread.

For example, if you are using the Celtic Cross type of spread, each position on the cross represents a different thing: the current situation, challenges or blocks, the past, the future, subconscious influences, and so on…. A Death card in the position of the current situation may indicate a time of change and transformation, while the same card in the position of challenges could suggest a resistance to change.

Therefore, spread types not only provide a structure for card interpretation, but also give greater depth and nuance to the meanings of the cards.

Each reading style has its purpose and is best suited to certain types of questions or situations, therefore, knowing these spread patterns and how to use them will allow you to make more accurate and detailed readings.

Remember that, although the types of spreads provide valuable guidance, Tarot is an intuitive art.

II. Breaking Down the Various Types of Tarot Spreads

The Tarot, with its rich iconography and deep symbolism, offers a variety of spread types or layouts that can be adapted to almost any situation or question. Let’s explore some of the most commonly used ones and how to apply them appropriately.

Single card spread

The “one card spread” is the simplest and most straightforward type of spread. It is ideal for simple questions or to get an overview or advice for the day, however, the lack of additional cards may limit the depth of the interpretation.

Three-card spread

The“three-card tarot spread” offers a surprisingly unlimited breadth, allowing for an infinite number of questions to be addressed, including the classic Yes or No readings.

Generally, these three cards provide enough information for a comprehensive understanding of what needs to be known, eliminating the need for a more extensive spread to answer a query.

If you read me often you will know that this is my favorite type of reading and that I always recommend it, however, its simplicity and brevity, as in a single card spread, may limit the depth of the interpretation in certain cases.

Past, Present, Future Spread

This type of spread uses three cards, each representing the past, present and future respectively, and is useful for understanding the evolution of a situation or problem. Each card influences the other, providing a dynamic perspective of events.

The Simple Cross

The “Simple Cross” is a simple but complete tarot spread. This is one of the simplest spreads through which we can interpret the most important aspects of a problem or situation.
There are several versions, some with 5 cards and others with 6, but in all of them we can analyze a problem and propose a solution. It is advisable, as it is so simple, to use only the Major Arcana.

Celtic Cross

“The Celtic Cross” is one of the best known and most complete reading patterns…. It consists of ten cards, each with its own position and meaning, from the current situation to possible outcomes. It is recommended for deep and complex questions, as it provides a great deal of detailed information.

The Fan

The “Fan Spread” is a classic tarot spread that allows for a detailed look at a specific situation or question. It uses 11 cards to represent aspects such as the present, recent past, hopes, possible changes, and the final outcome. This spread is ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding than that provided by the ‘Celtic Cross’.

Star Spread

This style of spread, consisting of seven cards arranged in the shape of a star, is useful for exploring different aspects of the same question, such as external influences, internal feelings, hopes and possible outcomes.

The Way of Life

Broad and deep, this outline uses the 22 cards of the Major Arcana to explore the life trajectory of the querent, from birth to death. It is a very intense reading and is recommended for those seeking a deep understanding of their life and purpose.

The Horseshoe

The Horseshoe spread is a seven-card reading pattern often used to get an overview of a situation. The cards represent the past, the present, hidden influences, obstacles, external attitudes, advice and the probable outcome.

The Pyramid

“The Pyramid Spread” uses five cards arranged in the shape of a pyramid (two at the base, two in the middle and one at the top), this type of spread can be useful for exploring the different layers of a situation, from the base or root of the problem to the outcome or goal.

Wheel of the Year Spread

This spread uses twelve cards, one for each month of the year, and provides an overview of the next twelve months. It is especially useful for “New Year’s readings” or any time you want a long-term view of the year to come.

Each of these types of spreads has its place and usefulness, and the choice of the most appropriate one depends largely on the nature of the question and the level of detail desired.

It is also important to remember that these types of readings are only guidelines and that the Tarot is a flexible and intuitive art… Feel free to adapt these spreads to your personal style and to the specific needs of each reading. In Tarot, as in life, there is no one right path, but many paths that lead to understanding and self-knowledge.

III. Less Conventional Types of Tarot Spreads

In addition to the more traditional types of spreads, there are many others that, although less known, can provide a wealth of perspectives and nuances in a tarot reading. Here are some of them:

Tree of Life Spread

This is one of the best known readings, but at the same time one of the least understood.

This design is based on the “Kabbalah’s Tree of Life“and uses ten cards (plus one additional card) that correspond to the ten sefirot, or emanations, of the Tree….

It is a powerful tool for exploring the connection between the microcosm (you) and the macrocosm (the universe). Use it when you want to make a very deep analysis of the general state of consciousness in your life or with respect to a particular subject.

Zodiac Spread

This type of spread incorporates the twelve houses of the zodiac into one reading, with one card representing each house; it is especially useful for getting a panoramic view of your life, covering areas such as self, relationships, career and spirituality.

Relationship Spread

Using six cards, it focuses on relationships and is used to better understand the dynamics between two people. Each card represents aspects such as the needs and desires of each individual, the core of the relationship and its possible future.

New Moon Spread

Ideal for harnessing the energy of the new moon, this four-card reading can help set intentions, identify challenges and determine next steps.

These less conventional spreads offer new ways of interacting with the tarot cards and can be especially useful when you are looking for a reading that goes beyond traditional methods.

To learn more about these and other types of tarot spreads, I invite you to explore my other articles and resources… Remember, in tarot practice, there are no limits to innovation and personal exploration.

IV. How to Choose the Appropriate Type of Spread

Selecting the right type of tarot spread may depend on several factors, here are some guidelines to help you make the right decision:

1. The nature of the question

Simple, straightforward questions can often be answered effectively with simpler types of spreads, such as a one- or three-card reading.

On the contrary, if the consultation is more complex, as when it involves several areas of life or people, you may want to use a more detailed type of scheme, such as the Celtic Cross or the Zodiac spread.

2. Your level of experience

If you are just beginning to read tarot cards, it is advisable to start with simpler schemes; as you gain confidence and intuition, you will be able to explore more advanced schemes. Never forget that there is no hurry; tarot is a tool for self-knowledge and reflection, not a race.

3. Your intuition

Many times, your own intuition will guide you to the most appropriate reading scheme for the situation…. If you feel that a specific layout is the right one, even if it is not the one you would normally use for a similar question or situation, it is important to trust that intuition.

4. The energy or emotional state of the consultant

Another consideration that is sometimes overlooked is the mood or energy of the querent, which can influence the choice of scheme. If the querent is agitated or anxious, it may be useful to use a simple and straightforward spread, whereas if the querent is relaxed and open, he or she may be willing to explore more complex or creative reading schemes.

In conclusion, there is no “right” or “wrong” reading scheme. The choice depends on the situation, your level of experience and comfort with the different techniques, and what you feel is most appropriate at the time. Tarot is a flexible and adaptable tool, and you can use it in whatever way you find most useful and meaningful.

V. Empowering Your Tarot Interpretations

Tarot interpretation can be a personal and deeply intuitive practice. Here I provide you with some strategies and techniques to improve your ability to interpret Tarot cards, regardless of the type of spread you have chosen.

1. Connect with your intuition

A fundamental part of tarot reading is the use of your intuition.
Allow yourself to be open to the impressions and feelings that come to you when you look at a card, this can include images, words, emotions, or even memories or imaginary scenarios. Don’t doubt what comes to mind; these are the clues from your subconscious.

2. Know the meanings of the cards…but don’t rely on them alone.

While you don’t need to memorize all the meanings of every card, having a base of knowledge can be helpful, but don’t get caught up in these “official” meanings… Tarot is a flexible tool, and it is important that you develop your own associations and interpretations for the cards.

For example, the Fool card signifies, among other things, a trip… and this will be very timely if you have asked about traveling. But if you have asked if your grandmother will recover from her surgery, evidently the card will not be saying that “she will recover so much that she will soon take a trip”, but rather it will emphasize her sense of new beginnings and beginnings, so she will undoubtedly recover very well.

I always mention that the cards must tell you a story when you see them laid out on the table, there must be a common thread that relates the cards and weaves a message. It is your story, your interpretation, others with the same cards may see other things or understand another story, but you must always trust your intuition, as this is perhaps more important than knowing the meanings by heart.

3. Use the position of the chart to guide your interpretation.

The position of a card in a spread can offer clues as to how to interpret it. For example, a card in a position that represents the past could tell you about how past events are influencing the current situation.

4. Look at the big picture

Make sure you don’t get caught up in the meaning of a single card, try to see how all the cards in the reading relate to each other and form a bigger picture, a “story”.

5. Practice, practice, practice

The best way to improve your tarot interpretation skills is to simply practice. Do readings for yourself, for friends, or even for fictional characters. As you gain experience, you will find yourself becoming more and more comfortable and intuitive with the cards.

6. Continue learning

There is no end to the amount of knowledge you can acquire about tarot, so continue to explore and learn… Read books, attend workshops, join online communities, and continue to expand your understanding and skill with tarot.

Remember, tarot interpretation is a personal skill and there is no “right way” to do it.

The most important thing is that you find a method and style that works for you and helps you get the guidance and clarity you are looking for.

Conclusion

The journey we travel through the Tarot is a path of self-knowledge and discovery, a path that unfolds and is enriched with each card that is revealed. Each of the schemes we have explored here offers a new way of interacting with the cards, of unraveling their secrets and delving deeper into their messages.

Again, there is no single “right way” in Tarot reading, each reader has his or her own style, his or her own intuition and his or her own way of connecting with the cards. The different types of Tarot spreads are tools, guides that can help you structure your readings and make sense of the cards, but at the end of the day, the most important thing is your personal connection with the cards, your willingness to listen to what they have to tell you and your courage to follow their guidance.

So I encourage you to explore, to experiment with different spreads and find the ones that resonate with you; and don’t be afraid to do things your own way, to follow your intuition and create your own path in the Tarot world. Because in the end, that is what Tarot really is: a tool to help you navigate a path, to help you understand your personal worlds and to help you discover your true selves.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the different types of tarot spreads, I hope you have found something of value here, something that will help you in your own practice; and remember, you have a free pass here to come back whenever you like, to learn more and to continue exploring the mysteries and wonders of the Tarot.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions and don’t forget to leave me your comments!

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ