Tarot Card Spreads

There are no rules for the type of spread a reader should use, and laying out more cards does not always mean a more detailed and accurate reading. Tarot readers may even create their own spreads to get a reading that is clear to them.

Commonly Used Tarot Card Spreads

There are a few spreads that are used more often than others. These spreads are usually for general readings, and are often the type of spread recommended for those new to the tarot. These spreads are also popular because they seem to offer accurate readings. Let's examine a few simple spreads.

The One Card Spread

This spread is simply done by selecting a random card from the tarot deck and interpreting the answer to the query by reading the message within the single card. This is good practice. Select a card each morning, and interpret it as your message for the day.

The Three Card Spread

Simple but detailed, this spread can be used to represent the past, present and future. The situation, the issues and the outcome can also be read in a three card layout. The cards may be placed side by side or in a triad position with the first card at the top, the second card in the lower right position, and the third card in the lower left position.

The Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross spread is used quite frequently in tarot readings. This is a ten card spread. There is an in depth description of this layout in the Love to Know article Basic Tarot for Beginners.

Tarot Card Spreads for Different Situations

There are times when a tarot reader will want to use a spread which addresses a particular topic or circumstance. Some readers may always use a spread like the Celtic Cross because that is how they best interpret the messages from the cards. It is an individual choice, and using any spread you wish is fine. The best tarot card spread is the one that makes you feel comfortable with reading the cards so that the reading comes with ease.

There are many unique spreads that you may wish to try out for your readings. Some examples are:

• The Half Moon Spread: This is a five card layout arranged in the shape of a crescent moon. It provides insight into the present situation, the expectations, the unexpected, the immediate future and possible long term outcome.

• The Annual Tarot Spread: For this spread, twelve cards are placed in a circle to represent each of the twelve months of the year. The first card is placed in the 9 o' clock position and the subsequent eleven cards are arranged in clockwise order. A thirteenth card is placed in the center of the circle to give an overall reading for the year. This layout gives a nice general reading.

• Relationship Cross: This spread is often used to help the querent clarify their standing in a relationship. This cross consists of five cards. The first card represents the querent and is on the left side. The second card represents the other party, and is on the right side. The third card represents the past and the basis for the relationship, it lays below the fourth card, which is placed between the first and second cards. The fourth card represents the current dynamic and issues in the relationship. The fifth card is directly above the fourth card. It represents the future possibilities for the relationship.

More Information About Tarot Spreads

There are so many layouts for so many types of readings, it would be impossible to list them all here. There are several books on this topic.

The Aeclectic Tarot Website offers a very reasonably priced e-book for download. It is entitled Aeclectic Tarot Spreads eBook. This book contains illustrations of the spreads with all the card positions numbered. Each contributing author explains the spread and its uses.

Llewellyn's "How To" Series offers a book called How to Use Tarot Spreads written by Sylvia Abraham. The book covers over three dozen tarot spreads and shows the reader how to interpret the overall theme of the reading..