Reading Tarot Spreads
There are various spreads, or layouts, used in reading tarot cards. For beginners, it is best to grasp the use of one type of spread, before using another type as reading tarot gets more and more complex. There are hundreds of spreads that can be used when reading tarot cards and, depending on your knowledge of tarot symbolism, you could even write your own. However, these are four of the most common tarot spreads used today:
- The Five-Card Spread
Reading tarot cards using a five-card spread is useful in shaping a course of action or decision-making. Use this spread if the seeker, or querent, asks for advice regarding a decision or an action they have to make. Lay out Card 1 at the center, Card 2 at the left side, Card 3 at the right, Card 4 below and Card 5 above the first card. Card 1 represents the current situation or the general theme. Card 2 represents past influences that may affect the decision. Card 3 and 5 are the probable future and the potential of the action. Card 4 is the reason behind the question or the confusion.
- Elipse Spread
This spread is used in reading tarot cards to answer direct questions. It uses 7 cards placed in a V-shaped layout. Card 1 would be at the upper-left side and the Card 7 at the upper-right. Card 4 is the most important card among the spread, as this indicates the course of action in relation to the question of the querent. The left panel of the V-shape contains the cards that represent the Past, Present and Future that gives bearing to the situation being asked. Card 5 denotes external influences that may affect the situation. Card 6 represents the hopes and fears of the querent. Card 7 holds the final outcome.
- The Celtic Cross Spread
The Celtic Cross is considered to be the most common spread used in reading tarot cards. It uses 10 tarot cards with the first card placed horizontally and the second card above it vertically, which are the significant and the immediate challenge respectively. Cards 3-6 are placed around the two major cards, the third card being placed at 3 o’clock. The rest of the cards are lined vertically, with the seventh card placed below the table. This type of spread is used for answering specific questions, and to read the querent’s profile.
- The Mirror Spread
The Mirror spread is used in reading tarot cards for existing or budding relationships or love affairs. This is helpful in revealing the inner psyche of a couple and how their points of views coincide, or contradict, one another. For example, Card 2 is the way the querent sees the other person, while Card 3 is the way the other person sees them. Drawing two cards that contradict each other may mean that you have to reassess how you see the other person and try to understand them better. Cards 4 and 5 show what you mean for each other. Card 6 represents an obstacle you might want to veer away from and Card 7 represents the strength of a relationship that you may want to improve. Card 8 is the probable result of a relationship, not necessarily your ‘be all and end all’.
Keep in mind that, when reading tarot cards, you should use the spread that suits the needs, queries and current situation of the querent. Use a spread that you are familiar with for a more relevant reading. Always remind the querent that, whatever happens when reading tarot, they still rule the cards.
