Tarot spreads and how to read them
A spread is a layout that gives each card a position, and the position gives the card its question. These are the spreads you can use here, each with the meaning of every position and how to read the cards together: classic spreads, spreads for compatibility, and spreads for a relationship.
The classic spreads
Five textbook layouts, from the simplest to the Celtic Cross and the Astrological Wheel.
Past, present and future: the trajectory of the matter read through the archetypal forces of the 22 Major Arcana alone.
Simple Cross (Wirth)For, against, the why and the judge; at the centre the synthesis, which is not drawn but calculated by adding up the Arcana.
Horseshoe SpreadSeven cards in a horseshoe: from the past to the outcome, by way of what is hidden, the obstacles, the surroundings and the advice.
Celtic CrossTen cards: the cross describes the situation and its timing, the staff on the right describes the querent, the surroundings and the outcome.
Astrological WheelOne card for each of the twelve astrological houses and one at the centre as the dominant theme: a complete panorama of life.
Compatibility with a partner
What joins you and another person, and what sets you apart: cards and zodiac signs side by side.
TraditionalThe classic spreads found in the manuals.
You, the other person and the dynamic between you: the essential snapshot of a bond, read with the 22 Major Arcana.
Seven-Card Compatibility SpreadWhat you seek, what the other person seeks, similarities and differences, and then emotional, physical and mental compatibility.
ModernSpreads from contemporary cartomancy.
TrendingThe spreads most used right now by online readers.
Couple relationship
The state of the bond you are living: strengths, friction, advice and outcome. Spreads to understand a bond: what unites two people, what tests them, where the relationship is heading.
TraditionalThe classic spreads found in the manuals.
You and the other person at the sides; on the vertical axis the roots of the bond, the present and the future. Five Major Arcana, all chosen.
Station for Two (Thoughts, Feelings, Actions)Each person's thoughts, feelings and actions, read in mirrored pairs; at the centre the current situation, which is uncovered last.
ModernSpreads from contemporary cartomancy.
You, the other person, the bond; then a strength and a friction, the advice and the outcome if it is followed.
Relationship Mirror SpreadHow you see the other person and how they see themselves, what they represent to you and what you represent to them; in the middle the obstacles, then strengths and the probable result.



