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.

Three-Card Spread3 cards · 22 Major Arcana

Past, present and future: the trajectory of the matter read through the archetypal forces of the 22 Major Arcana alone.

Simple Cross (Wirth)5 cards · 22 Major Arcana

For, against, the why and the judge; at the centre the synthesis, which is not drawn but calculated by adding up the Arcana.

Horseshoe Spread7 cards · 78 cards

Seven cards in a horseshoe: from the past to the outcome, by way of what is hidden, the obstacles, the surroundings and the advice.

Celtic Cross10 cards · 78 cards

Ten cards: the cross describes the situation and its timing, the staff on the right describes the querent, the surroundings and the outcome.

Astrological Wheel13 cards · 78 cards

One 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.

Three-Card Compatibility Spread3 cards · 22 Major Arcana

You, the other person and the dynamic between you: the essential snapshot of a bond, read with the 22 Major Arcana.

Seven-Card Compatibility Spread7 cards · 78 cards

What you seek, what the other person seeks, similarities and differences, and then emotional, physical and mental compatibility.

ModernSpreads from contemporary cartomancy.

Nine-Card Compatibility Spread9 cards · 78 cards

A grid of nine cards: central energy, emotional compatibility, each person's contribution, strengths, challenges, long-term potential and the hidden influences.

TrendingThe spreads most used right now by online readers.

Soulmate Spread (Kindred Souls)7 cards · 22 Major Arcana

Each person's lessons, why you met, what you mirror in each other, the karmic theme, the phase you are in and the potential over time.

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.

Couple's Cross5 cards · 22 Major Arcana

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)7 cards · 78 cards

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.

Seven-Card Relationship Spread7 cards · 78 cards

You, the other person, the bond; then a strength and a friction, the advice and the outcome if it is followed.

Relationship Mirror Spread8 cards · 78 cards

How 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.

TrendingThe spreads most used right now by online readers.

Crossroads Spread8 cards · 78 cards

Where you are and what brought you here, then two roads: for each the energy, the challenge and the outcome. It is for understanding, not for making the cards choose.