Simple Spreads to get you started
The Question
All tarot readings start with the same thing, a question. The point of tarot reading isn't just to see the future as many may believe, it is the art of answering a question brought to you. With a question in mind, you can ask the cards and begin laying them out in a pattern (the spread). Questions can be as simple as "will I get a promotion?" to more complex queries about Love and Family. With a question asked, have your subject pick the cards in order and arrange these in a spread. Different spreads will be better suited to different queries and it's important to consider what arrangement will be best before you start. Below we've selected 3 simple spreads to start you on your interpreting journey, remember that a card in an inverted position (upside down) actually has a different meaning and always respect your deck!
Spread Summary
This is the most basic spread and is a good starting point if you've just begun your Tarot journey. This layout is good for questions that follow a linear path, a sequence of events or cause and effect.
Position Meaning
- Past/Situation
- Present/Action
- Future/Outcome
Spread Summary
As the layout would suggest, it's about understanding conflicts and obstacles. The card that crosses over is something that stands in the way and that needs to be overcome, something that blocks you from attaining your goal, while the third card acts as a sort of advice card, looking at the situation from a more distant viewpoint.
Position Meaning
- Situation/Issue
- Challenge/Ways to Overcome
- Advice/Goal
Spread Summary
This is spread most commonly used by Tarot readers and great for answering complex questions. It can be hard to interpret due to all the dynamics between the cards but once mastered it's always a good spread to reach for. It's important to think about the relationships between each card in this spread, do the Outcome and Above match, how do the Hope/Fears interact with the Below etc. Remember not to just read the cards one-by-one and think of the whole spread as a story.
Position Meaning
- The Present
Reflective of the subject now - The Challenge
Even positive cards drawn here can be a challenge - Above
This represents the subject's personal idea of the best outcome - Below
A card reflecting the person's underlying feelings towards the situation - The Past
Represents events leading to the present situation - The Future
What is likely to occur soon but not the outcome - Advice
This position takes into account the whole situation and recommends what approach to take - External Influences
This card represents people or events outside the subject's control which will affect the situation - Hopes and/or Fears
The subject's hopes and or fears about the situation's outcome - The Outcome
This is based on the person continuing their actions without change