Tarot Card Spreads Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using and Understanding Different Spreads

Woman sitting on floor laying out a tarot card spread

If you are interested in learning about tarot cards and how to use them for guidance and insight, you may have wondered what tarot card spreads are and why they are essential for tarot readings.

In this article, we will explore the fascinating history and purpose of tarot spreads and some of the benefits and types of tarot card spreads you can use for different questions and situations. We will also show you how to create your own spreads and share tips and tricks for reading tarot card spreads effectively and enjoyably.

Spreads are essential for tarot readings because they help structure your question and intention and assign meaning and a message to each card concerning your situation. They also help you see the connections and patterns between the cards and gain a broader perspective on your situation.

Before we dive into exploring spreads, here’s a bit of history. 

History of Tarot Spreads

Tarot card spreads have a long and rich history that dates back to the origins of tarot cards as a card game in 15th-century Italy. The game was called Trionfi, and it used card decks consisting of four suits and 22 trumps featuring allegorical and classical motifs.

This game involved laying out three cards in a row, much like the now classic Three Card Spread, but it was not used for divination. The game was popular among the nobility and the upper classes, and it spread to other parts of Europe, such as France and Germany, where it evolved into different variations with different names, such as Tarocchi, Taraux, and Tarot.

The cards were first used for divination in the late 18th century by French occultists, who claimed that they had esoteric links to ancient Egypt, the Kabbalah, and other mystical traditions. They developed a system of interpretation and symbolism for the cards and created new decks and books that explained their meanings and methods.

One of the most influential figures in this movement was Jean-Baptiste Alliette, also known as Etteilla, who published the first book on cartomancy using tarot cards in 1785. He also designed his own deck of cards, which featured astrological and Egyptian symbols, and introduced the idea of reversed cards.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, tarot cards became popularized as a tool for fortune-telling and cartomancy, with the emergence of custom decks, books, and associations dedicated to tarot. Some of the most influential figures and movements that shaped the development and interpretation of tarot spreads were:

• GĂ©rard Encausse, also known as Papus, published several books on tarot and occultism in the late 19th century. He also founded the Martinist Order, a secret society that studied esotericism and mysticism. 

• Arthur Edward Waite created the Rider-Waite-Smith deck in 1909 with illustrator Pamela Colman Smith. This deck is one of the most widely used and recognized decks in the world, and it features colorful and detailed images that depict the cards’ meanings.

Waite also wrote a book called The Pictorial Key to the Tarot, which explained his system of interpretation and symbolism for the cards.

• Aleister Crowley created the Thoth deck in 1944 with artist Lady Frieda Harris. This deck is based on Crowley’s own system of magick and philosophy, called Thelema. It features complex and abstract images incorporating elements from various occult and mystical traditions, such as astrology, alchemy, Kabbalah, etc.

Crowley also wrote a book called The Book of Thoth, which explained his system of interpretation and symbolism for the cards. 

• The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a secret society that studied and practiced various forms of occultism and mysticism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many members of this society were influential in developing and interpreting tarot spreads, such as William Wynn Westcott, Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, Israel Regardie, etc. They also created their own deck of cards, which featured esoteric symbols and correspondences.

In the early 1900s, people used tarot spreads in readings for fun, curiosity, or spiritual guidance, depending on their beliefs and preferences. Tarot readings are popular today for similar reasons.

Why We Use Spreads Today

Tarot card spreads are not only a way to arrange the cards but also a way to communicate with the cards and the universe. By using spreads, we can cultivate our intuition, create a dialogue between ourselves and the tarot, and ask for guidance and wisdom on any aspect of our lives.

Spreads help us to focus our questions and intentions and to structure our readings in a meaningful and coherent way. They also allow us to explore different perspectives and possibilities and to see the bigger picture and the deeper connections. Finally, spreads can reveal past influences, present challenges, future outcomes of our situations, advice, lessons we need to learn, and so much more!

We can choose from spreads that suit our needs and interests or create spreads that resonate with us. We can also customize and adapt the spreads according to the context and the mood of the reading.

Spreads are a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-improvement, as they can help us to understand ourselves better and to make positive changes in our lives. They can also help us to connect with others and to share our insights and experiences. Finally, spreads give us a way to celebrate the magic and mystery of tarot and enjoy the cards’ beauty and diversity.

Types of Tarot Card Spreads

One of the best things about tarot card spreads is that there are so many to choose from! You can find a spread for any question or situation or create one that suits your needs and preferences. This section will introduce you to some of the most common and popular tarot card spreads you can use for your readings. We will also give examples of using each spread for different questions or scenarios. Let’s start with the Three Card Spread. 

The Three Card Spread

The three-card spread is one of the most straightforward and versatile spreads you can use. It is often used to explore any situation’s past, present, and future influences. You can also assign different meanings to each position, such as:

1) situation, 2) challenge, 3) advice

1) mind, 2) body, 3) spirit

1)strength, 2) weakness, 3) opportunity

Tarot card spreads Diagram of 3 Card Spread with example questions

The three-card spread is excellent for quick and easy readings that give you a snapshot of your situation and a bit of guidance.

Example reading: If you pulled the following cards in a reading intending to discover how to improve your health and wellness, here is a possible interpretation: 

  1. Situation: The Sun. This card represents where you are now concerning your health and wellness. It suggests that you are feeling happy and optimistic about your well-being. You have a positive attitude and a radiant energy. You enjoy life and have fun.
  2. Challenge: The Devil. This card represents challenges or obstacles to improving your health and wellness. It suggests that you have some unhealthy habits or attachments holding you back. You may be tempted by excess or indulgence. You may be stuck in a rut or a cycle of negativity.
  3. Advice: The Hierophant. This card represents what actions or steps you can take to improve your health and wellness. It suggests that you follow some rules or guidelines to help you achieve your goals. You should seek some advice or guidance from an expert or a mentor. You may need to join a group or a community that shares your values and beliefs.

The Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic cross spread is a classic and comprehensive spread that uses ten cards covering ten aspects of a situation, such as the current state, the challenge, the outcome, the advice, etc. The Celtic cross spread is excellent for in-depth and detailed readings that give you a complete picture of your situation and guidance. The following iteration is our favorite.

Celtic cross tarot spread diagram with questions

Here is what each position means:

  1. The first card represents the current situation you are in. It shows what is happening right now and what is influencing you. This card can indicate your question’s central theme or issue, the energy or mood of the situation, or the general circumstances you are facing.
  2. The second card represents the opposition you are facing. It shows what is blocking you or what you need to overcome. This card can indicate a source of conflict or difficulty, the opposing force or factor, or the lesson or challenge you need to learn or master. 
  3. The third card is placed below the first two cards and represents your soul’s desire or highest aspiration. It shows what you really want or need from this situation. This card can indicate your true motivation or intention, your inner calling or purpose, or your ultimate goal or outcome.
  4. The fourth card is placed to the left of the first two cards and represents the past. It shows what has led up to this situation and how it has shaped you. This card can indicate the events or influences that have occurred in the past, the history or background of the situation, or the cause or origin of the problem.
  5. The fifth card is placed above the first two cards and represents your beliefs about the situation. It shows how you perceive it and what you think about it. This card can indicate your thoughts or opinions, assumptions or expectations, or attitude or mindset about the situation.
  6. The sixth card is placed to the right of the first two cards and represents the future. It shows what is likely to happen next and how the situation will evolve. This card can indicate the events or influences that will occur in the near future, the direction or trend of the situation, or the effect or consequence of your actions.
  7. The seventh card is placed at the bottom of the staff on the right side and represents how you see yourself regarding the situation. It shows your attitude, feelings, and self-image. This card can indicate how you feel about yourself and your role in the situation, how confident or insecure you are about your abilities and choices, or how aware or unaware you are of your strengths and weaknesses.
  8. The eighth card is placed above the seventh card and represents how others see you in regard to the situation. It shows their perspective, opinions, and expectations of you. This card can indicate how others perceive you and your actions in the situation, how supportive or unsupportive they are of you, or how involved or detached they are from you. 
  9. The ninth card is placed above the eighth card and represents your hopes and fears about the situation. It shows what you wish for and what you dread. This card can indicate your hopes, dreams, anxieties, or desires and aversions about the situation. 
  10. The tenth card is placed at the top of the staff on the right side and represents the outcome or final result of the situation. It shows what will happen if you continue on your current path. This card can indicate the definitive answer to your question, the ultimate resolution of your problem, or the best possible outcome for your highest good. 

Example reading: If you pulled the following cards in a reading intending to discover how to advance your career, here is a possible interpretation: 

  1. Current situation â€” what is happening right now and what is influencing you: Eight of Pentacles. This card means that you are working hard, honing your skills, and striving for excellence in your career. You are dedicated, diligent, and disciplined in your work. You are focused on improving yourself and your craft.
  2. Opposition â€” what is blocking you or what you need to overcome: Five of Wands This card indicates you are facing competition, conflict, or disagreement in your career. You may face rivals, opponents, or critics who challenge your ideas or goals. You may also have to cope with stress, chaos, or confusion in your work environment.
  3. Soul’s desire or highest aspiration — what you really want or need from this situation: King of Wands This card means that you want to be a leader, a visionary, and an innovator in your career. You want to inspire others with your passion, enthusiasm, and charisma. You want to create something original, exciting, and meaningful with your work.
  4. Past â€” what has led up to this situation and how it has shaped you: Ace of Swords. This card means that you have had a breakthrough, a revelation, or a new beginning in your career in the past. You may have discovered a new idea, perspective, or opportunity that has changed your direction or purpose. You may have also overcome a challenge, a problem, or a doubt with clarity, logic, or truth.
  5. Your beliefs about the situation — how you perceive it and what you think about it: Four of Cups. This card means you feel bored, dissatisfied, or restless in your career. You may think that your work is dull, repetitive, or unfulfilling. You may also feel you are missing out on something better or more exciting. You may be ignoring or rejecting an offer or an opportunity that could help you advance your career.
  6. Future â€” what is likely to happen next and how the situation will evolve: Six of Swords. This card means you will move on from a difficult or stressful situation in your career. You may decide to leave behind a job, a project, or a relationship that is no longer serving you. You may also travel to a new place, field, or level of expertise in your work. You will transition from a state of turmoil to peace and harmony.
  7. How you see yourself in regard to the situation — your attitude, feelings, and self-image: Queen of Pentacles. This card means that you see yourself as a practical, reliable, and generous person in your career. You are a provider, a nurturer, and a supporter of your work and those around you. You are also a master, a creator, and an achiever of your material and financial goals. You value quality, stability, and comfort in your work.
  8. How others see you in regard to the situation — their perspective, opinions, and expectations of you: Knight of Cups. This card means that others see you as a romantic, idealistic, and creative person in your career. You are a dreamer, a lover, and a seeker of your emotional and spiritual fulfillment. You are also a messenger, an offerer, and an inviter of new opportunities and experiences in your work. You inspire others with your imagination, creativity, and charm.
  9. Hope and fears about the situation — what you wish for and dread: Ten of Cups. This card means you hope for happiness, harmony, and fulfillment in your career. You wish for work that brings you joy, love, and satisfaction. You also wish for work that supports your personal life, your family, and your community. You fear losing these things or not achieving them.
  10. Outcome or final result of the situation — what will happen if you continue on your current path: Judgement. This card means you will experience a significant career transformation, awakening, or rebirth. You will face a moment of truth, a call to action, or a final decision that will change your direction or purpose. You will also review your past actions, evaluate your present situation, and plan your future goals for your career. You will rise to higher awareness, responsibility, and achievement in your work.

Here are some ways you could integrate this reading into your life: 

  • Acknowledge your hard work so far and celebrate your achievements. Keep honing your skills and striving for excellence in your career.
  • Be confident and assertive in dealing with any competition or conflict in your career. Stand up for your ideas and goals; don’t let anyone discourage you. Seek constructive feedback and collaboration instead of confrontation.
  • Embrace your inner leader and visionary and follow your passion and enthusiasm in your career. Share your vision with others and inspire them to join you. Create something original, exciting, and meaningful with your work.
  • Remember the breakthrough or the new beginning you had in the past and how it changed your career for the better. Use the clarity and logic you gained from that experience to guide you in the present.
  • Reevaluate your beliefs about the situation and see if they serve or hold you back. Be open to new possibilities and opportunities that may come your way. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve or desire.
  • Prepare yourself for the transition that is coming in the future. Be ready to leave behind what is no longer serving you and embrace what awaits you. Trust that the change will be positive and beneficial for you.
  • Appreciate yourself for being a practical, reliable, and generous person in your career. Continue to provide, nurture, and support your work and those around you. Enjoy the quality, stability, and comfort you have created with your work.
  • Appreciate yourself for being a romantic, idealistic, and artistic person in your career. Continue to dream, love, and seek emotional and spiritual fulfillment with your work. Explore new opportunities and experiences that may come your way. Express yourself with imagination, creativity, and charm.
  • Focus on your hope rather than your fear about the situation. Visualize yourself having happiness, harmony, and fulfillment in your career and life. Affirm that you are worthy of joy, love, and satisfaction with your work. Support your personal life, family, and community with your work.
  • Be ready for the transformation, awakening, or rebirth that comes with the outcome. Listen to your inner voice, intuition, or a higher power that may call you to action or make a decision about your career. Review your past actions, evaluate your present situation, and plan your future career goals. Elevate your awareness, responsibility, and achievement level in your job.

The Astrological Spread

The astrological spread is a fun spread that gives you a complex and detailed look at each zodiac house, revealing how your question or situation affects each area of life. The astrological spread is great for comprehensive and holistic readings that give you a complete overview of your life and guidance.

Tarot card spreads Diagram of Astrological Spread

Example reading: If you pulled the following cards in a reading intending to discover how to improve your overall well-being, here is a possible interpretation: 

  1. First house â€” how you present yourself to the world and how others perceive you: The Fool in this position suggests that you are seen as someone adventurous and spontaneous. You have a sense of wonder and curiosity about life. You are willing to take risks and embrace opportunities. You are also seen as naive and reckless. You may lack experience or maturity in some aspects of life.
  2. Second house â€” how you manage your finances and resources: The Nine of Pentacles in this position suggests that you are doing well in this area. You have achieved some success and stability in your material affairs. You enjoy the fruits of your labor and the comforts of your lifestyle. You are also generous and charitable with your wealth and possessions.
  3. Third house â€” how you communicate and learn: The Page of Swords in this position suggests that you are curious and intelligent. You like to explore new ideas and perspectives. You are also a quick and witty communicator. You can express yourself clearly and convincingly. You are also a keen observer and a critical thinker. You can analyze and evaluate information and situations.
  4. Fourth house â€” how you relate to your family and home: The Ten of Cups in this position suggests that you have a happy and harmonious relationship with your loved ones. You feel a sense of belonging and connection with your family and friends. You also have a comfortable and cozy home that reflects your personality and values. You are grateful and content with your domestic life.
  5. Fifth house — how you express your creativity and passion: The Three of Wands in this position suggests that you have a lot of potential and ambition in this area of life. You have a vision and a plan for your creative endeavors. You are also adventurous and enthusiastic about your passions. You like to explore new horizons and possibilities. You are also confident and optimistic about your future prospects.
  6. Sixth house â€” how you deal with your health and work: The Eight of Swords in this position suggests that you may have some challenges or difficulties in this area of life. You may feel trapped or restricted by your health or work issues. You may also feel anxious or stressed about your situation. You may lack clarity or confidence in finding a solution or a way out.
  7. Seventh house â€” how you relate to your partner or significant other: The Two of Cups in this position suggests that you have a loving and harmonious relationship with your partner. You feel a strong bond and attraction with your partner. You also share mutual respect and understanding with your partner. You are supportive and loyal to each other.
  8. Eighth house â€” how you deal with change and transformation: The Death card in this position suggests that you are undergoing significant changes or endings. You may be facing some losses or endings that are beyond your control. You may also be experiencing some transformations or rebirths that will change your perspective or direction. Let go of the old and embrace the new.
  9. Ninth house â€” how you expand your horizons and seek wisdom. The Temperance card suggests that you are a balanced and moderate person. You can blend and harmonize different elements and aspects of yourself and your life. You are also open-minded and tolerant of different views and beliefs. You are interested in learning and growing from your experiences and interactions.
  10. Tenth house â€” how you achieve your goals and reputation. The Justice card suggests that you are a fair and honest person. You can make decisions and judgments based on logic and facts. You are also responsible and accountable for your actions and consequences. You have a strong sense of ethics and morality. You are respected and admired for your integrity and professionalism.
  11. Eleventh house â€” how you relate to your friends and community. The Six of Cups card suggests you have a warm and friendly relationship with your friends and peers. You feel a sense of nostalgia and connection with your past and childhood. You also have a playful and innocent attitude toward life. You are generous and compassionate with others. You enjoy sharing and exchanging gifts and memories with your friends.
  12. Twelfth house — how you deal with your subconscious and hidden aspects. The Moon card suggests that you may have fears or doubts affecting your well-being. You may also have some hidden secrets or mysteries from yourself or others. You may need to face your shadows and illusions and trust your intuition and dreams. You may also need to explore your spirituality and imagination.

The Relationship Spread

The relationship spread consists of six cards that compare and contrast the perspectives, feelings, needs, and expectations of two people in a relationship. The relationship spread is excellent for understanding and improving your relationship with another person, whether romantic, platonic, familial, or professional

Relationship tarot spread diagram

Example reading: If you pulled the following cards in a reading intending to look at how to improve your relationship with your boss, here is a possible interpretation 

  1. How you see yourself in the relationship: The King of Pentacles in this position suggests that you see yourself as a reliable and competent employee. You have a lot of skills and experience in your work field. You are also practical and realistic in your approach to work. You value stability and security in your career.
  2. How you see your boss in the relationship: The Emperor reversed in this position suggests that you see your boss as a rigid and authoritarian figure. You may feel your boss is too strict or controlling in his or her expectations or rules. You may also think your boss needs to be more supportive and appreciative of your efforts or achievements.
  3. How you feel about the relationship: The Five of Wands reversed in this position suggests you feel frustrated and conflicted in your work situation. You may face some competition or rivalry with your boss or other coworkers. You may also feel your ideas or opinions are not valued or respected. You may lack harmony or cooperation in your work environment.
  4. How your boss sees himself or herself in the relationship: The Hierophant in this position suggests that your boss sees himself or herself as a leader and a teacher. Your boss has a lot of knowledge and authority in his or her work field. Your boss is also traditional and conservative in his or her approach to work. Your boss values order and structure in his or her career.
  5. How your boss sees you in the relationship: The Knight of Cups reversed in this position suggests that your boss sees you as an emotional and idealistic person. Your boss may think you are too sensitive or unrealistic in your expectations or goals. Your boss may also think you are not committed or loyal to your work or to him or her.
  6. How your boss feels about the relationship: The Two of Swords reversed in this position suggests that your boss feels indecisive and confused about your work situation. Your boss may have some doubts or dilemmas about how to deal with you or your work performance. Your boss may also have some hidden or unresolved issues that are affecting his or her judgment or communication with you.

Ways to integrate this relationship reading: 

  • Acknowledge your strengths and achievements as a reliable and competent employee. Keep honing your skills and experience in your work field. Be practical and realistic in your approach to work. Seek stability and security in your career.
  • Try to understand your boss’s perspective and motivations as a leader and a teacher. Respect his or her knowledge and authority in his or her work field. Be open to learning from his or her experience and guidance. Follow his or her rules and expectations.
  • Be assertive and confident in expressing your ideas and opinions. Show your boss that you value and respect his or her input and feedback. Seek constructive criticism and collaboration instead of confrontation or competition. Create harmony and cooperation in your work environment.
  • Be aware of your emotions and ideals concerning your work situation. Balance your sensitivity and realism in your expectations and goals. Show your boss that you are committed and loyal to your work and to him or her. Express yourself with creativity and charm.
  • Help your boss make decisions and solve problems in your work situation. Offer your suggestions and solutions in a clear and logical manner. Address any doubts or dilemmas your boss may have about you or your work performance. Resolve any hidden or unresolved issues that may affect his or her judgment or communication with you.

Creating Your Own Spread

There are no fixed rules or formulas for creating your own spread, but here are some general steps and tips that you can follow:

  • Start with a clear question or intention. What do you want to know or achieve with your reading? What is the main theme or focus of your inquiry? For example, you may want to know how to improve your relationship with your partner, what steps you need to take to achieve your career goals, or what challenges and opportunities await you in the next month.
  • Decide on the number of cards and positions. How many cards do you need to answer your question or cover your topic? How many positions or aspects do you want to explore? You can use any number of cards and positions, from one to as many as you like, but keep in mind that more cards and positions may make the reading more complex and challenging to interpret. For example, you may use three cards for a simple past-present-future spread or six cards for a more complex relationship spread that covers yourself, your partner, the current state, the challenge, the advice, and the outcome.
  • Assign a meaning to each position. What does each position represent or signify about your question or intention? What kind of information or insight do you expect from each position? You can use any keywords or phrases that make sense to you, such as past, present, future, advice, outcome, challenge, opportunity, etc. For example, if you want to know how to improve your relationship with your partner, you may assign the following meanings to each position: 1) How you feel about your partner, 2) How your partner feels about you, 3) What is working well in your relationship 4) What needs improvement in your relationship 5) What actions you can take to improve your relationship 6) What the potential outcome of your actions will be
  • Draw the cards and lay them out in your chosen pattern. You can use any shape or layout that appeals to you, such as a line, a circle, a cross, a star, etc. You can also use symbols or images that relate to your question or intention, such as a heart, a flower, a tree, etc. Be creative and have fun with your layout. For example, if you want to know what challenges and opportunities await you next month, you may draw four cards and lay them out in a square shape representing the four weeks of the month. You may also add a fifth card in the center that represents the overall theme or message of the month.
  • Interpret the cards in their positions and in relation to each other. What do the cards tell you about each position and aspect of your question or situation? How do the cards interact and connect with each other? What is the overall message and meaning of the spread? Use your intuition and imagination to find the answers and insights that resonate with you. 

Tips and Tricks for Reading Tarot Card Spreads

Reading tarot card spreads can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and confusing at times. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you to read tarot card spreads effectively and enjoyably:

  • Choose the proper spread for the right question or situation. There are many types of tarot card spreads that you can use, but not all of them are suitable for every question or situation. Choosing a spread that matches your purpose, complexity, and number of cards you want to use for your reading would be best. For example, if you want a quick and simple answer to a yes or no question, you can use a one-card spread. If you want a comprehensive and detailed answer to a complex question, use a Celtic cross spread or any other multi-faceted spread.
  • Shuffle the cards well before drawing them. Shuffling the cards is an important step in preparing for your reading. It helps to randomize the cards and infuse them with energy and intention. You can shuffle the cards in any way you like as long as you feel that they are well-mixed and ready for your reading. You can also cut the deck or fan the cards before drawing them.
  • Ask clear and specific questions. The quality of your questions will affect the quality of your answers. It is best to ask clear and precise questions about what you want to know or achieve with your reading. Avoid vague, ambiguous, or too broad questions. For example, instead of asking, “What will happen in my life?” you can ask, “What can I expect in the next month?” or “What do I need to do to improve my relationship with my partner?”
  • Trust your intuition and imagination. Reading tarot card spreads is not only a logical and rational process but also an intuitive and imaginative one. Trusting your intuition and imagination when interpreting the cards and their meanings adds a valuable level of comprehension. Pay attention to your feelings, impressions, associations, and insights that come to you when looking at the cards. Using your imagination to create stories and scenarios that connect the cards and their messages is another way to tap into your intuition and deepen your readings. 
  • Look at the cards in relation to their positions in the spread and their connections to each other, not just individually. Each card in a spread has a meaning and a message that depends on its position in the spread and its connection to the other cards. Look closely at how each card influences or affects the other cards and how they form a coherent and meaningful story or message.

Some advanced tools that can enhance the accuracy and clarity of your readings are:

Using reversed cards. Reversed cards are cards that appear upside down when you draw them. They can add more depth and nuance to your readings by indicating challenges or difficulties, delays or resistances, negative or opposite meanings, or hidden or subconscious aspects of the situation.

Using clarifying cards. Clarifying cards are additional cards you can draw after the initial spread has been laid out to clarify or elaborate on a specific card or position in a spread. They can help you understand or explain unclear or confusing messages, conflicting or contradictory meanings, missing or incomplete information, or advice or guidance you need.

Some challenges or difficulties that beginners may face when reading tarot card spreads:

Reversed cards: Some beginners may find reversed cards confusing or intimidating because they may think they indicate something bad or negative. However, reversed cards are not necessarily bad or negative; they just differ from upright cards. They can indicate some challenges or difficulties that need to be overcome, some delays or resistances that need to be resolved, some negative or opposite meanings that need to be balanced, or some hidden or subconscious aspects that need to be revealed. For example, you can interpret reversed cards by using your intuition and imagination, by looking at the context and the position of the card in the spread, or by referring to reference books or websites, such as Joyful Mystic, that explain the cards’ meanings.

Unclear messages: Some beginners may receive unclear messages in their readings, such as cards that do not seem to relate to their question or situation, cards that do not make sense or have multiple meanings, cards that are vague or ambiguous, etc. For example, you may draw the Knight of Swords for a question about your love life or the Seven of Cups for a question about your career. These unclear messages may make you feel puzzled or frustrated about your situation or your reading. You can interpret unclear messages by using your intuition and imagination, by looking at the context and the position of the card in the spread, by relating the card to your personal experience or association, by using some reference books or websites, such as Joyful Mystic, that explain the meanings of the cards, or by using some clarifying cards to help you understand them better.

We hope that these tips and tricks will help you to improve your skills and confidence in reading tarot card spreads and to have fun and rewarding experiences with the cards.

Conclusion

Tarot card spreads are a powerful and fascinating way to gain personal insight and understand your life through the cards. They can help you to answer your questions, to understand your situations, to gain insight and guidance, and to achieve your goals and aspirations. In this article, we have introduced you to some of the most common and popular tarot card spreads that you can use for your readings. We have also given examples of using each spread for different questions or scenarios and included tips and tricks for reading tarot card spreads effectively and enjoyably. We hope this article has inspired you to try out some of these tarot card spreads or create your own spreads that suit your needs and preferences. We also hope this article has helped you improve your skills and confidence in reading tarot card spreads and have fun and rewarding experiences with the cards. Thank you for reading, and happy tarot-ing.

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