Beginners Guide to Tarot Spreads

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Brittany has been reading Tarot for 17 years and deep-dived into its history, purpose, and purpose. Her interest in Tarot started when she was just 13 years old. Since then, he has been enthusiastically reading for friends, family, and herself. It's part of her everyday life, and she loves sharing with others on Tarot Technique.

Latest posts by Brittany Rogers (see all)

Celtic Cross Spread Explained: What Does it Mean? - October 9, 2021
What is the Best Tarot Deck and Which is Right for You? - June 25, 2021

History

Believe it or not, tarot cards didn’t always exist as a tool for divination. Created in Italy during the 1400s, these decks were originally used as playing cards. A standard deck contained four suits (hearts, wands, chalices, and swords), however, a fifth suit containing 21 “triumph” cards were added. Their purpose was to be “trump” cards that held power over any others within the standard deck. Each card was illustrated with rich Italian imagery, but the “triumph” cards bore symbolic images that represented different historical characters or lore.

In 1780, the cards made their shift from playing cards to what we now know as “fortune telling” cards. These cards mirror almost exactly the modern decks used. They contained 78 cards which are divided into two categories: the major arcana (22 cards) and the minor arcana (56 cards).

The 22 cards of the major arcana concern themselves with larger trends in the querent’s life. Within the major arcana, the 22 cards are assigned a roman numeral relating to the four cards of that number in the suits of the minor arcana. For example, The Lovers (VI) comes before the Six of Wands, Chalices, Swords, or Pentacles.

The 56 cards, however, are divided into four suits that represent aspects like love (Chalice), social experiences (Wands), money (Pentacles), and troublesome issues (Swords). By either reading a single card or by putting them together in a spread, the reader can uncover underlying issues or bring positive circumstances forward.

Common Spreads

So what are tarot spreads? A spread is an arrangement of cards placed in a particular order to be read and assigned meaning. In a spread, not only are the cards important but where they are in a given spread carries meaning. Choosing one or two spreads to start with and practice repeatedly will allow the reader to become more focused on the meanings of the cards. It also allows your intuition to take over when doing a reading; don’t second guess yourself.

For the beginner, some common tarot spreads are

single card (best for answering a singular question)
2 card spread
3 card spread (there are variations of this)
Celtic Cross

Each of the aforementioned layouts is best used on one querent. If doing multiple readings (like at a party or among friends), it is recommended to use a single, two, or three-card spread as it can be a mentally and emotionally draining process. That being said the reader can also be the querent (or seeker); you can read cards for yourself until you are more comfortable reading for other people.

Getting Started

Before looking at the specific spreads, it is important to consider shuffling and “dealing” of the cards. Each reader will decide what works best with their style, but it’s always useful to offer up some suggestions.

The first option would be to have the querent (seeker) shuffle the cards. Once they are content with their shuffling (there isn’t a specific amount of time that needs to pass, it’s just once they feel done), they return the deck to the reader. The deck must be returned vertically (short ends facing the reader and querent). This is important because it determines which cards are reversed, and which ones are not. If, as the reader, you choose to turn the pile left or right, you could be altering the reading. Once the deck is returned, the reader uses the cards on top to perform their reading.

Another option for shuffling has the reader shuffle the cards, then fan them out for the querent to choose cards based on where they feel an energetic pull. If using a spread with more than four cards, it can get a little complicated. Make sure that as the cards are pulled, they’re placed in the spread and that multiple isn’t being pulled at once.

These are not the only two options, but they are among the most common. In some cases, the reader will knock three times on the deck before passing it to the querent or they will knock on it once it sins their hands. The reason for this is to help rid the deck of previous energy or remove any hold the reader has on the deck to allow the querent’s energies to take over.

The Spreads

Single Card

Begin by asking the querent to shuffle the cards. While they are shuffling, instruct them to think of a question they have. The question can be regarding anything: work, love, travel, finances. Once they’re comfortable with their shuffling, have them pass the deck back to you vertically (short end facing either of you). Next, you can choose to use the top card on the pile, or fan the deck and have them choose one that way. This is entirely up to the reader to decide.

The single card spread can be used as a quick check-in or investigation into a larger problem or feeling.

Two Card Spread

This spread is also used to answer specific questions. Have the querent shuffle and follow the same steps as above. The cards can either be placed side-by-side, or Card 2 can be placed horizontally across Card 1. If placing one card atop the other, be sure to consider that reversed cards have different meanings. If the bottom edge of the card faces your left, the card is upright. If it faces right, it’s reversed. Regardless of placement, Card 1 shows the heart of the matter while Card 2 shows possible obstacles or challenges to achieving the goal.

Three Card Spread

This is one of the more common spreads, particularly for beginners. The querent shuffles the deck, similar to the aforementioned spreads.

Past, Present, Future

Each card for this spread is placed face up toward the reader. Card 1 signifies the past, Card 2 is present, and Card 3 is the future. It is important when doing any reading like this to stress to the querent that the future is always changing and if they dislike their future card, a change of mind could change the future.

Place the cards left to right and read them accordingly. Alternatively, they can be placed right to left. Whichever the reader chooses, be consistent. Tarot decks pick up on habitual patterns of the reader so it is important to make the same decisions when it comes to card placement.

Each of the three cards placed should link together; there should be common threads from one adjacent card to the next. It is important to note though that they do not have to be of the same suit to be related. For example, a court card in the Past (King, Queen, Knight, or Page) usually signifies one specific person (either the querent, on someone they know). Then a Three of Swords in the Present and a Six of Chalices in the future means it is safe to assume that the person from their past is directly affecting their present and future.

There is a larger variation of this spread involving 21 cards. 7 cards are placed in 3 rows; the past at the bottom, present in the middle, and future at the top. If the querent is looking for a more in-depth reading, a 21 card spread could be used.

Past, Present, and Probable Outcome

This spread requires the querent to have a question in mind. Once they complete a shuffle and return the deck, the reader can either choose the top three cards (similar to above) or fan out the deck and have the querent choose. Card 1 is placed in the middle and represents the Present, Card 2, is placed to the left which indicates Past Influences on the question. The third and final card is placed on the right which shows the Probable Outcome.

Question, Pro, and Con

For this spread, the querent needs to have a question in mind. The layout of this spread is in the shape of a triangle. The general feeling about the question is Card 1 and is placed at the top of the triangle. Card 2 is placed on the left-hand side at the base of the triangle. These are the pros of the question. Card 3 is placed beside it on the right and is the cons of the question.

With the cards laid out, the reader can get an overall feeling about the question in mind (“Should I start my own therapy business?”). Card 2 indicates all the potential benefits of the question, though they may not be immediate (building a client base and creating marketing takes time). Lastly, Card 3 are the difficulties or, to put it bluntly, “reasons not to do it” (it will take time to start earning money, it may be unsuccessful).

Your Role, Their Role, The Relationship

Following the shuffling directions from the other spreads, the querent must be thinking about their relationship (or potential relationship). They must bring to the front of their consciousness, their partner, and what the relationship is currently. Card 1 belongs to the querent, Card 2 is their partner, and Card 3 is the overall relationship. When placing these cards, 1 is to the left, 2 is far right, and 3 is wedged in the middle.

This spread is most beneficial to illustrate any concerns within the relationship or the potential for any hiccups. But, it can also illustrate strengths within a relationship. For example, if Card 1 is the Page of Wands (headstrong, desires freedom), Card 2 is The Chariot (VII) (use of mental power and desires control), and Card 3 the Ten of Swords this spread could indicate that there is a clash between the two personalities of the people involved. It can manifest in physical pain or discomfort and illustrates clear incompatibility based on the current situation.

Each card should be linked to the adjacent cards. If for whatever reason, there is a large disconnect between the three, the querent may have been distracted and should re-shuffle.

Lastly, this spread could be used for a potential relationship as well. The querent may choose a crush, love interest, or potential friend and have them in mind when shuffling the deck.

Celtic Cross

While this is one of the most common spreads, it is a bit more complicated for the beginner. It requires the querent have a question in mind, and takes far more time to read. The querent doesn’t necessarily need to have a question in mind while shuffling but should be thinking about their overall outlook on a situation, or idea. For example, thinking about taking a new job could be something the querent has in mind before and during their reading.

This spread involves 10 cards. Once the querent shuffles and returns the deck, begin by placing Card 1 face-up. Card 2 is placed horizontally on top of it (similar to the 2 Card Spread above). Card 3 is placed above Card 1, Card 4 below. Card 5 is placed to the left, and Card 6 is to the right. Card 7-10 are placed to the right of Card 6 in a line (7 at the bottom, 10 at the top). Each of the 10 cards is linked to the corresponding numbers below:

Concern
Obstacles
Objective
Thoughts/feelings
Past
Immediate future
Attitude about the question
Outside influences
Hopes and Fears
Final outcome

There are many variations of this spread as well, but the general outline stays the same.

What’s the difference?

As with most things, the reader will eventually develop their own rhythm when it comes to reading. The spreads mentioned above are by no means the only spreads that exist- a simple search on the internet will illustrate hundreds! When looking at the tarot spreads mentioned above there are some important factors to consider.

Aside from the number of cards used per spread, the purpose for the reading also changes. If the querent doesn’t have a particular question in mind and is interested in a general reading, then a more simplified spread could be read. As well, if the querent is looking for a specific answer (or at the very least, insight), then a more general “Past, Present, Future” reading is not going to be as helpful.

It needs to be mentioned too that the more comfortable the reader is with their cards (whether they’re a brand new reader, or have received a new deck) the better and more accurate reading will be. When trying a new spread, coupled with new cards, it can be overwhelming. If a standard deck has 78 cards but each of those can have an upright and reversed meaning, the reader needs to know 156 possible outcomes. Add that to the use of a new, complicated spread, the reader is likely to feel swamped or lack confidence which can affect the reading immensely.

Lastly, if the reader is performing group readings or even a few readings for friends, that may affect which spread is used. As mentioned before, it takes a lot of energy to read tarot cards, and the larger the group, the more energy is used. As a beginner, it’s not recommended to start right away with a large group or multiple readings for friends and family. Instead, take the time to practice on yourself. Start a tarot journal, write down readings, and common themes you notice with the suits or major arcana. Familiarizing yourself with your deck is your best tool.

As someone who has been reading tarot cards for seventeen years, I’ve come a long way in which spreads I use (and even which decks I prefer). Most of the readings I do now are for myself, or one person at a time. I always start with the general 3 Card Spread (Past, Present, Future). It allows the person an overall look at their life and where they’ve come from. It is, I believe, the best reading to give if the querent is skeptical about tarot cards and is perhaps a bit uncomfortable with having their cards read.

The 3 Card Spread is the most versatile of all the tarot spreads covered which means it can be adapted as needed, both for the reader, and the querent. Therefore it’s the one I most highly recommend for any beginners to the world of tarot reading.

If, after a 3 Card Spread, the querent has further questions, I direct them to the Celtic Cross spread. If this ever happens, make sure any previously used cards are shuffled back into the deck so that the querent is shuffling all 78 cards. As discussed above, Celtic Cross is the bread-and-butter of all tarot spreads and allows the reader more insight into the querent’s situation or question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I make my own tarot spread?

Answer: Yes! Once you are comfortable with your cards, you can start playing around with placement to create your own. If this is something that you decide to try, I recommend getting a notebook or journal to keep track of spreads you’ve attempted to build, or ideas you had. For example, if you want to focus on spreads about romantic relationships, dedicate one section specific to that. Another section may be for larger-scale questions. The possibilities are endless. Try a few different ones and don’t get discouraged if they don’t work out as you were expecting the first time. It takes lots of practice with your cards before you’re able to create your own spread.

Question: Can I use oracle cards in place of my tarot cards?

Answer: Even though tarot cards and oracle cards are both used for divination purposes, they’re quite different. Most oracle decks don’t have a reversed meaning if pulled upside-down from a deck (or placed reversed in a spread). They also lack a major and minor arcana which means they may not be as detailed as the querent expects. Finally, oracle decks have a specific word or phrase attached to them.

While this does have its benefits (quick responses, less chance for ambiguity), oracle cards are a discipline all on their own.

Question: Do I have to learn the Celtic Cross spread to be a good tarot reader?

Answer: Of course not! There are hundreds of tarot spreads available through books (or the internet). If the Celtic Cross doesn’t feel right to you or seems a bit complicated, skip it. I know plenty of tarot readers who don’t use the Cross, instead have created a modified version of it, cutting out some of the repetitive elements. There are other Cross-type spreads too that useless cards but generally will answer or illustrate the same points.

Question: Should I have more than one tarot deck to choose from?

Answer: Recently, I met a woman who boasted she had over twenty decks! While I was shocked to hear the number, I wasn’t overly surprised. Many people collect tarot decks; I had four until I gifted one to a friend.

I guarantee that one exists. Having multiple decks can be a fun conversation piece, and, on a more serious note, it can allow the reader to choose one according to their mood. For example, my Murder of Crow’s deck is the one I reach for when the weather is stormy or I feel particularly heavy. On the other hand, my Rider-Waite-Smith (also just called Rider-Waite) deck is the one I use for more general purposes like friend or group readings.

Finally, it should be noted that it is possible for someone who has multiple decks to only use certain ones for certain spreads. It can be beneficial to assign certain decks to certain spreads, depending on their purpose or design. This allows the reader, and the deck, to associate their purpose with a set of spreads (for love, friendship, work, etc) or one particular spread.

Question: Should I have more than one tarot deck to choose from?

But, to answer this question, I don’t believe there is a simple “yes” or “no” answer. There are so many different decks available; there is a deck for everything! Favorite tv show? Famous author? Pop culture art? I guarantee that one exists. Having multiple decks can be a fun conversation piece, and, on a more serious note, it can allow the reader to choose one according to their mood. For example, my Murder of Crow’s deck is the one I reach for when the weather is stormy or I feel particularly heavy. On the other hand, my Rider-Waite-Smith (also just called Rider-Waite) deck is the one I use for more general purposes like friend or group readings.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to use one of the many pre-existing spreads, one mentioned in this article, or you create your own, learning how to read tarot cards is an incredibly rewarding journey. It can take years of practice to truly become comfortable with reading the cards, but the rewards are endless.