Quick Guide
Tarot spreads are predetermined layouts where each position has a specific meaning. The right spread depends on your question:
- • Quick guidance: Three-card spread (Past-Present-Future)
- • Deep insight: Celtic Cross (10 cards)
- • Relationships: Two-path or connection spreads
- • Decisions: Two-option comparison spreads
- • Career/Money: Goal-focused spreads
What is a Tarot Spread?
A tarot spread (also called a layout) is a specific pattern in which tarot cards are arranged during a reading. Each position in the spread has a defined meaning, providing context for interpreting the cards that appear there.
Why Use Spreads?
- âś“ Structure: Organizes complex questions into digestible parts
- âś“ Context: Each position gives the card specific meaning
- âś“ Relationships: Shows how different aspects connect
- âś“ Clarity: Prevents vague or scattered interpretations
- âś“ Focus: Keeps the reading on topic
Think of a spread as a story template. The positions are the chapters, and the cards that land in each position tell that part of your story.
Three-Card Spread: The Foundation
The three-card spread is the most popular and versatile layout. It's perfect for beginners, quick readings, and daily guidance.
PAST
Past influences
PRESENT
Current situation
FUTURE
Likely outcome
Common Three-Card Variations:
Best For:
- • Daily guidance and check-ins
- • Quick questions
- • Beginners learning tarot
- • When you need fast clarity
- • Testing a new deck
Celtic Cross Spread: Deep Comprehensive Reading
The Celtic Cross is the most famous tarot spread, offering comprehensive insight into complex situations. It uses 10 cards and reveals multiple layers of your question.
Celtic Cross Layout
Final Outcome
Hopes/Fears
Past
Present
Challenge
Future
Environment
Above
Self
Below
Best For:
- • Major life decisions
- • Complex situations with many factors
- • When you need comprehensive understanding
- • Annual or milestone readings
- • Understanding patterns in your life
Not Recommended For:
- • Quick yes/no questions
- • Beginners (start with three-card)
- • Simple daily guidance
- • When you're short on time
Relationship Spreads
Relationship spreads explore connections between people—romantic, familial, or professional.
Relationship Connection Spread (5 Cards)
You
Them
Connection
Strength
Challenge
Use for: Understanding relationship dynamics, compatibility, or connection issues
Two Paths Spread (6 Cards)
Path A (Stay/Pursue)
Path B (Leave/Let Go)
Use for: Deciding whether to continue or end a relationship
Career & Finance Spreads
Career spreads help with professional decisions, job searches, and financial planning.
Career Path Spread (5 Cards)
Good Career Questions:
- • "What should I focus on to advance my career?"
- • "How can I improve my financial situation?"
- • "What's blocking my professional growth?"
- • "Should I accept this job offer?" (use Two Paths spread)
- • "What career path aligns with my purpose?"
Decision-Making Spreads
Decision spreads compare options to help you make informed choices.
Two-Option Decision Spread (7 Cards)
Option A
Pros
Cons
Outcome
Advice
Option B
Pros
Cons
Outcome
Use for: Major decisions between two clear options (job offers, moving, ending relationships)
Creating Custom Spreads
You can create your own spreads! Here's how:
Steps to Create a Custom Spread:
- 1. Define your question clearly. What do you need to understand?
- 2. Break it into components. What aspects need exploring? (Past, present, obstacles, advice, outcome, etc.)
- 3. Assign positions. Each position should have one clear meaning.
- 4. Decide card count. 3-7 cards is ideal; more gets overwhelming.
- 5. Arrange logically. Flow should make sense (past → present → future, or problem → action → result).
- 6. Test it. Try your spread multiple times to see if it works.
Example: Self-Care Spread (4 Cards)
Custom spreads let you ask exactly what you need to know.
Which Spread to Use When
Use Three-Card when:
You need quick guidance, daily check-ins, simple questions, or you're a beginner.
Use Celtic Cross when:
You have a complex situation, major life event, or need comprehensive understanding of all factors involved.
Use Relationship Spreads when:
Questions involve connections with others—romantic, family, friends, or coworkers.
Use Career Spreads when:
Asking about work, finances, professional development, or job decisions.
Use Decision Spreads when:
You have two (or more) clear options and need help weighing pros and cons.
Create Custom Spreads when:
Your question doesn't fit standard spreads, or you want to explore a unique situation.
⚠️ Spread Mistakes to Avoid:
- • Too many cards: More isn't always better—it gets confusing
- • Vague positions: Each spot should have clear meaning
- • Asking the same question: Don't spread-hop seeking preferred answers
- • Wrong spread for question: Match spread complexity to question complexity
- • Ignoring cards you don't like: "Negative" cards have valuable messages
The Bottom Line on Spreads
Start simple with three-card spreads. As you get comfortable, explore more complex layouts like the Celtic Cross. Match the spread to your question—not all questions need ten cards.
The best spread is the one that helps you gain clarity. Trust your intuition about which layout feels right for your situation.
Try Different Spreads with PullTarot
Start with our free three-card reading and experience how spreads provide structured guidance for your questions.