Discover Simple Tarot Spreads for Beginners

From mystical shops to online marketplaces, tarot decks are now available in a variety of forms. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned reader, understanding tarot spreads is crucial to unlocking the power of the cards. It can be perplexing to know which spread to choose or how to interpret the cards, but fear not! In this article, we will break down the basics of tarot spreads and introduce you to some of the most common layouts for beginners. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to start your journey with tarot spreads.

The Basics of Tarot Spreads

If you’re new to tarot reading, understanding the basics of tarot spreads is essential. Tarot spreads are the layout of tarot cards in a particular pattern for divination purposes. Each spread has a unique meaning and helps reveal different aspects of your life. In this section, we’ll go over what tarot spreads are, why they’re important, and explore some common spreads for beginners. If you’re interested in learning more about tarot, you might want to check out our Introduction to Tarot Reading or Major Arcana Meaning articles.

What are tarot spreads?

Tarot spreads are specific layouts in which a tarot card reader places the cards. This is an essential aspect of tarot reading because the position of each card in a spread affects its interpretation. The tarot spreads can help reveal information about different aspects of a person’s life, including love, career, health, and spirituality.

There are numerous types of tarot spreads, ranging from a simple 1-card spread to more complex ones like the Celtic Cross spread. Each spread has its unique purpose and can be used to answer a different type of questions related to a particular issue.

Tarot spreads enable the reader to explore the different aspects of a situation in-depth. For instance, a spread that focuses on a particular issue can help identify the root cause of the problem, possible outcomes, actions to take, and how to move forward. The reader can gain insights and clarity by interpreting the cards in each position of the spread.

In tarot reading, spreads set a structure for the reading and allow the reader to address specific questions or issues. They provide a framework for the interpretation of the cards pulled in each position of the spread. Learning and mastering the art of tarot spreads is a vital step for any beginner tarot reader who wishes to give insightful and accurate readings.

Tarot spreads can help bring clarity into our lives by revealing insights that can be difficult to tap into by ourselves at times. By using specific tarot spreads, we can explore various aspects of life and find a new perspective on different issues. It is a fascinating element of tarot reading and essential for anyone who wants to provide helpful readings to themselves or others.

If you want to harness the power of tarot spreads, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation of the interpretation of tarot cards and knowledge of different spreads. You can find many resources online, including tutorials, articles, and videos on tarot spreads, as well as information on reading the minor arcana and developing intuition in tarot to enhance the accuracy of your readings. Additionally, it’s important to cleanse and energize your tarot cards regularly, which you can learn at tarot card cleansing and energizing. Remember to approach tarot reading ethically with the right intentions by following the tarot reading ethics for beginners and use these tips to obtain accurate tarot readings.

Why are they important?

Tarot spreads are an essential part of a tarot reading, both for the reader and the client. Below are some reasons why tarot spreads are important:

• Provides structure: Tarot spreads provide a clear structure for the reading by laying out a specific number of cards in a certain order.
• Fosters clarity: Since tarot spreads have a specific purpose, they help both the reader and the client gain clarity and insights into specific areas of their lives.
• Enhances focus: Tarot spreads help the reader focus their energy and intentions on a particular topic or question.
• Encourages exploration: Tarot spreads encourage exploration of different possible outcomes, options, and solutions to problems.
• Allows for comparison: By using the same tarot spread for different readings over time, the reader can compare the cards and gain a deeper understanding of the patterns, themes, and lessons that emerge.

Tarot spreads are important because they provide clarity, focus, and structure for the reader and the client, encouraging exploration and comparison over time. Whether you’re exploring your first tarot deck choices or have already chosen a deck, learning tarot spreads can greatly enhance your tarot practice.

Common Tarot Spreads for Beginners

As a beginner in tarot, selecting the best spread is critical for an accurate reading. Tarot spreads refer to the arrangements of cards used in tarot readings to gather insight into various aspects of life. In this section, we’ll introduce you to four of the most commonly used tarot spreads for beginners, including the One-Card Spread, the Three-Card Spread, the Celtic Cross Spread, and the Relationship Spread. These spreads offer a range of simplicity and complexity, so you can start learning the basics of tarot spreads and gradually move towards more complex spreads that can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others. Before we dive in, make sure you have a tarot deck on hand. If you haven’t chosen one yet, check out our guide on the best first tarot deck choices for beginners.

One-Card Spread

One of the simplest tarot spreads for beginners is the One-Card Spread. As the name suggests, this layout only requires drawing a single card from the deck to answer a specific question or gain insight into a particular area of one’s life. This spread is perfect for those who are new to tarot and just starting to explore the spiritual practice.

How to perform a One-Card Spread:

1. Start by shuffling your tarot deck while focusing on your question or concern.
2. Once you feel ready, fan out the cards face-down in front of you and choose one card that you feel drawn to.
3. Flip over the selected card and study its image and symbolism. Think about how it answers your question or provides insight into your situation.
4. Reflect on the meaning of the card and how it relates to your life. Allow yourself to interpret the message intuitively, using your own instincts and experiences.
5. Write down any insights or takeaways that you gained from the reading, and use them to guide your actions or decisions.

This spread is great for those who are short on time or want a quick answer to a specific question. However, it is important to keep in mind that the One-Card Spread only provides a snapshot of a situation and may not offer the full picture or a detailed analysis like other tarot spreads.

Pros	Cons
Quick and easy to perform	May not provide a full analysis
Great for beginners	Can be limited in its scope
Provides a snapshot of the situation	May not be suitable for complex situations

Remember that the key to a successful One-Card Spread is to be clear about your question or concern, and to trust your intuition when choosing a card. Don’t overthink it – simply select the card that jumps out at you and let the message guide you. With practice, you’ll soon be able to interpret the symbolism and meaning of each card with ease.

Three-Card Spread

A **Three-Card Spread** is a simple yet versatile tarot spread that can provide insightful answers to a variety of questions. This spread consists of three cards drawn and arranged in a row. Each of the cards represents a different aspect of the question being asked. Here’s how to do a Three-Card Spread:

1. First, shuffle the deck while concentrating on your question. When you’re ready, lay the deck face down on a flat surface and cut it into three piles with your left hand.
2. Draw one card from the top of each pile and place them in a row from left to right, face up.
3. The card on the left represents the recent past and the factors that have led up to the current situation.
4. The card in the middle represents the present situation, and the challenges or opportunities that are currently facing you.
5. The card on the right represents the potential outcome or future direction of the situation.

Interpreting the meanings of each card in relation to the others can provide valuable insight into your question. It’s important to consider the overall theme of the cards as well as their individual meanings. For example, if the first card is the **Three of Cups**, which represents celebration and joy, and the middle card is the **Five of Pentacles**, which represents financial hardship, the overall message could be that past celebrations have led to present financial struggles.

Remember that tarot readings are not set in stone and are often open to interpretation. Use your intuition to guide you in interpreting the cards and applying them to your question.

Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross Spread is one of the most popular and complex tarot spreads for beginners to master. This spread is designed to give insight into a specific situation or question, offering a detailed look at past, present, and future influences.

The Steps:

• Begin by placing the first card, called the central card, at the center of your spread. This card represents the present situation or immediate challenge.
• The second card, placed to the left of the central card, represents the energy and influences of the past that have led to the current situation.
• The third card, placed to the right of the central card, represents the future outcome or potential course of action.
• The fourth card, placed above the central card, represents the conscious thoughts and feelings of the querent about the situation.
• The fifth card, placed below the central card, represents the subconscious factors at play in the situation.
• The sixth card, placed to the left of the central card and above the second card represents the immediate future, specifically within the next few weeks.
• The seventh card, placed to the right of the central card and above the third card, represents the querent’s fears or hopes about the outcome of the situation.
• The eighth card, placed to the left of the central card and below the sixth card, represents external influences that may affect the situation.
• The ninth card, placed to the right of the central card and below the seventh card, represents the querent’s hopes or fears that are particularly relevant to the situation.
• The tenth card, placed at the very bottom of the spread, represents the final outcome.

It’s essential to remember that the interpretation of each card is influenced by its position within the spread. For instance, the central card’s meaning may shift depending on the cards that surround it.

Tips:

• Take your time with the Celtic Cross Spread as it can be complex and overwhelming. Take it one card at a time and slowly weave together the story they tell.
• Don’t be too fixated on the final outcome card. Instead, pay attention to the journey and the insights you gain along the way.
• Use a journal to make notes on your interpretations and reflect on what you’ve learned.

The Celtic Cross Spread is a powerful and insightful tool for beginners and experienced tarot readers alike. It provides a comprehensive look at a situation and a road map for moving forward. With patience and practice, anyone can master this complex spread.

Relationship Spread

One of the most common reasons people turn to tarot readings is for relationship guidance. The relationship spread is designed specifically for this purpose. It can help you gain insight into the dynamics of your relationship, identify any areas that may need improvement, and give you a better understanding of your partner’s perspective.

Here’s how to do the relationship spread:

1. The first card represents you. This card will give you insight into your own feelings and attitudes towards the relationship. Ask yourself questions like, “What do I bring to this relationship?” or “What are my strengths and weaknesses in this partnership?”
2. The second card represents your partner. Pull this card to gain insight into your partner’s feelings and attitudes towards the relationship. Ask questions like, “What does my partner bring to the relationship?” or “What are their strengths and weaknesses in the partnership?”
3. The third card represents the dynamic between you and your partner. This card will give you insight into the overall energy of the relationship. It can help you identify any patterns, conflicts, or imbalances in the partnership.
4. The fourth card represents the root of any problems in the relationship. This card can help you identify any underlying issues that may be causing conflict in the relationship. Use this card to gain clarity and insight into what needs to change in order for the relationship to thrive.
5. The fifth card represents the future of the relationship. Use this card to gain insight into the potential outcomes of the relationship. It can help you identify any challenges or opportunities that may arise, and guide you in making decisions about the relationship moving forward.

Remember, the relationship spread is just a tool for gaining insight and clarity into your relationship. It’s up to you to take action and make the necessary changes to improve your partnership. And always approach your tarot readings with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.

Tips for Successful Tarot Spreads

As a beginner in tarot reading, performing a tarot spread can be daunting, but with practice and the right tips in mind, you’ll be able to do it successfully. Remember that tarot reading is all about intuition and interpretation, so it’s important to trust yourself throughout the process. In this section, we’ll discuss some helpful tips to ensure that your tarot spreads are accurate and insightful. So, let’s get started!

Choose a conducive environment

A conducive environment is crucial for successful tarot spreads. Creating a peaceful and comfortable space can help you focus your energies and tune into your intuition. Here are some tips for creating a conducive environment:

Tips for Choosing a Conducive Environment
Find a quiet space: Choose a quiet room or a space where you can concentrate without being disturbed. This will help you tune into your intuition and focus on your tarot spreads.
Lighting: Make sure the lighting in the room is comfortable and calming. Harsh lighting can be distracting and make it difficult to focus.
Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or incense to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere. Lavender or sandalwood are great options for promoting relaxation and clarity.
Cleanliness: A cluttered or messy environment can create chaos and distract you from your tarot reading. Make sure to keep the space clean and organized.
Comfort: Make sure you are comfortable while doing your tarot spreads. Wear comfortable clothing, sit in a comfortable chair, and create a space that feels welcoming and inviting.

By creating a conducive environment, you will be able to focus on your tarot spreads and gain deeper insights into your life. Remember to trust your intuition and be open to the messages the cards are trying to convey.

Set intentions and ask the right questions

To ensure that you get the most out of your tarot reading, it is important to set clear intentions and ask the right questions. Here are some tips for doing so:

• Reflect on your goals: Take some time to reflect on what you hope to gain from the reading. Consider what areas of your life you want insight on and what kind of guidance you are looking for.
• Be specific: When formulating your questions, be as specific as possible. Avoid vague or general questions that could lead to unclear or irrelevant answers. Instead, focus on asking questions that are direct and specific.
• Avoid yes or no questions: While it may be tempting to ask questions that require a simple yes or no answer, this can limit the depth and complexity of the reading. Instead, focus on questions that ask for advice, guidance or insight.
• Use open-ended questions: Open-ended questions are those that invite detailed responses and encourage exploration. Phrasing your questions in this way can lead to more meaningful and insightful readings.
• Stay focused: Try to avoid asking multiple questions at once or straying too far from your original intentions. Staying focused on one topic or theme can help you receive clearer and more meaningful answers.

By taking the time to set clear intentions and ask the right questions, you can enhance your tarot reading experience and gain deeper insight into your life.

Clear the deck often

One important aspect of tarot reading is making sure to clear the deck often. This helps to remove any lingering energies from previous readings, allowing for a clean slate for the next reading. There are a variety of ways to clear the deck, but some popular methods include using crystals or smudging with sage.

Using Crystals: Certain crystals are believed to have purifying properties, making them useful for clearing tarot decks. The most common crystals used for this purpose are clear quartz, selenite, and amethyst. Simply place the crystal on top of the deck overnight, allowing its energy to cleanse the cards.

Smudging: Burning sage is another popular method for clearing energy, as it creates a smoke that can be used to cleanse a space or object. To use sage for clearing your tarot deck, light the sage bundle and blow out the flame so that it is smoldering. Hold the deck over the smoke for several seconds, allowing the smoke to envelope the cards.

Moon Bathing: Another way to clear your cards is to place them outside under the light of a full moon. This method is believed to not only clear the cards, but also infuse them with the energy of the moon. Place the deck in a safe and secure location outside, leaving them overnight to absorb the moon’s energy.

Taking the time to clear your tarot deck can have a significant impact on the accuracy and energy of your readings. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you and your deck.

Trust your intuition

One important aspect of successful tarot spreads is the ability to trust your intuition. This means tapping into your own inner voice and letting it guide you during the reading. Here are some tips for trusting your intuition during tarot spreads:

• Quiet the mind: Before starting the reading, take some time to clear your mind of any distracting thoughts. Find a quiet place where you can focus and relax before beginning the reading.
• Focus on the question: When formulating the question for the tarot spread, focus on what you truly want to know. This will help you stay centered and guide your intuition towards the most relevant answers.
• Pay attention to your first impressions: When interpreting the cards, pay attention to the first impressions that come to mind. These initial reactions may be fleeting, but they can often hold important clues and insights.
• Don’t second-guess yourself: It’s easy to second-guess your intuition or doubt your own inner voice, especially if you’re new to tarot spreads. However, it’s important to trust yourself and your intuition during the reading. Remember that the cards themselves are simply tools to help you tap into your own wisdom and intuition.
• Take a step back: If you’re feeling stuck or unsure during the reading, take a step back and give yourself some space. This could mean taking a short break, or consulting with another reader or mentor. Sometimes a fresh perspective can help you regain your intuition and continue the reading with clarity and insight.

Ultimately, trusting your intuition is key to developing a deeper understanding of the tarot and its messages. With practice and patience, you can learn to trust your own inner voice and use it to guide you through tarot spreads and other spiritual practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tarot spreads are an important part of a tarot card reading that can provide insight and guidance to the querent. By using different tarot spreads, beginners can learn to interpret the cards and understand their meanings in various contexts.

It is important to note that successful tarot spreads require patience, practice, and a deep connection with your intuition. Therefore, it is helpful for beginners to set intentions and ask the right questions, choose a conducive environment, clear the deck often, and trust their inner voice while performing tarot spreads.

Learning the basics of tarot spreads and mastering simple layouts, such as the one-card spread and three-card spread, can build a strong foundation for further exploration and growth. It is also worth experimenting with more complex spreads like the Celtic Cross or Relationship Spread to gain a richer and more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.

Ultimately, using tarot spreads can be a valuable tool for anyone seeking clarity and insight in their life. By incorporating these spreads into your tarot practice, you can deepen your connection with the cards and unlock the ancient wisdom that they hold. With time, patience, and an open mind, anyone can become adept at using tarot spreads for personal growth and spiritual development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarot?

Tarot is a deck of 78 cards, used for divination and self-discovery.

Is Tarot evil?

No, Tarot is not evil. It is a tool that can be used for good or bad, depending on the intention of the user.

What is a Tarot reading?

A Tarot reading is a way to gain insight and guidance from the cards, by interpreting their symbols and messages.

How do Tarot cards work?

Tarot cards work by tapping into the energy of the person doing the reading and the question or situation at hand, and providing guidance and advice through symbols and imagery.

Can anyone learn Tarot?

Yes, anyone can learn Tarot. It just takes practice, patience, and an open mind.

Do I need to be psychic to use Tarot cards?

No, you do not need to be psychic to use Tarot cards. Anyone can learn to read the cards and interpret their messages.

What if I get a bad Tarot reading?

Remember that Tarot readings are not set in stone and that the future is not predetermined. Use the reading as a guide and try to make positive changes in your life.

How often should I do a Tarot reading?

It is up to you how often you do a Tarot reading. Some people do it daily, others weekly, and some only when they need guidance or insight.

Can Tarot cards predict the future?

Tarot cards cannot predict the future with 100% accuracy, but they can provide insight and guidance on what may happen based on the current circumstances and energies present.

Is it okay to charge money for Tarot readings?

Yes, it is okay to charge money for Tarot readings, as long as you are honest and ethical in your practice and do not take advantage of vulnerable people.

References

• 11 Popular Tarot Spreads for Beginners and Advanced …
• Tarot – Wikipedia