Tarot spreads refer to the layout of tarot cards used for divination or to gain insight into a particular topic or situation. There are many different types of tarot spreads, each with a specific purpose or focus. Here are some Guide to the Most Popular Tarot Spreads and what they mean.

1. Three-Card Spread

The Three-Card Spread is a simple tarot reading spread that is commonly used for quick and easy answers to specific questions. It involves drawing three cards from the deck and placing them in a row from left to right, representing the past, present, and future.

  • The first card, representing the past, may offer insight into the events or circumstances that have led up to the present situation. It may reveal past experiences that have influenced the present situation or indicate patterns that have been repeated.
  • The second card, representing the present, offers insight into the current situation. It may reveal the underlying energies at play, the querent’s current perspective or mindset, or potential actions that can be taken in the present moment.
  • The third card, representing the future, offers insight into the potential outcomes of the situation. It may reveal potential challenges or opportunities or indicate the most likely outcome if nothing changes.
Tarot Spreads

2. The Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross Spread is a ten-card tarot spread that is used for complex questions or situations. It is widely used by tarot readers across the world and is considered to be one of the most popular and important spreads in tarot reading.

The ten cards in the Celtic Cross Spread represent the following:

  • 1. The Querent: The first card is drawn to represent the querent or the person asking the question. It represents their current state of mind and emotions.
  • 2. The Situation: The second card represents the situation or the problem being faced by the querent. It can give insights into the issues relating to the question.
  • 3. The Challenges: The third card represents the challenges faced by the querent. It can give insights into the obstacles that need to be overcome in order to find a solution to the problem.
  • 4. The Subconscious: The fourth card represents the subconscious or the hidden emotions and desires of the querent. It can give insights into the unconscious motivations of the person.
  • 5. The Past: The fifth card represents the past. It can give insights into the events and experiences that have led up to the present situation.
  • 6. The Future: The sixth card represents the future. It can give insights into the possible outcomes of the situation.
  • 7. The Self: The seventh card represents the self or the personality of the querent. It can give insights into the person’s strengths and weaknesses.
  • 8. The Environment: The eighth card represents the environment or the external factors that may be impacting the situation.
  • 9. Hopes and Fears: The ninth card represents the hopes and fears of the querent. It can give insights into what the person is hoping for and what they are afraid of.
  • 10. The Outcome: The tenth and final card represents the ultimate outcome of the situation. It can give insights into the most likely outcome based on the information revealed in the previous nine cards.
Tarot Spreads

Overall, the Celtic Cross Spread is a powerful tool for tarot readers and querents alike. It provides a comprehensive and insightful look at the factors impacting a given situation and can help guide the querent towards a clearer understanding of the issues at hand.

3. One-card spread

One-card spread is one of the simplest and most straightforward readings in Tarot spread. This spread involves drawing a single card from the deck and is used to gain a quick form of insight or answer to a question or situation.

The single card drawn in this spread represents the overall energy of the situation or the answer to the question asked. The card can be read on its own or used in combination with other spreads to provide more depth and clarity to the reading.

Despite its simplicity, the one-card spread can be quite powerful and can provide helpful guidance or perspective on a problem or decision. It is a popular spread for daily readings as it can offer a quick and easy way to start the day with a sense of what to expect or what actions may be beneficial to take.

4. The Relationship Spread

The Relationship Spread is a tarot spread used specifically for questions related to love and relationships. It involves seven cards that give insights into different aspects of the querent’s love life.

The Relationship Spread can help the querent gain deeper insights into their love life and relationship with their partner. It provides guidance and clarity on the current situation, the challenges faced, and the potential outcome of the relationship.

Tarot Spreads

5. The Career Spread

The Career Spread is a popular tarot spread used for career and work-related questions. It is a six-card spread that helps the querent understand their current work situation, their potential, the challenges they might face, and the actions they can take to overcome those obstacles. Here’s how the Career Spread works:

NumberName Interpretation
1The Querent Represents the querent’s current state of mind, energy levels, and enthusiasm towards work and career goals
2Their Current Work SituationRepresents the querent’s current work environment, their relationships with colleagues and bosses, and job satisfaction
3Their PotentialRepresents the querent’s hidden potential, talents and skills they may have, untapped creativity and the opportunities that may come their way in the future
4Their ObstaclesRepresents the challenges the querent may face in their career, such as lack of support, poor relationships with colleagues or superiors, or a lack of motivation
5What They Can DoSuggests actionable steps the querent can take to overcome their obstacles, such as networking, upskilling, or seeking new opportunities
6The Ultimate OutcomeRepresents the ultimate outcome of the querent’s career, if they follow through with the actions suggested in the previous card. Indicates changes that may occur in their life, the lessons to be learned, and the success they may achieve

 The Career Spread provides valuable insights into a person’s work-life by highlighting the factors that may be holding them back or presenting opportunities for growth or expansion. Whether you are considering a career change or are looking for ways to overcome obstacles in your current career, this spread can be a useful tool for guidance and introspection.

Tarot Spreads

6. The Astrological Spread

The Astrological Spread is a tarot spread that is based on the twelve astrological houses that are a part of astrology. It is used to give insight into different areas of your life and is used for questions related to love, relationships, career, and spirituality. This spread uses twelve cards, one for each of the twelve astrological houses.

Here’s how the Astrological Spread works:

  • Card 1 – The First House:

This card represents the querent’s personality, appearance, and how they present themselves to the world.

  • Card 2 – The Second House:

This card represents the querent’s material possessions, wealth, and financial situation.

  • Card 3 – The Third House:

This card represents the querent’s communication skills, relationships with siblings, and everyday interactions.

  • Card 4 – The Fourth House:

This card represents the querent’s home life, family, and emotional well-being.

  • Card 5 – The Fifth House:

This card represents the querent’s creativity, romance, and pleasures in life.

  • Card 6 – The Sixth House:

This card represents the querent’s work environment, health, and daily routine.

  • Card 7 – The Seventh House:

This card represents the querent’s relationships, partnerships, and marriage.

  • Card 8 – The Eighth House:

This card represents the querent’s transformation, sexuality, and joint assets.

  • Card 9 – The Ninth House:

This card represents the querent’s spirituality, education, travel, and philosophy.

  • Card 10 – The Tenth House:

This card represents the querent’s career, status, and public image.

  • Card 11 – The Eleventh House:

This card represents the querent’s friendships, networks, and social life.

  • Card 12 – The Twelfth House:

This card represents the querent’s subconscious, hidden enemies, and spiritual growth.

7. The Astrological Spread

The Astrological Spread can provide valuable insights into different locations of your life and help you understand your current situation better. It can guide you in making decisions or taking action in areas where you may need to improve. This spread can also help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how you relate to the world around you.

Each position on the tree corresponds to a different aspect of life, such as relationships, career, health, and spirituality. The spread starts at the bottom of the tree and works its way up, with each card representing a step towards greater self-awareness and enlightenment.

The first card, located at the bottom of the tree, represents the querent’s current situation or state of being.

 The second card represents the obstacles or challenges that the querent may face in their journey towards personal growth.

The third card represents the lessons that the querent needs to learn in order to overcome these obstacles.

Moving up the tree.

Card Interpretation
First cardCurrent Situation/State of Being
Second cardObstacles/Challenges on the Journey Towards Personal Growth
Third cardLessons Needed to Overcome Obstacles
Fourth card Relationships with Others
Fifth cardCareer/Life Path
Sixth cardMental and Emotional State
The seventhPhysical Health
Eighth cardConnection to the Divine/Spiritual Realm
Ninth card Overall Spiritual Journey
Tenth cardUltimate Goal/Destination Towards Self-Realization and Enlightenment

the Tree of Life spread is a powerful tool for gaining insight into the different aspects of one’s life and can provide guidance for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and personal growth.


These are just a few examples of the many tarot spreads available and suggest some Guide to the Most Popular Tarot Spreads. Overall, tarot spreads are designed to help people gain insight and guidance in their lives, and they can be customized to suit a particular situation or question.