Shorter Spreads and Example Readings

SHORTER SPREADS and EXAMPLE READINGS

There are many different tarot spreads, which vary by topic or focus and by the number of cards used. We choose a spread based on how the information it provides fits the issue or question we have.

ONE-CARD SPREADS

One-card spreadscan be used when we want a quick idea about an issue or situation. Pulling one card can help us realize another aspect of our issue we may not have seen before, or give us a focus for our day.

Here’s an example: I’m in a stalemate with my partner about how to spend our COVID stimulus check; I want to spend it and he wants to save it.

I pull the 10 of Ability card, reversed:

Suit: Ability = embodiment, the physical world, the skills we develop
Number: 10 = excess (the energy is uncontrolled)
Image: a figure having a tantrum; reversed = immature energy is opening toward maturity
Keyword: Maturity
Meaning: endurance and stability; concerned with the long-term; being with others without dependency; taking part in traditions with those we love

The story of this reading might be that the best decision at this time would be saving the check – this will allow us to have a sense of financial stability.

THREE-CARD SPREADS

Short three-card spreads provide a snapshot of an issue. Past/present/future; mind/body/spirit; situation/obstacle/advice -- you can choose the position meanings that best fit your issue. Three-card spreads are good to start with if you're a more inexperienced tarot user. The cards can be laid out like this:

Here’s an example of a three-card spread where I’m wondering whether I should look for a new career:

Card #1 = 10 of Vitality
- Position Signficance: the past
- Suit of Vitality = creativity and spirit
- Number: 10 = excess (the energy is uncontrolled)
- Image: a figure looking at a tiny figure through a magnifying glass
- Keyword: Perfectionism
- Card Meaning: burdened and overextended; feeling trapped; no time to relax; editing or rehearsing ourselves; refusing to say "no;" too much energy used to make things perfect
- too much energy used to make things perfect
- Possible story: For awhile now (card #1 position: the past) I have been having struggles (card #1 meaning, burdened and overextended) and difficulty with my energy level (Suit of Vitality, number 10) in my current job...

Card #2 = 5 of Inquiry reversed
- Position Significance: the present
- Suit of Inquiry = thinking and reason
- Number: 5 = with effort (struggling to express the energy)
- Image: a figure pointing at another figure who's drawing back; reversed = blaming energy is opening toward making amends
- Reversed Keyword: Amends
- Reversed Card Meaning: beginning to move past defeat; reconciling; wanting the fighting to be over; letting it go; feeling sorrow after a failure; reconciliation
- Possible story: ...and even though it might be challenging (Suit of Inquiry, number 5), looking for a new career right now (card #2 position: the present) might help me decide to move on (card #2 meaning, beginning to move past defeat)...

Card #3 = Affinity Feeler
- Position Significance: the future
- Suit of Affinity = emotions and connection
- Feeler = inward-focused; inner knowing; nurturing energy
- Image: a figure hugging a large heart to itself
- Keyword: Empathy
- Card Meaning: feeling compassion for ourselves and others we relate to; emotional authenticity; intuitive and sensitive; emotionally secure
- Possible story: ...toward a future profession (card #3 position: the future) where I can feel (Suit of Affinity, Feeler) more emotionally secure and satisfied (card #3 meaning, emotional authenticity).

Summary: "For awhile now, I have been having struggles and difficulty with my energy level in my current job; and even though it might be challenging, looking for a new career right now might help me decide to move on toward a future profession where I can feel more emotionally secure and satisfied."