Spread the Love

Tarot reading is a perceptive practice that lets you into the past, present, or future. The card layout used in tarot readings is known as the tarot spread. 

Now, if you’re starting out, we’ve collected some easy tarot spreads for beginners you can try.

But first, a little info on tarot cards and readings.

How Tarot Reading Works

Tarot reading started in northern Italy in the 14th century. To do a reading, you need a tarot card deck. A typical deck has 78 cards with 2 major groups: minor and major arcana— all with unique meanings.

The card layout used in tarot readings is known as the tarot spread. This phrase describes the arrangement of cards that are picked during a reading from a deck.

Most of the time, the entire deck of 78 cards is shuffled and cut by the querent or the person who came in for a reading. While they shuffle, you may want to direct them to think of their intention or question. The tarot spread will guide your interpretation of the story. 

There are also tarot spreads that address many issues readers face, including decision-making, relationships, and money. It may even help your mental and emotional well-being.

Easy Tarot Spreads for Beginners

Now, let’s explore some easy tarot spreads suitable for newbies. 

One Card Tarot Spread

This is the simplest one here since you just need one tarot card. First, think of an area in your life that needs more clarity. Some questions to ask are, 

  • How do I..? 
  • What should I do when…?
  • Where would I find …?

Think of that question and when you’re set, shuffle the cards. Do this until you feel deep within that it’s time to stop. After this, you need to pull a card you’re drawn to,  then tune in to your intuition or even consult a guidebook for interpretation.

Three Card Tarot Spreads for Beginners

As you get comfier with tarot reading, you can try pulling more cards. Some popular three-card variations include:

  •     Situation-Obstacle-Advice/Outcome

For this variation, the first card pulled signifies the querent’s role. The next card represents the things that may be causing tension, while the last card pulled may either mean a likely future or insight into how to resolve the conflict.

  •     Past-Present-Future

The first card shows energies from the past that are making an impact on your current situation. Is it threatening your present? The second one reflects your present reality, while the third is the most likely outcome. 

If the third card (future) seems undesirable, then contemplate on the previous ones to decide which one to change in order to make the future more pleasant.

  •     Mind-Body-Spirit

This tarot spread can help you achieve balance in the main areas of your life. The first card addresses your logical and rational side. It may give you a deeper understanding of your thoughts. 

On the other hand, the second card focuses on physical health, fitness, and sexuality. Which areas need your attention now?

As for the last card, it’s all about love, spirituality, and creativity. How do you feel at the moment? What can help you grow?

Five Card Tarot Spreads

While the previous card formations focus on information, these spreads center on answering the question, “Why?”

Here are two formations you can use:

  • Cross Formation

For the cross formation, you can build on the three-card tarot spread and one card on top and another below, forming a cross. The three cards in a row represent the past, present, and future. Meanwhile, the card placed on top shows potential or possibility, while the pulled card below reveals the core reason for what’s happening.

  • Rectangle Formation

If you want to explore some themes in your life, go ahead and try the rectangle variation. The drawn card placed on the center of the rectangle signifies the theme. The formation looks more like an “X” rather than a rectangle, with other cards suggesting challenges, desires, tools, or lessons to be learned.

Tarot Card Readings

Want to understand your life and receive guidance to reach your highest potential, book a tarot card reading session with Everybody in Mind Wellness Center.

Manifest wealth, abundance, and flow in your life now!