When most people think of giving a Tarot reading naturally the image of a complex spread laid between you and your querent comes to mind. (You call that a Celtic Cross!?)
Fear not!
Not only are spreads unnecessary, not using them can really clear up those tension headaches.
No worries, we won’t throw that part completely out the window. Spreads are still useful in their own special way. Let me explain.
WHAT’S IN A SPREAD?
The first step of being able to master reading a tarot spread is knowing the purpose of one.
But first, what is a tarot spread? A tarot spread is a specific design tarot cards are presented in where each card’s position has its own meaning.
Each card is interpreted according to its position in the spread.
Furthermore, how you interpret each card’s meaning is reflected by the question asked.
In other words you have a central question that you are asking with supporting details to explore the question more fully.
A good spread will keep the main question in mind. It will then add details to explore, clarify, or give a deeper understanding to the question and effectively find the heart of the issue.
Essentially you can focus your intent and draw a card for as many questions as like. This is why spreads are technically unnecessary.
Yes, it’s that easy.
Now that you’ve mastered reading a tarot spread read on to learn how to further hone your skills.
ANATOMY OF A TAROT SPREAD
Although you have mastered reading a tarot spread it might be helpful to go over the anatomy of one.
First, you would consider the number of cards to be included in the spread. This will correspond with how many details you wish to ask about your main question. Then the shape in which they are presented will come into play.
This can be as simple as a single card or as complex as the entirety of the deck.
Spreads can be formed by simple shapes such as lines, crosses, circles, and triangles.
Also they can represent more complex situations and formations such as objects or the even human body.
Spreads can become even more complex as to represent equally complex ideas like the kabbalah tree of life and sacred geometric patterns.
Regardless of number of cards, shapes, or complexity the purpose of a spread remains the same: To explore a question or idea.
THE NO SPREAD TAROT SPREAD
There are times when using a spread isn’t even necessary. A casual (informal) tarot reading session can be conducted without the use of any particular spread.
You would simply shuffle, ask a question and lay down a card. As long as the questions are in the same context you can continue the reading in this way.
Your intent is what will make or break the reading, not what kind of spread you use.
For beginners especially tarot spreads overcomplicate things causing unnecessary stress. As long as your intent is focused you will receive guidance accordingly
READING THE SPREAD
To read a spread you will first interpret one card at a time.
A single card in its position will be read as a reading of its own.
Then each single card will ultimately be combined to create a story.
Pro tip: It is super helpful to use stream of conscious writing to record your associations and responses in your tarot journal.
MASTERING A TAROT SPREAD
Once you master reading a tarot spread you may choose to take your analysis bit further.
Look for patterns of correspondence such as numerology, astrology, colors, symbols, theme, or any other aspect you are drawn to. Note anything that appears to be a pattern or feels significant.
All this gathered information will support and directly relate to the question asked.
Soon, you should get a feel of the theme and message of the spread. However, it is perfectly acceptable to only view each individual card as a mini spread in itself.
You will just use each card’s meaning as a response to the question for to each position in the spread.
EXAMPLE
We will take the Tower, Devil, and Lovers card from the previous examples to use in a past, present, future reading.
The cards will be placed in a line representing progression through time.
THE TOWER
- POWER
- DESTRUCTION
- ANGRY
- ANGUISH
- FEAR
- TERROR
THE DEVIL
- SUFFERING
- DARK
- TRAPPED
- FORCEFUL
- DEFILED
- OPPRESSIVE
THE LOVERS
- JOINED
- COMFORT
- UNDERSTANDING
- LOVE
- JOYOUS
- COMPASSION
These cards will be interpreted as destruction, suffering, and joined for each position.
Additional information could be:
- In each card there are two people
- One card shows the people clothed while in the other two cards they are nude
- Two cards have black backgrounds (dark) vs one card having a bright (yellow) background
- In each card there is a figure or object that is much larger than the people
- The people seem to be at the mercy of the larger figures
One way to interpret this readings is:
In the recent past there was a sudden event that disturbed the harmony of this couple’s relationship.
Presently the couple is working together to get through this difficult time.
In the future they can look forward to unity, peace, and harmony.
This is just a simple story told by this reader.
CONCLUSION
A tarot reading can quickly become as simple or complex as you want it to be.
While a complex reading a lot of depth is often times best to take the back seat and let the querent relate to the cards in their own way.
In this case it would be best to just confirm how the querent relates to the cards in as it relates to their experience.
Now that you have mastered tarot spreads you can use all of the additional details you uncover to create a narrative of the situation that is as dynamic and detailed as you would like it to be.
After all tarot is about the journey not the destination.
You will never know all there is to know about tarot which is really the true beauty of it.
Tarot will continue to surprise and inspire you as long as you let it.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Be sure to take account of your progress in your Tarot journal!
Not only will it provide you with your own personalized card meanings, but you will also see how much you grow as a Tarot Reader over time.
Learn more about Keeping A Tarot Journal. You’ll be glad you did!
TAROT SPREAD ARCHIVE
Why not try one of the dozens of FREE tarot spreads available in the SelfTarot Tarot Spread Archive?
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