Tarot Spreads Guide

Best for: Daily reflection, a quick focus for the day, beginners

The simplest and most accessible spread. Draw one card each morning and sit with its energy throughout the day. Over time, a daily pull builds an intimate relationship with the deck and sharpens your intuition. There is no wrong answer — the card you draw is simply a lens through which to view the day ahead.

• 1 Today's energy — the theme or message the day holds for you

Best for: General questions, understanding a situation's arc, quick readings

The most versatile spread in tarot. Three cards give you just enough information to understand where you've been, where you are, and where you're heading. It works equally well for love, career, and general life questions. You can also adapt the positions — try Mind / Body / Spirit, or Situation / Action / Outcome.

• 1 Past — what has led to this situation
• 2 Present — where things stand right now
• 3 Future — the likely direction or outcome

Best for: Decisions, understanding all sides of a problem, moderate-depth readings

A natural step up from the three-card spread. The cross formation adds context above and below the central situation — hidden influences beneath the surface and the ideal outcome to aim for. It is particularly useful when you feel stuck and need to see the full picture before making a move.

• 1 The situation — the heart of what you're asking about
• 2 The challenge — what is crossing or complicating things
• 3 The foundation — underlying energies or past influences
• 4 What to focus on — the ideal attitude or action
• 5 Likely outcome — where this is heading if nothing changes

Best for: Deep-dive readings, complex life questions, experienced readers

The Celtic Cross is the most widely used tarot spread in the world. Ten cards cover every dimension of a situation — from unconscious fears and past events to external influences and the ultimate outcome. It rewards slow, careful reading and is especially powerful for questions about relationships, career crossroads, or major life decisions. Give yourself at least 20–30 minutes to work through a full Celtic Cross reading.

• 1 The present — the core of the situation right now
• 2 The crossing card — the immediate challenge or conflict
• 3 The foundation — deep roots, subconscious influences
• 4 The recent past — events just behind you
• 5 The crown — your hopes, goals, or the best possible outcome
• 6 The near future — what is coming in the short term
• 7 Your position — how you see yourself in this situation
• 8 External influences — how others or the environment affect things
• 9 Hopes and fears — what you most want or most dread
• 10 The outcome — the likely result if the current path continues

Best for: Romantic relationships, friendships, partnerships, understanding another person

This spread is designed to illuminate the dynamics between two people. It draws a clear line between your energy, the other person's energy, and what sits in the space between you. It is particularly useful when a relationship feels confusing — when you can't tell if the tension is coming from you, from them, or from the situation itself.

• 1 You — your current energy and feelings in this relationship
• 2 Them — their current energy and feelings
• 3 The connection — what binds you together right now
• 4 Strengths — what is working well between you
• 5 Challenges — what is creating friction or distance
• 6 What needs attention — the most important thing to address
• 7 Potential — where this relationship could go

Best for: New Year readings, birthdays, annual reflection, long-range planning

Lay twelve cards in a circle — one for each month of the coming year. Each card represents the dominant theme or energy for that month. This spread is best done at the start of a new year or on your birthday. Don't expect literal predictions; instead, use each card as a lens for understanding the emotional and practical tone of each month. Return to it monthly to see how the energy is unfolding.

• 1 January (or Month 1) — the energy and theme for this month
• 2 February (or Month 2)
• 3 March (or Month 3)
• 4 April (or Month 4)
• 5 May (or Month 5)
• 6 June (or Month 6)
• 7 July (or Month 7)
• 8 August (or Month 8)
• 9 September (or Month 9)
• 10 October (or Month 10)
• 11 November (or Month 11)
• 12 December (or Month 12)