1001 Tarot Spreads: The Complete Book of Tarot Spreads for Every Purpose

CHAPTER 1

ONE-CARD SPREADS

One-card Spreads are ideal for an almost instant reading or when you have a single question requiring a relatively straightforward answer. Yes/no, should I go/stay, speak/remain silent, act/wait all work well with one-card Spreads. One-card readings are also effective for date/time-specific questions asking when will I/should I/can I. If you use your 40 Minor cards for time readings, the number of the card will give you days/weeks/months according to a realistic time frame and how you should proceed according to the suit. The nature of the card selected often suggests how a negative can be turned into a positive.

You can also ask an Is/will be/what question about a person or situation to offer the clarity needed when you have been overthinking an issue or the outer evidence is at odds with your gut feeling.

You can add a second card if necessary. Set your second card to the right of the first. There is also the option to use a single card reading as the first card in a reading that you build up with three, six, or even nine cards.

1

CARD OF THE DAY

Purpose and background information:

You can use this Spread every day to alert you to what you need to know about the day ahead. If the answer is not clear, or if it is a particularly significant day, add a second card.

You may find it useful to note in your Tarot journal the card you pick each day. If the same card appears regularly or occurs on the same day each week, ask yourself what or who in your everyday life is connected with that day, and the relationship that might exist with that card.

If necessary, add a more extensive reading when you have time, using the repeated card as Card 1 in the Spread.

What you should use:

A full deck of seventy-eight cards. Choose one card at random from anywhere in the facedown deck.

When:

Every morning, soon after you have woken up. If you are still somewhat sleepy, you will be relaxed enough to interpret the chosen card with your intuition, rather than trying to make sense of the card with your logical mind.

2

ONE QUESTION

Purpose and background information:

Any single uncomplicated question that requires a straightforward yes or no answer.

What you should use:

A single card from the full deck of seventy-eight cards. Choose one card taken at random from anywhere in the facedown deck. If the answer is not clear, add a second card.

When:

Whenever a quick answer is needed to an uncomplicated question.

3

IS THIS A FAVORABLE TIME TO ACT/SPEAK OUT/GO FOR IT?

Purpose and background information:

When you are not sure whether or how to act/react but need to decide the best approach.

What you should use:

The twenty-two Major cards. Choose a single card at random.

When:

The evening before you need to act/speak out/go for it.

4

WHAT STRATEGY SHOULD I USE?

Purpose and background information:

Whenever you have an issue that you need to solve and are unsure how to tackle it.

What you should use:

Forty cards: the four suits, Ace to Ten. Choose a single card. Note the suit of the chosen card and the number on the card to help you make sense of the meaning.

When:

Early morning, if you need the right strategy for the day ahead.

Example:

Paul had to find money fast to pay for his vacation. He picked the Eight of Pentacles, showing the person making their own golden coins. Paul had hoped that his brother might lend him the money, but this card suggested otherwise.

Paul therefore decided to take a second evening job for a few weeks to boost his income. His brother subsequently did refuse to loan him the money, but Paul was able to earn enough himself for the vacation.

5

WHAT IS MY GREATEST STRENGTH IN THIS SITUATION?

Purpose and background information:

If you encounter or anticipate a situation where you know there is an opportunity. You have the option of combining this with Spread 6 if you suspect (or know) there will also be opposition.

What you should use:

A single card picked at random from the twenty-two Major cards and the sixteen Court cards. These will enable you to see the broader picture and determine who is a potential ally or what strength you possess to win the day.

When:

Before reaching out for the opportunity.

6

WHAT IS MY GREATEST CHALLENGE IN THIS SITUATION?

Purpose and background information:

A single card can be chosen entirely independently of Spread 5 if there is known or suspected opposition from a person or organization to an opportunity you seek.

However, you may wish to combine this with Spread 5. If so, choose Card 1 to determine what the opposition is/obstacles are. Then choose a second card to see what allies/strengths you have to overcome the opposition.

What you should use:

The Major Arcana (this is another term for the twenty-two Major or trump cards). Do not replace the first card in the deck before choosing the second.

When:

If you suspect or know of opposition to your plans.

7

WILL I PASS MY EXAMINATION/DRIVING TEST/INTERVIEW?

Purpose and background information:

To gain from the card a positive or negative answer plus, depending upon the chosen card, what could make things work better if the answer is negative.

What you should use:

The Minor Arcana (the fifty-six suit cards: four suits, fourteen cards in each suit), but only using the Ace to Ten from each suit. Choose a single card. If the answer is not clear, return the card to the deck, reshuffle, and pick a substitute rather than picking an extra card. Combine the information.

When:

In the days or weeks before the test/examination/interview so you can modify your approach or increase your efforts.

Example:

Christina was due to take a major exam in mathematics that she needed for college entrance, in three weeks’ time. She hadn’t been studying, as she had been out every night with her new boyfriend, so she expected a negative result in the card.

However, the chosen card, The Three of Pentacles, showing the person building a wall by hard work, said that she could pass if she worked really hard between the Tarot reading and the examination. She stayed home every night, studying, and just got the necessary grades to gain her college place.

8

IS THIS PERSON/SITUATION TRUSTWORTHY?

Purpose and background information:

If your intuition/gut feeling is warning you to look below the surface of a person or situation, especially regarding an investment.

What you should use:

If a person, then use the 16 Court cards; if a situation, use the 40 Minor cards. Choose a single card.

When:

A Thursday, traditionally a day of truth.

Example:

Paolo had been asked to invest some money in a project that promised great dividends, along with what he was told was nineteen other investors. But it seemed too good to be true. He picked the Seven of Swords, suggesting behind-the-scenes trickery. When he dug deeper, Paolo found he was in fact the only investor, and so the promises of rich returns were unlikely to come true.

9

HOW LONG BEFORE I SELL MY HOME/BUSINESS?

Purpose and background information:

When your home or business has been on the market for a while and isn’t moving.

What you should use:

Decide a realistic time scale—days, weeks, or months—and use the forty Minor cards, Aces to Tens. Choose a single card.

When:

Before trying a new agent or tactic.

10

HAS (NAME OF PERSON) LEFT MY LIFE FOREVER?

Purpose and background information:

If someone close has broken off contact, and all your attempts to mend the situation have been ignored or rejected.

What you should use:

All 78 cards. Choose a single card.

When:

If you do not want to give up, but do not know what more to do.

11

SHOULD I MOVE TO WHERE I REALLY WANT TO LIVE, ALTHOUGH IT MEANS LEAVING THE PLACE WHERE I HAVE LIVED ALL MY LIFE?

Purpose and background information:

When a chance comes to live in a desired location.

What you should use:

The 22 Major cards. Choose a single card.

When:

A Tuesday, the day of change.

12

WILL MY NEW DIET/FITNESS REGIME GIVE PERMANENT GOOD RESULTS?

Purpose and background information:

When you have tried a lot of different methods and none seems to work.

What you should use:

The full deck. Choose a single card.

When:

The beginning of the week or month, or for a New Year’s resolution.

Example:

Edgar had a cupboard full of the latest sports equipment and membership to countless fitness clubs. He also had a cupboard crammed with health shakes, but nothing worked. Now he had joined a jogging club, but was afraid his enthusiasm would go the way of all the others.

He picked the Ace of Pentacles, the new-beginning and slow-but-sure card, above all indicating the need to stick with a project when enthusiasm waned. Edgar had a high-powered job and was always rushing and tired. So he decided to delegate his work and actually take weekends off. He found that he started to enjoy the jogging club and the social side, as well as the exercise itself. He met a really nice guy whom he is now dating. Edgar is relaxed, and his fitness is slowly improving instead of the usual: a mad burst of activity, followed by exhaustion, followed by giving up.

The next chapter explains how to use two-card readings for anywhere there are choices or alternatives that may not be so clear-cut.

CHAPTER 2

TWO-CARD SPREADS

Spreads using just two cards are ideal when you are in a hurry or want to cut through indecision and get instant clarity. There are many times when we need to make a fast but important decision in our daily lives. If you are bogged down with detail and find yourself going in circles, a two-card Spread will often cut through indecision.

You can also use two cards if you are asking a question about the next two days, weeks, or months. They can pinpoint which of two dates or times is the best for a special occasion or interview, or even which of two places is the best location for a vacation. Best of all, they help you to decide between two options, people, or situations, as an either/or.

If neither option card seems right, maybe the answer is wait, as neither choice will make you happy at present. But first of all, try adding a third card to the right of the second card to see if an alternative comes up. On the other hand, both options might be right and just involve compromise, if you then allow the two meanings to merge.

13

SHOULD YOU CONTINUE SAVING FOR A HOUSE, OR TAKE A BREAK AND HAVE A LONGED-FOR VACATION OVERSEAS?

Purpose and background information:

If you are saving hard for your first home or to upsize, but feel you just aren’t having any fun anymore.

What you should use:

The full deck. Choose, before turning the cards over, one card for each option and read left to right.

When:

Everyone is going on vacation and you feel left out.

Example:

John and Julie have been saving for their first house for five years; but getting on the housing ladder just seems to get further away with house prices constantly rising.

The first card, suggesting pressing on with the saving, is the Seven of Pentacles, slowly building up and growing their savings, which they know is a sensible option.

The second card is the World card, showing the World expanding, their desired option. But must it be one or the other, or are both possible?

On closer examination the Seven of Pentacles shows a person growing their Pentacles, which can indicate growing/improving property as well as money. John has been talking to a friend whose grandfather was moving into a retirement village and selling his unmodernized home cheaply. John and Julie realized that they could just afford that house now and still have sufficient money to go camping around Europe before moving in.

14

SHOULD YOU GO FOR A MAJOR PROMOTION, OR FOCUS ON HAPPINESS IN YOUR OUT-OF-WORK LIFE?

Purpose and background information:

If you are offered a promotion or extra training that will involve long hours and working weekends, but it promises great prospects for the future.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

Before you apply for a promotion or go for an interview for that higher position you have been offered.

15

SHOULD YOU STICK WITH YOUR PREDICTABLE BUT RELIABLE BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND, OR ACCEPT A DATE WITH AN EXCITING NEW PERSON WHO HAS A BIT OF A REPUTATION AS A FLIRT?

Purpose and background information:

If you are feeling restless in a longstanding relationship and want some excitement, but do not want to lose your present boyfriend/girlfriend.

What you should use:

The 22 Major cards and the 16 Court cards.

When:

If you are tempted to cheat.

Example:

Jodie has been dating her boyfriend Steve for two years. But a new guy, Alexander, has started coming into the office once a week and always takes her out for lunch. Now he has asked her to go for a weekend out of town, no strings attached, and she is tempted.

Her first card, for sticking with Steve, is the Knight of Pentacles. Steve is a typical Knight of Pentacles, kind and reliable, but she is getting bored watching Sky Sports in the evenings and going for Sunday lunch with his family. Though she has tried, Steve is resistant to change in his routine.

Alexander’s card is the Knight of Swords, fun but unreliable and a warning that she could get hurt. Nether card felt right. Jodie then picked a third card, The High Priestess, which stands for independence. Jodie then realized that Steve wasn’t right for her and she wasn’t ready to settle down with anyone yet.

16

WHAT DO THE NEXT TWO DAYS/WEEKS/MONTHS HOLD FOR YOU?

Purpose and background information:

If you are coming up to a major change/opportunity/challenge in the next two days/weeks/months.

What you should use:

The 22 Major cards and the 40 Court cards.

When:

Immediately before the two-week/month period begins.

17

SHOULD YOU GO IT ALONE IN BUSINESS, OR WORK WITH A PARTNER?

Purpose and background information:

If you are planning on starting a solo business, but a colleague, friend, or family member wants you to go in with them.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

A Sunday, day of new beginnings.

18

WHICH SHOULD YOU GO FOR: THE PRESTIGIOUS STUDY CHOICE, OR THE ONE WITH PRACTICAL ON-THE-JOB TRAINING?

Purpose and background information:

When you have to decide between two educational/further education choices. If you have more than two choices, add an extra card for each additional one, moving left to right.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

A Wednesday, a good study/training decision day.

19

IF YOU HAVE MAJOR FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, SHOULD YOU NEGOTIATE, OR IGNORE THEM?

Purpose and background information:

When you are getting threatening phone calls or letters from creditors.

What you should use:

The 22 Major cards.

When:

Before contacting your creditors.

Example:

Phil had lost his job when the company he worked for folded. The town he lives in has high unemployment due to the closure of the steel works and its suppliers.

Phil picks The World card, showing the world expanding. But he doesn’t feel that this indicates running away. The World suggests traveling to a new destination or job in a new location. He knew he owed so much that he would never get out of debt, even if creditors agreed to reduce interest on the debts.

His second card, the Eight of Pentacles, shows someone making their own gold coins. Phil found this interesting because that same day, he had seen an advertisement to teach welding at a college in Saudi Arabia, with a large tax-free salary. The card showing working with metal he considers a good omen.

So Phil applied for and got the job in Saudi Arabia and is making inroads into his debts.

20

IF YOU CANNOT DECIDE BETWEEN TWO VENUES FOR A FAMILY CELEBRATION

Purpose and background information:

When prices and facilities are similar.

What you should use:

The 22 Major cards.

When:

After you have visited and narrowed it down to two venues.

21

TO DECIDE BETWEEN TWO DATES FOR YOUR WEDDING OR A FAMILY CELEBRATION.

Purpose and background information:

If two dates are available.

What you should use:

The forty Minor cards.

When:

When both dates have merits and drawbacks. You can add a third card to the right if there is a third possible date. See which card is the better omen.

22

SHOULD YOU TAKE UP ART/CREATIVE WRITING AS A PROFESSION, OR KEEP YOUR DAY JOB UNTIL YOU ARE ESTABLISHED?

Purpose and background information:

If it would be a financial struggle to support yourself, but you fear that if you do not devote time to your creativity, you will never launch it.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

When you are uncertain as to whether your talents will take you where you want to go.

23

IF YOUR PARTNER IS UNWILLING TO TRAVEL, SHOULD YOU GO BY YOURSELF, OR PERSIST IN PERSUADING HIM/HER?

Purpose and background information:

When you have found the right vacation, but your partner will not commit to the trip even though money is not a problem.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

When you are in a quandary about your travel plans.

24

SHOULD YOU QUIT, OR COMPLAIN, BECAUSE YOU ARE CONSTANTLY BEING PICKED ON AT WORK BY A GROUP OF WORKPLACE BULLIES?

Purpose and background information:

When you dread going to work, but the Human Resources team, in spite of official policy, has no interest in finding out why.

What you should use:

The 22 Major cards and the 16 Court cards.

When:

When matters just seem to get worse, no matter what you do.

Example:

Tom is new in a huge industrial workplace, and though he is a highly skilled worker, the others, including the manager, give him the worst jobs and constantly criticize him in front of customers so that he becomes flustered and is starting to make mistakes.

The first card he picked was the Tower, which looks very fearsome with thunder and lightning and people falling out of a splitting tower. However, it is not predicting disaster, as the situation couldn’t get worse, but it is advising Tom to break the conspiracy of silence in which even Human Resources is playing down the problem. The second card, Judgment, showing the people rising up in rebirth as Michael the Archangel blows his trumpet, tells Tom that if he takes his complaints high enough, he will get the desired results.

So Tom went back to Human Resources and said he was going to make an official complaint to a tribunal. The department didn’t want a fuss, as other people had left because of bullying; so, with some strategic movement of people, Tom was able to work freely in a new department and indeed got a promotion.

In the following chapter, I will describe Spreads using three cards that offer greater flexibility than one- or two-card Spreads, but also will enable you to focus on key issues that may not be so easy with Spreads that use larger numbers.

CHAPTER 3

THREE-CARD SPREADS

Three-card Spreads extend the scope of a reading, offering more detail for individual position meanings than one- or two-card Spreads. However, they also provide a clear focus when issues are specific or involve choices that are reasonably straightforward.

Three cards extend the two-card option Spread in the previous chapter, showing which of three choices, for example vacations or venues for a special occasion, is best.

You can also—when choosing between two people, two jobs, two alternative new homes you are considering buying, or two study courses—use a third card to consider an extra choice if neither option feels right. This third card will reveal an unexpected—or maybe previously rejected or unthought-of—path.

Past, present, and future considerations also work well. Use the first card representing what is moving out of your life, the second representing the present situation and influences, and the third card for what is just over the horizon.

Above all, a three-carder allows you to do an entirely unstructured Spread. In this case, the three cards do not have assigned position meanings. Rather, they open up like an evolving story of your life as you add each card, building up by Card 3 to the solution to the question. This enables you to focus on the significance of each picture and what you feel.

Unless stated otherwise in a Spread, use a horizontal-row formation. Deal all three cards and turn them over one at a time, reading each before turning the next. Read left to right, turning over all the cards before beginning your reading.

If you get one of those gloomy Swords, remember it is not predicting disaster, rather reflecting the fears we all have. Replace a fear card with a substitute card so you can see what will happen when you replace that fear. If you get another fear card, substitute another until those fears have blown away.

25

A THREE-CARD UNSTRUCTURED READING TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION ON ANY TOPIC

Purpose and background information:

This Spread can answer any question.

Consider what you feel about each card, and combine the information once you have read all three. If in doubt, add a fourth card directly above Card 2 to act as the Crown or summary of the reading.

What you should use:

A full deck of 78 cards.

When:

Any time you will not be disturbed, so you can allow the ideas to form.

26

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

Purpose and background information:

Useful if you are planning changes based on what has previously happened in your life.

Card 1: What you need to leave behind to make the change or what is already moving out of your life. Card 2: The present influences and factors already emerging affecting your decision. Card 3: The results of taking action and what lies over the horizon if you do.

What you should use:

The full seventy-eight-card deck.

When:

Once you have all the facts and figures, but still hesitate.

Example:

Petra has been asked by her fiancé to move overseas from the UK for two years once they marry, where they will both have the chance of major promotion. But her ex-husband Simon, who never sees their teenage children, has said he will oppose the move and threatens her with a court order. What can she do?

Card 1: What is moving out of your life, the Past:

The Emperor

Petra’s ex-husband Simon has always been controlling and has used the children as a weapon, so she will not ask for any money for them, although he is wealthy. But it has been several years since he has seen or contacted the children.

Card 2: The Present Influences:

Justice

Petra takes the initiative and says she will go to court herself. Before the case went ahead, Simon said he would let her take the children overseas if she continued not to claim any money from him for their upbringing.

Card 3: The Future as a result of taking the action:

The World

Petra agreed to bring the children back home four times a year and allow phone and Skype contact with Simon whenever he wanted. He phoned only once in the two years.

27

WHAT LIES AHEAD AN OVERVIEW OF THE NEXT THREE DAYS, WEEKS, OR MONTHS

Purpose and background information:

If the next three days, weeks, or months are of significance, but there are unknown factors.

Card 1: Will represent factors or people who will be helpful. Card 2: Will signify factors or people who may stand in your way. And the all-important Card 3 represents what you can do to achieve the desired result by the end of the period.

What you should use:

The forty Number cards, Ace to Ten, and the sixteen Court or Personality cards.

When:

The day before the selected period begins.

28

OVERCOMING CONFLICT IN AN OTHERWISE LOVING RELATIONSHIP

Purpose and background information:

When you keep arguing about the same issues and never resolving them.

Card 1: Reveals the real underlying problem. Card 2: Shows what keeps it simmering. Card 3: Shows how it can be overcome.

What you should use:

The full seventy-eight cards.

When:

If you are just going around in circles arguing, but you want to be together.

29

MOVING TO A NEW HOME AND/OR AREA

Purpose and background information:

When the right move isn’t clear-cut.

Card 1: Is for moving home locally. Card 2: Is for a total relocation. Card 3: Is for staying put in your present home.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

When you have had enough of indecision.

30

IMPROVING FINANCES

Purpose and background information:

If you need an urgent money review because of major expenditure, or if the books just do not balance.

Card 1: Is your biggest money drain. Card 2: Is your most lucrative financial asset. Card 3: Is the way to balance the finances.

What you should use:

The forty number cards, Aces to Tens.

When:

At a time of financial crisis or before a big outlay.

31

MAKING A MAJOR LEISURE EXPENDITURE

Purpose and background information:

When you have a chance to invest in your leisure time but there are options. You may have choices of your own and so can substitute your dreams for my suggestions.

Card 1: Could be a fun camper van. Card 2: Could be a boat. Card 3: Could be long-distance travel. If you have more choices, for example a retreat in the wilderness or by the shore, add extra cards. The method is the same.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

Once you have priced your different options.

32

THE HEALING SPREAD

Purpose and background information:

When you have tried most options but feel constantly unwell and exhausted, although there seems nothing medically wrong.

Card 1: Involves necessary lifestyle changes. Card 2: Involves reducing emotional pressures. Card 3: Involves unexpected positive resources/input that will turn things around health-wise.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

Any Sunday or Wednesday, days associated with improving health.

33

WHAT STANDS IN YOUR WAY OF FULFILLMENT

Purpose and background information:

When you have a plan or ambition, but it always fails at the first hurdle.

Card 1: Your ambition. Card 2: Represents what or who stands in the way. Card 3: Represents the way to get around the obstacle.

What you should use:

The twenty-two Major cards and the Court cards.

When:

Before trying again after a major setback.

34

THE UNITY SPREAD FOR BRINGING TWO FAMILIES TOGETHER

Purpose and background information:

When there are two sets of children involved in a new relationship. You can also use this Spread if there are in-laws, grandparents, and exes who are going to be part of the scene.

Card 1: Your family. Card 2: Your partner’s family. Card 3: How to unite the family as one.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

Before you all get together for a major event.

35

TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE OUTCOME

Purpose and background information:

When you know there is an inevitable change coming.

Card 1: Represents the best possible outcome of the change. Card 2: Represents the worst that can happen as a result of the change. Card 3: Shows how to mitigate any possible bad effects, to make the best possible outcome likely.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

As soon as you become aware of the inevitable change.

36

THE STARTING-AT-A-NEW-WORKPLACE SPREAD

Purpose and background information:

To understand the way a new workplace functions and who holds the power.

Card 1: Who is my ally? Card 2: Of whom should I be wary? Card 3: How should I act/react initially?

What you should use:

The whole deck.

When:

After your first day.

In the following chapter, you will meet four-card Spreads that are especially helpful for all questions about security, stability, property, finances, practical matters, and protection.

CHAPTER 4

FOUR-CARD SPREADS

Four is a very solid number. Four-card Spreads work well for offering insights into practical matters and questions about security, stability, property, finances, family, the home, and protection. Unless stated specifically in a Spread, for four-card readings deal your cards in a horizontal row of four, turn them over one at a time, and afterward read them in the order dealt, left to right.

37

AN UNSTRUCTURED READING OF FOUR CARDS

Purpose and background information:

For absolutely any question, to build up an answer without assigning specific meanings. You can extend any unstructured three-card reading (see p. 18) into a four-card reading to summarize the solution offered in the three main cards.

After reading Cards 1, 2, and 3, the fourth card, the Crown, will complete the answer and bring the other three cards together.

What you should use:

Any combination of the seventy-eight cards that fits with your question.

When:

Whenever you need extra information about your three-card reading.

38

SPREAD FOR BREAKING THROUGH THE BARRIERS OF FEAR

Purpose and background information:

When fears or phobias are restricting your lifestyle.

Card 1: What is the real cause of my fear? Card 2: Is this bad thing actually likely to happen, or is it just fear? Card 3: What triggers/makes the fear worse? Card 4: What action can I take to prevent or overcome my fear?

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

A Tuesday, the day of courage.

39

GETTING ON THE PROPERTY OR BUSINESS LADDER

Purpose and background information:

When you are getting impatient, but do not have the finances for your dream home or business venture.

Card 1: What you cannot or will not compromise on. Card 2: What you will/can compromise on. Card 3: The breakthrough card. Card 4: How to fulfil at least part of the dream sooner rather than later.

What you should use:

The full deck.

When:

The beginning of a new month.

Example:

Rick and his partner Paula wanted to own and run a horse stud and training business, but the goal seemed just to get further away.

Card 1 showed the Six of Wands, the person riding on a horse to victory, so the horse business was their priority. The card also suggested that something was possible within six months.