3 Classic Everyday Tarot Spreads

Tarot readings can vary in intensity and length depending on the question and the time you have dedicated to the conversation with your deck. Though with tarot spreads, you can predict not only the general length of your reading but also the depth you go into each conversation. With the abundance of spreads out there, it can be overwhelming choosing where to start. With these classic 3 spreads you will always have a fall back structure for every reading. If you would like to aim for a 15-minute, 30-minute, or 60-minute reading, that is about the amount of time each spread takes in order. Spreads are the perfect format to structure any reading to fit your time and needs. 

 

Starting with a simple 3 card spread: 

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1. Past: Past Influence / Root

2. Present: Present Course / Current Circumstances 

3. Future: Future Direction / Consequences (good or bad)

This one is pretty self explanatory. This simple spread is perfect for diving into the heart of any situation, decision or thought. Going back to the past for the root, where it all started from. To the present in how it shows up in your life currently. To the future with the current intended action or course chosen if nothing changes. This spread can be a quick read when you want a simple check-in.  Perfect to fit into a busy day. 

This next one is a 7 card spread that is great for a deeper read: 

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1. Past: Past influence

2. Present: Present situation

3. Future: Upcoming influences

4. Your Attitude: Your current attitude or approach

5. Outside Influence: The influence and attitude of others

6. Guidance: Guidance about the best course and potential obstacles to face

7. Long Term Future: The most likely potential outcome

 

This spread is great for a more in depth reading. Starting from the past, present, future spread and building with influences and energies leading to where you are headed. It is a great middle ground for a longer reading going deeper than before if the first 3 card spread only grazed the surface to your question. This spread is great to know for those times when you just want more information.

 

This final spread is a go-to for full readings with maximum depth:

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1.Present / Situation: You or the querent, The heart of the situation, the present circumstances

2. Obstacles / Challenges: What complicates you, the obstacle or opposing forces

3. Root / Cause: Unconscious influences and the foundation 

4. Past: What has just past or what is left behind

5. Potential / Best Outcome: What could be, the best case scenario

6. Near Future: What is approaching you in the short term

7. Attitude / Self: How you see the situation and your approach

8. External Influences: The environment, people and energies affecting you

9. Hopes / Fears: What you want and what you dread. Often the same thing

10. Long Term Future / Outcome: The most likely outcome or result based on the current path

 

This spread covers all angles and helps you understand all sides to any question, from past to future and seeing another perspective on any challenges faced. This spread takes the longest and is a classic structure to a full deep dive reading. This offers the reader or the querent a clear path through whatever storm or situation. 

 

The quality of your tarot reading and spread depends on the quality of your question; if your question is a little rough around the edges even the structure of a spread may not help. If you find yourself feeling lost or confused, that happens and it's okay. Ground yourself and ask again more clearly {sometimes it is in how you asked}. Other times, if a reframe doesn't help, it can be a matter of timing. Some readings are for you to understand now, and some come to us later in ways unexpected. That brings us to a classic closer, take what resonates and leave the rest. If it's meant to find you, it will when it's ready. If you are feeling called to go deeper or would like some guidance, a private reading could help bring clarity to your cards. Book a session with us and we will meet you where you are at.

Not sure what to ask your cards? Stay tuned for our next post on how to form a good tarot question.