← The tarot course · Lesson 4 of 6
From the card of the day to the Celtic cross: what each spread looks at, and when to use it.
A spread is the layout of the cards: each position asks a different question. Choosing the right spread is half of a good reading.
A single card. To take the pulse of your day or to get started. The simplest.
Past, present and future (or situation, action and outcome). The classic and most versatile.
An orienting answer to a closed question, with the nuance of the cards that appear.
Five cards for a bond: you, the other person, what unites you, what blocks it and where it goes.
For a decision: what each option offers and what to weigh before choosing.
Ten cards, the most complete and in-depth reading. For topics you want to look at closely.
Twelve cards, one per month, for the overall tone of the next twelve months.
If in doubt, start with three cards. It covers almost any question and is easy to read. Save the Celtic cross for when you really want to go deep.
This is how the cards are placed in each spread. You do not have to memorise it (the app lays them out for you), but seeing the shape helps a lot to understand the reading.
1 · the message for your day
1 past · 2 present · 3 future
? · the answer, with its nuance
1 you · 2 the other person · 3 what unites you · 4 what blocks it · 5 where it goes
1 you · 2-3 path A · 4-5 path B
1 you · 2 challenge · 3 foundation · 4 past · 5 goal · 6 near future · 7-10 the staff
1-12 · one card per month
The best way to learn tarot is by drawing cards. Try a spread, free and with no sign-up.
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