Tarot Cards: The Mirror Tarot Spread

The Mirror Spread of the Tarot is a very effective tool for gaining insight into problems or difficulties concerning relationships. Though typically used for established relationships, this Tarot spread can also be consulted for budding romances.

Preparing to Lay Out the Mirror Spread

Each Tarot reader will have a different way of preparing for a reading. Some meditate, some just jump right in. Most will have a ritual of some kind, even if it only involves unwrapping the Tarot cards from their protective black cloth and spreading this cloth upon the reading surface.

For the Mirror Spread, both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. There is no firm rule for shuffling these cards. Most Tarot readers simply shuffle until they are satisfied, and then proceed with the reading. While shuffling, it is important that you maintain absolute focus on the relationship in question.

Once shuffled, all seventy-eight Tarot cards should be spread face-down in a fan-shape. Eight cards should be selected and placed face-up on the black cloth, making sure that each card is placed precisely. The more precise the placement, the more accurate the reading.

Reading the Mirror Spread

Each of the eight positions of the Mirror Spread has a specific meaning. Often this spread will reveal inconsistencies between two mirrored cards. This usually indicates a need to reevaluate a particular point of view.

The positions and their meanings are:

1. The Individual: This card represents the person who is the focus of the reading. This could be you or someone else, depending on who you focused on during the preparation phase of the reading.
2. Your View: This card indicates the way you see the other person in the relationship.
3. Their View: This card reveals how that person sees themselves.
4. Inner Meaning: This card represents what the other person means to you.
5. Reversed Meaning: This card indicates what you mean to the other person.
6. Obstacles: This card reveals possible obstacles within the relationship. Sometimes this card will appear to be positive, but look beneath the surface for its true meaning.
7. Strengths: This card represents the strengths of the relationship.
8. Final Outcome: This card indicates the probable outcome provided circumstances stay as they are. This card can be changed simply by disrupting the status quo. This change could be either positive or negative.

The Mirror Spread of the Tarot can reveal depths to a relationship, new or old, of which you may not have been aware. Remember that any major life decision should not be made solely based on what a Tarot spread may or may not indicate. However, the Mirror Spread can be used to gain additional insight when it is needed.