Tarot Cards: The Healing Tarot Spread

The Healing Spread of the Tarot is an entirely different kind of Tarot spread. While most spreads are concerned with the seeking of advice and guidance regarding a particular situation, the Healing Spread is instead focused on psychological healing.

The Purpose of the Healing Spread

Most people have some type of trauma in their past, and these traumas can leave emotional blocks. These blocks can hinder the ability to fully enjoy and engage in life. The Healing Spread can be a powerful tool to explore and even heal these emotional blocks by examining the areas of life that remain fixed and unchanging. These fixed areas, which are different for each individual, represent those things which remain unresolved. These unresolved issues are emotional blocks.

When attempting this particular Tarot spread, it is important to be in an location where you feel safe, secure, and relaxed. Ensure that you have enough uninterrupted time to complete the spread in privacy. You must also allow yourself time afterwards to reflect on the information provided by this spread and examine any emotions or memories which have surfaced as a result.

Reading the Healing Spread

Before shuffling the cards, take a deep breath. Shuffle the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana together until you are satisfied; there's no secret to shuffling the Tarot.

Once shuffled, all seventy-eight Tarot cards should be spread face-down in a fan-shape. Six cards should be selected and placed face-up on a black cloth. These six cards will form the basis of the Healing Spread.

Each of the six positions of the Healing Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Emotional Block: This card reveals the greatest emotional block, issue, or trauma from the past. This block is likely preventing you from moving forward.
2. Past Relationships: This card examines how your emotional block has affected your past relationships.
3. Present Relationships: This card delves into how your emotional block is affecting your present relationships, as well as how it is affecting your personal growth.
4. Revelation: This card reveals what new things can be learned from the current exploration of your hidden emotional blocks.
5. Guidance: This card gives suggestions and advice as to what might be done, emotional or otherwise, to get past your own personal blocks and encourage healthy emotional growth.
6. Spiritual Lesson: This card examines the spiritual lesson that can be learned from the current exploration of your hidden emotional blocks.

The Healing Spread of the Tarot is not quite the same as most Tarot spreads. It is designed to locate that which is preventing you from moving on and enjoying life. While the Tarot cannot heal these wounds for you, it can perhaps give some clues as to how to begin the healing process.

Tarot Cards: The Tetractys Tarot Spread

The Tetractys Spread of the Tarot is a unique and powerful spread. Of all the Tarot spreads, this is the one said to provide a method for forecasting future events. While these events will not be true ‘predictions,’ the Tetractys Spread can at least reveal the most likely outcome in greater detail than most other spreads.

Preparing to Lay Out the Tetractys Spread

In order to successfully cast and read the Tetractys Spread, you must focus fully and completely on the task at hand. Since this spread is a little more complicated to interpret than most of the other spreads, it is important that your focus not waver. Many readers like to meditate before this spread is cast, and some will even remain in a meditative state during the entire reading.

For the Tetractys Spread, both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. You should shuffle until you feel that the cards are shuffled enough. There’s not really any firm rules when it comes to shuffling Tarot cards.

Once shuffled, all seventy-eight Tarot cards should be spread face-down in a fan-shape. Ten cards should be selected and placed face-up on the black cloth in the shape of a tetractys.

Reading the Tetractys Spread

Each of the ten positions of the Tetractys Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Significator: This card represents the premise of the entire reading. This forms a foundation for understanding all the other cards. This card should be referred to when interpreting all other cards.
2. Dark Card: This card indicates the possible reaction of the cosmos or the world at large to the actions of the individual.
3. Light Card: This card reveals the influences of the cosmos or the world at large that lead to the actions of the individual.
4. Destroyer Card: This card represents past decisions and directions that should not be allowed to continue.
5. Sustainer Card: This card indicates those things that are stable and should not change.
6. Creator Card: This card is indicative of new decisions and directions that should be pursued.
7. Earth Card: This card is a physical card, representing physical realities and day-to-day living.
8. Water Card: This card is an emotional card, revealing feelings, emotions, and whims.
9. Air Card: This card is an intellectual card, indicating thoughts, feelings, goals, and the power of the mind.
10. Fire Card: This card is a passionate card, representing ambitions, creative forces, and the raw power of will.

The Tetractys Spread of the Tarot is a little more complicated than spreads such as the Celtic Cross Spread or the Horseshoe Spread, and so takes some practice to master. It is a powerful spread for those seeking detailed information and advice regarding complex situations.

Tarot Cards: The One-Card Tarot Spread

The One-Card Spread of the Tarot is the most simple of all Tarot spreads. Though not really a spread, strictly speaking, it does have its place and serves a very specific purpose. The One-Card Spread is a problem solving spread, typically used when a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ is all the answer that is sought.

Preparing to Lay Out the One-Card Spread

As with any spread, care needs to be taken when preparing for a reading. Traditionally, Tarot cards are stored wrapped in a black cloth. The cards should be unwrapped, and the black cloth should be draped to indicate the place where the spread will be laid. This protects the cards from any dirt or debris that might be present.

Because this spread is limited to a single card, it is important to focus very clearly on the immediate question. This question must be framed very clearly in your mind. The more clear and concise the question, the easier it will be to interpret the answer.

If you have difficulty concentrating enough to frame your question, trying meditating as a method for focusing your mind.

Reading the One-Card Spread

This spread is known for its ability to give simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. It can even provide guidance on how to approach a specific situation. However, it is important to follow the correct procedure if you wish to obtain clear answers.

To begin your reading, shuffle the cards thoroughly, including both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. How much you shuffle, or even how you shuffle, are matters of personal taste. You’re finished shuffling when you feel that the cards are shuffled enough. When shuffling, be sure to clearly focus on your question. Do not let you mind stray from this question, even for a moment.

Divide the deck into three piles. Study these piles for a moment, then chose the pile that seems to draw you to it. One will stand out from the rest. Shuffle just the one pile. Spread the pile face-down in a fan-shape before you, and choose just one card. Place this card face-up before you.

This is the card to be interpreted for the One-Card Spread. In terms of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions, typically a reversed position indicates a ‘no’ response, while an upright card would indicate a ‘yes’. However, the specific card must be taken into account as well.

The One-Card Spread is the most simple of all Tarot spreads. Many people choose this spread as a daily way to ask for guidance about the coming day. Others employ this spread when one of the more detailed spreads seems to need a little more explanation. How and when you use this spread is up to you.

Tarot Cards: The Star Tarot Spread

The Star Spread of the Tarot is a spread that is typically used when further insight and clarification is needed in a situation. It uses seven cards, usually laid out six-point star pattern. While not all Tarot readers use this spread, it is a quick and easy way to gain information regarding a particular situation.

Preparing to Lay Out the Star Spread

Before drawing the cards for the spread, a black cloth should be placed upon the reading surface. This helps to protect the cards from any dirt or debris that may be present. The cards can be wrapped in this cloth when not in use.

Shuffle the cards thoroughly. Both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. All seventy-eight cards of the Tarot should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of seven cards, which are positioned, in the order they are chosen, in the Star Spread.

The Positions of the Astrological Card Spread

Each of the seven positions of the Star Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. The Problem: This position describes the current situation, positive or negative.
2. Positive Influences: This card indicates what influences might be affecting the situation in a positive way. These influences should be encouraged.
3. Negative Influences: This card indicates what influences might be affecting the situation in a negative way. These influences are to be minimized, if possible.
4. Past Influences: This position shows what influences are losing their potency in the situation. These things should be released, as they no longer are important.
5. The Present: This card reveals what is presently occurring in the situation. This position also usually indicates whether change is necessary or not.
6. The Future: The card that occupies this position indicates the immediate future of the present situation. It is essentially a culmination of the influences of the last four cards.
7. The Final Outcome: This card indicates how the situation will ultimately resolve itself. The term ‘final outcome’ might be a little misleading, since the Tarot tend have only a six-month time frame.

The Star Spread is incredibly simple. It can be used on its own, or to gain further insight into particular cards in other Tarot spreads, such as the Celtic Cross Spread or the Magic Cross Spread. The Star Spread is a creative way to gain clarity from a situation that is perhaps all too complicated.

Tarot Cards: The Magic Cross Tarot Spread

The Magic Cross Spread of the Tarot is one of the more obscure of the Tarot spreads. It uses thirteen cards, laid out in a cross pattern. Though many Tarot readers are not familiar with this spread, it can be useful for those seeking detailed answers to a problematic situation.

Preparing to Lay Out the Magic Cross Spread

Before the cards are laid out, care should be taken to ensure that the reader is in the proper mindset. For most readers, this involves laying out a black cloth upon which the cards can be placed. This is done to protect the cards, and is also a part of the Tarot-reading ritual for many people.

The individual must focus very clearly on the situation at hand. The cards need to be shuffled. For this spread, both the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana are shuffled as one. The method of shuffling is not important. How long the cards are shuffled is not important. Instead of focusing on a specific method of shuffling the cards, they should be shuffled until the reader is satisfied.

All seventy-eight cards of the Tarot should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of thirteen cards, which are positioned, in the order they are chosen, in the Magic Cross Spread.

The Positions of the Magic Cross Card Spread

Each of the thirteen positions of the Magic Cross Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Position One: This card reflects those things which may have had a great impact on the situation in the past, but now have little or no meaning. These things should be released, as they no longer are important to the situation at hand.
2. Position Two: Sometimes, there are things which still have power over a situation, but are beginning to lose their potency. This card still warrants some attention, but soon all the things that this card represents will become obsolete.
3. Position Three: This card reflects the situation as it is at the present moment.
4. Position Four: The fourth position of the Magic Cross Spread indicates those obstacles which are hidden from the individual. This is the card that may contradict the rest of the spread.
5. Position Five: This position reflects those things which are obviously causing conflict and obstruction in the immediate situation. The individual is usually aware of these things but may not be ready to deal with them at the present time.
6. Position Six: This card expresses the hopes and fears of the individual. As all cards in Tarot can have multiple meanings, both hopes and fears can be expressed in a single card.
7. Position Seven: This card describes the general atmosphere that hangs over the immediate present. This card is neither positive nor negative, but simply is.
8. Position Eight: This card usually refers to attitudes or inner qualities that have yet to be developed, but are essential to the positive resolution of the situation. This card should be given particular attention in a reading.
9. Position Nine: This card represents how the present situation appears to those who view it from the outside. Sometimes, the individual must work to change appearances so that the true situation is reflected in the minds of others.
10. Position Ten: This card is the immediate future card. It is so short-term that it is highly unlikely that the individual will be able to alter this outcome with such short notice.
11. Position Eleven: The eleventh position is a card of suggestion. It gives hints and clues as to what actions need to be taken to help ensure a positive outcome. On the other hand, this card could also be a warning of those things that should not be done.
12. Position Twelve: The situation as it might appear should the qualities of the eleventh card manifest is indicated by the twelfth position of the Magic Cross Spread. As a result, this card could either be positive or negative.
13. Position Thirteen: The final card of the Magic Cross Spread indicates the final outcome of the situation. It is important to remember that the Tarot generally only applies to a period of six months, so the term ‘final outcome’ might be misleading.

The Magic Cross Spread is not widely used, but it can be highly useful. It can apply to many complex situations, and offers a total of thirteen positions. These allow the individual to gain a fairly comprehensive view of the situation, and can be used in conjunction with the Celtic Cross Spread.

Tarot Cards: The Celtic Cross Tarot Spread

The Celtic Cross Spread of the Tarot is probably the most common of the Tarot spreads. It uses ten cards, five laid out in a cross pattern, and four placed vertically beside that cross. Most Tarot readers are familiar with this spread.

Preparing to Lay Out the Celtic Cross Spread

Most readers will choose to lay out a spread, any spread, on a black cloth. This is usually the same cloth the cards are wrapped in when stored, as most readers will take great care with their cards. The ritual of unwrapping of the cards and the spreading of the cloth helps to focus the mind.

The individual should focus very clearly on the question or situation in question, even if the situation is vague and unformed. Once this is firmly in the mind of the individual, he or she shuffles the cards, both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana together. It is impossible to say exactly how long the cards need to be shuffled. It is better to say that the individual should shuffle these cards until he or she feels that they have been shuffled sufficiently.

At this point, the cards, all seventy-eight of them, should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of ten cards, which are positioned in the order they are chosen in the Celtic Cross Spread.

The Positions of the Celtic Card Spread

Each of the ten positions of the Celtic Cross spread have traditional names that help to understand what each position means. In addition, each placement relates to a particular area of life, and also has an influence on the entire reading. The positions and their meanings are as follows.

1. "Significator" – This card reflects the situation that the individual finds himself in at the present moment.
2. Crossing Card – This position reflects what is causing conflict and obstruction in the immediate present. It is the card which ‘crosses’ the individual, but this doesn’t necessarily make it negative. It simply is.
3. Crowning Card – This card describes the atmosphere and situation that hangs over the immediate present. It is the reflection of what is on the surface, and immediately apparent in the individual’s life.
4. Base of the Matter – This describes what is really behind the situation in question. It represents that which is often hidden from even the individual. It is often a surprise, for this card reflects the very root of the psyche, that part which is not normally accessible to the conscious mind. Sometimes this card will reflect the subconscious motivations of the individual, and it often will contradict the rest of the spread.
5. Past Influences – This position reflects the part of the situation that is now passing out of the individual’s life. It was once important, but has since lost its potency. It is something that the individual must let go, for the future cannot fully develop without releasing the past.
6. Future Influences – This card describes the situation that is about the manifest in the individual’s life. It is not a long-term card, but rather describes the immediate future.
7. Present Situation – This position is an extension of the Significator card. It describes the state of affairs in which the individual will soon find himself. It usually refers to a set of attitudes or inner qualities, and often represents those things that need to be developed.
8. Opinions of Others: This describes the way others close to the situation — usually friends or family — view the state of affairs. This card can help predict what the likely response of these people might be to the particular situation. It can also reveal the kind of face the individual has been projecting regarding this matter, and that perhaps this might be changeable.
9. Hopes and Fears – The ninth card in the spread, this card reflects the hopes and fears of the individual. These can both be expressed by one card, as all cards in the Tarot have a double face.
10. Final Outcome – Though nothing is absolutely final, this card describes how the situation may resolve itself. Remember, that Tarot generally apply to a period of six months, so it may not reflect a truly ‘final’ resolution.

The Celtic Cross Spread is widely used and regarded as highly useful. It can apply to many complex situations, and offers a total of ten positions. These allow the individual to gain a fairly comprehensive view of the situation.

Tarot Cards: The Astrological Tarot Spread

The Astrological Spread of the Tarot is a spread that has many different variations. It uses thirteen cards, usually laid out in a circular fashion. Some Tarot readers are not familiar with this spread, but it can be one of the most interesting Tarot spreads to decipher.

Preparing to Lay Out the Astrological Spread

As with other spreads, the Astrological Spread should be laid out neatly on a black cloth. This is often the same cloth the cards were wrapped in, and serves to protect the cards. It also becomes a ritual for the reader, and should be done the same way each time the cards are read, regardless of the spread used.

Focusing on the current situation, the individual should shuffle the cards. For this spread, both the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana are shuffled together. This shuffling continues until the reader is satisfied that they have been shuffled appropriately.

All seventy-eight cards of the Tarot should be spread in a fan-shape, face down. The individual may then pick a total of thirteen cards, which are positioned, in the order they are chosen, in the Astrological Spread.

The Positions of the Astrological Card Spread

Each of the thirteen positions of the Astrological Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Ares: This position describes the individual. It can show how he or she normally works through difficulties.
2. Taurus: This card refers to the current financial situation and how it relates to the problem. Alternatively, it may concern beliefs or feelings about practical matters, such as money, but not relate directly to finances.
3. Gemini: The card that occupies this position rules all forms of communication. It can indicate how an individual communicates and perhaps even what could be done differently.
4. Cancer: This position relates to either the physical or emotional home of the individual. It might describe the need for emotional security, the search for a physical home, or any number of things.
5. Leo: This card controls romance, art, and pleasure. It should be read in conjunction with Libra and Capricorn.
6. Virgo: This position often indicates health, whether it’s physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental. It can also refer to work, though this card does not deal with a ‘true’ calling.
7. Libra: All types of relationships are ruled by this card. This position could refer to romantic or business relationships, or it could refer to simple friendships. The Leo card should be referred to when interpreting this card.
8. Scorpio: The card which appears here will likely deal with either an emotional issue or a firm objective. Which it is will be determined by the card itself. Usually, this card refers to some aspect of sex, money, or death.
9. Sagittarius: This position indicates education, hope, and changes in attitudes or beliefs.
10. Capricorn: This card reveals ambition, drive, and talent. It can also refer to work, but unlike Virgo, this ‘work’ would be more along the lines of a true calling.
11. Aquarius: Friends and social groups are rules by this position. This can be what is already present in an individual’s life, or what is hoped for in the future.
12. Pisces: This card is ruled by secrets. Hidden hopes and secret fears are revealed here. This card can also indicate blocks or obstacles to success. This is the card of vulnerability.
13. Final Outcome: This last card indicates the ultimate outcome of the entire situation. The term ‘final outcome’ is a little misleading, as the Tarot tend to only reveal a six-month time frame.

The Astrological Spread is more complex than many of the spreads used by Tarot readers today. It tends to be best suited to those people who have a working knowledge of astrology and the zodiac, or at least are interested in these things. It is a complicated spread with great potential.

Tarot Cards: The Horseshoe Tarot Spread

The Horseshoe Spread of the Tarot is a very effective tool for gaining additional insight into a particular question or situation. Though straightforward and easy to learn, it offers the reader a chance to thoroughly examine a particular area of interest. This Tarot spread is very specific, and can be used to answer questions about careers, spirituality, health, or any number of important issues.

Preparing to Lay Out the Horseshoe Spread

Most Tarot readers will keep their deck wrapped in a black cloth, to protect them when not in use. This cloth also has another purpose — it can be used to lay out a Tarot spread. The cloth should be placed upon whatever surface will be used for the reading.

As with most spreads, the Major Arcana and Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. The method and manner of shuffling isn’t important. Typically, the reader simply shuffles until it feels right.

Once shuffled, all seventy-eight Tarot cards should be spread face-down in a fan-shape. Seven cards should be selected and placed face-up on the black cloth in the shape of a horseshoe. These are the seven cards which will be read for the Horseshoe Spread.

Reading the Horseshoe Spread

Each of the seven positions of the Horseshoe Spread has a specific meaning. The positions and their meanings are:

1. Past: This card represents the past influences that may still have some potency in the current situation. These influences may either be the distant or recent past.
2. Present: This card reveals the present influences that are affecting the situation at the moment.
3. Future: In every situation there are hidden factors that you may not be fully aware of. This is the card that reveals those hidden factors that will have some potency in the immediate future.
4. Obstacles: This card focuses on the obstacles or complications which are currently creating difficulties in the present situation.
5. Opinions: Everyone has an opinion, for good or ill. This card reflects the opinions of others in regards to the present situation. This may include the attitudes and behaviors of others that directly affect your current circumstances.
6. Suggestion: This card is linked to the final card in the spread. It indicates a possible suggestion or course of action that can be taken to assist in resolving the current situation.
7. Final Outcome: This final card of the Horseshoe Spread typically represents the outcome of the present situation if the Suggestion card is taken seriously. If the Suggestion card is ignored, this card will bear little resemblance to the resolution of the situation.

The Horseshoe Spread can answer a great many questions. Though often used as an independent spread, it’s perhaps more valuable as a way to gain further insight into a confusing aspect of another spread, such as the Celtic Cross Spread, the Magic Cross Spread, or the Star Spread.

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.

Tarot Cards: The Three-Card Tarot Spread

The Three-Card Spread of the Tarot is the most popular of all Tarot spreads. The beauty of this spread is its simplicity and versatility. Though typically used to reveal the past, present, and future of a situation, it can be employed to answer any number of questions.

Preparing to Lay Out the Three-Card Spread

A deck of Tarot cards should be treated with care. It is generally a good idea to keep your Tarot cards wrapped in a black cloth when not in use. When preparing to read the cards, regardless of the spread used, this cloth can be set down to protect the cards from dirt and debris.

The Major Arcana and Minor Arcana should be shuffled together. While some Tarot readers have a particular method of shuffling, the manner in which the cards are shuffled is unimportant. It is best to say that the cards should be shuffled as you see fit.

Once shuffled, all seventy-eight cards should be spread face-down in a fan-shape. Three cards should be selected and placed face-up on the black cloth. These are the three cards which will be read for the Three-Card Spread.

Reading the Three-Card Spread

The positions of the Three-Card Tarot Spread are simple enough. Three cards are placed beside each other and read left to right. Though usually these cards are considered to represent the past, present, and future, there are numerous other interpretations. You can change the context of the reading with your own creativity.

The positions of the Three-Card Spread are:

1. Past: This card typically represents the influences that are losing their potency in regards to the current situation. This card can also represent the background of the situation. In other interpretations, it can be considered to be the card that relates to the mind and thought.
2. Present: The card in this position reveals the state of the present situation. This card often describes the root of the problem that is being faced. In other interpretations, it can also be the card that is connected to the body and physical influences.
3. Future: Though this card is typically seen as predicting the future, it can also offer advice on how to best deal with the situation at hand. In other interpretations, it is sometimes considered to be the spiritual card of the Three-Card Spread, and can be seen as relating to the spiritual part of the problem.

The Three-Card Spread is common among most Tarot readers, both new and experienced. Its simplicity and versatility make it a reliable option for many different types of questions.

Tarot Cards: The Spreads of the Tarot

The process of selecting a small number of Tarot cards and laying them out to be interpreted is called laying out a spread. How many are selected is dependent upon the spread used. Generally, between three and twelve cards are used. However, some spreads require a great many more, and the 1-Card Spread requires only one.

Why Are Tarot Spreads Used?

The idea behind using spreads when reading Tarot cards is the deck, both Major Arcana and Minor Arcana, contain pictorial representations of the entirety of life’s journey. The Tarot addresses all aspects of life – the emotional, intellectual, passionate, spiritual, and material.

By selecting a set number of cards, the individual is symbolically reflecting a certain part of that journey, the part that is most applicable to the present moment. The immediate situation, its origins, and its most probably outcome will be shown in just a few cards. The entire deck laid out in a complex spread would simply confuse the issue.

The Different Spreads of Tarot Cards

Over the centuries, many different Tarot spreads have emerged. Some are a complex use of twenty cards, others use less than five. There is no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to determining which spread should be used during a Tarot card reading.

Many Tarot card readers have a favorite spread. This is the spread that they will use most often, as long as it’s appropriate to the question that has been asked. However, most readers also use alternate spreads, and these are used whenever their favorite spread is not appropriate. It can be said that, for the most part, a reader will determine which spread should be used by examining the information that is being sought.

For example, if one were to ask “What will today be like?” a complex spread is hardly necessary. The individual is seeking information regarding a single day, with no particular situation in mind, so the 1-Card Spread is likely all that is required.

On the other hand, if one were to seek advice regarding a complicated and emotional divorce, then a spread such as the Celtic Cross Spread, or perhaps even the Astrological Spread, would be more appropriate. Both of these spreads have many cards involved, and can give a more comprehensive overview of the situation, in addition to offering some potential advice.

Some of the spreads used in interpreting the Tarot are:

• Celtic Cross Spread
• Magic Cross Spread
• Astrological Spread
• Star Spread
• One-Card Spread
• Three-Card Spread
• Horseshoe Spread
• Mirror Spread
• Tetractys Spread
• Healing Spread

The capabilities of the Tarot hinge greatly on the particular spread being used and the relationship the individual has developed with the cards. The spread selection is said to be the result of both personal preference and the nature of the answers that are sought.