In this post, we’ll explore why you might want to design your own tarot spreads, how to approach the process step by step, and some practical examples you can try for yourself.
Why Create Your Own Tarot Spreads?
Pre-made spreads are wonderful, especially when you’re starting out. They offer tested structures that cover broad themes like love, career, or personal growth. But sometimes, those general shapes don’t quite fit the situation you’re in.
Maybe your question is very specific, like:
- “How can I best prepare for this job interview?”
- “What lessons should I take from this breakup?”
- “Where should I focus my energy during this new moon?”
A standard spread might feel too generic, leaving you wishing for sharper insight. By crafting your own, you’re tailoring the spread to your exact needs, ensuring each card position is aligned with what you truly want to know. It also deepens your relationship with the cards, helping you think critically about the nature of your questions and the layers of meaning you want to explore.
Step One – Define Your Question
Every good tarot spread begins with a clear question. Instead of starting with the cards, start with yourself. What do you want guidance on? Be as specific as possible.
For instance, instead of asking, “Will I get a new job?” you could reframe the question into, “What can I do to improve my chances of finding the right job?” That subtle shift gives you more control and leads to a spread that focuses on actionable advice rather than yes-or-no outcomes.
Step Two – Identify the Aspects You Want to Explore
Once you know your core question, break it into parts. Think of the angles you’d like the reading to cover. For example, if your question is about a job interview, you might want to explore:
- How you can best present yourself
- The challenges you may face
- The strengths you bring
- The likely outcome
Each of these aspects can become a card position in your spread. This step is where the magic of customization shines—your spread grows naturally out of your question.
Step Three – Decide on the Number of Cards
More isn’t always better. A spread with three to five cards can often be more insightful than a sprawling ten-card layout. Too many cards can overwhelm you, especially when your question is narrow.
Here are some guidelines:
- One card: Perfect for daily draws or very simple questions.
- Three cards: Great for short-term guidance, comparisons, or “this–that–outcome” style questions.
- Five to seven cards: Useful for multi-faceted questions where you want more detail.
- Ten or more cards: Best reserved for complex readings, like life overviews or yearly forecasts.
Step Four – Assign Meaning to Each Position
Now comes the creative part—naming your positions. Each card should have a clear role to play. Think about phrasing that’s specific and personal. For example:
Instead of saying “Card 1: Past,” try “Card 1: What past lesson still influences this situation?”
The more intentional your phrasing, the easier it will be to interpret the card that lands there. Don’t be afraid to get poetic. Tarot thrives on symbolism, and a beautifully worded position can spark intuitive leaps.
Step Five – Sketch the Layout
Visuals matter. Whether you place your cards in a straight line, a circle, or a shape that symbolizes your question (like a heart for love readings or a staircase for progress), the layout can add another layer of meaning.
It doesn’t need to be complicated. Draw it on paper, decide where each card will go, and jot down its position meaning. Over time, you’ll develop favorite patterns that feel natural to you.
Step Six – Test and Adjust
The first time you use your spread, treat it as an experiment. Pull the cards, read them, and then reflect: did the structure give you the clarity you were hoping for? If not, tweak it. Maybe you need fewer cards, or maybe one position felt redundant. Designing spreads is an evolving process.
Remember—tarot is flexible. You’re not bound to the first draft of your spread. Adjust until it feels like it flows.
Example Custom Spreads
Here are three sample spreads you can use as inspiration:
1. The Crossroads Spread (4 cards)
For when you’re facing a decision.
- Path A – What this path offers
- Path B – What this path offers
- Hidden influences – What you may not see
- Guidance – What the cards advise
2. The Healing Spread (5 cards)
For emotional recovery after a difficult experience.
- The wound – What still hurts
- The root – Where this pain comes from
- The balm – What helps you heal
- The lesson – What this experience teaches
- The gift – How this shapes your future
3. The New Moon Spread (6 cards)
For setting intentions and aligning with lunar energy.
- What energy is leaving with the old cycle
- What energy is entering now
- What to release
- What to embrace
- Where to focus intention
- The potential outcome
Final Thoughts
Creating your own tarot spreads is both an art and a practice. It allows you to move beyond cookie-cutter readings and step into a more personal, intuitive dialogue with your cards. Every spread you design is a reflection of your unique voice as a reader.
So the next time you shuffle your deck, instead of flipping open a book for a spread, pause. Ask yourself what you really want to know. Break that into steps. Then lay the cards in a way that feels right. Over time, you’ll build a library of your own spreads that are as unique as your journey.
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