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.