The Tarot Spreads Every Beginner Should Know

The Tarot Spreads Every Beginner Should Know


When you first dive into the world of Tarot, one of the most exciting aspects is learning how to lay out the cards in spreads that offer insights into your life. A Tarot spread is simply the layout of cards you use during a reading, and each spread serves a different purpose, whether it's answering a specific question or offering a broader view of your current situation.


If you're just getting started with Tarot, you don't need to overwhelm yourself with complicated spreads. The key is to keep things simple and work your way up. In this post, I'll share some of the essential Tarot spreads every beginner should know. These will help you build a solid foundation for your practice and give you confidence in your readings!


1. The Three-Card Spread


The Three-Card Spread is perfect for beginners because it’s simple and versatile. It’s great for when you’re looking for clarity on a situation, want to explore past, present, and future influences, or need guidance on a decision.


Here’s how to use it:


  • Card 1: Represents the past or the root cause of the situation.
  • Card 2: Represents the present or current influences.
  • Card 3: Represents the future or outcome.


This spread is quick, easy, and can be applied to almost any question. It’s a great way to start practicing without feeling overwhelmed!


2. The Celtic Cross Spread


The Celtic Cross is one of the most well-known and widely used spreads. Though it’s a little more involved than the Three-Card Spread, it offers deep insight and a comprehensive look at a situation. If you're feeling confident and want a more detailed reading, this is the spread for you!


Here’s a quick breakdown of the positions:


  • Card 1: The Querant.
  • Card 2: The challenge or obstacle.
  • Card 3: The subconscious influences.
  • Card 4: The past influences.
  • Card 5: Immediate Future.
  • Card 6: Outcome/Goal.
  • Card 7: Advice.
  • Card 8: Outside Influence.
  • Card 9: Hopes and fears.
  • Card 10: The final outcome.


The Celtic Cross gives you a holistic view of your situation, touching on everything from emotional influences to external factors and long-term outcomes.


3. The One-Card Pull


When you’re short on time or need a quick answer, a One-Card Pull is your go-to spread. It’s simple but powerful! All you need to do is focus on a specific question or area of your life, then pull one card for guidance. It’s perfect for daily pulls, setting intentions, or when you’re looking for an easy answer without needing to dive too deep.


This spread is especially great for beginners who are still building their confidence, as it encourages you to focus on the individual message each card offers.


4. The Relationship Spread


If you’re seeking clarity about a relationship—whether romantic, familial, or even professional—the Relationship Spread can give you a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play.


Here’s a basic layout:


  • Card 1: Represents you.
  • Card 2: Represents your partner.
  • Card 3: The current state of the relationship.
  • Card 4: The Stengths and what can be improved.
  • Card 5: The potential future of the relationship.


This spread provides a well-rounded view of the relationship, highlighting both internal and external factors, as well as offering advice for improving things.


5. The Career Spread


If you’re looking for guidance around your career, this spread is perfect for you. It helps you reflect on your current work situation and provides insight into what you can do to move forward with more clarity.

Here’s a basic layout:


  • Card 1: Your current career situation.
  • Card 2: What’s influencing your career at the moment.
  • Card 3: Your strengths and talents.
  • Card 4: Any obstacles or challenges.
  • Card 5: Advice for moving forward.
  • Card 6: The potential outcome.


This spread helps you get a clear picture of where you’re at and what actions to take to further your career goals.


There are many Tarot spreads out there, but as a beginner, starting with these key spreads will help you feel more confident in your practice. Remember, there’s no “right” way to read Tarot—what matters most is how the cards resonate with you. Trust your intuition, and with time, you’ll develop your own personal connection to each spread.


As you grow in your practice, don’t be afraid to experiment with new spreads and techniques. Tarot is a wonderful tool for self-discovery, and the more you explore, the more insight you’ll gain.


Ready to take your Tarot practice to the next level? If you’re looking for a deeper, more structured way to learn, check out my Tarot Reading Mastery course to unlock the skills and confidence you need to read Tarot like a pro. Learn more here!


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