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Tarot Spreads for Beginners
A spread is simply the pattern you lay your cards in. Each position gives a card a job, which makes a reading much easier to understand. Pick a spread below and draw a free reading, or use the quick chooser to find the right one for your question.
Which spread should I use?
What is your question about?
Free tarot spreads
3 cards · Beginner · 5 minutesThree-card spreadThe three-card spread is the best place to start with tarot.5 cards · Beginner · 10 minutesLove tarot spreadThis five-card love spread looks at both people, the bond between you and the honest challenge in the middle.5 cards · Beginner · 10 minutesDecision tarot spreadWhen you are torn between two paths, this five-card spread lays both options side by side.10 cards · Intermediate · 20 to 30 minutesCeltic Cross spreadThe Celtic Cross is the most famous tarot spread.1 card · Beginner · 1 minuteYes/no readingOne card for a quick yes, no or maybe on a simple question.
Start small: pull one card
The one-card daily pull
The simplest spread of all. Ask "What do I need to know today?" and draw a single card. It is the best way to learn the 78 cards one at a time.
How to do a tarot reading
- Find a quiet moment and take a breath. A calm mind makes a clearer reading.
- Choose your question. Open questions starting with "what" or "how" work best.
- Shuffle until it feels right, then cut the deck if you like.
- Lay the cards in the spread's order, face down.
- Turn them over one at a time and read each card in its position.
- Step back and read the cards together as one story. Look for patterns.
- Write it down, with the date. Your notes are the fastest way to learn tarot.
Patterns to look for in any spread
| If you see | It often points to |
|---|---|
| Lots of Major Arcana | A big life chapter or lesson, not a passing phase. |
| Lots of Wands | Energy, ambition, projects and action. |
| Lots of Cups | Feelings, love and relationships. |
| Lots of Swords | Thoughts, decisions, conflict and communication. |
| Lots of Pentacles | Money, work, home and health. |
| Lots of court cards | Other people play a big part, or you are playing a role. |
| Many reversed cards | Energy that is blocked, delayed or turned inward. |
| A repeated number | That stage is the theme: Aces for starts, Fives for challenge, Tens for endings. |
Learn each card on our tarot card meanings page, or explore the four suits: Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles.
Questions about tarot spreads
What is a tarot spread?
A tarot spread is a set layout for your cards. Each position has a meaning, such as past, present or advice, so you read every card in light of where it falls.
What is the easiest tarot spread for beginners?
The three-card spread. It has only three positions and works for almost any question. A one-card daily pull is even simpler and a great way to learn the cards.
How many cards should I use?
Use as few as your question needs. One card for a daily theme, three for most questions, five for love or decisions, and ten for a big life question.
Do I need to read reversed cards?
No. Many readers use upright meanings only, especially at first. If you include reversals, read them as blocked, delayed or inward versions of the upright meaning.
Tarot is a tool for reflection and entertainment. It cannot predict the future and is not a substitute for professional advice.