# Tarot Spread Reference Guide ## Quick Guide to Spread Selection | Question Type | Recommended Spread | Number of Cards | Suitable Scenarios | |---------------|-------------------|-----------------|---------------------| | Daily guidance | Single Card Spread | 1 | Daily card draw, quick guidance | | Simple question | Three-Card Spread | 3 | Past-Present-Future, event development | | Relationship issues | Relationship Spread | 5 | Romance, friendship, partnership | | Career decisions | Career Path Spread | 5 | Career direction, job choices | | Comprehensive in-depth | Celtic Cross | 10 | Major life issues, full-picture analysis | | Choice dilemmas | Two Paths Spread | 5 | A/B options, life crossroads | --- ## 1. Single Card Spread **Purpose**: Daily guidance, quick answers, meditation focus **Layout**: ``` [1] ``` **Interpretation**: - Position 1: Today's theme / Current state / Overview **Applicable Scenarios**: Drawing one card each day as a thematic guide for the day; or whenever a quick directional answer is needed at any time. **Interpretation Highlights**: Focus on the card's core keywords and energy. Both the upright and reversed meanings of a single card should be considered together. --- ## 2. Three-Card Spread **Purpose**: Past-Present-Future, event development trajectory, simple cause-and-effect analysis **Layout**: ``` [1] [2] [3] Past Present Future ``` **Variant 1**: Classic Timeline - Position 1: Past — The cause of events, influences that have already occurred - Position 2: Present — Current state, core issue - Position 3: Future — Development trend, possible outcome **Variant 2**: Body-Mind-Spirit - Position 1: Physical / Material level - Position 2: Mental / Intellectual level - Position 3: Spiritual / Soul level **Variant 3**: Situation-Action-Outcome - Position 1: Current situation - Position 2: Suggested action - Position 3: Possible outcome **Interpretation Highlights**: Pay attention to the relational flow between the three cards. How does the past lead to the present, and how does the present influence the future? --- ## 3. Celtic Cross **Purpose**: The most classic comprehensive spread, suitable for in-depth analysis of major life issues **Layout**: ``` [10] Outcome [3] [9] Crown Hopes/Fears [5] [1][2] [6] [8] Past Core Cross Near Future Environment [4] Root [7] Self ``` **Position Meanings** (in drawing order): 1. **Core (Heart of the Matter)** — The essential nature of the current situation 2. **Crossing / Challenge** — The challenge or aid lying across the core 3. **Crown / Conscious Level (Best)** — Conscious goals or the best possible outcome 4. **Root / Subconscious (Basis)** — The subconscious level, foundation, past grounding 5. **Past** — Energy that has passed and is receding 6. **Near Future** — Events or energy about to arrive 7. **Querent / Self** — The querent's role and attitude within this issue 8. **Environment** — External environment, influence of others, family, and society 9. **Hopes and Fears** — The intertwining of inner hopes and fears 10. **Final Outcome** — The most likely result if the current path is followed **Interpretation Highlights**: - First, interpret each card individually by its position meaning - Then, synthesize the full picture: Which suit dominates? What is the distribution of Fire (action), Water (emotion), Air (thought), and Earth (material)? - Proportion of Major Arcana — If many Major Arcana cards appear, the issue carries a fated quality - Proportion of reversed cards — Comprehensively assess the intensity of obstacles or inner resistance --- ## 4. Relationship Spread **Purpose**: Romantic relationships, friendships, partnerships, family relationships **Layout**: ``` [1] [2] My Stance Other's Stance [3] Nature of the Relationship [4] [5] My Needs Other's Needs ``` **Advanced Version (7 cards)**: ``` [3] [5] Past Communication Connection Style [1] [7] [2] Me Core Other [4] [6] My Shared Contribution Future ``` **Interpretation Highlights**: Pay attention to the similarities and differences between the two sides' cards. On which side are there more reversed cards? Are there complementary or conflicting elements? --- ## 5. Career Path Spread **Purpose**: Career direction, job choices, career development **Layout**: ``` [5] Ideal Direction [3] [1] [4] Obstacle Current Support State [2] Fundamental Motivation ``` **Position Meanings**: - Position 1: Current career status - Position 2: True inner driving force (what do you truly seek from it) - Position 3: Obstacles ahead - Position 4: Available resources and support - Position 5: Recommended / Ideal development direction --- ## 6. Two Paths Spread **Purpose**: Choosing between two options **Layout**: ``` [2] [4] Path of Path of Choice A Choice B [1] Current Issue [3] [5] Outcome of Outcome of Choice A Choice B ``` **Interpretation Highlights**: Compare the respective tensions and possibilities of the two paths, but the final choice always rests with the querent. What the tarot provides is not the "right answer," but rather "a clear view of what each path looks like." --- ## 7. Horseshoe Spread **Purpose**: Medium-depth analysis of comprehensive issues **Layout**: ``` [7] Final Outcome [3] Recent Past [6] Advice [2] Current State [5] Others/Environment [1] Past/Root [4] Obstacles/Challenges ``` **Interpretation Highlights**: Richer than a three-card spread, lighter than the Celtic Cross; suitable for fast-paced readings of 5-7 minutes. --- ## Interpretation and Shuffling Recommendations **Virtual Card Drawing Process** (LLM Version): 1. Invite the querent to silently contemplate their question, relax, and take deep breaths (symbolic) 2. Allow the querent to choose their preferred spread 3. Randomly draw the corresponding number of cards from the full 78-card deck, noting whether each card is reversed 4. Place each card one by one according to its spread position 5. Provide comprehensive advice after position-by-position interpretation **Reversal Probability**: Approximately 30-40%, reflecting the probability distribution of real tarot. **⚠️ Ethical Reminder**: At the end of each reading, the following must be stated: "Tarot cards are a tool for self-exploration and inspiration; they do not possess the absolute power to predict the future. The final choices and actions are always in your own hands."