# Tarot Spread Reference

## Table of Contents

- [Single Card](#single-card)
- [Three-Card Spread](#three-card-spread)
- [Celtic Cross — 10 Cards](#celtic-cross--10-cards)
- [Relationship Spread — 5 Cards](#relationship-spread--5-cards)
- [Horseshoe Spread — 7 Cards](#horseshoe-spread--7-cards)
- [Spread Selection Guide](#spread-selection-guide)

## Single Card

The simplest spread — one card drawn.

**Best for**: daily guidance, simple yes/no questions, a quick flash of inspiration

**Reading focus**: Concentrate on the card's core meaning; no positional context required.

---

## Three-Card Spread

3 cards — the most widely used foundational spread.

**Standard Layout**:

| Position | Meaning |
|----------|---------|
| 1 (Left) | Past — the background or root cause leading to the current situation |
| 2 (Center) | Present — the core of what is happening right now |
| 3 (Right) | Future — the likely development if you continue on this path |

**Variations**:

| Variation | Position 1 | Position 2 | Position 3 |
|-----------|------------|------------|------------|
| Mind / Body / Spirit | Body / Material | Mind / Thought | Spirit / Soul |
| Situation Analysis | Situation | Challenge | Advice |
| Decision | Option A | Option B | Guidance |
| Relationship | Your feelings | Their feelings | Direction of the relationship |

---

## Celtic Cross — 10 Cards

The most classic and comprehensive spread in tarot.

**Layout**:

```
          [5]
     [3] [1/2] [6]
          [4]
                    [10]
                    [9]
                    [8]
                    [7]
```

| Position | Name | Meaning |
|----------|------|---------|
| 1 | Present Situation | The heart of the matter — sets the overall tone |
| 2 | Crossing Card | The challenge, obstacle, or key influence (laid across Position 1) |
| 3 | Foundation | The distant root / subconscious basis of the situation |
| 4 | Recent Past | What has just happened that brought you here |
| 5 | Conscious Goal | Your ideal outcome / what you're consciously hoping for |
| 6 | Near Future | What is about to unfold |
| 7 | Your Attitude | Your inner stance toward the situation |
| 8 | External Environment | The influence of others and your surroundings |
| 9 | Hopes and Fears | Your deepest longing or hidden concern |
| 10 | Final Outcome | The likely result if you continue on your current path |

**Suggested Reading Order**:
1. Start with 1+2 (core + challenge) to establish the central theme
2. Move to 3+4 (foundation + recent past) to understand how you got here
3. Then 5+6 (goal + near future) to see where things are heading
4. Finally 7+8+9+10 (attitude + environment + hopes/fears + outcome) for synthesis

---

## Relationship Spread — 5 Cards

**Best for**: love questions, partnerships, interpersonal conflict

| Position | Meaning |
|----------|---------|
| 1 | Your feelings / perspective |
| 2 | Their feelings / perspective |
| 3 | The foundation / bond between you |
| 4 | The current challenge / obstacle |
| 5 | The potential / direction of the relationship |

---

## Horseshoe Spread — 7 Cards

**Best for**: when you need more depth than a Three-Card but don't need the full Celtic Cross

| Position | Meaning |
|----------|---------|
| 1 | Past influences |
| 2 | Present situation |
| 3 | Hidden influences |
| 4 | Obstacles |
| 5 | External influences |
| 6 | Suggested action |
| 7 | Possible outcome |

---

## Spread Selection Guide

| Type of Question | Recommended Spread | Why |
|-----------------|-------------------|-----|
| Daily guidance | Single Card | Fast, focused |
| Simple question | Three-Card | Basic but structured |
| Love / relationship | Relationship Spread | Both perspectives + relational dynamic |
| Complex decision | Horseshoe | Moderate depth, includes hidden influences |
| Deep dive | Celtic Cross | Most comprehensive — 10 dimensions |
| Two options | Three-Card variant (Decision) | Direct side-by-side comparison |