Draw Three Layout

Past, Present, and Future

Difficulty:  Very easy

This simplistic chronological spread can be used to shed light on the influences that are now behind you, current influences, and what is approaching in the near future. Not much explanation is necessary on this one. Since any fool could understand this spread, it can be found on practically every tarot reading site and instruction book.

The Celtic Cross Layout

Difficulty:  Average

This is probably the most common spread. A good basic spread for beginners to use for practice, the Celtic Cross is useful for questions of all types. In this spread it can be helpful to notice the relationships between the pairings of cards #5 & #9, #1 & #2, #3 & #4, and #6 & #10.

1. The significator shows what the reading deals with, the initial situation.
2. An added impulse that compounds the significator, which may be either complimentary or contradictory.
3. This is what the querent is consciously aware of (thoughts).
4. Unconscious driving forces the querent may not be aware of (emotions).
5. The immediate past regarding the current situation.
6. The first future card indicates the immediate future.
7. This card represents the querent and their attitude towards cards #1 and #2.
8. The external influences, the places and people which influence the topic.
9. This card is the querent’s expectations; what is secretly hoped for or feared.
10. The second future card shows the longer-term outcome.

http://tarotsmith.com/spreads/#celticcross

The Relationship Spread

Here is the spread:

Card 1:   Distant past.
Card 2:   Recent past.
Card 3:   Now.
Card 4:   Future influences.
Card 5:   External influences.
Card 6:   The querent's attitude.
Card 7:   Helpful energies.
Card 8:   Obstacles to be overcome.
Card 9:   Hope and fears.
Card 10:  Final result.

The Mirror Spread

This spread works primarily on existing relationships, but can assess anything from a budding love affair to an established partnership.   

It will often reveal inconsistencies between viewpoints - for example if the cards at 2 and 3 contradict one another, there is a need to re-assess and re-adjust points of view, or take into account the input of the other person.

Obstacles will sometimes produce very positive cards - look carefully under the surface if you find this, rather than assuming everything is fine!    

The probable result card is drawn with circumstances as they currently are - but if changes recommended by the reading are effected, then this final card can change.

Here is the spread:

Card 1:   The querent.
Card 2:   The way you see the other person in the relationship.
Card 3:   The way they see themselves.
Card 4:   What the person represents to you.
Card 5:   What you represent to them.
Card 6:   Obstacles within the relationship.
Card 7:   Strengths within the relationship.
Card 8:   Probable result.