Tarot spreads don't have to be complex to be insightful. For beginners and seasoned readers alike, easy-to-read spreads can provide clear and profound insights. Sometimes, simplicity is best when it comes to Tarot, whether you are asking for general advice or guidance on a specific question. As Tarot cards work with your energy, you have the power to get the correct answers from your readings and move forward on your journey of personal growth and spiritual development.
From the classic one-card draw to more versatile five-card or seven-card spreads, these easy to read Tarot spreads are perfect for beginners and experienced readers alike. By keeping it simple, you can get concise and clear answers from the cards.
Single Card Draw: The Simplest Spread
The single card draw is the epitome of simplicity, perfect for daily guidance or answering a specific question. If you are new to Tarot reading, pulling a card every day is a great way to get to know the card's meanings and gain advice for the day ahead. Furthermore, a single card draw works best for yes or no questions, helping you receive clear guidance for a dilemma you are in.
But what are our top tips for single card draws? Let’s go through this spread step by step so you can read the cards like a pro.
Find Your Question
If you are drawing a single card to answer a question that is on your mind, take your time to formulate your question and make it as concise as possible. You can ask your Tarot advice on anything, but we recommend avoiding asking questions about the feelings or intentions of others.
So, instead of asking, ‘Does my crush like me back,’ ask the cards, ‘Is there potential between me and my crush.’ Remember, Tarot works with your energy and is a projection of where you are right now.
Center Your Energy and Pick Your Card
Now you have found your question, take a moment to center your energy through breathwork or meditation. When you are ready, shuffle the deck while repeating your question in your head or out loud.
Pick your card and place it in front of you.
Interpret Your Card
The best thing about a single card draw is that you only have one card to interpret. This means that you can really dive into the card's meaning to gain guidance and clarity.
If you are new to Tarot reading, you may be tempted to check your Tarot guide for the card you receive, but we recommend meditating with it for a moment beforehand. What associations do you have with this card? How does the imagery make you feel? What does your gut say about what the card is telling you?
The Three-Card Spread: Past, Present, Future
A staple for Tarot readers, the three-card spread offers a straightforward yet comprehensive view of the querent's journey. A three-card spread is a versatile tool with different ways of using and connecting with it. But, the past, present, and future three-card spread is by far the most popular. It allows you to check in on where you are in life, see what past influences need addressing, and where you are heading.
Shuffle the deck and pick three cards, placing them in a row.
Past
The first card pulled reveals your past and the aspects of your history that still affect you. This card may be a positive one. Perhaps you pulled the Six of Cups, revealing that a happy childhood gave you confidence and security. However, this card may reveal baggage or trauma you need to let go of to achieve your potential.
It may take time to identify what this card represents, as our pasts are complex. So, contemplate the meaning of this card and explore your feelings.
Present
The second card represents your present energy and situation. Usually, this card is pretty easy to interpret. It may reveal aspects of yout present circumstances that need your attention or reflect your current attitude and what is working for you.
Future
The final card in this spread represents your future. Now, this won’t reveal your definite future, but the future that will probably occur if you carry on with your current energy and attitude.
Once you have your three cards, it is helpful to link them together to tell a story of your life. Can you see a theme running through the cards? Does aspects of your past connect with your present?
The Five-Card Cross: A Step Further
The five-card cross is a versatile spread that delves a bit deeper, ideal for a variety of questions and situations. You can use the five-card spread for relationships, work, life goals, and reflection. You can also add to the past, present, and future three-card spread by placing a ‘positives of your current life’ card above your present card and an ‘aspects of your current life you need to work on’ below it.
The five-card spread adds another layer to your Tarot readings and offers a rounded perspective. Let’s check out some great five-card spreads for beginner and advanced readers. The first three cards are always laid out in a row, with the fourth card placed above the second card and the fifth card directly below.
Five-Card Career Spread
The five cards pulled in this spread refer to:
- Card 1: Your career history.
- Card 2: Your current career position.
- Card 3: Your career potential.
- Card 4: Positives you bring to your career.
- Card 5: Areas of your career that need work.
Five-Card Relationship Spread
The five cards pulled in this spread refer to:
- Card 1: Your attitude.
- Card 2: Your relationship's current situation.
- Card 3: Your partner's attitude.
- Card 4: Positives of your relationship.
- Card 5: Areas of your relationship that need your attention.
The Seven-Card Horseshoe: Clarity on Specific Issues
For those seeking clarity on specific issues, the seven-card horseshoe spread balances simplicity with depth. This spread is used to explore the different aspects of your life to get a detailed view of your influences and journey. The cards are laid out in a horseshoe shape, going from one to seven.
The seven cards pulled in this spread represent:
- Card 1: Past influences.
- Card 2: Your subconscious.
- Card 3: Your actions.
- Card 4: Your current situation.
- Card 5: External influences.
- Card 6: Obstacles.
- Card 7: Potential.
You can use this horseshoe spread for specific questions and issues or as a general check-in for your life. Examining the different cards and how they may be connected is helpful. Is the energy of the card for external influences similar to the obstacles card? Could this mean that your current obstacles are down to external influences?
Tips for Reading Simple Spreads Effectively
Even with simple spreads, effective reading comes from practice, intuition, and a clear understanding of each card’s meaning. Tarot cards rely on your energy and your connection with the cards, so you must work on this connection to enhance the effectiveness of the spreads.
Here are our top tips on reading simple spreads effectively.
- Examine the card's imagery: Tarot cards are full of symbolism in their artwork, so take your time to explore the imagery on the cards you receive.
- Listen to your intuition: When reflecting on the cards you receive, listen to your inner voice to help you work out their messages.
- Be open: Never go into a Tarot reading expecting a certain answer. Be open to the messages within the cards.
- Be in the right mindset: Before performing a Tarot reading, spend a moment centering your energy through meditation or breathwork.
- Journal your spread: Keeping a Tarot journal and writing down your spread allows you to dive deeper into the messages it contains and helps you better your knowledge of the cards.
Conclusion: Growing with Tarot
Simple Tarot spreads are powerful tools for guidance and self-reflection, forming a solid foundation for anyone's Tarot journey. The spreads in this article are designed to help you explore the world of Tarot and allow it to help you grow and develop. So, get your favorite deck and discover what Tarot can do for you!