Tips About Tarot Spreads & Meanings

Tarot readings are increasing in popularity but how do you know that the person claiming to be a tarot reader, is using and interpreting the messages correctly.

The Tarot cards do not need to be read by anyone in flowing gowns or hooped ear-rings, and neither were they devised as a means of telling the future. These cards were used from the 18th century onwards as a way of connecting seemingly random situations in our lives (also known as divinations), connecting them into some form of systematic pattern, which makes sense to the person.

They are not meant to foretell the future but are a tool to put the customer in touch with their higher self.

Different Tarot Card Decks

There is only one accepted set of meanings for any Tarot card deck, although the deck and design of images on the cards differ from one style of deck to another.

On asking for a reading, you will find that the cards will be arranged in different ‘patterns’, depending on the questions being asked or the knowledge being sought.
Different spread examples include;

The ‘3-card’ spread – the arrangement consists of three cards chosen by the querent (a Latin phrase used with Tarot circles for the person who ‘seeks’ the answers). This tarot card spread is used for ‘quick’ readings, in which a quick answer is needed. Each card represents past, present and future.

The Horseshoe spread – gives an overview of the querent’s life, using 21 cards and arrange in seven groups consisting of 3 cards each. Each group of cards covers a category; past, present, future developments, the unexpected, the people around you, obstacles & opposition and finally, the outcome.

The Celtic Cross spread – this tarot card spread offer a general overview as with the Horseshoe, but uses less cards. The ten cards in this spread looks at the present situation and what can be causing problems; this second card is laid across the top of the first card. The third card looks at the very near future, followed by the fourth card. This looks at the often ‘unacknowledged’ basis of the situation with the fifth card looking to the past. The sixth card looks at the future a few months on with the seventh card noting the presence of mind of the one seeking the answers. The eighth card looks at the influence of the people around the querent and the penultimate card addresses hopes and fears. The tenth card looks at the outcome, approximately sixth months on from the reading.

There are also many other spreads and various readers will sue a variety of these spreads during the reading. Tarot cards are steeped in history from centuries ago and offer a powerful insight into our lives and current situations.