CELTIC CROSS SPREAD
This spread or layout is the most common, popularised by promotion with the Rider-Waite Deck, the most common tarot deck. It is also known as the Grand Cross. There are many variations on this spread, particularly the position in which they are laid. This is the way I read them:
A Significator card is sometimes chosen to represent the Querent and laid in position 0 - I generally do not utilize a Significator in my readings. The cards are shuffled, then cut three times by the querent and laid in the following order:
1. Cover: General influences currently affecting the subject and the situation in question.
2. Cross: Obstacles which may be confronting the subject.
3. Crown: The subject's goal in the situation under question - the best that can be achieved under present circumstances.
4. Beneath: The foundation or basis of the matter, factors which have been affecting the situation.
5. Behind: An influence which has recently passed, or is passing from the situation.
6. Before: An influence which is beginning to affect the situation, or will soon do so.
7. Self: The subject's present position or attitude in relation to the situation.
8. House: Influences arising from the subject's close friends, family and other people important to the subject.
9. Hopes and Fears: Fairly self-explanatory!
10. Outcome: This is the most important card in the layout. It indicates a final result - "the future", if you will. If it is a Court card, it often represents an actual person.
"Reversed" cards are considered by some readers to bear a significantly altered - or even opposite - meaning. I do not read reversed cards. It is my belief that all cards bear both inherently positive and negative meanings.
THREE CARD SPREAD
This spread or layout is the most simple. It is usually used in relation to a specific question. No Significator is required, but the subject should ask their question clearly at the outset. The cards are then shuffled and dealt from the top, without being cut.
They are laid left to right:
1. Past
2. Present
3. Future
HORSESHOE SPREAD
This spread is excellent for a thorough analysis of a specific question or situation. It is quite linear, and can adapted for specific purposes: Romance and Career are two alternate versions.
Firstly, the subject clearly expresses the question: eg, "Should I sell my home and move to Canada?". A Significator is chosen to represent the subject or situation, and laid in position 0. The remaining cards are then shuffled by the dealer or subject, cut three times by the subject and laid in the following order:
1. Past
Those factors in the past which are having an ongoing effect on the situation in question.
2. Present Situation
Current factors which are known and obvious.
3. Hidden Influences
Those factors currently affecting the situation of which the subject may not be aware, at least on a conscious level.
4. Obstacles
Impediments, both obvious and hidden, that may get in the subject's way.
5. House
The influence of close friends, family and others of importance to the subject.
6. Action
The best path to take in order to further the subject's best interests in the matter.
7. Outcome
This is the most important card in the layout. It indicates the final result if the path shown above is followed - "the future", if you will. If it is a Court card, it often represents an actual person.
