Laying out the spreads...

Opening the tarot library...

Choose a spread that fits your question

Each position gives a card a role in the question. Start with fewer cards for a focused issue; use a larger spread when you need more context. Explore when to use each layout, questions for its positions, and examples you can practice.

12 spreads · Updated 2026-10-07

Choose a spread to explore

1 cards · Beginner

One Card Insight

A single card to quickly reveal the main message you need right now.

When to use it

Use this for a focused question and one point to consider. Choose more positions if you need to compare paths or examine several obstacles.

What you can explore

The most prominent energy of the current situation.
What you should pay attention to or reflect on.
A short reminder to guide your feeling or action.

Questions to try

Best for short open questions like: “What do I need to know now?” or “What is my message today?”.

What message do I most need to hear today?
What energy should I pay attention to in this situation?
What is asking to be noticed right now?

Reading each position

1
Insight
The core message or most prominent energy surrounding the situation right now.
What in this question deserves a closer look?

A reading example

For example, ask “What should I notice at work today?” and draw Four of Swords upright. Consider breaks and concentration rather than assuming you must stop all work. One card offers a focus for reflection, not an account of the entire day.

After the reading

Choose a manageable action, such as a break between tasks, and review whether it helped at the end of the day.

Useful for

Users who want a quick message for the day.
Beginners who are new to Tarot.
Users who need a gentle point of reflection.

Consider another spread if

Users who need layered analysis or comparison between options.

5 cards · Intermediate

Relationship Insight

A relationship spread that reveals both sides’ feelings, the connection energy, the blockage, and the likely direction of the bond.

When to use it

Use this to reflect on your part in a relationship and what needs discussion. The partner position suggests questions to ask, not certain access to their thoughts or feelings.

What you can explore

How you may be feeling, hoping, or protecting yourself.
What emotional energy the other person may be carrying.
The main connection or distance between you.
The challenge that makes progress difficult.
What may happen if both continue as they are.

Questions to try

Best for open questions like: “What is the state of this relationship?” or “What do I need to understand about our connection?”.

What is the true state of this relationship?
How are this person and I feeling differently?
What is the biggest blockage between us?
Where is this relationship likely heading?

Reading each position

1
You
How you may be feeling, hoping, protecting yourself, or reacting in this relationship.
What do I need, expect, or react to?
2
Partner
A perspective on the other person’s behavior to clarify through conversation, not certainty about their private feelings.
What about the other person’s behavior needs clarification?
3
Connection
The quality of the bond: harmony, distance, attraction, or repeating relational patterns.
How does our interaction support closeness or create distance?
4
Challenge
The main challenge between you.
What disagreement or boundary needs acknowledgment?
5
Outcome
The possible outcome of the relationship.
What should we consider if this pattern of interaction continues?

A reading example

As a two-position illustration after a misunderstanding, Two of Cups upright for you may suggest a wish for reciprocity; Four of Swords upright for the other person raises the question of whether they need time before talking. Ask rather than treating silence as proof they no longer care.

After the reading

Invite a clear conversation and respect the right to decline. Keep your boundaries even when you hope to reconcile.

Useful for

Users who want to understand the emotional dynamics in a relationship.
Users sensing distance, conflict, or unclear signals.
Users who want to know where the relationship may be heading.

Consider another spread if

Users who want to control or absolutely read another person’s mind.
Users who need urgent decisions in a toxic or unsafe situation.

5 cards · Intermediate

Career Path

A career spread for assessing your current position, strengths, challenges, opportunities, and next direction.

When to use it

Use this to review your role, skills, and career direction. Prepare questions and plans rather than replacing actual job information or working terms.

What you can explore

Where you are in your career journey.
The strength you should use more intentionally.
The challenge or limitation blocking you.
An opportunity that may be opening.
A reasonable next direction for growth.

Questions to try

Best for direction questions: “What direction should I grow in my career?”.

What is the state of my current career path?
Which strength should I use more intentionally?
What opportunity is opening in my work?
What direction should I grow into next?

Reading each position

1
Current
The current work situation, including energy, position, and how you feel about your path.
What stands out in my current work?
2
Strength
The ability, advantage, or quality that helps you stand out and can be used more intentionally.
What skill or experience could I use more effectively?
3
Challenge
The difficulty, limitation, or pattern that is blocking career growth.
What limitation needs attention or negotiation?
4
Opportunity
The opportunity, opening, or growth potential that may be emerging around you.
What direction is worth investigating with real information?
5
Outcome
Possible future outcome.
What progress should I monitor if I continue this way?

A reading example

As a two-position illustration for career growth, Eight of Pentacles upright as a strength suggests developed craft; Three of Pentacles upright as an opportunity suggests collaboration or feedback. This is a direction to explore, not a promotion promise.

After the reading

Choose one skill to improve and ask an appropriate person about opportunities to practice it.

Useful for

Users considering their career direction.
Users who want to understand their strengths and blockers at work.
Users preparing for a job change, role shift, or skill development.

5 cards · Experienced reader

Shadow Work

A deep inner-work spread for identifying hidden parts, emotional origins, impact, and the path toward healing.

When to use it

Use this when you feel ready to examine a recurring reaction, not to condemn yourself. You can stop at any time. The spread does not verify memories, diagnose, or replace professional support.

What you can explore

Which part of you is being avoided or not yet accepted.
The origin of this emotion or pattern.
How it affects your behavior and choices.
The lesson or true need behind it.
How to begin healing and integrating this part.

Questions to try

Best for inner-work questions: “What part of me needs to be seen and healed?”.

What part of me am I avoiding or rejecting?
Where does this emotion come from?
What hidden pattern is influencing my choices?
How can I begin healing this?

Reading each position

1
Shadow
The hidden, avoided, or not-yet-accepted part of your inner self.
What reaction or feeling is difficult to acknowledge?
2
Origin
Known experiences or beliefs that may relate to this reaction; the card does not verify an event or memory.
What known experience may relate to this, and what remains uncertain?
3
Impact
How this shadow affects behavior, choices, relationships, or your self-image.
How is this reaction affecting my choices?
4
Lesson
The lesson, true need, or message this shadow is trying to bring to the surface.
What need deserves a name instead of self-blame?
5
Healing
How you can begin integrating, soothing, and transforming this part with self-kindness.
What small step or support could help me care for myself?

A reading example

As a two-position illustration for difficulty saying no, Ten of Wands upright as the impact may suggest excessive responsibility; Queen of Swords upright as care suggests clear limits. There is no need to infer a childhood event from the origin card.

After the reading

Write a clear, respectful refusal. If reflection becomes too distressing, pause and seek appropriate support.

Useful for

Users who want to understand repeating emotions or reactions within themselves.
Users doing self-reflection, journaling, or healing work.
Users ready to look at uncomfortable but important inner material.

Consider another spread if

Users who only want a quick, light, or entertaining answer.
Users in acute emotional distress who need direct support from a trusted person.

7 cards · Intermediate

Monthly Compass

Seven cards form a complete picture so you can enter the month with greater clarity.

When to use it

Use this to choose priorities and reflect on a month. The seven positions are perspectives, not seven days or seven guaranteed events.

What you can explore

The month's central theme and energy.
Your priority and the opportunity worth noticing.
The challenge, care need, and developing direction.

Questions to try

Best for open questions such as: “What do I need to understand about this month?” or “What should I prioritize this month?”.

What do I need to understand about this month?
What should I prioritize this month?

Reading each position

1
Theme of the Month
The central theme, energy, or lesson likely to shape the month as a whole.
What theme is worth following this month?
2
What You Carry Forward
An influence, mindset, unfinished matter, or momentum carried into this month from the previous period.
What unfinished matter or attitude am I bringing forward?
3
Priority
The area, attitude, or action that deserves the most intentional attention this month.
What deserves deliberate priority?
4
Opportunity
An opening, possibility, or source of growth that may become available during the month.
What possibility could I explore or test?
5
Challenge
A difficulty, pattern, or tension that may require awareness and adjustment.
What difficulty could I prepare for?
6
What Needs Care
The part of your emotional, mental, relational, or practical life that may need more care and balance.
What need should have room in this month’s plan?
7
Direction of the Month
The direction the month may move toward if its current themes and choices continue to unfold.
What direction should I watch if the current approach continues?

A reading example

As a two-position illustration for a busy month, Eight of Pentacles upright as the priority suggests practicing a skill; Four of Swords upright as self-care invites rest. Both can fit: regular study does not require filling every free hour.

After the reading

Choose one priority, room for rest, and a mid-month date to review the plan.

Useful for

Users who want a clear overview before setting priorities for a new month.
Users maintaining a monthly Tarot or journaling practice.

Consider another spread if

Users who only need a quick answer to one very specific question.

10 cards · Experienced reader

Celtic Cross

A comprehensive spread for complex situations, revealing the present, conscious layer, subconscious layer, environment, and potential outcome.

When to use it

Use this for one question with several interacting factors when you have time to read slowly. Ten cards do not automatically mean greater accuracy. Follow this app’s position order, since Celtic Cross layouts can vary.

What you can explore

The central theme and main challenge.
How the past and near future connect.
Your conscious goal and subconscious motivation.
Your role and external influence.
Hopes, fears, and potential outcome.
The larger pattern operating across the whole story.

Questions to try

Best for big-picture questions: “What is the full picture of this issue, and what do I need to understand to move forward?”.

What is the full picture of this situation?
What is happening in my conscious and subconscious layers?
What external factor is influencing this issue?
If things continue as they are, what may be the outcome?

Reading each position

1
Present
The current situation or central theme of the reading.
What is the current focus?
2
Challenge
The main challenge or obstacle affecting the situation.
What obstructs or puts pressure on that focus?
3
Past
Past events or influences that led to the current situation.
What known earlier influence is relevant?
4
Future
The near future or the direction the situation is moving toward.
What near-term direction needs attention?
5
Conscious Goal
What the seeker is consciously thinking about or striving for.
What do I consciously want?
6
Unconscious Influence
Hidden influences or subconscious motivations.
What assumption or motivation is worth exploring?
7
Self
The seeker's attitude, state of mind, or role in the situation.
How am I participating in this situation?
8
External Influence
External influences such as other people, environment, or circumstances.
What external conditions or actions need checking?
9
Hopes & Fears
The seeker's hopes, fears, or emotional concerns about the situation.
How are hopes and fears shaping my view?
10
Outcome
The most likely outcome if the current path continues.
What direction does the whole spread suggest if current conditions continue?

A reading example

As a two-position illustration for a new role, Six of Wands upright as the goal may suggest wanting recognition; Nine of Swords upright as hopes and fears suggests concern about meeting expectations. They name a tension without deciding whether to accept. Read the external conditions and remaining positions too.

After the reading

Summarize in three groups: the situation, influences to clarify, and possible actions. Check missing information before a major decision.

Useful for

Users facing a major, layered, or long-running issue.
Users who want a complete overview rather than one angle.
Users familiar with Tarot or seeking a truly deep premium reading.

Consider another spread if

Beginners who only need a quick answer.
Users asking a very simple issue or a two-option choice.

How to use these examples

These examples teach how to connect a card with its position and question. Some illustrate only a few positions in a larger spread; follow the descriptions to see which ones are being discussed. They are not forecasts about your life.

Learn how to connect cards into a reading →

Choose a spread that fits your question

12 spreads · Updated 2026-10-07

Choose a spread to explore

1 cards · Beginner

One Card Insight

A single card to quickly reveal the main message you need right now.

When to use it

Use this for a focused question and one point to consider. Choose more positions if you need to compare paths or examine several obstacles.

What you can explore

The most prominent energy of the current situation.
What you should pay attention to or reflect on.
A short reminder to guide your feeling or action.

Questions to try

Best for short open questions like: “What do I need to know now?” or “What is my message today?”.

What message do I most need to hear today?
What energy should I pay attention to in this situation?
What is asking to be noticed right now?

Reading each position

1
Insight
The core message or most prominent energy surrounding the situation right now.
What in this question deserves a closer look?

A reading example

After the reading

Choose a manageable action, such as a break between tasks, and review whether it helped at the end of the day.

Useful for

Users who want a quick message for the day.
Beginners who are new to Tarot.
Users who need a gentle point of reflection.

Consider another spread if

Users who need layered analysis or comparison between options.

5 cards · Intermediate

Relationship Insight

A relationship spread that reveals both sides’ feelings, the connection energy, the blockage, and the likely direction of the bond.

When to use it

Use this to reflect on your part in a relationship and what needs discussion. The partner position suggests questions to ask, not certain access to their thoughts or feelings.

What you can explore

How you may be feeling, hoping, or protecting yourself.
What emotional energy the other person may be carrying.
The main connection or distance between you.
The challenge that makes progress difficult.
What may happen if both continue as they are.

Questions to try

Best for open questions like: “What is the state of this relationship?” or “What do I need to understand about our connection?”.

What is the true state of this relationship?
How are this person and I feeling differently?
What is the biggest blockage between us?
Where is this relationship likely heading?

Reading each position

1
You
How you may be feeling, hoping, protecting yourself, or reacting in this relationship.
What do I need, expect, or react to?
2
Partner
A perspective on the other person’s behavior to clarify through conversation, not certainty about their private feelings.
What about the other person’s behavior needs clarification?
3
Connection
The quality of the bond: harmony, distance, attraction, or repeating relational patterns.
How does our interaction support closeness or create distance?
4
Challenge
The main challenge between you.
What disagreement or boundary needs acknowledgment?
5
Outcome
The possible outcome of the relationship.
What should we consider if this pattern of interaction continues?

A reading example

After the reading

Invite a clear conversation and respect the right to decline. Keep your boundaries even when you hope to reconcile.

Useful for

Users who want to understand the emotional dynamics in a relationship.
Users sensing distance, conflict, or unclear signals.
Users who want to know where the relationship may be heading.

Consider another spread if

Users who want to control or absolutely read another person’s mind.
Users who need urgent decisions in a toxic or unsafe situation.

5 cards · Intermediate

Career Path

A career spread for assessing your current position, strengths, challenges, opportunities, and next direction.

When to use it

Use this to review your role, skills, and career direction. Prepare questions and plans rather than replacing actual job information or working terms.

What you can explore

Where you are in your career journey.
The strength you should use more intentionally.
The challenge or limitation blocking you.
An opportunity that may be opening.
A reasonable next direction for growth.

Questions to try

Best for direction questions: “What direction should I grow in my career?”.

What is the state of my current career path?
Which strength should I use more intentionally?
What opportunity is opening in my work?
What direction should I grow into next?

Reading each position

1
Current
The current work situation, including energy, position, and how you feel about your path.
What stands out in my current work?
2
Strength
The ability, advantage, or quality that helps you stand out and can be used more intentionally.
What skill or experience could I use more effectively?
3
Challenge
The difficulty, limitation, or pattern that is blocking career growth.
What limitation needs attention or negotiation?
4
Opportunity
The opportunity, opening, or growth potential that may be emerging around you.
What direction is worth investigating with real information?
5
Outcome
Possible future outcome.
What progress should I monitor if I continue this way?

A reading example

After the reading

Choose one skill to improve and ask an appropriate person about opportunities to practice it.

Useful for

Users considering their career direction.
Users who want to understand their strengths and blockers at work.
Users preparing for a job change, role shift, or skill development.

5 cards · Experienced reader

Shadow Work

A deep inner-work spread for identifying hidden parts, emotional origins, impact, and the path toward healing.

When to use it

Use this when you feel ready to examine a recurring reaction, not to condemn yourself. You can stop at any time. The spread does not verify memories, diagnose, or replace professional support.

What you can explore

Which part of you is being avoided or not yet accepted.
The origin of this emotion or pattern.
How it affects your behavior and choices.
The lesson or true need behind it.
How to begin healing and integrating this part.

Questions to try

Best for inner-work questions: “What part of me needs to be seen and healed?”.

What part of me am I avoiding or rejecting?
Where does this emotion come from?
What hidden pattern is influencing my choices?
How can I begin healing this?

Reading each position

1
Shadow
The hidden, avoided, or not-yet-accepted part of your inner self.
What reaction or feeling is difficult to acknowledge?
2
Origin
Known experiences or beliefs that may relate to this reaction; the card does not verify an event or memory.
What known experience may relate to this, and what remains uncertain?
3
Impact
How this shadow affects behavior, choices, relationships, or your self-image.
How is this reaction affecting my choices?
4
Lesson
The lesson, true need, or message this shadow is trying to bring to the surface.
What need deserves a name instead of self-blame?
5
Healing
How you can begin integrating, soothing, and transforming this part with self-kindness.
What small step or support could help me care for myself?

A reading example

After the reading

Write a clear, respectful refusal. If reflection becomes too distressing, pause and seek appropriate support.

Useful for

Users who want to understand repeating emotions or reactions within themselves.
Users doing self-reflection, journaling, or healing work.
Users ready to look at uncomfortable but important inner material.

Consider another spread if

Users who only want a quick, light, or entertaining answer.
Users in acute emotional distress who need direct support from a trusted person.

7 cards · Intermediate

Monthly Compass

Seven cards form a complete picture so you can enter the month with greater clarity.

When to use it

Use this to choose priorities and reflect on a month. The seven positions are perspectives, not seven days or seven guaranteed events.

What you can explore

The month's central theme and energy.
Your priority and the opportunity worth noticing.
The challenge, care need, and developing direction.

Questions to try

Best for open questions such as: “What do I need to understand about this month?” or “What should I prioritize this month?”.

What do I need to understand about this month?
What should I prioritize this month?

Reading each position

1
Theme of the Month
The central theme, energy, or lesson likely to shape the month as a whole.
What theme is worth following this month?
2
What You Carry Forward
An influence, mindset, unfinished matter, or momentum carried into this month from the previous period.
What unfinished matter or attitude am I bringing forward?
3
Priority
The area, attitude, or action that deserves the most intentional attention this month.
What deserves deliberate priority?
4
Opportunity
An opening, possibility, or source of growth that may become available during the month.
What possibility could I explore or test?
5
Challenge
A difficulty, pattern, or tension that may require awareness and adjustment.
What difficulty could I prepare for?
6
What Needs Care
The part of your emotional, mental, relational, or practical life that may need more care and balance.
What need should have room in this month’s plan?
7
Direction of the Month
The direction the month may move toward if its current themes and choices continue to unfold.
What direction should I watch if the current approach continues?

A reading example

After the reading

Choose one priority, room for rest, and a mid-month date to review the plan.

Useful for

Users who want a clear overview before setting priorities for a new month.
Users maintaining a monthly Tarot or journaling practice.

Consider another spread if

Users who only need a quick answer to one very specific question.

10 cards · Experienced reader

Celtic Cross

A comprehensive spread for complex situations, revealing the present, conscious layer, subconscious layer, environment, and potential outcome.

When to use it

What you can explore

The central theme and main challenge.
How the past and near future connect.
Your conscious goal and subconscious motivation.
Your role and external influence.
Hopes, fears, and potential outcome.
The larger pattern operating across the whole story.

Questions to try

Best for big-picture questions: “What is the full picture of this issue, and what do I need to understand to move forward?”.

What is the full picture of this situation?
What is happening in my conscious and subconscious layers?
What external factor is influencing this issue?
If things continue as they are, what may be the outcome?

Reading each position

1
Present
The current situation or central theme of the reading.
What is the current focus?
2
Challenge
The main challenge or obstacle affecting the situation.
What obstructs or puts pressure on that focus?
3
Past
Past events or influences that led to the current situation.
What known earlier influence is relevant?
4
Future
The near future or the direction the situation is moving toward.
What near-term direction needs attention?
5
Conscious Goal
What the seeker is consciously thinking about or striving for.
What do I consciously want?
6
Unconscious Influence
Hidden influences or subconscious motivations.
What assumption or motivation is worth exploring?
7
Self
The seeker's attitude, state of mind, or role in the situation.
How am I participating in this situation?
8
External Influence
External influences such as other people, environment, or circumstances.
What external conditions or actions need checking?
9
Hopes & Fears
The seeker's hopes, fears, or emotional concerns about the situation.
How are hopes and fears shaping my view?
10
Outcome
The most likely outcome if the current path continues.
What direction does the whole spread suggest if current conditions continue?

A reading example

After the reading

Summarize in three groups: the situation, influences to clarify, and possible actions. Check missing information before a major decision.

Useful for

Users facing a major, layered, or long-running issue.
Users who want a complete overview rather than one angle.
Users familiar with Tarot or seeking a truly deep premium reading.

Consider another spread if

Beginners who only need a quick answer.
Users asking a very simple issue or a two-option choice.

How to use these examples

Learn how to connect cards into a reading →

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Insight

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

Consider another spread if

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Option A

Option B

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

Consider another spread if

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Past

Present

Future

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Situation

Action

Outcome

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Opening Energy

What to Notice

Closing Guidance

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Situation

Challenge

Advice

Outcome

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

Present

Past Influence

Future Direction

Hidden Factor

Advice

A reading example

After the reading

Useful for

When to use it

What you can explore

Questions to try

Reading each position

You

Partner

Connection

Challenge