Spreads

  • A seven-card tarot spread arranged in a cross shape on a black background, with a decorative magnifying glass below the cards. The heading reads Tarot Spread in black text on a white background.
    Spreads

    The 7 of Cups spread is a great way to explore ideas

    This 7 of Cups spread was inspired by the 7 of Cups from the Superlunaris Tarot. I was looking at the individual cups and I thought rather than generalising it to having multiple options, or daydreaming, or ungrounded ideas and so on I’d look at what each cup might have to offer. Possible applications The 7 of Cups spread layout An example To share a brief example of the 7 of Cups Spread I asked the questions in relation to this website. I was surprised to see the Knight of Cups come up in the same position as the first time I used the spread which you can see pictured…

  • A tarot card spread is laid out on a black background, surrounded by a crystal, a stone bust, and a decorative dagger. The cards are arranged in a cross shape, evoking the Tree of Life Spread beneath the text Tarot Spread.
    Spreads

    Tree of Life Spread

    Recently someone reached out asking for assistance in understanding how to work with the Tree of Life Oracle when laid out in the Tree of Life Spread from the guidebook. Doing so reminded me of two things: this is a beautiful oracle deck and this is a great spread. Uses Most spreads can be tweaked to make them suitable for a variety of uses. That is definitely the case here. For me though, this is a fantastic spread to use when: The spread I have shared below is a slight variation on the version shared by David Wells in the Tree of Life Oracle guidebook. Considerations The Tree of Life…

  • A tarot spread with five upright cards—Ace of Wands, Six of Pentacles, Eight of Swords, King of Wands, and The Magician—above a fanned deck with yellow sun-themed backs, on a black background.
    Spreads

    Hidden stories spread

    Recently I wrote a short article called Using Tarot to Unlock the Power of Stories, (you may have even come to this from there), and it inspired this Hidden Stories Spread. Uses Everything we do, think and feel revolves around a story, yet sometimes we are not aware of what those stories are. This spread can be used to help you uncover, explore and understand those stories. I would use this spread across many areas but the underlying intention remains the same — What am I not seeing? Below are some possible applications. Considerations Firstly I would suggest that you have a point of focus when asking your question as…

  • A tarot spread with nine illustrated cards laid out on a black surface, each featuring vibrant, surreal artwork reminiscent of The Ten-card spread. The top of the image reads Tarot Spread in black text on a white background.
    Spreads

    The Ten-Card Spread

    I came across the Ten-Card Spread in the guide book for The Raven’s Prophecy Tarot by Maggie Stiefvater. She writes that, “This spread was taught to me by a friend after she heard I was struggling with one of the most popular spreads, the Celtic Cross.” Along side my General Spread, The Celtic Cross is one of my go to spreads. Now I have added this one to that list. The layout of the Ten-Card Spread just clicked with me. I found it pretty straight forward and easy to learn which is always a plus. The intention of each position is clear which makes it easily applicable to most questions.…

  • A tarot spread of eight colorful cards is laid out in a cross and row pattern on a black surface under the heading Tarot Spread, each card featuring detailed illustrations and scenes focused on lightening the load.
    Spreads

    Lightening the Load: A tarot spread for unpacking burdens

    Introduction The Lightening the Load spread is a simple eight card spread that will work with any deck but my suggestion is to start off with a hug deck if you have one. If you’re already feeling a little overwhelmed I believe a deck that presents the message in a gentle, yet honest way, is the best approach. Regardless of the situation, I never think there is a wrong time to be kind to yourself. Anyhow enough said. The deck you choose is obviously up to you. Background I had an idea, or should I say ideas/beliefs around what I thought was weighing me down and preventing me from doing…

  • A tarot spread with seven cards showing colorful mushroom-themed illustrations, a stack of face-down cards to the left, and a small black stone on the right. Text at the top reads Tarot Spread on a white background—perfect for exploring Imposter Syndrome.
    Spreads

    A tarot spread for those dealing with Imposter Syndrome

    What is Imposter Syndrome? The term Imposter Syndrome was first used by psychologists Suzanna Imes and Pauline Rose Clance in 1978. Whilst not a diagnosable condition, it can be a challenging psychological phenomenon that can unfortunately become self-fulfilling. That’s why it is well worth addressing. Ironically, it is usually highly accomplished people that suffer. Psychology Today states that up to 25-30% of high achievers may suffer with 70% of adults experiencing feelings of Imposter Syndrome at least once in their life. Web MD puts that figure as high as 82% of people. Martin R Huecker et al define Imposter Syndrome as: A behavioural health phenomenon described as self doubt of…

  • A cross-shaped tarot card spread for a deck interview is displayed on a black surface, featuring nine Rider-Waite cards and a small white crystal beside them. The heading above reads “Tarot Spread.”.
    Spreads

    Getting to know your deck: Deck Interview Spread

    As part of my deck review process I always conduct a deck interview. For this I use a 9-card spread laid out in a diamond pattern. I find this shape works well because it provides multiple pathways and connections. If that doesn’t make sense, don’t worry, I’ll explain what I mean soon. Before I go on though, I do want to point out that no, I don’t believe that just because I have a “type of readings” position that I can only use the deck for the type of reading suggested. Not at all. But what I have found is decks that I initially considered in one way, have proven…

  • Three tarot cards are displayed side by side on a black background with “Tarot Spread” written above, inviting you to overcome a fear-based block. Two stones, one black and one clear, are placed at the corners of the cards.
    Spreads

    Overcome a fear-based block with this tarot spread

    Background Before I launch into it, I thought I’d give you a bit of background as to how I found myself doing a tarot spread that I believe can really help to uncover and overcome a fear-based block. Initially there was no conscious decision to do so, but I’m glad I kept following what seemed like random urges. Last night I couldn’t sleep. So around midnight I got back up and headed for my happy place – my office. The very same office that holds my nearly two hundred decks and my tarot and tarot-adjacent books. Once there I reached behind me and grabbed a deck, sight unseen. I chose…

  • A nine-card general spread tarot layout features illustrated cards in three rows of three, with a pink crystal wand on a black background. The heading reads Tarot Spread at the top.
    Spreads

    My General Spread

    Every reader has their go to spread and I am no different. I mainly work with two – this general nine-card spread and the Celtic Cross. My intuition generally decides which one to use. Sometimes I will think I am going to use one and yet when I go to lay out the cards I am drawn to a different focus point. That probably requires a little explanation. For the most part, I read at my desk. If my eye is drawn to the top left hand corner of my reading area I know I am going to use this spread. If I find myself focusing on the centre of…

  • A tarot spread of nine cards arranged in a cross pattern, placed on a black surface with two crystal wands at the sides. The phrase "I am enough" appears alongside the title Tarot Spread at the top right on a white background.
    Spreads

    I Am Enough Spread

    The I am Enough Spread is great to use if you feel self-doubt or less than favourable self talk has been holding you back. As you can see , the I Am Enough Spread is fairly straight forward. In my experience I find simple spreads tend to be the best because they are more flexible. There are many ways you can approach this spread. Laying out the I Am Enough Spread For Position 1 – Who Am I? you can select a card sight unseen, (as I did), or you can consciously choose a card. Even this can be done in many ways. For example, you can choose: I have…