Once you've learned the basics of tarot card meanings, the next step to learning tarot reading is to master some basic tarot spreads.
Unfortunately, many of the most classic tarot spreads like the Celtic Cross and the Tree of Life can be very difficult for new tarot readers. The list included below contains a collection of easy to interpret tarot spreads which are perfect for beginners.
Use the blue buttons to read more about each tarot spread. Use the green button to start a free online tarot reading using that spread.
This very simple spread uses only 3 cards — each representing the past, present and future. The Past, Present & Future spread is one of the most common and versatile tarot spreads.
It doesn't get any simpler than this: Just pull one single card for any type of question. This is a great way to learn tarot while answering simple questions.
A very simple tarot spread: This reading illustrates two options. The first card represents your first option, the second card represents the other. Decide which choice is which before you start.
This classic 3-card tarot spread is perfect for daily insight. It doesn't require any specific question or topic, but can be applied to any topic you want.
The basic premise of tarot spreads is simple: Each card represents a different facet of the overall reading. In a Past, Present and Future spread for example, the three cards represent one of the three concepts contained in the title of the spread itself.
But what separates beginning readers and students from expert readers, is the ability to draw relationships between the cards in a reading. How does the first card relate to the second card? Is there a story arc which exists across the entire reading? Do the adjacent cards have similar or opposite meanings?
By understanding the ways in which tarot cards influence each other within the tarot reading, expert tarot readers see far more than just the stock meaning of each card — and a greater story of influences, dependencies and conflicts can arise.
Looking for more complex tarot readings? You can find intermediate and expert level tarot spreads on the main tarot spreads page, or included on iFate's main online tarot readings page.
Learning-Tarot Spreads
Tarot: