Tarot Card Layouts

Prediction layouts are for determining the answer to a particular question.

Sometimes I find that drawing a single card is sufficient, particularly if a question requires a yes or no answer.

Drawing a single card to relate to a simple question or simply drawing a card for each day is good way to become aquainted with Tarot.

The more you relate cards to life, the better you will become at both relating to the nuances of the tarot, and exercising your intuition.

When you examine a card for the day, it might not make sense at the time, and then in after-sight the message is usually obvious.

Such is the learning process!

I have selected four Tarot Card Layouts for divination presented here in order of complexity.

To begin with, here is the Basic 3 card spread for answering simple questions.

In addition to the Past - present - future - you could substitute thought - feeling - action, or thought - word - deed, or Self - partner - outcome, etc. etc.

Just as little more complex, here is the Simple Cross layout which contains the four essential elements of a layout.

Card 1 provides a representation of nature of the subjects question.

Card 2 represents the advantages associated with the question.

Card 3 represents the disadvantages of proceeding with the course of action.

Card 4 is the answer to the subjects question.

Now to move on to a slightly greater complexity which introduces the progression of time with the influences of past and present on the future -

Here is the 5 card Tarot spread.

Tarot Card Layouts such as this are for determining a course of action as seen in the context of the subjects life.

Card 1 The subjects present situation.

Card 2 The lasting effect of past influences.

Card 3 The future when this course of action is followed.

Card 4 The reason behind the question, this will probably illuminate the effect of past influences.

Card 5 The potential for success (or otherwise) of this course of action.

Now for the ever popular Celtic Cross layout.

This is as complex as you are as likely to ever need as a divination tool for a particular question.

The Celtic Cross provides detailed insights into every aspect of a proposed situation.

The accent here is on ones spiritual path towards trhe desired outcome.

It is important to include the Celtic cross in your repertoire because it's the one used most often, and its frequent use generates some sort of collective energy around it.

Some claim the Celtic Cross is the most powerful spread used in Tarot.

The are a number of variations in the order of the layout of the first six cards.

However the interpretations vary little, so as always I have presented my preferred order.

The subject is crossed by their challenges in the centre. Surrounding the subject starting at the top in a clockwise order are the factor influencing the subject.

This forms the cross itself, whilst to the left is the shaft of the cross.

Card 1 The subject/person you are reading for.

Card 2 The present challenges facing the subject - obstacles and influences.

Card 3 The subjects goals and destiny.

Card 4 The distant past - what is behind.

Card 5 The recent past - what is beneath.

Card 6 The near future - what is before.

Card 7 The subjects attitude - this pictures the subject.

Card 8 External influences - environmental factors affecting the outcome.

Card 9 Inner emotions - hopes and fears.

Card 10 The final outcome.

Notes :

Card 1 the subject, is defined by cards 2, 4, and 6 to which gives an overview of the way things actually are.

Cards 3, 8 and 9 are used to assess the subjects potential.

Cards 5 and 7 reveal possible problems or obstacles to progress.

I would suggest that you practice each of these Tarot Card Layouts, firstly to learn them, but also to find one whith which you are most comfortable.

The more complex Layouts are not necessarily going to be any more accurate than a simple one.

It is simply a matter of what resonates with you.

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