How to Use a Three Card Tarot Spread

The use of tarot is one of the more popular forms of divination. There are numerous spreads that can be used from the most simplistic (using one card) to the most intricate (the Celtic cross). Yet, there are times when all we seek is a general idea of the energies of a given situation, and it's best to use only a few cards under such circumstances. We will cover how to use a three card tarot spread. The use of this spread is both practical, and,it can give the answers that are sought in the most direct way possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat Surface
• Tarot Deck
• Altar Cloth
• Pen
• Pencil
• Paper

1. Take a few minutes to relax and clear your mind. Take the deck in your hand, and think about your intent. Focus on the questions you want to ask. If you wish, ask Spirit--or whichever Divinity you feel most comfortable working with--to guide your reading. Ask for help in finding the answers that you seek.

2. Lay out an alter cloth. You are to lay out the cards on this cloth. Spread out the cloth over the area where you wish to do the reading.

3. Shuffle the cards. Concentrate on the question you want to ask while shuffling.

4. After you have shuffled the cards, lay out three cards from the top of the deck. Place the cards face down from left to right.

5. Turn over each card, and read the cards from left to right. The first card will represent the past, and the second card represents the present. The third card represents the future. To understand the final outcome of the reading, interpret the meanings of all three cards. Summarize where the three cards seem to be guiding you. Determine what is the meaning of the reading, and use this to consider where a major situation in your life may be headed.

6. Continue if you wish to have more clarity. Take the next three cards on the top of the deck, and lay them over the first three. Lay the cards face up from left to right. The meaning of card placement is the same. However, the added interpretations from the cards should give a bit more clarity to the previous three.

7. Once the reading is complete, return all cards to the deck, and put them away. Remember to thank Spirit for the guidance received.

8. Take notes on the reading for future reference. You may wish to keep a journal related only to your readings.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish, you can write down your questions ahead of time. However, you are not confined to these only. Oftentimes an answer to one question may branch off in a direction that you had not thought about before.
• Remember to cleanse the deck before and after each use.
• Do not attempt this while under the influence of any controlled substance. You want to approach any type of working with a clear and focused mind.