Mister Tarot’s

Handbook of Tarot Spreads

by Don McLeod

www.MisterTarot.com

1
 Introduction

A Tarot spread is the pattern in which cards are laid out during a reading. Each
position in this pattern has a meaning attached to it. Spreads can range in complexity from
simple layouts using only a few cards to complex ones utilising the whole deck.
Each spread is a template for the cards, and after the cards have been placed into
position the reader gives an interpretation within the context of the question asked.
There are hundreds of Tarot spreads which can be used for divination. It seems there
are Tarot spreads for any type of question you can think of. Some of them are quite broad in
their nature, covering lots of information within the one layout, while others are more specific
and relate to only one style of query. After you are familiar with some of the basic spreads,
try a few new ones and use those that suit your Tarot reading style.
You may decide that an existing spread could work even better for you if you changed
the wording—feel free to experiment until it feels right. For example, a simple spread of
three cards to determine Past, Present, and Future could be reworded as, Past Hurts, Present
Gifts, Future Rewards. There is no right and wrong for Tarot spreads. They are an
opportunity to discover more about yourself and your situation, so make the most of these
options and create a personalised spread that suits your exact needs.

You can also switch the positions of the cards within the spread. Cards in a Three
Card Spread (for Past, Present, and Future) are usually placed on the table from left to
right, with the Past on the left, Present in the middle, and Future on the right. But you might
decide to place them in reverse order—or perhaps you might like to set the cards in a vertical
line, with Past at the top, Present in the middle, and Future at the base—you can choose to
do it that way too!
2
 You can also add extra places for cards if you want to include more information in the
layout. For example, the Three Card Spread can be enhanced by adding another line of
cards for positions such as, The effect of the past on my psyche, The effect of the past on my
present self, and The effect of the past on my future. Your layout of three cards has now
become a Six Card Spread, and it offers much more information.

The original interpretation for the Three Card Spread was...

Past: Seven of Swords - Somebody has taken advantage of my kind nature. They have
been deceitful and I cannot trust them anymore. I have been let down by their behaviour.
Present: Three of Pentacles - I now have to re-establish myself and work out who I
can trust, so that I can be effective in my day-to-day activities.

3
 Future: Four of Wands - I establish a good connection with a small group of people.
These individuals are of a similar nature to me and I feel supported and rewarded when I am
in their company. I surround myself with people who are trustworthy.
The extra series of cards add to this information in the following way...
The effect of the past on my psyche: The Emperor - Having discovered this deceit, I
have become rigid and cold in my dealings with people. I approach people in a business-like
manner and I hold my feelings deep within myself.
The effect of the past on my present self: Four of Pentacles - I hold my feelings
close to myself. I am not as open as I used to be. I focus on my work and I make myself safe
and secure at all times.
The effect of the past on my future: Seven of Cups - I am cautious when choosing
my friends. I establish friendships only after checking that they are trustworthy and honest
individuals.
In the following chapters you are given a variety of Tarot layouts to enjoy. Try them
out as suggested, then make some changes to the designs of the spreads and see if they work
even better for you in that format. Experimenting with Tarot spreads helps you to personalise
your Tarot experience. Creating new spreads results in a unique perspective that is more
meaningful.
Most of the Tarot spreads given in this book have been used in books, magazines, and
workshops for many years, and their origins have been obscured by time, so I apologise if I
have infringed upon the intellectual property of the creators. Credit will be given in future
editions of this book if the designers of the spreads become known. The spreads with ‘Mister
Tarot’ in the title have been designed by me, but they may be freely used by anyone who
reads this handbook.
Please keep in mind that these spreads can be used in readings for you, or they can be
used in readings for another person—just rephrase the wording of the question according to
the situation.

4
 THE ONE CARD DRAW

As the title of this spread suggests, the One Card Draw involves simply picking one
card from the deck to obtain an answer to your question. Some Tarot card readers turn half of
their deck upside-down and if a card is drawn upright, then the answer to their question is
‘yes’, and if it is drawn ‘reversed’, then the answer is ‘no’. However, you can gain a more
detailed and useful answer by improving the wording of your question and looking more
closely at the appropriateness of the card that is drawn from the deck. In this way, the cards
are more likely to indicate the circumstances you need to know about the issue. For example,
a poor way of checking on the timing of a holiday would be to ask, ‘Should I take my annual
leave in February?’ A ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer may be useful, but wouldn’t you be curious as to
why you should or should not take a vacation in that month?
A better question is, ‘What should I be aware of regarding taking my annual leave in
February?’ If the Eight of Pentacles card is chosen at random from the pack, it might suggest
that February is not a good time for a holiday because you will be in the middle of a project
and may be so focused on the work situation that you will have trouble forgetting your job
during your vacation. Alternatively, if the Knight of Wands turns up in this one-card reading,
it suggests that February is a very good time for a holiday because you will be feeling restless
and wanting to travel—you will be very frustrated if you are sitting at an office desk during
that month.

5
 The advantage of doing a One Card Draw is that it gives instant clarification about
any situation. This type of reading can provide answers to questions such as...

 How can I benefit from this situation?

 Is this a good and fair deal?
 What attitude will be most useful to adopt today?
 How can I make this day more rewarding?
 What can I learn from this problem?
 What’s the best way of dealing with this situation?
 What spiritual lesson shall I put into practice today?

The One Card Draw is an easy and quick way to gain insight into a set of
circumstances. It is deceptively simple, but it can help you to focus on your current position.
It provides instant guidance so that you can make the most of present opportunities.
For even more information, consider using the Three Card Spread. In this type of
reading, you can incorporate time frames, and you can get an idea of the underlying
conditions affecting the situation you are asking about.

6
 THE THREE CARD SPREAD

This is another easy spread and it uses just three cards, which normally represent the
Past, Present, and Future. With this layout, use wording such as, ‘What do I need to know
about ______________?’
When possible, and where appropriate, include a time frame too. Examples of
questions considered suitable for this spread are:

 What do I need to know about my health this weekend?

 What do I need to know about my finances over the next month?
 What do I need to know about my work during this week ahead?

Answers in a Three Card Spread are distilled to the most important events or
influences during the time frame. It’s a quick way to gain some insight about a difficult
situation. After shuffling your deck, deal out three cards (or pick three from a fanned deck)
and place them face up on the table in front of you. The one on the left represents a recent
occurrence, the one in the middle tells you what’s happening at the present time, and the one
on the right indicates the situation as it unfolds in the near future.
A recent example of the Three Card Spread was, ‘What should Mark be aware of
about booking his band for a gig at the local hotel on March 1st?’ In this situation, the time
frame for the Past position related to happenings of the last month. It showed the most
significant event, thought, or feeling of this period. In this reading, the card for the Past was
the Ten of Wands. This showed how hard Mark and his friends had been working to make
their band sound professional.

The position relating to the Present time showed how Mark was feeling around the
time of this reading. It indicated the most interesting event that happened during the month of
the Tarot reading. The card for this position was the Three of Wands. The band had come to a
7
decision to branch out from being a garage band and they were going to perform in front of
an audience. They were looking at ways to make their presence felt in the world at large.
The Ace of Pentacles was the card in the position indicating the Future (the time of
the gig). In this spread, the card in the Future position related to the major influence
occurring for Mark during the next month. The energy of this card suggested a new
beginning. It also gave the warning to make sure their creative side did not override the
practical elements of a gig. For example, they had to make sure they had reliable transport,
and they had to communicate with the venue about the equipment supplied. This card also
gave hope about earning some extra money from their hobby.
This type of spread is good for simple questions. For more involved issues, such as
relationships or legal matters, it is better to use a spread with more cards, so you have more
information at your fingertips. A Three Card Spread can also be used to support a bigger
reading. It can synthesise what you may have seen in a reading that had many more cards.
With this Three Card Spread, don’t feel limited to the idea of Past, Present, and
Future. You can use the three cards to represent any grouping of threes, for example, you
could ask about Today, Tomorrow, and The Following Day. Or you might like to ask yourself
what you should be aware of during the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening of one special day.
Doing a Three Card Spread for your Body, Mind, and Spirit can also give you some
insights to your wellbeing. The first card represents the strengths and weaknesses of your
physical body. The second card indicates the clarity or confusion of your thoughts. The final
card shows your spiritual direction, suggesting areas for further study or contemplation.

8
 Simple Four Card Spread

Here’s a simple spread that offers clarity about a person’s life. You can ask any sort
of question and receive guidance and direction in just a few minutes. After asking your
question and laying out the cards, the images in these four positions offer a brief summary of
the potential of the situation, along with influences, and an outcome.
Listed below are some of the types of questions you can use with this Four Card
Spread. Suggested time-frames are included, but you can change them to suit your own
requirements.

 What do I need to know about my new love affair during the next three months?
 What do I need to be aware of regarding my career over the next six months?
 What do I need to know about my financial situation over the coming year?
 What do I need to know about my luck over the coming season?
 What do I need to discover about my spiritual development?
 What can I do to gain more meaning in my life?

Position 1: The Situation (This card gives you more insight into the situation you are
dealing with at the moment. It tells you more about your relationship to the question you have
asked.)
Position 2: Cons (What is against it. This card tells you about any obstacles or
challenges that are likely to hinder your ability to handle the situation you are facing.)
Position 3: Pro (What is helpful. This card shows you how the situation is of benefit
to you, or it shows the helpful influences that have a positive effect on the situation outlined
in your question.)
Position 4: The Answer (The outcome of the query.)

9
 Here is an example reading using the Four Card Spread. The reading was for
Matthew, and his question was, “What do I need to be aware of regarding the possibility of
romance over the next 3 months?”

In this example, the four cards revealed the challenges and future possibilities that
Matthew faced in his quest for romance.
The Situation: The card called The Page of Cups showed that Matthew was ready for
a new relationship. As a Cup card, which deals with emotions and romance, it offered an
appropriate reflection of the question. And because it was a positive card, it suggested that a
new relationship was possible in the near future. The card indicated that Matthew was ready
for a fresh romance, and because this card was from the suit of Cups, it showed that his
intentions were for a serious relationship, not a spontaneous, meaningless fling.
Cons: The area of life that stood in the way of this quest was his devotion to his work.
Matthew had a demanding career as a tradesman and he was very serious about expanding his
business. He worked long hours, so he had minimal time to find a girlfriend and establish a
meaningful partnership. The Eight of Pentacles card indicated the amount of physical effort
and mental focus that Matthew gave to his work. A potential girlfriend would need to be
aware that his attention and energies were likely to be divided between his work and his
relationship with others.
Pro: On the positive side, The High Priestess card indicated that Matthew had a
sensitive side to his nature. Although he was a tradesman, Matthew had a strong interest in
spirituality and personal development. This aspect of his personality, combined with his
gentle manners, was going to be appealing to many women.
The Answer: The card called the Queen of Wands revealed the type of woman who
would appear in Matthew’s life before the end of the three months. It showed the arrival of a
passionate woman who steals his heart and gets his senses reeling! This woman is
independent, feisty, and extroverted. A new romance is definitely on the cards and Matthew
will have found a suitable partner to share his life.

10
 Five Card Spread

In this spread, apart from discovering the past circumstances that have brought you to
your present situation, you also see a possible outcome for the future. And one of the cards
offers intriguing levels of insight from the inner realms of the psyche—revealing the hidden
energies that influence your decisions and progress. In this layout you also receive advice
from your higher self!

Past: This card offers an indication of how past issues are affecting your present
situation. It represents where you have come from, or what has shaped you emotionally and
intellectually. The area of impact from the past can be from a previous work environment,
parental influences, or schooling, etc.
Present: The card that turns up in this position indicates a significant event, or the
psychological influence that has the most dramatic impression upon your life in the current
moment.
What’s Hidden: This card shows the unconscious driving forces of which you are
unaware. It reveals the previously unknown aspects of the situation. The part of yourself that
you hide from others (and perhaps yourself) becomes apparent through this card. This is your
behaviour, habits, or a situation you have not noticed and that you need to be aware of. The
‘hidden’ aspect of this spread can be positive or negative. It can show areas that need to be
overcome, or it can reveal helpful influences that will provide useful energies to the situation
at hand.
Advice: If the card in the previous position (‘What’s Hidden’) is of a negative or
destructive nature, then the image in the ‘Advice’ card offers direction for overcoming those
influences, so that you can achieve a positive outcome. This card tells you what action is
required to turn your life around. It can also reveal how to deal with the situation you are
exploring through this spread. If the previous card (‘What’s Hidden’) is a positive image,
then the ‘Advice’ card helps you to realise how to capitalise upon that situation.
Outcome: This card shows the most likely possibility for the future. However, this
eventuality is dependent upon your acknowledgement of the hidden influences (as shown in
card 3) and it requires accepting the advice suggested in card 4, and taking action upon this
idea.

11
 Timeline Spread

A Timeline Spread is a sequence of five cards showing the progress of time or

events. You can ask a question such as, “What should I be aware of over the next five days?”
Or you can ask about a specific situation, for example, “What can I expect during the next
five meetings at the car club?”
Concentrate on your question, then shuffle and deal out five cards, or choose five at
random from the deck. Lay the cards down in front of you from left to right. In the former
example, the card in the first position represents the situation on the current day, and the last
card indicates the circumstances on the fifth day. In the latter example, each card represents
the meetings in chronological order.

Example Reading for the Timeline Spread

The Question: “What should Sasha be aware of regarding her work situation over the
next five months?”
Card 1: Temperance - During the first month you feel a nice flow of energy between
yourself and the universe. In practical terms this means a new opportunity to express yourself
and you gain satisfaction with the world and your place in it.
Card 2: Eight of Cups - In the following month you worry about your work situation
again and you feel let down and you are ready to walk away from it.
Card 3: Knight of Pentacles - In the third month you see an opportunity that is worth
following. It’s an offer that looks good and it seems rewarding on a personal level.
Card 4: Knight of Wands - The fourth month shows action. A decision has been made
and you move towards the new goal. You act swiftly and strongly to secure the new position.
Card 5: Ten of Pentacles - In the fifth month you are in the position you have been
hoping for. It is an opportunity to spend more time with family and you still maintain
satisfaction on a work level.
Summary: There are blessings of strength and reward in the first month, followed by
doubt and re-evaluation. A new opportunity is presented in the third month. The fourth month
shows you taking charge of the situation and actively chasing the goal. This culminates in a
happier, more rewarding home environment and new levels of personal satisfaction.

12
 Mister Tarot’s Five Dimensions Spread

People’s lives are usually a complex blend of energies. Their inner realms often
compete with their outer realities. They juggle relationships with their careers; they have to
find time for families; and they want to make time for socialising with friends too.
Somewhere along the way their minds and hearts are supposed to work in harmony—
especially if they want to develop a spiritual focus as well.
In Mister Tarot’s Five Dimensions Spread, five areas of life are covered within the
one reading. The illustration below gives a hint as to the five aspects of a person’s life that
are covered in this one spread.

Before you begin this spread, you need to divide your Tarot deck into its four suits,
and separate the Major Arcana cards too. You now have five stacks of cards before you.
In case you haven’t worked out the symbols for each position, here are the answers...

 Position 1 is about romance, or a special relationship. It indicates events that

affect your heart and feelings. This card can tell you about the health of your emotional state.

 Position 2 reveals your financial situation. The card in this position shows the
state of your bank balance, or how you feel about your financial security. It involves any
aspect of money, such as assets and physical comfort. Depending on the card, it can be about
an abundance of wealth, or a lack of income. In other words, it reflects your concept of
prosperity or poverty.

Position 3 tells you about your mental state. It shows how you are handling
your thoughts and worries. It indicates the clarity (or murkiness) of your thinking and your
ability to make smart decisions.

 Position 4 is about your career. It shows how effective you are in your
workplace. It can describe any problems you are having with your workmates, or it may
portray a significant event that will happen in the environment of your daily work.

13
 Position 5 tells you whether you are maintaining your spiritual connection. It
gives information about your progress along the spiritual path. This card can provide
guidance, or stimulate ideas for what can do to improve your level of spiritual development.

Mister Tarot’s Five Dimensions Spread was designed to bring clarity about life in
general. Each card tells you something important about each of the main areas of your life.
Your deck has been divided into 5 parts because each section of the spread uses a card
from each of the separate piles. When you are ready to use this spread, think of the question
you want to ask. An easy and appropriate question for this spread is based upon the concept:
“What should I be aware of about my life during the next month?”
Be aware that you can use any time frame at all, so adjust the wording to suit your
needs and concentrate upon your question before drawing the cards.

 Step 1: Shuffle the cards from the suit of Cups. (Note: the cards are faced away from
you, so that you don’t see the images.)
 Step 2: While holding this suit in your hands, ask yourself a question of an emotional
nature such as, “What should I be aware of about my relationship during the next
month?” (Note: you can be specific and ask about a particular relationship. For
example, you can ask, “What should I be aware of about my relationship with John
during the next month?” Or, you can ask something like, “What should I be aware of
about the possibility of having a new romance during the next month?” It can be any
sort of question you prefer, as long as it relates to emotions, feelings, romance, or
relationships.)
 Step 3: Fan the cards in your hand and look at the back of the cards and see which
one you are drawn to. (Note: some people like to close their eyes and feel the cards to
find the one they need to draw out.)
 Step 4: Place the chosen card into the first position of this spread.

Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each of the suits (as described below) and then for the Major
Arcana cards as well.

Position 2 uses the suit of Pentacles. Shuffle the cards from this suit and use the
words, “What should I be aware of about my finances during the next month?” Draw a card
and place it in the second position.
Position 3 uses the suit of Swords. Shuffle those cards and use the words, “What
should I be aware of about my ability to make good decisions during the next month?” Pick a
card and place it into the third position.
Position 4 uses the suit of Wands. Shuffle this suit and use the words, “What should I
be aware of about my work during the next month?” Choose a card and place it into the
fourth position.
Position 5 uses the Major Arcana. Shuffle those cards and use the words, “What
should I be aware of about my spiritual progress during the next month?” Draw a card and
place it into the fifth position.

Clarification card: If at any point the meaning of a card is not clear, shuffle the
appropriate suit for that position on the spread and while looking at the card you need
clarification about, ask yourself, “What does this card mean?” Pick another card from the suit
and place it over the card you are asking about. This new card should help with your
interpretation.

14
 Example Layout for
Mister Tarot’s Five Dimensions Spread

In the example spread (shown above) the reading describes the events and energies
surrounding the five areas of Amy’s life during the coming month.
Position 1: Relationships - Ten of Cups - This card indicates that her emotional life
and relationship with her husband is harmonious and fulfilling. This positive card shows the
loving energy that has been established in her home. The love and satisfaction indicated in
this part of Amy’s life will help her to overcome some of the problematic situations she may
face in other areas of her life during the next month.
Position 2: Finances - Two of Pentacles - Amy’s financial issues have to be dealt
with swiftly, or they may spiral out of control. She could feel that her money is hard to
control over the next month, and she will have to be alert and keep her finances in check.
This card is a warning to ensure that Amy keeps an eye on her money and limits her family’s
expenses.
Position 3: Decisions - Eight of Swords - In this card, the image reveals that Amy
may have trouble making decisions during the month. She could feel indecisive and unsure of
her options. This card indicates she needs to ask others to help her gain clarity when a choice
is to be made. This could be a frustrating time, during which Amy feels powerless. The
situations that eventuate may seem to happen beyond her conscious control.
Position 4: Work - Nine of Wands - The frustration described in the previous card is
reflected in this image too. In the coming month Amy could feel as though her ego is battered
and bruised when others take a stand against her. This might be a flow-on effect from being
unwilling to make difficult decisions, as suggested earlier. In the workplace, this month could
be a time when she becomes listless and disgruntled, but she must maintain a vigilant
attitude.
Position 5: Spiritual - The Lovers - This card shows that despite all the difficulties
Amy is likely to face over the coming month, she will work her way through them with
strength and a balanced attitude. Her relationship with her husband, and (more importantly)
her connection with her spiritual self, will help her to maintain her composure. This card
suggests that Amy has a strong spiritual focus, which will assist her when dealing with any
complicated situations during the month. Amy’s integration with her higher nature means that
she can draw upon spiritual energies to help her overcome mundane distractions.

15
 Mister Tarot’s Celtic Cross Spread

This spread is a variation of a traditional Tarot layout dating back several centuries. It
is sometimes known as the Ten Card Spread, and it is used by Tarot readers for insight into
most situations.
Mister Tarot’s Celtic Cross Spread covers all areas of a question, offering clarity
about the past, present, and future of a specific issue. It also gives greater awareness of
underlying aspects of a situation you wouldn’t normally be aware of through a spread of
fewer cards.
The original design of the spread was altered to make it easier for beginners to use.
The original, archaic names for each of the positions were renamed for the same reason. The
sequence of information from the cards flows easily using the layout shown below. Each
number corresponds to the order in which the cards are positioned.

Position 1: The Issue

Position 2: The Obstacle
Position 3: The Past
Position 4: The Present
Position 5: The Near Future
Position 6: The Far Future
Position 7: Yourself
Position 8: The Environment
Position 9: Hopes or Fears
Position 10: The Outcome

16
 In Mister Tarot’s Celtic Cross Spread, all of the cards are displayed upright, facing
the reader, except for the second card which lies horizontally across the first card. It is not
necessary to use a significator, which is a card some books suggest placing first into a spread
to represent the person who has sought a reading.
Once all of the cards have been placed into position, take a moment to look at the
story unfolding through the images. See how the cards relate to each other, then commence
the interpretation. Explain the meanings of the cards in the positions they’ve fallen into, and
how they relate to the reading as a whole.
The first card in the centre of the spread shows the main issue of the reading. This
position often reflects the question back to you by showing a card representing the type of
query. For example, if you are asking about a relationship, then a card from the suit of Cups
is likely to be shown in the first position. If it’s a reading about finances, then a card from the
suit of Pentacles could be expected. Apart from reflecting the type of question you are asking,
this card will often give you an indication of the circumstances surrounding the issue. For
example, in a reading about money matters, if the first card is the Five of Pentacles, the issue
is likely to be a lack of money, rather than a situation about buying a business.
In a general reading with no fixed question in mind, the card in the first position will
usually indicate the area of the person’s life which is going to be of most significance during
the chosen time frame. If no dramatic changes are likely to eventuate, then the first card will
show the general trend for the chosen period. The card in the first position of the spread has
an overriding effect upon the cards in other positions. The other cards have their own unique
authority and meaning within the spread, but they are still subject to the influence of the
energies of the first card.
The second card lies over the first card horizontally. It is placed at the base of the first
card, but make sure you can still see all of the symbols of the card representing The Issue.
The second card shows the main obstacles or challenges blocking or hindering progress
within the designated time frame of the Tarot spread. If The Outcome card is positive, then
The Obstacle card shows why it might be a struggle to achieve the desired result. If The
Outcome card is negative, then The Obstacle card shows where and why some trouble is
brewing.
The third card relates to a significant event or a general tendency in the immediate
past. The meaning will be obvious from the type of card shown in this position. The situation
from the past is usually directly connected with The Issue of the reading.
In the context of the time frame of a reading, The Past is proportional to the timing of
the rest of the spread. If the reading is for the next three months, then the section called The
Past refers to the previous month. If the reading is for the next three weeks, then The Past
refers to the previous week. There has to be a bit of flexibility with regard to this timing, as
some highly influential events may have happened beyond the limitations of the time frames
just given.
The fourth card tells you what is happening in The Present. It often shows the
circumstances of life at the time of the reading. It may be a reflection of the heart or mind, or
it could simply be an indication of the situation in general. This card indicates the most
significant event happening at this point in time, or in the immediate future.
Once again, the timing for this position is relative to the time frame defined in the
question. If the reading is for a period of three weeks, then the position relating to The
Present is for approximately one week. If the time frame for the reading is for one year, then
the significant event or energies relating to the card in this position will happen
(approximately) within a four-month period.

17
 The fifth card reveals The Near Future. This section of the layout shows what will
happen during the middle of the time period. A card in this position indicates a significant
occurrence, or the main feelings and thoughts at the time.
The sixth card represents The Far Future, and indicates the final stages of the time
frame chosen for the question. A card in this position represents the main influences
surrounding the latter part of the reading’s time frame.
The seventh card tells you about the person for whom the reading is directed. If you
are doing a reading for yourself, then this card shows your strengths or weaknesses regarding
the situation during the given time frame. In relation to the main issue, this position reveals
your overall mindset. Sometimes the card can relate to your attitude about one or more of the
events indicated in The Present, The Near Future, or The Far Future positions of the spread.
In essence, this card shows how you are likely to handle the circumstances during the given
time frame. If you are doing a reading for someone else, the card in this position tells you
about the client. This card reveals the client’s attitude during the time frame. This card’s
position at the base of the column also has an underlying influence upon the cards above it.
The eighth card gives the reader insight to the general environment. It shows the
support, or the lack of support, given by family, friends, or workmates about the main issue.
The nature of the question will indicate which environment is represented. In a question
about family issues, the card for The Environment will show the energies surrounding an
individual at home. In a career-related query, this card tells you about the people within the
workplace, and how helpful, caring, and supportive they are.
In a general reading with no fixed focus, the card in The Environment position shows
the influence of those people who take part in the main set of circumstances in the spread.
The Environment may also relate to your involvement in social committees, study groups, or
sporting teams—any group of people who could have an influence over you. There are many
types of readings, so use your own discretion to decide how The Environment features in each
situation.
The ninth card shows Hopes or Fears. If it is a positive card, then it reveals the hopes
and expectations surrounding the core issue of the reading. If a negative card turns up in this
position, then it suggests an area which is mentally or psychologically holding a person back
from achieving their goals. A negative card showing the fears of the person can indicate an
influence from the past that is still of great concern.
In a reading for yourself, a positive, uplifting card in this position means you have
opened yourself to the possibilities of the future. You feel ready to embrace change and you
are confident in your ability to improve your life. A negative card often means you are fearful
of change; you may not have looked at your attitudes and beliefs in relation to the wider
world.
If you are doing a reading for another person and there is a negative card in the Hopes
or Fears section, you might find this person sees the universe as something to fight against.
They may feel as if the future is preordained and that they are a powerless victim of
circumstances.
The tenth card in this spread represents The Outcome. Based on the circumstances of
the time, it shows the most likely eventuality. If a negative card turns up as The Outcome in a
reading, the reason behind it is usually shown in The Obstacle position, or in the card
representing Yourself. The cause of a negative Outcome may also be due to a person’s fears
about the situation—and this would be reflected through an appropriate card in the Hopes or
Fears section.
If you would like to see what happens after the initial outcome, you can choose an
extra card. Ask yourself a question such as, ‘What will happen after another month?’ Fan out
the cards from the rest of the deck and intuitively pick one that feels like it will be the right

18
one to give more information about the future. Turn it over and lay it beside the card which is
already in The Outcome position. Reading these two cards in conjunction with each other can
give you a better idea of how a situation eventuates.
Clarification cards can also be used to elucidate the meaning or circumstances of
other cards within the spread. Ask yourself a question such as, ‘What does this card mean in
this position of the layout?’ Draw a card from the deck and place it over the card you are
asking about. Its meaning should now become clearer through an interpretation of this helper
card.

Example Reading for Alex (22 April 2013): Alex lives overseas and asked me to do a
reading for him and to send it by email. He wrote: “I’ve worked for a company for 21 years,
and I’m thinking of leaving it to do something else. I am wondering what could be the
meaning or impact of such a decision on my life and family and whether the timing is right.”
Here’s the spread, and my response...

The Question: My reading was based on the question, “What should Alex be aware
of regarding his work situation over the next 12 months?” This was to gain an idea of what
the timing was like for a change of career.

19
 Position 1: The Issue - (Eight of Cups) - This card shows the dissatisfaction you feel
about your work at the moment. You are a strong person, but the emotional attachment that
you used to feel is no longer there. You feel your energy being sapped from you and during
the coming year it will be tempting to walk away from it.
Position 2: The Obstacle - Eight of Wands - One of the reasons that stops you from
walking away at this point is that there is so much happening in the work environment at the
moment. You are very busy and there seems to be more work coming at you already.
Position 3: The Past - Eight of Swords - In the recent past (last two months) you have
felt restricted in what you have been able to do. You have been stifled in your expression, or
limited in the way you can express your ideas. You had lots of different options and it would
have been confusing to know which ones to deal with first. You probably didn’t have the
support or recognition that you deserved after all of your efforts.
Position 4: The Present - The Sun - There is some positive energy coming your way.
In the next few months there will be some brightness and good fortune given to you. You will
probably start to see signs of this in about one month from now. It could be as a result of a
new project that is given to you, or you may just have a change of attitude about your work
situation. There aren’t any other clear indicators (in the cards) for a complete change in job,
so I believe it’s more likely to be a change of circumstances within your present role.
Position 5: The Near Future - The Hermit - In about six months from now this
positive energy lessens and you start to feel isolated once more. You withdraw and begin to
contemplate your situation again. But you have a new awareness of what work you want to
be doing and you have a better idea of what you need to do in order to bring it about.
Position 6: The Far Future - Page of Swords - In nine month’s time you have a
period of re-evaluation. You reconsider your objectives and the possibilities of getting there,
but you are a very cautious person and you spend a considerable time weighing up your
options. This is a good thing, because there are opportunities for you to make a change of
career, but you have to get the timing right for it to be of benefit to you. And I think it would
be wise to play it safe for a bit longer until things settle down.
Position 7: Yourself - Five of Wands - This card shows that you are restless, and that
you have to deal with petty issues slowing you down. It also reveals that the people you work
with are not as helpful as you need them to be.
Position 8: The Environment - Seven of Cups - Part of your confusion about
whether to stay in this job results from being puzzled as to what you want to be doing in the
future. As I said before, more awareness about your options is coming, but it will take two or
three months to fully become obvious. In your current workplace there’s too much happening
at the moment for you to be able to spend the time to focus on what’s really important for
you.
Position 9: Hopes or Fears - Page of Wands - This is a card of change, so the hope
is to change your career in the coming year or so, but I also feel it extends to your
environment or living arrangements as well, so you might be feeling the desire to change
where you live too.
Position 10: The Outcome - Four of Wands - A very positive card has turned up as
The Outcome. It shows success and achievement. I believe this means that an opportunity to
change your career is available in approximately one year from now. It brings relief, a happy
family situation, and a renewed level of energy and satisfaction within yourself.

20
 Further Interpretations

Card Conjunctions: The Hermit can be seen as a card of loneliness and withdrawal
from the world, but when combined with The Sun, the effect is lessened and it just means a
time of introspection. I think the energy of The Sun card will continue to keep you optimistic
about the future during the middle part of this time frame, which is about six months away.
What’s Missing? The suit of Pentacles is missing from this spread. Although we are
discussing business matters, it’s strange that no Pentacles cards have turned up as they are
usually found in spreads about money matters. The lack of Pentacles cards means that your
desire to make a change is not a direct result of a focus on the financial aspect of the
situation—your main priority is to be true to your heart and your creative spirit, and to look
after your energy levels.
Clarification Card 1: To find out more about position 4 (The Present) I drew another
card, which was The Emperor. This supports my previous interpretation. It means you are
feeling that you have more control over your work situation and your life in the coming
months. This card shows you holding more responsibility in the workplace and being seen as
an authority figure who is looked at with a respectful attitude by those around you. This could
mean a promotion, or a new role within the company. This card might represent a new task
assigned to you, or it could just mean that you acknowledge to yourself that you have a
commanding presence as part of your nature—and you start to express it.
Clarification Card 2: To find out more about position 10 (The Outcome) I drew
another card, which was The Moon. This confirmed that in about 12 months from now there
will be a change of circumstances for you. It might require more effort on your part, but it
will be emotionally fulfilling, and with greater rewards on a personal level.
Summary: The emotional and mental struggle that you are feeling at the moment will
soon ease. Within the coming month or so you will be rewarded for your patience and you
will sense some encouragement from those who matter to you. The shine of this flattery
might wear off after five or six months from now, but it puts you into a stronger position to
contemplate your future. You still have lots of petty issues and problematic people to deal
with during the coming twelve months, but a significant opportunity for change is available
in about twelve month’s time.

Response from Alex: “Hi Don. While reading your Tarot reading I got a strange
feeling that ended in an unusual split-awareness state. One: a down-to-earth state focused on
the content of your reading...the other was like I was walking down a mysterious trail of
hope, encouragement and empathy where I found your help. Your reading was enlightening,
precise and crystal clear. Keep your mission behind your talent.”

21
 Mister Tarot’s Relationship Spread

Mister Tarot’s Relationship Spread can be used to explore the underlying agendas,
needs, and desires of people involved in a romance. And it will be useful when you
investigate the likelihood of forming a loving relationship with a prospective partner.
However, this layout can also be used to determine what you or your client needs to know
about relationships with a supervisor, parent, sibling, friend, or business associate. In the
spread below, each card focuses upon an aspect of a potential or existing relationship.

Position 1: You now

Position 2: Your weakness
Position 3: Your strength
Position 4: Your view of the relationship
Position 5: Them now
Position 6: Their weakness
Position 7: Their strength
Position 8: Their view of the relationship
Position 9: Present
Position 10: Near future
Position 11: Outcome

When using the relationship spread, incorporate a time frame into your question. Your
wording could be, “What should Emma and Cody be aware of regarding their relationship
over the next 3 months?” If you lay your Tarot cards into this spread to check your own
relationship, the cards in the left column represent you, and the cards in the right column
show your partner. When reading for a client, the cards on the left relate to their side of the
relationship, whereas the cards on the right depict the attitude of their partner.
Positions 1 and 5: These cards reveal each person’s state of being at the present stage
of the relationship. They show their emotional condition, the level of desire for commitment,
and their readiness for a relationship.
Positions 2 and 6: The cards of weakness show any distracting influences or
personality issues hindering a harmonious relationship. Criticism, lies, addictions, abusive
behaviour, and neglect are some of the problems which could be reflected in this section of
the spread. If the card in this position is filled with optimistic and supportive energy, then
there are no major issues that need to be addressed at this point in time.
Positions 3 and 7: These are the strengths of the relationship. They are the positive,
nurturing qualities each person brings to a healthy relationship. The images that turn up in
this position are likely to show supportive traits, such as a willingness to communicate
honestly with each other, readiness for commitment, mutual respect, and their spiritual
connection. A negative card in one of these positions shows that the individual has little to
offer the relationship.
Positions 4 and 8: The couple’s thoughts and feelings about the partnership are
shown in these cards. Each individual’s view of the relationship may be in harmony with
each other, or they might be in opposition. This spread brings clarification about the bond
they are developing.

22
 Position 9: This card relates to the relationship itself. At this present stage, does the
relationship look promising, or is it already on rocky ground? Are things moving too slowly,
or too fast? Is there peace and harmony, or could that silence be indifference?
Position 10: The card in this position represents the near future. It shows the next step
in the relationship. In a reading, this image shows what’s happening during the middle part of
the time frame specified in your question. It reveals the level of the development of the
relationship at that point in time. You might see the depth of the emotional connection
between the couple, or the intensity of their compatibility.
Position 11: The outcome of this partnership is shown in the final card. This position
represents how far the relationship has developed by the end of the reading’s time frame. If
the reading is about a romantic relationship, this card won’t indicate whether the couple will
live happily ever after—it simply shows the energy of the partnership at that stage. You may
see satisfaction, or maybe bitterness, but hopefully you will see true love!
There’s no need for both partners to be in front of you as you do this reading. It can
even be more beneficial if you use this spread with only one of the individuals present. This
provides opportunity for open discussion of any problem areas.

23
 Court Card Spread

As you can tell from the name of this spread, the Court cards feature prominently in
the layout. In this spread you gain insight to your behaviour when facing particular situations
in daily life.
The interesting thing about this spread is that you allow the Tarot to tell you about the
areas of your life you most need to know about. In other words, you do not direct a specific
question to the cards, you only offer a general outline and the spread itself gives you
information about your needs.
To begin, divide your deck into Minor Arcana (pip cards) and Major Arcana (trump
cards). Now take out the Court cards from the pile of Minor Arcana cards.
Your question is going to be, “Tell me about the way I deal with situations in daily
life.” As you repeat this question to yourself, shuffle the remaining Minor Arcana cards.
After shuffling, fan them out (face down) in your hands. While looking at the back of
the cards, say to yourself, “When this situation arises...” Now use your intuition to pick a card
from those in your hands. Place it on the table before you. The card shows you a situation
from your daily life. Look at the card and work out which aspect of your life is reflected in
the card.
Put down the Minor Arcana cards and pick up the Court cards. After shuffling the
Court cards, say to yourself, “I become...” As before, fan out the cards in your hands and use
your intuition to choose an appropriate card. This card shows the characteristics of the person
you become when you are facing the situation described by the Minor Arcana card. Examples
of Court card personalities are given on the next page.
Now shuffle the Major Arcana cards and hold them fanned out (face-down) in your
hands. The wording for these cards is, “Because of...” Repeat these words to yourself and
choose a card which will tell you why you assume particular personality traits in the situation
outlined at the beginning of the reading.
To summarise the concept of this spread, you are asking yourself for more
information about how you deal with particular situations. The wording is, “When this
situation arises (pick a card from the Minor Arcana) I become (choose a card from the Court
cards) because of (select a card from the Major Arcana).” This is a very powerful reading on
a personal level, because it strikes at the heart of psychological issues that can be holding you
back from reaching your true potential.

24
 Card 1: In the example reading shown above, Maria drew the Five of Cups for her
first card. This image illustrated the situation in her life that she had trouble dealing with. The
issue was one of feeling let down within a relationship.
Card 2: The second card was the King of Swords, which revealed an attitude of
coldness and a fixed mental state.
Card 3: The final card was The Emperor—an image of authority and seriousness.
The Emperor has a controlling nature and very fixed ideas of how to deal with life and the
community.
The Interpretation: When Maria is feeling sad because of problems in her
relationship—especially when her partner belittles her, or when he doesn’t allow her to
express her emotions, she becomes detached and resentful. Maria withdraws from her partner
and communicates in a terse, cold manner. This is because the situation reflects the times in
her past when she has been dominated and controlled by others, especially men. Her
detachment serves to block herself from becoming too submissive, but it hinders effective
communication.

Court Card Personalities

Page of Cups: This character is an imaginative dreamer. The Page is sensitive and emotional,
moody, idealistic, and impractical, but often creative and intuitive.
Page of Pentacles: The Page of Pentacles is a skilled and responsible young person who is
resourceful and diligent.
Page of Swords: The Page of Swords is analytical, talkative, decisive, and confident.
Page of Wands: The Page of Wands is fiery, fearless, and sometimes foolhardy. This Page is
restless, impulsive, and mischievous.

Knight of Cups: The Knight of Cups is romantic, gentle, and is devoted to family.
Knight of Pentacles: The Knight of Pentacles is patient, diligent, practical, reliable and
steadfast.
Knight of Swords: The Knight of Swords is direct, forceful, intelligent, precise, and
professional.
Knight of Wands: This Knight is daring, impatient, courageous, and passionate.

Queen of Cups: The Queen of Cups is nurturing, motherly, introspective, dreamy, poetic,
sympathetic, and generous.
Queen of Pentacles: The Queen of Pentacles is trusting and practical, with a strong focus on
acquiring wealth.
Queen of Swords: This Queen is methodical, rational, decisive, and quick-witted.
Queen of Wands: The Queen of Wands is restless, flirtatious, optimistic, and confident.

King of Cups: The King of Cups is sympathetic, tolerant, and non-judgemental. He is caring,
calm, supportive, sensitive, and romantic.
King of Pentacles: The King of Pentacles is methodical, earthy, practical, reliable,
trustworthy, and generous.
King of Swords: The King of Swords is determined, disciplined, and decisive.
King of Wands: This King needs freedom and a variety of outdoor activities to keep him
from becoming bored. He is a natural leader and can be a very successful businessman when
he learns to focus his energy and avoid distractions.

25
 Mister Tarot’s Soul Activation Spread

This spread uses only the Major Arcana cards. It differs from most Tarot spreads in
that you are required to consciously choose a card for the first position of the spread. In this
layout you find a card that reflects the type of spiritual energies you’d like to develop within
yourself, and the following cards reveal more about your level of spiritual development. It
then shows you how you can achieve your spiritual goal.
Step 1: Look through the Major Arcana cards and deliberately choose an image that
has the qualities you want to establish in yourself. This is the energy that you would like to
manifest in your life, or the type of person you wish to become. This card is placed in
position 1.
Step 2: Shuffle the remaining cards without looking at the images. Fan them out (face
down) and say to yourself, “I choose a card that represents my past.” Pick a card for position
2 and lay it (face up) on the table.
Step 3: While holding the remaining cards (face down) say to yourself, “I choose a
card that represents me now.” Pick a card for position 3 and lay it (face up) on the table.
Step 4: With the remaining cards in hand (face down) say to yourself, “I choose a
card that will activate my spiritual development.” Pick a card and lay it (face up) in the final
position.

Look at the cards in positions 2 and 3 to discover the past and present energies
affecting your soul’s development. The Activation Card in position 4 shows what you need to
do in order to bring about the desired personality. Concentrating on this card will activate or
energise your consciousness and direct you to your preferred outcome.
The Activation Card stimulates an awakening of your consciousness and aligns your
spirit with your soul’s purpose. Meditate upon this card to draw its energy into yourself and
to enhance the process of your spiritual evolution.

26
 Mister Tarot’s Action Plan Spread

This Tarot spread helps you to determine how to achieve your goals. The time frame
is for twelve months. Each card represents a period of three months.

In the following example reading, Robert had the goal of setting up a successful Tarot
business, which included workshops and readings. The cards chosen were...

Card 1: Six of Pentacles

Time frame: June, July, August 2013
Interpretation: Generosity. This is a time for the giving
of information and showing your presence in the Tarot
world.

Card 2: Six of Cups

Time frame: September, October, November 2013
Interpretation: Offerings. Continue to be generous with
your time and energy to establish your presence in the
marketplace. Do it with love! Connect to people through
their hearts.

27
Card 3: Six of Wands
Time frame: December 2013, January 2014, February 2014
Interpretation: Leadership. Be prepared to stand out from
the crowd. Take the lead and step forward with honour and
pride. Accept the recognition and acknowledgement that
comes your way. Be prepared to step out from the crowd
and be ready to accept praise for what you have achieved so
far.

Card 4: Justice
Time frame: March, April, May 2014
Interpretation: Focus. Don’t allow yourself to be
distracted from your goal. Weigh up the challenges and
make rational decisions for your next steps

28
 Mister Tarot’s Kicking Goals Spread

In this spread you discover the psychological issues affecting your goal-setting, which
has a bearing on the eventual achievement (or non-attainment) of the desired outcome. The
time frame is one year.

Card 1 = The Focus: What is your present level of focus on your goal?
Card 2 = What is Hidden: What do you need to know about yourself in order to
achieve this goal?
Card 3 = The Action: What do you have to do to stay true to your goal?
Card 4 = The Challenge: What do you need to avoid in order to reach your goal?
Card 5 = The Helpful Influence: What will help you make the right decisions in the
process of fulfilling your goal?
Card 6 = The Inspiration: How do you find the motivation and inspiration to
continue the process of achieving your goal?
Card 7 = The Outcome: When all of the above is taken into account, this is what can
be expected as an outcome after one year.

29
 After doing Mister Tarot’s Action Plan Spread (as shown in the previous chapter) the
following spread (called Mister Tarot’s Kicking Goals Spread) was laid out for Robert, so
that he could discover the best way to set up a successful Tarot business.

Position 1: The Present Focus

Card: Nine of Cups
Interpretation: Security. Robert feels empowered by his level of experience with
Tarot. He is confident that he has specialised knowledge about this subject.
Position 2: What is Hidden
Card: Queen of Swords
Interpretation: Single focus. Robert has the ability to stay truly focused upon his
goal. He might have been distracted by too many options in the past, but he can now give
complete focus to the task at hand.
Position 3: The Action
Card: Eight of Pentacles

30
 Interpretation: Diligence. Robert must be prepared to work hard to establish his
presence in the marketplace. It is important that he maintains accuracy and consistency.
Position 4: The Challenge
Card: Ace of Cups
Interpretation: Robert must avoid being too emotional about the situation. He has to
see it as a business venture, not just something he enjoys doing for the fun of it.
Position 5: The Helpful Influence
Card: King of Wands
Interpretation: Passion. Robert has the desire to get it right. He enjoys the challenge
of achieving a result, and this will help him follow through with his goals.
Position 6: The Inspiration
Card: The Hermit
Interpretation: Sharing the light. Robert understands that the result of this goal is not
just financial stability; it is a means to share information about Tarot with the world. This
altruistic attitude helps him to be inspired and to stay motivated.
Position 7: The Outcome
Card: The Hierophant
Interpretation: A teacher. Robert has an opportunity to share his ideas about Tarot
and to be seen by others as a respected Tarot teacher.

31
 Mister Tarot’s Yearly Spread

Here’s an easy Tarot spread that covers each month for the year ahead. Use one card
per position. Each position around the perimeter represents a month at a time and the cards in
the centre of the circle signify the major influences for the coming year.
The first card is placed in the middle of the table. This is the ‘Trend’ for the year; it is
the general feeling or overall focus of your life for the next 12 months.
To the left of the ‘Trend’ position, place a card to represent any ‘Challenging
Influences’. This card shows the main type of difficulties you will face.
Place a card on the right to indicate ‘Helpful Influences’. This card reveals the
positive aspects of the year.
Now place one card per month in a clockwise direction. The month you are about to
enter has the top position. On New Year’s Eve, if you wanted to do a yearly spread, it would
look like the layout shown below. If you were in the month of July and you wanted guidance
for the year, then a card for August would be placed at the top of the spread, followed by a
card for each of the months ahead.

32
 Conclusion

When using these spreads, remember that the interpretation is based upon the
meaning of the individual card in the context of its position within the spread. It also has to
be seen through the perspective of the question being asked.
The meaning of a card also varies depending on the type of cards that are positioned
next to it. For example, a negative card surrounded by positive cards means that the problem
area is minimal, or of short duration. When reading a spread, there are many interpretations
possible, but the surrounding cards tell you which meaning is most likely.
If you are not sure how a card should be interpreted, it is often useful to draw a
clarifying card to give you more information. In your mind, say to yourself, “What does that
card mean in the context of this situation?” Pick a card from the deck and place it over the
one you are trying to decipher. Its meaning should now be clear.
Alternatively, if you are not sure about the meaning of a card depicting the outcome,
you can ask a follow-up question such as, “What happens after this event?” Choose a card
and it will offer further information about that situation.
These few Tarot spreads adequately cover most questions you are likely to ask.
However, as you progress and become more confident in your readings, do not hesitate to try
different spreads, or to adapt any of these layouts to suit your own style. Change them if you
think you could read them more effectively if they were positioned in a different way, or if
you feel you would like to add other options to the spread.
The layouts in this book are just a small sample of the various types of Tarot spreads
available for use by a reader. And even though these spreads have been developed for
specific questions, don’t be afraid to use any particular spread for a different purpose
altogether.
A little insight goes a long way to clarifying the complexities of life, and these Tarot
spreads are an ideal starting point to help you gain greater awareness about yourself and your
circumstances. I hope you enjoy the adventure.

Mister Tarot
Website: www.MisterTarot.com

www.Facebook.com/MisterTarot

33