Which Tarot spread is suitable for questions about love and relationships?

Kathryn Howe
Kathryn Howe
Mystic, specializing in divination arts.

Hello! Seeing you ask about which Tarot spreads to use for love questions – this is such a classic! I'd say eight out of ten people who come for a Tarot reading are asking about relationships. Actually, there isn't one "only" correct spread; the key is what your specific question is.

Tarot spreads are like our navigation routes, and the question is the destination. Different destinations naturally require different routes. But don't worry, I'll recommend a few spreads that I personally use often and that have been proven to be very effective, ranging from simple to complex, so you can choose according to your situation.


I. The Simplest and Most Versatile: The "Universal Three-Card Spread"

This spread is like a band-aid; you can use it for small issues anytime, it's very flexible. It's especially suitable when your question is direct and you want a quick overview.

When to use it?

  • "How is our relationship recently?"
  • "What are my feelings for him/her?"
  • "What do I need to pay attention to regarding this date?"

How to lay it out? Just draw three cards and lay them out in a row from left to right. The interpretation can be freely combined based on your question, for example:

  1. Past - Present - Future: To see the development trajectory of a relationship.
  2. You - The Other Person - Your Relationship: To see the current state of both parties and the relationship itself.
  3. Situation - Advice - Outcome: For a specific issue (e.g., after an argument), to see the current situation, what to do, and the possible outcome.

Pros: Quick, direct, suitable for beginners.


II. For In-depth Understanding of a Relationship: The "Classic Relationship Spread"

This spread is more "formal," like a comprehensive check-up for a couple. It's very suitable when you want to deeply analyze a relationship, understand both parties' thoughts, and the future possibilities.

When to use it?

  • "What will be the future development between me and him/her?"
  • "What are the main issues in our relationship?"
  • "What are our true feelings about this relationship, individually?"

A common layout (7 cards):

  • Card 1 (Top Left): Represents you, your state and perspective in this relationship.
  • Card 2 (Top Right): Represents the other person, their state and perspective in this relationship.
  • Card 3 (Top Middle): Represents your current relationship status, the connection between you.
  • Card 4 (Bottom Left): Represents your hopes or fears for this relationship.
  • Card 5 (Bottom Right): Represents the other person's hopes or fears for this relationship.
  • Card 6 (Bottom Middle): Challenges or obstacles in the relationship, areas that need attention.
  • Card 7 (Very Bottom): The future trend of the relationship or the final advice for you.

Pros: Provides a lot of information, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the relationship from multiple angles.


III. For Singles Seeking Love: The "Finding New Love" Spread

If you're single and want to check your romantic prospects, or want to know how to attract the right person, this spread is very targeted.

When to use it?

  • "Why am I still single?"
  • "What should I do to welcome a new relationship?"
  • "What kind of person might I meet in the future?"

A reference layout (5 cards):

  1. My current romantic status: Your current mindset and readiness for a relationship.
  2. What is holding me back: Could be internal fears or external environmental factors.
  3. What I need to learn/change: Areas where you need to grow to better welcome love.
  4. Possible traits of a future partner: Gives you a clue about that future "him/her."
  5. Advice for me: Guides you on what to do next, such as participating in more social activities or focusing on self-improvement first.

Pros: Very guiding, helps you clarify your thoughts and take action.


IV. For Breakup/Reconciliation Decisions: The "Two-Choice" Spread

This spread is particularly useful when dealing with "should I reconcile," or "should I choose A or B" types of questions. It doesn't directly tell you "choose A," but rather lays out the possible developments of both options, allowing you to see clearly and then make your own choice.

When to use it?

  • "Should I get back together with my ex?"
  • "Should I keep waiting for him, or start a new life?"

How to lay it out? It's simple: for two choices, draw a few cards for each. For example:

  • Left column (2-3 cards): Represents "if I choose to reconcile," what will happen, and how the relationship will unfold.
  • Right column (2-3 cards): Represents "if I choose to let go and move on," what my life and state will be like.
  • Bottom card (optional): Represents the core factor influencing your decision, or the final advice for you.

Pros: Clearly contrasts the consequences of different choices, helping you make a decision you won't regret.

A final thought:

The spread is just a framework. The most important thing before you do a reading is to clarify your question. The more specific your question, the clearer the answer the cards will give you.

For example, don't ask "How is my love life?" That question is too broad. Instead, you could ask, "What opportunities and challenges will I face in developing a stable relationship in the next three months?"

When you're just starting out, begin with the "Three-Card Spread." Once you're familiar with it, then try more complex spreads. I hope these suggestions help you. Wishing you a fun journey in exploring love and finding your own answers!