Can I create my own tarot spread?

Absolutely! And I highly encourage you to do so.

To put it simply, it's easy to understand Tarot spreads if you think of them as a "question framework" or a "questionnaire." Classic spreads, such as the "Three-Card Spread" or the "Celtic Cross," are like general questionnaire templates that can address many common issues.

But sometimes, the questions you encounter might be very specific and personal, and using those general templates might feel like they "don't quite hit the mark." For example, you might not want to ask "What does my future hold?", but rather "Between job opportunities A and B, which one is better for my creativity? Which one is more beneficial for my long-term development?" In such cases, general spreads aren't as effective.

Designing your own spread is like "tailoring" a questionnaire specifically for your unique question. This not only makes the divination results more precise and targeted, but it's also a process of clarifying your thoughts and deeply understanding what you truly want to ask. This in itself is part of the divination.

So, how do you design one? It's actually very simple, not mysterious at all, much like making a plan:

Step 1: Grasp your core question. What exactly do you want to know? The more specific, the better. For example, don't just ask "Should I change jobs?", but clarify: "What am I dissatisfied with in my current job? What are my expectations for a new job? How might changing jobs affect my relationships? What challenges do I need to overcome?"

Step 2: Break down the question into smaller parts. What aspects can your core question be broken down into? List these aspects; each one will correspond to a card later.

For example, for the "changing jobs" question, you could break it down into:
1. The true state of my current job.
2. What changes I truly desire internally.
3. What I might face if I stay.
4. What preparations I need to make if I leave.
5. The final advice.

Step 3: Assign a "position" and its meaning to each small part. Now, turn each small point broken down in the previous step into a card position.

Position 1: Represents "The true state of my current job."
Position 2: Represents "The changes I truly desire internally."
...and so on.

Step 4: Design the "shape" of the spread (optional, but fun). You can simply arrange the cards in a row from left to right; this is the simplest and most effective method. If you want to add a bit of ritual and fun, you can design a shape based on the logical relationships between the card positions.

For example, for a "choice" question, you could use a V-shape, with the top representing the current situation and the two sides representing the two options.
For example, for "obstacles and help," you could place a "current situation" card in the middle, with "forces that help me" above it and "things that hinder me" below it.
There's no right or wrong shape; as long as you feel it helps you better understand the question, that's what matters.

Step 5: Record and practice. Write down your designed spread and your definitions for each card position (keeping a Tarot journal is a good habit!), then shuffle, draw, and interpret the cards. See if this spread gives you clear guidance. After using it a few times, you might find that a certain card position's definition isn't clear enough, or that you need to add another position; then, adjust it accordingly.

Here are a few tips for you:

Start simple: Don't jump straight into designing a complex spread with a dozen cards. Begin with 3-5 card spreads; they're sufficient for most of your questions.
Card position meanings should be clear: A definition like "future development" is a bit vague – is it career development or romantic development? Define it more specifically, for example, "Major opportunities I will encounter at work in the next three months."
Trust your intuition: When designing, if a certain shape or card position definition suddenly makes you feel "that's it!", then trust that feeling.
There are no "Tarot police": Don't worry if your design isn't "authentic" or "doesn't follow the rules." Tarot is a very personal tool; as long as it works for you, it's a good spread.

In summary, designing spreads is a very personal and creative way to interact with Tarot cards. Go ahead and try it boldly; you'll find it much simpler and infinitely more fun than you imagine!

Of course! That's absolutely fine, and I highly encourage you to do so.

You can think of a card spread as a "framework for asking questions." Classic spreads, like the "Three-Card Spread" or the "Celtic Cross," have endured because their "framework" is very versatile and can answer many common questions.

However, sometimes the question in your heart might be very specific and personal, and using a ready-made spread might feel a bit like it "doesn't quite fit." This is precisely when it's your best opportunity to shine and invent your own spread!

It's not mysterious at all; in fact, it's quite simple. You can try following these ideas:

First, think about what exactly you want to ask. This is the most crucial step. The clearer your question, the more effective the spread you design will be. For example, instead of vaguely asking, "How is my love life?", ask, "What is the current block in my relationship with Person A? What can I do to improve it?"
Break down your big question into several smaller questions. Each small question will correspond to a position in your spread.
- For the example question above, we could break it down into:
  - Position One: What is the current state of my relationship with Person A?
  - Position Two: What are the main obstacles or blocks in the relationship?
  - Position Three: What is my role and mindset in this relationship?
  - Position Four: What is Person A's role and mindset in this relationship?
  - Position Five: What can I do to improve this situation? (Action advice)
  - Position Six: If I follow the advice, what are the future possibilities for the relationship?
Arrange these positions and draw a diagram. You can simply lay the cards out in a row from left to right, or arrange them in a meaningful shape. For instance, you could place the card representing "obstacles" in the center, and the cards representing "you" and "the other person" on either side, creating a sense of confrontation. Place the "action advice" and "future" cards above, representing the direction forward. The shape itself can also give you inspiration for interpretation.
Start drawing and interpreting the cards! Because this spread is custom-made by you for your specific question, you'll find that the information from the cards aligns very closely with your question, making the interpretation exceptionally smooth.

A small tip: When you're just starting, don't design overly complex spreads; three to five cards are usually enough. Record your designed spreads (what each position means, and the layout diagram) in your Tarot journal. This will not only make it easier for you to reuse them later but also help you review and summarize, gradually making you more proficient at designing more useful and interesting personal spreads.

Remember, Tarot is a tool, and you are the one using the tool. Don't be bound by rules; the most important thing is to make it serve you better.