Three Card Tarot Spreads that are Also Beginner Friendly
Our list of Common Tarot Spreads and Why We Chose Them
If you're new to Tarot, getting started can feel a bit overwhelming. That's why we've compiled a curated list of common Tarot spreads that are easy to use for beginners. Our methodology in selecting these spreads focused on their ease of understanding and quicker read times, making them perfect for those just starting their Tarot journey.
We've specifically chosen these 3-card spreads to help you better focus on learning the meaning of each card, ensuring a smooth and enriching introduction to Tarot reading. Check out our favorite picks below!
Option 1: The Situation, Obstacle, and Solution Spread
Use the Situation-Obstacle-Solution Tarot spread when you need clarity on a specific issue and seek guidance on how to overcome challenges.
To perform this spread spread, follow these steps:
1. Shuffle the Deck. Focus on your question or the issue you seek guidance on while shuffling the cards.
2. Draw Three Cards. Lay them out in a row from left to right.
Card 1: Situation: This card represents the current situation or the main issue at hand.
Card 2: Obstacle: This card reveals the primary challenge or obstacle you are facing.
Card 3: Solution: This card offers advice or a potential solution to overcome the obstacle and move forward.
3. Interpret the Cards: Reflect on the meaning of each card and how they relate to one another to gain insight into your situation, the obstacle, and the possible solution.
The Situation, Obstacle, and Solution Tarot Spread, Graphic by Made Musings Tarot
Option 2: The Three Choices Spread (Choice 1, 2, and 3)
The Three Choices Spread (also called the Choice 1, 2, and 3 spread) is especially helpful when you have three distinct options and need guidance on which path to take. By pulling a card for each choice, this spread provides insight into the potential outcomes or influences of each option, helping you make a more informed decision.
To perform this spread, follow these steps:
1. Shuffle the Deck: Concentrate on the decision you need to make, focusing on the different choices available to you while shuffling the cards.
2. Draw Three Cards: Lay them out in a row from left to right.
Card 1: Choice 1: This card represents the potential outcome or influence of the first choice.
Card 2: Choice 2: This card shows the potential outcome or influence of the second choice.
Card 3: Choice 3: This card reveals the potential outcome or influence of the third choice.
3. Interpret the Cards: Reflect on the meaning of each card and consider how each choice aligns with your goals and values. Compare the cards to understand the different paths and outcomes associated with each choice.
Option 3: The You, Them, Relationship Spread
Use the You-Them-Relationship Tarot spread when you want to gain insights into your dynamics with another person and understand the overall state of your relationship.
To perform this spread, follow these steps:
1. Shuffle the Deck: Focus on the relationship in question while shuffling the cards.
2. Draw Three Cards: Lay them out in a row from left to right.
Card 1: You: This card represents your role, feelings, or perspective in the relationship.
Card 2: Them: This card reflects the other person's role, feelings, or perspective in the relationship.
Card 3: Relationship: This card reveals the current state, energy, or potential future of the relationship.
3. Interpret the Cards: Reflect on the meaning of each card and how they relate to one another. Consider how your role and the other person's role influence the overall relationship dynamic.
The You, Them, Relationship Tarot Spread, Graphic by Made Musings Tarot
Option 4: The Past, Present, Future Spread
Use this spread when you want a more general reading that’s also focused on current energies and future growth. Each card represents a different time frame: the past, the present, and the future, providing a temporal narrative of how past energies influence the current situation and potential future outcomes.
To perform this spread spread, follow these steps:
1. Shuffle the Deck. Focus on your question or the issue you seek guidance on while shuffling the cards.
2. Draw Three Cards. Lay them out in a row from left to right.
Card 1: Past. This represents past energies or events that still hold influence over the current moment.
Card 2: Present. This signifies the present situation. It could symbolize challenges that need to be overcome, key players, or the existing emotional state.
Card 3: Future. The last card shows a potential outcome. It could be where the situation is currently headed or a desired conclusion.
3. Interpret the Cards: Reflect on the meaning of each card and how they relate to one another to gain insight into how past and current energies will influence your future.
The Past, Present, Future Tarot Spread, Graphic by Made Musings Tarot
“With fewer cards in a three-card spread, I find these shorter frameworks ideal for honing and expanding my intuitive abilities.”
Common Three Card Spreads, Graphic by Made Musings Tarot
Newbies: Use a Guide or Reference!
Having a guide handy can help you keep track of positions and their meanings. I highly recommend using our Three Card Spreads Tarot Cloth, which many have found incredibly helpful. The cloth features 5 different spreads AND has a handy guide printed on it.
No more spending extra time thinking of which spread to use. Just lay your cards out and go! These have made it easier for me to focus on the readings now (plus they’re so pretty!).
Check out the collection here. Special Note: These handy little cloths were designed & tested by yours truly at Made Musings Tarot. I can testify how much I LOVE having these guides for my own daily practice!
Tips and Tricks for Mastering a Three Card Spread
With practice, three card spreads can become a quick and effective tool for your daily Tarot readings. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your reading:
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Familiarize yourself with the meaning of each position in the spread.
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Pay attention to how the cards relate to each other, noting any repeating themes or symbols.
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Some combinations can significantly alter interpretations, like multiple Major Arcana cards indicating major life events.
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While traditional meanings are important, your intuition plays a crucial role. With fewer cards in a three-card spread, I find these shorter frameworks ideal for honing and expanding my intuitive abilities.
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Don’t rush; thoroughly interpret each card and its position to capture important nuances.
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Having a guide handy can help you keep track of positions and their meanings. I highly recommend using our Three Card Spreads Tarot Cloth, which many have found incredibly helpful.
