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| Guide to the Spreads | |||||||||||||
| A spread is the pattern for laying out the cards. This works on a formal question basis, where each position has a set corresponding meaning. There are lots of different spreads designed for different situations and aspects, though generally the majority of the books purchased will have the Celtic Cross and a couple of others. | |||||||||||||
| The layout of a spread just helps to indicate which card is showing what, as the layout is all inter-related. But there's no reason why set spreads need to be used - as long as you know the questions that you want answered and in what order, then just turning the cards as they come is perfectly valid. I use set spreads for initial readings, as its a nice way to see what?s going on without having to spend too much time trying to relate the different cards together to get a coherent whole. Once the initial spread has been done, then if there are other areas to be relooked at or investigated further, then I use free format readings, as once I have the basics of the situation, I can then tie in the cards meanings with what has come before to get the depth of understanding I`m looking for to be able to help the querent | |||||||||||||
| Spreads are a nice way to get used to your cards and to answering questions, especially for the beginner. But if you cant find a spread that fits with what you want to ask and the way in which you want to ask it, then make your own - decide what questions you want answered in what order, and then lay the cards. If laying them in a set pattern makes it easier to remember what each card means and what other positions it is most directly connected with, then do so, but dont feel that the only spreads you should use are the ones you find in books. Tarot is a highly personal art form, so dont feel that you have to use other peoples methods. Find the ones that work for you and more importantly feel comfortable for both yourself and your cards - if that means rehashing a collection of different spreads you've read about to make a unique one for yourself, then so be it. |
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| Following are examples for the laying out of 5 different spreads, the majority of which are not easily found in the general printed publications, and are here to provide alternative options for both the beginner and the more advanced. | |||||||||||||
| Other spreads can be found in the large assortment of books available. Alternatively, there are a large amount of resources on the internet, some of which have been listed on the Online Resources section of this handout. | |||||||||||||
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