Do you want to learn how to lay a tarot spread? Many people are intimidated by the idea of reading Tarot cards, but it’s actually quite simple.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the basics of how to lay a Tarot spread. We will also provide some examples of basic Tarot spreads for beginners.
How to Lay a Tarot Spread
Laying Tarot cards is actually quite simple. The basic principle is that you lay out the cards in a specific pattern, based on the question you are asking or the issue you are exploring.
Here are the basic steps for how to lay a Tarot spread.
1. Choose your Tarot Deck
The first step is to choose the Tarot deck you will be using. There are many different Tarot decks available, so take some time to browse and find one that speaks to you.
Some of our favorite Tarot decks include:
If you’re choosing a new deck for the first time, read these insights on how to pick a new Tarot card deck.
2. Pick a Tarot Spread
Next, you’ll want to pick a Tarot spread. A Tarot spread is simply the pattern you’ll lay your cards out in. There are many different kinds of Tarot spreads, so again, take some time to browse and find a placement of Tarot cards that feels right for what you’re looking to explore.
Here are a few Tarot spreads you can consider:
When choosing a spread, consider how many cards you’re comfortable working with. Some spreads use only a few cards while others use many. If you’re just starting out, it might be helpful to choose a basic Tarot spread with fewer than ten cards.
3. Shuffle the Cards
Once you’ve chosen your Tarot spread, it’s time to shuffle the cards. Again, there’s no one right way to do this. Some people like to shuffle the entire deck at once while others prefer to shuffle each card individually.
Many people believe that touching the cards helps to transfer your energy to them and makes the reading more accurate. You may also choose to cleanse your Tarot cards at this stage.
4. Focus on Your Question
As you shuffle, think about your question or the situation you want clarity on. You don’t need to ask a specific question, but it can be helpful to have something in mind.
Some people like to write their questions down before they start shuffling. Others find that this step comes naturally after they’ve shuffled the cards for a while.
If you’re unsure of what questions to ask, we’ve put together 117 questions to ask the Tarot, as well as 54 Tarot questions about love.
5. Lay Out Your Cards
Finally, lay out your cards according to the spread you’ve chosen.
Once you’ve laid out your cards, take a moment to meditate on your question and then flip over the first card.
Keep in mind that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to interpret the tarot. There are as many ways to read the tarot as there are people who use them. The most important thing is that you trust your intuition and go with what feels right to you.
Tarot Spreads for Beginners
If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with a basic three-card spread. To do this, simply place the cards in front of you from left to right. The first card represents the past, the second card represents the present, and the third card represents the future.
If you’re looking for more in-depth guidance on how to read Tarot cards, explore Tarot card meanings here.