Reading Tarot cards begins with a formal knowledge of the structure of a reading, but also the observed relationship between the cards that are drawn from the tarot deck. A spread is a sequence of Tarot cards drawn in an order to cement their interrelationship and meaning. The spread may have an underlying symbolic shape that conform to a correlative symbol when the spread is completed. The Tarot cards are drawn one by one, and considered as to their meaning, significance, and perspective in the spread.


The first card drawn is a cover card. This card governs the individual, in the dynamic considered by the spread, or takes mastery of all elements drawn after for that person. Many underlying cards in a tarot spread may change their meaning when drawn under relationship under a certain cover card. Skilled Tarot readers are familiar with these relationship dynamics and recognize their interplay during a Tarot reading when these factors come into play. Knowledge of Zodiac astrology and I Ching can make for a formidable and instructive reading.

A Tarot reading will concern a relationship, a future, a prediction, a general “fortune” or auspicion for the future. One by one the cards are drawn and placed in sequence in a manner that aligns their characteristic significance with adjunctive elements of other cards. An experienced reader will be able to use most any tarot deck and properly interpret and recognize the spiritual and emotional impacts of the Tarot cards presented.

While no Tarot reading should be considered “gospel”, multiple Tarot readings with common denominators should be food for thought. Conventional wisdom suggests that a person gifted with psychic powers can draw more apt Tarot cards for their client or target individual. The Tarot reader will communicate positive or negative direction from the cards and the placement inside the spread structure. Tarot cards and spreads can have multiple meanings, so the more knowledgeable tarot reader is, the better and most complete Tarot reading they can give.

The names of many of the Tarot cards spreads come not from any significance in the meaning or direction of the Tarot process, but the figural layout of the cards. The Crucifixion spread is laid out to show dynamics around reaching a goal and self assessment. The Cross is a symbol that aids the Tarot reader in faithfully and accurately laying down the Tarot cards in the manner that brings the four keys and the Tarot cards that represent them with respect to the individual appropriately ordered.

A 5 card spread for health will have ordered positions for the Tarot reader to communicate the foundation of any issues, the obstacle to the goal of the reading (health), future and present dynamics, and hold indicators for the condition in the future. Tarot reading may have general results without incisive indicators, or it may point dramatically toward some element in the Tarot characters presented.

Tarot readers will recognize between spreads positions and cards that remain constant for a given individual or issue. Tarot cards in certain positions inside the spreads can indicate the quality of that card and its impact on the past, present, or future. Possible achievements, final outcome, obstacles toward progress, or successive details can be obtained by another reading or a different reading to pair results.

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