Tarot LayoutsWhen it comes to do a reading with your tarot cards, it is important that you pick an appropriate spread. The tarot layouts have an impact on the reading that you get; it dictates the meaning of the reading. This means that not only do you need to know the meaning of your cards, but you also need to know the meaning of the layout you are using. Probably the most commonly used spread is the Celtic Cross, this is also known as the Gnostic Cross. It is a popular spread because it offers a quick and easy read, the draw back is that it isn’t specific. The Celtic Cross layout gives you a snapshot of you, a simple slice of life. Use it to find out more about your life and who you are, but it isn’t really ideal if you have a specific question that you are looking to get and answer to. If you would like to use a layout that offers you insight on a situation or issue that you are facing or concerned about then you may want to try a 12 card spread. This spread is nice because it tell you about the complete cycle, past, present and future. So you can see where you are, why you got there and where you are going to end up if things continue. There is also the zodiac spread or the horoscope spread. This is a more detailed spread and it is complex as it is based on astrology. There are other methods to use for spreads such as the Golden Dawn where multiple layouts are used and they use the entire deck for a reading. There are layouts that are specifically for issues dealing with love and relationships. There are others for financial and business matters. You need to decide on the layout you are going to use before you pick up your cards. Make sure that it is a layout you are comfortable with and that it is going to provide you with the answers you are looking for. For example, if you are concerned about a relationship you are in you wouldn’t do a Celtic Cross layout, you would use the Relationship spread which gives insight into the way two beings interact. If you have a simple question that can be answered with a yes or a no, then a 3 card spread is more desirable then the 12 card spread. The information you are looking for and how much information you want will help you decide on what type of spread you are going to use. I feel that it is important right now to tell you that learning the meanings of the spreads are important, just as learning the meanings of your cards is important. You also need to know that where the cards are placed means something different. For example in a Celtic Cross spread, the Queen of Wands showing up in the in the number 1 placement means something very different then what it would mean in the number 8 place. Take the time to learn the spreads and what they mean. You may find that there is only one or two types of tarot spreads that you are comfortable with and want to use. That is fine, just remember the purpose of those spreads and don’t ask for more then what they are meant for. If you can’t find a tarot spread that you are comfortable with, you can always create your own. |