Tarot glossary
What is a spread in tarot?
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A spread is the method of choosing cards from the deck and laying them out on the table in set positions, each with a role in the reading. It can have one card, like the card of the day, or ten, like the Celtic Cross. In Portuguese, the equivalent term is tiragem.
What defines a spread
A spread has three elements: the number of cards, the layout in which they are placed and the meaning of each position. Without these, the cards would just be a set of loose symbols.
For example, in a three-card spread, the first card is usually read as the past, the second as the present and the third as a trend. The layout and the meaning of each place come from the spread itself, not from the card.
Most common types
There are spreads of every size. Smaller ones suit direct questions and larger ones suit complex themes. The more cards, the more information to interpret, and that does not always help.
- One card: card of the day or a short answer.
- Three cards: past, present and trend, or situation, obstacle and advice.
- Celtic Cross: ten cards for a broad view of a situation.
- Themed spreads: love, career, decisions.
How to choose a spread
Choose the spread after you form the question, not before. Simple questions call for few cards. If the doubt has several layers, a larger spread can help, as long as you can read each position with care.
You can also create your own spread by defining beforehand what each position represents. Write down the layout and the meanings so you can reuse them later.
Frequently asked questions
- Are a spread and a reading the same thing?
- Not exactly. The spread is the method of laying out the cards, and the reading is the interpretation of what came up, including the conversation and the conclusions.
- How many cards should a spread have?
- There is no right number. Use the minimum the question requires, since very large spreads can scatter your attention.
- Can I invent my own spread?
- Yes. Just define beforehand what each position represents and keep the method consistent throughout the reading.
Educational content, for reflection. Tarot does not replace medical, legal or financial advice.