Tarot layouts for a specific question to customize your readings. Learning to read tarot cards is easier if you have a good choice of tarot card spreads.
There is no right or wrong way to read tarots but trying many different layouts will help you select the perfect tarot card spread for you and for the question you want to ask.
To help your memory you can prepare various tarot card layout sheets and choose on the spot the perfect one for that particular occasion.
These are two traditional patterns that are often used for specific questions.
The Horseshoe Tarot Layout
This spread is quite simple, doesn’t have too many cards and is useful to answer a single question.
It is important that you unambiguously state the question while shuffling the cards to have it clear in your mind before you start.
If the querent wants to explore two different topics or has more than one question, lay down a spread for each question.
1. The past
Past influences that set the basis of your problem or situation.
2. The present
The present situation, your feelings and thoughts about it.
3. Hidden influences
Hopes, expectations and fears.
4. Obstacles
This card can represent emotional or practical problems. If a favorable card appears here, it means that there is little opposition or the obstacles may be outside the inquire’s control.
5. The house
The environment, outside influences and other people’s attitudes.
6. Advice
What would be the best course of action.
7. The most likely result
The probable result if the advice is followed.
The Celtic Cross Tarot Card Layout
This is probably the most ancient and popular of the layouts.
A court card is chosen and placed in the middle of the spread. This card is called the significator, and it is chosen to represent appropriately the inquirer or the theme of the question.
If you like drama, you can pronounce the traditional phrases written in bold, while you place each card.
1. This covers you
This card represents the inquirer’s state of mind and the core of the question.
2. This crosses you
Oppositions and immediate challenges.
3. This is beneath you
Distant past that created the present situation.
4. This is behind you
Recent past.
5. This crowns you
Plans and intentions, goals.
6. This is before you
Events in the next future. New people, fresh ideas.
7. Yourself
The inquirer’s state of mind, feelings and attitudes.
8. Your house
The querent’s surroundings and interactions with other people.
9. Your hopes and fears
Hopes, fears and expectations about the question.
10. What will come
The most likely result. A court card in this position may indicate that the outcome depends on another person and you can draw another card for clarification. Read more about it in our tarot cards interpretations.
