I have two favourite spreads that I use for tarot reading parties and events, depending on how long I’ll have to do each reading. This is the longer of the two, for a reading of about 15 minutes. I know folks who get a reading often like to take a photo of the spread and think about it later, as it is often a lot to take in as the reading is in progress. I thought it would be nice to share the basic spread itself, if folks wanted to refer back to it.
This spread is based on the larger and classic tarot reading spread, the Celtic Cross. I’ve seen this smaller version called the Dyad’s Cross or the Dyadic Cross. Tarot reading is so subjective and personal, so each reader will approach the spread in a different way.
The Dyad’s Cross is an excellent all-purpose spread that can give you insight into a given question or circumstance, but it can also be used when the querrant doesn’t have a particular question in mind.
You start by laying card 1 in the centre of the table. Card 2 is slightly on top, at an angle. Card 3 goes directly below. Card 4 is to the far left of cards 1 and 2. Card 5 on the axis above cards 1, 2 and 3. Card 6 is to the far right on the same axis as cards 4, 1 and 2.
Card 1: Describes the energy currently around you.
Card 2: What crosses you? What is a challenge or obstacle you are facing right now?
Card 3: What lies beneath? What’s at the root of the matter? What subconscious forces are at work. or what is in motion that you are not yet aware of?
Card 4: What past energy or circumstance is influencing the current situation?
Card 5: Given the current situation, what is the best possible outcome?
Card 6: Given the other cards in this spread, what is the likely trajectory?
When I use this spread, I’ll usually talk a bit about each card as it appears, describing the traditional meaning and keywords associated with each card individually. Then, once all the cards are out, we’ll look at the interaction of those traditional meanings and where they appear in the spread. We’ll take a step back and look at the ratio of major arcana to minor arcana in the reading; see if one suit dominates or is conspicuously absent; look at the images and colours to see what’s dominant and how they interact with each other; and consider the number patterns. All these elements together tell the story.
As I explain when I’m doing readings, I’m not comfortable with the idea of using tarot cards to predict the future. However, like a weather forecaster who can look at climate models and know when certain conditions are present the likely outcome will be a storm, I do think you can read the cards in a layout and say given these energies at play, this is a likely outcome of the current circumstances. There are always so many factors that influence any situation, most importantly your personal agency, that I don’t think anyone – let alone a piece of cardboard with pretty colours – can guarantee a future outcome.
I genuinely love doing tarot readings at parties and events, especially for folks who have had little or no exposure to tarot cards. If you’d like to book me for your party or event in or around Ottawa, you can see more details on my tarot bookings pages. I’d love to hear from you!