Three Card Spreads


Try and select a spread which will be most relevant to answer the question being asked.
General Spread
This is one of the simplest spreads and is usually performed for a quick reading. This three card spread is easier to perform but does not allow the same level of exploration as more complex spreads. However, even with just three cards there are still 3.6 million possible permutations. Although it is relatively basic it can still be surprisingly deep and insightful. The three cards can be laid out as shown and represent the following:

1. The context
2. The focus
3. The outcome

This reading explores the basic life elements that will provide guidance to the querent. The cards combine with each other in the usual way to form the basis of an outcome.

Timeline Spread
This three card spread is good for analysing an issue which has been ongoing and needs to be resolved. Again lay the cards out as shown, they represent the following:

1. The background (past)
2. The problem (present)
3. The advice (future)

What, Who, Why - The 3W Spread
This is a type of spread which I have heard other readers use but I have never used myself. It involves splitting up the deck into 3 piles, Minor Arcana, Court Cards and Major Arcana. Shuffle each pile and take the top card from each, the cards represent the following:

1. Minor Arcana - represent the What
2. Court Card - represent the Who
3. Major Arcanca - represent the Why

For this spread all the Court cards represent people, Pages representing young people and Knights representing immature or inexperienced people.

Yes/No Spreads
There are two commonly used Yes/No spreads, the first just uses a single card and the second uses three cards. In both cases the resounding yes/no answer sought is not necessarily obtained but it does point to factors which need to be taken into consideration with any decision. A single card can be very limiting and puts the reader in the position of making a judgement call when no clear result may be given. For example, take the question "should I take a new job I have been offered?" the following would be possible outcomes:

Answer 1, 8 Pentacles - Yes, if you are prepared to put in the required extra effort
Answer 2, 8 Wands - No, you will find yourself under too much time pressure to get work done

However, often the answer is less clear with such cards as Pages or one from the Cups suit. Deeper answers may be required involving personal relationships or perhaps reasons why someone may want to change jobs. In these situations a more in-depth spread is required and hence it is better to use a three card or pentagram spread. A three card Yes/No spread is more insightful, the cards represent the following:

Card 1 - Supporting factor
Card 2 - Opposing factor
Card 3 - Deciding factor

This spread still does not necessarily provide all the information the querent needs or even a definite yes/no outcome, but it goes much further than a single card. It does however provide reasons or factors surrounding the question that should be taken into account.

Example
Should I take the new job I have been offered:

Card 1 - Page of Pentacles (Neutral)
Card 2 - 8 of Wands (Yes)
Card 3 - 9 of Swords (No)

The page suggests the job will provide opportunities for personal growth, however this is opposed by the 8 Wands which suggests you will need to focus and be put under a lot of time pressure. Finally the 9 Swords suggests you will be faced with a lot of worry and anxiety. Hence the answer is No.

Updated: 15/11/2023