Anyone who’s even a little curious about Tarot reading knows how overwhelming it can feel to start. There’s so much information out there, and just when you think you’re beginning to understand, you uncover even more questions. Each bit of research seems to open up even more to explore. With so many card meanings, spreads, and interpretations, it can be hard to know where to begin or how to piece it all together. There is definitely no need to worry, as every reader feels this way at first. And to be honest this feeling never really leaves.
The best thing you can do, as a reader, is build up a book or collection of some easy to understand resources. You are never going to remember everything – and there is no shame on leaning on these resources when you get stuck. Over time, you find yourself relying on your resources less and less.
One of the most fundamental resources any beginner should look for are cheat sheets. Although most cheat sheets out there are for the tarot card meanings (which we also have), it is also super useful to have a arsenal of tarot spreads at your disposal.
This article contains some of the most common, and useful tarot spreads that have become a part of my practice. There is a big variety of spreads, utilising from 3 up to 13 cards. This is by no means a definitive list of useful spreads, but honestly a great start for beginner and expert alike.
While you are here, we also have some free printable 3 card tarot journals, 6 card tarot journals and Celtic Cross Tarot Journals to help build your resource bank!
Important Information about Tarot Spreads
You’ll quickly realise that there are endless interpretations and variations for every Tarot spread. If you’ve been researching already, I’m sure you’ve seen this—Google images can show you several different versions of the same spread, with cards in different positions or meanings swapped around.
It’s easy to feel confused or worry about finding the ‘right’ setup. But here’s the truth: there is no one ‘correct’ spread. The best setup is the one that resonates with you, the one you decide on before pulling the cards.
What I’m really getting at is this: don’t view these spreads as the be-all, end-all. As long as you go into your reading with a clear intention of what each card represents before you pull, everything will work out just fine.
If you want to tweak a setup or try a different layout, that’s totally okay. And if you’re used to a different format or interpretation, that’s fine too. The key is setting your intention and trusting the process, no matter which variation you use.
How To Download These Tarot Cheat Sheets
To Download any of these tarot spread cheat sheets, simply click on the image. You will be directed to a PDF, which you can then save to your computer or mobile, or print directly from your browser.
Three Card Spread
This is one of my go-to spreads when I need quick clarity—like when I’m feeling stuck or just need a fresh perspective. With just three cards, it’s easy to dive into the past, present, and future, helping you see how everything connects. I love using this spread when I’m journaling, especially when something’s been weighing on my mind. It’s simple, but the insights can be profound!
Compass Tarot Spread – 5 Cards
Whenever I feel like life’s pulling me in too many directions, this spread helps me get grounded. The Compass Spread acts like a guide, helping me see where I’ve been, where I’m headed, and what energies I need to balance. It’s especially useful when I need clarity on what to release and what to focus on to stay aligned with my true path. I love using it during times of transition or big life changes.
Celtic Cross Spread – 10 Cards
The Celtic Cross is a spread you can turn to when in need of a deep dive into a complex situation. It’s like getting a full snapshot of where you are at, what’s influencing you, and where things are likely to head. This spread is a very common go-to when facing a big decision or when you just need to explore every angle of a challenging situation. It really helps when trying to trying to see the bigger picture! There is definatley a reason why this is one of the most popular tarot spreads. We have some Celtic Cross Journals which will help you write out and keep track of your readins.
Aphrodite’s Temple Tarot Spread – 7 or 8 Cards
You know above, how I mentioned there is always a number of different interpretations of each spread? Well Aphrodite’s Temple is a prime example of that. It’s one where I see almost a 50/50 split with either 7 or 8 cards. So I decided to include both – feel free to choose the one that suits you better, or even better – give them both a go first, and then choose.
This spread always feels like a heart-to-heart with yourself. It’s perfect when you want to look deeper into a relationship or even just a self-love journey. Inspired by Aphrodite, it helps you tune into you I feel, how the other person feels, and where things might be going. It’s usually used when reflecting on a relationship or needing a little self-care boost.
Split Decision Tarot Spread – 7 Cards
We’ve all been there—stuck between two choices, not sure which way to go. The Split Decision Spread helps you explore both paths, giving you insight into the emotional pull of one option versus the logic of the other. I’ve used this spread when my heart says one thing, but my mind says another, and it always helps me see which choice will really bring me peace. It’s a great tool for finding balance when you’re feeling torn!
Week Ahead Spread – 7 Cards
The Week Ahead Spread is perfect for helping you plan and prepare for the upcoming week. Again, there are multiple ways you can approach this Tarot reading – so I included them both on the same page. With a card for each day, it offers insights into the energies, challenges, and opportunities you may face. It’s a great tool to set intentions, keep grounded, and focus on what’s important throughout the week. Pull this spread at the start of each week or only when you feel like you need it – whatever works for you.
Month ahead spread – 6 Cards
The Month Ahead Spread is ideal when you want a big-picture view of the month to come. It helps you stay grounded while guiding you through different aspects of your life, such as social connections, personal growth, or self-care. Use it to set intentions and balance your actions with what the cards reveal. This spread ensures you’ll be prepared and in sync with your highest self as you navigate the upcoming month.
New Year Tarot Spread – 6 Cards
The New Year Spread is perfect for reflecting on the past year and setting the tone for the year ahead. Whether you’re thinking about career, finances, love, or personal growth, this spread will help you gain clarity on how to move forward.
It’s a powerful tool to start your year with intention and to focus on the opportunities and challenges that will come your way. Use this spread to get a full picture of the upcoming months and how to navigate them. Its a spread I try to do every year – and one I always LOVE doing.
Horseshoe Spread – 7 Cards
When you want to get a clear, balanced understanding of a situation, the Horseshoe Spread is a great choice. It helps you explore how past events are influencing your present, reveals hidden factors, and highlights obstacles or opportunities ahead. Whether it’s for relationships, friendships, or a personal matter, this spread provides both insight and guidance on how to improve or move forward.
Decision Spread – 8 Cards
The Decision Spread is perfect for when you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed about a big choice. Instead of just providing a yes or no answer, this spread helps you dive deep into how each option might affect your life. By exploring both your emotional response and the practical side, you’ll feel empowered to make the decision that’s best aligned with your path. This spread gives you clarity when weighing your options and deciding what step to take next.
Two Choices Spread – 10 Cards
When you’re stuck between two options and need to weigh the pros and cons, the Two Choices Spread helps you see the bigger picture. This spread breaks down the positives, negatives, and possible outcomes of each choice, allowing you to reflect on which option aligns with your current energy and goals. It’s a great way to gain insight into both choices and make a decision with confidence.
Heart vs. Head Spread – 10 Cards
The Heart vs. Head Spread is designed for those moments when your emotions and logic are at odds. This spread helps you explore what your heart wants versus what your mind advises, giving you a clear picture of both sides. By understanding these two perspectives, you can find common ground and make decisions that honor both your emotions and reason. It’s a great tool when you need to bridge the gap between feelings and practicality.
Relationship Spread – 7 Cards
If you’re looking to gain clarity in a relationship—whether it’s romantic, friendship, or partnership—the Relationship Spread provides insight into the strengths, weaknesses, and dynamics at play. This spread highlights how you and the other person are showing up and what might need improvement. It’s especially helpful when resolving misunderstandings or deepening your connection by focusing on open communication and shared goals.
Career Path Tarot Spread – 5 Cards
The Career Path Spread is perfect when you’re at a crossroads in your professional life. Whether you’re considering a job change, facing workplace challenges, or looking to advance your career, this spread provides insight into where you currently stand and what opportunities or obstacles may be ahead. Use this spread to assess your strengths and determine the next steps in your career journey.
New Moon Predictions Spread – 6 Cards
The New Moon Predictions Spread taps into the powerful energy of the new moon, which is all about fresh starts and setting intentions. This spread will help you understand what you need to release, how to manifest your desires, and how the new moon can support you in this phase of your journey. It’s perfect for aligning with the lunar cycle and harnessing its energy for new beginnings.
New Moon Spread – 6 Cards
This New Moon Spread is designed to help you release what no longer serves you and welcome new opportunities with the energy of the new moon. It’s perfect for setting intentions, embracing fresh starts, and planning new ventures. Use this spread when you want to let go of old habits and focus on manifesting positive change.
Full Moon Spread – 6 Cards
The Full Moon Spread is great for reflecting on what you’ve accomplished and what you need to let go of. The full moon’s energy is all about release and completion, making this spread perfect for understanding how past influences have shaped your present and how to prepare for what’s to come. It’s especially helpful for times of culmination and personal growth.
Magician Card Spread – 8 Cards
The Magician Card Spread taps into your personal power and creativity, helping you explore the tools and resources available to you. Whether you’re starting a new project or seeking transformation in your life, this spread shows you how to direct your energy to manifest your desires. It’s a powerful tool for when you want to reconnect with your inner potential and bring your ideas to life.
Big Purchase Spread – 5 Cards
The Big Purchase Spread is designed to guide you through the process of making a significant financial decision. Whether you’re considering a car, house, or another big investment, this spread helps you evaluate your needs, financial readiness, and the long-term impact of the purchase. Use it when you need clarity on whether to move forward with a major expenditure.
Manifestation Spread – 9 Cards
The Manifestation Spread is a powerful tool for turning your goals into reality. It helps you understand where you are now, what obstacles you may face, and how to overcome them to achieve your dreams. Whether you’re focused on career, relationships, or personal growth, this spread guides you through each step of the manifestation process.
Manifest a Soulmate Tarot Spread – 8 Cards
The Manifest a Soulmate Spread uses the principles of the Law of Attraction to help you align your energy with finding your ideal partner. This spread helps you identify what to focus on, what to release, and how to prepare yourself to meet your soulmate. It’s perfect for those seeking love and ready to manifest a deep connection.
Chakra Spread – 7 Cards
The Chakra Spread is designed to help you explore the flow of energy through your seven main chakras. Each card corresponds to a different chakra, offering insights into how balanced or blocked each one is. This spread is perfect for those looking to align their energy, promote well-being, and maintain spiritual and emotional harmony.
Meet Your Spirit Guide Spread – 6 Cards
The Meet Your Spirit Guide Spread helps you establish a deeper connection with your spiritual guide. Whether you’re seeking insight into how they’re guiding you or looking for a specific message, this spread gives you the opportunity to explore your relationship with your guide. It’s a wonderful tool for nurturing this connection and gaining spiritual support during uncertain times.
Speak with a Loved One Spread – 5 Cards
This spread is designed to help you connect with the energy of a loved one who has passed. By setting the intention to reach out with love and light, you can use this spread to receive messages, guidance, or simply feel closer to them. It’s a deeply personal way to gain insight into how they may see things from the other side and to receive any wisdom they wish to share with you.
Past Lives Spread – 7 Cards
The Past Lives Spread helps you explore how unresolved issues or lessons from your past lives may be affecting you in your current life. This spread can uncover patterns or energies that continue to influence your experiences today, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding and begin the healing process. It’s especially useful when you feel connected to memories or emotions that don’t seem to belong to this lifetime.
Ancestral Healing Spread – 6 Cards
The Ancestral Healing Spread is for those looking to explore the ties between their life and their ancestors. This spread helps you identify how ancestral trauma or patterns are affecting you and guides you on how to heal these wounds. It’s a powerful tool for transforming not only your own path but also for bringing peace and healing to your ancestral lineage.
Journey Tarot Spread – 6 Cards
The Journey Spread is perfect when you’re feeling uncertain about the direction of your life or purpose. It helps you uncover hidden influences, trust your intuition, and gain clarity on the lessons that are available to you. By working through this spread, you can realign with your path and move forward with confidence, trusting that you’re supported every step of the way.
