Three Card Spread
From SourceryForge
The "Three Card Spread" is a simple divination layout that symbolizes past, present, and future in a Tarot reading. The "Three Card Spread" may also be used with runes, or other oracles that include random drawing.
Example
Bob is doing a reading for himself about "How can I feel more content about my place in the world?"
He deals:
- Past: The Nine of Wands
- Present: The Emperor
- Future The Four of Wands
He reads this as, up until now he's been holding it togther, dealing with the shit when it comes but not taking any forward action, it's all been holding the position. Now he has an opportunty to make a real plan to sort out his life, and follow it, bringing order to the current chaos, or lack of focus. Ironically, it is by imposing some order on his life that gives him the chance to feel free and content in the future. (got a diffent interpretation? add it as well!)
Alternative interpretation:
- Present
- Obstacles
- Outcome
Non-Divination Technique
If you don't feel comfortable predicting the future, you can read the first card as either "past" or "that which's influence is decreasing in the situtation" (DECLINING INFLUENCE) and the future card as either "possible outcome to be achieved or avoided" or "that which's influence is increasing in the situtation" (INCREASING INFLUENCE).
All 3 cards are 'fire' cards, showing that there is an overabundance of passion and energy, so perhaps he is in need of some relaxation, some meditation and/or some grounding activities.
Other Meanings
The three-card spread can be used to represent any number of different trinities, such as Body, Mind and Spirit; Problem, Analysis and Goal; Me, You and Us; etc.
