DIY Tarot Spreads: How to Create Custom Layouts That Actually Work
Sure it’s fun to find new spreads online and see how they work for your personal readings. However, as in most magickal practices, it really can add some extra oomph if you create your own spread. Making your readings personal ensures that you will get what you need from the reading instead of just trying to make something fit.
However, there are a few things to consider before you create a reading.
The Theme of the Reading
This determines which cards you’ll use, the backdrop, stones or other objects you might have around the cards, etc. For example, if you want a love reading, a red cloth background with lots of rose quartz might be a good accompaniment. I have one particular deck that I like to use in love readings, and it goes well with these colors. The visuals of a reading matter!
The Numerology
How many cards will you pull? Below is a simple list of numerological associations that might help. I find the fewer cards I can pull, the more I remember and integrate the reading, but your mileage may vary.
1- Do you just need a quick answer, or possibly a yes or no? Choose just one card and let that be your reading. This is also a good number if you want to focus on a new beginning.
2- Do you need balance in your reading? Or are you trying to compare 2 paths? Choose 2 cards to help you.
3- 3 signifies growth and creativity in tarot. If you’re wanting to grow into something new and different, use 3 cards. 3 cards is also great for yes/no questions- where uprights signify yes and reversals signify no. Also, 3 cards can do a wonderful past/present/future reading!
4- 4 is great for creating firm, stable foundations. Think of the legs of a table.
5- 5 cards can make for an interesting read. Usually in tarot, 5 signifies change, instability, and disruption. So is there something that you need to disrupt? Do you need to get out of a rut? Also, remember that a pentacle has 5 points, so you can use that symbolism in your reading as well.
6- Are you looking for harmony in your reading? Then choose 6 cards. This can also signify cooperation between people.
7- If you want a reflective reading where you take a look at what is and what can change, 7 cards is perfect. This is where you consider your direction and decide if you want to make a turn in your path.
8- 8 cards is perfect if you’re wanting to look at everything you’ve accomplished and decide if you want to stay on the path you’re on, or completely switch to a new path.
9- Now your reading is getting a little big, but 9 cards is great for bringing things to fruition. This is where you see the fruits of your labor.
10- 10 cards end a cycle. When you use 10 cards, you’re looking at how to complete the cycle you’re currently in.
11+- Use more cards if necessary, but know that you can add double digits until you reduce them from 1-10 to find the numerology in the list above.
The Layout
The layout can be as simple as a line of 3 cards for clarity and simplicity, or a shape like a heart, pentacle, or a zodiac wheel. Create a reading that is beautiful to you or represents the theme of your reading.
The Questions
Once you’ve determined the theme, numerology, and layout, take a few minutes to jot down the questions that you really need answered. Be sure to allow 1 card to be the basis or past of the situation, and let 1 card be the future, or outcome.
General Rules
You can change these rules to suit your needs! But things moving in from the left side are generally seen as things from the past, while things on the right side are the future that you’re looking toward. Similarly, things at the top are circumstances you don’t have a lot of control over, while things on the bottom are under your control. If you have a card on top of another card, crossing it, that’s something that’s either interfering with the card below, or weighing heavily on that card (especially if that card represents a person).
Please comment with your favorite home-brewed readings! I love to see how other people read!
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