Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I’m kind of a spread snob.
When I started learning tarot, I bought several books on spreads and layouts … and they all disappointed me. Most of the spreads seemed totally made up, slapped together without any underlying structure, just so people could say, “Oh, look, here’s another spread! And this one is designed specifically to answer questions about garage sales!” (Or dog walkers, or nutrition, or whatever obscure topic you have in mind.)
Ultimately, I just came to think that most new spreads were busywork that distracted me from the cards and the readings themselves.
When I read cards, I’m a traditionalist. I tend to stick to just a few tried and true spreads. I like the Celtic Cross a lot; I think it’s elegant. I like the 12-house zodiac spread, with all the cards in a circle. That one is smooth and comprehensive, too.
For quick readings, I like James Wanless’ technique of asking a question and then pulling a single card in response. For adaptability, I like three-card spreads, like “past-present-future,” “body-mind-spirit,” “yes-no-maybe,” and “do-don’t-remember.”
But when it comes to creating and using new spreads, I’m kind of a stick in the mud.
So now watch. I’ll probably wake up in the middle of the night inspired to create dozens of new spreads … or someone will ask me to write a book about spreads, and I’ll feel compelled to oblige.
