Lesson 15: Advanced Spreads
Let’s be honest: tarot is fun, but sometimes the classic three-card spread just doesn’t cut it. Maybe you’re facing a decision that feels more like a flowchart than a yes/no, or your relationship dynamic is less “he loves me, he loves me not” and more a soap opera with multiple plot twists. That’s where advanced tarot spreads step in—and yes, you can absolutely set up and start reading even the most complex spreads in under 15 minutes.
Why Use Advanced Tarot Spreads?
Most of us start tarot with simple layouts: past/present/future, a daily card, maybe a Celtic Cross on a brave day. But life’s questions aren’t always so neat. Advanced spreads like decision trees and relationship triangles can help untangle:
- Multi-layered choices (career, love, health—sometimes all at once!)
- Relationship dynamics involving more than two people or conflicting feelings
- Long-term planning, such as “If I do X, what happens next?”
“The beauty of a complex spread isn’t in its mystery—it’s in the clarity it brings to complicated real-life situations.”
Case Study: When a Simple Spread Isn’t Enough
A client (let’s call her Jamie) once came to me torn between two job offers—each with different pros, cons, and possible future consequences. A three-card spread gave her a snapshot, but to map out potential outcomes, we used a decision tree spread. In 15 minutes, Jamie saw her choices, possible results, and even her hidden hesitations. That’s the power of advanced spreads.
How to Set Up Advanced Spreads in 15 Minutes
1. Decision Tree Spread (Great for Choices and Consequences)
Materials: Any tarot or oracle deck, pen and paper (optional), 15 minutes of focused time.
- Define your question. Be specific: “What are the likely outcomes if I accept job A vs. job B?”
- Lay out your central card. This represents your current situation or the decision point.
- Branch out. For each option, place a card representing the potential outcome.
- Add a second layer. From each outcome card, pull one or two more cards for “next steps” or “hidden influences.”
- Optional: Use a pen and paper to sketch the tree, making it easier to follow the paths.
Example Spread Layout:
- Card 1: The Big Question (center)
- Card 2: Option A outcome
- Card 3: Option B outcome
- Card 4: Option A’s “what’s next”
- Card 5: Option B’s “what’s next”
Tip: If you have more than two options, just add extra branches. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
2. Relationship Triangle Spread (For Complex Relationship Dynamics)
This spread is ideal if you’re navigating a love triangle, a tricky friendship, or even a work team with shifting alliances.
Materials: Tarot or oracle deck, clear table space, 15 minutes.
- Assign each point of the triangle. Person A, Person B, and Person C (or the roles involved).
- Lay out three cards in a triangle. These represent the core energies of each person/role.
- Place three cards between each pair. Each card reveals the dynamic between those two people/roles.
- Optional: A card in the middle for the overall lesson or outcome.
Example Spread Layout:
- Card 1: Person A
- Card 2: Person B
- Card 3: Person C
- Card 4: A–B dynamic
- Card 5: B–C dynamic
- Card 6: A–C dynamic
- Card 7: Overall outcome (center, optional)
Pro tip: This is fantastic for not just love triangles but also family or work situations—just label your roles accordingly!
Choosing the Right Deck for Complex Spreads
Not all decks are created equal. For advanced spreads, you want:
- Clear, readable imagery. Busy artwork can make complex layouts harder to interpret.
- Decks with guidebooks. Especially if you’re branching out from Rider-Waite symbolism.
- Larger cards. Easier to see connections between positions.
Top Decks for Advanced Spreads (with Honest Pros & Cons)
| Name | Key Feature | Size/Material | Price range | Amazon link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Seer’s Tarot | Modern imagery, easy symbolism | Standard, high-quality card stock | $25–$30 | See today’s deal |
| Modern Witch Tarot | Diverse, vibrant interpretations | Large cards, sturdy | $20–$28 | Check price on Amazon |
| Radiant Rider-Waite | Classic look, bold colors | Standard size, gloss finish | $15–$22 | See today’s deal |
Who are these decks for?
- Light Seer’s Tarot: For modern readers who want clear, intuitive symbolism. Great for beginners and advanced users alike.
- Modern Witch Tarot: For those who value diversity and want a fresh twist on tradition. Slightly larger cards, so small hands beware!
- Radiant Rider-Waite: Best for purists and learners who want a familiar base for complex spreads.
Quick Checklist: 15-Minute Advanced Spread Setup
- Pick your spread: decision tree or relationship triangle
- Set your intention and question
- Choose your deck (see table above for ideas!)
- Clear your space (physically and mentally—a quick tidy counts!)
- Lay out the cards according to the chosen spread
- Take notes or snap a photo for later reference
- Interpret each card—don’t rush, but aim for flow, not perfection
Helpful Tools & Further Reading
Final Thoughts
Advanced tarot spreads aren’t about making things harder—they’re about making your answers clearer. Whether you’re mapping out big decisions or untangling messy relationships, these layouts give structure to the chaos. And with a little practice, you’ll be able to set them up and gain insight in under 15 minutes. Remember, the best tool is the one you’ll actually use. Happy reading!
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