Relationship Spread #1

Difficulty: Easy
This tarot spread is easy to read, like a convenient chart. In this spread, court cards generally indicate actual people with the same characteristics. Knights (or corresponding princes, but not kings) and queens are meant to represent actual men and women in this tarot spread. Look for patterns in the cards as always.
Card #1 is the overall significator of the relationship. The two columns on either side of the significator characterise each individual's role in the relationship. The relationship does not have to be romantic. In fact, it could be a relationship between a person and a group, or even how two groups relate.
The top row, cards #7 & #2, is about the conscious thoughts of each person, or what they think about the relationship and likewise how they view their partner.
The middle row, cards #6 & #3, reveals the way each individual feels about the other. Emotional awareness corresponds to a person's unconscious thoughts that run deep, affecting a person in ways he or she is not fully aware of.
The bottom row, cards #5 & #4, represents the way each person behaves, in other words the stance taken regarding the relationship. The way a person acts may be genuine, but sometimes people are phony and manipulative, so it is best to weigh this card against the other person's cards to determine how they match up.
Your Relationship #1 Reading
| You | Other Person | ||
| Thought | ![]() VI. The Lovers |
![]() King of Stakes |
|
| Emotion | ![]() Eight of Stakes |
The Significator![]() Two of Cups |
![]() X. The Wheel of Fortune |
| External Stance | ![]() Six of Swords |
![]() Ace of Swords |
The Significator
Two of Cups
Symbolism:
A young, nude female chained to a dungeon wall is drained of her life force, which fills two cups symbolic of a master's love for bloodlust. The connection between the figures emphasizes emotional entanglement, power dynamics, and the intertwined nature of love and suffering.
Meaning:
The Two of Cups is a card of deep emotional connection, partnership, and harmony. It signifies love, mutual respect, and the bonding between two individuals, whether in a romantic or platonic context. It is the union of two hearts, often indicating the beginning of a significant relationship or partnership.
Keywords:
Upright: Love, partnership, harmony, mutual respect, emotional connection.
The Querent's Thoughts
VI. The Lovers
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Lovers stand under a blood-red moon, their forms entwined yet distinct. One figure appears human, while the other is clearly vampiric, emphasizing the tension between attraction and duality. Between them, a single rose blooms, its petals tinged with crimson—a symbol of both love and sacrifice. In the background, a shadowy figure looms, hinting at the influence of external forces or choices yet to be made.
Meaning:
The Lovers symbolize connection, union, and the choices that shape our relationships and paths. This card often appears during moments of deep emotional connection or when a major decision requires alignment with your values and desires. It reminds you to consider the balance of give and take in relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or spiritual.
Reversed, this card warns of disharmony, imbalance, or misaligned priorities in relationships. It may also suggest indecision or a failure to honor your personal values.
Keywords:
Reversed: Disharmony, imbalance, misalignment, indecision, temptation, conflict.
The Other Person's Thoughts
King of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
The King of Stakes sits confidently in his domain, surrounded by the grim trophies of his reign. His impaled victims act as a wall of protection, symbolizing his authority, control, and the cost of maintaining power.
Meaning:
The King of Stakes represents authority, leadership, and honesty. He encourages you to act with integrity and take responsibility for your decisions. This card often signals success, stability, or the arrival of significant news, particularly regarding inheritance or financial matters.
Reversed, the King warns of a difficult but fair leader or challenges with authority figures. It may also suggest rigidity or an overly austere approach to life.
Keywords:
Reversed: Rigidity, austere leadership, fairness with difficulty, conflict with authority.
The Querent's Emotions
Eight of Stakes
Reversed
Symbolism:
A woman impaled by stakes showcases the cruel extremes of humanity. The stakes, angled as if in motion, represent swiftness and urgency. The scene hints at a world in constant flux, with events moving at an uncontrollable pace.
Meaning:
The Eight of Stakes represents rapid movement, action, and the culmination of efforts. It suggests that things are falling into place, and progress is accelerating toward your goals. This card encourages you to stay focused and prepared for opportunities that arise swiftly. It may also indicate travel, communication, or the arrival of significant news.
Reversed, the card points to inner turmoil, quarrels, or jealousy disrupting progress. It may also indicate delays or an inability to move forward due to unresolved issues.
Keywords:
Reversed: Delays, jealousy, conflict, stasis, miscommunication.
The Other Person's Emotions
X. The Wheel of Fortune
Reversed
Symbolism:
The Wheel of Fortune appears as a rotating wheel carved from black obsidian, inscribed with arcane runes glowing faintly in red and gold. Around the wheel, shadowy figures—some triumphant, others despairing—are caught in its orbit, symbolizing the cyclical nature of fate. At its center, a single, unblinking eye peers outward, embodying the watchful presence of destiny and the unpredictable forces that govern life.
Meaning:
The Wheel of Fortune represents cycles, change, and the influence of fate. It reminds you that life is constantly shifting between highs and lows, and adaptability is key to navigating these changes. When this card appears, it often signals a turning point, a shift in fortune, or the hand of destiny at work. It encourages you to seize opportunities while being mindful of the bigger picture.
Reversed, the Wheel warns of resistance to change, misfortune, or feeling stuck in a negative cycle. It suggests learning from setbacks to break free and regain control.
Keywords:
Reversed: Stagnation, resistance, bad luck, missed opportunities, instability, lack of control.
The Querent's External Stance
Six of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
Six swords impale a young female from every direction, capturing the grim tragedy of a life prematurely lost. The scene evokes a visceral sense of waste, portraying the haunting consequences of decisions or unavoidable circumstances.
Meaning:
The Six of Swords represents transition, movement, and the pursuit of peace or resolution after difficulty. It often signals leaving behind a painful situation, not without scars, but with the hope of finding clarity or refuge. The imagery highlights the weight of such transitions, emphasizing the emotional toll of moving forward.
Reversed, this card signifies declarations, confessions, or emotional outbursts that bring hidden truths to light. It may also suggest an unexpected emotional proposal, potentially tied to love or vulnerability.
Keywords:
Reversed: Declaration, confession, outburst, exposure, proposal of love.
The Other Person's External Stance
Ace of Swords
Reversed
Symbolism:
A hand emerges from the clouds, gripping a freshly used sword. The sword gleams with power, representing intellectual triumph and clarity that has recently been achieved. The imagery suggests that a great mental breakthrough has just occurred or is about to.
Meaning:
The Ace of Swords represents new ideas, clarity, and breakthroughs. It symbolizes the power of the mind, sharp thinking, and intellectual triumph. It is a card of victory through the use of force or the triumph of reason and logic. It suggests clear communication, decision-making, and the overcoming of challenges.
Reversed, the Ace of Swords signifies confusion, indecision, or an inability to see the truth. It may also represent false starts, miscommunication, or mental blocks.
Keywords:
Reversed: Confusion, falsehood, mental block, indecision.
