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 | ![]() Three of Cups |
![]() Two of Swords |
|
| Emotion | ![]() Four of Swords |
The Significator![]() Three of Swords |
![]() XV – The Devil |
| External Stance | ![]() Five of Cups |
![]() XI – Justice |
The Significator
Three of Swords
Facing a harsh reality. The pursuit of truth, no matter how painful it may be. A need to work through a pain experience or memory. Learning a hard lesson. Doing what you have to in order to survive. Making a necessary sacrifice. A period of loneliness.
The Querent's Thoughts
Three of Cups
Be careful of overindulgence; too much of a good thing can cause problems. The cancelation of a celebration or party. Hanging with a bad crowd. Betrayal of friends. 'Misery loves company'.
The Other Person's Thoughts
Two of Swords
Decisiveness, objectivity. It's time to make an important decision in order to move forward. A wise or clever decision or compromise. Seeing both sides of an argument. Settling an argument. Arriving at a truce.
The Querent's Emotions
Four of Swords
Taking a vacation or some needed 'downtime'. Rest and recuperation. A reminder to take care of yourself. Finding peace or a break from the stress of life. Escaping the 'rat race'. Introspection.
The Other Person's Emotions
XV – The Devil
Materialism or superficiality. Negative thinking. A dysfunctional relationship. Being self-destructive or caught in a bad situation of your own making through vices such as greed, addictions, or hubris. Giving in to temptation. Feeling like you're going through Hell. Egotistical power struggles. Dealing with someone you think is evil, although s/he may be merely exhibiting shortcomings that you have but don't want to face in yourself.
The Querent's External Stance
Five of Cups
Feelings of loss or abandonment by a loved one. Feeling betrayed by someone you loved or trusted. A relationship has turned ugly and unpleasant, or a painful ending is coming. Seeing the glass as half empty instead of as half full. 'Crying over spilt milk'.
The Other Person's External Stance
XI – Justice
Lack of self-discipline is creating problems. Being a bully or feeling bullied by others. Being overbearing or bossy. Lacking integrity and moral fortitude. Yielding to base instincts such as greed and jealousy. Seeing the worst in others.
