The Love Triangle Spread

Difficulty: Complicated

Casually referred to as the Love Triangle, this spread can be used to determine the dynamics of the relationship between three people, regardless of whether romance is involved. This spread is arranged in the form of a hexagram, consisting of several large and small triangles. This tarot spread may seem somewhat complicated, but it is not entirely that difficult.

The first step is to interpret the card for each individual position in the spread. Generally, one might ask about a relationship they are involved in, but this does not have to be the case. Ordinarily, the reader's representative card is #1, their main person of interest is #2, and the other person would be #3.

The second step fills in the downward triangle and involves further examination of the individuals through their views of the other people. Each person has two more cards showing the way they see and relate to the other members of the triangle. For example, Card #6 indicates how Person #3 relates to Person #1, while Card #9 stands for Person #1's attitude toward Person #3.

The next step completes the upward triangle and the hexagram, focusing on cards #10–13. It also completes the many smaller triangles and hints at the potential for each relationship. The final card, #13 can be considered the significator of the reading, which suggests the overall potential for this three-way relationship.

Your Love Triangle Reading

P#3		3to2	2+3	2to3		P#2
	3to1		Overall		2to1
1+3		1to3		1to2		1+2
			P#1

1: Person #1

A pretentious person who undermines the success of others. Fiscal irresponsibility may be causing difficulty. Depending on others to solve your problems rather than using your own resources. A 'gold digger'. Indulgence in sensual pleasures is putting your financial security at risk.

2: Person #2

Trickery or dishonesty; clandestine behaviour. Involvement in underhanded or illegal acts. A risky undertaking. Cunning actions, especially when used to 'level the playing field'. 'Thinking outside of the box'. Working 'smarter, not harder'.

3: Person #3

A project is having problems coming to fruition. Obstacles to creativity, such as writer's block. Sterility or loss. Someone is being unproductive. Having issues with your mother. Being smothered by someone. Chaos. Stagnation.

4: Person #1's view of #2

Emotional immaturity or awkwardness in a relationship. Being confused by your feelings for someone or by a relationship. Avoiding a needed examination of your feelings about something. Letting your curiosity get you into trouble.

5: Person #2's view of #3

An interfering, domineering, or overpowering person who insists on getting their own way. Using deceit or betrayal to thwart someone they think is in their way. The imposition of your own values on others. Haughtiness and pride. The 'other woman' in an affair.

6: Person #3's view of #1

Reaping what you have sown. Rewards have not yet arrived, but your continued hard work will bring favourable results down the line. Reassessing your goals or the strategy for achieving your goals.

7: Person #2's view of #1

'Facing your demons'. Overcoming an addiction. Pushing past obsessions and working to limit the number of toxic situations and friendships in your life. Getting help for your problems with addictions, anger management issues, etc. Resisting temptation. 'Better the devil you know than the devil you don't'.

8: Person #3's view of #2

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.

9: Person #1's view of #3

The discovery of a new insight. Beginning to 'Know Thyself'. A learning experience. Being open to new ideas or points of view. Justice, fairness, and honour. Success after a struggle. The mental clarity to overcome conflicts.

10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2

An enterprise that looked promising fails to deliver. Short-sightedness, unrealistic plans, or overconfidence cause problems for a new venture. The road ahead seems filled with roadblocks. A need to expand your horizons. Getting bogged down in details and losing the 'big picture'.

11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3

Thinking you're in love with someone, but actually you're just 'in love with love'. A need to create more peace and harmony in your relationships. Having an overly emotional response. Being emotionally needy. Emotions are clouding your judgment.

12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3

Delay in new beginnings or missing out on new opportunities. Having resistance to change. Unexpected problems and obstacles. Fate is not smiling at you right now. 'Shit happens' but 'this too shall pass'. Getting caught up in the dramas of life.

13: Overall 3-way Relationship

A relationship ending or turning sour (it may or may not be romantic). 'Star-crossed lovers;' an ill-fated relationship. The inability to make a choice for any number of reasons – fearing to commit to a decision, being indecisive, or having inner conflict. Choosing the 'low road' in life.