How Do I Know What Tarot Spread to Use for Each Occasion? One of the most common questions readers have is: “What spread should I use for this situation?” With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t need to memorize a hundred layouts. Choosing the right tarot spread is really about matching the structure of the spread to the kind of support you’re looking for. Start With One Simple Question Before you pick a spread, pause and ask yourself: “What do I actually want from this reading?” Are you trying to make a decision, understand someone’s feelings, get a big-picture overview, or check the energy of the week ahead? Once you’re clear on that, it becomes easier to choose a spread that fits. Match the Spread to the Type of Occasion Here are some common situations and the types of spreads that tend to work well for them: 1. Everyday Check-Ins One-card pull: Best for a daily message, theme of the day, or simple guidance. Two-card spread: “Energy I’m in” and “Energy to embody” or “Challenge” and “Advice.” Three-card spread: Past–Present–Future or Mind–Body–Spirit. Use these when you don’t have a big crisis, but still want to stay connected to your intuition. 2. Decisions and Crossroads Choice spreads: One position for Option A, one for Option B, plus a card (or two) for advice. Pros and cons spread: Cards for potential benefits, challenges, and the likely outcome. “What happens if…” spread: Each path gets its own small cluster of cards. These are ideal when you’re torn between jobs, moves, relationships, or big life changes. 3. Love and Relationship Occasions Connection spread: You, them, the energy between you, and advice. How they feel spread: Their feelings, intentions, fears, and likely actions. Relationship check-in: What’s working, what’s not, what needs attention. Use these when you want clarity on romantic connections, friendships, or family dynamics. 4. Career, Money, and Life Path Career overview spread: Current energy, hidden influences, opportunities, and next steps. Money/abundance spread: Your beliefs, blocks, and practical guidance. Life purpose spread: Your strengths, lessons, and where to focus next. These are helpful for promotions, starting a business, or choosing a new direction. 5. Special Occasions and New Cycles New moon / full moon spread: What to release, what to call in, and what to focus on. Birthday or new year spread: Themes for the year ahead, challenges, and key opportunities. Seasonal spread: What this upcoming season is asking you to learn or embrace. These spreads are great when you’re entering a fresh chapter or want to reset your energy. Use the Number of Cards to Control the Depth You can use the same basic spread shape and adjust the number of cards for the occasion: 1–3 cards: Quick clarity, simple questions, or daily guidance. 4–6 cards: A bit more detail for focused topics (love, career, decisions). 7+ cards: Deep dive readings, yearly overviews, or complex situations. If you already feel overwhelmed, choose fewer cards. A clear three-card spread is more powerful than a messy ten-card one you can’t interpret. Let the Occasion Shape the Positions You don’t always need a pre-made spread from a book or the internet. You can make your own simply by turning your concerns into card positions. For example: “What’s really going on?” → Card 1: Surface energy, Card 2: Hidden energy. “Why does this keep happening?” → Card 1: Pattern, Card 2: Lesson, Card 3: Shift to make. “How can I move forward?” → Card 1: Where I’m at, Card 2: Block, Card 3: Next step. If the occasion is a tough conversation, a date, a job interview, or a big change, just turn your main questions into 3–6 positions and you’ve created a custom spread. Check In With Your Intuition If you’re still unsure which spread to use, try this: Pick two or three spread ideas that could work. Close your eyes, take a breath, and imagine doing each one. Notice which one feels lighter, clearer, or more “right” in your body. Your intuition will usually nudge you toward the spread that fits the occasion best. It’s Okay to Change Mid-Reading You’re not locked into a spread just because you started it. If you pull a few cards and realize the layout isn’t helping, you can: Stop, reshuffle, and choose a simpler spread. Ask follow-up questions with one-card pulls. Turn part of the reading into a “clarifier” section with extra cards. Tarot spreads are tools, not rules. The “right” spread is the one that gives you clarity for this occasion, in a way that feels supportive and manageable. Final Thoughts Knowing what tarot spread to use is less about memorizing layouts and more about matching the spread to the moment. Start with your intention, choose a structure that fits the occasion, and don’t be afraid to keep things simple. As you practice, you’ll naturally learn which spreads work best for different situations, and creating the “perfect” spread for any occasion will start to feel effortless.
