The Love Triangle Layout
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 layout may seem somewhat complicated, but it is not entirely that difficult.
The first step is to interpret the tile 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 tile 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 tiles showing the way they see and relate to the other members of the triangle. For example, Tile #6 indicates how Person #3 relates to Person #1, while Tile #9 stands for Person #1's attitude toward Person #3.
The next step completes the upward triangle and the hexagram, focusing on tiles #10–13. It also completes the many smaller triangles and hints at the potential for each relationship. The final tile, #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
The Plum Blossom is a symbol of resilience, purity, and the resolve to endure hardship. Blooming in the cold of winter, it thrives where other flowers wither, representing perseverance through life's harshest trials. This tile suggests that even in difficult times, there is beauty to be found, and endurance will ultimately lead to renewal. The Plum Blossom also speaks to inner fortitude—your ability to withstand adversity with grace and dignity. Challenges may persist, but just as winter gives way to spring, your current struggles will lead to a period of flourishing. It encourages patience, reminding you that the most valuable growth often occurs in times of hardship.
2: Person #2
The White Dragon stands as a mysterious symbol of the unseen forces at work in your life. It represents the enigmatic and unpredictable aspects of fate that lie beyond human perception. This tile invites you to acknowledge that not all elements in your journey are fully revealed or understood, and that there is wisdom in embracing uncertainty. The White Dragon's ethereal quality encourages openness to hidden influences that shape your destiny. It cautions against overreliance on clear-cut answers, reminding you that growth often comes from navigating ambiguity and exploring the realms of the unknown. The White Dragon, therefore, serves as both a guardian of secret knowledge and a catalyst for intuitive insight, urging you to trust that even the mysterious aspects of life contribute to your ultimate evolution.
3: Person #3
The Lute resonates with the harmonies of balance, introspection, and the gentle rhythms of life. This tile is an invitation to slow down, find solace in the delicate interplay of sound and silence, and appreciate the art of subtle expression. It symbolises the need for restorative pauses in an otherwise frenetic existence—encouraging you to nurture your creative and emotional well-being through the soft strains of music and contemplation. The Lute calls for a mindful retreat from stress, indicating that complex problems may be resolved through calm, deliberate reflection. In its vibration, the Lute speaks of letting go of discord and embracing the moments that allow your inner self to be heard, guiding you towards balanced decisions and a more harmonious existence.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Toad represents resilience through hardship, resourcefulness, and the rewards of patience. Its presence suggests a time of struggle or slow progress, but also the wisdom gained from perseverance. The Toad is often associated with wealth and protection in folklore, signifying hidden treasures that will only be revealed through hard work and dedication. Ambition may be high, but it warns against reaching beyond one's means without preparation. This tile urges patience—difficulties will pass, leaving you stronger and more grounded in your pursuits. Look beyond surface-level frustrations to recognise deeper opportunities for learning and growth.
5: Person #2's view of #3
The Peacock, as the first tile of the Bamboo suit, signifies prosperity, renewal, and the arrival of great fortune. Its dazzling plumage represents recognition, status, and elevated social standing, yet it carries a caution—pride and vanity can lead to downfall. Success should be embraced with humility, as arrogance may unravel what has been earned. The Peacock is also an omen of transformation; a major shift in your life path is imminent, requiring wisdom and grace to navigate. This tile suggests opportunities for growth and self-expression will soon present themselves, but they must be handled with balance and self-awareness to avoid overreaching.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Pine Tree tile embodies steadfast strength, resilience, and mature resolve. It represents a powerful, determined individual—often a person of diplomatic skill—whose unwavering principles guide them through adversity. This tile speaks of enduring character, suggesting that success comes not from impulsive action but through planning, persistence, and accumulating wisdom. It encourages a balanced approach to life: fusing fortitude with measured patience and strategic foresight. The Pine Tree calls upon you to root yourself in your values, nurture your ambitions consistently, and let your steady progress be the foundation upon which lasting achievements are built.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The East Wind represents the core of your being and the birth of new energy. This tile embodies the vital force of growth, mirroring the nurturing yet resilient nature of Wood. It signifies that the energies influencing your current state are rooted in your inner self—your creativity, ambitions, and authentic identity. In a reading, the East Wind magnifies surrounding influences, urging a return to your origins to re-establish balance and purpose. Its presence implies that growth comes from aligning with your true nature, emphasising organic development, adaptability, and the inherent strength to nurture new beginnings.
8: Person #3's view of #2
A symbol of devotion, emotional stability, and harmony, the Duck embodies long-lasting relationships built on mutual trust and shared goals. Whether in love, friendship, or business partnership, this tile speaks of unwavering loyalty and the ability to weather hardships together. The Duck's presence reassures that unity and commitment will overcome all obstacles, leading to enduring companionship and shared prosperity. It also serves as a reminder to maintain balance in relationships—communication, reciprocity, and emotional nourishment are necessary to sustain the bond. If conflicts arise, this tile encourages reconciliation through patience and understanding rather than stubbornness or pride.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Knot signifies connection, fate, and the web of relationships and circumstances that shape our lives. It suggests that events or people are deeply intertwined, and understanding these connections is key to resolving current challenges. This tile can indicate strong bonds—whether romantic, familial, or spiritual—that require care and attention to remain intact. However, it may also warn of entanglements or obligations that have become restrictive. If the Knot feels too tight, it may be time to untangle yourself from unhealthy patterns or commitments. The lesson of the Knot is that relationships and choices are bound by cause and effect; mindful actions will create harmony, while carelessness may lead to complications.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The Insect tile represents a surge of rapid, energetic activity that delivers quick, albeit transient, successes. It emphasises the potential for short bursts of inspiration and effort that can lead to immediate gains, but it also serves as a reminder that these victories are temporary. This tile underscores the importance of recognising that rapid action can act as a catalyst—a bridge—towards establishing more enduring achievements. It invites you to harness these moments of heightened energy to spark initial progress, while also urging you to develop strategies that convert these brief surges into a stable, long-term foundation. The Insect teaches that while adrenaline-fuelled initiatives can provide a vital boost, lasting growth depends on careful planning and deliberate, sustained effort once the initial momentum has been captured. Use these episodes as signals to seize opportunity, then transition to more measured actions that secure lasting benefits.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Heavens tile embodies the notion of completion, divine orchestration, and the transcendence of worldly endeavours. It signifies that a cycle in your life is drawing to a close, marking the culmination of efforts and the readiness to embrace new horizons. This tile suggests the forces beyond the mundane—cosmic energies, fate, or spiritual intervention—are aligning to bring your current journey to a purposeful end. With this closure comes a clarity that allows you to contemplate the next stage of your evolution. The Heavens remind you that every ending holds the seeds of a new beginning, and that your destiny is part of a grand, ever-unfolding cosmic design. Trust that the completion of this phase is not a termination, but a necessary prelude to the emergence of higher aspirations and more expansive possibilities.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The Unicorn stands as an emblem of visionary insight, intuitive clarity, and the rare capacity to discern truths that lie beneath surface appearances. This tile conveys an ethereal quality, suggesting that you have a vision capable of revealing hidden patterns and underlying realities in both people and situations. It encourages you to trust in your intuitive gifts and cultivate a perception beyond conventional sight. The Unicorn's energy is one of subtle yet profound revelation—it implies that unique perspectives and psychic sensitivity can open doors to understanding that others may overlook. The Unicorn not only points to the presence of extraordinary insight within yourself but may also hint at the influence of a person with rare intuitive abilities who can guide you through complex circumstances. This tile reminds you that clarity arises when you combine rational analysis with a willingness to explore the mystical dimensions of experience.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Land tile represents stability, nurturing growth, and the fertile ground upon which your aspirations can take root. It speaks to both physical and metaphorical landscapes, suggesting that your environment—whether a home, community, or inner state—is ready to support your ambitions. This tile emphasises that true progress is built on a solid foundation; it calls for an assessment of your current resources and surroundings to ensure they are conducive to long-term success. As a symbol of both abundance and grounding, Land encourages you to cultivate a sense of rootedness and stability. In this phase, growth will be measured by the strength of your base, and nurturing your inner landscape becomes as crucial as pursuing external achievements. This tile reminds you that when the earth is well-tilled, the seeds of your endeavours will flourish.
