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 Jade Coin represents prosperity, stability, and the enduring value of hard-earned success. Unlike fleeting wealth, jade is a symbol of long-term security, integrity, and wisdom in financial or personal matters. This tile suggests that careful planning, persistence, and ethical actions will lead to lasting rewards. It may indicate an opportunity for financial gain, but one that requires patience and wise decision-making rather than impulsive action. The Jade Coin also carries spiritual significance, reminding you that true wealth is not measured by material possessions alone, but by the richness of experience, wisdom, and meaningful relationships.
2: Person #2
The Willow bends but does not break. It symbolises resilience, flexibility, and the ability to withstand adversity. This tile signifies a test of endurance—life's trials may push you to the limit, but your strength lies in your ability to adapt and remain standing. The Willow also represents emotional intelligence and the necessity of compromise—by yielding where needed, you secure a future that remains strong and stable. This is a time to trust your inner wisdom and allow yourself to move with the winds of change rather than resisting them. Through patience and adaptability, you will emerge stronger and wiser.
3: Person #3
The Fire tile is a potent emblem of imbalance, transformation through crisis, and the urgency to address burning issues before they consume vital resources. It warns that an intense, potentially destructive force is at play, whether in the realms of finance, personal relationships, or spiritual well-being. Fire demands immediate attention, signalling that unchecked passions or conflicts may lead to irreversible losses. This tile forces you to confront what is out of control—whether it be a volatile situation, unresolved emotions, or unsustainable ambitions—and restore equilibrium before the conflagration spreads further. Yet, in its purifying aspect, Fire also carries the promise of renewal. By facing and resolving these fiery challenges, you can emerge cleansed, with a clearer sense of purpose and boundaries that protect your future.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Cat signifies intuition, silent vigilance, and stealthy observation. It embodies an acute sensitivity to subtle cues and the innate ability to ward off negative influences. This tile represents independence and self-reliance, encouraging you to trust your inner guidance when confronting uncertainties. The Cat's presence is a reminder to remain alert and perceptive, using observation to navigate social or personal situations. It emphasises balancing assertiveness with discretion, allowing you to act decisively without drawing unwanted attention. In essence, the Cat stands as a guardian in darkness, protecting your inner light while guiding you to move through challenges with measured insight and resolve.
5: Person #2's view of #3
The Rat embodies industriousness and resourcefulness, symbolising the relentless pursuit of opportunity. It represents a mind that works methodically to accumulate essential resources and strategically prepare for future challenges. This tile speaks to shrewd decision-making, the skill of recognising hidden potential in everyday situations, and the disciplined work required for long-term security. At the same time, it cautions against excessive cunning and exploitation, reminding you that ethical conduct and balanced ambition are vital. The Rat encourages you to use vigilance and calculated planning to transform everyday actions into a robust foundation for success. It champions perseverance, continuous improvement, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances without compromising integrity. On the negative side, this creature can be cowardly, cunning, and cruel—and a major pest which spreads disease and destruction.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Chrysanthemum is a symbol of long life, contentment, and the wisdom that comes with age. It carries the energy of peace and detachment, encouraging you to step back from the chaos of daily struggles and find serenity in the present moment. This tile suggests longevity is not just about physical endurance but also about maintaining emotional and mental equilibrium. It may indicate a time of rest, reflection, or enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The Chrysanthemum reminds you to cultivate patience and embrace the slow unfolding of events rather than pushing for immediate results. Like its petals that open gradually, fulfilment comes through steady, mindful progress.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Lotus is a sacred emblem of rebirth, enlightenment, and the ability to rise above challenges. Its emergence suggests new beginnings—a birth, a fresh opportunity, or spiritual awakening. Rising from the mud to bloom in pristine beauty, this tile signifies triumph over adversity and the purity of spirit gained through hardship. The Lotus encourages letting go of pain, releasing attachments to negativity, and embracing a higher state of consciousness. It heralds a period of recovery and renewal, reminding you that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to profound clarity. Now is the time to embrace new perspectives and allow yourself to flourish.
8: Person #3's view of #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.
9: Person #1's view of #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.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The South Wind is charged with the energy of Fire, symbolising passionate drive, transformative action, and the power to ignite change. This tile heralds a period where fervour and determination are paramount, urging you to confront challenges with a burning resolve. The Fire element here cleanses and refines, burning away obstacles and outdated patterns to reveal a clearer path forward. It demands harnessing your inner flame to propel decisive actions and breakthrough moments. The South Wind's influence is both catalytic and illuminating—demanding not only a bold embrace of change but also a careful management of the powerful, often volatile, energy that fuels it.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Rooster symbolises punctuality, discipline, and the promise of new beginnings. It stands for communication and the commitment to rising early, establishing order in your daily life. This tile embodies self-reliance and the drive to assert your presence in the world, ensuring that every new day is approached with determination. The Rooster's crow is not just a call to awaken; it signifies the importance of marking time and seizing opportunities as they emerge. It champions responsibility and the readiness to defend one's personal space, encouraging you to face challenges. The Rooster teaches that consistency, vigilance, and proactive engagement create the groundwork for enduring success.
