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 | ||
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3to1 |  |
Overall |  |
2to1 |  |
| 1+3 |  |
1to3 |  |
1to2 |  |
1+2 |
 |
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P#1 |  |
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||
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1: Person #1
Power (Sun in Capricorn): Radiating with the commanding energy of the Sun in Capricorn, the Four of Diamonds symbolises earthly dominion and structured success. This card speaks to the attainment of power through established order, discipline, and skilled confrontation. It indicates that mastery over your environment is achievable through strategic control and authority—reminding you that the wise use of power can create stability and influence in the material realm.
Earthly power, dominion, law and order, material success, skill in confrontation.
2: Person #2
Peace (Moon in Libra): In the delicate balance of the Two of Spades, contradictory qualities converge to form a fragile equilibrium. Influenced by the reflective Moon in Libra, this card speaks of reconciliation and the emergence of calm after strife. It suggests that true peace can arise from the integration of opposing forces—an eventual harmony where past conflicts settle into a state of bittersweet resolution and renewed understanding.
Pleasure after pain. Quarrel resolved.
3: Person #3
The Joker embodies a sense of limitless possibility and quiet transformation. It suggests the path ahead may be more fluid than it seems, urging you to consider that every moment holds the potential for re-invention. Its energy is subtle yet profound, encouraging you to remain receptive and adaptable in the face of change.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Root of Fire: This card bursts forth as the primal spark of creation, embodying raw, unbridled energy and the promise of new beginnings. It signals the moment when inspiration ignites—an invitation to harness your inner fire and pioneer fresh ventures. The Ace of Clubs encourages you to tap into that potent creative force and step into uncharted territory, trusting that the energy you release now will forge the path to future success.
Energy, natural force, strength, creation, invention, pioneer spirit, enterprise, source, beginning, birth.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Failure (Saturn in Taurus): Saturn in Taurus casts a sobering light on the Seven of Diamonds, which speaks to the perils of wasted effort and unfulfilled promises. This card reflects moments when hard work yields little gain, or when hopes are dashed by unforeseen obstacles. It urges you to reassess your strategies, learn from setbacks, and recognise that even failure carries the seeds of wisdom—encouraging you to recalibrate your approach for more fruitful outcomes.
Sloth, abandoned labour, hopes deceived, promises unfulfilled, disappointment.
6: Person #3's view of #1
Cancer: A luminous, poetic soul, she exudes a dreamy and tranquil sensitivity that enchants all who come near. Deeply receptive, her nurturing nature is both a wellspring of inspiration and, at times, dependent on the energies surrounding her. She invites you to explore your inner landscape with creativity and compassion while maintaining the strength to stand on your own.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Satiety (Mars in Pisces): This card presents a paradox of fulfilment—a state where pleasure appears complete yet leaves an echo of longing. The Ten of Hearts, energised by Mars in Pisces, suggests that even when desires seem satisfied, there remains an undercurrent of what might have been. It challenges you to explore the nature of satisfaction: to recognise that true contentment involves continual growth and that each peak of joy is but a stepping stone to further emotional discovery.
8: Person #3's view of #2
Indolence (Saturn in Pisces): Here, the Eight of Hearts reflects a state of emotional stagnation—a weariness that comes from either a deliberate renunciation of worldly pursuits or a surrender to melancholic inertia. Under Saturn's disciplined influence in Pisces, it signals a pause, a moment of introspection where success is abandoned or delayed. This card prompts you to assess whether you're disengaging from life out of necessary spiritual recalibration or simply succumbing to apathy, urging you to find the courage to reawaken your heart's ambitions.
Success abandoned, apathy, misery, transience, instability, a small victory. Sometimes means abandonment of materialistic pursuits in favour of the spiritual.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Aries: Radiating a calm yet potent presence, she blends serene attractiveness with the dynamic drive of Aries. Her relaxed strength and persistence make her a formidable force, though she shows little tolerance for opposition. She encourages you to stand firm in your convictions, adapting with grace while asserting your will in pursuit of creative endeavours.
Strength relaxed. Persistent, adaptive, but intolerant of opposition.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
Swiftness (Mercury in Sagittarius): The Eight of Clubs bursts with the energy of Mercury in Sagittarius, urging quick decisions and dynamic movement. It represents the acceleration of thought and action—where ideas spark into motion almost as swiftly as lightning. This card signals a period when opportunities and information arrive at breakneck speed. Embrace adaptability and be prepared for sudden changes; your ability to respond with agility will propel you towards success.
Action, explosive energy, electricity, fast communication, gain of rapid speed, light, quickness.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
Wealth (Mercury in Virgo): This card encapsulates the pinnacle of material achievement—a culmination of diligent work and prudent management that leads to prosperity. The Ten of Diamonds signifies not only financial abundance but the completion of a long-term project or life's work. It invites you to savour the rewards of your labour, recognise the maturity of your achievements, and prepare for the wisdom that comes with experience and stability.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The Joker exudes playful disruption and unexpected vitality. It invites you to break free from the routine and consider that sometimes a sudden change can lead to new opportunities. It encourages a bold, creative stance—urging you to experiment with unconventional approaches and trust in the energy of spontaneity.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Root of Air: This card bursts forth as the inception of intellect and spiritual conquest. It represents an invocated force—an elemental surge of clarity and willpower born from adversity. The Ace of Spades signals the moment when profound insight and strength are summoned through tribulation, empowering you to overcome obstacles by embracing mental acuity and challenge.
Invoked force, conquest, strength through tribulation.
