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
Sagittarius: A man of action and expansive vision, he strides forward with unyielding generosity and an adventurous spirit. His pride and impetuosity propel him into leadership, yet his fiery nature reminds you to balance spontaneity with wisdom. He is the call to pursue your goals with both bold passion and reflective insight.
A man of action, generosity, pride, and impetuousness.
2: Person #2
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.
3: Person #3
Capricorn: The Queen of Diamonds exudes a grounded, nurturing power that is both practical and affectionate. Her influence is marked by a sense of duty and well-cultivated charm that brings warmth to even the most restrictive environments. She symbolises a person—or an energy—who combines the rigour of material success with kindness, nurturing the prosperity of those around her while maintaining a firm grasp on reality.
A practical, kind, domesticated, affectionate, charming woman
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Root of Earth: This card heralds the spark of material existence—a seed of contentment and the promise of success. The Ace of Diamonds invites you to harness the energies of the physical world, celebrating the genesis of creative endeavours that manifest into real-world achievements. It suggests that now is the moment to establish a solid foundation for future prosperity, embracing both resourcefulness and grounded ambition.
Materialistic concerns, contentment, earthly power and success.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Pleasure (Sun in Scorpio): Radiating the warmth of the Sun filtered through the intense lens of Scorpio, the Six of Hearts signals a period of emotional contentment and the gentle emergence of satisfaction. It suggests that harmony is returning after a period of strife, paving the way for steady emotional growth. This card invites you to relish the simple joys of life and trust that glee awaits as you continue to nurture your inner world.
Natural harmony, satisfaction, beginnings of steady increase
6: Person #3's view of #1
Defeat (Venus in Aquarius): The Five of Spades embodies the sting of loss and the undercurrents of malice that can fracture resolve. With Venus in Aquarius tinting its energy, this card reflects moments of weakness and spite—times when external pressures and internal conflicts sap your strength. It cautions that defeat might be a necessary, though painful, lesson, urging you to recognise vulnerability as a stepping stone towards reclaiming dignity and reasserting your personal integrity.
Weakness, loss, spite, malice, trouble, dishonour, anxiety. A driver of wedges.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Science (Mercury in Aquarius): In the precise, methodical energy of Mercury in Aquarius, the Six of Spades represents the culmination of intellectual endeavours. This card heralds the successful alignment of thought, analysis, and innovative insight—where every faculty converges on a clear, singular truth. It symbolises that through reason and collective understanding, even the most challenging problems can be dissected and resolved, paving the way for progress grounded in rationality.
8: Person #3's view of #2
Love (Venus in Cancer): Embodying the tender union of opposites, the Two of Hearts radiates a harmonious blend of passion and nurturing care. It signifies a balanced partnership where intuitive understanding and mutual warmth create a sanctuary of love and comfort. This card speaks to the deep connection between souls—a call to honour intimacy, trust, and the transformative power of emotional unity.
Love, union, friendship, warmth, comfort, passion, affinity, intercourse.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Prudence (Sun in Virgo): Guided by the precise and diligent energy of the Sun in Virgo, the Eight of Diamonds champions the virtues of careful planning and industrious management. This card is a call to exercise prudence in all material endeavours—whether through agriculture, construction, or financial planning. It reminds you that success is often the result of meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to building your dreams step by step.
Industriousness, agriculture, building, construction, intelligence in material affairs.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
Change (Jupiter in Capricorn): Embodying the steady yet expansive influence of Jupiter in Capricorn, the Two of Diamonds signifies transformative shifts in the realm of material matters. It speaks of change that is both inevitable and, often, pleasantly surprising—be it a new opportunity in business or a refreshing social encounter. This card encourages you to welcome change with a balanced sense of practicality and optimism, understanding that each shift paves the way for growth and renewed purpose.
Constant change, likely a pleasant change, visit to friends, wandering.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
Debauch (Venus in Scorpio): The Seven of Hearts warns of the dangers of unbridled passion when it tips into excess. With Venus in Scorpio intensifying its energy, this card highlights a descent into moral ambiguity—where the allure of indulgence may lead to deception and loss of integrity. It calls for reflection on your desires, encouraging you to cultivate a balance between passion and ethical grounding, lest you become entangled in fleeting, self-destructive pursuits.
Deception, shameless indulgence, lust, fornication, intoxication, delusion, promises unfulfilled.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Cruelty (Mars in Gemini): The Nine of Spades confronts you with a raw depiction of suffering and malice. Infused with the aggressive energy of Mars in Gemini, it reveals the darker facets of human interaction—lies, despair, and the infliction of pain borne from both external conflict and inner turmoil. This card acts as a stark reminder of the perils of untempered aggression and the importance of compassion, encouraging you to transform harshness into healing when faced with cruelty.
Suffering, pain, malice, loss, lies, despair, slander.
