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
Strife (Saturn in Leo): The Five of Clubs confronts you with the inevitable friction that accompanies any great endeavour. Under the stern influence of Saturn in Leo, this card signals conflicts—be they internal struggles, competitive battles, or clashes of will—that test your resolve. It serves as a reminder that growth often comes through adversity. It challenges you to confront your obstacles with discipline and fortitude, transforming strife into a catalyst for personal evolution.
Struggle, competition, opposition, violence, quarrelling, lust and carnal desire.
2: Person #2
Completion (Venus in Aries): Marking the successful closure of a significant cycle, the Four of Clubs embodies accomplishment and harmonious fruition. Influenced by Venus in Aries, it speaks of a project reaching its conclusion, where creative efforts are solidified into lasting achievement. This card encourages you to celebrate your victories, consolidate your gains, and take a well-earned pause before embarking on the next creative adventure.
3: Person #3
Interference (Jupiter in Gemini): Marked by the restless energy of Jupiter in Gemini, the Eight of Spades warns against the dangers of distraction and needless complexity. It speaks of interference—where attention to minutiae undermines the broader vision, leading to restrictions and unforeseen misfortunes. This card urges you to step back from over-analysis and focus on the larger picture, lest the clutter of details obscure your true objectives and sap your momentum.
4: Person #1's view of #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.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Gain (Venus in Virgo): The Nine of Diamonds radiates the graceful influence of Venus in Virgo, symbolising the fruition of material efforts through enhanced wealth and fortune. It points to gains that come through careful cultivation and practical acumen—such as inheritances or steady financial growth. This card encourages you to appreciate and build upon the material blessings in your life, transforming small victories into enduring prosperity.
Inheritance, increase in wealth, material fortune, accomplishment.
6: Person #3's view of #1
Abundance (Mercury in Cancer): Overflowing with the energy of creative fertility, the Three of Hearts celebrates the fullness of life. It speaks of bountiful emotional riches, the nurturing of relationships, and the joy found in shared kindness and hospitality. This card encourages you to embrace generosity and allow your heart to be a wellspring of inspiration, fostering growth and fulfilment in both personal and communal realms.
Fulfilment, conclusion, plenty, fertility, hospitality, kindness, creation.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Disappointment (Mars in Scorpio): Turbulent waters mark the Five of Hearts—a card that speaks to the pain of unfulfilled expectations and the sting of betrayal. Its energy, charged by Mars in Scorpio, often manifests as intense grief, regret, or the aftermath of a broken bond. It serves as a sombre reminder that emotional setbacks are part of the transformative process, urging you to confront and heal your wounds so new growth may eventually emerge.
Grief, misfortune, sadness, regret, loss, treachery, bitterness, frustration, bad marriage, expectations unfulfilled.
8: Person #3'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.
9: Person #1's view of #3
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.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
Truth (Jupiter in Libra): Radiating with the expansive clarity of Jupiter in Libra, the Four of Spades offers a sanctuary of intellectual recovery and restoration. This card is an oasis emerging after tumultuous periods, where the establishment of truth and established dogma brings order and balance. It calls upon you to seek honesty and intellectual authority, encouraging the formation of a clear, reasoned foundation after the chaos has subsided.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Happiness (Jupiter in Pisces): Effusive and expansive, the Nine of Hearts is a celebration of emotional well-being and the deep-seated joy that comes from embracing life's mysteries. Guided by the benevolent energy of Jupiter in Pisces, it signifies a state of bliss and inner harmony, where love, compassion, and gratitude infuse every moment. This card invites you to bask in the glow of happiness, celebrate your successes, and share your radiance with those around you.
