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
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.
2: Person #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.
3: Person #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
4: Person #1's view of #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.
5: Person #2'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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
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.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Taurus: The Jack of Diamonds embodies youthful practicality and a keen sense for the material world. Representing a person skilled in pragmatic affairs, he is dependable, resourceful, and attuned to the tangible aspects of life. This card may indicate a youthful figure—perhaps a messenger or a guide—who values stability and efficiency, yet may find himself at odds with more spiritual or abstract perspectives.
8: Person #3's view of #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.
9: Person #1's view of #3
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.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
Works (Mars in Capricorn): The energy of Mars in Capricorn drives the Three of Diamonds to the forefront of enterprise and craftsmanship. This card is a dynamic emblem of construction, commerce, and the relentless pursuit of material gain through hard work and discipline. It serves as a reminder that success is built through consistent effort and strategic planning, urging you to invest your energy in projects that promise long-term growth and tangible rewards.
Construction, business, commerce, employment, material gain, growth.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
Oppression (Saturn in Sagittarius): The Ten of Clubs serves as a stark warning about the misuse of raw power. Under the heavy hand of Saturn in Sagittarius, this card represents energy turned destructive—brute force that suppresses growth and stifles creativity. It cautions against the potential for self-imposed or external repression, where ambition may devolve into cruelty or malice if not guided by wisdom and compassion. It urges you to seek balance and channel your fiery energy constructively, lest it become an instrument of oppression.
Lies, repression, cruelty, malice. The element of fire in its most destructive form.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Leo: A vibrant young figure bursting with the fire of youth and noble intent, he embodies a courageous spirit and a generous heart. His impulsive nature and quick humour mask a deep inner strength and creative passion. He invites you to seize the moment and trust that your innate vitality can spark new beginnings.
A young man, just, noble, generous, impulsive, humorous, strong.
