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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1: Person #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.
2: Person #2
Gemini: A dynamic master of communication and wit, he moves with agile energy and versatile skill. His clever mind and active nature drive him to explore multiple facets of any challenge, though his quicksilver approach can sometimes border on impetuosity. His presence inspires you to embrace duality—melding rapid thought with careful deliberation to achieve a well-rounded vision.
An active, skilful, witty, clever, fierce man.
3: Person #3
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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
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.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Sorrow (Saturn in Libra): Shrouded in melancholy, the Three of Spades brings the weight of sorrow and disruption. Under the sombre influence of Saturn in Libra, it embodies the inevitability of loss, delay, and separation. This card gently warns that the seeds of discord and melancholy, though painful, are integral to the cyclical nature of growth—each moment of sorrow paving the way for deeper wisdom.
Melancholy, disruption, discord, delay, separation.
6: Person #3's view of #1
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.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Worry (Mercury in Taurus): The Five of Diamonds channels the cautionary energy of Mercury in Taurus, highlighting the strain that accompanies periods of stagnation or disruption in material pursuits. It speaks to the anxiety and potential loss that may arise from inertia or poorly timed ventures. This card advises you to address your concerns through practical reflection and clear communication—acknowledging that even moments of worry hold lessons that, once learned, can fortify your future efforts.
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
Virtue (Sun in Aries): Radiating with the intense light of the Sun in Aries, the Three of Clubs celebrates the realisation of a noble vision. It heralds the flourishing of creative ambition, where hope transforms into achievement. Yet, while it honours pride in one's pursuits, it also cautions against the perils of arrogance. This card invites you to honour your successes with humility—using your newfound strength to inspire rather than dominate.
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
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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
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.
