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 |
 |
 |
P#1 |  |
 |
||
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1: Person #1
Standing together with others in order to deal with any eventuality or obstacle. This can also indicate you are about to encounter an obstacle of your own which may not be easy to dispel with. The need to consider an approach before you actually encounter the obstacle, so as to be best prepared. The encountering of intense opposition.
2: Person #2
The Priestess card may suggest non-reaction. Whether caused by tension or inner turmoil, it is a stage where opposing influences may require time to find balance once again.
The seeker as The Priestess cannot yet decipher the signs to understand them, thus it is necessary to watch, listen, learn and not react in order to make informed choices.
The situation as The Priestess may indicate a time to reflect on root causes of opposing influences that are contributing to tension in an environment.
3: Person #3
The feeling of being under intense and unrelenting mental pressure. Believing it is not possible to cope with what is happening, or that it is not possible to deal with any further or additional issues. The need to find an outlet for internal mental anguish so that the heaviness can be eased in some way. The possibility of unresolved past issues resurfacing, which may then give the impression they are haunting us in a way that makes escape seem impossible. Failing to see the light indicating there is a way out from your current mental state.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The build-up of power and energy to undertake something of relevance or importance. Early stages of manifestation, with a sense of naivety or uncertainty as a basis. The beginning of a venture which has potential to become something more substantial in time. The spark or initial emanation of creative energy.
5: Person #2's view of #3
The Fool starts on a journey naive of what to expect, there will be unanticipated surprises. Not one to conform to social norms, The Fool may need to adapt to what lies ahead as the outcome will be unpredictable.
Expect the unexpected; the situation as The Fool indicates that the outcome may not turn out as planned.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The need for mental release or relaxation. The taking of a 'time out' from situations that may have been the main contributory factors leading to mental fatigue. Acceptance of limitations, as well as acknowledgment of personal weaknesses. The courage to go public and be open regarding mistakes or shortcomings.
7: Person #2's view of #1
New challenges which require movement, effort, energy or focus. A possible choice of aiming higher or reaching out sideways/laterally in our endeavours. Hesitancy or lack of confidence in moving away from what is seen as a comfort zone or position of safety.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The demonstration of being a true friend in circumstances where others may choose to turn a blind eye. Being with someone and accepting them for what they are and who they are. A state whereby it is possible to feel comfortable with the energies of another, even though both parties may be partaking in different activities. The ability to watch over someone we care about without taking on the role of judge and jury should we disagree with their actions.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Personal nurturing whereby the true spirit has the chance to emerge and subsequently flourish. Replacing of negative thoughts and emotions of the self with more positive ones. Understanding that love of the self is more important than the love that is offered to another. Having confidence in showing to the world and those around you your emotional self as well as your physical self.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
A person with strong beliefs of what is right and what is wrong, and will not be swayed in those beliefs. The ability to cut away anything that has no purpose or use to them. The urge to in right any personal sense of being wronged, flaunting a fighting spirit whereby arguments are backed up with appropriate actions. Coming across as being unforgiving by nature. Being aware of the bigger picture and long-term objective, and the taking of appropriate action regardless of the fact a few toes may be trod on along the way. This could indicate a person who likes to be active and can energise others around them with their enthusiasm.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The emptying of your life or environment of anything that is surplus to requirement, or no longer has relevance. Reflecting on what has gone, not realising there is still much to be gained in other ways. Lack of preparation for a journey or destination whereby there may be an expectation for everything to be provided to you instead of by you. The emotion of disappointment now in passing, with a readiness to learn from the experience before moving on.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
Experiencing of hardship. Acknowledgement that suffering can be partnered with dignity, particularly if it is open to public scrutiny. Either being supported, or the offering support at a time of need. Being receptive to the energies of others, particularly if they are there to help or protect against external influences.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Concise method of expression using appropriate methods or tools for any given situation. Changing the environment around you by replacing anything that harbours memories of the past or elicits less than conducive emotion. Change of approach whereby the bigger picture becomes more apparent.
