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
The Devil is a whisper that comes from the depths of our heart; for what is temptation but a weakness most exploited by our desire.
As the seeker, The Devil suggests an attachment that has become unhealthy; therefore, we may need to explore what it is we have bound ourselves to and what that object of our desire represents to us before we are able to free ourselves from it.
As a situation, The Devil card advices us to be aware of becoming too involved; to the extent we are unable to perceive the situation clearly. As such, we may need to ask ourselves if decisions made are based on instant gratification or out of necessity.
2: Person #2
The feeling of walking on a knife edge, not wanting to put a foot wrong through fear of the subsequent fall. A danger of going round in circles with no progress or new experienced possible. The start of something that may require intense mental focus or fortitude. The need to break away from usual habit patterns or routines.
3: Person #3
Feeling of despair or of being trapped. The incorrect belief there is no movement possible within a current predicament. Current aims or objectives tantalisingly out of reach. Indications that a problem or obstacle needs to be examined from a different angle or viewpoint if a way forward is to be identified. Giving up too easily on a task believing there is no hope.
4: Person #1's view of #2
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.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Light gives clarity; from darkness we seek out the light and if it burns;
if it turns us to dust under the harshness of its glare,
that is the ultimate liberation for enlightenment frees the soul from its earthly bondage.
6: Person #3's view of #1
Imprisoned Instincts is traditionally known as the Wheel of Fortune card in tarot. While it denotes sudden change for better or worse, nothing in life happens overnight. Sometimes, we are aware of signs of change and address them or we may overlook them and pay for consequences later.
As the seeker, this card indicates that methods of coping to circumstance surrounding us contribute to what happens in the future. Thus, taking responsibility for decisions we make empower us to create the future we wish for ourselves. Taking action is a choice; doing nothing to change our circumstances is also a choice.
As a situation, Imprisoned Instincts suggest a change and while the circumstances may be out of our control but how we deal with what happened/happens is. Perhaps it is time to assess at personal methods of coping and not the event itself.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Charioteer represents a stage of seeking autonomy, self-identity, direction. It is the representation of one's quest in seeking or gaining control; it is also a reminder of how easy everything can become undone.
As the Seeker, The Charioteer suggests a time of trying to control external influences or of losing control completely. It is time to seek a balanced approach.
As a Situation, The Charioteer card suggests a stage of learning how to deal with external influences by gaining control over one's actions.
8: Person #3's view of #2
Making do with what you have at hand. Growing or cultivating for yourself, lessening the burden on others to provide for you. Create a sense of discipline and order with everything being in its appropriate place. Keeping of a level head, or having your feet on the ground when considering what is important in life. This could indicate a person who is very good regulating their financial or material life, identifying with and working with any fluctuations around them.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Extending the hand of welcome or friendship. Being accepted into a community or circle where prejudgements are withheld. Offerings made unconditionally with no expectation of receiving in return. The passing on or sharing of attributes that can bring about harmony and acceptance.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
Temperance demonstrates the ability to maintain equilibrium between opposing elements; she is the bridge between extremes.
The Seeker as Temperance suggests a path of moderation; seeking internal balance before one is ready to face external challenges. This card may indicate the need to resolve conflicting aspects within ourselves before we are able to restore peace into our environment.
As a situation, this card indicates a stage of mediating between opposing views; finding the middle ground to facilitate progress; restoring order in a disruptive environment. As such, we may need to explore options that allow amicable solutions to present themselves rather than allow one or the other extreme to take over.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
Jahanam is where dreams are woven; this is where cats learn to fly and birds carry swords;
this is where the Lady Moonshine hides the face of the Sun God
so that we may see the truths hidden in the dark and drive ourselves insane.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The end of an emotional journey. A final pause, reflecting back on what has come to pass before continuing with what could be an emotionally charged pathway. Gaining of emotional strength often as a result of having overcome trials and tribulations. Being a beacon of light for others who find their lives tough on an emotional level.
