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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||
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1: Person #1
The ability to 'read' on an emotional level thus seeing what may be hidden from us (often classed as being able to see behind the mask). The ability utilises a different angle of approach thus having a deeper understanding in comparison to others who only have two dimensional abilities. Overcoming or conquering of fears. Taking control of emotions whereby calm can then ensue. This could indicate a person who keeps their feelings to themselves, preferring to only show what they feel comfortable in showing, with a lot happening below the surface.
2: Person #2
There will come a time when all things end; a death that leaves one gasping for hope; fighting to cling on; afraid to let go. There will come a time when dreams of happy endings are rudely awakened by reality; wisps of wishful thinking disappearing into smoke; gone without a trace. There will come a time when the human heart breaks under such punishment; giving way to grief; dying bit by bit until it beats no more.
As a seeker, this card suggests a stage where one needs to learn to accept death as part of a natural cycle of life; deal with processes of letting things go; the need to move on.
As a situation, this card denotes an ending; thus, we may need to ask ourselves if holding on to something or someone may be detrimental to our growth. The time to let go will come when we acknowledge the need to do so.
3: Person #3
Focus on a journey ahead, despite any apparent signs of upheaval or difficulty in the making. The possibility of ending up some way from where you began your journey or existence. Following through with what you believe is right despite any opposition encountered along the way.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Hermit card indicates a time of self-reflection or self-imposed solitude. It is a stage when we sense the need to explore how we view the world or relate to situations and people around us.
As the person, The Hermit card suggests a need for serenity; withdrawal from external conflicts to evaluate our beliefs, priorities or principles.
As a situation, The Hermit card suggests an objective exploration of all feasible options that may lead to the most desirable resolution within a conflict.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Allowing events to unfold without the desire for foresight. Having faith in the fact that destiny will prevail, instead of giving in to the urge whereby we try to manipulate fate. Putting trust in the guidance that is being offered, understanding it will not cause you to falter or stumble. Using intuition as your guide as opposed to the normal senses of sight, hearing or touch. Resisting the urge to interfere with or manipulate the world around you.
6: Person #3's view of #1
Mental anguish or upset. The feeling that circumstances have played a part in the fact you cannot remove obvious restrictions. A position of stalemate in a situation being reached. A real need for lateral thinking if a solution is to become apparent. The ceding of personal power, with the principal belief being that this is how the status quo is meant to be.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Being grateful for what you have at your disposal, or offering thanks to those who have provided. Prioritising where to invest money or effort. Investing wisely in order to see long term gains or profits. Expecting everything to be provided for us with little or no effort on our part to earn those provisions.
8: Person #3's view of #2
Acknowledging what has been amassed or coveted can either bring pleasure or discomfort depending on how it is utilised or directed. Facing of consequences for misuse of resources or finances. Guidance to use the heart when assessing what is of worth as well as the head. Sharing of experiences with others so that lessons can be learned, thus reducing the chance of the situation being unnecessarily repeated.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Retaining focus and control of emotions when faced with intense adversary. Being open to the fact it is okay to ask for help or support when it is required. Feeling of numbness on an emotional level. The creating of waves, yet at the same time maintaining a firm grasp on personal thoughts and/or emotions. This may indicate a man who is prone to emotional outbursts, but in the main does work hard at keeping a lid on things.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
Paying attention to the finer detail or to what is actually present as opposed to what could be. Taking ownership of only what is needed, allowing excess or clutter fall to the way side. Possibility of lost opportunities due to too narrow of a focus on what is already present. Being happy and content with what you have, not wanting to chase anything that is not needed or necessary at this time.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Doing what is needed to pave the way for a new beginning or regrowth regardless of how long it may take to manifest. Honest communication or wise counsel. Observing others allowing them to learn by their own mistakes before offering guidance as to how the lesson can pave the way for future endeavours. Knowing when silence is the most appropriate way of dealing with another person or issue and when to be to the point verbally. This could indicate a person who will be honest in their communication with themselves as well as others, impervious to the fact they may at times appear insensitive.
