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
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.
2: Person #2
The appearance of options or choices but with no indication which may be preferable at the time. Presence of something potentially positive or uplifting, which if ignored may pass by with an opportunity thus being missed. Emotions becoming more linear whereby objectivity is being restored. The feeling of 'running on empty' for a while but with the indication the end of this negative state is within sight.
3: Person #3
Depending on which character is identified with it could either indicate overcoming adversary against all the odds, or being the victim of the actions of another. Resistance to the fate faced by others. Reluctance to face consequences of personal actions, particularly if they are at the expense of others around you. If the flame is a focal point, it could show that consequences have been acknowledged, and action is being taken to purge the energy or memory of those deeds.
4: Person #1's view of #2
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.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Dishonest communication, or lack of respect for how words can be twisted and be taken out of context. A requirement to see through the façade being presented in order to get to the real truth of a matter. Failure to understand the seriousness of a given situation. Seeing the funny side of a situation thus lessening the impact it may have on us otherwise. The not giving or receiving of a direct or straight-forward answer.
6: Person #3's view of #1
Transformation on a spiritual level, leading to an understanding our 'magic' is apparent through what you are and not what you have. Being shielded from the allure of material wealth at the expense of self-realisation. Understanding what you can be, or what you could have is something that you can direct with our own hand. Preparation in readiness to move on from something that is no longer of relevance or is no longer providing anything of value.
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
Co-operation with others to achieve a common goal. Utilising of individual skills to the benefit of the team as a whole. Acknowledgement of our own personal limitations and knowing when we need to call on the help of others. The willingness to muck in as opposed to acting as a passive observer.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Possible conflict of emotion or thought. An imbalance of subconscious needs when compared to conscious desires. Requirement to stay calm and focused when faced with external disharmony or conflict. The need to understand when to get involved in restoring harmony and when to let the parties involved sort things out for themselves.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The feeling of desolation or loneliness. Being caught up in personal thoughts often negative to the extent external influences/supportive energies go unnoticed. The walking away from a situation which may have caused heartache towards something more positive. The painful acknowledgement that no more can be done with the only real option being that of walking away.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Star shows the process of formation or disintegration of a nebula. The light from this process takes millions of light years to reach our galaxy millions of years so it is not "the present" moment as we see it. The Star card in The Diary suggests that all tangible things are subject to a cycle of creation that moves at its own pace and direction.
As the seeker, this card indicates that there are aspirations that are yet to be met or have already been fulfilled and it is time to either create the energy necessary for its formation; or allow it to disperse if the creation process is completed. Wishes are thoughts that are formed in the consciousness and it is up to the seeker to manifest it; or allow it to dissipate if it has already run its course.
As a situation, this card suggests a time of evaluating what is required to bring about the reality one wishes to create in one's future that is eventually to form a destiny. It may also suggest that dreams are the seed that requires one's effort to manifest into reality provided the steps are taken to ensure its growth. Without first identifying the situation one wishes to create, the possibility dissipates into unfulfilled aspirations.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
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.
