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
The Emperor embodies structure, authority, and the power of order. He is the architect of stability, encouraging discipline and leadership in the material world.
Symbolism: The Emperor's throne and square-shaped setting symbolise structure and the solid foundation of his rulership. The sceptre and orb he holds reflect his control over earthly domains. His gaze is firm and unyielding, emphasising responsibility and focus.
In Relationships: Stability, loyalty, and shared goals define relationships under the Emperor's influence. It may also indicate a partner with strong authoritative traits.
In Work: Success through organisation, discipline, and strategic planning. Leadership is both a gift and a responsibility.
Spiritually: The Emperor teaches the balance between setting boundaries and allowing the divine to flow within the constraints of the physical world.
When ill-dignified: Rigidity, stubbornness, or misuse of power. It warns against being controlling or dismissive of emotional needs.
2: Person #2
The Valet of Batons signifies the spark of inspiration, youthful enthusiasm, and the potential for growth. This card invites curiosity and encourages embracing the unknown with an adventurous heart.
Symbolism: The Valet stands tall, holding a large club as if discovering his power for the first time. His gaze forward is bright and inquisitive, embodying the spirit of exploration. The background suggests open horizons, symbolising untapped potential and the excitement of new ventures.
In Relationships: This card indicates fresh, playful energy in relationships, the thrill of beginnings, or the curiosity that fuels deeper connection. It encourages openness to new experiences and creative ways of building bonds.
In Work: It heralds opportunities for learning, experimentation, or pursuing passion. The Valet advises you to take the first steps with optimism, trusting that exploration will lead to growth.
Spiritually: The Valet represents the seeker at the beginning of their journey, filled with wonder and the readiness to embrace inspiration and guidance.
When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, naivety, or lack of direction. It warns against abandoning curiosity out of fear or letting inexperience lead to recklessness.
3: Person #3
The Knight of Swords embodies swift action, ambition, and the pursuit of truth or goals with boldness. He urges decisive movement but cautions against decisions that lack foresight.
Symbolism: The Knight charges forward on his rearing horse, holding a raised sword that signifies clarity of purpose. The wind-swept imagery reflects urgency, courage, and a readiness to overcome obstacles.
In Relationships: This card may signal a fast-moving relationship or the need to address conflicts decisively. It highlights a dynamic connection that requires clear communication and focus.
In Work: The Knight suggests pursuing opportunities with determination and energy. It encourages bold decision-making but warns against rushing without proper preparation.
Spiritually: The Knight reflects the seeker's determination to uncover deeper truths or gain clarity. It symbolises a quest for knowledge and higher understanding.
When ill-dignified: Recklessness, overconfidence, or aggression. It warns against acting without a plan or alienating others through rash decisions.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Queen of Batons represents creative leadership, warmth, and the nurturing of ideas and relationships. She inspires confidence and demonstrates the power of blending intuition with action.
Symbolism: Seated on her throne with a commanding yet approachable presence, the Queen holds her baton with purpose. The aura of growth and vitality surrounds her, emphasising her connection to creativity and nurturing energy.
In Relationships: The card signifies loyalty, passion, and the deepening of bonds through mutual inspiration. It suggests a partner who brings warmth and confidence to the relationship.
In Work: It highlights leadership, creativity, and the ability to inspire a team or execute a vision with determination and grace.
Spiritually: The Queen calls for alignment with your inner fire, trusting your intuition to guide your creative and spiritual pursuits.
When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, manipulation, or burnout. It warns against using charm for selfish gains or losing balance in the pursuit of ambitions.
5: Person #2's view of #3
The Five of Coins symbolises hardship, scarcity, and the challenges of material or emotional instability. It invites resilience and the recognition of available support.
Symbolism: Five coins form an X, reflecting imbalance and disruption. The floral embellishments suggest that growth is possible, even in difficult circumstances.
In Relationships: Struggles often involving feelings of neglect or emotional distance. It calls for mutual support and understanding.
In Work: Financial or professional difficulties that require perseverance and resourcefulness.
Spiritually: The card reflects the challenges of feeling disconnected from abundance, urging the seeker to rediscover faith and community.
When ill-dignified: Despair, self-pity, or a refusal to seek help. It warns against isolating yourself during difficult times.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Nine of Swords symbolises anxiety, guilt, and mental anguish. It reflects the weight of worries and the need to confront inner fears to regain peace.
Symbolism: Nine swords form a dense, oppressive pattern. The arrangement conveys the overwhelming nature of mental burdens, while the floral elements suggest that relief is possible through clarity and self-compassion.
In Relationships: Overthinking or guilt may strain a relationship. It calls for open communication to alleviate fears.
In Work: Stress or self-doubt may block progress. Addressing the root causes will restore confidence.
Spiritually: The card encourages releasing guilt and cultivating self-forgiveness to move forward.
When ill-dignified: Nightmares, relentless worry, or avoidance of problems. It warns against allowing anxiety to take over.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Lovers signifies choice, connection, and the interplay between opposing forces. It represents the power of free will in aligning with one's deepest values and desires.
Symbolism: A central figure stands between two others, often interpreted as a choice between duty and desire or contrasting influences. Above, Cupid aims an arrow, symbolising divine inspiration or the fateful pull of love. The figures' expressions suggest conflict and harmony, reflecting the complexity of relationships.
In Relationships: Profound connections, romantic choices, or a pivotal decision within a partnership. It highlights emotional and spiritual harmony.
In Work: A crossroads where important decisions must align with personal values. Collaboration or partnerships may play a key role.
Spiritually: The Lovers calls for integrating dualities—earthly and divine, passion and reason—on the path to wholeness.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, temptation, or imbalance. It warns of superficial attractions or ignoring inner truth in key decisions.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The King of Swords signifies mastery of intellect, clear judgement, and ethical leadership. He embodies the ability to make wise, logical decisions with fairness and authority.
Symbolism: Seated on a grand throne, the King holds a sword and sceptre, symbolising his command over logic and truth. The stark throne emphasises his focus, while his composed expression reflects impartiality and wisdom.
In Relationships: This card suggests rational communication, mutual respect, and emotional balance. It highlights the importance of trust and clear boundaries.
In Work: The King represents leadership through intellect and fairness. He encourages upholding moral integrity, making precise decisions, and inspiring respect in your field.
Spiritually: The King embodies mental mastery and the pursuit of clarity. He urges you to align your actions with truth and use intellect to guide spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: Tyranny, inflexibility, or manipulation. It warns against becoming controlling, dogmatic, or disconnected from compassion.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Nine of Batons represents resilience, endurance, and the ability to protect what has been achieved. It reflects the final push before completion.
Symbolism: Nine batons intertwine in a dense arrangement, without foliage due to the weight of the structure. The card suggests strength under pressure and determination in adversity.
In Relationships: Protecting your emotional boundaries or working through challenges.
In Work: Hard work and vigilance are necessary to see a project through to completion.
Spiritually: The card reminds you of your inner strength and the importance of perseverance on the spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Burnout, defensiveness, or a reluctance to seek help. It warns against isolating yourself in times of struggle.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The Ten of Cups represents emotional fulfillment, contentment, and the culmination of heartfelt desires. It signifies not just happiness, but a sense of satiety—where life's pleasures and emotional riches have reached their peak. This is a moment of completion, yet it also hints at the question: what comes next?
Symbolism: Nine cups form a strong foundation, supporting a single cup above them. This suggests a fullness of experience, where emotional harmony is achieved, yet the upper cup hints at something beyond—an ideal or a higher state of being. The absence of floral adornment focuses attention inward, emphasising that true fulfillment arises from within, not from external embellishments.
In Relationships: A state of emotional satisfaction, where love, connection, and shared joy flourish. It suggests bonds that have reached their natural fulfilment, yet a moment to reflect on what sustains love beyond its peak.
In Work: The realisation of success and stability, where satisfaction is achieved, yet the challenge now lies in maintaining passion and purpose beyond material completion.
Spiritually: A profound connection with the universe and the realisation that satisfaction comes from within. This card suggests an elevated state of emotional and spiritual fulfilment, yet invites contemplation on what lies beyond completion.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, complacency, or disillusionment after achieving one's desires. It warns against mistaking temporary satisfaction for lasting fulfilment and urges gratitude for present abundance.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Ten of Coins symbolises legacy, prosperity, and long-term security. It reflects the culmination of efforts to create a stable and abundant future for yourself and others.
Symbolism: Ten coins are arranged in a pair of X's, forming a harmonious and interconnected pattern. The abundance of detail reflects wealth, tradition, and the enduring rewards of hard work.
In Relationships: A stable and enduring partnership that focuses on building a shared future. It suggests family or community ties.
In Work: The successful completion of a project or the establishment of lasting financial security.
Spiritually: The card reflects the integration of material success with spiritual fulfilment, encouraging gratitude and generosity.
When ill-dignified: Materialism, stagnation, or the fear of losing what has been built. It warns against clinging to tradition at the expense of growth.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The King of Coins represents mastery, security, and leadership in the material realm. He embodies the culmination of efforts to achieve prosperity and the wisdom to manage it responsibly.
Symbolism: The King sits on his throne, holding a coin against his thigh. His rich attire and the solid, grounded posture of his figure reflect his wealth, stability, and ability to create and sustain abundance. His gaze suggests foresight and the ability to guide others.
In Relationships: A stable, protective partner who values commitment and security. The card encourages cultivating trust and shared goals.
In Work: Leadership, financial success, and the ability to manage resources wisely. This card highlights mastery in your field and the respect of peers.
Spiritually: The King teaches the value of integrating spiritual wisdom with material responsibility, urging you to be a steward of their blessings.
When ill-dignified: Greed, arrogance, or misuse of power. It warns against becoming overly controlling or neglecting emotional connections in pursuit of material gain.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Nine of Coins signifies independence, self-sufficiency, and the enjoyment of material and personal success. It reflects the rewards of hard work and discipline.
Symbolism: Nine coins are arranged in a flourishing design, surrounded by decorative elements that evoke luxury and abundance. The card's richness emphasises comfort and personal fulfilment.
In Relationships: A stable and independent relationship or a time of personal fulfilment before pursuing a partnership.
In Work: Success achieved through your own efforts. It highlights financial stability and personal satisfaction.
Spiritually: The card reflects the contentment of being in harmony with your inner and outer worlds.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, isolation, or neglecting connections in favour of material pursuits. It warns against taking success for granted.