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 | ||
 |
3to1 |  |
Overall |  |
2to1 |  |
| 1+3 |  |
1to3 |  |
1to2 |  |
1+2 |
 |
 |
P#1 |  |
 |
||
 |
1: Person #1
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.
2: Person #2
The Ace of Coins symbolises the pure essence of material abundance, stability, and potential. It represents the seed of prosperity and the opportunity to build a strong foundation for success.
Symbolism: A single coin stands at the centre, adorned with floral motifs and a rectangular border. Its design reflects wealth and harmony, suggesting that prosperity is aligned with natural order and balance.
In Relationships: A grounded and stable beginning where trust and security are prioritised.
In Work: A promising opportunity or new venture in the material realm, offering long-term potential for success.
Spiritually: The card reflects alignment with earthly abundance and the ability to manifest your spiritual aspirations in tangible ways.
When ill-dignified: Missed opportunities, greed, or focusing only on material gain. It warns against neglecting deeper values in pursuit of wealth.
3: Person #3
The Moon symbolises intuition, mystery, and the subconscious. It reflects the realm of dreams, illusions, and emotions, inviting you to explore the depths of your psyche and confront hidden truths.
Symbolism: The Moon casts its dim light over a mysterious scene: a dog and a wolf howl beneath its glow, representing the duality of tame and wild instincts. A crayfish emerges from the water, symbolising the hidden depths of the subconscious rising to the surface. The two towers suggest boundaries between reality and the unknown.
In Relationships: Emotional complexity, hidden dynamics, or the need to trust your intuition. Beware of illusions or misunderstandings.
In Work: A period of uncertainty or unclear direction. It encourages careful reflection and trusting inner instincts over external noise.
Spiritually: The Moon calls for introspection and exploration of the shadow self through dreams, intuition, and subconscious symbols.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, deception, or fear of the unknown. It warns against being lost in illusions or succumbing to anxiety.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Valet of Cups represents emotional curiosity, creative exploration, and the beginnings of intuitive or artistic growth. He invites a playful and open-hearted approach to life, encouraging you to embrace wonder and imagination.
Symbolism: The Valet gazes into a beautifully adorned cup, symbolising reflection and curiosity about his inner emotional world. His youthful posture indicates receptivity to new feelings, intuitive insights, and creative inspiration.
In Relationships: This card signifies the beginnings of a new connection or the renewal of emotional bonds. It encourages an open heart and a willingness to explore your feelings with vulnerability and joy.
In Work: The Valet suggests an opportunity to pursue a creative or emotionally fulfilling path. It highlights the importance of nurturing ideas and remaining receptive to inspiration.
Spiritually: The Valet symbolises a journey of emotional discovery, urging you to remain open to intuition, creative expression, and messages from within.
When ill-dignified: Emotional immaturity, naivety, or an unwillingness to confront deeper feelings. It warns against being overly idealistic or dismissive of intuition.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Judgement signifies awakening, transformation, and the call to a higher purpose. It represents a time of reckoning and renewal, offering the opportunity to align with divine will and embrace rebirth.
Symbolism: An angel blows a trumpet from above, awakening figures rising from coffins below. The trumpet symbolises divine calling, while the figures' praying hands reflect surrender and readiness for transformation. The scene suggests liberation and the promise of a new phase of existence.
In Relationships: Healing, forgiveness, or a transformative phase. It may signify a second chance or a fresh start.
In Work: A moment of clarity or a major decision that aligns your work with your higher purpose. Renewal is on the horizon.
Spiritually: Judgement calls you to awaken to your true calling, embrace forgiveness, and prepare for a spiritual rebirth.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, self-doubt, or avoidance of accountability. It warns against ignoring the call to transform.
6: Person #3's view of #1
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.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Three of Coins signifies collaboration, craftsmanship, and the rewards of skilful effort. It represents the value of teamwork and the recognition of one's abilities.
Symbolism: Three coins are arranged in a triangular pattern, surrounded by simple yet elegant floral vines. The arrangement reflects stability and progress through cooperative effort and mastery.
In Relationships: A relationship thrives through mutual support and shared goals. It encourages building something lasting together.
In Work: Recognition for your skills or successful collaboration on a project. This card highlights the importance of working well with others.
Spiritually: The card reflects the refinement of your spiritual practices and the importance of learning from others.
When ill-dignified: Disorganisation, lack of collaboration, or undervaluing your skills. It warns against neglecting teamwork or overestimating individual effort.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The Ace of Batons is the pure essence of fire, symbolising creation, vitality, and the drive to manifest. It represents the spark of inspiration and the potential for growth, a seedling of creativity waiting to take root.
Symbolism: A hand holding a single, upright wand emerges from an ornate framework, adorned with budding leaves that symbolise vitality and the promise of expansion. The wand's prominence emphasises raw, unshaped potential.
In Relationships: The Ace suggests the beginning of a passionate connection or the revival of excitement in an existing relationship.
In Work: A burst of creative energy or the inception of a bold project. This card encourages seizing opportunities with enthusiasm.
Spiritually: The card represents the divine spark of inspiration, urging you to channel your inner fire towards personal growth.
When ill-dignified: Misplaced energy, false starts, or a lack of direction. It warns against overextending without focus.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Seven of Batons represents perseverance and defending one's position against adversity. It is a card of courage and standing firm in the face of challenges.
Symbolism: Seven batons form a dense structure, with a single baton balancing it. The emerging leaves suggest growth through effort and resilience, despite obstacles.
In Relationships: Challenges require mutual understanding and dedication to overcome external pressures.
In Work: A competitive environment calls for tenacity and self-confidence. Stay true to your vision.
Spiritually: The card reflects the need to remain steadfast in your beliefs and protect your spiritual path from distractions.
When ill-dignified: Overwhelm, defensiveness, or isolation. It warns against becoming combative or losing sight of your goals.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Wheel of Fortune symbolises the ever-turning cycles of life, fate, and destiny. It teaches the importance of adaptability and trust in the rhythms of change.
Symbolism: The wheel is adorned with figures ascending and descending, representing the rise and fall of fortunes. Its circular motion evokes the cyclical nature of existence, while divine forces implied by the card's design suggest that some aspects of life are beyond human control.
In Relationships: Changes in relationship dynamics or the appearance of new opportunities. Trust in the flow of events.
In Work: A shift in circumstances, often bringing unexpected opportunities. Stay flexible and open to change.
Spiritually: The Wheel of Fortune reflects the interconnectedness of life's cycles, encouraging surrender to the divine plan.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change or clinging to outdated patterns. It warns of losing perspective during times of transition.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The Queen of Swords represents wisdom, clarity, and the ability to make balanced decisions through intellect and discernment. She encourages a blend of compassion and reason when approaching challenges.
Symbolism: Seated with poise on her throne, the Queen holds her sword upright, a symbol of her unwavering commitment to truth and fairness. Her serene expression and elevated position suggest clarity of thought and emotional maturity.
In Relationships: This card reflects fairness, honesty, and emotional clarity. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining open, respectful dialogue.
In Work: The Queen advises making thoughtful, well-informed decisions. She represents the ability to lead with integrity and insight, even in challenging situations.
Spiritually: The Queen symbolises the wisdom gained from life's trials and the mastery of using intellect to navigate emotional and spiritual truths.
When ill-dignified: Coldness, rigidity, or harsh judgements. It warns against being detached or being a jerk in your interactions.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The King of Cups represents emotional balance, wisdom, and leadership. He embodies the ability to guide others with kindness and understanding while maintaining his own emotional stability.
Symbolism: Seated on his throne with a serene expression, the King holds a cup, symbolising emotional authority. The structure around him reflects his connection to intuition and emotional balance.
In Relationships: This card signifies a stable and emotionally mature partner or dynamic. It encourages fostering relationships built on mutual respect, trust, and emotional stability.
In Work: The King highlights leadership through emotional intelligence and wisdom. It suggests guiding others with compassion and remaining calm in challenging situations.
Spiritually: The King represents the harmony between intellect and emotions, urging you to channel your emotional stability into guiding yourself and others with integrity.
When ill-dignified: Emotional suppression, volatility, or manipulation. It warns against using emotional influence for selfish gain or allowing inner turbulence to disrupt your leadership.