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 Queen of Cups embodies emotional depth, compassion, and intuitive wisdom. She represents the nurturing of emotions and the ability to comfort others.
Symbolism: Seated gracefully on her throne, the Queen holds a beautifully crafted cup, symbolising her mastery over emotions. Surrounding designs evoke her intuitive and healing energy.
In Relationships: This card signifies a loving, empathetic partner or deepening emotional bonds. It encourages open-hearted communication and mutual support.
In Work: The Queen highlights the importance of compassion and emotional intelligence. It suggests a role where empathy and intuition are vital for success.
Spiritually: The Queen reflects the mastery of your inner emotional world and the ability to channel intuition and empathy into healing and guidance.
When ill-dignified: Emotional overwhelm, dependence, or manipulation. It warns against losing yourself in emotions or using your sensitivity to control others.
2: Person #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.
3: Person #3
The Deuce of Cups symbolises emotional unity, balance, and harmonious partnerships. It represents the coming together of energies in love, friendship, or collaboration.
Symbolism: Two elegant cups stand symmetrically, connected by a shared floral motif, symbolising the bond between two entities. The balanced design reflects harmony and mutual respect.
In Relationships: A romantic bond deepens, or a new partnership begins with mutual understanding and affection.
In Work: Collaboration and teamwork thrive, fuelled by shared values and trust.
Spiritually: The card reflects the union of dualities within oneself, urging the seeker to embrace inner harmony.
When ill-dignified: Disconnection, imbalance, or strained partnerships. It warns against selfishness or a lack of reciprocity in relationships.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Eight of Batons symbolises rapid progress, momentum, and swift resolution. It encourages focus and decisiveness to make the most of opportunities.
Symbolism: Eight batons align dynamically, creating a sense of motion and direction. The flowers sprouting atop the batons reflect the energy of growth propelled forward rapidly.
In Relationships: Fast-paced developments in relationships or sudden clarity about emotional matters.
In Work: Momentum builds as goals approach completion. This is a time for decisive action.
Spiritually: The card reflects accelerated growth and alignment with a higher purpose. Trust the flow of events.
When ill-dignified: Chaos, missed opportunities, or rushing without purpose. It warns against letting haste lead to mistakes.
5: Person #2's view of #3
The Four of Coins represents stability, security, and the consolidation of resources. The square flower in the centre suggests a firm foundation but also warns of rigidity or excessive attachment to material possessions.
Symbolism: Four coins form a square, symbolising solidity and structure. The simplicity of the arrangement reflects material grounding, while the lack of movement suggests potential stagnation.
In Relationships: A relationship built on stability, but one that may lack spontaneity. It calls for finding balance between security and emotional openness.
In Work: Financial or professional stability, but a need to avoid becoming overly conservative or resistant to growth.
Spiritually: The card invites you to ground yourself but warns against clinging too tightly to the material world.
When ill-dignified: Greed, possessiveness, or fear of loss. It warns against hoarding resources or stifling growth due to fear of change.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Six of Swords represents transition, recovery, and the journey towards calmer waters. It is a card of progress through reflection and leaving behind what no longer serves.
Symbolism: Six curved swords are arranged in an oval pattern, suggesting motion and harmony. The floral motifs emphasise renewal and the promise of growth through change.
In Relationships: Moving forward together after difficulties, or the need to let go of a relationship for emotional peace.
In Work: Transitioning to a new role or project. It reflects progress and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Spiritually: The card invites the seeker to release burdens and embrace the journey towards enlightenment.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, or clinging to the past. It warns against avoiding necessary transitions.
7: Person #2'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.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The Knight of Batons embodies bold action, passion, and the determination to pursue dreams with unyielding energy. This card encourages moving forward fearlessly but with mindful direction.
Symbolism: Riding a powerful horse, the Knight turns to the left, his baton raised, representing ambition and drive. The landscape is dynamic, reflecting the urgency and intensity of his mission.
In Relationships: The card suggests fiery passion, exciting pursuits, or adventurous connections. It calls for embracing the thrill of love while balancing impulsive tendencies.
In Work: It symbolises bold moves, taking calculated risks, or pursuing a goal with tenacity. The Knight encourages decisive action and warns against hesitation.
Spiritually: The Knight represents momentum and the courage to take steps towards spiritual growth or creative expression. It urges you to trust your inner fire to guide you.
When ill-dignified: Recklessness, impatience, or arrogance. It warns against rushing into situations without preparation or foresight.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Devil represents temptation, materialism, and the power of the shadow self. While it warns of unhealthy attachments, it also offers an opportunity to confront and integrate the darker aspects of human nature.
Symbolism: A horned figure dominates the scene, with two smaller chained figures below, symbolising bondage to desires or fears. The loose chains suggest that this bondage is self-imposed and can be escaped. The card's imagery reflects both the allure and consequences of indulgence.
In Relationships: Obsessive or co-dependent relationships. It may indicate intense passion or unhealthy dynamics.
In Work: Temptation to take shortcuts or pursue goals at the expense of ethics. A need to reassess priorities.
Spiritually: The Devil challenges you to confront your shadow self and transform fears into liberation.
When ill-dignified: Escapism, addiction, or manipulative behaviours. It warns of being trapped in destructive patterns.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The Four of Batons represents stability, celebration, and the grounding of initial achievements. It reflects a moment of harmony and shared joy.
Symbolism: Four interwoven batons create a doubled cross, signifying stability and order. The balanced growth of leaves mirrors the fulfilment of early efforts and the foundations of future success.
In Relationships: Harmony and commitment. It may indicate joyful gatherings or milestones.
In Work: The achievement of an important goal or the establishment of a stable foundation for future endeavours.
Spiritually: A celebration of inner balance and alignment with the rhythms of life.
When ill-dignified: Restlessness or dissatisfaction with stability. It warns against taking harmony for granted or resisting change.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Hanged Man represents surrender, perspective, and the wisdom gained through sacrifice. It signifies the pause required for deeper insight and the willingness to let go of attachments to achieve spiritual growth.
Symbolism: A figure hangs upside down from a grafted tree, forming an almost serene cross-like posture. The inversion suggests seeing the world from a different perspective, while the living tree structure reflects the connection to spiritual growth. His tranquil expression emphasises acceptance and enlightenment through suspension.
In Relationships: A need for patience, reflection, or a fresh perspective on a relationship. It can also suggest letting go of control.
In Work: A time to pause, reassess, and allow things to unfold. Solutions may come from viewing challenges differently.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man invites the seeker to embrace surrender as a path to awakening and profound understanding.
When ill-dignified: Stubbornness, resistance to change, or avoiding necessary sacrifices. It warns against remaining stuck in unproductive situations.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The Deuce of Batons represents planning and the initial stages of action. It symbolises the tension between potential paths and the courage required to step forward.
Symbolism: Two batons intersect, adorned with foliage that hints at growth and duality. The symmetry of the design reflects stability but also implies the need for decision-making.
In Relationships: A partnership at a crossroads, where mutual goals must be clarified.
In Work: Strategic planning and weighing options for growth. It's a call to act decisively.
Spiritually: The card signifies a moment of reflection, urging you to align choices with your higher purpose.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, hesitation, or lack of direction. It warns against delaying action because of fear of failure.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
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.