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 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.
2: Person #2
The Six of Coins represents generosity, balance, and the cycle of giving and receiving. It signifies harmony in material matters and the importance of equitable exchange.
Symbolism: Six coins are arranged in a pair of triangles, accompanied by floral motifs that reflect abundance and fairness. The design conveys balance and the flow of resources.
In Relationships: Mutual generosity and support strengthen relationships. It emphasises fairness and balance in emotional give-and-take.
In Work: A time of financial balance or assistance, where efforts are rewarded, or you are in a position to help others.
Spiritually: The card reflects the value of sharing knowledge or resources, reminding the seeker of the abundance that flows from generosity.
When ill-dignified: Inequity, selfishness, or imbalance in giving and receiving. It warns against exploiting generosity or neglecting fairness.
3: Person #3
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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
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.
5: Person #2's view of #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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
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.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Eight of Cups signifies departure, emotional growth, and the courage to leave behind what no longer serves. It is a card of seeking deeper meaning.
Symbolism: This card shows cups arranged symmetrically, with intertwining vines and floral decorations. The structured yet somewhat rigid design reflects an order that may feel confining, symbolising the need to step away from stability for something more fulfilling. The central flower suggests a guiding light or inner calling, reinforcing the theme of seeking deeper meaning beyond the familiar.
In Relationships: Moving on from a relationship that no longer fulfils you or reassessing your emotional needs.
In Work: Leaving a secure position to pursue something more meaningful. Trust your instincts to guide you.
Spiritually: The card encourages the seeker to embark on a quest for truth, leaving behind superficial comforts.
When ill-dignified: Fear of change, stagnation, or clinging to the familiar. It warns against resisting the call to evolve.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The Knight of Cups represents the pursuit of emotional and creative fulfilment, guided by intuition and romantic ideals. He encourages action aligned with your heart while remaining mindful of over idealism or escapism.
Symbolism: The Knight rides a steady horse, presenting a cup as if offering his heart or inspiration. His calm and focused expression reflects his dedication to his emotional or creative quest, while the horse's motion suggests steady progress.
In Relationships: This card signifies romance, devotion, or deepening emotional bonds. It encourages pursuing love with sincerity and charm but warns against being overly idealistic.
In Work: The Knight highlights the importance of pursuing work that resonates emotionally or creatively. It may suggest bringing artistry and passion to your efforts.
Spiritually: The Knight urges you to follow your heart's guidance and align your actions with your inner emotional truths.
When ill-dignified: Emotional inconsistency, escapism, or being too passive. It cautions against pursuing unrealistic ideals without grounding them in reality.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Three of Cups signifies celebration, joy, and the strength of community. It highlights the beauty of shared experiences and collective support.
Symbolism: Three cups are arranged in a triangular formation, adorned with floral embellishments. The triangular structure represents unity and the joy of collaboration, while the flourishing details reflect abundance and festivity.
In Relationships: A period of happiness and shared experiences. It may also signify joyful gatherings.
In Work: Success celebrated with colleagues or recognition of collaborative achievements.
Spiritually: The card encourages gratitude and participation in rituals or practices that foster collective growth and harmony.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, superficial connections, or neglecting personal boundaries. It warns against prioritising social validation over genuine connection.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The Five of Batons symbolises conflict, competition, and the energy of creative tension. It challenges the seeker to navigate dynamic forces to achieve growth.
Symbolism: Five batons intersect in a crossing pattern, forming two triangles. Despite the opposition, leaves sprout at the junctions, suggesting that conflict can lead to creative breakthroughs.
In Relationships: Disagreements or challenges that require honest communication and compromise.
In Work: Competition or conflicting ideas in the workplace. Success comes through persistence and collaboration.
Spiritually: The card reflects internal struggles and the need to reconcile opposing desires to find clarity.
When ill-dignified: Escalating conflict, lack of cooperation, or destructive rivalry. It warns against letting tensions derail progress.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Fool represents the untamed spirit and unshackled freedom of the soul. He wanders without boundaries, embodying movement, exploration, and detachment from worldly concerns. This card invites us to embrace change and unpredictability with courage and spontaneity.
Symbolism: The dog biting at the Fool's leg symbolises the tension between freedom and earthly constraints. His staff and bundle represent the burdens and wisdom accumulated on life's journey, carried with both carelessness and purpose. The colourful jester's attire signifies his eccentricity and adaptability, while his forward gaze reflects an openness to the unknown.
In Relationships: A new, unpredictable connection or the need for more spontaneity in existing relationships. Beware of recklessness.
In Work: Embarking on a risky or unconventional path, where intuition takes precedence over plans.
Spiritually: The Fool embodies the soul's leap into the vast unknown, trusting the divine order of chaos.
When ill-dignified: Naivety, poor judgement, or a lack of grounding. It warns of becoming aimless or distracted by superficial pursuits.