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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||
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1: Person #1
The King of Batons signifies visionary leadership, mastery of creative energy, and the courage to inspire and guide others. This card represents the fulfilment of ambitions through determination and integrity.
Symbolism: Seated on a throne as a symbol of power and growth, the King holds his baton with authority, exuding confidence. His posture reflects a deep understanding of his role as a leader and creator.
In Relationships: It represents a strong, passionate partnership built on mutual respect and shared goals. The card encourages leading with strength and understanding.
In Work: The King symbolises ambition fulfilled through visionary action, inspiring others, and maintaining integrity. It encourages bold decision-making and confidence in your abilities.
Spiritually: The King reflects mastery of inner fire, urging the seeker to channel their spiritual energy into meaningful action and purpose.
When ill-dignified: Tyranny, arrogance, or a lack of empathy. It warns against using power selfishly or losing sight of the collaborative spirit of true leadership.
2: Person #2
The Valet of Coins represents curiosity, learning, and the exploration of material opportunities. It reflects a novice's energy, focused on growth and the potential for prosperity.
Symbolism: The Valet stands holding a single coin, examining it attentively. His simple yet fancy attire reflects his connection to practicality and his aspiration towards refinement. His stance suggests openness to new possibilities and a willingness to learn from experience.
In Relationships: A budding relationship or a fresh perspective on an existing one. It may indicate someone earnest and dependable but inexperienced in emotional matters.
In Work: The beginning of a new project, study, or skill development. This card encourages patience and diligence in pursuing goals.
Spiritually: The Valet invites you to ground yourself in practical wisdom while exploring your spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Procrastination, immaturity, or lack of focus. It warns against undervaluing opportunities or avoiding responsibility.
3: Person #3
The Nine of Cups is a card of contentment, fulfilment, and the realisation of emotional desires. It is sometimes referred to as the 'wish card', symbolising the joy of achievement.
Symbolism: Nine cups are arranged in a symmetrical, flowing pattern, with flourishing decorations that reflect abundance and satisfaction. The balanced structure suggests harmony and emotional success.
In Relationships: Emotional satisfaction and a harmonious relationship. It may signify a wish fulfilled in love.
In Work: Recognition and rewards for hard work. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and celebrate your achievements.
Spiritually: The card reflects gratitude and alignment with your inner truth, inviting you to celebrate your blessings.
When ill-dignified: Complacency, overindulgence, or self-centredness. It warns against taking emotional fulfilment for granted.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Sun represents joy, success, and clarity. It is the card of illumination and vitality, promising growth, harmony, and the fulfilment of goals through clarity and connection.
Symbolism: Two children stand joyfully under the radiant Sun, surrounded by a protective wall. The Sun itself symbolises divine energy and enlightenment, while the figures reflect innocence, unity, and shared happiness. The vibrant rays evoke abundance and the thriving life force.
In Relationships: Mutual happiness, harmony, and a joyful connection. Relationships flourish under the light of clarity and love.
In Work: Success and recognition achieved through positivity and effort. It suggests a time of clarity and accomplishment.
Spiritually: The Sun calls for embracing the light within and aligning with your true purpose, radiating joy and love outward.
When ill-dignified: Arrogance, burnout, or overexposure. It warns against taking blessings for granted or letting ego overshadow gratitude.
5: Person #2's view of #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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Seven of Coins signifies patience, evaluation, and long-term planning. It reflects the need to assess progress and make adjustments for future growth.
Symbolism: Seven coins are arranged in an uneven pattern, with budding leaves suggesting slow but steady growth. The design emphasises reflection and the rewards of cultivation.
In Relationships: A relationship enters a reflective phase, where mutual effort and commitment are assessed.
In Work: Progress may feel slow, but perseverance and thoughtful adjustments will yield results.
Spiritually: The card urges the seeker to remain patient and trust the process of spiritual growth.
When ill-dignified: Impatience, dissatisfaction, or poor planning. It warns against abandoning efforts prematurely or ignoring the need for evaluation.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Hierophant bridges the earthly and the divine, symbolising tradition, spiritual guidance, and the transmission of sacred knowledge. He represents the connection between the seeker and a higher truth through structure and ritual.
Symbolism: The Hierophant sits between two pillars, a gesture of blessing extended towards two kneeling figures below him. His triple cross sceptre represents spiritual authority, while the two fingers pointing to his heart suggest access to divine mysteries. His serene expression reflects wisdom tempered with compassion.
In Relationships: A relationship built on shared values. It can also signify guidance or mentorship within a partnership.
In Work: Success through adherence to structure, tradition, or established methods. Seek advice from a mentor or institution.
Spiritually: The Hierophant invites the seeker to explore established spiritual paths, finding wisdom in teachings passed down through generations.
When ill-dignified: Dogmatism, resistance to change, or blind adherence to tradition. It warns against sacrificing individuality for conformity.
8: Person #3's view of #2
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.
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 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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
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.
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 World is the culmination of the journey, representing fulfilment, harmony, and unity. It signifies the integration of all aspects of life and the successful completion of a cycle, opening the way to new beginnings.
Symbolism: A central figure dances within a laurel wreath, symbolising victory and wholeness. The four corners often depict symbolic creatures (the lion, ox, eagle, and man), representing the elements, the fixed signs of the zodiac, or the four faces of a cherubim. The wreath signifies completion and eternity.
In Relationships: A harmonious, complete relationship or fulfilment of long-term goals in love. It reflects unity and shared purpose.
In Work: The successful culmination of a project or phase. Recognition and achievement mark this time of completion.
Spiritually: Le Monde invites the seeker to embrace the interconnectedness of all things, celebrating unity with the divine and readiness for new journeys.
When ill-dignified: Incompletion, stagnation, or feeling unfulfilled despite external success. It warns against losing sight of the bigger picture or resisting closure.