Three-Card Spread
Difficulty: Very easy
This simplistic chronological spread can be used to shed light on the influences that have passed, current influences, and what is approaching in the near future. Not much explanation is necessary for this simple tarot spread.
Your Three-Card Reading
The Past IV – The Emperor, Reversed |
The Present I – The Magician, Reversed |
The Future 0 – The Fool, Reversed |
The Past
IV – The Emperor, Reversed
The Emperor represents authority, structure, leadership, and stability. As the fourth card of the Major Arcana, it embodies order, discipline, and the ability to create and maintain systems that provide security and success. Sitting upon a grand throne adorned with ram's heads, symbols of strength and leadership, the Emperor exudes power. He is the ruler of his domain, symbolising mastery over the material world and the ability to make decisions confidently. His crown and sceptre reinforce his role as a sovereign figure who governs with authority.
Reversed, the Emperor can indicate an abuse of power or a lack of control, suggesting that you may be struggling with authority, rigid thinking, or controlling behaviour. This card reversed may point to instability or feeling trapped by rules and structures. It could also indicate the absence of leadership, where you might be failing to take charge of a situation or being stubborn or aggressive. The Emperor reversed urges you to re-evaluate your approach, encouraging you to balance authority with flexibility and lead with integrity.
In Relationships: The Emperor represents stability, security, and leadership. It suggests that a solid foundation is necessary for a relationship to thrive. You may be called upon to take on a more protective or responsible role or seek a partner who offers stability and structure. This card can also signify the need for boundaries and mutual respect within a relationship. The Emperor emphasises the importance of leadership and protection.
In Work: The Emperor is a powerful card of success, structure, and authority in the professional realm. It suggests you may be in a position of leadership or will soon be called to take charge of a situation or project. This card encourages discipline, responsibility, and strategic planning in career goals. The Emperor advises you to approach your work with a strong sense of organisation and control, building a foundation to support long-term growth and achievement. Success is likely through creating order and taking decisive, informed action.
Spiritually: The Emperor represents the manifestation of spiritual authority and the use of disciplined energy to create structure and order in one's spiritual practice. It invites you to approach your spiritual journey with focus and responsibility. This card suggests that spiritual growth can be achieved through setting intentions, building a solid foundation, and taking determined action. The Emperor also calls for integrating spiritual teachings into everyday life, using wisdom and strength to create stability.
The Present
I – The Magician, Reversed
The Magician represents the power of manifestation. The first card of the Major Arcana embodies the energy of focused will, where potential is brought into reality through skill, action, and intention. Standing with one arm raised towards the heavens and the other pointing towards the earth, the Magician connects the spiritual and material realms. He bridges the divine and the earthly to bring about change. His tools—the wand, cup, sword, and pentacle—symbolise mastery over the four elements: Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. He channels power through these instruments.
Reversed, the Magician can suggest that you are misusing your talents or not realising your potential. It may point to manipulation, trickery, or deceit by you or others. This card reversed may also indicate a lack of confidence, leading to missed opportunities or unrealised goals. It urges you to re-examine your intentions and see that your actions align with your desires, reminding you to be mindful of the power you wield.
In Relationships: The Magician suggests the power of intention and communication. It indicates that you can create a fulfilling romantic connection by being clear about your desires and aligning your actions with those intentions. It may also indicate the arrival of someone with powerful charisma or the need to harness your charm and creative energy to foster love. The Magician encourages conscious creation in matters of the heart, a reminder that you are the architect of your romantic life.
In Work: The Magician is a card of opportunity and self-empowerment in the professional realm. It signals that you possess the skills necessary to make your career aspirations a reality. This card encourages taking bold, deliberate action towards career goals and making the most of resources. The Magician suggests that the path to success is one where focus and determination play a vital role, and you have the power to manifest prosperity and recognition.
Spiritually: The Magician represents the mastery of one's inner power and the ability to direct energy with purpose. This card speaks to the harnessing of personal energy for growth, enlightenment, and transformation. It calls you to recognise your power, align your will with your spiritual goals, and work towards awakening your full potential. The Magician reminds us that the divine is not separate from us but exists within. It urges you to use your talents and awareness for higher spiritual development.
The Future
0 – The Fool, Reversed
The Fool represents the beginning of an inner and outer journey, a leap of faith into the unknown where infinite possibilities lie. This card embodies potential and purity. It represents the spirit of new beginnings before experience has shaped the self. The Fool carries a light knapsack, signifying that experiences or material attachments do not burden him. His innocence and openness suggest a state of trust in the universe and a readiness to take risks, unafraid of the unknown.
Reversed, the Fool can indicate a fear of stepping into the unknown, an avoidance of change, or a reluctance to take risks. It may suggest that you are holding back from starting a new journey because of doubts, insecurities, or an overreliance on the familiar. The Fool reversed warns against acting impulsively, leading to unnecessary mistakes. It can also signal naivety or a lack of preparedness when faced with challenges, urging you to approach new beginnings more responsibly.
In Relationships: The Fool invites openness, spontaneity, and fresh starts. This card suggests embarking on new romantic experiences without the weight of baggage. It encourages you to approach love with an open heart, ready to explore new connections and uncharted territory. The Fool signifies trust, freedom, and the joy of new beginnings, free from inhibitions.
In Work: The Fool signals a new chapter in one's professional life. It may indicate the start of an exciting journey or project, urging you to embrace change and take a risk for growth and fulfilment. This card encourages stepping out of your comfort zone, trusting that the journey will bring valuable experiences and opportunities despite an uncertain future. The Fool advises boldness and enthusiasm in pursuing career goals, suggesting that success may come from breaking away from conventional paths.
Spiritually: The Fool represents the call to venture beyond the ego, to explore new realms of consciousness and self-awareness. This card invites you to embrace the spiritual journey with innocence and trust, letting go of preconceived notions or rigid beliefs. The Fool encourages surrender to the flow of the universe, letting go of control, and embracing the unknown with faith. It is a reminder that the spiritual path is not about certainty, but the willingness to explore and discover.