Relationship Spread #1
Difficulty: Easy
This tarot spread is easy to read, like a convenient chart. In this spread, court cards generally indicate actual people with the same characteristics. Knights (or corresponding princes, but not kings) and queens are meant to represent actual men and women in this tarot spread. Look for patterns in the cards as always.
Card #1 is the overall significator of the relationship. The two columns on either side of the significator characterise each individual's role in the relationship. The relationship does not have to be romantic. In fact, it could be a relationship between a person and a group, or even how two groups relate.
The top row, cards #7 & #2, is about the conscious thoughts of each person, or what they think about the relationship and likewise how they view their partner.
The middle row, cards #6 & #3, reveals the way each individual feels about the other. Emotional awareness corresponds to a person's unconscious thoughts that run deep, affecting a person in ways he or she is not fully aware of.
The bottom row, cards #5 & #4, represents the way each person behaves, in other words the stance taken regarding the relationship. The way a person acts may be genuine, but sometimes people are phony and manipulative, so it is best to weigh this card against the other person's cards to determine how they match up.
Your Relationship #1 Reading
You |
Other Person |
||
Thought |
 III – The Empress |
 XXI – The Universe |
|
Emotion |
 0 – The Fool |
The Significator  XIV – Art |
 XII – The Hanged Man |
External Stance |
 IX – The Hermit |
 V – The Hierophant |
The Significator
XIV – Art
(Sagittarius, Samekh)
Art, traditionally called Temperance, represents the alchemical process of transmutation and the blending of opposites. Associated with Samekh, the prop, this card signifies the support and structure needed to integrate seemingly opposing forces. Sagittarius, the zodiac of exploration and synthesis, infuses the card with visionary energy and optimism.
The central figure is a radiant androgynous being with two faces engaged in an alchemical act of union. They pour liquid from one vessel into another, blending fire and water, symbolising the merging of opposites to create something entirely new. Around them, symbols of the zodiac and alchemical glyphs emphasise the universal nature of this process. The golden background radiates the light of inspiration and higher purpose, while the stream of power arching above the pot signifies hope and divine harmony.
In Relationships: Art represents the balance and integration of differences. It encourages you to find harmony through patience, communication, and mutual understanding.
In Work: This card signifies success achieved through creativity, innovation, and the ability to blend diverse elements into a unified whole. You are advised to embrace flexibility and trust in your creative process.
Spiritually: Art symbolises the quest for inner balance and the alchemical transformation of the self. It calls you to embrace your contradictions and to unite yourself in service of a higher purpose.
When ill-dignified: Art warns of imbalance, lack of focus, or the inability to harmonise opposing forces. You are advised to recalibrate and approach your challenges with patience and creativity.
The Querent's Thoughts
III – The Empress
(Venus, Daleth)
The Empress is a vibrant manifestation of fertility, creativity, and the nurturing power of love. Associated with Daleth, the door, she represents the gateway to abundance and the generative forces of the divine feminine. Venus, the planet of beauty and harmony, infuses her with grace, sensuality, and the power to create life and art in all forms.
The imagery of The Empress radiates lushness and vitality. She is enthroned amidst a verdant paradise, symbolising her role as the Earth Mother. Her gown flows in harmonious patterns of red, green, and gold, adorned with pomegranates—a symbol of fertility and the mysteries of creation. In her right hand, she holds a lotus flower, representing purity and spiritual unfolding. At her feet rests a shield emblazoned with an alchemical double eagle. She gazes at a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, while the aura around her suggests industrious creativity and the interconnectedness of life.
In Relationships: The Empress signifies profound connection, nurturing energy, and the blossoming of relationships. She encourages you to cultivate love with patience and care, allowing it to flourish naturally.
In Work: This card indicates a fertile period for creativity and growth. You are encouraged to trust your creative instincts and nurture your projects with love and dedication, knowing abundance will follow.
Spiritually: The Empress represents the divine source of life and the sacred connection to nature. She calls you to honour your creative power and embrace the beauty and abundance within and around you.
When ill-dignified: The Empress warns of stagnation, overindulgence, or smothering tendencies. You are advised to examine whether your actions are rooted in genuine love or in a need to control and ensure you are not sacrificing yourself for others.
The Other Person's Thoughts
XXI – The Universe
(Saturn, Earth, Tau)
The Universe is the culmination of the journey, symbolising integration, completion, and the harmonious union of opposites. Associated with Tau, the cross, this card reflects the materialisation of divine will and the synthesis of all forces. Saturn, the planet of structure and discipline, anchors the card in themes of order and manifestation.
The central figure is a nude woman, symbolising the perfected self, dancing within a ring of stars, on the head of an enormous serpent. She holds tools of creation in her hands, embodying mastery over all elements. Around her, the four cherubim faces—the lion, the eagle, the man, and the bull—represent the fixed signs of the zodiac and the balance of cosmic forces, as water flows from their noses and mouths. The background represents the infinite possibilities of the universe.
In Relationships: The Universe signifies fulfilment and the realisation of harmony. It encourages you to celebrate the unity and wholeness of your connections.
In Work: This card indicates the successful completion of a cycle and the achievement of long-term goals. You are advised to reflect on your accomplishments and prepare for new horizons.
Spiritually: The Universe symbolises enlightenment, the integration of all aspects of the self, and the realisation of cosmic unity. It calls you to embrace your place within the greater whole and celebrate the infinite potential of existence.
When ill-dignified: The Universe warns of stagnation, fear of completion, or an unwillingness to move forward. You are advised to release resistance and trust in the cycles of growth and transformation.
The Querent's Emotions
0 – The Fool
(Air, Uranus, Aleph)
The Fool of the Thoth deck embodies the chaotic, boundless energy of pure potential, untouched by form or limitation. He is the alpha and omega of the journey, the primordial force from which all creation arises. Corresponding to Aleph, the breath of life, and the element of Air, the Fool represents the vibrant, unpredictable nature of Uranus, the planet of sudden change and divine inspiration.
The figure of The Fool is richly adorned, standing amid a swirling maelstrom of symbolic forms. He wears motley robes to represent his openness to all experiences, while the winged sun at his feet symbolises the life-giving power of the divine. Around him whirl a tiger (representing instinct and primal fear), a crocodile (a guardian of the mysteries and a symbol of time), and a rainbow-hued disk, representing the harmony of all elements. The Fool holds a blazing torch in one hand and a crystal cup in the other, signifying the balance of will and receptivity. One foot is grounded in the world, while the other stands on the fourth wall, as if attempting to step into our world.
In Relationships: The Fool represents the potential for new beginnings and uncharted emotional experiences. It encourages you to approach relationships with innocence and trust, unburdened by fears or preconceptions.
In Work: This card advises bold action and faith in one's ideas. It suggests venturing into unfamiliar territory and taking inspired risks, understanding that growth lies in embracing uncertainty.
Spiritually: The Fool symbolises the seeker's initial step on the path to enlightenment, an act of surrender to the cosmic current. It urges you to trust the process and let go of the need for certainty.
When ill-dignified: The Fool warns of chaos, recklessness, or naivety. You are cautioned to discern whether you are pursuing freedom or fleeing responsibility and examine whether your actions align with higher wisdom.
The Other Person's Emotions
XII – The Hanged Man
(Water, Mem)
The Hanged Man represents surrender, transformation, and the wisdom gained through self-sacrifice. Associated with Mem, the waters, this card embodies the flow of unconscious depths and the mysteries that lie beyond the material world. It is not a card of suffering but one of enlightenment through letting go.
The central figure is suspended upside-down, forming a cross with his legs, a symbol of balance and sacrifice. His arms form a triangle, evoking the union of spirit and matter. Behind him, the swirling blue-green background suggests the ocean of the subconscious. The serene expression on his face reflects the tranquillity found in surrendering to a greater truth. Around him, rays of light emanate, signifying the revelation that arises from this state of suspension.
In Relationships: The Hanged Man suggests a need for patience, selflessness, and understanding. It encourages you to see things from your partner's perspective and release control.
In Work: This card indicates a period of pause or sacrifice, where immediate goals may need to be set aside for long-term growth. You are advised to trust in the process and focus on the bigger picture.
Spiritually: The Hanged Man symbolises enlightenment achieved through surrender and the release of ego. It calls you to embrace the transformative power of stillness and contemplation.
When ill-dignified: The Hanged Man warns of stagnation, resistance to change, or clinging to outdated beliefs. You are advised to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the wisdom of surrender.
The Querent's External Stance
IX – The Hermit
(Virgo, Yod)
The Hermit represents the seeker of inner truth and the wisdom gained through solitude and introspection. Associated with Yod, the hand, this card embodies the divine spark of creation and the active quest for enlightenment. Virgo, the zodiac of analysis and service, lends the Hermit its meticulous and introspective energy.
The Hermit is a lone figure cloaked in red, symbolising both the concealment and revelation of profound mysteries. He holds a glowing lantern containing a star, representing the union of opposites and the illumination of divine wisdom. A serpent coils around the cosmic egg, an emblem of transformation and esoteric knowledge. In the foreground, a radiant yellow glow symbolises enlightenment, while the crop around him suggests the fertile soil of the unconscious mind.
In Relationships: The Hermit suggests introspection or solitude. It encourages you to seek clarity and the understanding of your own needs before reengaging with others.
In Work: This card indicates the value of independent effort and the importance of inner guidance. You are encouraged to trust your own wisdom and focus on long-term goals rather than immediate results.
Spiritually: The Hermit represents the solitary journey of self-discovery and pursuit of higher knowledge. It calls you to turn inward and seek truth through meditation and reflection.
When ill-dignified: The Hermit warns of isolation, excessive withdrawal, or a reluctance to share one's insights. You are advised to balance your introspection with meaningful connection and ensure you are not avoiding life's responsibilities.
The Other Person's External Stance
V – The Hierophant
(Taurus, Vav)
The Hierophant is a figure of sacred knowledge and spiritual authority, acting as the bridge between the divine and the mundane. Linked to Vav, the nail, he unites opposing forces and secures the sacred connection between heaven and earth. Taurus, the zodiac sign of stability and sensuality, lends him an enduring, earthy strength.
The Hierophant is depicted as a commanding figure robed in red, symbolising spiritual power and divine authority. He stands as a bridge between the divine and material realms. A large pentagram glows on his chest, signifying mastery over the elements and sacred knowledge. He holds a three-ringed sceptre, representing dominion over body, mind, and spirit. The Egyptian priestess beneath him suggests hidden wisdom or esoteric teachings. Surrounding him are symbolic beasts—the bull of Taurus, an elephant, and four cherub masks—reinforcing themes of strength, structure, and initiation into higher knowledge. The composition conveys mystical revelation, initiation, and the channelling of sacred truths.
In Relationships: The Hierophant suggests relationships guided by shared values, spiritual connection, and mutual growth. It emphasises the importance of trust, commitment, and alignment in beliefs.
In Work: This card speaks to mentorship, tradition, and the power of established systems. It advises you to seek wisdom from trusted sources and honour the tried-and-true methods that lead to success.
Spiritually: The Hierophant represents initiation into higher knowledge and the sacred mysteries. He invites you to seek wisdom from spiritual teachings and align your actions with divine will.
When ill-dignified: The Hierophant warns against dogmatism, blind adherence to tradition, or excessive reliance on external authority. You are advised to discern whether you are following your spiritual truth or conforming to others' expectations.