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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1: Person #1
(Cancer, Cheth)
The Chariot represents triumph through willpower, discipline, and the unification of opposing forces. Associated with Cheth, the fence, it symbolises both protection and the boundaries that define and direct progress. Cancer, the zodiac sign of emotional depth and intuition lends the card its nurturing energy, ensuring that strength is tempered with compassion.
The Charioteer is a figure of regal composure, encased in golden armour and standing within a shell-like chariot. This shell evokes the protective qualities of Cancer, while the armour signifies spiritual and emotional fortitude. In his hands, he holds the Holy Grail, a symbol of divine purpose and spiritual attainment. The four sphinxes that draw the chariot—two white and two dark—represent the dual forces of light and darkness, which the Charioteer must master to move forward. The canopy above him is adorned with stars, linking his journey to celestial guidance and higher aspirations.
In Relationships: The Chariot indicates a relationship that requires balance and mutual effort to succeed. It suggests overcoming obstacles through shared determination and a focus on common goals.
In Work: This card signifies victory achieved through discipline, focus, and the ability to steer conflicting forces towards a unified purpose. You are encouraged to remain steadfast and clear in your intentions.
Spiritually: The Chariot represents the journey of the soul towards higher awareness, guided by the alignment of will and intuition. It calls you to embrace your inner strength and move forward confidently.
When ill-dignified: The Chariot warns of a loss of direction, internal conflict, or reckless ambition. You are advised to reassess your goals and ensure you are not being led astray by conflicting desires or external pressures.
2: Person #2
(Judgement, Fire, Shin)
The Aeon represents transformation, evolution, and the awakening to a higher state of consciousness. Associated with Shin, the tooth, this card reflects the process of breaking through old paradigms to embrace a new spiritual era. Crowley's reinterpretation of Judgement as The Aeon emphasises rebirth on a cosmic scale, rather than individual reckoning.
The central figure is the translucent child-god Horus, representing the dawn of a new age. Above him, Nuit, the goddess of infinite space, arches across the sky, and Hadit, the fiery point of divine inspiration, burns at her core. The two incarnations of the same figure symbolise the transition from the old to the new. The vibrant reds and blues throughout the card evoke the dynamic forces of destruction and creation.
In Relationships: The Aeon signifies the potential for profound change. It suggests leaving behind outdated patterns and embracing a higher level of connection and understanding.
In Work: This card indicates a turning point, calling you to align with your true purpose and embrace transformative opportunities.
Spiritually: The Aeon symbolises awakening to a higher state of being. It calls you to release the past and step into your divine purpose with courage and clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Aeon warns of resistance to change, clinging to outdated beliefs, or fear of transformation. You are advised to trust the process of renewal and embrace the potential of the new era.
3: Person #3
(Aquarius, Heh)
The Star represents hope, inspiration, and the flow of divine energy. Associated with Heh, the window, this card symbolises clarity and the opening of the soul to cosmic light. Aquarius, the zodiac of vision and humanitarian ideals, imbues the card with themes of enlightenment and universal connection.
The central figure is a nude woman, representing purity and vulnerability, pouring water from two vessels—one onto the earth and the other into a pool, symbolising the balance between spiritual and material realms. Behind her, a radiant star dominates the sky, surrounded by smaller stars, signifying guidance and hope. The background, rich with blues and violets, evokes the tranquillity of the natural world.
In Relationships: The Star suggests healing and renewed hope. It encourages you to trust in the flow of love and remain open to its guidance.
In Work: This card signifies inspiration and creative potential. You are advised to trust your intuition and align your efforts with a higher vision.
Spiritually: The Star symbolises a connection to the divine and the flow of universal energy. It calls you to share your gifts and have faith in the cosmic plan.
When ill-dignified: The Star warns of disillusionment, a loss of faith, or a failure to see one's potential. You are advised to reconnect with your inner light and trust in the process of renewal.
4: Person #1's view of #2
(Aries, Tzaddi)
The Emperor represents the force of order, authority, and structure, embodying the disciplined energy required to manifest power and stability in the material world. He is linked to Tzaddi, symbolising insight and vision, representing the ability to perceive higher truths and take decisive action in alignment with divine will. As the astrological ruler Aries, he brings fiery determination and a pioneering spirit.
The Emperor sits on a ram-adorned throne, a clear nod to Aries, surrounded by a vibrant red background that speaks of his dynamic energy and martial authority. His sceptre, along with the orb and cross, symbolises the dominion of spirit over matter. At his feet lies the double eagle shield, representing far-reaching vision and the ability to soar above obstacles. The geometric forms surrounding him suggest the stability of order, while the lamb beneath his throne reminds us of the balance between power and protection.
In Relationships: The Emperor indicates a relationship rooted in stability, leadership, and mutual respect. It calls for clarity, honesty, and the willingness to establish healthy boundaries and foundations.
In Work: This card represents mastery over the material realm and the ability to build structures that endure. It encourages you to take charge of your destiny confidently and lead by example.
Spiritually: The Emperor signifies the grounding of spiritual energy into practical action. He calls you to embody your highest ideals in your daily life, manifesting divine will through disciplined effort.
When ill-dignified: The Emperor warns of rigidity, authoritarianism, or a misuse of power. You are cautioned to balance control with flexibility and lead with wisdom rather than dominance.
5: Person #2's view of #3
(Pisces, Qoph)
The Moon symbolises illusion, intuition, and the mysterious depths of the subconscious. Associated with Qoph, the back of the head, this card delves into the primal and instinctual aspects of the psyche. Pisces, the zodiac of dreams and mysticism, enhances the card's themes of mystery and emotional depth.
The imagery is haunting and enigmatic. A path winds through barren terrain, flanked by twin towers that suggest gateways to the unknown. Above, the moon dominates the sky, casting an eerie light that obscures as much as it reveals. Crawling on the path is a scarab beetle carrying the solar disk, symbolising the emergence of light from darkness. The waters below teem with life, representing the fertile chaos of the subconscious.
In Relationships: The Moon represents emotional complexity and hidden dynamics. It encourages you to trust your intuition and uncover underlying truths.
In Work: This card suggests uncertainty or confusion. You are advised to navigate carefully, relying on intuition and patience to discern the best path forward.
Spiritually: The Moon symbolises the journey through the subconscious and the mysteries of the soul. It calls you to explore your inner depths and embrace the wisdom found in dreams and intuition.
When ill-dignified: The Moon warns of deception, confusion, or fear of the unknown. You are advised to confront your fears and seek clarity amidst uncertainty.
6: Person #3's view of #1
(Capricorn, Ayin)
The Devil symbolises bondage, materialism, and the potent, often misunderstood forces of desire and instinct. Associated with Ayin, the eye, this card invites a piercing vision into the illusions and structures that bind us. Capricorn, the zodiac of ambition and discipline, infuses the card with themes of mastery over material and earthly limitations.
The central figure is a goat before a phallic structure, symbolising generative power and material dominance. This card is seething with esoteric symbols of competition within a person. The background, webbed in deep, earthy tones, suggests the shadowy nature of the forces at play. The card is alive with energy, hinting at temptation and the potential for liberation.
In Relationships: The Devil represents intense, often obsessive attraction. It can warn of relationships rooted in control or dependency, urging you to assess whether your connections are serving your growth.
In Work: This card suggests material success, often achieved through relentless ambition. However, it warns of becoming enslaved by wealth or status and advises balancing ambition with higher values.
Spiritually: The Devil symbolises the necessity of confronting and integrating one's shadow self. It calls you to transcend material attachments and awaken to higher truths.
When ill-dignified: The Devil warns of oppression, excessive materialism, or destructive desires. You are advised to liberate yourself by recognising and overcoming illusions and self-imposed limitations.
7: Person #2's view of #1
(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.
8: Person #3's view of #2
(Mars, Peh)
The Tower represents sudden upheaval, revelation, and the destruction of false structures. Associated with Peh, the mouth, this card conveys the power of truth to shatter illusions. Mars, the planet of force and conflict, infuses the card with explosive energy and transformative destruction.
The imagery is vivid and chaotic. A tall tower, struck by lightning, crumbles as flames consume it, symbolising the collapse of rigid, outdated systems. Figures fall from the tower, illustrating the inevitability of change and the humbling of ego. The colours are fiery and intense, reflecting the raw energy of destruction. Amidst the chaos, the lion-serpent Yaldabaoth and a dove representing the Holy Spirit suggest a transformation brought about by hidden wisdom revealed by divine grace.
In Relationships: The Tower indicates sudden changes or disruptions. It may signify a breakup or the dismantling of illusions, allowing for greater honesty and authenticity.
In Work: This card signals upheaval or the collapse of established structures. You are advised to embrace change as an opportunity for rebuilding stronger foundations.
Spiritually: The Tower symbolises enlightenment through the destruction of illusions. It calls you to surrender to the transformative power of truth and embrace the freedom that follows.
When ill-dignified: The Tower warns of resistance to change or the denial of necessary upheaval. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and allow the process of transformation to unfold.
9: Person #1's view of #3
(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.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
(Jupiter, Kaph)
Fortune represents the ever-turning wheel of fate, symbolising the cycles of change and the opportunities that arise through the interplay of forces. Associated with Kaph, the palm of the hand, this card signifies the ability to grasp the turning tides of fortune and shape one's destiny. Jupiter, the planet of expansion and abundance, imbues the card with optimism and growth.
The Wheel of Fortune is depicted as a cosmic mechanism, a rotating mandala of symbols and figures. At its centre is the ten-spoked wheel, representing the cyclical nature of existence and integration of opposites. Around it spin the Sphinx, the serpent, and the baboon, embodying stability, transformation, and the playful chaos of change. The wheel is connected to its spiritual counterpart above, signifying the promise of renewal and the unity of all things within the cosmic dance.
In Relationships: Fortune suggests change and new opportunities. It encourages you to embrace the unpredictable nature of love and remain open to its possibilities.
In Work: This card signifies a turning point and the potential for unexpected success. You are advised to seize opportunities and trust in the benevolent forces of change.
Spiritually: Fortune represents the acceptance of life's cycles and the wisdom gained through change. It calls you to embrace the flow of the universe and find peace in its rhythms.
When ill-dignified: Fortune warns of resistance to change, missed opportunities, or the chaotic forces of upheaval. You are advised to trust in the process of transformation and remain adaptable in the face of uncertainty.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
(Libra, Lamed)
In the Thoth deck, the card traditionally known as Justice is renamed Adjustment, reflecting the dynamic nature of balance and the constant recalibration required to maintain harmony. Associated with Lamed, the ox-goad, it represents the guidance and discipline needed to align oneself with universal truth. Libra, the zodiac of balance and fairness, infuses the card with its themes of equity and measured judgement.
The central figure of Adjustment is a serene androgynous figure holding a sword while balancing on their toes, between a balanced pair of scales. The sword symbolises the piercing clarity of truth, while the scales represent the cosmic law of cause and effect. Their poised stance is framed by geometric patterns, emphasising precision and the mathematical order of the universe. Behind them, a brilliant green background evokes the idea of renewal and the living equilibrium of nature.
In Relationships: Adjustment highlights the importance of honesty, fairness, and mutual accountability. It encourages you to communicate openly and seek a balanced dynamic.
In Work: This card suggests success will come through careful analysis, ethical decision-making, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. It warns against cutting corners or ignoring the consequences of actions.
Spiritually: Adjustment signifies alignment with divine truth and the quest for inner harmony. You are called to reflect on your actions and ensure they are in alignment with your highest principles.
When ill-dignified: Adjustment warns of imbalance, dishonesty, or an inability to take responsibility for one's actions. You are advised to confront uncomfortable truths and restore equilibrium through introspection and accountability.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
(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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
(Moon, Gimel)
The Priestess is a figure of serene and inscrutable wisdom, embodying the mysteries of the subconscious and the cycles of the Moon. She corresponds to Gimel, the camel, representing the capacity to traverse vast spiritual deserts and access hidden truths. The Moon's influence lends her an air of receptivity, intuition, and connection to the rhythms of the cosmos.
Seated on her throne, the Priestess holds a bow, an emblem of Artemis and lunar cycles, symbolising her mastery of timing and precision. Her arms mirror the crescent moons of the background, merging her form with the sea of the unconscious. Before her, a tapestry adorned with pomegranates and palms veils the sacred mysteries, separating the seen from the unseen. At her feet lies the crescent moon, a symbol of her dominion over intuition and the waxing and waning cycles of existence.
In Relationships: The Priestess indicates the presence of profound emotional depth and unspoken bonds. It encourages you to trust your intuition and explore the layers of your connection without rushing to conclusions.
In Work: This card suggests the answers lie in reflection and inner knowledge rather than external action. It advises you to trust your instincts and remain patient while the path unfolds.
Spiritually: The Priestess represents the deep well of inner wisdom, the gateway to divine knowledge. She calls you to explore your dreams, meditations, and intuitions for insight into the mysteries of the self and the universe.
When ill-dignified: The Priestess cautions against passivity, confusion, or ignoring intuitive warnings. You are advised to confront hidden fears and distinguish between genuine intuition and projections of the unconscious mind.