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
Element: Earth of Water
The Princess of Cups symbolises emotional sensitivity, creativity, and the grounding of feelings into tangible forms. She represents the nurturing and receptive qualities of water tempered by the practical, stabilising energy of earth. Holding a cup and surrounded by serene imagery, the Princess radiates an aura of calm reflection, signalling an intimate connection with the emotional and intuitive realms. She is encircled by symbols of the universe and crystallisation.
Virgo's influence lends her a sense of precision and care, encouraging you to translate emotional insight into meaningful, productive expressions. This card suggests a phase of emotional exploration, where feelings are not only felt deeply but also refined and shaped into art, nurturing acts, or personal growth.
The Princess of Cups invites introspection and the discovery of beauty in emotional subtleties. She encourages you to embrace your inner world with curiosity and mindfulness, allowing emotions to inspire creativity, connection, and grounded expression. Her presence reminds us that even the most delicate feelings can be a foundation for growth and tangible achievement.
In Relationships: The Princess of Cups speaks to someone beginning to open up emotionally. This card can indicate the early stages of a relationship, where feelings are still forming and evolving. The Princess encourages you to approach relationships with both curiosity and sensitivity, allowing your emotional landscape to unfold in a grounded manner.
In Work: The Princess of Cups suggests you may embark on a new path that requires emotional investment, perhaps in creative, artistic, or healing endeavours. The card encourages finding a balance between emotional and practical work and suggests a time of personal growth or exploration of your emotional capabilities.
Spiritually: The Princess of Cups represents a time of emotional discovery, when you may explore new spiritual paths or practices. This card can also indicate an increased sensitivity to the spiritual realm, where you feel a heightened sense of intuition and emotional awareness.
When ill-dignified: The Princess of Cups can indicate emotional immaturity or a lack of direction in one's emotional life. There may be an over-sentimental approach to life, where feelings cloud judgement, or you may struggle to understand your emotions. It could also indicate a tendency to indulge in unrealistic fantasies or disconnect from reality.
2: Person #2
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Gemini
The Eight of Swords features two large swords crossed over six smaller ones. These smaller swords are arranged in two sets: three pointing left and three pointing right, symbolising conflicting mental forces and confusion. This card represents mental interference, where over-analysis and conflicting thoughts prevent you from making decisions. The swords, each different in type, further emphasise the scattering and disorganisation of the mind, leading to a sense of being trapped by one's own thoughts, perhaps an inner critic.
The Jupiter in Gemini influence indicates mental expansion, but with a dualistic nature that leads to indecision. The card suggests that although you may feel restricted, the limitations are often self-imposed by an inability to focus or make a choice. While the potential for resolution exists, breaking free from this mental entrapment requires clarity and a shift in perspective to gain control over scattered thoughts and find the right course of action.
In Relationships: The Eight of Swords may indicate feelings of entrapment or restriction. You may feel as if you are stuck in a mental prison, unable to break free from negative thought patterns or emotional ties. It suggests that you must confront your limiting beliefs to move forward.
In Work: The Eight of Swords can indicate mental barriers, such as self-doubt, lack of confidence, or feeling restricted in one's career. It suggests you may feel trapped by circumstances or your own thoughts, but the solution lies in breaking free from these mental constraints.
Spiritually: The Eight of Swords signifies a state of mental paralysis, where you cannot move forward on your spiritual journey because of fear, confusion, or negative thinking. It calls for you to recognise your own role in creating limitations and take action to break free from the mental constraints that prevent growth.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Swords may indicate a deeper sense of entrapment, where you resist change or refuse to see a way out of your mental struggles. It suggests a state of greater isolation, fear, or hopelessness, and warns that your own thinking exaggerates these feelings.
3: Person #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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
Astrological Correspondence: Venus in Scorpio
The Seven of Cups signifies emotional excess, illusion, and the dangers of overindulgence. This card depicts seven cups arranged chaotically, overflowing with murky, stagnant liquid, emphasising the corruption of pure emotional energy. The imagery conveys decay, as the once-refreshing waters of gladness and emotional fulfilment have become polluted by excess, indulgence, or lack of clarity.
Venus in Scorpio combines the seductive and magnetic qualities of Venus with Scorpio's intensity and depth, highlighting the tension between desire and emotional saturation. This card reflects the risks of being seduced by fleeting pleasures, ungrounded fantasies, or false promises, leading to a state of disillusionment and emotional stagnation.
The Seven of Cups warns against being caught in illusions or distracted by unproductive desires. It challenges us to discern between genuine fulfilment and empty indulgence. While it may tempt us with alluring possibilities, it urges us to ground ourselves, clear emotional confusion, and make choices that lead to lasting satisfaction and renewal.
In Relationships: The Seven of Cups suggests you may face many emotional choices, perhaps feeling uncertain about which path to take. It can indicate a tendency to be drawn to unrealistic or illusory relationships or desires, cautioning you to look beyond appearances and follow your heart.
In Work: The Seven of Cups warns of the dangers of distraction or chasing unrealistic opportunities. You may be overwhelmed by numerous options or distracted by tempting but empty promises. It advises you to focus on practical goals and avoid emotional escapism or fantasy-driven decisions.
Spiritually: The Seven of Cups points to confusion or a scattering of emotional or spiritual energy. You may be pulled in multiple directions or have trouble discerning between true spiritual paths and distractions. It invites you to ground yourself, focusing on the path that resonates most deeply with your soul.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Cups can indicate emotional confusion or disillusionment. You may face excessive emotional choices, each more fleeting than the next, leading to indecision or a lack of emotional clarity. There may be a tendency to become consumed with fantasy at the expense of tangible reality, leading to disappointment.
5: Person #2's view of #3
(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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
(Gemini, Zain)
The Lovers represent the alchemical union of opposites, a card rich with symbolism of choice, harmony, and divine love. Associated with Zain, the sword, this card represents the piercing clarity needed to discern and unite polarities. Gemini, the zodiac of duality and communication, imbues it with the energy of connection and synthesis.
The Thoth Lovers card depicts the union of the royal figures of Sol and Luna under the guidance of a cupid-like angel. Below them, the Orphic egg is encircled by the serpent, symbolising potential and cosmic rebirth. The figures are surrounded by the emblems of alchemical transformation: fire and water, masculine and feminine, light and shadow. The imagery suggests not only romantic love but also the integration of the conscious and unconscious mind, as in shadow work.
In Relationships: The Lovers signify connection, mutual respect, and the merging of hearts and minds. It also emphasises the importance of choice and the conscious commitment to love and partnership.
In Work: This card suggests collaboration and harmonising diverse forces to achieve a greater goal. It encourages you to seek partnerships that align with your values and vision.
Spiritually: The Lovers represent the union of opposites within the self, a crucial step on the path to enlightenment. It calls you to embrace your inner dualities and find harmony through integration.
When ill-dignified: The Lovers caution against indecision, misaligned partnerships, or superficial connections. You are urged to examine whether you are avoiding responsibility or compromising your truth for the sake of harmony.
7: Person #2's view of #1
(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.
8: Person #3's view of #2
Element: Fire of Fire
Astrological Correspondence: Sagittarius
The Knight of Wands embodies the pure, unbridled energy of Fire in its most dynamic form. As Fire of Fire, he is the embodiment of passionate action, adventure, and relentless pursuit of goals. The Knight represents a fearless, enthusiastic warrior who acts with boldness and intensity, ready to charge forward into unfamiliar territory without hesitation.
This card signifies the drive to break boundaries, embrace new challenges, and explore uncharted paths. The Knight of Wands is a force of nature, radiating energy and vitality that propels him into action. His fiery spirit is uncontained, seeking freedom and new experiences. While this card represents ambition and a desire for conquest, it also warns of impulsiveness and a lack of focus that can lead to burnout or scattered efforts. The Knight of Wands encourages you to embrace your courage and enthusiasm, but reminds you to maintain direction and purpose in your ventures.
In Relationships: The Knight of Wands represents a passionate, fast-moving romance. There is little patience for hesitation or stagnation, and the Knight's approach to love is one of intensity, fervour, and excitement. This card may suggest a whirlwind romance, characterised by excitement and boldness, but also perhaps a lack of stability or depth.
In Work: The Knight of Wands represents the energetic pursuit of career goals and the pursuit of new ventures. This is the go-getter always ready for the next enormous opportunity, charging forward without fear. However, the Knight's restless energy can sometimes lead to burnout or an incomplete follow-through on projects, so caution is advised in maintaining focus.
Spiritually: The Knight of Wands signifies a quest for knowledge or self-improvement driven by intense passion. You may be seeking higher truths with tremendous fervour, though your approach may be more about action and experience than contemplation. This card encourages bold spiritual experimentation, but also warns of burnout or excessive zeal without balance.
When ill-dignified: The Knight of Wands can represent recklessness, impulsivity, and a lack of direction. He may act too quickly or too aggressively, disregarding the consequences of his actions. In this state, the Knight's energy is unbalanced, leading to rash decisions, uncompleted projects, or a tendency to act out of ego rather than purpose.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Astrological Correspondence: Mars in Scorpio
The Five of Cups represents emotional sorrow, disappointment, and a focus on the negative aspects of an emotional situation. It speaks to moments of grief, regret, or mourning, especially when someone is caught up in the emotional aftermath of a loss.
The five cups are arranged in a pentagram formation. The arrangement of the cups signifies emotional disconnection or frustration, with the structure symbolising a closed, introspective emotional state. This card suggests a focus on what has been lost, often pointing to emotional difficulty or missed opportunities. However, the upright cups hint at the possibility of new emotional experiences or opportunities that may be overlooked because of the current focus on loss.
In Relationships: The Five of Cups represents grief or emotional loss. There may be feelings of disappointment or regret, and you may be mourning a past relationship or the end of a particular phase. It's important for you to remember that healing and new emotional opportunities are available if you choose to focus on them.
In Work: The Five of Cups suggests emotional setback, loss, or failure. You may have experienced disappointment in your career, but the card also encourages you to focus on opportunities that remain. The Five of Cups is a reminder that there are always new directions to explore, even when setbacks occur.
Spiritually: The Five of Cups can represent emotional pain or disillusionment with the spiritual journey. You may be mourning your perceived failures or feeling disconnected from your spiritual practices. However, the card encourages a shift in perspective, reminding you to look towards healing and renewal.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Cups can represent prolonged grief or an inability to move past emotional loss. You may be stuck in a cycle of self-pity or emotional stagnation, failing to see the positive opportunities that remain. There may be an excessive focus on the negative aspects of a situation, hindering emotional recovery.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
Astrological Correspondence: Libra
The Two of Swords represents a moment of mental conflict, where you are confronted with opposing thoughts or emotions, signalling a need for balance and resolution. The card features two crossed swords, their blades intersecting at the centre of the card, symbolising the tension between conflicting mental forces. This imagery conveys inner peace amidst mental tension, as you are called to navigate through indecision and find harmony in your thoughts.
Libra's influence highlights the importance of balance, suggesting that resolution can only be achieved through equilibrium and careful contemplation. The swords' crossing forms a stable structure, emphasising the need to bring mental clarity and alignment to opposing views or choices.
The Two of Swords invites you to seek peace by considering your options and allowing time for reflection. This card reminds us that balance, particularly in moments of mental conflict, can lead to a clear path forward. While the answer may not be apparent, this card encourages you to trust that clarity will emerge through patience and introspection.
In Relationships: The Two of Swords may indicate a relationship at a standstill, where both partners face an important decision, yet neither can move forward due to uncertainty or lack of communication. This card suggests the need for both partners to open their eyes and see things clearly before making a decision that will affect the relationship.
In Work: The Two of Swords may indicate a situation where you are facing a difficult choice or a mental block in your career. It suggests the need to weigh different options before making a decision that will influence the next phase of your work. It can also indicate the need for a balance between competing interests.
Spiritually: The Two of Swords suggests you may be at a crossroads, unsure of which path to take in your spiritual life. It indicates a time of indecision or a need to balance different aspects of your spiritual journey, such as intellect versus intuition, before going forward.
When ill-dignified: The Two of Swords can point to avoidance, emotional blockages, or the inability to decide out of fear or confusion. A tendency to ignore or suppress critical issues may lead to greater internal conflict. It may also represent mental stagnation or the inability to see a solution to a problem.
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
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Cancer
The Four of Cups, or Luxury, represents the fulfilment and abundance that comes with emotional satisfaction and the enjoyment of what is already in one's life. It symbolises emotional contentment, where you can reflect on what has been achieved and the blessings already received.
The card features four cups arranged in a square formation, with light flowing from the top two cups down into the bottom two. This light represents the emotional flow of abundance and fulfilment, symbolising the harmonious exchange of emotions. The imagery conveys a moment of emotional reflection, where you recognise the blessings in your life and enjoy a sense of gratitude and stability. The Four of Cups invites you to acknowledge the wealth of emotional experiences and satisfaction you have gained, encouraging you to savour and appreciate the emotional contentment you have achieved.
In Relationships: The Four of Cups may indicate emotional dissatisfaction, disillusionment, or boredom in the relationship. You may be so focused on disappointments or unfulfilled desires that you do not recognise new possibilities or opportunities for emotional connection.
In Work: Professionally, this card suggests a feeling of emotional or creative stagnation. You may feel unfulfilled by your work or uninspired by your current role. There may be dissatisfaction, and you may need to seek new challenges or engage in deeper introspection to reconnect with your passion and purpose.
Spiritually: The Four of Cups suggests emotional withdrawal or spiritual apathy. You may be disconnected from your spiritual path, lost in self-doubt, or focused on past disappointments. The card invites you to open your heart to new possibilities and reconsider what might be missing in your spiritual practice.
When ill-dignified: The Four of Cups may point to a state of emotional block or closed-off behaviour. You may be emotionally repressed, unwilling to confront or process your feelings. There may be a tendency to dwell in negativity or missed opportunities, leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction that is hard to break.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Element: Water of Water
Astrological Correspondence: Cancer
The Queen of Cups embodies the purest expression of emotional depth, intuition, and nurturing energy. As Water of Water, she symbolises the harmonious flow of feelings, offering profound emotional wisdom and understanding. She is depicted as a serene and graceful figure in a waterfall, holding a cup that symbolises her ability to channel the depths of her emotional and intuitive nature with calm and poise.
Her Cancerian influence enhances her sensitivity, compassion, and protective instincts, making her a nurturing guide through emotional landscapes. She is deeply attuned to her inner world and the needs of others, offering care, understanding, and support with unshakable grace.
The Queen of Cups invites you to embrace emotional intelligence and connect with intuition. Her presence suggests a time to nurture yourself or others, trust intuitive insights, and approach emotional challenges with empathy and wisdom. She encourages you to cultivate inner harmony and use your emotional depth as a source of strength and guidance.
In Relationships: The Queen of Cups signifies a partner who is emotionally mature, loving, and intuitive. She represents someone who offers emotional support and can nurture a relationship with wisdom and care. The Queen suggests a time of emotional balance when love flows freely and comfortably. She can also indicate a time when you need to cultivate emotional security in relationships.
In Work: The Queen of Cups is a card of emotional intelligence. She suggests a career in which compassion, counselling, or care-taking is emphasised. The Queen represents the ability to lead with emotional insight, bringing empathy and understanding to professional environments. Her presence can also indicate that you need to approach your work with greater emotional intelligence or personal care.
Spiritually: The Queen of Cups suggests a time of emotional healing when you can tap into your emotional wisdom to guide your spiritual growth. The card indicates intuition and inner knowledge, pointing towards a time when your connection to your emotional self will provide you with clarity and spiritual insight.
When ill-dignified: The Queen of Cups may indicate emotional instability, a tendency to over-empathise at the expense of self-care, or the possibility of emotional manipulation. You may become overly dependent on others for emotional support or struggle with emotional boundaries. There may also be a danger of neglecting personal emotional needs in the service of others.