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 | ||
 |
3to1 |  |
Overall |  |
2to1 |  |
| 1+3 |  |
1to3 |  |
1to2 |  |
1+2 |
 |
 |
P#1 |  |
 |
||
 |
1: Person #1
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Capricorn
This card symbolises the dynamic balance between opposing forces and the ever-shifting nature of material reality. The two disks in motion reflect the fluid and cyclical nature of life's material aspects, such as work, resources, and finances. The snake and yin-yang imagery emphasises the constant flow of these aspects and the need to navigate them with adaptability and flexibility.
This card suggests you are experiencing—or will soon encounter—change or fluctuation in material matters. The Two of Disks advises you to stay nimble and open to shifting circumstances, reminding us that change is inevitable and can be an opportunity for growth. The balance between the two disks represents the ability to manage competing demands, integrating opposing forces to maintain equilibrium.
The Two of Disks also brings the influence of Jupiter in Capricorn, which encourages expansive growth and the pursuit of long-term success within the structure of discipline and responsibility. It suggests the need to adapt to changes while maintaining focus on practical goals and building solid foundations for the future.
In Relationships: The Two of Disks may indicate the need to juggle multiple aspects of life, such as balancing work, home, and romantic commitments. It can represent the fluid, ever-changing nature of relationships, calling for the ability to adapt to shifts in dynamics.
In Work: The Two of Disks suggests a need to balance various aspects of career and business. It represents the challenges of managing multiple projects, finances, or priorities, and advises adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of ever-changing circumstances.
Spiritually: The Two of Disks calls for balance and the ability to adapt to changes in one's spiritual path. The card warns against being rigid and encourages you to flow with the changes and challenges of your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Two of Disks can signify instability, indecision, or being overwhelmed by too many competing priorities. It may indicate a lack of balance, difficulty managing material matters, or an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. In the worst case, it may suggest that you are resisting necessary changes or are being stretched too thin.
2: Person #2
Astrological Correspondence: Sun in Gemini
The Ten of Swords symbolises the culmination of mental struggle and the end of a difficult intellectual phase. The card depicts ten swords arranged in the shape of the Tree of Life, illustrating the collapse of mental structures. This imagery emphasises the breakdown of old thought patterns and the finality of a challenging mental cycle.
This card represents a moment of intense closure, often following conflict, betrayal, or harsh mental realisations. However, it is not merely a card of defeat—it marks the end of a chapter and the potential for renewal. The swords' placement in the Tree of Life suggests that the end of one cycle clears the way for new understanding and growth. Though the situation may feel like a dramatic loss, it carries the seed for transformation, indicating that closure creates space for new possibilities.
In Relationships: The Ten of Swords indicates a painful end or betrayal, often one where mental or emotional abuse has occurred. It may represent the end of a toxic situation or the final straw in a relationship that has been deteriorating for some time. While painful, this card can also indicate that you are ready for closure and can now move on to new possibilities.
In Work: The Ten of Swords signifies a complete failure or collapse of a project or endeavour, often because of betrayal, poor judgement, or harsh realities. It may represent the end of a career or a job but also suggests that this ending is necessary to make way for new opportunities. It's a card of finality and transition, signalling that the worst is over.
Spiritually: The Ten of Swords represents hitting rock bottom mentally and emotionally, but also the possibility of spiritual rebirth. It signals a time when you may have suffered greatly, but this suffering can lead to deeper understanding and growth. It encourages you to release old thought patterns and embrace a fresh, transformative spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Ten of Swords indicates prolonged suffering, often due to an inability to let go of mental hurts or betrayals. It suggests you may be stuck in a cycle of self-inflicted pain, unable to release negative thoughts or emotional baggage. The card warns against dwelling in despair and encourages you to recognise that the worst has passed and that renewal is possible.
3: Person #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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
(Root of Earth)
The Ace of Disks represents the raw, unmanifested potential of the physical world. At the centre of the card lies a single disk, surrounded by a swirling energy that symbolises the seed of all material manifestation. This image reflects the potential for creating wealth, stability, and physical well-being. The Ace of Disks marks the initiation of a new cycle in the realm of material affairs, a beginning full of possibility and grounded in the Earth element.
This card embodies the promise of prosperity and abundance, signifying the fertile ground from which tangible results will grow. It suggests you are on the brink of a new opportunity that has the potential for lasting growth and concrete success. The Ace of Disks is a symbol of manifestation, inviting the energy of physical reality to align with your intentions, and pointing to the importance of patience, effort, and practical action in bringing desires into the material world.
In Relationships: The Ace of Disks represents a new, stable foundation for a relationship. It suggests a relationship could be grounded in the material realm, such as sharing resources, practical concerns, and tangible commitments. It is a positive sign for the long-term potential of a relationship if both partners are willing to invest in it practically and thoughtfully.
In Work: The Ace of Disks signifies the beginning of a new venture or enterprise with the potential for incredible material success. It suggests a strong foundation is being laid, and this card heralds new opportunities to make money or build a business. It encourages focusing on long-term goals and being practical in your approach to success.
Spiritually: This card represents grounding one's spiritual practice into the physical realm. It suggests a connection between the material and spiritual worlds, where the material world reflects the spiritual, and vice versa. The Ace of Disks invites you to manifest your spiritual insights in the physical world and recognise the divine in all things material.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Disks can indicate missed opportunities in material matters or the failure to capitalise on available resources. There may be a reluctance to invest time and energy into practical affairs, or an inability to manifest your desires in the physical realm. It could also represent greed or an overemphasis on materialism at the expense of spiritual growth.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Element: Air of Air
Astrological Correspondence: Aquarius
The Prince of Swords represents a dynamic, often turbulent intellectual force. He is depicted riding a chariot-like structure, pulled by three Lilliputian figures, each struggling in a different direction, symbolising the internal conflict and disunity that comes with intense mental activity. This chaotic pull in multiple directions reflects the Prince's struggle to channel his intellectual energy.
The Prince of Swords embodies Air applied to Air, showing the intellectually driven nature of his pursuit of truth and knowledge. However, this energy can be scattered or unstable, as represented by the Lilliputians' differing pulls. He is an embodiment of restless, high-speed thought, capable of sharp analysis and quick action but also prone to inconsistency or confusion when trying to bring his varied ideas together.
This card indicates you may experience a time of mental restlessness or confusion, with a desire to move forward but finding it difficult to unify or direct your intellectual energy. The Prince of Swords urges attention to the need for mental clarity and unity in action. He advises against impulsivity and instead promotes focused, determined efforts to overcome obstacles and align thoughts.
In Relationships: The Prince of Swords represents an intellectual or communicative partner who approaches relationships with sharp analysis and a desire for mental stimulation. This card can indicate a relationship characterised by debate, challenge, or an intense exchange of ideas. It may also suggest that you are approaching love with intellectual detachment or overly logical thinking.
In Work: The Prince of Swords indicates quick, decisive action, often focusing on intellectual pursuits. You may be engaged in a fast-paced work environment, making quick decisions and moving forward with mental clarity and vigour. However, this card warns against hasty action that could overlook details or neglect the emotional aspects of a situation.
Spiritually: The Prince of Swords suggests active mental exploration and intellectual pursuit of higher truth. This card indicates a time of intense study, research, or the application of intellectual rigour to spiritual matters. You may be seeking enlightenment through clear thought and analysis.
When ill-dignified: The Prince of Swords can represent a rash, impulsive, or reckless approach to problems. You may be acting without considering the consequences, leading to unnecessary conflict or mental burnout. This card warns against being intellectual at the expense of emotional or spiritual sensitivity.
6: Person #3's view of #1
Element: Water of Air
Astrological Correspondence: Libra
The Queen of Swords represents clarity, discernment, and impartial judgement. She sits on a throne surrounded by clouds, symbolising the ethereal, mental realm she rules. Holding a sword in one hand and a man's head in the other, the Queen of Swords reflects her sharp perception and ability to cut through illusion. The severed head is a symbolic representation of her power to eliminate distractions, falsehoods, and anything that no longer serves her purpose, emphasising decisiveness and ability to detach from unnecessary emotions to focus on the truth.
The Queen's presence evokes the quality of Air, which is associated with mental clarity, communication, and intellectual understanding. Her demeanour is one of objectivity and cool-headedness, capable of assessing situations with wisdom and fairness. The severed head in her grasp reinforces the Queen's capacity to make hard decisions, cutting away what is obsolete or harmful with ruthless clarity while maintaining an unwavering commitment to truth.
As a symbol of clear communication and discernment, the Queen of Swords encourages you to approach challenges with an open . She advises using logic and wisdom to navigate complex situations, maintaining emotional detachment when necessary to see things as they are.
In Relationships: The Queen of Swords represents the need for clear and honest communication. She values intellectual compatibility and truth over emotional entanglements. This card may indicate emotional distance or intellectual examination in a relationship. You may need to cut through illusions in your romantic life and face the reality of the situation, no matter how harsh.
In Work: The Queen of Swords signifies leadership through intellect, fairness, and judgement. She brings wisdom, clarity, and the ability to make decisions based on objective reasoning. She represents someone who can analyse situations and cut through confusion with ease. However, in her ill-dignified form, the Queen can become too detached or critical, focusing too much on logic and not enough on empathy or intuition.
Spiritually: The Queen of Swords calls for a methodical mind and discernment in the search for truth. Her guidance suggests you must cut through distractions, illusions, and emotional noise to access your deepest spiritual insights. While she brings wisdom, she also warns you not to become too detached or intellectual, urging you to balance mind and spirit.
When ill-dignified: The Queen of Swords represents emotional coldness, sharp criticism, and harsh judgement. You may be detached, too critical of others, or unable to see the human side of a situation. The risk of becoming overly intellectual or critical without empathy could lead to isolating oneself or damaging relationships.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Element: Earth of Fire
The Princess of Wands represents the fusion of the fiery creative impulse with the grounded, material energy of Earth. The Princess embodies the potential for creative energy to manifest in tangible, lasting form. As Earth of Fire, she symbolises the ability to bring fiery inspiration and passion into the physical realm, making it real and enduring.
This card speaks to the beginning of a creative or spiritual journey, where passion, enthusiasm, and bold ideas are taking shape and solidifying. The Princess is not just a dreamer but a doer, turning inspiration into something with substance and practical value. Her energy is earthy and stable, allowing for the manifestation of creative projects or ventures to thrive in the material world. The Princess of Wands encourages you to embrace your inner creativity and channel it into something concrete, reminding that significant transformations begin with focused action.
In Relationships: When the Princess of Wands appears in a romantic context, it suggests the early stages of passion—exciting and full of potential, but not yet fully formed. The relationship is in its foundation stage, with room for growth and expansion. It represents a time of exploration and discovery in the realm of love, where energy is building but has not yet taken shape into long-term commitment.
In Work: This card indicates the birth of a new venture or project that will manifest in the material world. The Princess of Wands often heralds the arrival of new opportunities, but she also brings with her the potential for those ideas to be grounded and practical. She urges you to focus on laying solid foundations for future growth.
Spiritually: The Princess of Wands points to spiritual awakening or an initial foray into a new spiritual practice. There is a spark of creative potential, but it is still in the early, earthly stages of development. This card is about planting the seeds for spiritual growth that will flourish over time.
When ill-dignified: The Princess of Wands can signal a lack of direction or focus, where the initial excitement and energy are scattered, leaving you stuck in a cycle of false starts. There may also be an element of stagnation or inertia, as ideas fail to manifest into reality. It is a call for more grounded effort and the need to overcome obstacles to bring creative desires into the physical world.
8: Person #3's view of #2
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.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Element: Water of Fire
Astrological Correspondence: Cancer
The Queen of Wands represents the emotional and nurturing qualities of Water combined with the dynamic power of Fire. As Water of Fire, she embodies the balance of intuition, compassion, and creativity with the strength and vitality of fiery inspiration. The Queen channels her energy in a way both magnetic and nurturing, guiding and protecting what she creates with emotional depth and wisdom.
This card signifies a person who possesses the ability to inspire and lead through emotional intelligence and nurturing energy. While the Princess and Prince represent the beginnings of creative expression and active drive, the Queen of Wands embodies the harmonious flow of that energy, managing it with confidence, care, and resilience. She is a visionary who nurtures her creations, empowering others with her dynamic yet empathetic approach. The Queen of Wands encourages you to trust your intuition, inspire those around you, and take a balanced, compassionate approach in your leadership and creative endeavours.
In Relationships: The Queen of Wands represents a relationship of passion and emotional depth. She is the nurturing force behind the bond, who maintains balance and harmony with great strength. Her love is fierce, protective, and encouraging, creating an environment where both partners feel empowered to grow.
In Work: This card represents a person in a position of leadership who uses both intuition and intellect to guide their endeavours. The Queen of Wands knows how to balance assertiveness with empathy, leading by example and encouraging others to step into their own creative power. In the workplace, she represents a role model or mentor figure, someone who nurtures the growth of others through her example and leadership.
Spiritually: The Queen of Wands is a leader who embodies creative expression and the nurturing aspects of spirituality. She encourages you to embrace your personal power and trust your intuition. There is an emphasis on self-love and self-expression in her influence, guiding you towards a harmonious relationship with your spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: The Queen of Wands can represent emotional volatility, arrogance, or an abuse of power. She may become controlling or demanding, using her charm to manipulate others. The Queen, in this state, may be too emotionally driven and fail to maintain balance, leading to disharmony or unnecessary conflict.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
(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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
(Root of Fire)
The Ace of Wands bursts with raw, fiery energy, representing the essence of creation, power, and new beginnings. This card features a radiant, explosive pillar of fire, emanating brilliant golden flames. The flames twist and curl into serpentine forms, symbolising uncontained potential, primal force, and the dynamic nature of inspiration. Surrounding jagged lightning bolts reinforce the card's theme of sudden illumination and transformative energy. This is the unfiltered essence of fire—pure will, passion, and the unstoppable drive to bring something new into existence.
In Relationships: The Ace of Wands signals the beginning of a passionate and dynamic relationship, full of energy and potential. It represents the excitement of a new romantic connection or the rekindling of a passionate bond.
In Work: This card suggests a surge of inspiration or the start of an exciting new project. It encourages you to take bold action and trust in your creative abilities to manifest your ambitions.
Spiritually: The Ace of Wands represents the spark of spiritual awakening or a new phase in spiritual growth. It urges you to trust your inner fire and seek alternative paths of enlightenment and self-expression.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Wands can indicate a lack of direction, wasted energy, or premature enthusiasm. It cautions against rushing into new ventures without a solid foundation or purpose. You should reflect on whether your creative impulses are grounded or merely fleeting.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
(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.