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
(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.
2: Person #2
(Root of Water)
The Ace of Cups represents the origin of all emotional energy, a divine or universal flow of love, compassion, and spiritual connection. As the Root of Water, this card embodies the purest potential of emotional experience and intuition. The image features a cup floating above a sea of water, emanating a stream of light that represents an endless supply of love, emotion, and spiritual energy.
This imagery evokes emotional renewal and spiritual enlightenment, with the flowing water symbolising abundance and fertility in the emotional and spiritual realms. The Ace of Cups invites you into a moment of clarity, renewal, and healing, where the heart and soul are open to receiving and experiencing deep, unconditional love and compassion. It is a card of emotional awakening and spiritual blessing, suggesting the potential for new emotional beginnings or heightened spiritual experiences.
In Relationships: The Ace of Cups can indicate the beginning of a new, spiritually connected romance or a renewed sense of emotional intimacy. There is a deep well of emotional potential here—be it the birth of love or the rekindling of an existing connection at a profound level.
In Work: The Ace of Cups speaks to the emotional satisfaction derived from one's work or creative expression. It points to fulfilment from what you are doing, especially if it is connected to healing, the arts, or nurturing others. There is an overflow of positive energy, suggesting that work aligns with your core values and passions.
Spiritually: The Ace of Cups is a card of emotional awakening, intuition, and connection to the divine. It indicates a time of spiritual rebirth, where the seeker is being filled with spiritual nourishment. The Ace invites you to open your heart and embrace love and compassion as a guiding force.
When ill-dignified: The Ace of Cups can suggest emotional blockages, a closed heart, or a disconnection from one's emotional well-being. This may indicate an inability to connect with others on an emotional level or feeling empty despite a desire for deeper connection. There may be emotional stagnation or an inability to express your feelings clearly.
3: Person #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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
(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.
5: Person #2's view of #3
Astrological Correspondence: Jupiter in Libra
The Four of Swords represents Truce, a moment of peace after a period of mental or emotional conflict. In the Thoth imagery, the four swords converge at a central point, creating a sharp intersection over a lotus flower, symbolising balance, peace, and spiritual calm. The swords are not in active conflict but align in a way that suggests a temporary cessation of mental struggle, offering a moment for reflection and respite.
With Jupiter in Libra, this card emphasises the themes of balance, expansion, and harmonious resolution. Libra brings the need for equilibrium, and Jupiter fosters growth through peaceful cooperation. This card suggests you may find yourself in a situation where there is a pause in conflict, a moment to regain clarity and find peace within yourself before moving forward.
The Four of Swords invites you to embrace this moment of truce, allowing space for healing and reflection. The lotus flower at the centre reminds us that stillness can lead to spiritual growth and mental clarity. Though the conflict may not be resolved permanently, this pause offers an opportunity for rebalancing and gathering the strength needed for the next phase.
In Relationships: The Four of Swords can indicate a time of pause or rest. It suggests a need to take a break or step back from a situation to regain mental clarity before moving forward. It may also indicate a time of emotional healing in the relationship.
In Work: The Four of Swords suggests rest or retreat after a challenging time. It encourages you to take a mental break from stress or conflict to gain perspective and clarity before continuing. It can also indicate the need for strategic rest to re-energise and move forward with renewed focus.
Spiritually: The Four of Swords calls you to retreat and reflect. It indicates a time for meditation, contemplation, or rest to restore mental and spiritual health. The card invites you to rest from spiritual activity and allow the mind to clear, creating space for deeper insight.
When ill-dignified: The Four of Swords can indicate stagnation, withdrawal, or avoidance of necessary action. It may also suggest a refusal to rest or heal, leading to burnout or mental exhaustion. You may be using 'rest' as an excuse to avoid dealing with important issues, leading to further mental confusion or distress.
6: Person #3's view of #1
(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.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Element: Fire of Earth
Astrological Correspondence: Aquarius
The Knight of Disks represents the dynamic, action-oriented force within the Earth element, focused on practical innovation and intellectual transformation. The Knight is depicted riding a horse, stopped in a field ripe for harvest, symbolising his thoughtful yet purposeful approach to change. Unlike other Knights fuelled by raw energy, the Knight of Disks harnesses a clear vision that guides his methodical actions in the material world.
His element, Fire of Earth, signifies the application of passionate, transformative energy to the practical, grounded realm of materiality. The Knight of Disks is driven by the intellectual spark that ignites new ideas, and he can bring those ideas into tangible form, manifesting lasting change. His actions are grounded in practicality, and his innovative thoughts challenge the status quo while ensuring they are feasible and rooted in the physical world.
This card encourages us to think creatively, apply new solutions with a solid, practical foundation, and transform the material realm through intellect and purpose. The Knight of Disks teaches that change can be achieved through thoughtful, intentional actions that balance idealism with grounded reality.
In Relationships: The Knight of Disks can indicate a partner who is intellectual, innovative, and has a vision for the future. He may bring new ideas or approaches to a relationship, often seeking to create stability through innovation. However, the Knight of Disks may also point to a relationship where intellectual connection is prioritised over emotional intimacy.
In Work: The Knight of Disks suggests someone who is a visionary and can apply new ideas to achieve material success. It indicates a time when intellectual work and practical application can yield significant results. The card encourages thinking outside the box but in a way that is grounded in reality.
Spiritually: The Knight of Disks represents pursuing new ideas and knowledge. It encourages you to explore innovative approaches to spiritual practice while maintaining a grounded, practical approach. The Knight represents intellectual clarity and the application of new concepts in your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: The Knight of Disks can indicate a lack of flexibility or a rigid, dogmatic approach to life. You may be overly focused on material gain or be unwilling to consider new perspectives or approaches. There may also be an overreliance on intellectual reasoning at the expense of emotional or spiritual insight.
8: Person #3's view of #2
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Taurus
The Six of Disks (Success) represents material success, generosity, and balanced exchange. This card indicates you are in a position of both receiving and giving in the material realm, leading to a harmonious flow of resources. The six disks represent a balanced circulation of wealth and effort, suggesting that prosperity is enjoyed and shared with others.
The Six of Disks symbolises the positive results of one's hard work and investments in the material world. It speaks to the rewards of perseverance and discipline, showing that success in material matters has reached a point where generosity and mutual benefit are possible. The influence of the Moon in Taurus highlights emotional satisfaction derived from stability and security, with an emphasis on enjoying the fruits of one's labour while maintaining a grounded, nurturing attitude towards others. This card encourages giving and receiving in equal measure, fostering balance and mutual support.
In Relationships: The Six of Disks signals a balanced, equitable partnership where both parties share responsibility and resources. This card may indicate the growth of a relationship built on mutual respect and support, where both partners invest in one another's well-being.
In Work: The Six of Disks indicates the successful completion of a project or business venture, bringing both rewards and recognition. It symbolises the ability to share success with others and suggests wealth, recognition, and stability are being achieved. It may also indicate charitable efforts or the redistribution of wealth in a way that benefits both the individual and the collective.
Spiritually: The Six of Disks represents harmony and balance between the material and spiritual realms. It suggests you are experiencing spiritual fulfilment through generosity, charity, or service. It may also suggest that your spiritual wealth is shared or passed on to others.
When ill-dignified: The Six of Disks can suggest imbalance or exploitation in material matters. You may be hoarding resources or being taken advantage of by others. This card warns against materialistic motivations or unequal relationships where one party benefits at the expense of the other.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Sagittarius
The Ten of Wands represents burden, restriction, and the oppressive weight of responsibility. The card depicts ten crossed wands in a constricted pattern, symbolising an overwhelming force that stifles energy and creativity. Saturn's restrictive and heavy influence clashes with Sagittarius' desire for freedom and expansion, creating a dynamic of tension and frustration.
This card signifies a state where you feel weighed down by excessive duties, obligations, or external pressures. It reflects the culmination of an effort that has become unsustainable, leaving little room for growth or flexibility. The Ten of Wands warns against overextending oneself and suggests it may be time to delegate, release unnecessary burdens, or find new ways to approach challenges. While it acknowledges the strength required to carry such a load, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of balance and self-care.
In Relationships: The Ten of Wands suggests you may carry too much emotional responsibility. There could be an imbalance in giving and receiving, leading to feelings of being weighed down or overburdened.
In Work: This card signals that you have taken on too many responsibilities and are now feeling the strain of your obligations. It advises you to delegate tasks or lighten the load before burnout sets in. Success may have come, but not without cost.
Spiritually: The Ten of Wands suggests your spiritual journey may feel burdensome. You may be carrying the weight of spiritual expectations or obligations, which hinders your progress. It calls for a re-evaluation of priorities and the need to release unnecessary burdens.
When ill-dignified: The Ten of Wands may indicate overwhelming stress or burnout. You could be taking on more than you can handle, or there may be a sense of being trapped by your responsibilities. It is a warning against pushing oneself too far and neglecting self-care.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
(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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
Element: Earth of Earth
The Princess of Disks represents the physical manifestation of the Earth element. Eternally pregnant, she embodies the material world in its most pure and unrefined state, symbolising the potential to bring the intangible into tangible form. The Princess of Disks is depicted plunging a spear into the earth while holding a large disk, symbolising both her connection to the Earth and her potential to manifest the material world through patience and diligent effort.
The Princess is connected to nature, the land, and the physical reality around her, representing abundance, fertility, and the ability to bring material success into reality. This card suggests that material growth is achieved through practicality, persistence, and grounded action. The Princess of Disks embodies a youthful, fresh perspective on the material world, often indicating the beginning of a new venture or an exploration into one's potential in the material realm.
Her presence in a reading may point to a period where you focus on practical matters, cultivating the resources necessary for future success. The card serves as a reminder that steady work, attention to detail, and a connection to nature are key to manifesting your goals in the material world.
In Relationships: The Princess of Disks can represent someone who is nurturing and grounded. She may be a caretaker or someone who brings stability to the relationship. This card can also suggest new beginnings or fresh, grounded energy entering a relationship, possibly indicating the start of something long-term and stable.
In Work: The Princess of Disks symbolises a time of new beginnings or a fresh approach to material pursuits. It may point to the early stages of a business or financial venture, or the development of a new skill or talent that will later bring success. This card encourages focus, diligence, and practicality in your career.
Spiritually: The Princess of Disks represents grounding, practicality, and connecting with the Earth. She may symbolise the need to ground one's spiritual practice in the physical realm. The card suggests that tending to the material world and embracing its lessons nurtures spiritual growth .
When ill-dignified: The Princess of Disks can point to an overemphasis on material concerns or an inability to appreciate the deeper, spiritual aspects of life. There may be a tendency to become attached to wealth, status, or possessions, neglecting more meaningful pursuits. She may also indicate a lack of maturity in approaching material matters.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Sagittarius
The Nine of Wands represents resilience, inner strength, and the perseverance needed to overcome challenges. This card features nine wands arranged in a structured yet dynamic pattern, radiating energy and determination. The Moon brings intuition, emotional depth, and adaptability, while Sagittarius contributes an optimistic and expansive drive, resulting in a card that embodies enduring strength amidst adversity.
This card signifies the ability to push forward despite difficulties, maintaining resolve and focus even when the path is arduous. It reflects the culmination of effort, where one has faced many battles and emerged stronger, though perhaps weary. The Nine of Wands encourages you to trust your instincts, remain vigilant, and protect what you have worked hard to achieve. It is a reminder that the final stretch of a challenge requires courage and unwavering determination.
In Relationships: The Nine of Wands represents a period where you may feel guarded or defensive because of experiences. It suggests a time of emotional resilience, where you are protecting the relationship or your heart but still willing to continue fighting for love.
In Work: This card indicates that you have faced many obstacles in your career or pursuits and are now standing strong, prepared to face any further challenges. It calls for perseverance and the belief that you can overcome any remaining difficulties.
Spiritually: The Nine of Wands speaks to spiritual endurance. You may have gone through difficult periods in your spiritual path but have come out stronger. This card encourages you to remain vigilant and steady as you continue your journey.
When ill-dignified: The Nine of Wands can indicate weariness, defensiveness, or being overwhelmed. You may feel like giving up or be too focused on old wounds to move forward. It warns against becoming too rigid or entrenched in past difficulties.