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 Air
The Princess of Swords symbolises intellectual exploration, clarity, and keen perception. Her card represents the active pursuit of truth, an individual focused on analysing and understanding the world through rational thought and observation. She embodies the quality of Earth applied to Air, indicating a grounded, practical approach to intellectual endeavours.
With the sword held high, she represents the clear, focused mind capable of cutting through confusion and seeing things as they are. The Princess of Swords is quick-witted, adaptable, and sharp in her analysis, always seeking to uncover hidden truths through reason. She encourages using intellect to challenge existing ideas and explore new possibilities through critical thinking.
This card reflects a drive for mental clarity, a fearless approach to questioning assumptions, and a desire for intellectual growth. It also suggests a mind not afraid to dissect difficult subjects, pursuing knowledge with determination and precision. The Princess of Swords asks us to trust our intellect and maintain clarity, even when navigating complex or unclear situations.
In Relationships: The Princess of Swords represents a person who values intellectual stimulation and clarity in their interactions. This card suggests a relationship where communication is important and you understand your partner's thoughts and feelings. It can also represent a need for clear, honest communication to prevent misunderstandings.
In Work: The Princess of Swords indicates a time of mental exploration, curiosity, and learning. You may be starting a new intellectual endeavour, engaging in research, or studying a new area of expertise. This card represents a sharp, analytical mind, one well-suited to tasks requiring precision and intellectual rigour.
Spiritually: The Princess of Swords represents the pursuit of truth and understanding. It indicates a time of mental clarity and intellectual growth on the spiritual path. You may seek deeper insights into the nature of reality or spiritual wisdom through rational thought, philosophy, or study.
When ill-dignified: The Princess of Swords can indicate intellectual arrogance, impatience, or rigid thinking. You may be quick to judge, dismissing information or perspectives that challenge your own. This card warns against becoming consumed with ideas and intellect at the expense of emotional or spiritual awareness.
2: Person #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.
3: Person #3
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Leo
The Five of Wands represents conflict, struggle, and the tension that arises from competing forces. The card features five crossed wands in an unbalanced configuration, with flames emanating erratically, symbolising disarray and discord. Saturn, the planet of limitations and discipline, meets the fiery and bold energy of Leo, creating a clash between authority, control, and the need for self-expression.
This card indicates a period of difficulty where challenges arise, either from external competition or internal conflicts. It reflects a situation where one's will and energy are met with resistance, demanding resilience and adaptability. Despite the chaotic energy, the Five of Wands also suggests an opportunity for growth through struggle, as obstacles force us to refine our approach and test our strength. It reminds you that conflict, while uncomfortable, can catalyse transformation and clarity.
In Relationships: The Five of Wands can indicate tension or disagreement. There may be a power struggle, competition, or a need to assert one's own desires. You are advised to navigate these challenges with patience and understanding.
In Work: This card suggests competition or conflict in the workplace. You may be facing challenges from colleagues or external forces. It is a time to maintain focus and rise above the noise to stay on course.
Spiritually: The Five of Wands represents the struggle between different aspects of the self. You may experience internal conflict or confusion about your spiritual path. It calls for introspection and a deeper understanding of the forces at play.
When ill-dignified: The Five of Wands suggests the conflict may be unnecessarily escalated, or you may be caught up in petty struggles. It warns against being distracted by trivial matters and encourages you to focus on the greater goal.
4: Person #1's view of #2
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.
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
Astrological Correspondence: Mercury in Sagittarius
The Eight of Wands represents rapid movement, clarity, and the acceleration of progress towards a goal. The card depicts eight wands arranged in a balanced, geometric pattern, with bolts of lightning radiating outward to emphasise speed and precision. Mercury, the planet of communication and intellect, combines with Sagittarius' expansive, forward-moving energy, creating swift momentum and purpose.
This card signifies the culmination of processes that have been set into motion, where obstacles are cleared and events unfold quickly. It reflects clarity, the alignment of ideas, and the efficient execution of plans. The Eight of Wands encourages you to remain focused and adaptable as opportunities arise and situations evolve rapidly. It is a card of dynamic energy, progress, and the swift resolution of matters.
In Relationships: The Eight of Wands signals rapid developments. This could be the fast movement of a romantic connection, where things move forward at an exciting pace. It suggests a period of enthusiasm, with events unfolding quickly.
In Work: This card indicates a time of swift progress and advancement. Opportunities and breakthroughs are moving rapidly, and you should be prepared to act quickly to seize them. It represents momentum and a time of positive growth.
Spiritually: The Eight of Wands suggests you are about to experience a rapid shift or insight. Things are moving quickly in your spiritual journey, and you should be open to the rapid flow of inspiration, growth, or change.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Wands may signify haste or impulsivity, suggesting that you are rushing into something without adequate preparation or thought. It could also indicate a lack of direction, where events are moving too fast for you to maintain control. It advises slowing down and reassessing the situation before proceeding.
7: Person #2's view of #1
Astrological Correspondence: Saturn in Pisces
The Eight of Cups represents stagnation, disillusionment, and the weariness that arises from unfulfilled emotional needs. This card features eight cups arranged in an imbalanced structure, with their contents spilling out or appearing stagnant. The imagery conveys decay and loss, symbolising the dissatisfaction of clinging to unproductive emotional attachments or patterns.
Saturn in Pisces reflects the tension between structure and fluidity, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining emotional boundaries in the face of dissolution or disappointment. This astrological pairing underscores the feeling of being weighed down by emotional fatigue or the realisation that what once brought joy no longer fulfils or inspires.
The Eight of Cups signifies the need to let go of what has become draining, even if it requires confronting discomfort or loss. It marks a pivotal moment of release, encouraging a quest for deeper meaning and renewal. By recognising the futility of staying in an unfulfilling situation, the card points towards the potential for growth and transformation through emotional detachment and self-reflection.
In Relationships: The Eight of Cups often points to a relationship that, despite its outward appearance of fulfilment, no longer satisfies the seeker's emotional needs. You may be ready to leave behind a relationship or feel a sense of loss or disappointment, understanding that something more profound is required to restore your emotional balance.
In Work: The Eight of Cups suggests a desire to leave behind an unfulfilling job or career. You may feel disconnected or uninspired by your work and ready to seek new opportunities that better align with your emotional or spiritual goals. This card may indicate a major change or transition in the professional sphere.
Spiritually: The Eight of Cups represents a turning away from superficial or hollow experiences and seeking something of greater depth. It may indicate a spiritual quest, a period of introspection where the seeker must leave behind old beliefs or practices to pursue more meaningful growth.
When ill-dignified: The Eight of Cups can signal an emotional retreat into isolation or the avoidance of necessary change. It can indicate that you are unwilling to walk away from an unfulfilling situation, despite your inner knowing that it is time for something new. There may be a reluctance to let go, resulting in stagnation.
8: Person #3's view of #2
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.
9: Person #1's view of #3
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.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
Astrological Correspondence: Moon in Aquarius
The Seven of Swords features six swords pointing downward, surrounding one large, central sword. The swords' arrangement creates a sense of imbalance, indicating confusion, strategy gone awry, or mental conflict. The large sword in the centre represents a central issue or challenge, while the six surrounding swords suggest attempts at intellectual or strategic action that fail to resolve the problem.
The Moon in Aquarius influence brings emotional confusion or distorted perceptions, where rational thought may be clouded by fears or hidden motives. This card points to the futility of relying solely on cleverness or deceit to solve problems. Instead, it urges you to face the situation directly, as manipulation is unlikely to bring lasting resolution.
The Seven of Swords warns of misdirected efforts, cautioning you to know the consequences of trying to escape or avoid the truth through deceit or cunning. It signals a time of reassessment, urging a clearer, more honest approach to mental challenges.
In Relationships: The Seven of Swords may suggest dishonesty, hidden motives, or the need for careful communication. It could indicate that one partner is concealing something important, or a relationship is built on mind games. The card calls for transparency and openness to avoid betrayal or misunderstanding.
In Work: The Seven of Swords may indicate that you are using strategy, perhaps even deceit, to achieve success. It suggests a need to be cautious of the ethics of your actions, as victory gained through dishonesty can be short-lived. Alternatively, the card may indicate a situation where you are being strategic, working behind the scenes to plan for future success.
Spiritually: The Seven of Swords indicates a need for discernment and caution. It may signify a situation where you are hiding your true spiritual intentions or are not being entirely honest with yourself. The card urges you to confront secrets or falsehoods to achieve spiritual clarity.
When ill-dignified: The Seven of Swords can signify outright deception, manipulation, or betrayal. It can also point to avoidance of the truth or a tendency to hide behind false pretences. This card warns against the misuse of intellect for personal gain, urging you to reconsider the ethics of your actions and motivations.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
(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.