Relationship Spread #1

 

 

Difficulty: Easy

This tarot spread is easy to read, like a convenient chart. In this spread, court cards generally indicate actual people with the same characteristics. Knights (or corresponding princes, but not kings) and queens are meant to represent actual men and women in this tarot spread. Look for patterns in the cards as always.

Card #1 is the overall significator of the relationship. The two columns on either side of the significator characterise each individual's role in the relationship. The relationship does not have to be romantic. In fact, it could be a relationship between a person and a group, or even how two groups relate.

The top row, cards #7 & #2, is about the conscious thoughts of each person, or what they think about the relationship and likewise how they view their partner.

The middle row, cards #6 & #3, reveals the way each individual feels about the other. Emotional awareness corresponds to a person's unconscious thoughts that run deep, affecting a person in ways he or she is not fully aware of.

The bottom row, cards #5 & #4, represents the way each person behaves, in other words the stance taken regarding the relationship. The way a person acts may be genuine, but sometimes people are phony and manipulative, so it is best to weigh this card against the other person's cards to determine how they match up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Relationship #1 Reading

	You		Other Person
Thought	XIX – The Sun		IX – The Hermit
Emotion	VI – The Lovers	The Significator XX – Judgement	XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)
External Stance	XI – Strength		XVI – The Tower (Lost card, substituted here)

 

 

 

 

The Significator

XX – Judgement

Judgement is the call for awakening, renewal, and reckoning. It signals a time of reckoning with the past, a moment of judgement that clears the way for a fresh start and new direction.

Symbolism: The angel blowing the trumpet signals a divine call to action, summoning figures from their tombs to rise and transform. The symmetrical composition emphasises the balance between life and death, while the golden glow underscores the sacred nature of the awakening. The figures' age gap represents a new life, renewed through divine grace.

In Relationships: Judgement invites you to release past hurts and transform your relationships. It calls for honesty, introspection, and a fresh start in emotional matters.

In Work: A moment of reckoning, where past actions may come to light. This card suggests an opportunity for reinvention, a chance to leave behind outdated modes of working and embrace new ways.

Spiritually: Judgement calls for spiritual awakening and enlightenment. It asks you to evaluate your choices and rise to your higher calling.

When ill-dignified: Denial, resistance to transformation, or an inability to face the truth. This may indicate emotional or spiritual stagnation, or the refusal to heed the call of renewal.

 

 

 

 

The Querent's Thoughts

XIX – The Sun

The Sun represents vitality, clarity, and joyful achievement. It signifies success, enlightenment, and the unyielding energy of optimism and truth.

Symbolism: The child holding the radiant red head is a symbol of pure, untainted joy and triumph. The energetic movement of the figure contrasts with the calm, golden background, reflecting the vitality and dynamic energy of the Sun. This is a card of achievement, where obstacles are overcome through innocence, optimism, and a radiant spirit.

In Relationships: The Sun brings clarity and happiness. It suggests a time of positivity, joy, and mutual growth, where the light of truth shines on all interactions.

In Work: Success and fulfilment are on the horizon. The Sun encourages you to take confident action and bask in the warmth of your accomplishments.

Spiritually: Enlightenment and clarity. The Sun symbolises spiritual illumination, urging you to embrace your true self and the divine light within you.

When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, arrogance, or an inability to see things clearly. The Sun reversed may signal excess or an inflated ego, blinding one to the truth.

 

 

 

 

The Other Person's Thoughts

IX – The Hermit

The Hermit symbolises introspection, solitude, and the search for wisdom. He represents the retreat from worldly distractions to find enlightenment within.

Symbolism: The Hermit's lantern lights the way, symbolising inner guidance. His heavy robes and staff reflect humility and steadfastness, while the muted tones and golden accents emphasise the sacred nature of his solitary journey.

In Relationships: A period of introspection. The Hermit may suggest a need for space or reflection before moving forward.

In Work: Time to step back and assess your goals. The Hermit advises seeking clarity and wisdom before making decisions.

Spiritually: The Hermit represents the inner search for truth and enlightenment through meditation and solitude.

When ill-dignified: Isolation, withdrawal, or a refusal to seek help. It warns against becoming too introspective or disconnected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Querent's Emotions

VI – The Lovers

The Lovers represent choice and the uniting of opposites. It embodies the transformative power of love and the necessity of making meaningful decisions.

Symbolism: The young couple standing beneath Cupid symbolises connection and divine guidance in love. The formal Renaissance clothing and the golden background elevate their union to a sacred level, while the static composition emphasises balance and deliberate choice.

In Relationships: A powerful connection that unites hearts and souls. It may signify a new relationship or a pivotal choice in love.

In Work: A partnership or decision with far-reaching consequences. The Lovers encourage the alignment of values with your work.

Spiritually: The Lovers symbolise unity with your higher self and the harmonious integration of opposites.

When ill-dignified: Temptation, discord, or indecision. It warns against superficial connections or poor choices.

 

 

 

 

The Other Person's Emotions

XV – The Devil (Lost card, substituted here)

This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Devil represents bondage, temptation, and the shadow self. It highlights the chains we impose upon ourselves through fear, obsession, or indulgence, urging us to confront these darker aspects to reclaim our freedom.

Symbolism: The Devil embodies primal instincts and the seduction of material or carnal desires. The chained figures symbolise voluntary entrapment, their loose bindings reminding us of the ability to escape our vices. The pedestal signifies false power, while the scene hints at the potential for redemption through self-awareness.

In Relationships: The Devil warns of unhealthy attachments, jealousy, or manipulative relationships. It challenges you to examine whether passion has turned into obsession.

In Work: This card can signify being trapped in a toxic work environment, greed, or overreliance on material success. It urges you to reflect on what fulfils you.

Spiritually: The Devil calls for self-awareness and shadow work. Confronting your inner fears or desires will lead to personal liberation.

When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Devil signifies breaking free from constraints, overcoming addiction, or realising what binds you.

 

 

 

 

The Querent's External Stance

XI – Strength

Strength symbolises courage, patience, and the mastery of inner power. It reflects the triumph of compassion and self-control over brute force.

Symbolism: The figure's calm restraint of the lion reflects the balance of strength and gentleness. Her finely detailed garments and the rendering of the lion's mane reflect Renaissance artistry, while the golden background elevates the scene to a symbolic level.

In Relationships: A time to practise patience and understanding. Strength signals harmony through compassion.

In Work: Success through persistence and confidence. Strength encourages inner resolve rather than aggressive tactics.

Spiritually: Strength represents mastering the ego and cultivating inner peace through compassion.

When ill-dignified: Aggression, self-doubt, or weakness. It warns against succumbing to fear or forceful behaviours.

 

 

 

 

The Other Person's External Stance

XVI – The Tower (Lost card, substituted here)

This card no longer exists, so the Marseille version is filling in. The Tower symbolises upheaval, sudden change, and the destruction of false structures. It heralds moments of revelation that, while shocking, clear the way for growth and truth.

Symbolism: The lightning bolt represents divine intervention shattering illusions and falsehoods. The crumbling tower signifies the collapse of unstable foundations. The falling figures illustrate vulnerability and the inevitability of change, while the broken shield reflects the fragility of ego and human constructs. Despite the chaos, the background suggests this upheaval is necessary for enlightenment.

In Relationships: The Tower signals a sudden shake-up, possibly a breakup or revelation. Though painful, it clears the way for honesty and authenticity.

In Work: Expect abrupt changes, such as a job loss or major restructuring. Though unsettling, this card pushes you to re-evaluate your priorities and rebuild stronger foundations.

Spiritually: The Tower challenges false beliefs and spiritual stagnation. A moment of crisis will lead to profound insight and transformation.

When ill-dignified: When reversed or ill-dignified, the Tower suggests avoiding necessary change, delaying the inevitable, or clinging to a crumbling situation. It warns that resisting transformation can lead to prolonged suffering.