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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||
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1: Person #1
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.
2: Person #2
The Star is the card of hope, inspiration, and divine guidance. It signals a time of clarity and renewal, where one is aligned with their highest potential and the energies of the universe.
Symbolism: The woman beneath the large, radiant star symbolises divine connection and the flow of universal wisdom. Her upward-reaching arms indicate a yearning for enlightenment or higher understanding, while her delicate robes and the shimmering golden backdrop suggest purity, healing, and inspiration. The simplicity of the composition focuses on the power of the celestial symbol above, offering a vision of clear direction.
In Relationships: A time of healing and optimism. The Star signals hope for the future of a relationship, inspiring trust and a deep connection between partners.
In Work: Clarity and insight bring success. The Star indicates that inspiration and divine guidance will lead you towards the right path.
Spiritually: A card of spiritual renewal, the Star calls you to reconnect with your higher self and seek inspiration from the divine.
When ill-dignified: Delusion, disillusionment, loss of hope, or a feeling of being disconnected from your higher purpose. This warns against losing sight of your spiritual or personal goals.
3: Person #3
Justice represents fairness, balance, and accountability. It signifies the importance of truth and the consequences of one's actions, urging you to act with integrity.
Symbolism: The seated figure holds a sword and scales, embodying fairness and the enforcement of law. The richly adorned gown and golden background highlight the divine and universal nature of justice, while the knight in the background underscores executive authority.
In Relationships: A need for honesty and balance. Justice may signal the resolution of conflicts or the importance of mutual respect.
In Work: Fair rewards for effort and accountability for mistakes. Justice encourages acting with integrity and taking responsibility.
Spiritually: Justice emphasises the law of karma and the importance of living a life aligned with truth and fairness.
When ill-dignified: Bias, dishonesty, or imbalance. It warns against unfair judgements or evading accountability.
4: Person #1's view of #2
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.
5: Person #2's view of #3
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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Popess signifies intuition, mystery, and hidden wisdom. She represents the need to look inward and trust one's inner voice while respecting the unknown and unseen.
Symbolism: Her veil and book symbolise the sacred mysteries she guards. The golden background elevates her presence, while her fancy robes reflect the complexity of her spiritual knowledge. Her composed demeanour conveys her role as a keeper of divine truths.
In Relationships: A time to trust your instincts. The Popess may suggest unspoken feelings or the need for patience.
In Work: Hidden opportunities or knowledge may come to light. Use intuition and discretion when making decisions.
Spiritually: A call to explore inner wisdom and the mysteries of life. Trust the subtle guidance of intuition.
When ill-dignified: Secrets, deception, or an overreliance on logic at the expense of intuition.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The World represents completion, wholeness, and the harmonious integration of all aspects of life. It is the last card of the Major Arcana, signalling the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
Symbolism: The two ethereal figures holding the globe or portal represent the union of duality and the achievement of balance. The rolling plains and distant mountains beneath the golden sky symbolise the vast potential of the world, and the figures' gesture of offering suggests a celebration of accomplishment. The card evokes cosmic harmony, completion, and the endless cycles of existence.
In Relationships: The World signifies a complete and fulfilling relationship, one where both partners are in harmony and balanced with each other. It's a time of celebration and unity.
In Work: Completion of a major goal or project. The World indicates the successful culmination of efforts, with new horizons opening up in your professional life.
Spiritually: A time of wholeness. The World signifies a sense of fulfilment and oneness with the universe, representing the final stage of spiritual evolution.
When ill-dignified: Incompletion, being stuck, or an inability to move forward. This card warns of a lack of closure or an unfinished journey that hinders your growth.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The Moon is the card of intuition, illusion, and the subconscious. It calls attention to hidden truths, dreams, and the mysterious undercurrents that govern one's emotional landscape.
Symbolism: The barefoot woman holding a crescent moon reflects the card's connection to the primal, intuitive side of the psyche. Her gaze towards the sky suggests an awareness of the mysteries beyond the surface of reality. The wild, untamed landscape beneath her speaks to the untapped and often misunderstood forces of the unconscious mind. The golden background heightens the mystical quality, suggesting the moonlight reveals hidden paths.
In Relationships: The Moon indicates that not everything is as it seems in your romantic life. Trust your intuition, but also be cautious of illusions or deceptions.
In Work: Hidden factors or unclear circumstances may influence your professional life. The Moon calls for careful introspection and a deeper understanding of the forces at play.
Spiritually: This card calls for exploring the subconscious and trusting your intuitive wisdom. There may be deep truths that need to be uncovered.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, illusion, or deception. This warns of misunderstandings or hidden motives that could lead to emotional instability or false perceptions.
9: Person #1's view of #3
Death signifies the inevitable conclusion of one cycle and the heralding of another. It's a powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and the necessity of endings to foster new beginnings.
Symbolism: The skeletal figure with a scythe represents the impartial and unrelenting nature of time and change. The image of fallen bodies suggests the end of a phase, but the subtle floral designs interwoven with the scene offer hope, symbolising rebirth and the cyclical nature of existence. The golden background emphasises the universal truth of transformation and the inevitability of all life cycles.
In Relationships: This card suggests the end of an old emotional pattern or relationship, clearing the way for renewal. Let go of what no longer serves you to make space for new, healthier connections.
In Work: Death marks the close of one professional chapter. It's a time for endings, making way for new opportunities and growth. Embrace the transition instead of fearing it.
Spiritually: Death calls for a transformation, letting go of old beliefs or attachments. Spiritual rebirth requires an embrace of the unknown and a surrender to the cycles of existence.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and fear of letting go. This can manifest as clinging to the past or an inability to move forward, hindering growth.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The Empress symbolises abundance, creativity, and nurturing energy. She represents the generative force of nature and the ability to create and sustain growth, both literally and figuratively.
Symbolism: The Empress's sceptre and crown symbolise her authority, while her shield connects her to the Visconti family lineage. The floral embroidery on her gown reflects her connection to nature and fertility. The golden background underscores her divine and regal status.
In Relationships: A time of emotional abundance and nurturing. The Empress signals love, harmony, and growth.
In Work: Creative projects flourish under the Empress's guidance. She encourages nurturing ideas and building strong foundations.
Spiritually: The Empress represents the divine feminine, inviting the seeker to embrace growth and connect with nature's rhythms.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, overindulgence, or a smothering presence in relationships.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Wheel of Fortune signifies cycles, fate, and the ever-changing nature of life. It reminds us of the importance of adaptability and acceptance in the face of change.
Symbolism: Figures ascending and descending on the wheel represent the ups and downs of life. The patterns add richness to the composition, while the golden background underscores the divine and inevitable nature of change.
In Relationships: A turning point in relationships, whether for better or worse. The Wheel reminds us to embrace change.
In Work: Unexpected opportunities or setbacks. It advises adaptability and resilience in navigating shifting circumstances.
Spiritually: The Wheel teaches surrender to the cycles of life and faith in the greater plan of the universe.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, bad luck, or repeating cycles. It warns against clinging to the past or fearing the future.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
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.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Magician embodies skill, potential, and the power to manifest. He represents the mastery of tools and resources, as well as the confidence to create one's reality. This card speaks of the importance of focus and action in shaping personal success.
Symbolism: The Magician's table holds simple tools, symbolising practical skills and raw materials. His Renaissance attire conveys refinement and expertise, while the golden background suggests his elevated role in shaping the material world. His seated position emphasises composure and control over his craft.
In Relationships: A call to use charm and communication to strengthen relationships. It warns of manipulation if ill-intentioned.
In Work: A time to take initiative and harness your abilities to achieve success. The Magician encourages innovation and confidence.
Spiritually: The Magician bridges the physical and spiritual, reminding the seeker to channel divine inspiration into practical actions.
When ill-dignified: Misuse of skills, deception, or scattered energy. It warns against overconfidence or manipulation.