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
The Three of Swords represents heartbreak, emotional pain, and sorrow. It signifies a time of emotional distress or grief, often stemming from betrayal, rejection, or loss. This card highlights the painful but necessary process of healing and moving through emotional challenges.
Symbolism: The three swords crossing reflect the pain of emotional betrayal or hurt. The inverted triangular formation emphasises the gravity of the situation, drawing attention to the emotional core. The stark simplicity of the design reinforces the rawness of emotional distress.
In Relationships: Heartbreak or emotional turmoil caused by separation, betrayal, or unrequited love. The Three of Swords encourages you to face your pain and allow yourself time to heal.
In Work: Disappointments or challenges in your professional life. This card can represent a painful decision or the end of an important chapter.
Spiritually: A time of spiritual grief or disillusionment. The Three of Swords invites you to process your emotional wounds and trust in the healing process.
When ill-dignified: Holding onto hurt or bitterness. The Three of Swords warns against allowing emotional pain to define you or inhibit growth.
2: Person #2
The Knave of Coins symbolises curiosity, learning, and the pursuit of material knowledge. It represents a youthful figure starting a journey of growth, especially in the material or financial realm. This card speaks to new opportunities for learning and exploration, especially in practical skills.
Symbolism: The Page's focused posture, with the coin held carefully, reflects a contemplative approach to new opportunities. The lush green surroundings suggest growth and vitality, while the metallic background represents potential and opportunity.
In Relationships: A new phase in love where learning, growth, and exploration are important. The Knave of Coins suggests an enthusiastic approach to relationships, eager to build something lasting.
In Work: Beginning a new career journey or learning a new skill. This card encourages you to embrace new opportunities and focus on your development.
Spiritually: A time of spiritual learning and exploration. The Knave of Coins invites you to seek new spiritual practices or teachings to expand your path.
When ill-dignified: Naivety, immaturity, or a lack of focus. The Knave of Coins warns against superficial approaches or neglecting the work required for growth.
3: Person #3
The King of Swords represents intellect, authority, and decision-making. This card signifies mastery of the mind, with the ability to use reason and logic to lead and protect. It highlights the power of wisdom, strategy, and clear judgement.
Symbolism: The King's confident posture and ornate throne signify his authority and mental mastery. The sharpness of the sword reflects his ability to lead with reason, while the metallic backdrop emphasises his regal nature.
In Relationships: Intellectual maturity and leadership. The King of Swords suggests a partner who leads with logic and fairness, maintaining emotional balance and clarity.
In Work: Mastery in your profession, especially in roles that require intellect, strategy, and leadership. This card encourages decisive and fair action.
Spiritually: Mastery over your mental and spiritual path. The King of Swords urges you to trust in your wisdom to guide others and yourself.
When ill-dignified: Rigidity, coldness, or controlling behaviour. The King of Swords warns against becoming too detached, manipulative, or authoritarian.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Hanged Man represents a moment of suspension, transformation, and the profound wisdom of surrender. It is the card of acceptance, urging one to release control and embrace a new perspective, even at the cost of discomfort.
Symbolism: The figure's suspended position signifies the state of hanging between worlds, a soul caught in the liminal space between the old and new. The calm expression of surrender contrasts with his precarious state, highlighting the necessity of letting go to gain understanding. The patterns of his tunic, combined with the golden glow, evoke a sacred pause in time, elevating this card to a spiritual level.
In Relationships: A time to step back and reassess your emotional life. Patience, understanding, and self-reflection are required. The card suggests moments of stillness can lead to profound growth in relationships.
In Work: Professional progress comes through rethinking old strategies. The Hanged Man indicates that a temporary pause or a shift in perspective can lead to breakthroughs.
Spiritually: The card speaks to spiritual enlightenment through sacrifice and release. You are called to surrender to the flow of life and gain higher wisdom.
When ill-dignified: Resistance to change, stagnation, and a refusal to let go. This warns against being trapped by fear or obstinance, preventing personal growth.
5: Person #2's view of #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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Ace of Staves represents the spark of creation, vitality, and the raw energy of new beginnings. It embodies the potential of a seed, ready to sprout and grow into something magnificent. This is the card of inspiration, energy, and the initiation of new ventures.
Symbolism: The upright staff, with its textured bark and emerging sprout, symbolises the beginning of a new cycle, full of potential and promise. The plain tan background highlights the purity and simplicity of the elemental energy, inviting you to step forward with enthusiasm and confidence. The sprout near the base reminds you that all growth begins with a single step.
In Relationships: A new beginning or a burst of passion in your romantic life. The Ace invites fresh energy and the excitement of new connections or the rekindling of a relationship.
In Work: The birth of a new project or opportunity. The Ace of Staves signals that now is the time to seize your creative potential and pursue your ambitions.
Spiritually: A call to action. The Ace suggests you are on the verge of spiritual awakening or taking a new path. Trust your instincts and take the first step towards growth.
When ill-dignified: Lack of direction or motivation, possibly feeling uninspired. You may be hesitant to begin, caught in uncertainty or fear of failure.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Knight of Staves represents energy, action, and adventure. This card signifies someone who is driven, determined, and fearless in the pursuit of their goals.
Symbolism: The Knight riding a white horse, holding a staff, exudes power and motion. The horse's rearing pose conveys energy, while the knight's noble attire suggests refinement and authority. The background patterns reinforce the balance between dynamism and structure in his approach.
In Relationships: Boldness and action in your romantic life. The Knight of Staves signifies a passionate pursuit, whether the beginning of a thrilling romance or an energising reconnection.
In Work: Ambition, action, and boldness in your professional life. The Knight encourages you to take swift, passionate action towards your goals.
Spiritually: Rapid spiritual movement and growth. The Knight of Staves urges you to pursue your spiritual goals with energy, fearlessness, and determination.
When ill-dignified: Recklessness, impulsivity, or lack of thought. You may be moving too fast or charging ahead without considering the full implications of your actions.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The Chariot symbolises determination, willpower, and triumph through self-discipline. It represents the ability to move forward and achieve success by mastering conflicting forces.
Symbolism: The stationary horses reflect control rather than speed, while the charioteer's detailed attire and golden background emphasise victory and refinement. The calm pose suggests strength in discipline over chaos.
In Relationships: A time to take charge of your relationship's direction. The Chariot signals progress but warns against domination.
In Work: Triumph through focus and determination. It's a call to harness all resources and overcome obstacles confidently.
Spiritually: The Chariot encourages the mastery of inner conflicts to progress along the spiritual path.
When ill-dignified: Loss of direction, lack of control, or excessive force. It warns against being carried away by ambition or unchecked emotions.
9: Person #1's view of #3
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.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
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.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Nine of Staves represents resilience, endurance, and standing firm against adversity. It symbolises the strength to keep going despite challenges or setbacks.
Symbolism: The nine staves crossing evoke the image of a protective barrier. The design reflects both endurance and vigilance, as each staff represents a test that has been overcome, yet the gaps remind you to stay aware. The pale tan background reinforces the card's quiet strength and perseverance.
In Relationships: Endurance and commitment through difficult times. The Nine of Staves suggests that, despite obstacles or struggles, you have the strength to maintain and protect the relationship.
In Work: Perseverance and resilience in your professional journey. This card suggests you may be nearing the end of a difficult period and are strong enough to push through.
Spiritually: The Nine of Staves reflects inner strength and resilience in your spiritual journey. You may face trials, but you possess the endurance to stay true to your path.
When ill-dignified: Exhaustion, defensiveness, or being overwhelmed. You may feel the burden of too much resistance, and it's time to evaluate whether you're pushing yourself too hard.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The Three of Cups represents celebration, community, and joyful reunions. It speaks to the power of friendship, collaboration, and shared experiences. This card is often associated with a time of happiness and gathering, where emotional connections are strengthened.
Symbolism: The three chalices arranged with one on its side symbolise unity, community, and the strength of mutual support. The simple yet elegant design reflects harmony and shared joy among individuals. The card highlights the importance of celebration and connection in your emotional life.
In Relationships: Joyful celebrations, whether a reunion, an engagement, or sharing happy moments with a partner. It's a card of communal happiness and togetherness.
In Work: Successful collaborations or team efforts that lead to achievement. This card can also suggest celebrating your professional accomplishments with others.
Spiritually: A sense of spiritual community and shared experiences. The Three of Cups invites you to celebrate your spiritual growth with others and honour the joy of collective connection.
When ill-dignified: Overindulgence, exclusion from a group, or conflicts within a community. This card may warn against neglecting your emotional connections or becoming too focused on external celebrations.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Eight of Staves represents speed, movement, and swift action. It signals rapid progress and the need to act suddenly to seize opportunities.
Symbolism: The eight staves arranged diagonally and flowing in two directions convey a strong sense of momentum and forward motion. The flowery pale tan background allows the focus to remain on the energy and speed represented by the staves, urging you to move quickly and decisively.
In Relationships: Rapid movement or sudden developments. This could indicate fast progress, new developments, or even a sudden romantic spark.
In Work: Swift action or an unexpected opportunity in your career. The Eight of Staves suggests now is the time to act quickly to capitalise on momentum and make the most of what comes your way.
Spiritually: Rapid spiritual growth or sudden insight. The Eight of Staves signals that clarity and enlightenment are on the horizon, and you must act swiftly to harness these energies.
When ill-dignified: Hastiness, impulsiveness, or lack of foresight. This warns against rushing into decisions or actions without considering the consequences.