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 Ten of Coins signifies wealth, legacy, and long-term success. It represents a culmination of efforts that have resulted in financial stability and the ability to pass on a legacy. This card celebrates family, heritage, and the fulfilment of long-term goals.
Symbolism: The symmetrical arrangement of ten coins emphasises completion, legacy, and the culmination of a journey. The rich details of the coins reflect the lasting impact of your achievements.
In Relationships: Stability, commitment, and family. The Ten of Coins speaks to building a lasting foundation for future generations and finding fulfilment in long-term relationships.
In Work: A time of financial abundance and career success. This card indicates that you have achieved a stable and prosperous position, and your legacy is secure.
Spiritually: A sense of fulfilment and the ability to pass on wisdom to future generations. The Ten of Coins encourages you to focus on leaving a lasting, positive legacy.
When ill-dignified: Stagnation, generational wealth without purpose, or difficulty passing on your legacy. The Ten of Coins warns against becoming too focused on material wealth at the expense of relationships or spiritual growth.
2: Person #2
The Marseille version is filling in for this missing card. The King of Cups represents emotional mastery and wisdom. He is the embodiment of emotional intelligence and the ability to control one's feelings while offering support to others. This card symbolises leadership in emotional and spiritual matters.
Symbolism: The King sits on his throne holding his cup with dignity. His calm demeanour and thoughtful expression reflect his mastery over his emotions and ability to lead with compassion and understanding.
In Relationships: Emotional maturity and stability. The King of Cups signifies a steady, wise, and compassionate partner who provides guidance and balance.
In Work: Mastery in your profession, particularly in areas that require emotional intelligence or leadership. The King of Cups advises calm, measured decision-making and emotional resilience.
Spiritually: Mastery over your spiritual and emotional path. The King of Cups encourages you to use your wisdom and emotional balance to lead and guide others.
When ill-dignified: Emotional suppression, manipulation, or detachment. The King of Cups warns against becoming emotionally distant or using your emotional wisdom for control or selfish purposes.
3: Person #3
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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Ace of Cups signifies the birth of emotions, spiritual renewal, and the flow of abundance. It represents the opening of the heart, the initiation of emotional healing, and the potential for deep, transformative love. This card invites you to embrace your emotions with openness and trust, knowing that your emotional reservoir is being replenished.
Symbolism: The ornate chalice symbolises emotional receptivity and divine blessing. The stream of water flowing from its rim represents the endless flow of love and creativity, while the simple background emphasises the purity of this new emotional beginning. The card evokes feelings of peace, connection, and the potential for emotional fulfilment.
In Relationships: The beginning of a new, emotionally fulfilling relationship or a deepening of connection with someone already in your life. This is a time of emotional renewal and openness.
In Work: The birth of new opportunities that align with your passions and creativity. It signals a time to trust your intuition and pursue work that brings you joy.
Spiritually: A call to open your heart and embrace spiritual growth. The Ace of Cups encourages you to explore your inner world and find healing and emotional wholeness.
When ill-dignified: Emotional blockages, closed off from new experiences, or difficulty trusting emotions. This suggests there is a resistance to embracing emotional flow.
5: Person #2's view of #3
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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
The Ten of Cups represents emotional completion, harmony, and fulfilment. It signifies a time of lasting happiness, contentment, and the realisation of emotional dreams. This card speaks to family, love, and the joy of emotional unity.
Symbolism: The ten chalices arranged in two rows of five suggest a perfect balance and alignment of emotional forces. The detailed decoration of the cups emphasises the richness of emotional life and the culmination of desires fulfilled.
In Relationships: The achievement of emotional harmony and fulfilment in your relationships. The Ten of Cups signals lasting love, happiness, and emotional contentment.
In Work: A sense of emotional fulfilment in your professional life, especially in work that aligns with your values and passions.
Spiritually: Complete emotional and spiritual harmony. This card invites you to embrace the fulfilment of your soul's desires and live in emotional balance.
When ill-dignified: Emotional discontent, disharmony, over-indulgence, or a sense that things are not as perfect as they appear. The Ten of Cups warns against taking happiness for granted.
7: Person #2's view of #1
The Seven of Swords represents secrecy, deception, and strategy. It speaks to situations where you may feel the need to be clever, sneaky, or evasive to get what you want. This card can indicate an act of stealth or even betrayal, but it also highlights the need for careful planning and discretion.
Symbolism: The unbalanced arrangement of the swords suggests movement, stealth, and uncertainty. The overlapping blades hint at hidden motives or the complexity of a situation that requires more than just straightforward action.
In Relationships: Hidden agendas or deception. The Seven of Swords advises caution, as someone may not be entirely honest with you or you may be hiding something.
In Work: Strategic planning or taking calculated risks. The Seven of Swords can suggest that you are working behind the scenes to achieve your goals, but caution is needed to avoid deceit.
Spiritually: Secrets or hidden truths within your spiritual path. This card encourages you to examine any areas where dishonesty or avoidance might be hindering your growth.
When ill-dignified: Betrayal, dishonesty, or evasion. The Seven of Swords warns against deceitful actions or neglecting the truth for personal gain.
8: Person #3's view of #2
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.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Six of Staves is the card of victory, achievement, and recognition. It signifies triumph after struggle and the public acknowledgment of success.
Symbolism: The six staves arranged in two parallel rows crossing evoke order, stability, and success. The balance of the composition suggests victory has been achieved through harmony and diligence. The flowery tan background emphasises the card's formal and celebratory nature, reinforcing the sense of accomplishment and recognition.
In Relationships: A time of public recognition in your relationship. The Six of Staves signifies success and admiration, whether it's the acknowledgment of your bond or a shared accomplishment.
In Work: Achievement and recognition in your professional life. This card signals a moment where your hard work is celebrated, whether through a promotion, award, or public acknowledgment.
Spiritually: Victory in your spiritual practice, where you feel accomplishment and clarity. The Six of Staves invites you to bask in the light of your progress and growth.
When ill-dignified: Overconfidence, arrogance, or an inability to recognise the work of others. This may suggest that victory is being taken for granted, or external recognition is fleeting and shallow.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The King of Staves represents authority, vision, and mastery. He is the embodiment of focused action, leadership, and the ability to direct energy towards a clear, long-term goal.
Symbolism: The King sits on his throne, holding his staff with dignity. His royal robes and crown symbolise his mastery and wisdom, while his composed expression suggests thoughtful decision-making. The repeating ornate pattern in the background reinforces the themes of structure, control, and power.
In Relationships: Leadership, vision, and maturity. The King of Staves represents a steady and visionary partner who provides guidance and stability.
In Work: Mastery of your craft and a clear vision for your future. The King encourages strategic leadership and long-term planning in your professional endeavours.
Spiritually: Mastery over your spiritual path. The King of Staves invites you to embody your inner wisdom and use it to lead others or further your own spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: Dictatorship, narrow-mindedness, or rigid thinking. This card warns against becoming too controlling or focused only on your vision at the expense of others' needs.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
The Two of Swords represents a choice or decision that requires careful consideration. It speaks to moments of duality, indecision, or conflict where one must weigh their options. The card often appears when you are at a crossroads, and the need for mental balance is urgent.
Symbolism: The crossed swords signify a stalemate or a moment of pause, where no action is being taken yet, but the tension is palpable. The symmetrical composition emphasises balance and the need for equal consideration of both options before deciding.
In Relationships: A tough choice or an emotional conflict where you may avoid making a decision. The Two of Swords urges you to confront your emotions and choose the path that aligns with your desires.
In Work: Facing a critical decision in your professional life. The Two of Swords advises careful evaluation of all options before proceeding.
Spiritually: A moment of inner conflict or uncertainty in your path. This card calls for introspection and a balance between logic and intuition when navigating your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: Indecision, avoidance of the truth, or refusal to confront an issue. The Two of Swords suggests that procrastination or ignoring a situation will only prolong the discomfort.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The Ten of Staves represents burden, responsibility, and the weight of obligations. It suggests a time when you may feel overwhelmed or overextended by the demands placed upon you.
Symbolism: The ten staves, tightly clustered, evoke the image of a heavy load or responsibility that is difficult to bear. The densely packed design highlights the weight and complexity of the situation, while the pale tan background provides a calm counterpoint to the intensity of the composition.
In Relationships: Being overburdened by responsibilities or feeling weighed down by obligations. This card may indicate that you're taking on too much, or the relationship is becoming a source of stress.
In Work: A period of overwhelming responsibility or pressure at work. The Ten of Staves advises you to assess whether you are spreading yourself too thin or neglecting self-care.
Spiritually: Feeling weighed down by obligations or spiritual duties. You may be carrying too much responsibility, making it difficult to find peace or progress.
When ill-dignified: Burnout, exhaustion, or an inability to delegate. This card warns against carrying too much on your shoulders without seeking help or finding balance.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Four of Coins represents stability, security, and holding onto material wealth. It suggests a need for caution and conservatism, especially with finances or possessions. This card speaks to the desire for safety and control but warns against becoming too rigid or possessive.
Symbolism: The symmetrical arrangement of the four coins creates a sense of groundedness and stability. Their equal spacing emphasises the need for balance and security in your material life.
In Relationships: A need for security or stability. The Four of Coins may suggest that you are holding onto someone or something too tightly, creating a sense of possessiveness.
In Work: Focusing on building and preserving financial stability. This card suggests a cautious approach but warns against being too conservative or resistant to change.
Spiritually: A focus on building material security at the cost of spiritual growth. The Four of Coins encourages you to be mindful of becoming too attached to the material world.
When ill-dignified: Greed, possessiveness, or excessive control. The Four of Coins warns against hoarding or becoming attached to material things at the expense of personal growth.