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 Five of Coins signifies hardship, financial loss, and feelings of exclusion. It represents times of struggle or difficult circumstances, often related to material or financial difficulties. However, it also highlights the importance of seeking help and support during challenging times.
Symbolism: The crossing arrangement of the five coins creates a sense of imbalance and struggle. Their positioning highlights uncertainty and the need for external help or support.
In Relationships: Feeling abandoned or unsupported. The Five of Coins suggests financial or emotional hardship and the need for mutual care and compassion.
In Work: Financial difficulty or job insecurity. This card calls for resourcefulness and suggests seeking help or guidance during tough times.
Spiritually: A sense of spiritual poverty or abandonment. The Five of Coins reminds you to seek support and remember that even in difficult times, there is a way forward.
When ill-dignified: Isolation, despair, or neglect. The Five of Coins warns against wallowing in difficulty without reaching out for assistance or hope.
2: Person #2
The Five of Swords represents conflict, competition, and mental struggle. It suggests a situation where victory may come at a cost, with tension and discord present. This card can indicate a win achieved through manipulation, dishonesty, or at the expense of others.
Symbolism: The swords are arranged in an unbalanced formation of four-on-one, highlighting the disharmony and imbalance created by conflict. The uneven positioning of the blades reflects the instability caused by mental or emotional discord, while their fine craftsmanship hints at the complexity of the situation.
In Relationships: Conflict or mental challenges. The Five of Swords suggests that a fight or disagreement may have left scars, and one must decide whether to continue fighting or walk away.
In Work: A competitive or combative environment. This card warns that achieving success at the expense of others may lead to resentment or long-term harm.
Spiritually: Mental conflict or inner turmoil that disrupts your peace of mind. The Five of Swords advises resolving spiritual disputes and finding reconciliation within yourself.
When ill-dignified: Deception, defeat, or unnecessary conflict. The Five of Swords warns against manipulative behaviour or unnecessary mental battles that lead to no real resolution.
3: Person #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.
4: Person #1's view of #2
The Seven of Cups represents choices, illusions, and dreams. It speaks to a time of possibility and decision-making, where many options are available, but it can also indicate confusion or a tendency to chase unattainable fantasies. This card invites you to assess your options.
Symbolism: The seven chalices, arranged asymmetrically, reflect the idea of varied possibilities, each with its own allure. The uneven arrangement symbolises the unpredictability of choice and the potential for distraction or confusion. The decoration of the chalices suggests each option carries its own emotional weight.
In Relationships: A period of many choices in your romantic life, but also a time to be cautious of unrealistic expectations or illusions. This card asks you to consider your options.
In Work: Multiple career paths or opportunities are available, but you may feel overwhelmed or unsure which one to pursue. The Seven of Cups advises introspection and discernment in your decision-making process.
Spiritually: A time to evaluate spiritual paths and opportunities. The Seven of Cups invites you to look beyond illusions and focus on what resonates with your soul.
When ill-dignified: Confusion, unrealistic expectations, or escapism. The Seven of Cups warns against being overwhelmed by too many choices or falling for empty promises.
5: Person #2's view of #3
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.
6: Person #3's view of #1
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.
7: Person #2's view of #1
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.
8: Person #3's view of #2
The Five of Staves represents conflict, competition, and challenge. It symbolises the tension that arises when different forces or perspectives clash, but also the opportunity for growth through these struggles.
Symbolism: The five staffs crossing at various angles evoke discord, but the composition remains visually balanced. This dynamic tension suggests the conflict is not necessarily destructive, but a part of the process of growth and resolution. The flowers in the background underscore that this challenge is a natural, even necessary part of the journey.
In Relationships: Tension or conflict may arise, but this card suggests that healthy competition or differing viewpoints can lead to growth if managed properly.
In Work: Competition, challenges, or rivalry may be present. The Five of Staves urges you to stay focused and resilient, as this conflict can sharpen your skills and propel you forward.
Spiritually: Conflicts or challenges may arise, but they are opportunities to refine your beliefs and strengthen your character.
When ill-dignified: Escalating conflict or unnecessary competition. This could indicate that the struggle is becoming unproductive, leading to frustration or exhaustion.
9: Person #1's view of #3
The Knight of Cups represents emotional pursuit, idealism, and romanticism. It speaks to the pursuit of dreams, following one's heart, and embarking on emotional quests with passion and dedication.
Symbolism: The knight on horseback, holding a cup, exudes an energy of romantic idealism and emotional drive. The pale horse's steady gait and the knight's confident posture suggest a balance between passion and grace.
In Relationships: Pursuing romance with enthusiasm and idealism. The Knight of Cups suggests a time of emotional pursuit, whether the beginning of a romance or a passionate phase in an existing relationship.
In Work: A pursuit of creative or emotional fulfilment. This card represents following your heart and idealism in professional endeavours.
Spiritually: The quest for spiritual or emotional fulfilment. The Knight of Cups invites you to pursue your highest ideals and trust your intuition on your spiritual journey.
When ill-dignified: Impulsiveness, emotional highs and lows, or unrealistic expectations. The Knight of Cups warns against becoming too idealistic or pursuing unrealistic goals without grounding.
10: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #2
The Four of Cups speaks of refined introspection, indulgence, and the ennui that follows excess. Here, we see the weight of luxury—the satiety that dulls desire. It is the pause after fulfilment: the moment abundance becomes a gilded cage.
Symbolism: Four golden chalices evoke noble refinement and privilege, yet they are static, their contents untouched. The rich ornamentation surrounding them suggests a world of opulence, but one where satisfaction remains elusive. The card carries the energy of those who have tasted life's finest pleasures and now wonder—what next?
In Relationships: A moment of emotional detachment, not from lack, but from overindulgence. The heart, accustomed to grandeur, may grow numb to love's simpler joys. This card asks: Are you dismissing true connection because it does not dazzle?
In Work: A sign that your position may be comfortable—even prestigious—but lacking in passion. Material success alone does not sustain the spirit, and this card invites you to seek deeper fulfilment beyond the mere trappings of status.
Spiritually: A period of contemplation, but not of deprivation—rather, the quiet reflection that comes when one has everything except a sense of purpose. The Four of Cups calls for reawakening to life's meaning beyond luxury and routine.
When ill-dignified: Dissatisfaction amid excess. A refusal to engage with new opportunities, dismissing them as beneath you. Beware emotional torpor—even the most lavish court can become a prison if one ceases to dream. This is not the stagnation of the ordinary, but of those who have had their fill of the extraordinary and now seek something more.
11: Overall relationship between persons #2 and #3
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.
12: Overall relationship between persons #1 and #3
The King of Coins signifies mastery of wealth, business, and material resources. He is a figure of authority and stability, using his intelligence and experience to build lasting wealth. This card speaks to leadership, responsibility, and achieving long-term financial success.
Symbolism: The King's commanding posture and golden robes reflect his mastery and authority in the material world. The coin he holds symbolises his wealth, and the background design speaks to the regal nature of his position.
In Relationships: A stable partner focused on creating long-term prosperity for their family. The King of Coins encourages a mature, responsible approach to relationships.
In Work: Mastery in your career or business, especially in financial management. The King of Coins represents achieving a position of leadership or success through wisdom and effort.
Spiritually: Mastery over your material world and the wisdom to balance it with your spiritual life. The King of Coins suggests stability and prosperity grounded in wisdom.
When ill-dignified: Materialism, greed, or a desire for control. The King of Coins warns against focusing only on wealth at the expense of relationships or spiritual growth.
13: Overall 3-way Relationship
The Fool symbolises new beginnings, innocence, and an open-hearted journey. He represents the spirit of adventure and trust in the unknown, unburdened by experiences or material concerns. His path is one of discovery, where curiosity leads the way.
Symbolism: The vagabond's tattered clothing reflects detachment from societal norms, while his staff and bundle suggest minimal baggage—both physical and emotional. The golden background highlights his eternal and universal journey. His carefree, open-mouthed expression conveys both the naivety of youth and the wisdom of freedom from expectations.
In Relationships: A signal to take risks or approach relationships with spontaneity and trust. It cautions against naivety or reckless behaviour.
In Work: An invitation to embrace a new path or project with an open mind. The Fool encourages experimentation and trust in one's instincts.
Spiritually: The Fool represents faith in the journey ahead and the courage to step into the unknown. He invites the seeker to trust the divine flow.
When ill-dignified: Foolishness, poor judgement, or recklessness. It warns against ignoring practicalities or rushing ahead blindly.