A spread is a layout pattern that assigns meaning to each card position. Think of it as a questionnaire where each slot asks a different sub-question. The cards that land in those slots become the answers.
Essential Spreads
- Single Card — One card, one insight. Best for daily practice, yes/no questions, or when you need clarity without complexity.
- Three Card — Past / Present / Future (or Situation / Action / Outcome). The workhorse of tarot reading. Enough structure to tell a story, simple enough for any question.
- Celtic Cross (10 cards) — The deep dive. Covers the situation, challenges, subconscious influences, recent past, possible future, and final outcome. Use this when you need the full picture.
- Relationship Spread (5-7 cards) — Positions for each person's perspective, the relationship dynamic, and potential direction.
Which to Choose
Match the spread to the question's complexity. A "What should I focus on today?" doesn't need a Celtic Cross. A career crossroads with multiple factors deserves more than a single pull. Chaos Tarot offers all standard spreads plus system-specific layouts — rune spreads using the Aettir structure, hexagram-based I Ching layouts, and the full Geomantic shield chart.