Printable Cheat Sheets
Spread Reference Cards
Visual guides for 10 essential divination spreads. Each card shows the layout diagram, position meanings, recommended questions, and compatible systems.
Three-Card Spread
Beginner3 cardsThe most versatile and accessible spread. Works for any question type and can be read as Past/Present/Future, Situation/Action/Outcome, or Mind/Body/Spirit.
Layout
Positions
Past / Situation / Mind
What has led to this moment, the foundation of the issue, or your mental state.
Present / Action / Body
The current energy, what action to take, or your physical/emotional state.
Future / Outcome / Spirit
Where this is heading, the likely result, or your spiritual direction.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What should I focus on today?”
- ›“What's the trajectory of this situation?”
- ›“Give me clarity on this decision.”
Compatible Systems
Celtic Cross
Advanced10 cardsThe classic comprehensive reading. Ten positions explore every dimension of a situation — from the core issue through subconscious influences to the final outcome. The gold standard for deep readings.
Layout
Positions
Present / Core
The central issue or energy surrounding you right now.
Challenge / Crossing
The obstacle, opposition, or complicating factor.
Foundation
The subconscious basis, root cause, or distant past influence.
Recent Past
Events or energies that are just passing or fading.
Crown / Best Outcome
The best possible outcome, your conscious goal or aspiration.
Near Future
What is approaching in the next few weeks.
Self / Attitude
How you see yourself in this situation, your inner stance.
Environment
External influences, what others think, surrounding energies.
Hopes & Fears
What you secretly hope for or are afraid of.
Final Outcome
The culmination — where all these forces lead.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What do I need to understand about this life situation?”
- ›“What are all the forces affecting my career path?”
Compatible Systems
Horseshoe Spread
Intermediate7 cardsA versatile seven-card spread forming a horseshoe arc. Excellent for exploring a situation from multiple angles without the complexity of a Celtic Cross.
Layout
Positions
Past
Past influences still affecting the situation.
Present
Current state of affairs.
Hidden Influences
What you don't see — subconscious or hidden factors.
Obstacles
What stands in your way.
Environment
People and circumstances around you.
Advice
What you should do.
Outcome
The most likely result if you follow this path.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What's really going on with this situation?”
- ›“Help me understand the full picture.”
Compatible Systems
Decision Spread
Intermediate5 cardsDesigned for fork-in-the-road moments. Two parallel paths branch from a central card, each showing the likely progression and outcome of each choice.
Layout
Positions
The Core Issue
The heart of the decision — what you're really choosing between.
Path A — Energy
The energy and experience of choosing option A.
Path A — Outcome
Where option A ultimately leads.
Path B — Energy
The energy and experience of choosing option B.
Path B — Outcome
Where option B ultimately leads.
Recommended Questions
- ›“Should I take this job or stay?”
- ›“Which path is better for my growth?”
Compatible Systems
Yes/No Spread
Beginner3 cardsA quick, decisive spread for binary questions. Three cards are drawn and their combined energy tilts toward yes or no, with the center card holding the most weight.
Layout
Positions
Leaning Factor
The influence pulling in one direction.
Core Answer
The primary yes/no energy — upright leans yes, reversed leans no.
Qualifier
The condition or nuance that modifies the answer.
Recommended Questions
- ›“Will this work out?”
- ›“Is this the right time?”
- ›“Should I proceed?”
Compatible Systems
Week Ahead
Beginner7 cardsOne card for each day of the coming week. A practical, actionable spread that helps you navigate daily energies and plan accordingly.
Layout
Positions
Monday
The energy and theme of Monday.
Tuesday
The energy and theme of Tuesday.
Wednesday
The energy and theme of Wednesday.
Thursday
The energy and theme of Thursday.
Friday
The energy and theme of Friday.
Saturday
The energy and theme of Saturday.
Sunday
The energy and theme of Sunday.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What does my week look like?”
- ›“What should I focus on each day?”
Compatible Systems
Shadow Work
Advanced5 cardsA deeply introspective spread for exploring the parts of yourself you may be avoiding. Combines conscious awareness with hidden shadow aspects and integration paths.
Layout
Positions
The Mask
How you present yourself to the world — your persona.
The Shadow
The hidden aspect you deny, repress, or project onto others.
The Root
Where this shadow originated — the wound or experience.
The Gift
The hidden strength within the shadow — what it teaches you.
Integration
How to bring the shadow into conscious awareness and heal.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What am I avoiding about myself?”
- ›“What shadow aspect needs attention?”
Compatible Systems
Relationship Spread
Intermediate6 cardsExplores the dynamic between two people — romantic, platonic, or professional. Shows each person's perspective, the shared energy, and the relationship's direction.
Layout
Positions
You
Your energy, feelings, and role in this relationship.
Them
Their energy, feelings, and role in the relationship.
The Connection
The bond between you — what holds you together.
Challenges
What creates tension or distance.
Advice
What would improve the relationship.
Direction
Where the relationship is heading.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What's the dynamic between us?”
- ›“How can we improve our connection?”
Compatible Systems
Birthday Spread
Intermediate4 cardsA personal year overview drawn on or near your birthday. Four cards representing the year's theme, major challenge, hidden blessing, and overall trajectory.
Layout
Positions
Year Theme
The overarching energy and lesson of your personal year.
Major Challenge
The primary obstacle or growth area you'll face.
Hidden Blessing
An unexpected gift, opportunity, or grace.
Year Outcome
How the year resolves — where you'll be at the next birthday.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What does this year hold for me?”
- ›“What's the theme of my personal year?”
Compatible Systems
Year Ahead
Advanced13 cardsA card for each month plus one significator card representing the year's overall theme. The most comprehensive temporal spread, ideal for New Year or birthday readings.
Layout
Positions
Year Theme
The overall energy and lesson defining the entire year.
January
January's primary energy and focus.
February
February's primary energy and focus.
March
March's primary energy and focus.
April
April's primary energy and focus.
May
May's primary energy and focus.
June
June's primary energy and focus.
July
July's primary energy and focus.
August
August's primary energy and focus.
September
September's primary energy and focus.
October
October's primary energy and focus.
November
November's primary energy and focus.
December
December's primary energy and focus.
Recommended Questions
- ›“What does each month of the coming year hold?”
- ›“What's my year-long trajectory?”
Compatible Systems
Try These Spreads Live
Practice with any of these layouts using our seven divination systems. Free accounts get one draw per system per day.