A tarot spread has two levels of meaning. The first comes from the individual positions. The second comes from the overall design or shape of the spread—how the positions are arranged. If a spread's shape is familiar, it's easy to learn and remember. If the positions are random, the spread makes less sense. Structure conveys order and meaning.
Most spread patterns follow four design principles:
Symmetry is balance among parts. Most spreads use symmetry for beauty and harmony. Positions often mirror each other. Even-numbered spreads tend to be solid and regular—every position has its counterpart. Odd-numbered spreads are more dynamic—lone positions create tension.
The space between positions is usually uniform. The exception is the use of a wider margin to define a lone position or group of positions. In Figure 10, the single position in the center is set off by the extra space around it. Most positions in a spread are separate from each other; they do not overlap. One exception is position 2 of the Celtic Cross spread. It is on top of position 1 turned 90 degrees.
Positions are often repeated for balance and uniformity. A spread about two people may have two duplicate sets of cards—one for each person. In Figure 10, the 3-card groups to each side are duplicates.
Most positions are oriented so they are straight up-and-down. They echo the card images when viewed normally. Occasionally positions are angled or horizontal to highlight a certain relationship to the other cards. An arrow spread may have two angled positions to create the impression of the arrowhead.
Certain shapes have archetypal meanings. A spread with such a shape resonates with the universal meaning of that form. It has the ability to open us to deeper levels. A spread can also have these shapes as subgroups.
A solitary position announces “I'm special.” In the center of a spread, it shows central importance—a hub of interest. On the side, it shows a unique stance. A single can be at the end of a line to show where all the other positions are leading. Figure 10 shows a single in the center.
A pair consists of two positions that belong together. A pair creates a two-sided dynamic. It shows two similar or opposing qualities. Position pairs are interpreted in relation to each other.
A line is three or more cards in a row—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal. A line can mean “interpret us as a group”—all the positions in the line refer to the same subject. Sometimes, a line shows direction, such as the flow of time. In this case, cards for the past are traditionally placed on the left, cards for the present in the center, and cards for the future on the right. A line can also show cause (left) moving toward effect (right). The horseshoe is a line bent into a curve suggesting the rise and fall of energies.
A triangle is a set of three positions in a cluster. One kind has two cards on the bottom and one on top. The two “combine” to point to the third—their sum or integration. Another kind has one position on the bottom and two on top showing two developments arising from the same root. You can add more positions to create a “V” shape. The pyramid shape adds horizontal lines with each line containing one additional position.
A cross is made up of two perpendicular lines. The simplest form has positions in the four directions: north, south, east, and west. Usually there is a fifth position in the center as a point of integration. A cross can be extended in any direction with extra positions. The arms of a cross can be the same length or different. The “T” and “L” shapes are variations of the cross.
A bridge is a single position or line connecting two other lines or groups. Some examples are the “H” and “A” shapes. A bridge literally bridges two entities. It shows what joins them or brings them together. Figure 10 shows a single, central position as a bridge.
A circle suggests unity. In a circle spread, all the positions belong together. They are elements of one whole. The months of the year are often placed in a circle spread. Sometimes, positions in a circle show the many qualities of a subject whose essence is given by a single position in the center.
A grid is a set of lines grouped together in a square or rectangle. Often, each line is defined as a unit with the meaning of each position fixed by its row and column. Figure 11 shows a grid spread that compares three people over time. The middle position shows “mom” in the “present.” The lower right position shows “dad” in the “future.” Grid spreads are quite versatile. You can create many variations by changing the line definitions.
Look for geometric shapes in your environment. Pay attention to the patterns in objects, but also to their influence in the abstract. How does it feel when people are in pairs, lines, circles, or triangles? When are bridges in effect? Try to get in touch with the archetypal energies of different shapes in different circumstances.
SPREAD SHAPE EXPLORATION
Try using some of these spread designs for your readings. Look for situations where the unique design of a spread suits your circumstances. A cross spread might clarify the clash of two opposing factions. A circle spread might help you see how family members perceive a subject of common interest (card in the center). There are many possibilities.
