What Is A Past Present And Future Spread In Tarot?


In the mystical world of Tarot, spreads hold a significant place, serving as the roadmap guiding us through the symbolic journey of the cards. Among these spreads, the Past, Present, and Future spread, often represented by a simple three-card layout, holds a special place in my heart and practice.

A Past Present and Future Spread in Tarot is a three-card reading that provides insights into different aspects of a person’s life: the past, present and future.

The first card represents the past, offering a glimpse into past experiences or events that have influenced the present situation.

The second card symbolizes the present, revealing the current circumstances or challenges one is facing.

The third card signifies the future, giving a glimpse of potential outcomes or possibilities based on the present path.

It helps to gain clarity and understanding about the past, present, and potential future developments.

Through my journey with Tarot, I’ve discovered that this seemingly straightforward spread can unlock profound insights into our life’s journey. In this article, I will explain the past, present and future spread, unravelling the intricate layers of Tarot, interwoven with my personal experiences and discoveries.

a person reads tarot cards

What Is A Tarot Spread?

A tarot spread is a specific arrangement of cards drawn from a deck during a reading. The position of a card in the spread is what gives it its contextual meaning, relating it to the question being asked or the topic being explored.

Each placement within the spread has a unique significance, representing various aspects of the person’s life or situation. It’s like a theatrical stage where each card becomes an actor, playing its part in the narrative of the reading.

The beauty of tarot spreads, whether simple or complex, lies in their ability to illuminate different facets of our experiences, guide our intuition, and, ultimately, help us navigate the path of life with greater clarity and understanding.

My journey with tarot spreads has been a transformative one, touching every aspect of my existence and giving me tools to navigate life’s complexities.

What Are Tarot Spreads For?

Tarot spreads serve multiple purposes, and their utility can be as varied as the readers and querents who use them. At their core, tarot spreads are tools for framing a question and providing a structure within which the tarot cards can communicate their messages. They help focus the reader’s intuition, giving it a context within which to explore the possible meanings of the cards.

Additionally, tarot spreads can offer a snapshot of the intricate web of energies at play in a given situation, providing a holistic perspective that goes beyond the linear confines of time. They can reveal underlying patterns, hidden influences, and potential outcomes, thus empowering the querent with insights to make informed decisions.

In my personal experience, Tarot spreads, like the Past, Present, and Future spread, are invaluable guides, shedding light on the past, clarifying the present, and providing glimpses into the potential future.

What Is A Past Present And Future Spread In Tarot?

The Past, Present, and Future spread in Tarot, often known as the Three Card Spread, is one of the simplest yet most profound layouts in card reading. This spread involves drawing three cards from the deck and placing them in a line from left to right.

The card on the left signifies the past, revealing past experiences, learned lessons, and influences that have led to the current situation. It provides context, helping us understand where we have come from and how past events and decisions have shaped our present circumstances.

The middle card represents the present, highlighting current challenges, energies, and opportunities. It paints a realistic picture of where we are now and what factors are influencing our current journey.

The card on the right symbolizes the future, forecasting potential outcomes and possibilities if the current path continues. It’s not a definitive prediction but a projection of the future based on the present circumstances, providing guidance and empowering us to make informed decisions.

Using this spread in my readings has offered clarity and perspective. It helps me understand the root cause of present issues, recognize current patterns, and anticipate potential future outcomes. Its simplicity belies its depth, making it a powerful tool in my tarot practice.

Is The 3-Card Spread And The Past, Present And Future Spread The Same Thing?

Yes, the three-card spread is indeed the same as the Past, Present, and Future spread in Tarot. While the layout is simple – three cards laid out in a row – the insights it can offer are profound.

Each card represents a different temporal perspective: the first reflects the past, the second the present, and the third the potential future.

This spread is frequently used due to its simplicity and the clear, concise insights it can provide. It’s a versatile tool that can apply to almost any question or situation. In my personal tarot journey, this spread has proven to be instrumental in providing clarity and guidance.

What Is The Oldest Tarot Spread?

The oldest known tarot spread is arguably the “Celtic Cross” spread. This ten-card spread is believed to date back to the Middle Ages, becoming widely established in Tarot practice by the late 19th century. It’s more complex than the three-card spread, offering a more detailed and comprehensive reading.

The Celtic Cross spread consists of six cards in the form of a cross, with an additional four cards often lined up vertically to the side. Each card and its position has a unique meaning, collectively offering an intricate overview of the querent’s life and situation.

Despite the complexity, the depth and breadth of insights offered by the Celtic Cross spread to make it a favourite among many Tarot readers, myself included. It provides a multi-dimensional perspective, delving deeper into the past, present, and potential future while also highlighting obstacles, influences, and hopes related to the question at hand.

Final Mindful Thoughts

Tarot spreads, such as the Past, Present, and Future spread or the more complex Celtic Cross, serve as navigational tools, guiding us through the labyrinth of life. They provide valuable insights into our past, demystify our present and illuminate potential future paths.

My personal journey with Tarot has profoundly shaped my understanding of myself and the world around me, offering a unique lens to view life’s complexities.

Whether you’re a seasoned Tarot reader or just beginning your journey, I hope sharing my experience and understanding of these spreads will inspire you to explore Tarot’s rich layers.

As we continue to unearth its wisdom, Tarot remains a testament to the timeless human search for clarity, understanding, and connection.

Emma Jones

Hi, I am Emma and I am on a journey to awakening. I am fascinated by the universe and the power that it has to help humanity. I am excited to explore the world around me and learn as much as I can about the mysteries of life.

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