A Fresh Approach to the 3-Card Spread: Bring Depth and Clarity to Your Readings

Daniela Hills Author

Learn how you can do the 3-card spread with a different approach.

I recently tried reading my 3-card spread a little differently, and I’d like to share how I did it. 

When I draw the cards, I start with the first one, which represents the general energy behind the reading.

Next, I draw three cards for the past, present, and future, as you already know from the traditional 3-card spread. After that, I draw an additional card for each position: one under the present, one under the past, and one under the future.

The first three cards above represent what’s happening in the past, present, and future, as usual. The additional cards placed below these positions provide more depth and clarity.

And of course, I like to calculate the quintessence to get an advice card.

For this, I use all the cards in the spread, except the court cards. I add their numbers together and reduce the total until I get a number between 0 and 10, which reveals the advice card from the Major Arcana.

Here’s an example of how this method works:

Let's say, someone asks the question:
“What should I focus on to improve my career and personal growth?”

This is how you could interpret the cards:

Step 1: The General Energy of the Reading

The first card is The Magician, which represents your potential and resourcefulness. It shows that you have all the tools and abilities you need to create and succeed. This card is full of creative energy, encouraging you to take action and trust in your capabilities.

The Magician can also represent your Spirit Guide, standing by your side and supporting you on your journey. He may be inspiring you, whispering, “You can do it!” to remind you of your inner power.

Step 2 and 3 : The 3-Card Spread (with Clarity from the Cards Below)

It’s interesting that I got three Pentacle cards here, as this points to a strong focus on material matters.

Past: The Eight of Pentacles, clarified by the Six of Swords
The Eight of Pentacles shows that you’ve worked really hard in the past, putting in the time and effort to grow and improve. The Six of Swords adds some context here—it looks like that hard work was motivated by the need to leave behind challenges or difficult situations.

Present: The Two of Pentacles, clarified by the Ace of Swords

The Two of Pentacles shows that right now, you might be deciding between two opportunities or figuring out where to focus your energy first.

The Ace of Swords helps explain this. It suggests you recently had a great idea or a moment of clarity about something important. This new insight has motivated you to take action, and now you’re working on balancing everything and finding the best way forward.

Future: The Ten of Pentacles, clarified by The Sun
The Ten of Pentacles paints a really hopeful picture for your future. It’s all about stability, financial security, and feeling fulfilled. And with The Sun clarifying it, the future looks even brighter. The Sun brings happiness, abundance, and clarity, showing that the path ahead is full of positivity. Together, these cards suggest not just material success, but also emotional joy and fulfillment.

Step 4: The Quintessence
Adding the cards together gives 47, reduced to 2, corresponding to The High Priestess.

Advice:

The High Priestess reminds you to trust your inner wisdom as you navigate this path. By combining intuition with action, you’ll be able to make thoughtful decisions and embrace the abundance and fulfillment ahead. Stay balanced, stay focused, and trust yourself—you’re on the right track.

Now it is your turn, have fun!

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Categories: : tarot, Tarot Cards