What are your most-used spreads?

[Wheel of Fantastic]

I use a variety of different spreads and frequently create ones specifically to answer particular questions. For daily practice I use a 3 card Situation/Do/Don't Do spread. I also use a one card daily draw based on Pythagorean numerology to understand the energy of a particular day.

 

I use a version of the Celtic Cross created by Vincent Pitisci which answers 4 questions and turns the spread into a practical tool for decision making. The largest spread I use is the 21 card 'Gypsy' spread which allows me to go into exceptional detail on a particular issue. I used this spread with a client for the first time recently and the results were eye opening.

Edited July 26, 2019 by Wheel of Fantastic

[Venus Rising]

@Barleywine when are you going to release your book on spreads? I'd definitely read that! 🙂 

 

I'm enjoying seeing what everyone does. I confess I hardly ever do the Celtic Cross LOL.  Funny how ALL the books would always teach that spread first, but when I first started, I found it overwhelming to have so many cards out on the table so I pretty much abandoned it. 😄  I got into the habit of using smaller spreads and really enjoy it as well as find them very useful. Once in a while,  I'll do a CC or other larger spread, but I really like the smaller ones 🙂 

 

I'd say that I do 3-5 card spreads the most, and always with positions, tailored to the question.  I think there's a lot of info just in those few cards to unpack, and it's to the point.  I also find it helpful when sitters insist on asking yes/no questions, no matter how much you try to convince them to ask an open ended one LOL  

[chongjasmine]

I mainly used the three cards-past, present, future spread. Sometimes, once in awhile, I used the celtic cross.

[zedekiel]

There's a Spread that I LOVE called the "WTAF?!" Tarot Spread. It's like a condensed, 6 card Celtic Cross focusing more on problem solving. The "WT" position (A card laying over another card) Signifies the situation, the crux of the matter. The "A" position signifies "what is actually true about the situation". The "F" position signifies "what is false or wrong about the situation". The "?" position signifies what needs more information, or what needs to be questioned and looked into. And the "!" position is for next actions to take. It's a nice and clear spread that's great for practicing as well since it's not as exhausting as the CC can sometimes be when done multiple times.

[katrinka]

I virtually always use lines, boxes, pyramids, and tableaus, with no named positions. On rare occasions I might break out the CC or the Chien de Pique, but those are the exception rather than the rule. Of the ones I use a lot, the most frequently used one is the three card draw, for the following reasons:

1. It's fast. If I'm already running late but I need to check something, I get my answer almost instantly.
2. No space needed. I can riffle, cut, draw, and fan the cards in my hand. Nice when there's no table and chair available.
3. Being outdoors on a windy day is not a problem. See #2.
4. It's clear. For some questions you want more nuance, but if you just want to find your keys, three cards is the way to go. Something like a Celtic Cross would just make everything WORSE.

5. It's sneaky, since it requires so little time and space. You can use an app on the sly, too, but some workplaces don't allow you to keep your phone on you. I carry a mini Lenormand at work for emergencies.