The Classic 3-Card Spread

Rickida Robinson
2026-03-25T18:40:25-04:00

Tarot is one of the world's favorite forms of divination, there are many Tarot is normally in the first 5. It’s truly like learning another language but it is a language created to understand energy. Tarot is perfect for guidance and shadow work as well. I use it to help others through all sorts of things. The best part about tarot is there is no “wrong way” to reading tarot. That is amazing right? Nothing beats preparation though, so going into a reading intention definitely matters. So I have created this diagram to help you figure out which 3-card spread would work best for you.

The Spread

Card Position Explained

The 3-Card Spread can read for many things and you can also read it in many orders. This is why there are no numbers on the diagram. It is all about your comfort level. When I speak of mind, body, and spirit I say it from middle, left, and then right. So instead of it being Mind, Body, and Spirit, I say Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Do whatever makes sense to you. You can also change the topics as well. I listed a few alternatives but that does not mean those are the only ones you can place there. Get creative.

Example Reading

I did a reading for a person who is either where they can give to others or in a position where they may need some help. To clarify what they are currently experiencing I pulled three cards. I asked “What energy is this person currently experiencing?” The card that showed up was The Mage/ The Magician. This person is currently in a creative space. They have the ability to do so. All tools are right in front of them. They are able to make anything possible from what they were given. They know their power. They may be in a place where they aren’t in front of the public eye yet. They are generous but even those that are generous needs support.

In the past, they’ve studied the terrain. They know what's ahead. They had everything planned out to a tea. They went at it aggressively. In this deck he is facing right. In the Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot deck he is normally charging to the left. This person on a subconscious level is a mental warrior. They are strong and vicious in their charge but they must maintain control of their horse. This Knight does not look too experienced. He's not even charging in the right direction. Something could go wrong. He could either have success or he can get thrown from that horse.

Future energy shows this with the Generosity of Air/ Queen of Swords in reverse. This is a feminine energy gone wrong. The person while so generous is showing a negative side of that generosity. This person might need to get humbled. She is spiteful, as to why, I do not know. Does she think she is better than those that ask for her help? Does she feel that she created her own way and they should too? I understand the pride, you have the right to be proud but to hurt someone with your words and being insensitive is never the way. The wheel can always turn. Remember, life is a circle. You can easily switch places at any time.

This was not for a real person. I asked before pulling the three cards, who am I reading for. I didn’t get an archetypal card, instead I got the VI of Pentacles. 6 reminds me of harmony, passion. This person obviously could get thrown off their horse and become the beggar in the future if they do not pull it together quickly!

Tips for Beginners

Trust your intuition!

Breath! This is extremely important. Calm your breathing and allow yourself to channel energy.

Do not read a billion guidebooks. Work with your cards and make your own. Do not rush this.

Learn about patterns, colors, and symbols. The tarot is full of them.