Online spread · 4 cards
Situation tarot spread
A four-card spread for any confusing situation: at work, in a relationship, with money or in the family. It shows the heart of what is happening, what stands in your way, what will help and how it all may end.
Situation spread layout
- The heart of the situation — What is really going on, the main theme of the question.
- What stands in the way — An obstacle, a fear or a circumstance that is holding the situation back.
- What will help — Advice: what to do or what to lean on.
- How it will end — The likely outcome if you follow the cards’ advice.
How to interpret the spread
Start with the first card: it shows what the situation is really about — sometimes it isn’t what you asked. The second card is the obstacle. Even if a bright card comes up here, it points to an excess of its quality that gets in the way: for example, The Sun in this position can speak of too much optimism.
The third position is advice. Read it as a hint for action. The fourth is the outcome the situation is heading toward if you take the advice into account. If the outcome is difficult, go back to the advice: that’s usually where you can see what can be changed.
Other spreads
- 3Three-card spreadPast, present, future — the simplest and most popular spread.
- 4Near-future spreadWhat the coming weeks hold and what to pay attention to.
- 6Relationship spreadYou, your partner, the bond, the obstacle, the outlook and advice.
- 4Spread for a manHis thoughts, feelings and intentions — and advice for you.
- 13Year-ahead spreadThe theme of the year and a card for each of the twelve months.
- 10Celtic CrossThe classic 10-card spread for an in-depth look at a situation.
Need a quick answer?
For a simple question, try a one-card Yes or No Tarot reading or draw your card of the day.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Situation spread different from the Three-card spread?
It has separate positions for the obstacle and the advice. The Three-card spread shows how things develop over time, while the Situation spread shows what to do to come out of it with the best result.
What should I do if the outcome is bad?
Look at the “What stands in the way” and “What will help” cards: they show what you can influence. Tarot describes a likely scenario, not an inevitable fate.
Is this tarot reading free?
Yes, all spreads on the site are free, with no sign-up. Your question stays in your browser and isn’t sent anywhere.
Are reversed cards included?
Yes, by default a card can come up reversed — this makes the spread more accurate. If you’re used to reading with upright cards only, uncheck “Include reversed cards” before you lay out the spread.