Tarot Spread
Spread or draw (Portuguese tiragem) is the configuration of cards drawn from a deck for tarot, oracle or cartomantic reading. Each system has its specific spreads: Marseille uses 3, 5, 7 or 9 cards; Rider-Waite has the Celtic Cross (10 cards); Lenormand uses up to 36 (tableau).
Common spreads
- 1 card — quick yes/no consultation.
- 3 cards — past/present/future.
- 5 cards — more nuanced consultation.
- Celtic Cross — 10 cards, complete reading.
- Tableau Lenormand — 36 cards in 4×9 format.