When you first start reading tarot, it can be tempting to try and dive into all the different complex tarot spreads that there are out there (for example, the celtic cross).
The truth is, tarot spreads like these aren’t exactly beginner friendly, and are likely to overwhelm you.
That’s why I’d recommend starting out with simple and easy three card tarot spreads for beginners instead, until you become more confident reading tarot.
While they might sound uninteresting, there is so much you can do with a three card spread and so much you can discover!
In all honesty, you can gain just as much value from spreads like these as some of the bigger spreads if you’re strongly connected to your tarot deck.
There is no need to rush into huge spreads before laying the foundations, and three card spreads are a great place to start.
What are three card tarot spreads?
Put simply, three card tarot spreads are readings which involve drawing three cards from your tarot deck.
They’re typically read left to right, and each card represents its own individual meaning, though they all tie together in some way.
Three card tarot spreads are a great way to move on from single card readings and start exploring the tarot in more depth.
I find that they’re an ideal number to give you a more detailed reading, without getting too complicated and difficult to interpret. This makes them one of the best tarot spreads for beginners.
15 easy three card tarot spreads
These 15 easy three card tarot spreads are a great place to start when learning how to read tarot spreads.
Three card tarot spreads for guidance

Your strengths, your weaknesses, how you can progress
Current situation, obstacle, advice
Current situation, action to take, outcome
Three card tarot spreads for self discovery

Past, present, future
Mind, body, spirit
Your conscious mind, your subconscious mind, your superconscious mind
Three card tarot spreads for future

Where am I now? What do I aspire to become? How do I get there?
What do I aspire to become? What is holding me back? How can I overcome this?
What will help me? What will hinder me? What is my unrealized potential?
Three card tarot spreads for love and relationships

Your role in the relationship, their role in the relationship, your relationship with eachother
What you want from the relationship, what they want from the relationship, where the relationship is heading
What brings you together, what pulls you apart, what needs your attention
Three card tarot spreads for career

My financial challenges, my financial strengths, where I will find abundance
Where am I at now? What is my career path? How will I get there?
What holds me back in my career? What are my unique qualities? How can I utilise my qualities?

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These easy three card tarot spreads should give you a good start. But remember that your tarot practice is completely unique to you and you’re free to explore your own spreads!
Play around with creating your own combination of three card spreads and see what you come up with.
Let me know your favorite three card spread from this list!
Related posts:
The 10 Best Tarot Card Decks for Beginners in 2020
How to Use Tarot for Self Discovery and Personal Growth
How to Cleanse Tarot Cards: 8 Ways to Clear Your Deck
Tarot Reading Tips: 11 Tarot Practice Exercises for Beginners

About Esther
Esther is the founder of Through the Phases, and author of the Breakthrough Manifestation Workbook. Her mission is to guide others to grow to their full potential and create their dream life using spiritual and personal growth practices. Read more about her story here!