Classic method3 cardsSource type: Teaching consensus

You–Relationship–Other Person Three-Card Spread

A relationship structure that separates each person’s role from the interaction pattern jointly created between them.

Questions this spread is best for

  • Romantic, family, friendship, or work relationships
  • Comparing participation without reducing the relationship to one person
  • Observing an interaction without claiming to read unexpressed thoughts as fact

Card positions and meanings

Read each card through the role of its fixed position. A card does not mean the same thing in every place in a spread.

  1. 1

    You

    Your position, needs, and way of participating in the relationship, including the influence you bring into the interaction.

  2. 2

    Relationship

    The interaction pattern, exchange, connection, or tension jointly created by both people, with the relationship observed as a whole in its own right.

  3. 3

    Other Person

    The other person’s position, way of participating, or observable tendency within the relationship; this is not a factual judgment about unexpressed inner thoughts.

Sources and version

Source type: Teaching consensus

Greer explicitly lists Person A–Relationship–Person B and describes ways the two person positions can examine what each needs, gives, receives, or presents.

References

  • Mary K. Greer, “Three-Card Spreads: The Essentials (and more).”
  • Mary K. Greer, The Complete Book of Tarot Reversals, printed pp. 20–21, 215–216, 229–239.

How to use this version

  1. 1Name the two people and the relationship or interaction you want to examine.
  2. 2Draw left to right for You, Relationship, and Other Person.
  3. 3Read each role separately, then compare how both people participate in the connection shown by the center card.

You–Relationship–Other Person Three-Card Spread

When you are ready, continue to the related reading experience. The reading flow and this method guide are maintained separately.

Start a related reading

Compare another type of question or study the classic layout behind this spread.