How to Create Your Own Tarot Spreads for Personal Use
Some questions are too personal for a pre-made tarot spread. They scratch the surface, but they don’t quite get to the heart of what you’re asking. When that happens, a custom tarot spread can give you answers that feel more direct, more specific, and more in tune with your life.
The beauty of tarot is its flexibility. The cards speak differently to everyone, and a spread that works perfectly for one person might feel off for another. Making your own spread puts you in the driver’s seat. You decide what needs to be uncovered, and you create a structure that makes sense for your intuition and reading style.
It’s easier than it sounds. You don’t need to be an expert reader or have years of experience. What you need is a clear focus and an understanding of how card positions shape a reading. Let’s go step by step so you can start creating spreads that actually answer your questions.
Start with the Question
Before arranging any cards, get crystal clear on what you’re asking. A good tarot spread is built around a well-defined question or theme. If your question is vague, your spread will be, too.
Think about:
- What’s the main issue or topic?
- Do you need a direct answer or a deeper exploration?
- Is this about a situation, a relationship, or personal growth?
- Do you need advice, confirmation, or a warning?
Once you have that focus, try to break it into smaller pieces. For example, if you’re asking about a job change, you might break it down into:
- What energy am I bringing into this transition?
- What unseen factors should I consider?
- What is the likely outcome if I make this move?
Each of these sub-questions could become a position in your spread.
Choose the Spread Structure
Now that you have your question, it’s time to shape the spread. The structure determines how the story unfolds in your reading. There are three main styles to consider.
Linear Spreads
These lay the cards out in a straight line, moving from one step to the next. They work well for:
- Timelines (past, present, future)
- Step-by-step guidance
- Cause-and-effect readings
Example: A 4-card decision-making spread
- The situation as it stands
- What’s pushing me forward
- What’s holding me back
- Likely outcome
Clustered Spreads
These group cards together in clusters, creating a more layered reading. They’re great for:
- Looking at multiple perspectives
- Understanding relationships
- Weighing different options
Example: A relationship insight spread
- You in the relationship
- The other person
- The emotional dynamic
- The hidden influence
- The path forward
Shape-Based Spreads
These create a visual pattern, like a triangle, square, or even a spiral. They’re good for:
- Spiritual exploration
- Energy readings
- Manifestation work
Example: A self-discovery triangle
- My conscious self
- My shadow self
- The key to integration
Define Each Card’s Role
A spread isn’t just about how the cards are arranged. Each position has a meaning, and that meaning guides how you interpret the card that lands there.
When defining card positions, keep them specific but open-ended. Instead of just “Past,” make it “A past influence still affecting me.” Instead of “Advice,” try “A step I can take right now.” This keeps your reading from being too vague or generic.
If you’re struggling to create meaningful positions, use these question prompts to refine them:
- What is the heart of this situation?
- What am I missing or overlooking?
- What is working in my favor?
- What inner work needs to be done?
- What happens if I stay on this path?
- How can I shift the energy?
A good spread guides the reading smoothly from one idea to the next. The first cards should set the stage, the middle cards should explore, and the last cards should bring clarity or resolution.
Experiment and Adjust
There’s no single “right” way to structure a tarot spread. What matters is that it works for you. Sometimes, what seems perfect on paper falls flat in an actual reading. The only way to know is to test it out.
Ways to Refine Your Spread
- Read for yourself first. Does the spread feel balanced? Do the positions make sense?
- Try it with different questions. A strong spread should work with similar but slightly different questions.
- See if it flows. If you struggle to connect the cards, a position might need tweaking.
- Write it down. Take notes on what worked and what didn’t. Over time, you’ll build spreads that fit your reading style perfectly.
Add Extra Layers (If You Want)
If you want more depth, there are ways to enhance a spread without overcomplicating it.
Clarifier Cards
If a position feels unclear, pull an extra card to explain or expand on the message. Some people like to use clarifiers only for tricky cards (like The Tower or The Moon). Others pull them whenever a position feels vague.
Shadow and Light Cards
Draw two cards per position:
- The first represents the visible, obvious energy
- The second shows the hidden or unconscious side
This technique works well for self-reflection spreads or when exploring tough decisions.
Elemental Balancing
If your reading feels lopsided (too many Swords, no Cups), look at what’s missing. Are you overthinking? Lacking emotional insight? The elements can show what energies are dominating your situation.
Naming Your Spread
Giving your spread a name helps you remember and refine it over time. A name should reflect its purpose, making it easy to recognize when you need it.
Examples:
- “The Crossroads Spread” for decision-making
- “The Mirror Spread” for self-reflection
- “The Unspoken Truth Spread” for hidden influences
Even if it’s just for personal use, naming your spread makes it feel more intentional.
Final Thoughts
Creating your own tarot spread isn’t just about getting answers—it’s about deepening your connection with the cards. A good spread should feel like a conversation, guiding you toward the insights you need most.
The more you experiment, the more natural it becomes. Trust your intuition. Tarot isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about finding what works for you. Keep testing, tweaking, and refining. Soon, you’ll have spreads that feel like they were made just for you—because they were.
- By ella