I've only come across a few ways of reading tarot cards. by letting them fall out, throwing/dropping them on the floor, Yes/No 3 stacks of 13, and a couple formats.
My question(s) are thus. What other ways have you heard of/use, and which do you prefer?

When I do readings I lay my cards out in the shape of a Christmas tree.... has always worked for me. I only use 11 cards for the spread. Working upwards from the person's past, to their current situation upwards to their 'potential' future.
at the moment i am still learningthe 3 card spread, wiuch i think means: past, present and future
There are a ton of different layouts! If you go to a bookstore with a "New Age" religion section (usually where you find books on Wicca, etc) you should find some tarot books. Many have various layouts in them and what they help you figure out.
Personally, I have a dragon tarot set. The book that came with my cards has I believe 6 layouts in it.
Tarot cards have always intrigued me. I am not able to read them at all but, it was something that I had always thought about learning to do. Now, I am not sure if I want to know how...lol
I am learning tarot as well. Things I am doing to help me learn:
Do a card a day (plus I have two decks so im really doing two cards).
I also have a spread book that I am keeping the spreads I find online that intrest me (or the ones that I come up with see my journal). I in part feel that having as many as you see that fits you will in time help you out. But it does up the learning curve a little (plus im going only my third week now).
If you a friend that as been reading the cards for a while have them help you think of what the cards are saying. Though you should be the main one doing it having them there to help out when things get tough or just to see what they think it means can also give a bunch of insight as to what they could mean to you.
Back on the spreads thing, pick a few small card spreads that you can do (back with the card a day, as well as the common past, present, future three card spread).
Also remind yourself to look at whats on the card for more ideas/info on what it is saying. Each deck is different and even the LWG (little white book) has different meanings from deck to deck. Trust your self in what you see and try and merge that with whats in the book.
Lastly read the forums and such from places that people are doing it alot you never know what you might find the best place I found has been:
http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/
If you get more decks that have a truly mazing list you can look at to help there. Plus people do post there own custom spreads for every one to see ect...
But in any case trust in what you see.
But the ways I have been doing things is I use any spread that I can feel I can do. More understanding you are about the spread the better. Though if you have the ability to do as many as you can you will have anything you need.
Thank you for your responses! They're great. I do indeed read tarot cards. My usual method is to shuffle/cut the cards and read the ones that fall or jump out. Or I do 3 stacks of 13 for Yes/No questions. Or whatever they speak to me or I feel i should do. I don't really do the spreads in the books that came with my cards. I also do my reading from which ever deck is calling loudest. My favorite decks are my Zen Tarot and Goddess Oracle. the Zen ones take a lot of attitude with me.. I think that's why I love 'em so much.
We all have the one that works for us. Me its is the two I do have, Faery Wicca and Forset Folklore tarots.
Something about that nature and faery theme that draws me.
I also use many diffrent spreads depending on what im looking for
If I'm doing a reading for someone else, I set three decks out and let the person pick which deck they feel more of a connection with. Then I use the Basic Celtic Cross Spread.
If I'm doing a reading for myself, I have a deck I prefer to use, but I still use the same spread.
I simply choose cards from the top laying out three cards that tell me what I want to know from beginnig to the middle and the end.
the most important thing to remember is that it is your deck. If you allow them they will speak to you on their own, and you will be able to throw the books aside. The layout matters not, it is the individual. So basically whatever you feel comfortable with. When starting with a new deck I always suggest a long period of time doing one's own readings or one of a close friend until you understand what I mean and you can truly read.
There are also Native cards which are similar which I prefer. Although I myself can not read the cards.
I agree... try to keep ur deck as close to u as possable.. its a good idea to keep them in a potch or bag.. but also keep them on u where u go!.. even when u dont want to read them shuffle them or handle the, this is called charging them, once your energy is in them, u will start to understand them and read them better and better!.. the spread is only a part of the reading its what the cards are saying thats important!
Yes having it around all the time is a good thing to do. Though I have two I always have one with me when I can.
But since I have more then one theres nothing like feeling one yelling at you to use it.
After being attacked I purposely ignored my cards for a while, I always carry two of my decks with me. They gave me a headache so I finally let them talk... by which point they didn't make much sense.
Tarot cards are somewhat intruiging to me... from what I have read I like the celtic cross one the most.
i prefer the celtic cross formation also i have used the 3 card formation and the clock too
Vampiress25, you don't have a favorite way of reading tarot or do you just not read at all?
this is the one i use

This spread is good for asking about a project. The basic question that will be answered is "What is to be done?"
Shuffle the cards and fan them out in front you, face down.
Draw seven cards. Do not turn them face up.
Shuffle these seven cards and lay them out as shown in the diagram on the preceding page.
Turn them over, one by one.
Interpretation
Position One: Represents the past, or that which is ending
Position Two: Represents the present
Position Three: Represents the future, or that which is beginning
Position Four: Represents the path to take; what to do
Position Five: Represents helpful or harmful outside influences
Position Six: Represents hopes and fears
Position Seven: Represents the final outcome
*pituce socures: http://www.tryskelion.com/7card.htm
here's another one i found

Lay out the spread as diagrammed.
Begin the reading with Card Number 1. This card represents the primary concern and present situation.
Cards 2 and 3 should be read next. These cards give further information into the primary question. They also give insight into personality aspects, especially if one or both cards are Major Arcana cards.
Cards 14, 10, and 6 (in that order) should be read next. These cards give background information; how the situation evolved.
Cards 7, 11, and 15 (in that order) are read next. These cards show the influence of others on the situation.
Cards 4, 8, and 12 (in that order) are read next. They show the direction of progress in the situation. They should be read with reference to cards 7, 11, and 15.
The direction of progress towards change is indicated if at least two of the cards in set 7, 11, and 15 and two of the cards in set 4, 8, and 12 are Minor Arcana Cards. However, if more than one card in either set is a Major Arcana card, then the situationwill definitely progress in the direction shown. A majority of Major Arcana cards in these two sets symbolize that no alternative action may be taken.
Cards 13, 9, and 5 (in that order) are read next. These cards show alternate possibilities, if any.
NOTE: If the card set 4, 8, and 12, or the card set 7, 11, and 15 consist primarily of the Major Arcana, the card set 13, 9, and 5 will indicate how the outcome may be mitigated or assisted.
source:
http://www.tryskelion.com/16card.htm
i find the one scars posted to work rather well and it may be because it is the way i learned
I don't know actually... Never tried... never really thought about it... lol.... hmmmm... something new to look forward to trying out I guess. :P
The Celtic Cross spread is the most popular. People have posted a number of different spreads. I would advise that you get a book, like "Mastering the Tarot" by Eden Gray. There are a lot of nice, uncomplicated books out there. I have 6 decks, though my favorite one to use is the Rider- Waite deck. The most beautiful of them is the Thoth deck.
I would suggest eBay for a good tarot book. You can get them for a minimal amount of money. Good luck!
i'd go to barns and noble that's where i got my first set and it comes with a cloth to put them in and stuff so ya...and it shows u how to do some of the differnet spreads (not the celtic cross ovivously) so i'd go there first
personaly i use the celtic cross form for my runes... as far as my oracle cards i prefer the 3... past, present and future... all though i only use them for my own personal use... not that confident yet... wicked kisses and blessed be, darla...
Amazon is where I got both of mine (and two for two friends as well). It is a great place to look for them if you know what you want.
But each day I know im getting just a little bit better.
I allow the person I am doing the reading for to shuffle the deck then I get them to fan them out and choose the cards face down, going by instinct. I find its a lot easier to do it that way and far more accurate for myself.
That's one thing I've heard a lot about. Only most prople I've talked to advise never to let anyone else touch your deck 'cause their energy will 'taint' the deck.. other's say it's fine... me, I let my cards choose.
well its simple to knock the other persons energy off them, always remember they are your cards so your energy will always be the strongest. Cleansing them thoroughly and they are always fine.
The great thing about the tarot is that you do the reading that best fits you, there is no right or wrong way you just do it the way it feels right for you.
My rule on the if they look at my deck. So long as they ask and I let them they can look at it.
i use the spread that scars illustrated, but have tried all the others this was just the one i preffered! yet i dont read now!
there are several ways of reading
my favorite is the celtic cross spread
kinda funny seeing as i use thoth and that has nothing in common with celitic
well I get the person to pick cards out from a set of my card deck split in 3. and see what i get told by the cards.
I am still learning as I go mroe with ym pendulum and to ask the perosn questions and all, with a yes or no answer, I also have flashes poping in my mind of events or persons, this is so fare my most trustfull one, I wish tarot would help, but I was never good with cards.
My mom's friend read them and I try to sens them when she does, so far I was right 4/5 but I dont go further then telling what would be the next card, the understandign tisefl of the card's meaning is still a work in progress
There are a number of formations, including the calendar (obviously 12 cards for each month) and some are more vague than others.
There are a LOT of books on the subject out there with very comprehensible information.
the cletic cross is the most popular method - but i have also devised a few spreads of my own. there is no reason why you cant do this, and it may be easier for you.
the easiest is a quick three card spread - one for the recent past, one for the current situation, and one for what is to come. when beginning, it is better to start with a simple spread, and then gradually build up to more advanced spreads as you gain confidence and experience.
Coming up with your own spreads can be a good thing. As you know what spot means what better. Though even though im still learning I seem to come up with complex ones and out of the two I have of my own I have only used one once so far.
Plus just making them for later can help you understand it better. Well that how it feels to me (even have a spread book im putting those that I find and make in).
there are many different spreads for tarot. There are tons of books about it too. Personally ive been reading tarot for about a year and have found alot of good spreads, even some that cover the entire year.
I like the celtic cross the best. I also like the past, present, and future one. I have a very special relationship with my cards. It is like we are truely connected. There are many ways that I pick from the stack. I usually just shuffle and shuffle and spred them all out and randomly pick them.
i really want to try tarrot readings
ive always been interested in them..
i do a five card spread.. and if more detail is needed, a seven card spread... i also read intutivately, not by a book
As to what spreads I am doing. Well I have done the Celtic cross a few times (per request from a few friends), my daily cards (which I do the night before the next day), and I am slowly expanding what I have at least on paper. I done a custom one of mine once so far. One I have yet to add to my profile yet.
As many times as I have used the 10 card celtic cross I'd have to say that is my favorite, simply because in thisformat have I ever gotten an actuall reading that came true.
I either use the Celtic cross or have the person pull three cards (Past, present, and futue) depending on time. The deck is very important as you must be attuned to it for a good reading. I only use my Witch's Tarot Deck as it works well for me.
the best thing to do is figure out what works best for you. everybody has their favorite spread that they like.
i myself like the 6 card celtic cross. shuffle the cards until they tell you to stop. never let anyone touch your deck unless your doing a reading for them. find a deck that you like and use that one only. your cards become a part of you.
not everybody can read.
As has been stated many times now. Do what feels best.
I am still exploring and I am doing every thing I can and see whats best. I am getting the standard Celtic Cross down pretty well now. But I am always trying new things spread wise. I now have two I have made of my own.
But we all learn at are own pace so for every one out there. Just keep going and see what works best for you.
I use 3 rows of 3 being the past present and future of the past present and future then 4 cards lined up beside them for the most pressing questions of what will happen within the near future next 6 months to a year and the outcome
I admit I prefer the Celtic cross or three card past, present and future spread. However I have used the 12month or horoscope spread, the pyramid spread and a few others, mostly to experiment and try them out. I do prefer the Celtic as it was the first I learn and I have a good relationship with it and my deck now.
I've never gotten a good reading from using a specific spread. Why do you think the Celtic Cross is so popular and works so well?
I use diffrent spreds for diffrent things as well, here is a short list of what works for me; The Celtic Cross, the Planetary Spread, the Astrological House Spread. There are also Magical tarot correspondences you may want to look into.
I am learning more then one spread since different cards in different spots means different things. But I might not master them all over night. Plus one of my decks is not the easiest to try and learn from (but I am doing it anyway).
But the Celtic Cross I think is the most common from the fact that is comes with most decks.
Unfortunatly one of the greatest draw backs of learning magic of any sort is that unless you find a tutor, mentor, or teacher early on your chances of finding one are slim to none. Or if you're specially unlucky you're like me and have been turned down by all and told that the best way to learn is to teach yourself. I got a couple suggestions when learning tarot for how to do a couple 'spreads'...
The help I can give you based on my experiences learning Tarot are to read your book, learn the cards and what they stand for, try a couple spreads you find online or in a book, but most of all, feel the cards and listen to them. They'll be the best at teaching and directing you. Sometimes I just make up spreads or let the cards go whereever they want to. I've even tried methods where you drop of toss the cards onto the floor. Trust and respect the cards and they'll help you learn. Best of luck!
Since I am learning myself I found the best online source to help me learn. See other peoples ideas and such. It is still going to be hard for me but when I know someone that has done it a little longer (actively any way) that is still learning plus what I have been finding out. Things will work out.
If I have a chance to do what I need to do anyway on my part.
I don't use tarot cards actually i use an oracle. but same concept really. i let the cards 'speak' to me. they tell me where they go, what positions and then i know what those positions mean in the reading based upon the cards. I think it's a little bit more difficult to do than just having a set spread.
I do know what you mean Arayne, I am self taught myself. I couldn't find a teacher or mentor either. So I hit the books and studied, I gathered as much information as I could when I discovered the net I expanded my search and it gave me more scope.
However there is also a need for ability too. It is strength varies from person to person. I guess I have used the celtic cross because of my first deck which is the Mythic Tarot. It was the first one I learnt to use and one that is more familiar to me. However I do collect decks and use them and tend to use different spreads for each mostly quick 3 card spreads.
But for anyone learning, research, the more knowledge under your belt the better and practice it as often as possible.
i dont belive in throwing the cards or droping them,
i find first i have the person i am reading drawl 3 card and place them in the spots i have indackated, then then i finsh fill ing the blnaks with cards sometimes i do not finsh the reading, but thaty is a raterity when i do that , and each reading i do a diffent placing
When I read for other people. I shuffle the deck (in my own compex and long way to shuffle) and then let them cut the deck at the end. Then set it out and if they want to flip the cards over they can.
Doing this I have had someone say this card is going to be this and he got it right (good thing it was his reading).
i like the 7 card spread (I can't think of the actual name at the moment) but it's a question and answer spread. It was in this book I got with my tarot cards, it's pretty interesting, tells you what the cards mean and all.
Look up Llewellyn, they have numerous ways for readings, spreads, directions etc.
There is also a book out called"The Tarot Bible" which goes into meanings of the symbolism and readings.
10 card celtic, it has always given me an honest reading.
i personally dont read but i had a friend that did...dont know which method she used
i use both the basic three card and celtic spreads. i recite a small incatation that focuses on fate. it's in my jornal under...i can't remember it's there though.
Tarot card reading is very cool. I think I like the celtic cross way the best, but the yes/no stack of 13 sounds good too. Is there a "best" way?
i have known alot of ways to read the tarot cards of friend of mine has a book about the different spreads but the one i'm basically familiar with is called the horseshoe using sever cards I see the same example in here as well.
Personally I use the Celtic Cross format but a book I have on it shows me how to do a Zodiac spread... where you place the cards according to the signs or months it depends on if your doing the mini or one for the year how you start it but anyway then there is the European spread... which is 9 cards....123
456
789
There are more ways to do spreads then you want to think about and more every day. Older the spread more likely it is to be used I would think. More out there a spread gets the more chances it has to stick around and be an older spread that is used.
But all spreads have a meaning. Some could even be thought of as spells (or have a spell part to them at least). It is all in what you are after on what you want to do.
this site provided some alternative layouts
tarot layouts
oops forgot the link sorry
http://tarotcanada.tripod.com/TarotCardLayouts.html
Then there are ones to help you meditate, get yes or no answers, ect...
But in the end only do the ones that feel good to you. But more you do it, the more you know about it, the better and more effective you are when you do, do a reading.
I use the 3 card layout and an 8 card layout they seam to work for me. But i am still learning different layouts.
My deck was given to me i was told that you should only buy your first deck a "learners deck" a real good deck should be given to you I am the third person to have and use the deck i have.
I've heard that some people just cant read or dont want to hear what the cards are saying. You shouldnt read someone with out relizing you have to tell them everything even if you dont think they want to hear it.
Another good thing to know is if your emotion are out of wake you SHOULDNT read because your emotion will be read in the deck and you wont get a good reading.
I love doing the basic cletic cross spread but it took me awhile to really read them that well... as with anything... it takes time ...
I also had good divinations with a celtic cross... another form of reading involves if you're asking a question about two people.. if there's a chance, if your manager is secretly an ass, etc.
The relationship need not be intimate, just that you are seeking to know what is occuring/is likely to occur between the two of you.
Two rows of five cards.. the top row, you, the bottom row, the other person.. I don't remember the specifics of each card placement other than that though.
It depends on the type of question you want answered. Different spreads are used to answer different questions.
I personally use regular playing cards and a pyramid spread of 10 cards most often lately.
I also do a 20 card spread 4 rows of 4 with 4 cards overtop in an X for interconnectivity.
Whixh ever method you use; I recommend doing your reading with the cards face down first... then flip the cards over. It helps you develop your intuition if you are not dependant on the card definitions.
i never learned to tarot ...but sounds interesting and may try to learn
Here is a link to Llewellyn's free tarot generator. You can choose from 11 different decks and many different spreads.
It is probably okay to cycle throught the decks to look at the pictures, but I wouldn't ask a question each time.
Tarot Generator
You can also sign up with Llewellyn for free Tarot updates. If you don't know, Llewellyn is a big publisher of Pagan and New Age works.
When I was younger i was used to reading the tarot, i tried to learn it, but i always needed an explanation, i couldn`t remember all the stuff, but it was very interesting and nice
One way to get to know your deck is to only use the Major Arcana first.. Once you get them down, you can start adding the Minor Arcana in and start working on their meanings.
Check out
http://webcatt.net/TarotPack/spreads.html
It's a good site to teach you how to do some other spreds I havn't seen before (but I'm just starting with tarot cards, so you all may have seen them before I don't know)
personaly i use a standered mathod of placing the cards in a certain order
are they all as accurate as each other i dont know too much about them but am very interested
I've just started learning about tarot cards and such, and I haven't found a layout I prefer. I'm still trying to find more to try out.
ther RW deck gives the traditional layout for new uses but after a while I use my own spread and it works for me.
I really don't know... I only can do the ways you said... so no help here... sorry
I am also the same way i like the celtic cross but another one is just three cards past present and future its bascially just a quick read but i prefer the celtic cross