This page may update with more spreads in the future, either by demand or when I'm free. Be patient!!!

Example Spreads

Tarot readings can be done in a variety of ways, but having some help can't hurt! Below are some example spreads to get you started. Make sure to get to know your deck however you see fit before doing reading, and you'll be sure to become fast friends! A good way to get started is to shuffle the deck whichever way you find easiest (it's a chonky boy haha) and have whoever is selecting the cards pick some--spreading them out face down can be helpful in making picking easier! This is where the example spreads come in; once the cards are selected, organize them in order of selection within whichever spread template you like best. Asking a question to guide your reading can be fun, but certain spreads can be applied generically to a person without added specifics. These are just barebone, basic suggestions--if you're curious to find out more, there are tons of tarot resources out there, and I can always add more advice if the demand is there! Have fun!

Past, Present, Future

The Past, Present, and Future spread is a great starter spread for anyone new to tarot or an old classic to fall back on for veterans. The spread is read from left to right like a book, and proceeds chronologically like many do, too. The first card deals with past events, the middle present, and the last covers future possibilities. You can ask this spread questions about your life in general, or more specific ones like our example question for Shadow the Hedgehog: "Is my path just?"

1 (Past): The Six of Wands reversed represents moments of weakness and following the pack. Shadow historically relied on the words and desires of others while suffering from amnesia, to deadly results in certain endings of Shadow '05.

2 (Present): The Magician reversed represents a lack of foresight or childishness. Shadow still has a tendency to believe he can do it all, originally planning to tackle Black Doom's return by himself. It later becomes clear that relying on his friends is what gives him the strength to remain himself and not give into his rage and trauma.

3 (Future): The Nine of Pentacles represents prosperity and indulgence. Although Shadow is very noble in his concern for keeping his promise to Maria, he also neglects himself to do so. This card suggests that Shadow's desire to be "just" should include himself, as he deserves to reward himself now and then for all his efforts--we all know he won't ask for it, himself.

Demonstration of the Past, Present, Future spread

The Celtic Cross

This one is a certified classic in the Tarot community. Although it looks intimidating, the Celtic Cross is pretty straightforward once you get the order to flip down. It's also very versatile, good at all manner of problem solving. The meaning of each card is a bit more complicated than with the previous spread, so I'll explain with each step of our example question from Rouge: "Will I be able to "borrow" the Master Emerald this time?"

1 (Situation, or the problem at hand): The Six of Swords represents cycles and stability. Rouge is on the usual grind and has her eyes on the Master Emerald again, but she may have the experience now to know how to keep the situation in hand.

2 (Challenges, something unforeseen and limiting): The King of Cups represents keeping cool under pressure and affability. As an experienced thief, Rouge is no stranger to a heist gone wrong, but her particular brand of teasing she reserves for Knuckles may be more of a hinderance this time around.

3 (Focus, the main motivating factor): The Five of Cups represents isolation or pessimism. Rouge may not even be seeking the Master Emerald for its value this time; her position as a GUN agent surely is an isolating and frustrating job, so she could be blowing off steam by messing with Knuckles and his guardianship.

4 (The Past): The Ace of Wands represents potential and inspiration. Rouge has always seen the potential in possessing the Master Emerald, so she might have been inspired by her past jaunts to pursue the case once more.

5 (Possibilities, things learned from the past): The Page of Cups represents idealism and emotional maturation. Considering how poorly most of her aims on the Master Emerald go, Rouge is most likely aware that she needs to grow past her usual tactics and maybe actually talk to Knuckles like an adult. Worth a shot, right?

6 (Near Future, events within the next day or two): The Nine of Cups reversed represents dissatisfaction and materialism. Uh oh, Rouge's initial attempts might not be successful! Knuckles might not be very receptive to Rouge ogling after the value of the Master Emerald, so she'll have to try something else.

7 (Personal Power, what you can do right now): The Two of Pentacles reversed represents imbalance and wrong priorities. Maybe Rouge should focus more on WHY she wants the Master Emerald so badly this time, and if it really has anything to do with the Emerald at all. She may be barking up the wrong tree.

8 (Environment, outside influences): The Ace of Pentacles reversed represents scarcity and bad outcomes. Has Rouge been having much success with the treasure hunting side gig, lately? It might be that the lack of good leads on precious gemstones is frustrating her more than usual--she has a reputation to maintain!

9 (Hopes, what you expect to happen): The Eight of Cups represents desperation and accepting limitations. This focus on stealing the Master Emerald all the time seems to be a desperate attempt to cover up a dry spell for Rouge. It might be better to let those expectations of what a good cat burglar is go and practice more honesty with herself and those around her.

10 (Outcome, the long term effects): The Four of Swords represents mental overload and contemplation. If Rouge isn't careful, she might have more to worry about than stealing the Master Emerald. Even if she's unable to possess the Emerald herself, she should contemplate ways she can still get the same joy of being around it--such as visiting Knuckles with no ulterior motives.

Demonstration of the Celtic Cross spread