If you’re a tarot reader, and you’ve been doing readings for a while, you’ll know that there are three categories people come to your cards for council the most: money, career, and love. Love is a big one, one topic that gets a lot of attention. A lot of people want to know what their soulmate is like, what they look like, where they would meet them, etc. Tarot can offer these perspectives and more. With the right spreads and mindset, it is possible to gain insight and guidance on how to find the one you love.

Before You Begin…

It’s always good, before you start, that you set clear intentions about what this reading is for. Are you examining a potential love interest? Are you trying to gain insight on your overall love journey? When developing a spread for love, always start from an empowering place. Remember that the cards that you pull are just that: cards—pieces of paper with printed pictures. Steer clear of questions like “Do they like me?” “What does X think them?” At the end of the day, it is your choices and discernment that will determine the outcome.

Another step is choosing the appropriate deck. If you are a beginner, whatever you have will do. When you are in the beginning stages of tarot learning, it’s best to stick to one tarot deck for as long as possible to avoid confusion. If you happen to be a tarot hoarder collector, then you want to use a deck that resonates with your intention. Imagery and symbolism are extremely influential in any reading, and energy shifts from deck to deck, so choose something you are comfortable with.

Make a Tarot Spread or Borrow One

There are several tarot spread options on the internet for free 99 that let you cut out the hassle of having to come up with one. However, if you would rather come up with a spread on your own, readymade tarot spreads could serve as inspiration. Personally, I recommend creating your own, so you can tailor your questions with your experiences in mind.

Interpreting Tarot Cards of Love

There are cards in the tarot that are worth paying attention to when they come up. I will list some general interpretations here, but your intuition and your interpretation of the card’s imagery should come into play when you do these readings. Here are some green flag cards to look out for:

The Lovers: Often involves choice, can mean the relationship is soulmate-worthy or karmic, also signifies partnerships in general.

Two of Cups: Harmony, mutual reception, seeing eye-to-eye, emotional connection, attraction for one another is palpable if surrounding cards support this.

Ace of Cups: New beginnings of love with deep feelings, a burst of emotions.

The Empress: Can signify feminine sexuality and sensuality, can signify a creative partnership, can suggest a caring and nurturing presence.

Ten of Pentacles: Can indicate potential for long-term commitment.

Ten of Cups: Can indicate an emotionally fulfilling relationship.

Finding Red Flag Cards in Love Tarot Readings

Just how tarot cards can show us the good, they can show us the not-so-good. Tarot cards can present challenges and obstacles just as much as ideal situations. Here are some cards that could mean this person may not be a match:

The Tower: Could indicate deceit or betrayal, also reflects instability in the partnership or potential partner.

The Devil: The potential partner’s vices could be too much to bear, also signifies temptation and unhealthy habits, toxic cycles could bloom in partnership.

Three of Swords: could indicate this person is a heartbreaker, this card generally indicates sorrow and emotional pains.

Eight of Cups: can indicate emotional neglect.

The Hanged Man Reversed: Can indicate indecision and an inability to see the perspective of the other partner, can indicate either partner may not grow within this relationship.

Five of Swords: indicates conflict, picking fights and senseless battles. Manipulation and dishonesty can be at play here.

Ten of Swords: Could indicate a difficult ending or betrayal, can suggest a gloomy cloud that hangs over the relationship.

Five of Pentacles: could indicate this person is financially unstable, impractical, or unwilling to receive help. Can also indicate emotional neglect and/or this person is a loner.

Now, remember: tarot readings should be used as tools for introspection and guidance, not as definitive verdicts on people. The cards can shed light on potential challenges, but how you interpret them and apply the insights to your situation is key. It’s also important to consider the broader context of the reading, your intuition, and other factors in your relationship before making judgments based solely on specific cards.

Reflecting on the Romance

Once you’ve completed the reading, reflect on it and express gratitude for the guidance received. You can choose to close out your tarot reading with a closing affirmation, journaling, or a brief meditation to help integrate your insights. Trust your intuition and the messages that resonate with you, because after all, this is your tarot journey.