Three Card Dialectic Tarot readings are the basis of the Tarot Lessons, so you will already be familiar with the concept. If you have to do ‘quick’ readings, use the Three Card Spread in conjunction with Elemental Dignities. Amaze people at how much information you can give with so few cards.

The Three Card Tarot Exercise can be analysed using the Hegelian Dialectic of thesis, antithesis and synthesis.

• Modifier – Thesis
• Principal – Synthesis
• Modifier – Antithesis

The centre card (Principal) represents the subject of the reading, while the outer cards do two functions according to the rules of Elemental Dignities:

• Modify the Principal
• Modify each other

Arrow of Time in Tarot spreads

The Modifiers (past) converge to create the Principal (Future). There are times when the reverse is true, and then we have a choice to make: The Principle (present) has to choose between the Modifiers.

Interpreting using the Elemental Base

A more advanced version uses an elemental base, which depends on the nature of the question.

More Exercises

Transpose the cards and reinterpret. You will find subtle changes in interpretation, and you may notice a different ‘feel’. Repeat the exercise with the same cards but try reversing one or more of the cards and see how the interpretation will change.

Understanding the mechanics of this spread is vital when reading spreads with greater numbers of cards, as you can use it for building blocks.