The Two-Card Tarot Reading

Fledgling tarot readers are often overwhelmed by the choice of spreads (layouts). Indeed, they are very likely to try to run before they can walk and begin with the famed Celtic Cross. Whilst a very valuable tool, the Celtic Cross is usually too complex for a beginner to understand all its nuances and permutations of meaning.

I thought it might be a good idea to offer up some suggestions for working with tarot pairs and simple two-card spreads.

Note: This article was originally written by me, Troi, for a TABI newsletter in the long, long distant past.

Why Use a Two-Card Tarot Reading?

Most readers already know the value of drawing one card for a reading – it is amazing how much information one card holds in relation to particular question. However, the possibilities created by adding a second card are endless. The second card will confirm, expand upon and add nuance to the first card. It can reveal underlying reasons for the querant’s situation. Sometimes it will offer a solution to a problem.

There are many ways to use pairs in a reading and I can only address a few of them here. Perhaps my suggestions will help you to find your own methods of developing your own two-card system?

Let us examine the area of personal relationships – as any reader will know, relationship issues account for our most frequently asked questions.

Compare and Contrast Two Tarot Cards

First of all, there is the simple drawing of two cards in response to a given question. No positional meanings need be allocated and the reading takes the form of comparing and contrasting the two cards. Placing the two cards side by side, first look at the images. Sometimes the cards automatically fall into the ‘his point of view versus her point of view’. This is particularly the case when the cards are Court cards or illustrated Minor Arcana. I tend to mentally put the querant on the left as I look at the cards, with their partner (or potential partner) on the right.

Ask yourself a few questions: are there human figures in the cards and do they appear to be interacting in some way? Are they facing each other or are they turning away? Does one look like s/he is trying to communicate with the other who appears to be ignoring all overtures? Without even delving into the actual meanings of the cards, it is possible to form an initial impression of the situation in question. What happens if you swap the cards around? Does this give a lead towards offering a possible solution?

Look at this pair: the Seven of Wands and the Three of Swords from Kat Long’s “Golden Tarot”. Often the Three of Swords is interpreted as a ‘broken heart’. That doesn’t work for me as Swords are connected with intellect and communication, therefore when I see that card it reminds me of tangled thoughts and words (which, of course can lead to a broken heart).

Okay here we have a chap standing up for himself. He’s been put on the defensive for some reason. And here we have his lady who has either misunderstood him or been misunderstood herself. She’s obviously drawn some conclusions that are extremely upsetting but very likely wrong. Can you see how you could develop this into a full interpretation complete with solution (they really must sit down and talk about it)? It will help to ask the querent the relevant questions to find out the basis of the miscommunication.

Look at the Fine Details

Next, look at the finer details such as colour and symbols. Is one card full of light and sunshine whilst the other is grey and cloudy? Examining these points can give a clue as to the atmosphere surrounding the situation. Are there any shared symbols that emphasise a common link? Again, something may catch your eye and suggest a solution.

So, it is possible to carry out a complete reading based only on what you can see and what impressions you receive from the two cards.

But Wait… Suits and Numbers Play a Part Too

Now we can examine the suits and numbers of the two cards. If you wish you can incorporate other systems at this point, such as elemental dignities and numerology. Personally, I find that I never follow a particular order in my examination of the cards – the image, the suits, the numbers and the meanings all combine in a mish-mash. I then make a decision on exactly how I am going to untangle the threads into some kind of structure which will produce a coherent and cohesive reading.

I feel that the actual numbers of the cards are very important and although I do not profess any expertise in numerology, a basic knowledge of the energy of numbers is essential in my readings. Combine this knowledge with the suit and your divinatory meanings are practically handed to you.

There are many ways that the meanings of numbers are expressed but here are my quick and easy favourites:

  • Ace/One – potential, beginning, inspiration, gift
  • Two – relationship, balance, choices, waiting, planning
  • Three – expression, communication, growth, creativity
  • Four – foundation, manifestation, stability, security
  • Five – challenge, adventure, adjustment, instability
  • Six – harmony, achievement, balance, triumph
  • Seven – discovery, understanding, wisdom, options
  • Eight – regeneration, movement, assessment, fine-tuning
  • Nine – endings, attainment, integration, knowledge
  • Ten – transition, pause, renewal, preparation (for the next cycle).

Court Cards have number qualities as follows:

  • Page = Two (1+1)
  • Knights = Three (1+2)
  • Queens = Four (1+3)
  • Kings = Five (1+4)

Keep Looking at the Cards

So if, in our unspecified relationship reading, a five and a nine appears, my first instinct might be to consider that the partnership may be about to reach an ending, and not a particularly easy ending at that. Or maybe a two and a three will point towards the relationship growing and developing towards stability. A six and an eight may indicate a good relationship that may be undergoing a shift of some kind.

And, of course, we mustn’t forget the traditional meanings for the cards. Do they support? Oppose? Does the second flow on from the first or is there an indication of conflict? Do they tell a story? Most importantly – do they suggest something that resonates with your own intuition?

If something jumps into your mind – maybe a personal memory or the thought of someone with a particular situation or characteristic, or perhaps a relationship that you know of… don’t be afraid to go with it. Never dismiss it. The cards are supposed to jog your thoughts along – say what pops into your head (though you must never blurt it out unthinkingly, always phrase yourself carefully. Try asking a question or using an example to get your client to open up).

The Heart of the Tarot

There are readers who would be more comfortable assigning positional meanings before drawing the cards, and one of the most useful two-card spreads is dealt with in The Heart of the Tarot by Sandra Thompson, Robert Mueller and Signe Echols (Harper ISBN 0-380-80900-1). This book reduces the Celtic Cross down to the first two cards. In other words, right down to the heart of the reading. The positions have been renamed ‘the situation’ and ‘the challenge’. The authors stress the importance of asking the right question and go on to analyse each card as it appears in both ‘the situation’ and ‘the challenge’. An extremely useful spread that can provide insight into almost any situation.

Two-Card Tarot Reading Example

So when will I meet ‘the one’?

Using this technique and the information given in the book mentioned above, I carried out the following reading.

The initial question: When will I meet my soul mate?

Having gone through a phase of restating the question on the seeker’s behalf and coming back round to the view where I don’t see much value in so doing; for the purposes of this exercise I will reformulate it.

Restated question: The issue is focused on my potential life partner. What do I need to know regarding the circumstances of our meeting? How can I enhance our chances of meeting in the first place?

You can see how this opens up the question and paves the way for a fuller, more in-depth answer.

Okay, for our imaginary querent I have drawn the following cards from the Robin Wood deck:

1.The situation – Two of Swords

2.The challenge – King of Pentacles

The two-card tarot reading example

Two of Swords

A woman dressed in a flowing but simple white gown sits on some broken masonry.

2 of Swords

Robin Wood Two of Swords

Her back is to the ocean, which is choppy but not stormy. Her arms are crossed in front of her chest and in each hand she holds an upward pointing sword. She wears a white blindfold and a stern, unhappy expression. It is night time and dark, raggedy clouds are scudding across the sky. There is a bright crescent moon above and slightly to the woman’s left.

Swords = head-stuff; communication, thinking, clarity, vision
Two = waiting, choice, balance, planning
Image = someone refusing to open up, communicate or acknowledge

It appears that our seeker is reluctant to acknowledge the truth of her situation. She may be blocking off one or more avenues that might lead her to meeting her true love. Perhaps a past experience has caused her to build barriers around herself, thus discouraging potential lovers. Or she might have a specific vision of the man of her dreams which is preventing her from seeing the potential of someone she has already met.

The King of Pentacles

King of Pentacles

Robin Wood tarot King of Pentacles

The King sits on his throne in a lush, verdant garden. He is surrounded by grape-bearing vines. He wears a crown of leaves and holds a sceptre in his right hand and holds a golden pentacle with his left and lets it rest on his knee. His clothes are opulent – all greens, reds and gold. In contrast he appears to be wearing bedroom slippers on his feet. He is bearded and jolly-looking. In the far distance are cultivated fields, and beyond them a town or perhaps it is the king’s castle.

Pentacles = material concerns, money, business, home, health
Five (14: 1+4=5) = challenge, adventure.
Image = confident, comfortable, mature man

I generally, but not always, view Courts as representing actual people who have a major influence in the situation. However, this card has appeared in the Challenge position – to me this may well be someone whom the querent has overlooked in her quest for love. She may well have dismissed this person as being too old or outside of her social sphere. The King of Pentacles challenges her ideas of romance as he is the most practical and down-to earth of all the Courts – a great catch, but not every girl’s dream of love ever after. I would also be concerned about his marital status so she must make sure he is available.

So how is she going to meet him?

Essence of the reading: I would gently suggest to the seeker that she should firstly concentrate on analysing her own attitudes to love. She might need to examine if she has narrowed her choice down to a vision she holds close to her heart, thereby blocking off potential partners. I might encourage her to focus on her self-esteem – she must to be able to see herself worthy of receiving love before she is able to love another on an equal basis.

I would then ask her to think about her friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etcetera and emphasise the importance of developing good solid relationships with the focus on friendship first. She may well discover that love comes in all shapes and sizes and that a foundation of friendship is the best basis for lasting love.

Having said all that, she is going to meet him in a pub, cafe or restaurant, somewhere near a sea-front or harbour. See it, say it 😀

In conclusion

I am sure that with practice, you will find that the two-card spread is one of the most useful for answering the myriad questions that you will be posed in your career as a Tarot reader. New readers tend to get hung up on ten-card Celtic Cross spreads that merely confuse and overwhelm. Having carried out hundreds of one and three card readings for the free reading networks, and now mainly using two cards for my quickie readings, I have reached the conclusion that the twos have it – they tell you all you need to know about a situation and give many suggestions for further action.

Happy pairing!

15 thoughts on “The Two-Card Tarot Reading

  1. Alisia

    Hey, thank you so much for this explanation.
    I have a question regarding upright or reversed positions; does this play a role in pulling two-cards as well?

    I had have two lay-outs
    First: when do I get over a certain man. And I got: eight of swords (U) – nine of wands (R)

    Second: how are my chances to get a certain job. I got:
    The moon (U) – the emperor (R)

    I have troubles interpreting those cards. Also, because I don’t know to which extend to include the reversed position.

    I feel like the first spread tells me that I have imprisoned myself by my feeling and could easily get out, I just need to be aware of it. And that I will get over him soon.

    With the second spread I am totally lost.

    I am very excited to read an answer as I really want to understand tarot better. I think my card tell me actually A LOT (I use the tarot spread for cat people), I just don’t know how to interpret it. And, I usually understand what they were telling me, when time has solved my Problem. Then I see cristal clear that they were warning me, or giving me an answer or an advice to the point.

    Thank you very much and I am excited to read more!

    Alisia

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Alisia,

      Good question. This is what I think… both of those questions could be answered by a single upright card. And they were. Your interpretation of the first one is spot on, with the additional information that the more you focus and do tarot readings on your ex, the harder it will be to get over him. The second card doesn’t appear to add much, apart from telling you that a lot of your pain is self-inflicted.

      The second one tells you that you are not focused enough on your goals. That you might not have a clear vision of your desire, hence the Moon has appeared to tell you to ‘switch the light on’ so you can see without distortion. And that might be because you are so caught up in the issues highlighted in the first question. The reversed Emperor… well, I don’t know what to make of that one in the context of the question, maybe the job would be somewhat chaotic, or the management not so structured. As usual, time may well reveal if the card is relevant or not.

      So, my advice, is to ask yourself what role do you want the second card to play. And, does the question need a more complex answer than one card can deliver?

      Oh… and something else. In your first question you asked ‘when?’ To get accurate timings, you need to have your own system in place. Now, timings have never worked very well for me, but you might find they do for you. So allocate a season to each suit, I would go with Wands = summer, Pentacles = winter, Cups = fall and Swords = spring. Remove all the majors and all the courts, so that you are left with 40 cards Ace to 10. They represent the start of the season: Ace, to the end: 10. Shuffle and draw. Lets say you get the Three of Cups. For me, that would be a couple of weeks into fall, so I’d guess at middle of Sept. Maybe the 7 of Pentacles would be about end of January. It’s vague and a bit hit and miss, but you might be able to devise your own system.

      Good luck and keep learning.

      Reply
  2. Annelize

    I just loved this. Thank you so much for taking the time and the very detailed description. I know it’s timeously but I was so engrossed, you did it beautifully ..i could see it came straight from the heart.

    My question was about my own relationship which ended yet again yesterday.. why should it be so hard to just walk away…..well if it is hard..then maybe the reason will be shown in the cards. I said to the universe..if this is meant to end..give me the answer and the strength..holy hell9.. I’m not built for a rollercoaster ride…not physically 9r emotionally!!! I took your advice and drew 2. 2 of cups first and then challenger reversed 6 of pentacles. (Rider-waite). In my mind I though..yes a match..but that is our challenge…poverty mindedness…and yes he battles with his business and causes us to dwindle away as it bevomes his greatest focus and cause of depression a d cyt 9ff from me….every time…..obviously n9t challe he’s are also highlighted.i know the cards don’t just show to him…..but right on the number …so now I know the root of our challenge. Thank you thank you thank you

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi Annelize, edited as per your other email. Very sorry to hear that you broke up. I’m glad your reading gave you the insight you needed. And yes, perfect cards. However, there’s a lot of positivity in those cards, so take a break perhaps, but don’t entirely give up on the relationship. The problem is rooted in the material realm, and because of that, is much easier to overcome than, say a mental or emotional one. I’m sure you can work it out. Turn to your cards when you need advice… and stick to short readings, one or two cards, for now. Good luck x

      Reply
  3. APRIYILE

    My question is how did you arrive at the conclusion, that she was going to meet him in a pub, cafe or restaurant, somewhere near a sea-front or harbor? What am i missing? Could you please explain?

    Reply
    1. Troi Post author

      Hi there,

      Because that’s what popped into my head. There doesn’t have to be any logic involved 🙂 I looked at where she was sitting and imagined what else would be around, what might be facing her, and I got a picture of a Cornish sea front, compete with little shops, cafes, pub and a harbour. Of course, it was all closed up that day because of the weather, so she’s probably sitting there in vain. But maybe some hunky guy comes past walking his dog.

      Play with the cards 🙂 See what pops into your head and say it. Never dismiss a thought or memory that rises up from nowhere.

      Reply
      1. Apriyile

        Well gee, lol im just now getting your response. 🙂 I have another question if i may ask? And that is, you said,” Because that’s what popped into your head.” So how does one know that it is ones intuition and not just something that comes came into your head? As i get things that just pop into my head as well like you say yours did, but I dont know if that is my intuition coming through or if it is something that popped in my head because it seemed to fit/ make sense. How would i determine if im not making something up? I dont want to give a wrong reading. im always getting things that just pop in my head but i dont trust it because i think its not the answer can you please help me. 😀

        Reply
        1. Troi Post author

          They are the same thing 😀 Stop second guessing and go with the ‘pop’. It pops for a reason – and that is your intuition. If it feels weird, then lay the thought aside, give the traditional meaning and then say, “Actually, while I was looking at this card, this thought came to me…” So often, that is the bit that resonates with the client. That this the thing they latch on to. And you were going to discard it as being something you made up. Memories that are jogged by the card are absolutely relevant. Pictures in your mind – the same. A thought of someone you know – again, it will be connected. I often say, “That reminds me of someone who… blah, blah.”

          Trusting the pops is how you become a reliable and accurate reader.

          xx

          Reply
          1. Hollie Rose

            So much this!!! I was going to say the same thing in response to the question. If it pops in your head while you’re reading – that’s intuition! Learn to trust!
            And then I realized this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Thank you!

  4. Debbie

    Good evening,
    I happen to come across your site . It makes a lot of sense to interpret 2 cards and is much easier as I am learning to read tarot. I revealed an Ace Of Cups and Page of Cups. I asked a question pertaining to my situation. Although the gentleman I have currently re-established communication after 13 years, he is older than as suggested by the page of cups. Do I analyze the attributes of Page of Cups as my ” friend ” is a Libra and very charming! Thank you for any assistance you may provide.

    Reply
    1. theraggededge Post author

      Hello Debbie,

      Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a question.

      I wouldn’t think of the Page as representing your friend unless he is particularly young at heart. In this case, it would seem that the Page of Cups is representing the opportunity for you to explore your emotions in connection with the revival of the friendship. As both cards almost have the same energies, it bodes well that they have turned up here. Perhaps the communication has a lovely light-hearted feel about it?

      xx

      Reply
  5. Michael

    Wow that was great! this opens entire new avenues for me, as i had been having trouble coming u with the story lines as well as combining cards. that being said reading for 4 years and still hadnt gotten it down, i wanted to just quit. using the numbers in that way is a very good idea depending on the suite mixing it with intuition. who knew 2 cards can be so informative! Thank You!
    See if i can try and finally get a reading right for myself LOL. I am a natural healer asking a question about ways my guides have been contacting me since i lost my clairaudience a few months ago, its been quiet! wondering why the change in the energy, it is hard to get used to. It can be hard to interpret these kids of answers for me using the cards. hopefully someday i will get it. Thank you again

    Reply

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