The spread refers to the pattern that the cards form in a reading. Included are three styles of spread. One basic, one traditional, and one unique spread specific to this set of cards.

The Three Card Spread

A simple spread for beginners. Three cards are used (see diagram)

The first card represents the past.

The second card represents the present.

The third card represents the future.

The cards should be read in order from the past to the future, and each card should be turned over in turn. This is a quick and easy spread and a great first step into the world of Tarot card reading.

The Celtic Cross Spread

This is a more advanced spread utilising ten cards (see diagram). It is unusual as card number two is placed sideways across card number one. This card should be read as dignified when interpreting the meaning. The cards should be turned over one at a time and addressed individually before being brought together to present a unified reading.

1. The Question: This card relates to the question that is being asked and also the motives behind it. It also indicates the emotions or issues on the seeker's mind.

2. Possible Obstacles: This card has an important influence on the seeker or the question that is being asked.

3. The Past: The background to the need for the requested question to be answered. The history that produced the question itself

4. The Present: The here and now. Present emotional states and feelings

5. The Near Future: That which lies just around the corner.

6. The Far Future: That which can be anticipated but not yet seen.

7. Personal attitudes: The Seeker's attitudes towards the question that has been asked. Also an indicator of how they see themselves.

8. An Outside Perspective: How those around the Seeker see or interpret the issue at hand.

9. Hopes and Fears: The positive and negative connotations of the question.

10. The outcome: The final result or answer.

The Alcohol Spread

This spread has been designed specifically for the Alcohol Tarot, can be utilised for a general reading to judge if a proposed night out will go well or it can be related to specific questions. For example:

"Will I get through my Stag/Hen party Ok?"
"Should I have a quiet night down the pub, or go clubbing as well afterwards?"
"Should we stay in and drink tonight or go out?"
Or even: "What shall I drink tonight?"
This spread provides hours of amusing fun as well as being a serious tool for prediction.

The Alcohol spread utilises 7 cards (see diagram) The cards should be turned over one at a time, in order, and be read individually before being brought together to present a unified reading.

1. The Seeker: This card represents the seekers unconscious mind. It represents their body, spirit and soul, free of alcohol, and anticipating the night ahead.

2. Past Events: This card points to people, events, or actions that have set the nights proceedings in to action.

3. The First Drink: The first influx of alcohol into the system. This card points to the beginning of the night and will have a direct effect on cards that follow it.

4. The Night Itself: This card indicates the Seeker's place within the context of the night itself.

5. The Small Hours: This card points to after hour's activities.

6. The Next Day: This card points to the seekers frame of mind the next day, and whether the night was perceived as successful or not.

7. The Future: This card points to how the night will be remembered in the longer scale of things. A cracking story to have under your belt or a night that is best forgotten.