Pao said:
i have been looking for a general spread bc i cant get the celtic cross, i acutally hate that spread! I would prefer it to be 10 cards max. Sometiems people have no specific question they want advice or insight for their life in general and I get stumped.
The Life Cycle may be one that you would like. I have found two different versions of it. There is a simple, 9-card version at tarot.com (with a layout) and a more detailed 8-card version (minus a layout) spiritualguidancetarot.com. I tried to merge them both together.
The Life Cycle Tarot Spread
This 10 card spread focuses on the past, present, and future. It shows the flow of various issues moving through time in your life. It gives good insight into repeating patterns, blockages, and strengths. It also gives insight into future possibilities and what is possible to achieve on your current path, and suggests an action plan to empower yourself to live your best.
1-4-7-----
2-5-8---10
3-6-9-----
1. Self-Undoing: This position shows the ways in which we get in our own way, the things we do that seem to sabotage our own happiness.
2. Recent Past: This position shows the circumstances, attitudes, and beliefs, which have carried you into the present moment.
3. Roots: This position points to programmed reactions from your history, the way you tend to react to events based on the upbringing you had. It can indicate instincts that condition your outlook. Wisdom gained from past experience.
4. Higher Power: This position refers to inner guidance, lifting us up so that we can overcome obstacles and reach our fullest potential. Many times we don't like to accept what this position holds, but it is necessary to at least look at objectively so that we can take the best from it and empower ourselves.
5. Self: This card represents you in the environment of present conditions, giving insight behind the reason you are seeking guidance at this particular time. This is usually an internal card as opposed to pointing at outside conditions.
6. Situation: An objective look at present circumstances.
7. Far Future: This suggests long term potential you have that is unfolding from current events.
8. Near Future: This card indicates the direction that the flow of your life wants to go and can indicate whether you are going with the flow or against the current.
9. The Lesson: This position indicates ways to learn and grow from your choices and experiences.
10. Best Course of Action: Advice from the Tarot. What you can do to help make the best of your current circumstances.
Here is another spread you may enjoy. It is from tarot.com. You may want to add a 6th card for advice.
The Timeline Spread
1--2--3--4--5
1. History
2. Recent Events
3. The Present
4. Near Future
5. Far Future