AUTHOR’S NOTE: Over eight years ago I created a tableau-style “3×3+1” tarot spread that I decided to adapt for use in playing-card and Lenormand divination. I kept the structure intact but altered the annotation for the positions to suit my purpose. I’ve also included an example reading to demonstrate its application, in which the brief interpretations were “cherry-picked” for the most part from material I found on the Art of Cartomancy site hosted by “Kapherus” (J. David Arcuri). All images are from the Hoyle Waterproof Clear Playing Cards pack, copyright of the United States Playing Card Company, Erlanger, KY.

Card #1 shows the “Root of the Matter” or topic around which the rest of the reading revolves. It can either be pulled randomly or selected intentionally.

The three “Past/Present/Future” columns are to be read from bottom-to-top and the three “situational development” rows and two diagonals from left-to-right, beginning with Card #2, in each case showing advancement of the circumstances identified by the chain of position titles. The position meanings should be self-explanatory for an experienced diviner. I also strongly recommend considering the “knighting” technique of the Lenormand system, once again working strictly from left-to-right, which will offer additional nuance to the six two-card combinations it produces. This will tie in all of the cards except the central pair, which are more broadly environmental than specifically situational.

Card #6 (“The Crossroads”) sitting in the middle atop the “Root of the Matter” position signifies the “turning point” for each of the columns, rows and diagonals passing through it. The card here reveals “Choices and Options” that are available in working toward realization of the result indicated by the third card in each sequence.

Card #10 represents the outcome as a function of the adaptive attitudes and behaviors indicated by the spread as a whole.

For the example reading, I envisioned an imaginary romantic liaison for which I intentionally chose the 9 of Cups (the “wish” card) as the “Root of the Matter.” The Knight of Diamonds as the “outcome” card suggests that the focus of the querent’s attention is a “relative by marriage,” which reminds me of the old Mia Farrow/Michael Caine/Barbara Hershey film Hannah and her Sisters.

“Past” Column:

The Ace of Diamonds in the “Early Developments” position suggests an “invitation” leading to the chance to undertake a rewarding initiative.

The 3 of Diamonds in the “Lessons Learned” position could mean the recognition of potential legal entanglements.

The keynotes of the Jack of Clubs in the “Attitude Adjustment” position are “honesty and reliability” (perhaps bolstered by the legal warnings), which imply no disreputable intentions.

“Present” Column:

The 5 of Diamonds in the “Force(s) for Change” position conveys “magnetic attraction,” “sexuality” and “thoughts that create experience,” which might be seen as a self-fulfilling prophecy in this case.

The King of Hearts in the “Choices and Options” position has “passionate and romantic” as two of its keywords, which seem fitting as a benchmark for the querent’s objectives.

The 4 of Hearts in the “Opportunities and Challenges” position seems “all good” as a harbinger of a “relationship between two people” (I’m not going to moralize here, although ethical constraints could present the only challenge to indiscretion.)

“Future” Column:

The 4 of Clubs in the “Behavioral Adjustment” position indicates forthcoming communication about the matter that will dictate the correct behavior, as well as “stable conditions laying the foundation for future progress.”

The 7 of Clubs in the “Obstacles to Success” position shows “feelings of restlessness and discomfort” that necessitate “carefully evaluating a (the) situation before making a decision or taking action.”

The Jack of Diamonds in the “Adaptation & Consequences” position, beyond identifying the “person of interest,” describes a dynamic situation that could be accelerated by messages between the target individual and the querent. Given the rest of the narrative, I don’t see much standing in their way except perhaps the acknowledged legal implications.

“Aspiration” Row:

The Ace of Diamonds/5 of Diamonds/4 of Clubs triad reveals that the querent’s ambitions will take maximum advantage of a solid (and sensually alluring) opportunity.

“Deliberation” Row:

The 3 of Diamonds/King of Hearts/7 of Clubs triplicity seems to indicate that passion (King of Hearts) will trump legal risks (3 of Diamonds) and caution (7 of Clubs). It might be a good time to take a deep breathe and draw in the reins.

Transformation Row:

The 4 of Hearts between the two Knights make me think they will charge right ahead if and when the opportunity arises, causing major changes in their previous status. (It portends a “courtship” atmosphere, but in reality nothing nearly that dignified is likely.)

Ascending Diagonal:

The Ace of Diamonds/King of Hearts/Jack of Diamonds sequence looks like an “open invitation” to connect with the other person in a romantic way.

Descending Diagonal:

The Jack of Clubs/King of Hearts/4 of Clubs series describes a sincere and openhearted dialogue about this subject of mutual fascination.